How to Paint a Shed

Remove all the furniture or items stored in the shed so they do not come in the way of painting inside the shed. If you have anything linked to the shed such as shelves and hooks, make sure to detach it or mask it before the further steps.

First, dust off the shed from the inside and outside using an outdoor floor sweeper or a dusting wand. Then, wash the shed using proper tools like an electric pressure washer. Allow a wooden shed at least 3-4 days to dry thoroughly. A metal shed dries in 24 hours.

Rust for a Metal Shed

Metal sheds tend to rust over time if they’re not properly treated. Remove any rust before you begin painting. For a metal shed, use latex gloves, safety glasses, wire brush and putty knife to remove the rust.

Sand the Wooden Shed

Remove or scrape off any old loose paint in a wooden shed using a paint scraper. Sanding the wood before painting helps the paint to stay on longer. Use a sander to polish and clean the wooden surfaces quickly. For a smooth surface, use even strokes of sander in one direction.

Use a masking sheet to protect the area from not being painted from becoming stained. Take the appropriate measurements to mask all the areas properly such as the corners or edges not to be painted, any furniture and objects attached to the shed from inside and out.

Use the primer according to the surface you are painting. If you are painting a wooden shed, use a water-based primer as it protects the surface from stains. Apply it using a synthetic bristle brush for a clean finish. For painting a metal shed, use a spray primer with wire brush as it prevents corrosion. Apply it thoroughly to cover all the areas to be painted. Put one coat of primer completely and let it dry up to three hours.

This step will show you how to paint a shed with a roller, brush and spray paint. Start painting inside shed and then move towards the outside areas of the shed.

Use a Paint Brush

A paintbrush can be used to paint all types of sheds. When using a paintbrush, paint in one direction. An easy way is to start from the top and work towards the bottom. Make sure to use one stroke at a time. Avoid layering a lot of paint on the same area. While doing the corners, make sure to use the right size of the brush and stroking technique to keep it clean.

Use a Roller Brush

When using a roller brush, use a similar technique to the paint brush but avoid the edges. Apply enough pressure on the rollers. Once you are done with the broader areas, use an angle brush to paint the corners to prevent them from smudging and becoming spoilt.

Use Spray Paint

For a wooden shed, use acrylic-based spray paint and for a metal shed use oil-based spray paint. Shake the bottle or can thoroughly before using, and keep the paint thinly laid for a smooth finish. After applying one coat of paint, allow it to completely dry for two to four hours before applying a second coat using the same technique. Once the final coating is completed, allow the paint to dry for a week or two before returning to the shed for daily use.