Should I Paint That? Barns and Sheds

old white barn with worn paint on the sides and roof.

Do you have a barn or shed that needs a touch-up? With outbuildings, you need to consider a few things. What material is the building made of? These are likely to be made of wood if older, newer buildings are potentially made out of metal or man-made materials. How large is the building you’re painting? Some barns can be larger if not house-sized. If the building was put up before the late 70s the paint is still original, and will likely be lead-based paint. This means that the removal needs to be done safely. Something best handled by a professional service with the proper training and equipment.

newly painted red barn with white trim and a two stall connected garage.

If you’re updating your home you might consider also residing their outbuildings to match. If you’re updating the outbuildings and not the house, painting is an easier option for you whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. Painting the exteriors of a shed or barn can revitalize the appearance, and it can also help your buildings withstand the elements and keep them in good condition longer. If the correct materials are used, it can add years to the lifespan of your outbuildings.

The best paint options for outbuildings are acrylic latex and oil paint. Acrylic is easy and cleans up well plus the color holds up longer than oil tends to in sunlight and other elements. Oil paint is best for older wood because the oil helps preserve the wood by soaking into the grain.

modern designed dark toned barn with large windows

All that’s left for you to think about is what color scheme you want to go with and whether or not it’s a job you’d like to tackle on your own. Requesting a free quote to hire a professional painter for the job can save you a lot of time and stress, especially for those larger buildings. They’ll also know what paint will work best for the buildings. So should you paint that barn? Should you paint that shed? That’s totally up to you. However, a freshly painted outbuilding looks great and can brighten up your property. 

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The Best Colors for Painting Your House This Summer