Gone are the days a garden shed was a simple space for tools, paints and varnishes, full of mud and cobwebs and clad with worn, damp wood. Now that homeowners are utilising their gardens more and more, many are making the lowly garden shed an external feature in its own right.

Wood is often used as a building material for sheds, summer houses and furniture due to its robust and hardy nature, however, wood can become weakened over time. As well as having aesthetic qualities, wood finishes provide vital protection against the external elements such as wind, rain and surface dirt, prolonging the life of the wood and the form it has taken.

As many are aware, new build properties often come equipped with a garden that is purely a blank canvas, perfectly suited for the new homeowner to make their own. One such homeowner wanted to do just that, and after planting up the space with brightly coloured plants and flowers, they felt that their shed stood out, but for all the wrong reasons, as it looked worn and unloved.

Edward Cole commented, “As we live in close proximity to woodland, we were passionate about ensuring the products we used to transform our garden shed would not be hazardous to any animals or plant life that come into contact with it. After doing some research, the Osmo range seemed to be the perfect fit for our revamp project, as this product boast a chemical free content. Not only this, but we spotted the Country Colour range, which excited us, as it meant that we could add a splash of colour to our garden shed.”

Country Colour offers an opaque, satin wood finish for exterior wood. The range promises premium durability and a rich colour, hiding the natural colour and grain of the wood yet maintaining the wood’s natural texture. The solution not only rejuvenates the wood, but leaves it protected against the unpredictable British weather. It is ideal for renewing previously stained, weathered or discoloured wood surfaces, giving wooden surfaces, such as sheds and summer houses, protection for many years. Country Colour can be applied to a range of wood species, including oily and exotic materials. Based on natural vegetable oils, the finish allows the wood to breathe, preventing it from cracking, peeling or blistering. Requiring only two coats, it can be applied using a roller or brush and has an approximate drying time of 8 – 10 hours.

Edward selected 2735 Light Grey for his garden shed, but the product also comes in a wide selection of other colours from the lush 2404 Fir Green, which is perfect as a camouflage to blend into the surroundings, to 2311 Signal Red, which will really stand out. 2205 Sunflower Yellow and 2310 Cedar-Redwood offer more traditional alternatives for those who are looking to produce a more Mediterranean atmosphere.

Thanks to the application of Osmo Country Colour, Edward has not only lengthened the life of his shed, but has also created an aesthetically pleasing feature which sits perfectly within its contemporary surroundings. By adding solar powered hanging lights and a seating area, they have successfully created a stunning and relaxing outdoor area.

For more information on Osmo’s range of eco-friendly flooring finishes, please visit www.osmouk.com.