Start with the surface, not the paint tin
A weathered shed often looks worse than it really is. Grey, flaking or mouldy boards usually need cleaning and a light repair before any new coat goes on, and paint applied over dirt or loose old finish tends to peel within a season. Before you shop, look at the shed in daylight and note which areas are bare wood, which have failing paint, and whether the roof felt, door frame or hinges need attention.
Pay attention first to the existing finish and the weather. Check whether the shed has a stain or a solid paint, because that decides whether you need a stripper, a sander or simply a thorough wash. Plan for a dry spell of several days with temperatures within the range printed on the paint label, and keep an eye on the forecast. Do not buy everything at once: start with cleaning and repair supplies, then decide on paint quantities once you have measured.
How to choose the right kit
Begin with the condition of the timber. If the boards are soft, split or heavily stained, a sander and a wood filler will not solve the problem, and you may need to replace damaged sections before painting. If the surface is sound but grubby, a pressure washer or stiff brush with a wood-safe cleaner is often enough. Measure the shed walls and roof roughly, then check the coverage figure on the paint tin so you buy enough for two coats rather than guessing.
When choosing paint, look for a product labelled for exterior wood and suitable for the type of finish you want. Solid paints hide the grain and tend to need more preparation when recoating, while wood stains let the grain show but may fade faster in full sun. Water-based finishes are easier to clean from brushes and tools, whereas oil-based products can give a tougher finish but need solvent for cleaning. Consider a primer or wood preserver for bare timber, as this helps the topcoat bond and resists moisture.
Good preparation matters more than the paint itself: a dry, clean and sound surface is what lets a new coat last.
From the editors
The most common mistake is painting too early. Wet or damp wood will trap moisture under the new coat, so allow the shed to dry thoroughly after washing, usually for a day or more depending on the weather. Another frequent error is using a sander that is too aggressive, which can leave swirl marks or soften the grain. Finally, many first-timers skip masking tape and dust sheets, then spend longer tidying up than painting. Good prep kit saves more time than an extra tin of paint.
What you actually need
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Exterior wood paint and primer
Choose a paint or stain made for outdoor timber, and check whether the old finish is solid paint or a stain before buying. A primer or wood preserver is often needed on bare or newly sanded wood.
Search termsexterior wood paint for sheds · shed wood primer · outdoor wood stain
Our recommendationduluxdecoratorcentre.co.ukPaint and primerBrushes, rollers and trays
A good angled brush handles the frame and corners, while a short-pile roller speeds up flat boards. Buy a tray and a few spare sleeves or brushes so you can keep working through the job without stopping.
Search termspaint brushes for shed · masonry or wood brush · paint roller and tray
Our recommendationbrewers.co.ukBest for brushes and kitPressure washer or stiff scrubbing brush
A pressure washer removes algae, grime and loose flakes quickly on larger sheds, but a stiff brush and a wood-safe cleaner work well on smaller ones. Keep the jet on a wide setting to avoid splintering soft timber.
Search termspressure washer for garden shed cleaning · shed cleaning brush · wood cleaner
Our recommendationhyundaipowerequipment.co.ukCleaning powerRandom orbit sander and sanding sheets
A random orbit sander is kinder to timber than a belt sander and makes light work of flaking paint and rough patches. Hand sanding blocks are enough for small repairs and areas near windows.
Search termssander for shed renovation · random orbit sander · sanding sheets
Our recommendationpowertoolsdirect.comSanding and hand toolsScrapers, filler and hand tools
A paint scraper, a wire brush, exterior wood filler and a sharp utility knife cover most repairs on an older shed. Keep a few basic tools for checking screws, hinges and cracked boards.
Search termstools for preparing a garden shed · wood filler for exterior use · paint scraper set
Our recommendationpowertoolsdirect.comSanding and hand tools
A sensible order for shopping
Start with a list of the work you know you need: cleaning, sanding, filling, priming and painting. Then set aside a budget for the tools you will use only once, such as a pressure washer, and decide whether it is worth hiring or borrowing one. Brewers.co.uk is a good place to gather brushes, rollers, trays, dust sheets and masking tape, which you will use across every stage of the job. Once you know the surface condition, Dulux Decorator Centre can help you compare exterior wood paints and primers that suit your timber.
For cleaning and sanding, Hyundai Power Equipment covers pressure washers and related equipment, while Power Tools Direct stocks sanders, scrapers and hand tools for preparing the surface. Buy the cleaning and repair items first, let the shed dry, then buy the paint in the quantity your measurements suggest. Keep receipts and labels so you can check batch numbers if you need more tins later.
Before you order
- Measure the shed walls and roof roughly before buying paint.
- Check whether the existing finish is stain or solid paint.
- Look for soft, split or rotten boards and plan repairs first.
- Confirm the forecast gives several dry days with suitable temperatures.
- Allow the timber to dry completely after washing.
- Buy brushes, rollers, tape and dust sheets alongside the paint.
- Keep labels and receipts in case you need more of the same product.
The stores at a glance
brewers.co.uk
Best for brushes and kitBrewers.co.uk is useful for brushes, rollers, trays, dust sheets and masking tape, the everyday kit you will use from the first scrape to the final coat.
Recommended for Brushes, rollers and trays
duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk
Paint and primerDulux Decorator Centre suits anyone choosing exterior wood paint or a suitable primer, and it helps to compare finishes against the condition of the shed.
Recommended for Exterior wood paint and primer
hyundaipowerequipment.co.uk
Cleaning powerHyundai Power Equipment is worth a look if you want a pressure washer to remove green algae, dirt and loose old coatings before sanding or painting.
Recommended for Pressure washer or stiff scrubbing brush
powertoolsdirect.com
Sanding and hand toolsPower Tools Direct covers sanders, sanding sheets, scrapers and other hand tools for lifting old finish and smoothing rough or raised boards.
Recommended for Random orbit sander and sanding sheets and Scrapers, filler and hand tools
hippowaste.co.uk
Clearing old materialHIPPO can take away stripped debris, old tins and offcuts if you do not want to store them or take them to a tip yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to strip old paint before repainting my shed?
Not always. If the existing coat is sound and well adhered, cleaning, light sanding and a suitable primer may be enough. If it is flaking badly, strip or sand back the loose areas before painting.
Can I paint a shed straight after pressure washing?
It is better to wait until the timber has dried fully. Trapped moisture can cause blistering or poor adhesion, so allow a dry spell after washing before you start.
Is a random orbit sander better than hand sanding?
For larger areas, a random orbit sander is quicker and less likely to leave marks than a belt sander. Hand sanding is better for corners, edges and small repairs.
Should I use a primer on an old shed?
Often yes, particularly on bare or newly sanded timber. Check the paint label, as some topcoats are designed to be applied without a separate primer on previously painted surfaces.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money