Painting your summerhouse or garden buildings can be a fun and rewarding DIY project, but picking the right paint can make all the difference to the final result. The paint you choose needs to not only provide an attractive finish to your summerhouse but also protect the wood from the elements for years to come.
One of the most critical factors to consider with exterior wood paints is the type that you use. Oil-based paints are known for their durability and ability to repel water, but they can take longer to dry and emit strong odours. On the other hand, water-based paints dry faster and have lower VOC emissions, but they may not be as durable.
Another important consideration is the colour. Lighter colours reflect heat and sunlight, which can help the summerhouse stay cooler during hot summer days. Whereas darker colours absorb heat and may cause the wood to expand and contract leading to cracking and peeling.
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Our Top Exterior Paints for Summerhouses
To help you find the best paint for your summerhouse, we looked at several options and evaluated them based on their durability, ease of application, price, customer reviews, and overall performance.
Can't Wait? The Winner of Best Summerhouse Paint is...
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Rustins Quick Dry Garden Paint 2.5L |
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In the following sections, we'll share our top 7 wood paints and the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision and ultimately pick the best one for your needs. The aim is to protect your summerhouse for years to come.
Johnstone’s Garden Colours Exterior Wood Paint 2.5L
Pros
- Low cost compared to other brands
- Quick drying time
- Wide range of colours
Cons
- Thin consistency
- May require multiple coats
- Inconsistent quality reported
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Johnstone’s garden colours exterior wood paint is a fade-resisting smooth and rich coloured paint for exterior wood. The easy-to-apply formulation provides a layer of long-lasting colour, without losing the natural grain of the wood.
It will colour and protect most types of garden building and furniture including sheds, fences, summer houses, trellis, tables and chairs.
One of the best things about Johnstone’s garden colours paint is the low relative price compared to their competitors. It also comes in a wide range of beautiful pastel colours, meaning that you can choose the perfect shade to match the style and decor of your summer house.
However, it's worth noting that the thin consistency may require you to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired finish, which is not only time-consuming but also increases the amount of paint needed.
Finally, having investigated the customer reviews, a number reported inconsistency in the quality of the paint received.
Overall, if you're looking for a decent summerhouse paint at a good price, that will protect and enhance your summer house, Johnstone’s garden colours exterior wood paint is a safe option.
King of Paints One Coat Fence and Shed Paint 5L
Pros
- Fade resistant
- Dries quickly
- Durable & Easy to clean
Cons
- Not the cheapest if you are on a tight budget
- Limited range of colours
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King of Paints one coat fence and shed paint 5L is a quality, fade-resistant paint that dries quickly and is rainproof in just 1 hour. So you won't have to wait long to enjoy your outdoor space and newly painted summerhouse.
Although this paint is not available in a wide range of colours, the colours they do have are modern and popular. So if you don't require an obscure or bright colour, you will be happy with the options.
This King of Paints one-coat fence and shed paint range is a solid choice for price, quality and colour range.
Ronseal Semi-Gloss Garden Paint 750ml
Pros
- Provides excellent coverage
- Dries quickly
- Offers long-lasting protection
Cons
- May require multiple coats for full coverage
- Some users have reported issues with colour accuracy
- A mid-range price that is more expensive than some other brands
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This Ronseal garden paint is easy to apply and dries quickly, making it a great choice for those who want to get their summerhouse painted in double quick time. It also offers excellent protection against the elements, ensuring that your summer house stays looking great for many years.
One thing to consider however is that this paint may require multiple coats for full coverage. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with colour accuracy, which can cause disappointment and hassle if it needs to be returned. It's also worth noting that this paint can is more expensive than some other brands on the market.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality paint from a well-known brand, that will provide excellent coverage and long-lasting protection for your summerhouse and garden furniture, Ronseal Semi-Gloss Garden Paint 750ml is a definite contender.
Dulux Weather Shield Quick Dry Satin Paint 2.5L
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Flexible Finish
- Easy to apply and dries quickly
- Nice colour choices
Cons
- Can dry too quick for a nice even finish
- One of the most expensive leading brands
- Runny consistency and may require multiple coats
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Dulux Weather Shield Quick Dry Satin Paint 2.5L is a great choice for those looking for a paint that will withstand the elements.
It's durable and long-lasting due to the flexible paint film, so you won't have to worry about repainting your summerhouse every year. It is also available in a nice wide range of colours to suit most tastes and styles.
One downside to Dulux weather shield quick dry satin paint is that some customers find the consistency runny making it messy to apply. Another drawback is that this brand is one of the most expensive on the market. Finally, its quick-drying nature might not make it a great choice for applying in extreme heat.
Overall, if you're looking for a paint that will last well, will protect the wooden surfaces of your summerhouse and has some nice colour options, Dulux weather shield satin paint is a good option to consider.
Rust-Oleum Mould Resistant Garden Paint 750ml
Pros
- Beautiful wide range of colours
- Resistant to fading and peeling
- Easy to apply and covers well
Cons
- The most expensive of our picks
- Some reports of colours being slightly inaccurate
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When it comes to painting your summerhouse, you want a product that can handle the elements that it will endure. Rust-Oleum mould-resistant garden paint is designed to do just that, with a durable fade-resistant formula that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
The mould-resistant, water-based formula is easy to use, covers well and can be applied with a brush or roller to wood, brick, stone or plaster.
