Keeping your greenhouse cool and plants protected can be a challenge. But there’s an easy solution – ‘just paint greenhouse frames’.

Our guide walks you through choosing and applying the right paint for your greenhouse.

Stay tuned for the A-Z of greenhouse painting 🎨

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What Kinds Of Paint Do You Use In A Greenhouse?

Choosing the right kind of paint for a greenhouse is crucial, not only for the structure’s durability but also for the health and growth of the plants inside (1). The ideal paint types depend on the greenhouse’s material and the specific needs of the plants.

Here are the best paints to use on your greenhouse:

Category	Brand
Used To Lower Temperature	Kool Ray Liquid Shade
Best For Wooden Greenhouses	Krylon ColorMaxx
Best For Aluminum Greenhouses	KBS Clear Diamond Paint
Best For Protecting Plants From UV Rays	Cool Glass Greenhouse Summer
Preventing Stains And Mold	Kilz Concrete Floor Paint

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For the Exterior

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Here are some of the best paints you can use for painting the exterior of a greenhouse.

Liquid Shade (Used To Lower Temperature)

Liquid shade paint is a greenhouse innovation designed to reduce internal temperatures, creating a cooler environment for plants during hot weather. By reflecting sunlight, it minimizes heat buildup, ensuring optimal growth conditions. Easily applied to greenhouse glass, it’s an effective, removable solution for temperature control and plant protection.

Recommendation: Kool Ray Liquid Shade

Acrylic Latex Paint (Best For Wooden Greenhouses)

Ideal for wooden greenhouses, acrylic latex paint is durable, flexible, and resistant to weathering. It’s water-based, which means easier clean-up and less odor compared to oil-based paints. This paint type also resists fading and cracking.

Recommendation: Krylon ColorMaxx

Aluminum Greenhouses: Direct-to-Metal (DTM) Paints:

Specifically designed for metal surfaces, DTM paints can be applied directly to bare metal without the need for a primer. They offer excellent protection against corrosion and weather.

Recommendation: KBS Clear Diamond Paint

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For the Interior

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Mold and Mildew Resistant Paints:

These are especially important for the interior of a greenhouse, where high humidity can promote mold and mildew growth. Many acrylic latex interior paints include mold and mildew inhibitors.

UV-Resistant Paints:

Using UV-resistant paint on the interior can help protect plants from harmful ultraviolet rays while allowing beneficial light to reach them. This is more about coatings for the glazing rather than the structure.

Recommendation: Cool Glass Greenhouse Summer

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For Floors

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Concrete Floor Paints:

If your greenhouse has a concrete floor, using a concrete floor paint can help seal the surface, making it easier to clean and resistant to water, mold, and stains.

Recommendation: Kilz Concrete Floor Paint

Benefits of Using Greenhouse Shading Paint

There are a few key reasons why you’d want to paint your greenhouse, here are some of the key advantages:

Improved Light Diffusion:	Certain types of paint can help to diffuse light more evenly within the greenhouse, ensuring that plants receive a consistent amount of light throughout the day. This can promote more uniform growth and prevent hotspots that can occur with direct sunlight.
Temperature Regulation:	Light-colored paints can reflect more sunlight, helping to keep the greenhouse cooler in hot weather. Conversely, darker colors can absorb heat, which might be beneficial in cooler climates to naturally warm the greenhouse.
Protection Against UV Rays:	Some greenhouse paints contain UV inhibitors that can protect both the plants and the greenhouse structure from harmful UV radiation. This can extend the lifespan of the greenhouse materials and prevent damage to plant foliage.
Disease Prevention:	A well-painted greenhouse can help to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and other fungi. These organisms thrive in damp environments, and a good coat of paint can seal surfaces and reduce moisture accumulation.
Enhanced Aesthetics:	Painting a greenhouse can significantly improve its appearance, making it a more attractive feature in your garden or outdoor space. This can increase the overall enjoyment of the area and potentially the property value.
Increased Durability:	Paint acts as a protective barrier for the greenhouse structure, guarding against rust, corrosion, and wear from environmental elements. This can increase the lifespan of the greenhouse, reducing the need for repairs or replacement.

How To Paint A Greenhouse In 7 Steps

Painting a greenhouse involves careful preparation and application to ensure the paint adheres well and provides lasting protection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

• Weather Conditions: Plan to paint on a dry, mild day. High humidity, rain, or extreme temperatures can affect paint drying and adherence.
  
  
• Plant Considerations: If possible, choose a time when the greenhouse can be emptied of plants, or ensure they are well protected from paint fumes and debris.
  

Step 2: Prepare the Surface

• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the greenhouse’s exterior and interior surfaces to remove dirt, grime, and peeling paint. Use a mild detergent solution and a soft brush or sponge for cleaning. For algae, mold, or mildew, a solution of bleach and water may be necessary.
  
  
• Rinsing: Rinse the surfaces with clean water and allow them to dry completely.
  
  
• Repairs: Fix any damages such as cracks, holes, or rust spots. For wooden greenhouses, fill in gaps with wood filler. For metal structures, remove rust and apply a rust-inhibiting primer.
  

Step 3: Protect Areas Not to Be Painted

• Covering: Use painter’s tape to cover windows, door frames, and any hardware. Lay drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect the ground and any plants or furniture inside the greenhouse.
  

Step 4: Apply Primer (If Needed)

• Primer Selection: Choose a primer suited to your greenhouse’s material (wood, metal, etc.) and the paint type you’ll be using.
  
  
• Application: Apply the primer evenly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding with paint.
  

Step 5: Paint the Greenhouse

• Paint Choice: Ensure the paint is appropriate for the greenhouse material and the exterior or interior as needed. Eco-friendly, non-toxic options are best, especially for the interior.
  
