Do you paint things before you put them up or after

puddy

My OH never listens to me and I asked if we could paint a shed before we put it up as I believe that the best way to paint things is to do it before you use it, ie doors, panels, etc

He refused and said we had to put it up first and that 'you dont paint things before they go up in case they get chipped'

I am now trying to paint it and of course its impossible (very nearly) as the fixings are in place, Im trying not to get paint on them, the brush marks at the sides and bottoms are difficult where its up agains a wall on one side and obviously the ground on another. Plus I have got bits of paint on the roofing felt which overhangs at the front. All this would have been avoided if it was painted first. Its white so it shows up much more than if it was a dark colour.

He still wont have it that you paint things first and said that I should paint over the fixings, which is a terrible idea. So which is it? Do you paint first or not?

Sublime_2

I always paint after putting up. I've always found it easier that way.

chib

I put up a shed a few weeks ago and painted it after, I got some paint on the hinges and stuff but it's not a big problem.

Unless you are entering a "best shed" contest!

puddy

so how do you paint round the fixings and give a professional finish? ive got 6 sets of hinges and brackets to paint around plus the bolt on the doors

puddy

chib wrote: »

I put up a shed a few weeks ago and painted it after, I got some paint on the hinges and stuff but it's not a big problem.

Unless you are entering a "best shed" contest!

i am quite fussy and its at the front of the house, i dont like a messy look

Sublime_2

puddy wrote: »

so how do you paint round the fixings and give a professional finish? ive got 6 sets of hinges and brackets to paint around plus the bolt on the doors

Very carefully.

stephen25uk

its a shed your painting not the sistine chapel

PasturesNew

I'd paint it before I put it up. Easier to access it, no paint on the fixings etc... and if there's any minor chipping that occurs it's easy to touch up. It's much harder to reach etc once it's up - and having to paint 'round' things makes it harder too.

If you take the panels and lean them up against a wall they can be reached much easier than when they're upright.

WestonDave

If all else fails keep a rag or some kitchen roll in your pocket and if you get paint on the hinges etc wipe it off quick. For the floor and wall taping some newspaper or an old shower curtain (£1 in Tesco!) in place will stop any drips discolouring the surface.

ankspon

Erect first then splash

victor2

Don't like to admit a woman is right, but I agree with the painting first approach. Mind you, our shed was assembled by the men delivering it, so I had to paint it afterwards.
At the end of the day though, it is only a shed and I'm sure you can bribe the judges with some home made cake!:D