How long does deck paint last?

Painted decks should receive a new coat every few years to protect the wood from the elements and maintain the aesthetic. This number will vary depending on various factors, like local weather, decking material, paint choice, and whether the deck was primed before painting. Exterior surfaces should be repainted anywhere between every three to seven years on average.

How much does deck paint cost?

Prices will vary on many factors, from the quality of the paint chosen and the deck's size. Average costs for painting a deck range from a low-end expense of $1.55/sq. ft. to the high-end cost of $3.23/sq. ft.

How much maintenance is required?

It is vital to remove debris from your decks with a broom to prevent decomposition on your horizontal surfaces. Depending on your selected deck and paint, choose an appropriate cleaner and gently wash your deck on cloudy days (being careful not to let the cleaning product evaporate on the surface or allowing the water pool). Watch your deck from season to season, making sure there are no points where the paint starts to peel or where rot or mildew may be forming. If you notice these spots, it is essential to fix them promptly or risk damaging your deck.

What is the best type of paint to use on a deck?

When choosing deck paint, choose quality paint made for exterior application. Outdoor paint is specially designing to reduce the issues of paint peeling due to the elements. Acrylic latex resin paint is recommended for outdoor surfaces as it expands and contracts with shifting temperatures. It is often also mildew resistant. Though for households planning on heavily utilizing their deck, it may be recommended to look into different deck stains that may better handle the traffic.

Can I paint over an old deck?

Yes, but you must prepare the old deck before painting. If your deck was already painted, ensure that there aren't any areas where the previous coat is bubbling, crackled, lifting or peeled. Either sand or strip away the remaining paint residue and allow your deck to dry overnight before painting.

Is it better to paint or stain a deck?

Stains penetrate the surface of the wood and create a film on top. These can are to preserve your deck's appearance, including the wood's natural grain and texture. While transparent stains protect your deck against moisture, it does not defend the wood against sunlight, and over time the wood may become sun-damaged. When using deck stains, restain the deck every few years for protection. Deck paint provides the immediate benefit of covering the deck from the sun and protecting it. The downside with deck paints is that it requires a thick coat of paint to cover the surface, trapping moisture if the wood is not first dried correctly. Due to exposure to the elements, especially points where water pools on the wood, there is a higher risk of paint peeling. Paint may be a wise option if you are looking to get a few more years out of an old and worn deck. It can also hide imperfections and tie your deck in with the rest of the house. Both paints and stains have their strengths and weaknesses, and in the end, it comes down to which will look best with your aesthetic.

Should I prime my deck before painting?

Adding primer beneath topcoats acts as a base coat to smooth imperfections in the wood grain and improve the paint's adhesion. While it does reducing weathering effects on the paint by adding an extra layer of protection to the wood, it does take away from the natural texture of the surface. Ensure that your deck has thoroughly dried before painting over the primer.

Do you need to sand a deck before painting?

No, sanding is not required before painting a deck. While not all decks require a fine-sanding before painting, some could benefit from light spot sanding. Decks that were improperly sealed or not sealed and exposed to the weather may need to have the surfaces washed to remove rough wood pieces. After that, finding areas that are rough and smoothing them down with a handheld tool with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper would help to prepare potential problem areas.

Learn about Deck Paint

Deck paint is used to tie together the exterior of your home with the beauty of a backyard. Whether your deck is old or new, a thick layer of paint over the wood surface can cover up any imperfections and protect the wood from the sun's damaging UV. Deck paints come in many different colors and styles and are designed specifically for handling outdoor weather conditions.

When selecting a deck paint, you must make sure you are choosing one with proper UV protection. Aim for products rated for outdoor use which have better protection against the elements and handle fading better than other paints. If you're planning on making heavy use of your deck, make sure to coat the floor with paint capable of handling the increased foot traffic. Most sources recommend using oil-based paint over water-based paint for outdoor painting because of its durability.

When appropriately applied, deck paints help maintain the overall integrity of the wood beneath it. New wall paints on the market are more sustainable than they were in years previous. Since these paints are made of natural plant oils or milk, they are often non-toxic, VOC-free, and odorless.

Decks heightened in popularity during the 1980s because homeowners started to view decks as a fundamental addition to their interior living space.

Learn about Deck Paint

Frequently asked questions

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