Hi @Kate1958,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.
In terms of paint, you could use any exterior paint such as Dulux Weathershield, Taubmans Sunproof or British Paints 4 Seasons. These are self-priming paints, meaning there is no need for any additional primer. Just apply 2-3 coats, depending on the coverage and depth of colour you are looking to achieve. Low sheen or satin varieties would be better to hide texture and look more natural.
I think Monument is a great colour, but it really depends on what you are looking to achieve and what you have around it. If your garden has a lot of greenery or lighter tones, Monument provides a striking contrast that makes plants stand out and gives the space a modern, architectural feel. It’s also a timeless, neutral shade that works beautifully with natural materials like timber, stone, and metal.
If you’re after a softer, more coastal look, you could consider lighter greys such as Tranquil Retreat or Shale Grey, which still feel contemporary but reflect more light and make the space feel larger. On the other hand, if you want warmth and a more natural aesthetic, deep earthy tones like Woodland Grey or Ironstone blend well with the landscape and hide dirt better than black or very light colours.
Ultimately, Monument is a strong choice — elegant, low-maintenance, and great for highlighting textures — but it’s worth sampling a few shades on your logs first. The way the light hits the wall throughout the day can really change how the colour reads, especially on timber surfaces. For this reason, I think it would be worthwhile heading in store to grab some colour cards to take home and compare. Seeing the colours in your space can often make selection much easier.
Check out Choosing A Paint Colour For Your Outdoors for further guidance.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Jacob