In addition to all of these qualities, it has a wide range of beautiful colours to choose from, making it easy to find your perfect match. Just bear in mind that some customers have noticed slight discrepancies between the colour on the tin versus the actual paint.
Of course, no paint product is perfect, and Rust-Oleum garden paint is no exception. While the pros outweigh the cons, this is the most expensive of our 7 picks, although many users find that the quality justifies the price.
Overall, if you're looking for a good quality summerhouse paint that can stand up to the elements, and you are not restricted by budget, this is one to go for.
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Rustins Quick Dry Garden Paint 2.5L
Pros
- No primer required
- Can be used on multiple surfaces
- Leaves a nice even finish
Cons
- May require additional coats for darker colours
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This Rustin's quick-drying garden paint not only leaves a nice even finish but can be used on wood, metal, brick, terracotta and stone without the need for a primer.
One of my favourite things about this garden paint is its that it also contains wax, which gives it excellent water repellency and dries to a smooth satin finish for long-lasting protection.
The only downside to Rustin's quick dry garden paint is that it may require additional coats for darker colours, which is also true of many wood paints.
Overall, if you're looking for a paint for your summerhouse that leaves a nice even finish, is multipurpose and requires no primer, then this may be the perfect choice.
Cuprinol Garden Shades Paint 2.5L
Pros
- Suitable for wood, terracotta, brick and stone
- Low odour
- Can be used with paint brush, roller or sprayer
Cons
- Some users have reported that the paint is a little thin and runny.
- It may take multiple coats to achieve the desired coverage.
- White daisy colour may yellow
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Cuprinol garden shades paint 2.5L is a waterproof multi-surface outdoor paint that has a low odour and can be brushed on, rollered or sprayed. This makes it a flexible product for many users.
On the negative side, some customers have reported to have found the consistency a little thin and runny, meaning more coats were needed than expected.
Overall, If odour is a particular issue for you, or you wish to use a roller or sprayer, this Cuprinol garden shades paint could be the perfect option for your summer house.
Buying Guide
As you can see from our wood paints reviews, there are various factors to consider when choosing the best paint for your summerhouse. Here is a rundown of what to keep in mind:
Durability
You want a paint that can withstand the harsh summer weather conditions, including high temperatures, UV rays, and rain.
Look for a paint that is specifically designed for outdoor use and has a reputation for even coverage and longevity.
Colour
The colour you choose is not only an aesthetic consideration but can also affect the temperature inside your summerhouse.
Darker colours tend to absorb more heat, while lighter colours reflect it. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to go with a lighter colour to keep your summerhouse cooler and more comfortable.
Ease of Application
Some paints are easier to apply than others, so consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into the painting process itself. Certain paints also require multiple coats, while others can be applied in one.
This means that you have to weigh the cost against how much you will need for full coverage.
Type of Paint
There are several types of paint to choose from, including oil-based, water-based, and latex. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Oil-based paints tend to be more durable but can take longer to dry, whereas water-based and latex paints are easier to clean up but may not be as hardy over the long term.
Other considerations are whether the paint is flexible, waterproof or fade-resistant.
Price
The price of outdoor paint can vary widely depending on the brand and type. Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend.
Keep in mind that a higher-priced paint may be more durable, take less coats and last longer. This could potentially save you money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular brands for painting a summerhouse?
When it comes to painting a summerhouse, there are many brands to choose from. Some popular brands include Dulux, Cuprinol, Ronseal and Johnstone's among others.
What type of paint is best for a summerhouse?
The best type of paint for a summerhouse is an exterior paint that is specifically designed for outdoor use. These paints are formulated to withstand the elements and protect your summerhouse from sun, rain, and wind damage.
Look for a paint that is water-resistant, fade-resistant, and has a high level of UV protection or is UV resistant.
Can I use outdoor paint for my summerhouse?
Yes, outdoor paint is the best option for painting your summerhouse. It is specifically formulated to withstand all weathers, protecting your summerhouse from UV rays, heavy rain, and wind damage.
Using indoor paint can cause the exterior surfaces of your summerhouse to peel, crack, and fade quickly.
Are there any specific colours that work well for summerhouse paint?
When it comes to summerhouse paint colours, light and bright colours work best. Light colours reflect heat and sunlight, keeping your summerhouse cool during the summer months, whereas bright colours add a pop of colour to your garden, making your summerhouse stand out.
Some popular summerhouse colours include white, light blue, light green, and yellow.
Should I use a primer before painting my summerhouse?
Using a primer before painting your summerhouse can help the paint adhere better and ultimately last longer. A primer can also help cover any stains or marks on your summer house before adding the final coat.
Some outdoor paints are self-priming and do not require a primer, therefore can simply be painted directly onto the existing surface. However, if you do use one, make sure that is specifically designed for outdoor use and that is compatible with your chosen paint and any previously painted surfaces.
Is it necessary to use a sealant after painting a summerhouse?
Sealing the finished coat of paint on your summerhouse can help give enhanced protection from fading and peeling. A sealant can also help protect the summer house from water damage and UV rays.
However, it is not a requirement, as many modern garden paints are formulated to deal with these issues without the need for extra protection.
Author: Matthew Chiappini
