As summer approaches and we begin to spend more time outside, now is the perfect time to refresh your garden, outdoor furniture, and exterior woodwork. To help you achieve lasting results that look great and stand up to the Irish weather, we’ve put together this guide to choosing the right paint, testing colours, preparing your surfaces, and selecting the best finish for your needs.

Try Before You Buy: Test Your Colours

Before diving into any painting project, always start with tester pots. A colour that looks perfect on a chart can appear quite different in natural light or under changing weather conditions. Whether you’re painting walls, garden furniture, outdoor equipment or window trims, apply your testers to a small section and check them at different times of the day. Light, shadow, and surface texture can all affect the final appearance.

Top Tip: Wait until the paint is fully dry before making your final decision – colours often change subtly as they cure.

Choosing the Right Finish for Outdoor Use

Selecting the proper paint finish is just as important as choosing the right colour. At Bandon Co-op, we stock a wide range of exterior finishes to suit every surface and project.

Preparation Makes Perfect

A flawless finish starts with proper preparation. Painting in the right weather – dry conditions and moderate temperatures – is essential for adhesion and drying. Equally important is preparing the surface itself:

• Clean away any dirt, moss, or old paint flakes.
• Sand rough areas and fill any cracks or holes.
• For bare wood or unpainted surfaces, apply a suitable primer to improve adhesion and extend the life of your paint job.

Paint That Stands Up to Irish Weather
Here in Ireland, especially along the coast, the weather can change in an instant—from strong Atlantic winds to sudden summer showers. That’s why choosing high-quality paints and finishes built for durability is so important. At Bandon Co-Op, our exterior paint range is made to withstand fading, cracking, and peeling, helping your outdoor equipment, furniture and projects stay looking fresh for longer.
With the right preparation, the right colour, and the right finish, your outdoor spaces will be ready to enjoy throughout the summer—and protected against the elements all year round.

Visit any of our 3 stores today to explore our range of paint brands including Dulux, Colourtrend, Cuprinol and many more. Our paint experts will be on hand to answer any questions and share their top tips.