If I had known how easy it would be to makeover my ugly shed, I would have done it sooner. All it takes is the right paint for the surface.
For more ideas, also see Gallery of Garden Shed Ideas.
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BEFORE
When we viewed our house before purchasing it, the first thing I said when I saw the shed was:
Yay, there’s a shed!
and then
Wow, am I ever going to paint that sucker!
Three summers later, I finally painted that sucker.
Here’s a tour my garden the next year if you want to sneak ahead.
Here’s the BEFORE pic.
How To Paint A Shed With Vinyl Siding
- Wash shed. Must be clean and mildew free.
- Paint – Benjamin Moore Aura – waterborne exterior paint – self-priming (link goes to my Amazon affiliate account).
-This paint is suitable for wood, hardboard, vinyl and aluminium siding, shingles, unglazed brick, concrete, stucco, cinder block, and primed metal.
-Dries to touch in 1 hour. Can be re-coated after 4 hours.
-My shed only needed 1 coat. Woot!
- Colours
Shed: Benjamin Moore CW-715 Bone Black
Shed Door: Glidden Jazz 30BB 10/337
Choosing A Paint Colour
In case the photo is not capturing it fully, the siding on the shed (see before pic) is a 1970s mildly-vibrant lime-infused yellow with special glow-in-the-dark properties. This is probably useful for night-time laser tag games and/or attracting UFO landings but not so great for a stationary shed with brown trim.
I actually do love vibrant colours, but somehow, in the context of this garden, the yellow siding + the brown paint on the frame and door + the rust-coloured aluminium trim = yuck. I could have just painted out the trim and door with other festive choices, but I wanted the shed to blend in more than shout out.
When it comes to strong colours, I’m good for a brief romance, not the marriage, preferring classic neutrals with the accessories and decor providing punches of colour (that can be changed at any time).
The other oddity about this shed is the door. It’s 6 inches shorter than the opening. When we moved here, I temporarily added some corrugated plastic to the bottom to keep the critters out. Since then I realize it’s probably my best no-cost solution if I still want to be able to shut the door and not have possums sleeping in there.
Here’s one last look at the chippy old door (which has a rather nice door knob and keyhole):
Someone recently gave me a collection of blue and white plates and I knew I wanted a background colour that would show them off.
After much deliberation, I chose a heritage gray (Benjamin Moore CW-715 Bone Black) for the main paint colour.
If you’d like more ideas, see my gallery of garden shed ideas here.
AFTER
Related: This shed has a Dutch door for easy access to tools.
Plate Spiral
My daughter (who has an eagle eye in these matters) was available to help arrange the plates so I didn’t have to go up and down the ladder a million times to figure out the right placement. I should also mention she was my painting partner which saved me a an extra day’s work.
Shed Door Colour
I admit the selection of the door colour gave me some grief. I poured over shed images to analyze what looked good to me and I was actually going to paint everything gray.
Some family members who shall remain nameless (*cough* husband * cough* eldest daughter*) vetoed my vote and aimed me toward something bold. We debated mustard yellow, a classic red, darker gray, black, and others.
I have a feeling the blue door (Glidden Jazz 30BB 10/337) is going to start irking me (this shed is the backdrop to our entire garden) but for now, I’m enjoying the blue/white vibe going on.
Related: 12 Super Simple Garden Art Ideas
Shed Door Decor
I knew I wanted the door to look like it had a window (since the shed has no windows). I always try and solve these problems with items I have on hand. Here I used a framed mirror that was actually hanging on the shed previously. I added the mirrored candle holder so the birds won’t fly into it.
It’s a relief to finally have it done. I’m sure there’s lots more decorating and other transformations to come, but at least I can rest assured it’s no longer glowing in the dark or a birthing centre for alien possums.
Before Painting
After Painting
Update Autumn
That’s better.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
Garden Inspiration
My life as a gardener was deeply inspired by the gardens of Tasha Tudor.
Melissa, the shed looks great, love the blue door..you said the shed has no windows..I bet you could put a window on same wall as the door opening and frame it with shutters painted the same as the door would not only give you light inside but balance the look off. Thanks for sharing your pics of this project.
Hi Betty, I could add a window but have no interest in spending money or more time on the shed. It’s fine as is. Many other projects get higher priority. 🙂
I love the shed colors and especially the plate collection and layout. How did you attach them to the shed? I would like to do something similar on the big blank wall of our vinyl sided garage.
Hi Patty, I put 4 nails around each plate, using the large nail heads to hold them in place.
I love the look of the blue plates and the blue door together. Daughters are great for helping with things like this. I think my daughter has much better decorating sense than I have. Hope she comes to help me decorate when I move.
Absolutely beautiful! I LOVE blue and white dishes and have a collection myself. Never ever thought of using like this. Genius!
Thanks, Phyllis!
You’ve totally inspired me! Our shed is just a basic shed from Home Depot. Now I want to turn it into a special part of our yard, rather than something my eyes just sort of ignore! LOL Love the door and the plates and teapot! You never cease to amaze me!
Yay, Laura! The paint for vinyl goes on so nicely! Had I known this earlier, it would not have taken 3 years to finally do this project.
I love the tea pot above the door. I must do that now!
Thanks, Jonni! At some point I’ll add some beads and wire so it looks like something is spilling out.
Great transformation! The blue is a great pop of color…that you can change easily when you want!
Thanks, Guerrina. I’m learning to live with the blue for now but as you said, it’s easy to change too.
Lovely my dear..Really..love the colors, the way you arranged the plates and the faux window..
Thank you, Nancy. This project was a long time coming!
I love the shed! Blue and whimsy, two of my favorite things.
Very nice, thank you, pat. 🙂
That’s beautiful! Looks like a new shed! I inherited a bunch of crutches. I’m going to see if I can fit them in a flower shape on the side of the shed. My nieces will love helping with color choices. I’ll send a picture. Melissa, you are such an inspiration to me! 🙂
Oh yes please. I’d love to see what you come up with. I saw a crutch project on a garden tour recently but I can’t remember what they made with them. I’ll have to scour my photos to see if I can find it.
I am partial to blue so there’s that but also I agree with you that a strong color would be too much for the overall shed. The pop of blue is just right. Love the faux window too.
Thanks, Patti. Such a relief to no longer have a glow in the dark shed.
Empress Dear, The shed and your gardens are looking rather fabulous!
Thank you kindly, Fair Rosen. Tis a beautiful time of year!