How to Paint Outbuildings

Select a time period when you expect warm, dry weather. Avoid painting during cold or humid weather. Do not paint when temperatures fall below 50 degrees F. Temperatures in the 70 degree range are ideal for exterior painting.

Choose paint chip samples to bring to your property and view on site. The colors appear different in natural light. Compare the colors to your existing exterior paint scheme.

Countersink any nails. Use a hammer and a nail set to drive nails just below the surface of the wall. Fill in the hole with a small amount of wood putty. Run a damp sponge over the filled hole to smooth out the putty.

Wash any dirt and dust off your outbuilding with a hose. Use a scrub brush to remove caked-on mud. Allow the buildings to dry thoroughly before applying primer.

Apply an alkyd-based primer to seal wood and other exterior surfaces. Roll on the primer wherever possible to save time. Use a brush to reach into cracks, under eaves and along the trim of your outbuildings.

Allow the primer to dry overnight. For the best adhesion between the primer and the paint, do not wait more than 48 hours before you begin painting.

Apply a latex-based topcoat with a roller and a brush. Use two coats of paint for the best coverage. A single coat may be appropriate for a work shed.