Step 1. Prepare the wood before applying any paint or treatment. Use a stiff brush to get rid of any dirt. If the surface is covered in algae, dip the brush in diluted general purpose cleaner and scrub it clean. Allow the surface to dry before painting.
Now is also the time to make any repairs and replace any decayed sections of wood with healthy timber. For small areas, use an exterior wood filler which can then be sanded flush with the surface prior to painting.
Step 2. Cover any nearby surfaces with dust sheets in case of overspray or drips. Cover plants that might get splashed and trim back any unwanted foliage to give yourself plenty of space to work. Pin back any climbing plants that can’t be covered or you don’t want to cut back, using plant ties and canes.
Step 3. Check you’re happy with the colour by finding a small hidden patch of wood and try it before you stain the whole fence or shed.
Step 4. Start in an unpainted area (if you have one) and work your way to a painted area. If using a timber brush or roller. Use the timber brush or roller to apply a thick, even coating along the grain of the timber. Apply brush strokes in the same direction as the grain and be careful not to spread the paint too far.
Avoid runs or drips by not overloading the brush or roller with paint and work it in well. Pick up any wet edges before they begin to dry in a drip shape and don’t let the paint collect in crevices as it will create runs.
If using a paint sprayer. Pressurise the sprayer and choose the most suitable spray option provided. For the best results when spraying, use long, sweeping, horizontal arm movements. Hold the nozzle about 15centimetres (cm) from the surface and move along its full width, then drop down and do the same again, overlapping each pass by 50%. This will make sure the whole area is covered with the correct amount of paint.
Step 5. Allow the first coat to dry as recommended by the instructions and apply a second coat if required. When you’ve finished, scrape as much paint or treatment off your brush and clean with a paint brush cleaner.
Pour any remaining paint in the sprayer back into the paint vessel. Clean the sprayer, nozzles and filters as recommended by the manufacturer.