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How to paint a kennel

Dog in front of built and painted kennels

Overview

Give your dog’s kennel a custom look with a colourful coat of paint and a few dog-friendly accessories.

Tip: To paint a kennel, choose an exterior paint brand designed to stand up to the weather, and which has low VOCs and low odour.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, disposable gloves and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Choose a colour scheme

    First, pick your exterior paint colours. Consider choosing a main colour as well as a trim colour for a fresh and snappy look. Have your chosen colours mixed up in-store with a good exterior paint as the base.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: For dog kennels, choose an exterior paint that is designed to stand up to the weather, is low odour, and has low VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
    A woman holding paint swatches
  2. 2

    Prepare the kennel and painting area

    Set out a drop sheet to work on and assemble the kennel following the product’s instructions. Tape around the rubber feet to avoid getting paint on them.

    Tip: We have a wide range of dog kennels to choose from. Check out our tips on how to pick the perfect kennel for your pooch.

    A woman assembles a dog kennel on a drop sheet
  3. 3

    Steps

    Apply a three-in-one undercoat with an angled brush, running the brush along the grooves and corners. Paint the entire kennel and the roof and leave to dry thoroughly.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Choose a mini brush with a short handle for accessibility, washing it out and leaving it to dry for use again later.
    Painting a three-in-one undercoat on a dog kennel
  4. 4

    Apply the topcoat

    Before you begin, tape over all the areas that are not to be painted with painter’s tape. Start with the lightest colour and use the angled brush to paint along the tape lines, cutting into corners and along the grooves. Fill in larger areas using the brush or mini microfibre roller. Apply two coats, leaving to dry after each. Peel away the tape.

    Repeat this step with each additional colour.

    A woman paints a dog kennel red using a paint brush and exterior paint
  5. 5

    Leave to cure and accessorise

    Leave the paint to cure for at least 12 days before setting up the kennel in a suitable spot. Add dog-friendly accessories to customise your kennel.

    A woman stands beside three personalised dog kennels, while a black and white dog sits in a kennel
  6. 6

    Does your pup need a bed?

    Check out our guide on how to make a D.I.Y. dog bed.

    Photo Credit: Michelle Holden

     

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.