By Bryan Mulledy, Manager, Pat McDonnell Paints – Athlone
Looking for a weekend DIY project? Painting your shed is a great way to add colour to your garden while also ensuring long-term protection against the elements.
Before You Start
As a rule, wood needs to be completely dry before painting so time your project for a dry stretch. The good news is that with the current dry spell, now is the perfect time to paint your shed!
Step 1: Weather (New Sheds Only )
If your shed is new, allow several months before painting for the shed to weather. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how much time is needed.
Step 2: Prep
Take measures to protect surfaces you don’t want to paint. Cover nearby surfaces and plants with dust sheets. Trim back unwanted foliage or tie back plants. Mask off handles and fittings with Deltec Purple Masking Tape.
Step 3: Clean
If you are repainting an existing shed, make sure that it is as clean as possible before painting. Start by washing it down with Fluxaf Pro-Clean. Note - this is a concentrated formula so read the instructions to find out how much dilution is needed before use. Then, scrub vigorously with a stiff brush and rinse. Tackle remaining mould, moss or dirt with Farbex Exterior Fungicidal Wash (again making sure to dilute by the amount specified in the instructions ). Always leave sufficient drying time between each step.
Step 4: Sand
Use a sanding block or pad to remove old, flaky paint. Sand in the direction of the woodgrain so that you don’t miss any spots. Wipe down the shed afterwards to remove any remaining sanding dust.
Step 4: Spot-Prime (New Sheds Only )
To prevent knots from bleeding-through your paintwork, spot-prime them with an appropriate shellac-based primer such as Ray’s Primer.
Step 5: Choose Your Paint (Topcoat )
For a quality paint that can be used as both primer and a topcoat, we recommend Ralston 3-in-1 Aqua Satin. Ideal for both painted and unpainted sheds, this product can be tinted to any colour of your choosing.
Cuprinol 5-Year Ducksback offers a wide range of attractive ready-made colours suitable for use on sheds. This product colours and weatherproofs sheds for up to five years.
Step 6: Paint!
Stir the paint well before use. Start by using an angled 2” brush to cut-in around any fittings, windows, doors, and edges. Then, use a 4” masonry brush or a long-nap roller to paint the remaining area – making sure to paint in the same direction as the grain. Once the first coat is dry, paint a second coat. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for information on drying times.
Tools for the job:
- Protect: Deltec Purple Masking Tape, Dust sheets
- Clean: Fluxaf Pro-Clean, Hard-bristled brush, Farbex Exterior Fungicidal Wash
- Sand: 120-grit sandpaper block or pad
- Spot-Prime: Ray’s Primer
- Topcoat: Ralston 3-in-1 Aqua Satin or Cuprinol 5-Year Ducksback
- Tools: Wooster Silver Tip 2” Angle Sash Paint Brush, Harper & Green 4” Masonry Brush, Corona Tuff Pro ¾” Rough Pile Roller
Inspired? Pop in-store or phone us on 090 644 4900 to get expert advice specific to your exterior project. Fast & free delivery on all orders. Shop all products online at www.mcdonnellpaints.ie
