5 Painting Projects to Add Colour to Your Garden

Colour is a great way to add extra playfulness and personality to your garden. Read our guide to discover five different projects you could take on to add a splash of summer colour to your outdoor space.

1: Paint Your Shed

Colour can instantly spruce up a tired-looking wooden shed and turn it into an attractive garden feature. With a fresh coat of paint, your shed can become a standout feature rather than an eyesore. Plus, painting it helps to protect the timber from moisture, UV rays, algae, and general wear and tear — extending its life in the process.

Product Tip: For a convenient ready-mix option that offers top-notch protection as well as a wide range of colour options, we recommend Cuprinol Ducksback.

If you’re unsure what colour to choose, start by considering the existing tones in your garden — such as your fence, patio, or the exterior of your house. Do you want your shed to blend in or stand out?

For a timeless, natural look, consider wood-stain finishes or soft earthy tones that enhance the grain of the timber and harmonise with your garden. Neutrals like off-white, grey, or black also work beautifully with most outdoor spaces. Or why not take inspiration from nature and choose a green that complements surrounding plants and shrubs?

Feeling bold? Go for a vintage-inspired pastel like lavender, powder blue, or dusky pink. You can add even more character by painting the window sills, fascia boards, eaves, or door in a contrasting shade — or coordinate with a favourite flowering plant for a charming touch.

Ready to get started? Click here for a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to paint a wooden shed.

2: Paint Your Fence

Painting your garden fence is a fantastic weekend project that can completely transform the look and feel of your outdoor space. Your fence acts almost like a backdrop or canvas — setting the tone for your entire garden. So, it’s worth taking the time to choose colours that will complement your plants, flowers, furniture, and any garden features you have.

If you’re looking for the flexibility of a tinted paint that allows the natural texture of the wood to show through, we recommend Ralston 3-in-1 Aqua Satin — a durable, water-based option that protects while adding subtle colour. 

For a ready-mix choice that’s easy to apply and available in a wide range of attractive shades, Cuprinol 5-Year Ducksback is a popular go-to, especially for those wanting reliable weatherproofing.

When choosing a colour, consider what kind of atmosphere you want to create in your garden:

1. For a calm, minimalist feel, soft greys, earthy taupes or classic black create a sleek, contemporary backdrop that lets plants and flowers really shine.
2. To add warmth and character, explore muted greens, deep browns or even navy — shades that evoke nature and help your garden feel like an extension of your home.
3. If you’re feeling creative, try a bold hue like teal, mustard, or even a rich plum to make your fence a statement feature. These colours work especially well in modern or eclectic gardens and can provide a striking contrast against greenery.
4. Want to highlight planting? Darker colours like black, charcoal or forest green can make foliage appear more vibrant and create the illusion of depth in smaller spaces.

For extra vibrancy, why not paint the top trim of your fence or the posts in a contrasting colour? This simple detail can give a more customised, designer look — and if you have climbing plants, the contrast can help frame them beautifully.

Tip: Before committing to a colour, try painting a small test patch in a discreet spot to see how it looks in different lighting throughout the day.

Ready to get started? Check out our handy guide on how to paint a wooden fence.

3: Paint Your Planters

Painting garden planters is a simple yet effective way to add personality to your outdoor space whether you want to brighten a balcony, liven up a patio, or create a coordinated look across your garden. A splash of paint can help highlight the natural beauty of your plants — bold colours can make greenery pop, while softer tones offer a more subtle, harmonious backdrop.

This is a lovely project to take on during a sunny summer afternoon. Even a small refresh can make a big visual impact and give your garden a fresh, cheerful vibe. It's also a fantastic activity to enjoy with children — let them choose colours, get creative with patterns or even paint their names on their own pots. It’s a great way to spark imagination and get the whole family involved in the garden.

4: Paint Your Outdoor Dining Furniture

Instead of replacing old, weathered outdoor furniture, a fresh lick of paint is often all that’s needed to give your table and chairs a whole new lease of life. It’s a satisfying weekend project that’s both cost-effective and beginner-friendly — and the results can be truly transformative.

Painting your outdoor furniture not only enhances its appearance, but also helps protect it from the elements, extending its lifespan so you can enjoy many more seasons of al fresco dining and summer entertaining.

All it takes is a few simple steps — cleaning, light sanding, and painting — and before you know it, your furniture will look as good as the day you bought it. For a gorgeous palette of bright, summery colours, try Cuprinol Garden Shades. From soft pastels to punchy bright colours, there’s something to suit every style of garden.

Want to take the makeover a step further? Consider swapping out faded chair cushions or updating your parasol to tie in with your new colour scheme. Little changes like these can elevate the whole look and create a fresh, inviting space you’ll be excited to use all summer long.

5: Refinish Your Decking

If your decking is looking a little tired after years of being exposed to the elements, it's definitely worth considering a re-coat. Over time, UV rays, rain, and foot traffic can wear down the surface, making your decking appear dull or weathered. Fortunately, refinishing your deck is an easy way to restore its appearance and protect it for the coming seasons.

The most straightforward approach is to re-coat your deck with a similar product to what was originally used. There are several types of products designed for use on decking, these include: 

1. Decking Oil: This option enhances the natural beauty of the wood, providing a subtle sheen while penetrating deep into the surface to nourish and protect the timber from water damage.
2. Decking Stain: Perfect for adding colour and depth, decking stains offer more visible coverage than oils, while still allowing the wood grain to show through. They also provide UV protection to help prevent the wood from fading.
3. Solid Decking Colour: If you’re looking for a completely uniform, opaque finish, solid decking colours provide full coverage and a fresh, contemporary look, while also adding long-lasting protection.

Refinishing your deck will not only extend its lifespan, but it can also dramatically enhance the overall look of your garden — making it a perfect spot for summer gatherings or relaxing evenings.

Ready to get started? Read our guide on how to refinish your decking.