Is the paint peeling off your deck railings, leaving behind an unsightly mess of cracked and faded surfaces? Or maybe your railings are still in decent shape but could benefit from a fresh new color to jazz up your outdoor space. Whatever the case, painting your deck railings can completely transform the look of your porch, patio or balcony. But before rushing off to the hardware store, it’s important to learn the proper techniques for prepping, painting and caring for your deck railings.
From choosing the right supplies to perfecting your painting method, we’ve got you covered. With these tips, you’ll be ready to take on this weekend project and enjoy your revamped outdoor living area in no time. So grab a paintbrush and let’s get started!
Reasons To Paint Deck Railings
Update Appearance
Giving your deck railings a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to update the look of your entire outdoor space. Over time, the original factory finish or previous paint jobs can start to fade, crack and peel due to constant exposure to sun, rain and weather. Painting the railings is an affordable way to make old, worn out railings look new again.
A new paint job also allows you to change up the color palette and style of your deck. Maybe you’re bored of the boring beige railings and want to liven things up with a pop of color. Or perhaps you’d like to complement new deck boards or exterior house paint with a coordinated railing color. Matching or contrasting the hue of your railings to your home’s exterior and landscaping is an easy trick to pull together a cohesive aesthetic.
Protect The Wood
A fresh coat of exterior paint helps protect wood deck railings from damage caused by exposure to the elements. Like all wood, railings are prone to issues like cracking, splintering, warping and rotting when left unfinished and unprotected outdoors. Quality exterior paint creates a protective barrier to seal the wood from moisture and UV rays, preventing further deterioration.
Paint also fills in small cracks that can expand over time and provides an even, sealed surface. This preserves your wood railings so they last longer, saving you money on expensive repairs or full replacements down the road.
Increase Curb Appeal
Whether you use your deck for entertaining or relaxing outdoors, freshly painted railings increase the appeal of your entire yard. For those looking to sell their home soon, a new paint job makes an excellent return on investment by instantly improving the home’s curb appeal. Painted railings indicate the deck has been well-maintained and is move-in ready.
Upgrading your railings also transforms your outdoor living space into an inviting area you’ll truly enjoy. The right color choice can make a deck feel warmer, cooler, larger or more modern. It’s amazing what a simple paint job can do!
Preparing The Surface
Proper prep work is crucial for getting great results painting your deck railings. Starting with a clean, sanded surface helps the new paint stick andlast longer compared to painting over dirt, grime and flaking paint. Here are the key steps:
Inspect Railings
Before prepping, walk your deck to inspect the current condition of the railings. Check for cracked or broken boards that need replacement. Also look for rust bleeding through paint on any metal joists, nails or brackets. Severely damaged boards should be swapped out before painting.
It’s also a good idea to test for lead-based paint if your home was built before 1978. Call in a professional if lead is detected so it can be addressed safely.
Clean Thoroughly
Start prepping by washing your railings with a deck cleaning solution or power washer. This removes built-up dirt, mildew stains, pollen and grime so it doesn’t interfere with paint adhesion. Pay extra attention to the horizontal surfaces which collect debris. Let the railings dry fully before moving onto sanding.
Sand Away Old Paint
Now it’s time to tackle any cracked or peeling areas of old paint. Use a hand scrapper or wire brush to remove loose paint down to the bare wood. Wear proper eye and dust protection during this step.
Next, go over the entire railing with 80-120 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This helps the new paint stick better. Sand until the railings feel smooth and ensure you sand thoroughly to feather out any remaining uneven patches.
Fill Any Holes
Examine the railings for small holes from old nails or hardware. Fill these with wood filler and let dry as directed. Use painter’s caulk or waterproof wood epoxy to seal any large cracks or gaps between boards. Replace severely rotten boards if necessary.
Apply Primer
Once your railings are prepped, it’s time to apply primer. Primer creates a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. It also blocks stains and seals raw wood. For the best results, use an exterior wood primer formulated for decks. Oil-based primers work well to block stains from water damage or wood tannins.
Use a brush to coat all surfaces with 1-2 coats of primer, allowing proper dry time between coats. Pay special attention to ends, joints and any repaired areas. Now your railings are ready for painting!
