The Best Shed Paint: Which Brand Should You Use?

Painting your shed can do more than just change the colour. It helps to seal the wood and keep the material of the shed healthy.

Sheds are a popular garden feature that most people will find in their garden. However, most sheds are a standard wood colour, so painting them can offer a new and refreshing look to your garden. In most cases, a traditional shed is one story, with a roof that acts as a structured room within our gardens.

You will find that most sheds are made out of wood, but over time there have been transformations seen in the type of materials being used. These will be created using metal, plastic or vinyl, each offering its own advantages.

If you have an older shed, be sure to re-treat the wood before painting and you want to make sure that it is well protected and that any damage had been repaired before painting starts. This ensures that the paint can add an extra layer of protection.

Another necessity before painting is that old sheds are cleaned and any dust or debris that is on the wood is removed. This is because it can prevent the paint from protecting the wood. A great way to wash the shed is by using a pressure washer as it can also remove stains and bring up the base condition of the wood.

You need to be sure that you allow the shed to dry completely before you start to paint the shed. Additionally, try to paint the shed when you know there is going to be nice weather and no rain. You may also notice that if the sun is shining, your paint will dry much quicker!

The Best Shed Paint Brands

Different grans will supply different types of shed paint that can offer different benefits for the wood in addition to great new colour.

RONSEAL

Ronseal has stated that its mission is the show the world that anybody can do DIY. They claim that they are able to tell you exactly what you need in order to get the job done as painlessly and as quickly as possible. You can see this through the performance of their products, where you are less likely to have to repeat the job so soon.

Their products vary and take into account garden woodcare, ensuring that the products they sell perform exactly how they say they will. Below, we have explored some popular products for this brand.

Fence Life Plus

This is one of the best shed paints available. It is their toughest and most versatile shed treatment that can also be used on your fence. The product states that the colour will last for up to five years and can be applied to damp wood so if it does rain, then it will not reflect badly upon your completion of the painting.

One hour after painting, the coat claims to be showerproof and protects the shed against rain, snow, frost and damage from the sun. The RONSEAL website allows you to be able to calculate how much paint you are going to need. You simply measure the height and width, including the measurement and calculate how many litres you will need.

They recommend that this type of paint is best used on rough sawn wood or smooth planed wood. It comes in 15 different colours, such as Country Oak, Sage, Slate, Dark Oak, and Teal.

You can find the product here: Fence Life Plus

One Coat Fence Life

RONSEAL claim that their products do exactly as it states on the tin. This product will protect your shed in just one coat. Within just an hour of painting, the shed will be 100% showerproof and the colour can be maintained for up to two years. If you have been experiencing greying of the wood, then this paint is grey for protecting it against such incidents happening.

As with most of their products, this comes in a range of different colours, 6 to be exact, which are the following:

• Red Cedar
• Harvest Gold
• Medium Oak
• Forest Green
• Dark Oak
• Tudor Black Oak

It is recommended that this type of paint is used on new or previously stained rough sawn wood. You can find the product here: One Coat Fence Life

Cuprinol

Cuprinol is a company that produces products based on the belief that the garden is an extension of your home. They believe that it has the power to improve your well-being, reduce your levels of stress and empower your productivity levels.

They are determined to be number one in sustainable solutions relating to providing a leading market where the customers are working more sustainably but keeping the same quality as before. They engage in constant research to develop new solutions.

Below, we have explored some popular products for this brand.

Ducksback

This type of paint is a wax enriched paint made with a non-drip formula. The colour will maintain for 5 years and stays waterproof during that time. Its advanced formula means that it drys quickly and has a low odour.

If you have lots of plants or you own pets, this is a great option to use as it is safe to use in both instances. On average, you are going to need 2-3 coats and it is suitable for rough sawn wood. Before using this paint, ensure that you treat the wood and ensure it is dry and free from dust.

This particular paint comes in 9 different colours, such as Black, Rich Cedar, Forest Oak, Forest Green and more.

It relies on the timber texture for adhesion which is why it should only be used on rough sawn wood. You can find the product here: Ducksback

Garden Shades

This paint has been specially developed to emit a rich colour that protects sheds. It can also be used for fences and other forms of wood in your garden. The pigments in the paint allow the natural text of the wood to still be maintained.

Aside from wood, this paint can also be used to paint terracotta, brick, and stone. However, this cannot be used for wooden decking. It protects your wood from 6 years of weather conditions and on average it only takes 2 coats and dries within an hour. Ensure that both coats are done on the same day, no longer than 8 hours apart.

