When’s the last time you took a good look at your backyard shed? Go out and take a look now. If it’s peeling, chipping, or fading, it may be time to paint it. In fact, you should be painting your shed every few years or at least adding a sealant to keep it looking fresh. If you’re handy, you may be considering painting it yourself.

It’s always best to hire a professional exterior painter in San Francisco, as they arrive equipped with all the necessary supplies, paint, and equipment to get the job done right and in a timely manner. This saves you time and hassle. Why give up your whole weekend just to paint a shed in the heat?

But if you still want to give it a go, here are some tips for painting your shed.

What You Will Need

First, let’s take a look at what you will need to complete your project.

Paint and Primers
  • Exterior paint designed for wood (satin or semi-gloss is recommended for moisture resistance and durability)
  • Oil-based or acrylic latex primers
  • Paint sprayer (optional)
Painting Tools
  • Paintbrushes (angled sash brush, trim brush)
  • Paint rollers (roller frame and cover, extension pole)
  • Paint trays and liners
  • Paint scraper
  • Putty knife for wood fillers
  • Sandpaper (handheld sheets and sanding blocks/sponges)
  • Painters tape
  • Drop cloths/tarps
Prep Materials
  • Pressure washer or hose with scrub brushes
  • Caulk and caulk gun to seal gaps
  • Wood filler epoxy to repair holes and damaged areas
Safety Equipment
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Mask or respirator

Steps to Painting a Shed

Now it’s time to get into the actual project. Here’s what to do, step by step.

1. Clean It

First things first: you have to clean the exterior of your wood shed before you attempt to slap a coat of paint on it. Sheds take a lot of abuse from Mother Nature, and often get neglected sitting out in your backyard all year long. It’s not going to be as easy as wiping down a countertop. You’ll need a hard wire brush and general purpose cleaner. Use these to scrub the shed; you will have to use a bit more elbow grease for the grimiest areas. You can also opt to pressure wash the shed if you have the equipment.

Make sure to remove all debris, cobwebs, mud, mold, bird droppings, and other substances that may have accumulated on the shed. Allow the wood to dry completely before moving to the next step.

2. Add Filler

Because your shed is exposed to the weather 365 days a year, you have to make sure it’s watertight. You can fill in any gaps, holes, or cracks with a wood filler to keep your shed impervious to the elements. Make sure the filler is completely dry before moving on.

3. Smooth Down All Surfaces

Now it’s time to sand the shed, then remove all the old, flaky paint. When sanding, do this in the direction of the woodgrain for optimal results. Use a paint scraper to remove the chips of paint. Those all must come off before you add a fresh coat. In the end, you want a smooth finish with no blemishes or bumps.

4. Treat the Wood

Adding a treatment will ensure the health of the wood and give your paint job the longest lifespan possible. Choose a waterproof wood preservative from the hardware or paint store.

5. Prime the Shed

Before painting, you have to properly prime the area. Use a high-quality primer so the paint adheres better and offers long-lasting color durability.

6. Paint the Shed

When it comes to painting your shed, you have two options: use a roller and brush, or use a paint sprayer. Sprayers offer better accuracy and speed but you have to invest in this piece of equipment and it’s going to cost you $50 and up. If you don’t want to add to the expense of your shed painting project, you may be better off with the roller and brush.

When using a paintbrush and roller, be sure to first cut the edges in with an angled paintbrush. Use painters tape for edges. Let dry for between three and 10 hours at least. Try to time your project for a dry day where it’s not forecast to rain for a few days. Once fully dry to the touch, add another coat. Let that one dry completely as well. Stand back and admire your handiwork!

Now, if all this seems like too much work and you’d rather use your time for something more fulfilling, call a professional exterior painter in San Francisco. Depending on size and intricacy, this type of project can be done in a day, including dry times.

Get Your Free Shed Painting Quote From Fresh Start

Got a shed that needs painting? Large or small, Fresh Start Painting SF in Daly City CA has you covered with our expert exterior painting services in San Francisco. Contact us today at 415-347-7689 for a free quote and consultation.