How to Paint Your Cubby House

How to Paint Your Timber Cubby House: The Complete Guide

Painting your timber cubby house is one of the most important steps to ensure it lasts for years of play. While it might seem tempting to skip this step, proper painting is essential for protecting the wood from weather, preventing mould growth, and maintaining the cubby's beautiful appearance.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about painting your wooden cubby house, from choosing the right products to applying the perfect finish.

Why Painting is Essential (Not Optional)

Your new cubby house arrives with a temporary water-based stain that protects the timber during storage and transport. However, this is NOT a permanent finish. Here's why proper painting is crucial:

• Weather Protection: Seals timber against moisture, rain, and humidity
• Prevents Mould: Quality paint creates a barrier that inhibits mould growth
• Blocks Tannin: Prevents natural wood tannins from bleeding through and staining
• Extends Lifespan: Properly painted cubbies last up to 10+ years vs 3-5 years unpainted
• Maintains Appearance: Prevents greying and weathering that occurs on bare timber
• Increases Value: A well-maintained, painted cubby retains better resale value

Recommended Painting Products

After consulting with Dulux paint experts, we recommend the following two-step system for optimal protection:

Step 1: Dulux 1 Step Prep (Primer, Sealer & Undercoat)

• Water-based formula that's easy to clean up
• Provides mould resistance
• Blocks tannin and prevents staining
• Seals and prepares timber for topcoat
• Creates superior paint adhesion
• One product does multiple jobs

Step 2: Dulux Weathershield (Exterior Paint)

• Specifically formulated for outdoor use
• Provides superior weather protection
• Available in thousands of colors
• Durable, long-lasting finish
• Apply minimum 2 coats for full protection

Why This Specific System?

Using Dulux 1 Step Prep is crucial because it provides features that regular exterior paint (even with built-in undercoat) doesn't offer:

• Superior mould resistance
• Tannin blocking prevents brown staining
• Flash rust protection on metal hardware
• Better primer properties for raw timber
• Longer-lasting topcoat adhesion

Additional Supplies Needed

Essential Supplies:

• Quality paint brushes (various sizes: 50mm, 75mm, 100mm)
• Small detail brush for tight areas
• Paint trays or buckets
• Drop cloths or old sheets
• Sandpaper (120-150 grit)
• Tack cloth or damp rag
• Painter's tape (if doing multiple colors)
• Stirring sticks
• Protective gloves

Optional But Helpful:

• Selleys Storm Sealant (for sealing gaps and joints)
• Small roller and tray (for large flat surfaces)
• Paint can opener
• Ladder or step stool
• Saw horses or work table for holding components

Brush vs Spray: Which is Better?

We strongly recommend using a brush rather than spray gun for painting your cubby house. Here's why:

Advantages of Brush Painting:

• Better Coverage: Brush works paint into wood grain for superior penetration
• Thicker Coating: Brush application creates thicker, more protective coating
• No Overspray: All paint goes on wood, none wasted in air
• Better Edges: Easier to coat cut edges and corners thoroughly
• Less Waste: More efficient use of paint
• No Equipment Needed: No spray gun purchase or rental required
• Easier Cleanup: Just clean brushes, no spray equipment disassembly

Why Spraying Falls Short:

• Creates thinner coating that may require more coats
• Less penetration into wood grain
• Difficult to coat edges and crevices properly
• Overspray waste increases paint consumption
• Requires masking of areas you don't want painted
• Weather dependent (wind affects application)

When to Paint: Before or During Assembly?

Best Practice: Paint BEFORE Assembly

While it's possible to paint after assembly, painting all components before putting the cubby together offers significant advantages:

Advantages of Pre-Assembly Painting:

• Complete Coverage: Easy to paint all surfaces, edges, and undersides
• No Missed Spots: Won't have areas you can't reach after assembly
• Easier Process: Paint at comfortable height on saw horses or ground
• Better Quality: Can properly coat cut edges and end grain
• No Drips on Assembly: Paint is dry before pieces go together
• Flexibility: Take breaks between painting sessions

Pre-Assembly Painting Process:

1. Unpack all timber components
2. Organize pieces by type (walls, roof, floor, trim)
3. Sand any rough areas
4. Apply primer to ALL surfaces including edges
5. Allow to dry completely (24 hours recommended)
6. Apply first coat of exterior paint
7. Allow to dry (24 hours)
8. Apply second coat of exterior paint
9. Allow final coat to cure (48 hours minimum)
10. Begin assembly

If Painting During/After Assembly:

• Paint as much as possible before securing pieces
• Use small brushes to reach tight areas
• Pay extra attention to joints and seams
• Don't forget undersides of platforms and roof overhangs
• Touch up any areas scratched during assembly

Step-by-Step Painting Process

Step 1: Preparation (Critical for Success)

1. Choose the Right Day: Dry weather, 10-25°C, low humidity, no rain forecasted for 24 hours
2. Set Up Work Area: Spread drop cloths, organize components on saw horses or flat surface
3. Inspect Timber: Look for any damage, rough spots, or splinters
4. Sand if Needed: Lightly sand any rough areas with 120-150 grit sandpaper
5. Clean Surfaces: Remove all dust with tack cloth or damp rag, allow to dry
6. Seal Gaps: Optional but recommended - use Selleys Storm Sealant on any visible gaps or joints

