Eight of the best shed paints in 2023

As well as improving your shed’s appearance, the right paint can also protect it from the elements and changeable weather and help to prevent rotting all year round. And it can also be doubled up to be used on your fences, pergolas and trellises, so there’s no need for anything to go to waste.

There are plenty of shed paints out there depending on your needs - from what you are painting and how quickly you need the job done, to your budget and the protective qualities you are looking for. Below, we have curated a selection of shed paints of various types to help inform your decision.

We've included premium options along with those which are a little kinder to the purse strings. And if you feel a fresh coat of paint isn't enough to revive your old shed, we've got you covered with 10 ways to improve your shed, and a guide to buying the best garden sheds including various examples, in case you're considering investing in a new one.

We also have a guide to choosing the best greenhouse, plus a list of clever garden storage and shed storage ideas to help keep everything neat and tidy.

If you're looking to do DIY on your shed, also consider our guide to the best hammers.

The best shed paints in 2023

Browse our selection of fence and shed paint, below;

Ronseal One Coat Fence Life Matt Shed and Fence Treatment, 5L

This Ronseal treatment is designed to do the job in just one coat, so it’s ideal for those with less time on their hands. The colour should last for up to two years without fading and it will protect the wood as well as brighten it up. You can apply the shed paint with a brush or a sprayer and it will be rainproof in one to two hours.

Price: £12

Buy Ronseal One Coat at Wickes

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Matt Shed and Fence Treatment, 5L

The Ronseal Life Plus version provides five years of protection for sheds and fences. Offering shielding from rain, frost and snow, it’s ideal for the winter months but it won't fade in the sun either. The treatment can be applied to rough, planed and even damp wood and will be 100% rainproof in just an hour.

Price: £16

Buy Ronseal Fence Life Plus at Wickes

Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback Waterproof for Sheds and Fences, 5L

Cuprinol’s Ducksback range contains a wax enriched water repellent which weatherproofs sheds within an hour, for up to five years. The quick drying formula is non-drip and low-odour, so it's easier and more pleasant to work with and the paint is also safe for use around your pets as well as any surrounding plants.

Price: £24.36

Buy Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback at Amazon

Cuprinol Garden Shades Matt Wood Treatment, 1L

This wood treatment from Cuprinol aims to enhance natural wood and is designed so that the natural texture of the woodgrain still shines through. Touch dry within an hour it will provide protection from the weather for up to six years .

Price: £12

Buy Cuprinol Garden Shades at Wickes

Wickes Shed and Fence Timbercare, 9L

This good value shed paint by Wickes is fade-resistant for up to three years and should provide long-lasting protection against UV rays and adverse weather. The matt treatment is ideal for rough wood and takes around four hours to dry, when it is completely safe for plants and animals.

Price: £14

Buy Wickes Shed and Fence Timbercare at Wickes

Cuprinol Ultimate Golden Cedar Matt Wood Preserver, 4L

Cuprinol’s wood preserver protects garden wood, such as sheds and fences, from rot, decay and fungal blue stain. It takes between two and six hours to dry and contains UV filters to provide lasting colour for up to five years. Waxes within the formula penetrate deep into the wood for enhanced protection.

Price: £40

Buy Cuprinol Ultimate at B&Q

Ronseal Hardwood Deep Mahogany Furniture Wood Stain, 0.75L

This fast-working wood stain from Ronseal can dry within one hour, making it ideal for busy gardeners. It provides weather protection with UV resistance as well as waterproofing and it will enhance the natural wood grain. Designed for use on garden furniture, it will give a rich colour without any need for a re-coat.

Price: £18

Buy Ronseal Hardwood Deep Mahogany Furniture Wood Stain at B&Q

GoodHome Colour It, 9L

B&Q offers a budget-friendly outdoor shed paint for your garden. It's suitable for rough sawn wood and is both weather and UV resistant. You can apply the paint using a brush or a sprayer, but it's likely you'll need more coats to achieve a similar coverage to premium brands. The paint is showerproof after one hour and guaranteed for five years.

Price: £14

Buy GoodHome Colour It at B&Q

How to paint a shed

There are a couple of important things to consider when it comes to painting your shed. Follow these steps to get your shed looking smart and well protected against the elements.

1. Preparation: Making sure your shed is prepped and ready for painting is key. Ensure the surface has been thoroughly cleaned, removing any dirt, mildew or loose paint. Using a pressure washer for this is helpful, but you will need to make sure that the shed is completely dry before starting to paint. Also check for any rot or damage and make the necessary repairs.
2. Pick the right paint: When choosing your paint, make sure to look for high-quality formulas and ones specifically designed to withstand all outdoor conditions.
3. Priming: If your shed is unpainted or is made from fresh wood, apply a primer first. This will make the painting process more effective.
4. Painting: Ensure that any primer has fully dried. Depending on the size of your shed, you may prefer to use a brush or roller. Paint in top-to-bottom strokes, applying thin and even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before moving on to the next.

What colour should I paint my shed?

Your choice of colour will make a big difference to how the shed looks in your garden. If you want your shed to blend in then greens and browns are good options. If you’re looking to make your shed stand out, look for blues, yellows or even reds to contrast with the green of your lawn or plants’ leaves. There are plenty of different colours on the market, so there is something for every style and preference.

This Product Guide was last updated in September 2023 and we apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.