This weathered, worn summerhouse was in need of some serious attention and the perfect candidate for a full refresh. Watch to see, how with the right preparation and a reliable product, even something this tired can be brought back to life.
Step 1: Start with the Essentials
Before jumping into painting, it’s important to address any structural issues. In this case, the roof had seen better days and simply couldn’t be saved, so it was replaced entirely. Taking care of these bigger problems first ensures your hard work won’t go to waste later.
Step 2: Prep the Surface Properly
Preparation is everything when it comes to achieving a long-lasting finish. Since the summer house had been painted before, the wood needed a thorough sanding to create a good surface (or “key”) for the new coating to adhere to.
Admittedly, sanding isn’t the most enjoyable part, especially with so many window frames to work around. To save time and effort:
• Use an electric sand on large, flat areas
• Switch to manual anding for tighter, detailed spots
• Brush away all dust once finished to ensure a clean surface
Step 3: Apply the Paint
With the prep complete, it’s time for the rewarding part – painting.
After opening and stirring the paint thoroughly, the chosen shade – Wild Thyme – goes on smoothly and easily. One of the standout benefits is how far it stretches: just two coats used only about half of a 5-litre tin.
We used Cuprinol Garden Shades:
Cuprinol Garden Shades
Available in wide range of attractive colours.
Find out more
Helpful Tip:
If your project involves lots of small window panes, skip the masking tape. A paint shield is much quicker and far less fiddly.
Step 4: Build Up the Finish
The first coat may appear to sink into the wood slightly, which is completely normal. It acts as a solid base for the second coat.
Timing between coats is crucial:
• Apply at least two coats
• Wait no longer than 4-6 hours between coats.
The Final Result
The transformation speaks for itself. What was once a tired, neglected structure is now a fresh and inviting summer house. The Wild Thyme colour of Cuprinol Garden Shades enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain rather than hiding it, giving a soft, organic look.
Paired with the new wooden roof, the entire structure feels renewed.
