I’m a garden expert and here’s what your shed colour says about you – we can tell if you like to be centre of attention
NOW that summer’s firmly here with the promise of more sunshine, it’s time to get working on your garden makeover.
And one of the simplest ways to update and add vibrancy to your outdoor space is to paint your shed in a colour which best reflects you and your home.
Indeed, searches for ‘shed colours’ have grown by 83% over the past three months on Pinterest according to garden building retailer Tiger.
To help people planning to paint their garden building, shed expert Sam Jenkinson at Tiger has revealed the best colours to choose from – and what it says about you.
Sam said: “Sheds are blank canvases, and choosing what colour will depend on the design of your garden and your personality.
“If you’re stuck deciding what colourway to choose, think about matching the colour scheme with other tones in your garden, such as plants or garden furniture to fit in perfectly.
“Or if you want something bolder, do the opposite.”
He added: “You can create further cohesion by extending the colour used on your shed to your fence panels too. And don’t forget the inside of your shed either.
“To create a welcoming space, you can carry the colour from the outside of your shed, or you could paint the outside in a subtle shade and then go for a bold colour on the interior for an energizing welcome as you enter.”
And here’s what your colour of choice could say about you…
White
This represents calm and tranquility. Whether you opt for a crisp white or cosier cream, this colour scheme can uplift your garden and create a calming aesthetic.
It will also act as a focal point against a natural backdrop of greens and browns.
Black
This hints at somebody who likes stylish and dramatic things.
Whether you use black accents or dive deep into a full monochrome colour scheme, it’s guaranteed to make an impact.
Grey
Similarly to white, a grey shed adds a cool twist to any garden but represents a more contemporary vibe.
With different shades, you can dial up or down the intensity. A soft grey gives a calm and cosy feel, or a deeper grey is more striking.
Green
This colour is a great choice if you’re a fan of nature.
Sheds in this colour would look particularly good surrounded by shrubs and flowers.
Pastel
This is a sign that you have a fun personality.
With pastel shades of pink, purple, blue and green, a pastel shed can transform your garden into a playful space. They work particularly well as part of a scheme featuring other pastel shades.
Colour blocking
This is the option for you if you like to be the centre of attention and want your garden to reflect that.
Your shed does not have to be painted all the same colour, and you can create an eye-catching look by using contrasting colours.
When picking colours, choose hues that share a similar level of saturation to ensure one doesn’t dominate the other.
Natural
If you’re all about simplicity, embrace and enhance the natural colour of your shed with a wood-inspired tone such as oak is a warm and welcoming option.
Top tips for painting your shed
Step 1 – Wash and prepare the shed
Before you start the painting process, you’ll need to make sure your shed is clean. Start by sanding the wood down as much as possible, removing any flakes of existing paint. Also, check the shed for any cracks or gaps and use wood filler to close them up.
Then using water and a wood-friendly detergent, clean the shed of any mud, grime or dirt. For any trickier ground-in dirt, cobwebs or debris, a wire brush is great to use.
Step 2 – Treat your shed
An optional step but one which we recommend is applying a preserver. This adds a layer of protection to the wood, helping to protect your shed from bad weather and should help the building last longer.
Step 3 – Prime your shed
Another optional step is priming your shed before painting. Shed primer makes it easier to create a more even finish, and it also gives your shed an extra layer of protection against the elements – helping to prolong both the life of your shed and its paint job.
Step 4 – Preparation
Before painting, cover any surfaces you don’t want to paint with newspaper and masking tape, such as windows, metalwork or surfaces you want to paint in a different colour at a later stage. Use your dust sheet to cover any plants that you can’t move away.
Make sure to paint your shed on a reasonably warm day and avoid painting in temperatures below 5°C or if wet weather is expected within 48 hours. Paint around midday or early afternoon so that the paint isn’t affected by drops in temperature.
Step 5 – Paint!
With a water-based wood paint, use a wood brush or roller and paint in thin layers to avoid clumps or drips of paint. If you find any drips, dab the brush onto the area so that the paint soaks into the wood.
Work on all the trimmings first before painting each board – starting at the top and moving down. For the best results, paint in the same direction as the grain of the timber. Generally, try to aim for at least two layers of paint, allowing 2-4 hours between coats.
Before taking off any masking and other coverings, leave the paint to dry for at least 24 hours.