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Cuprinol Garden Shades

Cuprinol Garden Shades

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Enter area above for 2 coats (Recommended)

Wood type and application can vary coverage

£4.81 - £38.46
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A wide range of attractive colours that provide long lasting protection for all types of garden wood. Cuprinol Garden Shades is a water-based paint, touch dry within one hour.

Features

  • A water-based, weather-resistant, opaque garden paint
  • Perfect for sheds, fences, garden furniture, log cabins, summerhouses and more
  • Allows the natural texture of the wood grain to show through
  • Dries to a natural matt finish in just one hour
  • Offers up to 6 years protection
  • Low V.O.C
Brand
Drying time
hrs
Coverage
Up to 10 m2 per litre
No. of coats
2
Size
125ml 1L 2.5L 5L
MPN
Please Select Size/Option
GTIN
Please Select Size/Option

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Overview

Overview

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Cuprinol Garden Shades offers a rich colourful finish that seals and protects a huge range of garden surfaces including sheds, fences, terracotta, brick and stone! It's opaque, natural finish allows the natural texture of the grain to show through. Available in 125ml pots to sample a range of colours before buying what you need.

Preparation

Preparation

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

Bare or New Timber

  1. Brush wooden surfaces with a stiff brush or broom to remove surface dirt and debris
  2. Areas affected by mould, mildew, algae and fungi should first be treated with a suitable mould and mildew garden cleaner
  3. All rotten timber must be cut out and replaced
  4. Any holes, gaps or splits in the surface of the wood should be filled beforehand
  5. Bare or untreated garden wood can be pre-treated with wax-free wood preserver prior to painting.

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 paint and stripper.

Application

Application

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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. The surface will be touch dry in 1 hour
  4. Allow 2 - 4 hours drying time between coats (up to 8 hours in cool weather)
  5. Apply second coat as above. 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

Top Tips

  • Apply a small test area before beginning any project to assess the colour and compatibility of the finish. 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.
  • Don't 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.
  • 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.

Aftercare

Aftercare

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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 if the surface starts to show signs of weathering, following the Preparation and Application instructions above.

F.A.Q.

F.A.Q.

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What area will 2.5 ltr cover?

This product covers up to 10m² per litre, per coat. A 2.5L will cover approximately 13.9m² with two coats.


Can I use Cuprinol Shades Paint on decking?

Although ideal for decking balustrades and handrails, we do not recommend using this garden paint as it is not durable enough for decking boards and will soon start to show signs of wear and tear. For products suitable for use on decking, see the full range of Cuprinol Garden Decking Treatments.


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

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.


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

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.


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

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.


Is Cuprinol Garden Shades suitable for garden fences and is it solvent-based? Does it contain any wax?

Cuprinol Garden Shades is perfect for garden fences. It is a water-based product which does contain some wax. If you are specifically looking for a solvent-based fence paint or treatment, we recommend looking at our range of alternative fence paints.


Can I use Garden shades on my garden fence?

This product can be used on fencing but this would really depend on whether the surface has been previously treated, is bare wood or preserved. If you would like some more information on suitability, application and preperation, contact our Woodcare Experts on 01303 213838.


Can apply 1 coat and 1 coat the following day?

No, both coats need to be applied in the same day as the wax will fully cure overnight and the second coat will not adhere to the surface correctly. Try not to exceed the recommended 2 - 4 hours drying time between coats (up to 8 hours in cool weather)


Can Cuprinol Shades be used on the inside of a shed bar?

This product can be used for the vertical timber of a bar.


Could Cuprinol Garden Shades be used on a plastic outdoor storage cupboard?

We wouldn't recommend using this on plastic. Instead consider Sadolin Superdec Opaque Wood Protection which works very well on that substrate and comes in a huge range of colours.


Is Garden shades watery?

This has the usual consistency with water-based paints.


Is this just matt only or are there other sheens?

The Garden Shades is a matt finish. Looking for more of shine/ semi-gloss finish on timber? Check out Bedec Barn Paint Semi-Gloss.


Do I need to use a primer before the Garden Shades paint, if so which one do I use?

Garden Shades goes on directly to the wood, without a primer. On some resinous hardwoods or particularly knotty timbers, you may wish to use a knotting solution before painting such as Ronseal Super Flexible Primer and Undercoat.


How much paint do I need to cover a 6x6 fence panel? I have 7 of them.

The Cuprinol Garden Shades covers up to 10m² per litre, per coat. for a 6x6ft panel on one side, you will need approx 600ml for two coats. A 5L tin will be sufficient for the project.


Can I use Cuprinol Garden Shades paint on indoor wooden furniture?

We wouldn't usually recommend this paint for interior use. Consider something with better durability for everyday use such as Protek Royal Interior Paint

Datasheets

Reviews

Reviews

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618 customer reviews
4.9/5.0
based on last 18+ months
5 stars
552
4 stars
54
3 stars
7
2 stars
1
1 star
4
5/5
Lovely colour easy to use not to thin
Lovely colour easy to use not to thin
Mrs Wendy Farrall. Mellow Moss, 2.5L (09/09/25)
5/5
To paraphrase, does what it says on the tin!
Inherited a softwood bench which was basically sound but covered in algae and moss, scrubbed it down with water, slug of white vinegar, dash of dish soap. When dry, applied Osmo Oil with a fibre roller which was very quick and easy. Great result, it’s been raining all week and bench is shedding rain. Looks fabulous.
Bucks Buyer. Willow, 2.5L (03/09/25)
5/5
Amazing colour great product
Good coverage, colour just like picture, had so many compliments on the colour
Kenneth Andrew Hurcombe. Fresh Lilac, 2.5L (23/08/25)
5/5
Very pleased
Great price, lovely colour and it arrived super quick.
Julie G. Winters Well, 2.5L (02/08/25)
5/5
Easy to apply and dries quickly
Gives a good hard wearing finish, highly water resistant.
Anthony Edwards. Willow, 5L (17/07/25)
5/5
Great quality
This paint is great to use, good quality and the colour is perfect.
Wendy Martin. Natural Stone, 5L (09/07/25)
5/5
We always use this product, it’s the best for decking and fences
Cuprinol shades is our go to product, have used it for years
HARDY. Black Ash, 5L (01/07/25)
5/5
Lovely colour, easy to use
Great colour, it looks fantastic on our fences. Easy to use and good coverage too
Mr Tony Walsh. Silver Birch, 5L (23/06/25)
5/5
Great colour, easy to use
Great colour, it looks fantastic on our fences, matches our windows and doors really well Easy to use and good coverage too
Mr Tony Walsh. Urban Slate, 5L (23/06/25)
5/5
Great product Great prices
I have always used Cuprinol. Great product in my opinion.
Susan Raphael. Forget Me Not, 5L (22/06/25)
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