It is winter and you’ve got a project in mind. You want to repaint your shed so that it looks better than ever, but the weather isn’t cooperating.
The temperatures are too low for painting and most days seem to be cloudy and nasty outside. Today is different though! Today is sunny and it feels like spring is just around the corner.
You have a fresh can of paint and a brand new 5-in-1 tool for your saw, so you’re ready to go! Here are some important things you should know before repainting a shed perfectly.
When is the best time to repaint my shed?
In most parts of North America, it’s best to repaint a shed with shed windows in the early spring or late summer. This is when temperatures are warm enough to paint without the use of heating equipment, but not so hot that you’ll be miserable while painting.
If you can’t wait until the weather is perfect for this type of project, it’s okay! You will just need to make sure that your paint is designed to be applied in temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit). Once spring or summer arrives, you can plan on painting your shed at least twice in one season.
What kind of paint should I use to repaint my shed?
You will want to choose a paint that is specially made for exterior sheds. This type of paint protects the shed from rain, snow, and other damage that may occur over time.
You’ll also want to choose a paint that is weather resistant so that it can withstand changes in temperature and humidity.
This makes your project much more efficient because you won’t have to come back to fix any peeling or flaking once the paint has dried.
What size paintbrush and paint roller should I use to repaint my shed?
A 2-inch angled paintbrush and a 9-inch roller with a long handle will help you finish the project in half the time! You’ll be able to cover more surface area with each pass of your brush so that you get the job done faster.
By using a roller to paint the larger areas, you’ll be able to let gravity help you apply the paint. This will significantly reduce the time that it takes for your project to dry and finish!
What size nails should I use to hang my shed doors?
It’s best to use 3-inch long nails when hanging your shed windows or doors. This will ensure that your doors are secure and won’t be blown open by a gust of wind.
Can I use a paint sprayer to repaint my shed?
You can certainly use a paint sprayer, but it’s important to make sure that you choose the right type for your project. There are three types of paint sprayers:
- HVLP Paint Sprayers
These sprayers are best for coating large areas with a smooth finish because the paint is atomized and won’t drip or leave brush marks.
They use less paint than other types of sprayers, but they do tend to get clogged easily. You will need to clean your HVLP paint sprayer every 10 minutes to ensure that your project stays on track!
- Airless Paint Sprayers
These sprayers are best for coating large areas quickly because they move a lot of paint through the system. You’ll want to avoid using these paint sprayers on smaller projects, especially ones with intricate details.
There’s too much force going through the sprayer and it will leave brush marks in the paint finish. Although you’ll end up with a smooth, solid coat of paint on your exterior shed, you may need to apply more coats to achieve the necessary color depth.
- Air-Assisted Airless Paint Sprayers
These sprayers are meant for large areas with smooth surfaces that don’t require a lot of detail. They’re the best type of paint sprayer for exterior sheds because they provide an even finish that is free from brush marks or other imperfections.
What kind of paintbrush should I use to repaint my shed doors?
You’ll want to use a natural bristle 2-inch angled brush when painting your shed doors. This will help you apply your paint more evenly and achieve that perfect finish that you’re looking for!
How should I mask off my garden when I’m repainting my shed?
When repainting an exterior shed, you’ll need to mask off anything around the project area to protect it from any over spray. You can use any type of plastic for this, but painter’s tape is the best option because it provides a tight seal.
You’ll want to choose an exterior latex paint with 100 percent acrylic resin or water-based synthetic polymer. These types of paints are durable and hold up well against the elements, making them an ideal choice for this project.
