Cuprinol Garden Shades

Cuprinol Garden Shades has been specially developed to colour and protect sheds, fences and other garden wood. Its special pigments ensure a rich colour that allows the natural texture of the wood grain to show through. It can also be used on terracotta, brick and stone surfaces.

Not sure which colour to choose? Cuprinol Garden Shades tester pots allow you to sample a range of colours before deciding which is best for your project. Cuprinol tester pots contain 30ml, enough to cover an area of approximately 12 square inches or 30 centimetres, depending on the type and condition of the wood.

Ensure that wooden surfaces to be treated are clean, dry and free from surface dirt and debris before painting.

Bare or New Timber

1. Brush wooden surfaces with a stiff brush or broom to remove surface dirt, debris, mould, algae and moss
2. Areas affected by mould, mildew, algae and fungi should first be treated with a mould and mildew cleaner
3. All rotten timber must be cut out and replaced
4. If the wood surface is looking worn or has greyed from sun damage and the effects of weathering, Cuprinol Garden Furniture Restorer can be used to revive the wood before painting
5. Any holes, gaps or splits in the surface of the wood can be filled with Cuprinol All Purpose Wood Filler or Cuprinol Ultra Tough Wood Filler
6. Bare or untreated garden wood can be pre-treated with wax free wood preserver prior to painting if required

Please Note It is important that any wood preservative used does not contain wax, oil or silicon as these will penetrate the wood and repel any water-based product that is applied on top.

Previously Coated Timber

Existing surface coatings such as paint or varnish must be fully removed back to bare wood before Cuprinol Garden Shades by sanding or using a suitable wood stripper.

Always do a small test area before beginning any project to assess the colour and compatibility of the finish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the tin at all times.

Do not apply in temperatures below 5°C, in damp conditions or if rain is likely before the product has dried. Low air temperature and or high humidity may prolong the overall drying time of the product. Cuprinol Garden Shades can be applied with a suitable brush or spray applicator.

Brush Application

1. Stir Cuprinol Shades paint thoroughly before and during application to ensure a consistent colour
2. Apply evenly along the wood grain using a good quality brush
3. Allow 8 hours drying time between coats
4. Apply second coat as above

Please Note: The second coat must be applied the same day as the first. If the first coat is left to dry overnight then the second coat will not adhere to the surface correctly.

Spraying Cuprinol Shades

1. Shake contents of the tin thoroughly before decanting into Cuprinol Spray and Brush sprayer (not suitable for use with the Cuprinol Power Sprayer)
2. Refer to the sprayer user guide for full instructions before every use
3. Cover any nearby surfaces to protect from over-spray
4. Any overspray should be cleaned up immediately (whilst still wet) with water and household detergent

On areas subject to wear, such as garden furniture, allow Cuprinol Garden Shades paint to dry for a few days before heavy use or contact with soft furnishings such as throws and cushions. The colour shade of the final finish may differ to that of the website and the tin when dry. This is down to the type and natural colouration of the wood being treated.

Regular Cleaning

Surfaces painted with Cuprinol Garden Shades can be cleaned at regular intervals with a dampened, lint-free cloth or Cuprinol Garden Furniture Cleaner.

Maintenance

To maintain the surface finish and its protective properties, re-apply a fresh coat of Cuprinol Garden Shades if the surface starts to show signs of weathering, following the Preparation and Application instructions above.

Q. Can I use Cuprinol Shades Paint on decking?

A. Although ideal for decking balustrades and handrails, this garden paint is not durable enough for decking boards and will soon start to show signs of wear and tear. For alternative products suitable for decking, see our full Cuprinol product range.

Q. My garden shed and fence panels have been previously treated with decking oil. Can I now colour them with Cuprinol Garden Shades?

A. It depends on how long ago your shed and fence panels where oiled. Cuprinol Garden Shades paint is a water based product so any remaining oil or wax from previous treatments will likely repel the paint. If the timber hasn't been treated for a couple of years it may be OK. In situations like this we always recommend a test area before starting the main project to test adhesion.

Q. I want to use a wood preserver on my garden fencing before painting with Cuprinol Garden Shades. Which one should I use?

A. It's important that you use a wood preservative that doesn't contain wax, oil or silicone as these will prevent the paint from penetrating and adhering to the wood. Wood preservers that are advertised as being waterproof and resistant to weathering often contain wax, oil, silicone or a combination of these.

Q. Is Cuprinol Garden Shades suitable for a large log cabin / summerhouse at the end of the garden?

A. Absolutely - Cuprinol Garden Shades is suitable for any garden structure including summerhouses and log cabins. If it's a bare wood structure, new or old, its probably worth treating it with a wax free wood preservative first to protect the wood from mould, algae and fungi. Allow this to fully dry before painting. Its important than any preservative used is wax free otherwise the paint may not adhere to the structure.