You need to ensure that all surfaces are dry before painting begins. With over thirty colours to choose from, you have the perfect selection of colours to transform your garden.

You can find the product here: Garden Shades

Sadolin

Sadolin is renowned for its high-quality standards of wood protection. They state that they have advanced technology that is underpinned by over 200 years of history that provides the best care and treatment products for the interior and the exterior or garden wood.

Below, we have explored some popular products for this brand.

Classic All Purpose Woodstain

This claims to be one of the most versatile woodstain that is ideal for decking, fencing and classing, offering deep penetrating protection. It is available in over 50 different shades and it is advertised as being the core of their range.

It offers protection against different weather conditions and drys within 4 to 6 hours and needs to be recoated within 16 to 24 hours.

You can find the product here: Classic All Purpose Woodstain

Treatex

Treatex has been in business for over 40 years and they have a passion for wood and its qualities to ensure that the colour and texture are at their best. They specialise in the production of high-quality finishes to enhance the natural elements of the wood and protect it from any damage.

They are well established as one of the top suppliers of wood finishes, one product, in particular, stands them apart from the rest; Hardwax Oil. Below, we have explored some popular products for this brand.

Classic Colour Collection

Their classic colour collection produces a high-quality opaque wood finish that can withstand extreme weather conditions. It is made with natural and sustainable materials such as:

• Sunflower Oil
• Soybean Oil
• Beeswax
• Carnauba wax

This product can be used on all different types of timber. It is easy to apply, gives high coverage, is resistant to sun damage and will not flake or peel off the wood. With over 20 colours to choose from you will have an array of different colours to customise your garden.

You can find the product here: Classic Colour Collection

JOHNSTONE'S

Johnstone's is passionate about paint and they want to provide you with the best solutions to decorating your home. They have been are the forefront of the United Kingdom's paint market since 1890 and this has allowed them to produce unprecedented levels of quality and reliable products.

They want to produce these quality products that are set at affordable prices, so it is the best shed paint for those who are on a budget. Below, we have explored some popular products for this brand.

One Coat Shed & Fence

Their one coat shed & fence paint provides the long last colour for your shed and protects the wood from weather conditions, prevents sun damage and it repels water. When the paint is dry, it is safe for both plants and animals.

It is quick-drying and wax enriched. It comes in 5 different colours, which are:

• Dark Oak
• Forest Green
• Golden Chestnut
• Shaded Grey
• Red Cedar

Before application, you need to be sure that you are cleaning the area to prevent the build-up of old paint and debris. It is estimated to take 2 hours to dry.

You can find the product here: One Coat Shed & Fence

Woodcare Garden Colours

If you are after a smooth and fade resistant paint for your shed, then this is a great option for you. Its application is easy and you will not see your paint fade over time. It doubles as a protective layer in addition. 

There are a large array of colours available for this particular paint, ranging from your more traditional stone colours to the bolder and brighter shades. With this paint, you are going to want to ensure that you use a treatment on the wood and this will not fully protect your shed.

It is estimated that it will take around 2 hours to dry. You can also use this paint on other types of wooden features in your garden which means that you can mix and match the other wooden parts of your garden with your shed should you want to.

You can find the product here: Woodcare Garden Colours

How Do You Prepare to Paint a Shed?

Before you start, it is important that you pick the colour and brand of paint that you want to use and it is best to get your shed painted in just one day. You want to do it at a time when the weather is seemingly stable, though this can be hard to predict. 

Alongside your paint, ensure that you are equipt with the rest of the necessary tools needs to paint the shed. Decide if you are wanting to use a spray paint device or a hand brush, but ensure that the hand brush is still so it doesn't get damaged by the rough wooden texture.

If you need to make any repairs to your shed, ensure this is done before the painting process starts. Additionally, if your shed is full and you intend to paint the inside, then you will need to remove all the stored items and relocated them until the paint is dry.

You will also benefit from using a stiff brush to remove any loose debris, dirt and cobwebs from the wooden panels. This will make the painting process much smoother. If there are any surfaces where you want to ensure that paint doesn't reach, make sure that these are covered with a tarp or tape.

Dip your paintbrush into the paint and start to place a thick coat on the wood. Repeat this as many times as the paint brand specifies. Allow your shed to dry and then refill the stored items. Simply enjoy your newly painted shed.