I'm looking for some guidance on painting my shed. I recently bought a drywall sander hoping it would speed up the process, but the wood planks have a textured surface, which means the sanding isn't coming out even. My shed is painted black, and the wood is quite old. Initially, I planned to wash the shed, sand down the old paint, apply sealant, primer, and then finally paint it. However, this whole project was meant to be done in a week, and it's turning out to be trickier than expected. I'm wondering if I can use liquid sandpaper without harming the wood and what other options I might have to prep for painting.
2 Answers
You might not even need to sand off all the paint! Just focus on removing any loose paint and ensuring the surface is clean. Using a pressure washer could help with that. As for the liquid sandpaper, it’s mainly for dulling glossy surfaces; it shouldn't damage the wood, but if the old paint isn't glossy, it may not help much. Also, you probably don't need a sealant unless you're dealing with rot issues.
Have you considered using a pressure washer? They're great for cleaning and prepping surfaces like decks and fences quickly, which might also work for your shed. Just make sure to use a wide tip to avoid damaging the wood.

I always thought sanding was crucial for a better paint bond! So I don't need sealant for the outdoor shed? I thought it would protect the wood from rotting.