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Painting your Shed

This page is still being developed. We will add to it during 2026 as we get more information

The sheds need to be painted every 2 years to keep them in good condition. Paint is avalable in the store. Just ask any committee member. 

However if the shed is neglected it is likely that it is covered in green algae. This applies mostly to the North side but other parts may be covered as well.

 

We've found that if you don't get rid of the algae before painting the paint will just was wash off in the wintertime. 

There are 2 stages to this

  1. Kill the algae 

  2. Remove the dead algea with a stiff brush 

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We are suggesting 1 of 2 methods of killing the algae. These should be relatively safe .

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Using a laundry booster like Vanish Oxi Action is a clever and pet-safe way to tackle shed algae. Since Vanish is designed for fabric, you need a slightly more concentrated "paste-to-liquid" approach to make it effective on stubborn wood spores.

Here are your step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparation & Mixing

  • Wait for the right day: You want a dry day where the wood isn't already soaked from rain, so the solution can soak into the grain rather than just sitting on top.

  • The "Strong" Ratio: Mix 1 full scoop of Vanish with 2 litres of warm water (warmth is key to activating the oxygen). Stir until the powder is fully dissolved and the water is slightly foamy.

  • For thick patches: Mix a small amount of Vanish with just enough water to make a thick paste. Apply this directly to the darkest green areas first.

2. Application

  • Apply to dry wood: Use a large sponge, a soft-to-medium bristle brush, or a garden sprayer.

  • Work from the bottom up: This prevents "clean streaks" from running down the shed and staining the lower sections.

  • Saturation: Ensure the wood looks wet. Don't be afraid to be generous—the goal is to get the oxygen into the cracks where the algae "roots" live.

3. The "Dwell" Time (Critical)

  • Let it sit for 15–20 minutes. * Keep it wet: Do not let the Vanish dry on the wood, or it will leave a white, chalky residue that is difficult to paint over. If it starts to dry, mist it lightly with a garden hose or add more solution.

  • The Fizz: You may see tiny bubbles; this is the oxygen breaking down the algae's cell walls.

4. Scrub & Rinse

  • The Scrub: Use a stiff nylon brush and scrub in the direction of the wood grain. The green slime should lift easily.

  • The Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose until all the bubbles are gone. If the water running off the shed still looks green, repeat the process on those areas.

5. Drying (Before Painting)

  • The 48-Hour Rule: Vanish contains surfactants (soaps) that hold moisture in the wood. Even if the shed looks dry to the eye, it must air-dry for at least 2 full days of dry weather before you apply any paint.

Why use Vanish instead of Bleach?

  • Safe for the Lawn: It won't kill the grass at the base of your shed.

  • No Wood Damage: It won't "fur" or weaken the wood fibers like chlorine bleach can.

  • Safe for Pets: Once you have rinsed the area and it's dry, there is no toxic residue left behind for your pets to pick up on their paws.

One Final Tip: Because Vanish contains perfumes and soaps, it is extra important to rinse more than you think you need to. Any soapy film left behind will act as a "release agent," causing your expensive new paint to peel off in sheets!

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Using Wet & Forget is a very different process from using Vanish. While Vanish is a "scrub and rinse" method, Wet & Forget is a "spray and stay" chemical. It uses the wind and rain to slowly break down the algae over time.

If you are planning to paint, you need to be careful with the timing, as this product takes much longer to work.

1. Preparation

  • Check the Forecast: You need at least 4 to 5 hours of dry weather after spraying. If it rains too soon, the product will just wash off before it can bond to the wood fibers.

  • Temperature: Only apply if the temperature is above 10°C. If it's too cold, the active ingredients won't react with the algae.

  • Remove Loose Debris: Give the shed a quick sweep with a stiff broom to remove cobwebs or thick clumps of moss so the liquid can reach the actual wood surface.

2. Mixing & Application

  • The Ratio: Mix 1 part Wet & Forget with 5 parts water.

  • Use a Sprayer: Use a garden pump sprayer rather than a watering can; it’s more efficient and ensures even coverage without wasting product.

  • Saturate: Spray the wood until it is "dripping wet." Make sure to get into the grooves of the tongue-and-groove boards, as that’s where the algae spores hide.

3. The "Waiting Game" (Crucial for Painting)

Unlike Vanish, which works in minutes, Wet & Forget works over weeks.

  • Algae Death: You will see the green algae turn brown or grey within a few days.

  • Decomposition: Wait 2–3 weeks before painting. The dead algae needs time to dry out and start "crumbling" off the wood.

  • The Scrub Rinse: Before you paint, you must give the shed a light scrub with a brush and water to remove the dead residue left behind by the Wet & Forget. If you paint directly over the "treated" algae, the paint won't bond properly.

4. Pet Safety

  • Keep pets away while wet: It takes about 4–5 hours to dry completely.

  • Once dry, it’s safe: As soon as the wood is dry to the touch, your pets can safely brush against the shed or walk near it. The active ingredient (Non-ionic Surfactants) is only an irritant in its liquid form.

  • Paw Precaution: If your dog accidentally walks through a puddle of it while wet, simply rinse their paws with fresh water immediately to prevent irritation.

Comparison: Vanish vs. Wet & Forget

FeatureVanish OxiWet & Forget

EffortHigh (Requires scrubbing)Low (Spray and walk away)

SpeedInstant (Paint in 2 days)Slow (Wait 2–3 weeks to paint)

LongevityCleans surface onlyLeaves a residual "shield" to stop regrowth

Best For...Someone wanting to paint this weekend.Someone prepping the shed this month for later painting.

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