How to Paint a Machinery Shed

Scouring pads remove rust for better paint coverage.

Machinery sheds are durable and low-cost -- an ideal storage solution for tools and vehicles. Unfortunately, most machinery sheds are an eyesore. Many storage sheds are prefabricated for easy assembly at work sites or in backyards, and aesthetic appeal isn't a major factor in the shed's design. The good news is that you can paint over most machinery sheds with just one day's work, turning the unit from an ugly outbuilding into a colorful accent piece.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Scouring pad
• Rust-inhibitive primer spray
• Painter's tape
• General-purpose primer
• 2 three-inch brushes
• 2 paint rollers
• Exterior-grade latex paint

Instructions

1. Scrub away loose rust on the machinery shed using a stiff wire brush. Many machinery storage sheds are made of metal, but you should check for rust even on a wooden or vinyl shed. The nails and screws used to hold the shed together may produce rust patches even on nonmetal outbuildings.

2. Remove remaining rust patches with a scouring pad. The wire brush will only remove some of the rust; scouring pads are ideal for detailed rust removal.

3. Spray rusted areas with a rust-inhibitive primer. Rust-inhibitive primers prevent future rust and also protect paint from existing rust discoloration. Wait for the rust-inhibitive primer to dry before continuing.

4. Apply painter's tape to any parts of the shed that you don't want painted.

5. Prime the entire machinery shed with a general-purpose primer. Prime all the surfaces you want to paint, including areas already containing a layer of dry rust-inhibitive primer. Use a three-inch brush for edges and a paint roller for the main shed walls. Wait for the primer to dry.

6. Paint the shed using exterior-grade latex paint. Use a new three-inch brush for edges and corners, and opt for a fresh paint roller on main surfaces. Wait for the paint to dry before proceeding.

7. Apply a second coat of paint if necessary. Exterior paint goes on thicker than interior paints, and a well-primed surface often needs fewer coats. Typically, you'll only need one coat for your machinery shed.

8. Remove the painter's tape in 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Latex paint is fast-drying and easier to work with for most paint projects. However, if your shed was factory-primed rather than DIY self-primed, you'll need oil-base paints instead. Oil-base paints are slower drying and require mineral spirits for cleanup.

References

• Stanley Complete: Complete Painting; Larry Johnston; 2007
• Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair; Thomas G. Lemmer, Brett Martin, Karen Ruth; 2008
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Selecting Paint