• 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

Overview

Cuprinol Garden Shades delivers a bold, opaque finish that protects a wide variety of outdoor surfaces — from sheds and fences to terracotta, brick and stone. While fully covering the surface, it still allows the natural texture of the wood to show through. Not sure which colour to go for? Sample pots are available so you can try before you commit.

Preparation

Before you start, make sure all surfaces are clean, dry and free from dirt and debris. If using a wood preserver beforehand, ensure it's wax, oil and silicone-free — anything else will prevent the paint from bonding properly.

Bare or New Timber

• Brush down with a stiff brush to remove loose dirt and debris
• Treat any mould, mildew, algae or fungi with a suitable garden cleaner first
• Cut out and replace any rotten sections of wood
• Fill holes, gaps or splits before painting
• Bare timber can be pre-treated with a wax-free wood preserver for added protection

Previously Coated Timber

Any existing paint or varnish must be fully stripped back to bare wood before applying Garden Shades — either by sanding or using a suitable paint stripper.

Application

Brush Application

• Stir thoroughly before and during use to keep the colour consistent
• Apply evenly along the grain using a good quality brush
• Touch dry in around 1 hour
• Allow 2–4 hours between coats (up to 8 hours in cooler weather)
• Both coats must be applied on the same day — if the first coat is left overnight, the second coat will not adhere correctly

Spraying

• Shake well before decanting into the Cuprinol Spray and Brush sprayer (not compatible with the Cuprinol Power Sprayer)
• Read the sprayer guide fully before use
• Protect surrounding surfaces from overspray
• Clean up any overspray immediately while still wet, using water and household detergent

Top Tips

• Always test on a small area first — the dried colour may look slightly different to what's shown on the tin or website, depending on the wood type and its natural tone
• Don't apply below 5°C, in damp conditions, or if rain is expected before the paint has dried
• On furniture and other high-contact surfaces, allow a few days to fully cure before heavy use or contact with soft furnishings

Aftercare

Cleaning — Wipe painted surfaces down with a damp, lint-free cloth or a dedicated furniture cleaner as needed.
Maintenance — When the finish starts to show signs of wear, simply apply a fresh coat following the preparation and application guidance above.

FAQs

What area will a 2.5L tin cover? This product covers up to 10m² per litre, per coat. A 2.5L tin will cover approximately 13.9m² over two coats.

How much do I need for seven 6x6 fence panels? For a single 6x6ft panel, you'll need roughly 600ml for two coats. A 5L tin will cover all seven panels comfortably.

Can I use it on decking? It's great for decking handrails and balustrades, but we wouldn't recommend it for decking boards — it's not durable enough for that level of foot traffic. Take a look at our dedicated decking treatments instead.

My shed and fence were treated with decking oil. Can I paint over them? It depends how long ago they were treated. Garden Shades is water-based, so any residual oil or wax could prevent it from adhering. If it's been a couple of years, it may be fine — but always do a test patch first.

Which wood preserver should I use beforehand? Use a wax, oil and silicone-free preserver. Products marketed as weatherproof or waterproof often contain one or more of these, so always check the label before use.

Is it suitable for a summerhouse or log cabin? Absolutely. Garden Shades works well on any outdoor structure. For bare wood, we'd recommend applying a wax-free preserver first to guard against mould and fungi — just make sure it's fully dry before painting.

Is it water-based? Does it contain wax? Yes, Garden Shades is water-based and does contain some wax. If you're looking for a solvent-based option, have a look at our alternative fence paint range.

Can both coats be applied on different days? No — both coats need to go on the same day. The wax cures overnight, which means a second coat applied the following day won't bond to the surface properly. Stick to the recommended 2–4 hour window between coats.

Can it be used inside a shed bar? It's fine for vertical timber surfaces, but we wouldn't recommend it for a worktop as it's not durable enough for that kind of use.

Can it be used on a plastic storage cupboard? Garden Shades isn't suitable for plastic. For a great result on plastic outdoor surfaces, consider Sadolin Superdec, which is available in a wide range of colours.

Is it watery? It has a typical water-based paint consistency. Just make sure you give it a thorough stir before use, as the heavier pigments can settle at the bottom.

Is it only available in a matt finish? Yes, Garden Shades is matt. If you'd prefer an alternative sheen, Bedec Barn Paint is worth looking at.

Do I need a primer? No primer needed — Garden Shades applies directly to wood. On particularly knotty or resinous timbers, a knotting solution beforehand can be helpful.

Can it be used on indoor wooden furniture? It's not really designed for interior use. For indoor furniture, we'd suggest a product with greater durability.