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How to Paint a Doghouse

A simple paint upgrade to your doghouse can turn it into a stand out backyard feature. You can even spruce up this space with paint colors that will help your dog be more comfortable. Follow these instructions to revamp a doghouse with color and care.

Cost: $
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 day

A woman cleaning the exterior of a dog house.
STEP 1

Clean

Clean the surface with a bucket of soapy water and sponge to remove any dirt and oils before painting and let dry.

A woman sanding a dog house with a sanding block.
STEP 2

Sand

If you're repainting your doghouse, sanding down the surface is essential to remove paint build up. Use a sanding block in circular motions to remove paint build up on the surface. Make sure to wipe off the excess dust once finished. We recommend using a damp rag.

A woman placing tape on the side of a dog house for trim.
STEP 3

Tape off Trim

Use painter’s tape to protect the trim of the doghouse while you paint the siding.

Colors We Used

Like what you see? Here are the shades we used for this project.

A woman painting the side of a dog house with bright blue paint. SW color featured: SW 6794 Flyaway.
STEP 4

Paint Siding

Use a 2½" brush to apply Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint – we used the shade Flyway SW 6794 – to the edges of each plank of the exterior siding.

Use a 4" mini roller to finish painting the planks. Follow the direction of the siding.

Remove tape and allow the siding to dry.

Tip: The color of your doghouse can have an effect on your dog’s comfort. White and other light colors keep your dog cool by reflecting the sun. Black and other dark colors will attract and absorb heat from the sun and keep your dog warm.

A woman taping off the side of dog house with masking tape. SW color featured: SW 6794 Flyaway.
STEP 5

Tape Off Siding

Apply tape to the freshly painted siding to protect it while you work on the trim.

A woman painting the trim of a dog house with white paint. SW color featured: SW 6794 Flyaway.
STEP 6

Paint Trim

Using your brush, paint the edges and hard to reach areas. We used Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint in Pure White SW 7005. Finish painting the trim using your mini roller.

Let fully dry before your dog enjoys their freshly painted home.

A freshly painted dog house with blue and white paint. SW color featured: SW 7005 Pure White.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Project Supplies

Popular Doghouse Colors

Here are more shades we love for this project.