DIY Builds
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Can you live in a metal shed?

Metal buildings are extremely versatile. People use them for everything from carports and garages to outdoor workshops or private offices. Some people even live in them! If you can think of it, it can likely be done.

What happens if you build without planning permission?
What happens if you build without planning permission?

If you build without planning permission but your project required it, the council will consider this a planning breach, and give a retrospective...

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Should I wipe condensation from windows?
Should I wipe condensation from windows?

Removing condensation Make a habit of removing window condensation first thing every morning — when it's at its worst. Use an absorbent paper towel...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Steps to Painting a Steel Building

If you want to paint your building, there are several steps to the process you’ll need to complete. First, wash the entire building to remove dirt, dust, and debris. To wash your soon-to-be metal building home you can use either a garden hose and a gentle soap with a brush to scrub it down, or you can use a pressure washer on a gentle setting. In either case, be sure to remove as much surface dirt and debris as possible. A clean surface will allow you to paint your shed easily and ensure good adhesion. Next, remove any loose paint, rust, and corrosion on the surface of the metal. Use a putty knife or a scraper to remove loose or flaking paint (some of it may come off if you pressure wash your building as well). For rust and corrosion, you can sandblast the shed or use sandpaper or a sander. Be careful not to sand away any undamaged metal, but also be sure to remove as much rust as possible. If the shed has any significant dents or cracks, you can fill these with a dent repair product such as auto body filler. Once you paint, this product will be almost invisible and will help your steel building look new again. Make sure you read and follow the instructions carefully for these products. Also, remember that fillers are not meant for structural repairs – if your shed has any cracks or rust on frame members, you should get them repaired by a contractor to ensure your property is still solid. Once your home is clean and all rust and loose material is removed, you can prime the surface with a metal primer. Be sure to cover all of the bare metal surfaces with a good coat to prevent corrosion. A good coat of primer will also help your chosen paint adhere to the surface of your shed better and will help the color look more natural. Finally, apply your chosen paint according to the manufacturer’s directions. Choosing the right paint for your shed or metal building can be tough – make sure you get one that is rated for outdoor applications. Acrylic and oil-based paints are good for outdoor use, but they’re a bit harder to work with and can give inexperienced painters some problems. However, you shouldn’t use latex paints on an outdoor shed, as they’re too prone to damage and chipping to last long.

There are several ways you can paint a shed, including with a:

brush

a roller

or a paint sprayer.

Brushes and rollers are slower and more labor-intensive, but they also apply thick, even coats of paint. Paint sprayers are faster, but if you use one you will likely need to apply multiple coats of paint. You should also be careful of paint runs and drips that can ruin the appearance of your shed. Of course, if your metal building is too damaged or corroded, a coat of paint isn’t going to fix it. However, new metal building homes are surprisingly affordable and can last many many years. Call Bargain Barns USA today at 405-872-0338! Why stop at paint? Let’s look at some other features you can to your new home:

Do horses like being ridden?
Do horses like being ridden?

While some horses seem to enjoy the companionship and the attention that they receive from their riders, others may find the experience to be...

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Should you paint inside of shed?
Should you paint inside of shed?

Painting the interior of a shed with white interior paint job is a good idea. It seals the wood, helps prevent mildew and insect damage, it...

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These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

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How deep should shed posts be?

The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.

Fast-setting concrete is ideal for installing fence posts since it can be mixed directly in the hole. Once you’ve finished your post holes, add about three to four inches of gravel into the bottom and compact it using your post or a 2x4. Then, set your post in place and use a level to ensure that it’s perfectly vertical. Stake your post in place with two braces and pour your dry concrete directly into the hole, surrounding the entire post, up to about three inches below the lip. Slowly fill the hole with about a gallon of water, enough so that you’ve saturated all of the concrete.

What is the strongest insulator?
What is the strongest insulator?

Credit: Wikimedia. (PhysOrg.com) -- With its complete lack of atoms, a vacuum is often considered to be the best known insulator. For this reason,...

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What is the cheapest state for seniors to retire?
What is the cheapest state for seniors to retire?

Michigan ranks as the most affordable state to retire in 2022, according to a recent Bankrate analysis. This is due to a low cost of living and...

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What do I need in a workshop?
What do I need in a workshop?

Here's what you need to get started. Air Compressor. If you're getting into woodworking, things are going to get, well...dusty. ... Table Saw. A...

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These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
Do I need a concrete base for a log cabin?
Do I need a concrete base for a log cabin?

A flat and level concrete base is the ideal log cabin foundation, but if you already have a paved or decked area that you want to place your cabin,...

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