"Rach" wrote in message ...
Hi,
Not sure of anyone might be able to offer me a little advice but here
goes...

What kind of paint (NOT woodstain) can I use in the garden - on fences,
sheds etc?

I am looking for an actual paint as opposed to varnish or stain and
hopefully looking for something Matt or Satin as opposed to gloss.

Thanks for any help

Any paint intended for exterior woodwork will do for exterior
woodwork! I suppose you can even use exterior emulsion. Before
starting, it would be wise to consider a few things, though.

If the wood is already treated with certain preservatives, such as
creosote, paint may not adhere properly. You'd need to ask the shop,
and do an inconspicuous test patch -- best to leave the patch to
weather for a few weeks, too, as it might seem to stick at first, but
start cracking or flaking later.

If the wood *isn't* treated with preservative, paint won't give it any
real protection against rot or insect damage.

Because the kind of timbers you want to paint are rough, they'll need
a lot more paint than a smooth surface would; and it'll be harder work
slapping it on, too.

I imagine you've already decided that you won't mind repainting every
couple of years, and that any climbers or shrubs will continue to
allow you easy access as they grow: this kind of finish looks terrible
if it isn't perfect, and the roughness will probably encourage faster
weathering than you'd get on the woodwork of the house. Timbers in
contact with the ground will be particularly vulnerable, as water will
get in from the inside as well as the outside.

There are a few (dark) colours you can get in outdoor preservatives,
which might do the job better for you if you happen to like them:
check at the DIY shed, if necessary asking them to check their
suppliers for a wider range than they stock. Or you might get in touch
with the manufacturers direct.

Once it's dry, paint won't hurt plants, by the way.

I know what I'd do!

Mike.