Paint Your Storage Shed Like a Pro

Does the sight of your rundown storage shed make you cringe every time you walk past it? Have you been thinking of sprucing it up and giving it some life with some colorful paint?
If you’ve been holding yourself back from renovating your storage shed because you don’t quite know where to start, we’re here to help you out.
Read on for a straightforward guide on how to paint your storage shed like a pro. With these five simple steps, you can make your humble garden shed summer-ready in no time!
Things You’ll Need

• Brushes
• Rollers
• Masking tape
• Sandpaper and sanding block
• Primer
• Wood filler
• Exterior wood preserver
• Exterior paint

 
How to Paint Your Storage Shed
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparation
Cleaning and prep work is the crucial first step of any painting project, and they will determine how well your final project turns out.
Grab a hard-wire brush and use a diluted general-purpose cleaner to give your shed a good scrubbing. Clear it of all debris, whether it’s cobwebs settled in the corners, mud lodged by the door, or algae patches outside.
Before you paint the shed, make sure that the wood is completely dry. Online calculators help you to decide how much paint to buy.

Step 2: Protect Your Surroundings
If your shed is standing on paving stones, cover the ground with an old sheet or flattened cardboard boxes.
Remove all electric appliances and remove all old hardware like abandoned screws and nails on the shed walls. Tape off parts of the structure that you don’t wish to paint, such as windows, locks, door handles, hinges, and light fixtures.
Before you begin painting, clear out the entire shed—take out everything you’ve been storing there, such as outdoor furniture and your best BBQ.

Step 3: Make It Watertight
Next, make the shed waterproof by covering all the gaps, cracks, and holes using caulk where necessary so no rain or snow can enter. If the caulk you use is silicon-based, you must wait for a day for the sealant to dry.

Step 4: Sand the Shed
Use a sanding block and sandpaper to sand down your shed. Remove any old or loose flaky paint from previous paint jobs. You can skip this step if the shed you're working on is brand new.

Step 5: Apply Wood Primer
Applying a layer of oil-based primer will make it easier to spread the paint evenly. It also keeps the wood healthy, makes the structure last longer, and provides an extra layer of protection against the elements.

Step 6: Paint Your Shed
Once the primer is dry, paint your shed from top to bottom using a paint roller for large areas and a small brush for the tiny nooks and crannies. It’s best to begin with the trim before painting the walls for a smoother process.
Distribute the paint evenly and move around the shed bit by bit until every corner is covered with your color of choice.
Wait for the first coat to dry completely, then you can apply one or two more layers as you wish.
 
Conclusion
These six simple steps are all you need to paint your storage shed like a pro. Easy, isn’t it?
Painting can be meditative, so don’t rush the process. Begin your project early in the morning. Avoid afternoons as the heat can be detrimental to your comfort while painting.
Whether you choose a vibrant color to make your shed a feature point in your garden or opt for a subtle hue, painting your shed is a fantastic way to add some personality to your garden. Besides aesthetics, the fresh coat of paint will also protect your shed from harsh weather.

Happy painting!