  
• Application: Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the paint. Start from the top and work your way down to avoid dripping on freshly painted areas. Apply in thin, even coats to prevent drips and runs.
  
  
• Second Coat: Depending on the paint type and color, a second coat may be necessary for the best coverage and protection. Wait for the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat.
  

Step 6: Cleanup

• Tools: Clean your brushes, rollers, and any other tools with the appropriate solvent (water for latex paint, mineral spirits for oil-based paint).
  
  
• Tape Removal: Carefully remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly tacky to prevent peeling.
  

Step 7: Curing Time

• Drying: Allow the paint to dry completely, which can take up to 24-48 hours, depending on the paint type and weather conditions. Avoid touching or placing anything against the paint during this time.
  
  
• Ventilation: If you painted the interior, ensure the greenhouse is well-ventilated to allow any fumes to dissipate before reintroducing plants or spending extended periods inside.
  

Tips:

This step-by-step guide should help you achieve a successful paint job on your greenhouse, enhancing its appearance and extending its life while providing a better environment for your plants.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Greenhouse Paint

Factors to consider when choosing greenhouse shading paint involve the type of greenhouse, the climate and location, budget and maintenance, and compatibility with other coatings. These factors are essential in ensuring that the chosen paint is suitable for your specific greenhouse needs.

Type of greenhouse

Different types of greenhouses, such as glass, polycarbonate, or polyethylene structures, will require different considerations when choosing shading paint. The material of the greenhouse will impact how much heat it retains and how light is diffused.

Understanding the type of greenhouse you have is crucial in determining which shading paint will work best for your specific setup.

The choice of greenhouse material affects factors such as temperature control and light distribution. It’s essential to select a shading paint that complements the unique qualities of your greenhouse to achieve optimal growing conditions for your plants.

Climate and location

Considering the local climate is essential to ensure that your greenhouse shading paint provides adequate protection against excessive heat or cold temperatures while allowing sufficient light transmission for healthy plant growth.

Budget and maintenance

Considering your budget is crucial when choosing greenhouse shading paint. Opting for a high-quality, durable paint may require a larger initial investment but can reduce maintenance costs in the long run.

Regularly maintaining the painted surface by cleaning and performing touch-ups as needed will help extend the life of the coating, ensuring optimal shading and climate control for your plants.

It’s important to balance cost considerations with ongoing maintenance to secure a sustainable solution that meets both financial and practical needs in your greenhouse.

Compatibility with other coatings.

When considering the compatibility of greenhouse shading paint with other coatings, it’s essential to assess how different products interact. The interaction between various coatings plays a crucial role in maximizing the effectiveness and durability of the overall protective layers on your greenhouse.

By ensuring that the shading paint is compatible with other coatings used on your greenhouse, you can create a cohesive and long-lasting protection system for your plants.

To optimize performance, it’s vital to select shading paints that are designed to enhance or work well in conjunction with other protective coatings applied to your greenhouse. This proactive approach ensures that all applied coatings complement each other and contribute to maintaining a conducive environment for plant growth while offering robust protection against external elements such as UV rays and adverse weather conditions.

Conclusion:

Each step, from preparation to the final curing, is crucial in ensuring that your paint job not only lasts but also performs to its fullest potential. Remember, the choice of paint and the application process should align with your greenhouse’s specific needs, considering factors like structure type, climate, and budget. Ultimately, by following this comprehensive guide, you’re equipped to create an optimally shaded and climate-controlled space that fosters plant health and productivity, ensuring your greenhouse thrives in all conditions.

Here are our favorite accessories to boost any greenhouse: 14 Best Greenhouse Accessories That You Need In 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best color to paint a greenhouse?

The best color to paint a greenhouse largely depends on its location and the types of plants inside. Generally, light colors such as white or light gray are preferred because they reflect more sunlight, helping to keep the greenhouse cooler. These colors also ensure better light diffusion inside the greenhouse.

Does greenhouse color matter?

Yes, the color of a greenhouse matters significantly. The color can affect internal temperature, light distribution, and even the growth patterns of the plants inside. Lighter colors are known to reflect more sunlight, reducing heat accumulation, while darker colors might absorb heat, potentially useful in cooler climates.

Should I paint the inside of my greenhouse? Painting the inside of a greenhouse can be beneficial, especially using white or another light color to enhance light reflection. This can lead to better growth conditions for your plants. However, it’s crucial to use non-toxic, mold-resistant paint to prevent any adverse effects on the plants.

What kinds of paint do you use in a greenhouse?

For greenhouses, use paints that are durable, flexible, and resistant to moisture and temperature variations. For wooden structures, acrylic latex paint is a good option. For metal greenhouses, direct-to-metal (DTM) paints or exterior-grade enamels are suitable. Always ensure the paint is non-toxic and safe for use around plants.

Can I paint my aluminium greenhouse?

Yes, you can paint an aluminium greenhouse. It’s essential to clean and prime the surface properly before applying a direct-to-metal (DTM) paint or an exterior-grade enamel that’s suitable for aluminium. This can help protect the structure from the elements and improve its appearance.

Can you paint a plastic greenhouse?

Painting a plastic greenhouse is possible, but it requires using the correct type of paint that adheres well to plastic surfaces. Specialized plastic paints or paints designed for use on vinyl can be effective. It’s important to clean the surface thoroughly before painting.

Should I paint my greenhouse black?

While painting a greenhouse black can increase heat absorption, which might be beneficial in cooler climates, it generally isn’t recommended because it can lead to overheating in most conditions. If heat retention is the goal, using black in specific areas or using thermal mass inside the greenhouse are safer strategies. For most, sticking with lighter colors to reflect light and maintain optimal temperatures is preferable.

References:

1: Essential Greenhouse Guide, take from https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/essential-greenhouse-guide/