Sarawak Toronto - Summerwood Products

Whether you just built a brand new garden shed, garage, or cabin, or whether your previously built structure needs an update, painting can be a complicated and daunting task. If you choose to paint your shed, garage or cabin, you can achieve the best results by obtaining the correct combination of tools and following the directions below.

Gather Your Tools

To prep, tape and paint your outdoor structure, you will need:

  • Pressure washer
  • Paint brushes
  • Rollers
  • Paint tray
  • Painter’s tape
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Stir stick
  • Your Choice of Paint

You will need to select your brand and type of primer and paint for this project. Start your selection process by deciding between oil and water based varieties. The oil based paints spread on thicker, so you need fewer coats, but water based formulas are more forgiving for do-it-yourself products. No matter what you choose, make sure the paint and primer have the same base.

You will also have to determine the ideal color for your paint. You can paint the entire structure a single color or select different tones for the trim and other elements. You will likely want to go with a satin sheen throughout, though semi-gloss is acceptable for bright trim pieces.

Clean The Surface

Use the pressure washer to blast debris and paint chips off the surface of the outdoor structure. You need to hit every spot with the pressure washer to prevent the new finish from chipping off prematurely.

Palmerston-shed-kit-North-York-Ontario-189932-1Allow the structure to dry for several days before moving forward with the project. The wet surface will cause the paint to bubble and fail to adhere, so it is wise to wait until the rainy days have passed as well. In consistently rainy areas, you can build a canopy over the structure or use tarps to block the rain. You will still have to account for the high moisture levels in the air by applying thin coats and waiting longer between painting sessions.

Tape Off

Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to cover all of the unpaintable surfaces with a protective layer. You should avoid pressing the tape down around the entire surface of the area you are trying to protect. You just want the very edge to remain adhered to avoid damaging the surface with the adhesive.

Prime The Wood

Use a stir stick to thoroughly mix the primer. Pour the primer into the paint tray, and cut in around the edges using your brush. Apply the rest of the primer coat using the paint roller. Apply thin coats and wait at least 12 hours for each coat to dry before moving onto the next one. You will need up to three coats of primer to create a sealed base for the paint.

Backyard Shed - Summerwood Products

Apply The Paint

Allow the primer to dry overnight one last time before starting to apply the paint. If you chose a separate color for the trim, you will want to complete that section last. Start with the main structure to create a solid base for your accent sections.

Stir the can of paint. Cut in around the edges again with the brush, and then continue painting the inner surface with the roller. Repeat two to three times until the dried finish looks even in depth and tone. Paint the trim with your chosen color selections, if necessary. Allow the final coat of paint to dry until it feels tacky, and then gently remove the painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to complete the job.

Enjoy The View

After cleaning up the jobsite, take a moment to step back and enjoy the view. Despite the rich vibrancy of the paint, the natural wood grain should accentuate the appearance of the finish. The combination produces a striking look that makes all your preparation and work well worth it. If you ever want to renew the paint or change the color combination, simply acquire more paint and supplies to get started. You can revitalize the structure with new paint anytime, but each paintjob’s finish should last at least a decade before requiring a total renewal.

Summerwood has an immense number of shed, garage, playhouse and cabin design options to suit nearly any architectural preference—with customizable options that even include the pre-fabricated paint structure. The design options remain fully customizable, so you can alter the dwelling to fit your exact needs. When it comes time to purchase your next outdoor structure, visit our Contact Us page or call 1-866-519-4634 to discuss your upcoming project.

By Published On: June 8th, 2016Categories: Design, DIY & How-to's

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