Step 2: Apply Primer (Dulux 1 Step Prep)

1. Read Product Instructions: Always follow manufacturer's directions on the tin
2. Stir Thoroughly: Stir paint well, don't shake (creates bubbles)
3. Start with Edges: Paint all cut edges and end grain first (most absorbent)
4. Apply Generously: Use plenty of primer, work into wood grain
5. Cover All Surfaces: Don't miss any spots - paint fronts, backs, edges, undersides
6. Pay Extra Attention to End Grain: End cuts absorb more moisture, need extra coating
7. Check for Missed Spots: Look at pieces from different angles in good light
8. Clean Brushes: Water-based primer cleans with water and soap
9. Drying Time: Allow minimum 24 hours to dry completely before topcoat

Step 3: Apply First Coat of Exterior Paint

1. Confirm Primer is Dry: Should be completely dry to touch, no tacky feeling
2. Choose Your Color: Have fun with this! Kids love bright, cheerful colors
3. Stir Paint Well: Especially important for darker colors
4. Use Quality Technique: Long, smooth strokes following wood grain
5. Don't Overload Brush: Dip brush 1/3 into paint, tap off excess
6. Watch for Drips: Smooth out any drips or runs immediately
7. Maintain Wet Edge: Don't let edges dry before painting adjacent area
8. Complete Coverage: Paint all surfaces just like primer application
9. Drying Time: Allow minimum 24 hours before second coat

Step 4: Apply Second Coat of Exterior Paint

1. Inspect First Coat: Look for thin areas or missed spots
2. Light Sanding Optional: Very light sand with fine paper for ultra-smooth finish
3. Apply Second Coat: Same technique as first coat
4. Even More Important: Second coat provides main protection, don't rush
5. Final Inspection: Check all surfaces in bright light for complete coverage
6. Touch Up if Needed: Add extra coat to any thin areas
7. Curing Time: Allow 48-72 hours before assembly for full cure

Step 5: Touch-Ups After Assembly

• Inspect for any scratches or dings from assembly process
• Touch up any exposed timber or thin areas
• Pay special attention to screw/bolt areas
• Paint any cut ends if you trimmed any pieces during assembly
• Seal any visible gaps with Storm Sealant, then paint over

Special Painting Considerations

Painting Plastic Components

• Slides, handles, and climbing rocks don't need painting
• These are pre-colored
• If you want to change colors, use plastic-specific paint
• Clean with mild soap and water only

Painting Metal Hardware

• If you want them less visible, touch up with matching paint after assembly
• The 1 Step Prep provides flash rust protection if hardware gets wet during painting

Creating Custom Designs

• Base coat in your main color first (2 full coats)
• Allow to fully cure (3-4 days)
• Use painter's tape to mask off design areas
• Apply accent colors in thin coats
• Remove tape while paint is still slightly wet for clean lines
• Popular ideas: stripes, windows framing, door frames, decorative details

Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Primer: Primer is not optional - it's essential for protection
• Using Wrong Products: Don't substitute with regular house paint or cheap exterior paint
• One Coat Only: Two coats of exterior paint minimum for adequate protection
• Ignoring Edges: End grain and cut edges need extra attention
• Painting in Poor Conditions: Wrong temperature or humidity affects adhesion and finish
• Rushing Drying Time: Paint needs proper drying between coats
• Missing Undersides: Don't forget areas you won't see after assembly
• Over-Thinning Paint: Use paint as supplied, don't thin unless specifically required
• Dirty Surfaces: Dust and debris prevent good adhesion

Maintenance Painting

Even with quality initial painting, your cubby will need maintenance:

Annual Touch-Ups

• Inspect all surfaces for chips, scratches, or thin areas
• Clean area to be touched up
• Light sand if needed
• Apply paint to damaged areas
• Feather edges to blend with existing paint

Full Repainting (Every 2-4 Years)

• Timing depends on climate and sun exposure
• Clean entire cubby thoroughly
• Light sand to roughen surface
• Prime any bare timber areas
• Apply 1-2 fresh coats of exterior paint
• Creates "like new" appearance and renews protection

Frequently Asked Questions

How much paint do I need?
Depends on cubby size, but general guide, these will vary with the amount of colours used:

• Small cubby: 4L primer + 4L topcoat
• Medium cubby: 4L primer + 4L topcoat
• Large cubby: 4L primer + 4L topcoat

Calculate based on coverage rates on paint tin and your specific cubby dimensions. Better to have extra than run out mid-project.

 

Can I use spray paint or aerosol cans?
Not recommended for full cubby painting. Aerosols are expensive for large areas and create thin coats. Use brush or roller with quality exterior paint for proper protection.

What if it rains before paint is dry?
If light mist, usually okay. Heavy rain before paint cures can cause issues - you may need to re-sand and re-coat affected areas. Always check weather forecast before painting.

Do I need to seal the timber first?
The Dulux 1 Step Prep acts as sealer, primer, and undercoat in one. No separate sealer needed. However, Selleys Storm Sealant can be used on gaps and joints before painting for extra weather protection.

Can I paint over the temporary stain?
Yes, the Dulux 1 Step Prep is designed to go over the water-based stain. No need to remove it first. Just ensure timber is clean and dry before painting.

Final Thoughts