Decks can be a wonderful addition to any home. They provide additional space for entertaining, barbecuing and relaxation. To ensure that your deck lasts for the long-term, it is important to properly maintain it. Protective coatings should be applied to outdoor items like decks, fencing, and siding. They are subject to weathering from wind, rain, and sun. If you miss one or more of these maintenance steps, it can cause a chain reaction of damage that is difficult to reverse. The only way to fix a deck board that has become cupped, bent, split or exhibits a raised grain is to replace it.
Content
Preparation
It is important to plan the days you will be painting. It is best to paint before it gets too hot/cold. Consider the weather forecast and paint the deck during the driest season in your area. For exterior painting, the best relative humidity levels are between 40 and 50 percent. It is best to start early in the morning, but not too early so that the deck is still wet. Avoid direct sunlight as it will cause the paint to dry too fast. To calculate the amount of paint that you will need, measure the deck. Before you paint, clean the deck surfaces. Deck cleaners can remove dirt, mildew and algae stains.
Tip
It is often unnecessary to remove any old paint when painting over an existing deck. Scrape off any peeling paint and sand any glossy paint.
Safety considerations
You won’t need a face mask if you are outdoors in a well-ventilated location. However, to protect your eyes from paint splatter and keep your skin protected, goggles or gloves may be an option.
You might consider an anti-skid additive to deck safety. This is because it is a walkway surface. To provide better walking grip, it is added to deck paint.
What you’ll need
Equipment / Tools
- Paintbrush
- Roller
- Roller cover
- Attached to a functioning faucet, water hose
- Pressure washer
- Deck cleaner
- 5-gallon bucket
- Bucket screen
- Extension pole
- Extra clean bucket
Materials
- Exterior paint for patios, decks, and porches
- Multi-surface primer/sealer
- Sponge
Instructions
Calculate the paint you need and then purchase it
Multiply the deck’s length by its width to determine the area. To determine the amount of paint that you need for this project, you can use our paint calculator. Use the paint calculator to help you choose paint. You should make sure you have enough paint to last a long time. Acrylic latex paint that is well maintained can last for between 2 and 10 years.
Get the deck washed
Mix the concentrate deck cleaner with water according to the package directions. Many cleaners can be attached to the end a hose. Spray the cleaner on the deck and let it penetrate the surface.
The Deck can be pressure washed
To remove any debris left behind by the deck cleaner, power wash the deck. Attach the hose and pressure washer to it. Attach a large spray tip to your spray gun’s end. To avoid damaging the wood, keep the spray gun’s end at least 18 inches from the deck. Make sure you clean between the boards. Allow the deck to dry in dry, warm conditions for at least 2 days.
Apply Primer to Deck
Primer is an essential step in preparing a deck for painting. Start with the brushwork. Use the primer to coat the brush and push the brush between the boards. You will need to prime every seam between the boards as you work your way down the length of the deck. Prime the deck boards along the sides and any other areas the roller can’t reach.
The primer should be poured into a 5-gallon bucket. Once the primer is in place, hang the screen from the bucket. Attach the telescoping rod to a roller with a cover. Lightly press the roller into the primer. Then roll it on the screen. Then, move the roller to the deck and cover the deck boards with primer. Next, work backwards. Allow it to dry for four hours.
Paint the Deck
Paint the deck the same way as you did the primer. Two to three coats of paint should be applied to the deck. Allow at least two days between each coat.
Tip
Paint is not about protection but color. You need to ensure consistency. This can be done using the paint-boxing method. To achieve an average color, pour several cans into a 5-gallon bucket.
Paintted Decks vs. Sealed Decks
Penetrating stains or sealers can be used to protect wood and show its natural grain. Painting decks is the best option for decks with stained wood or decks that are in need of a brightening up. A deck can be restored to its original condition by painting it.
Paint is a thick, tough coating that penetrates the wood’s cellular structure. Paint can be mixed with any color to create a unique design element that matches your home or yard.
You are bound to your decision once you have painted your deck. It is very difficult to remove multiple layers of paint from a deck if you decide later that you prefer the natural grain look. You may end up causing more damage to the wood than you can remove the paint.
How to keep paint looking fresh
Refinishing decks should be done every 2 to 3 years. You can keep the paint that you used to touch up the deck throughout the years.