Choosing Paint
With your deck rails prepped for painting, now comes the fun part – picking the paint! There are a few factors to consider when selecting the right paint for your outdoor project.
Paint Type
The most common options for exterior deck painting are oil-based alkyd paints and latex acrylic paints. Oil-based paints provide excellent adhesion and protection for wood. However, they take longer to dry, have strong fumes and require mineral spirits for cleanup.
Latex acrylics are lower in VOCs, water-soluble, and allow for quicker project completion. Although less durable than oil, latex paint technology has improved greatly for exterior wood use. For most DIYers, a high-quality exterior latex is the best choice.
Finish
Deck paints come in a variety of finishes from flat to semi-gloss. Flat or matte finishes minimize glare but are harder to clean. Gloss and semi-gloss are more durable, resistant to moisture and easier to clean.
For railings, a satin or semi-gloss finish is recommended. The subtle sheen looks great while still providing excellent protection from the elements and foot traffic.
Color
Now comes the best part – choosing a color! White and neutral gray tones are classic, cool choices. But don’t be afraid to explore bolder colors for your railings as an accent against more neutral deck boards and home exteriors. Blues, greens, reds and yellows make for vibrant statements.
Visit the paint store and grab a few paint swatches in your top colors. View them on your railings during daylight and at night when deck lighting is on. This will give you an accurate picture of how the color will look in different lighting.
Amount Needed
Don’t forget to calculate the square footage of your railings (length x height) to purchase enough paint. Estimating 1-2 gallons for an average sized deck is a safe bet. Remember – it’s always better to have extra than to run out halfway through painting!
Application Process
Ready to start painting your deck railings? Here are some tips to make the painting process go smoothly from start to finish.
Prep Work Area
Before breaking out the paint, prep your work area to avoid any drips or splatters on surrounding surfaces. Lay down drop cloths to protect plants, grass, concrete, siding etc. underneath the deck. You can also tape off fixtures like spigots or outlets.
Have all your painting supplies like brushes, rollers, paint trays and an extension pole handy to avoid running up and down the ladder. Set up your ladder safely and make sure it extends 3 feet above any railing to allow for stable gripping and painting access.
Brushing vs. Spraying
For simple, straight railings you can use an angled trim brush or mini foam roller to apply the paint. But for more intricate railings with spindles and balusters, an airless sprayer allows you to coat all the hard-to-reach crevices evenly.
Spray painting does involve some learning curve to master technique and get an even coat. Pre-practice on scrap wood if unfamiliar. If spraying near plants, dampen foliage first to prevent overspray sticking.
Painting Technique
Always refer to your paint can directions since drying time varies by brand. In general, you’ll achieve the smoothest finish by applying thin, even coats and allowing proper dry time between coats. Allow 24-48 hours drying if humidity is high.
Use long, smooth strokes from top to bottom following the wood grain. Avoid blotching or excessive brushing which can cause streaks. Two coats minimum are recommended for proper coverage and protection.
Caring For Painted Railings
Now that your railings are looking fresh with a beautiful new coat of paint, you’ll want to be mindful of caring for the finish properly. Here are some tips:
Let Cure
Avoid cleaning or frequent handling of your newly painted railings for at least 1 week after painting. This allows adequate time for the paint to fully cure so it won’t scratch or scuff easily.
Wash Gently
When ready to clean, use a soft brush and mild cleanser designed for exterior surfaces. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. Rinse thoroughly with a low pressure hose. Wipe any standing water to prevent moisture damage.
Touch Up
Check your railings routinely for any chips, cracks or damages. Spot paint minor areas to prevent moisture creeping in. Address drips or sags right away as well.
Reapply Clear Coat
For added protection from sun and rain exposure, apply a fresh clear coat sealant yearly or bi-yearly. This maintains the vibrancy of paint and prevents premature fading.
Painting your deck railings completely transforms and modernizes your outdoor living space. While it requires some elbow grease for proper prep work, the results are well worth it. Following these tips will ensure your railings get prepped, painted and maintained like a pro.
So don’t tolerate faded, splintered railings for another season. Grab some paint this weekend and re-envision your outdoor space with fresh, colorful deck railings! Your only regret will be not doing it sooner.
