Is your once-beautiful wooden deck looking faded and worn? Are you starting to see cracks, peeling paint, and weathered gray wood? Don’t despair – with some simple preparation, you can give your deck a makeover with a fresh coat of paint, without the backbreaking work of stripping off the old finish. Painting over well-bonded old paint restores the color and protects the wood, while avoiding the cost and mess of paint removal. Follow these tips to rejuvenate your outdoor space and enjoy your deck like new again.
You’ll learn how to assess the current paint, properly prep the surface, choose compatible paints, and use the right application techniques for a durable, professional-quality finish. With a little time and effort, you can extend the life of your deck and refresh your whole backyard.
Assessing the Current Deck Paint
Before rushing into painting, it’s important to examine the current condition of the existing paint or stain. If the old finish is peeling, blistering, or flaking off in large sections, then it will likely need to be removed prior to painting. However, if the paint is still adhering well overall, you can paint over it.
Check the deck when it’s dry to see if there are any glossy areas or visible cracks. Then, perform an adhesion test by scraping a small area with a putty knife. If the paint comes off easily, removing it is advised. Harder, well-bonded paint can be prepped and painted over successfully.
Signs Paint Should Be Removed
Here are some red flags that signal it’s time to remove old deck paint or stain:
- Peeling paint in large sheets or flakes
- Blistering and bubbling under the surface
- Thick, gummy paint consistency
- Fading down to the bare wood
- Cracking that exposes the wood
If you spot these issues in more than a few areas, paint removal using chemical strippers or power washing is probably your best bet.
Patch Testing for Adhesion
To check existing paint adhesion, choose a small hidden area of the deck and scrape it firmly with a putty knife. If the paint comes off easily revealing bare wood, then adhesion is poor. But if you can’t remove the paint fully or it takes some effort to scrape off, the paint is likely still soundly bonded.
Also, check if the scraped area blends back in when you press the paint flakes back into place. If it looks uniform again, this suggests good adhesion. Use this patch test in a few areas to determine if you can paint over the old finish or need to strip it.
Preparing the Deck Surface
Proper surface prep is crucial for the new paint to adhere well. Your deck needs to be free of dirt, mold, mildew and any loose, flaking paint. Here’s how to get your deck ready for repainting:
Clean Thoroughly
Give your deck a deep clean using a pressure washer on a low setting to avoid damaging the wood. Detergent or deck cleaning solution helps remove grease, dirt and grime. For mildew stains, use a deck brightener or bleach solution after washing. Rinse off any residue thoroughly. Let the deck dry completely before painting.
Scrape Off Loose Paint
Use a paint scraper to remove any loose, cracked or peeling sections of old paint around deck boards, railings and stairs. A wire brush also helps remove paint flecks from nooks and crannies. Wear gloves and goggles for safety.
Scraping ensures that remaining paint will bond tightly to the new coat. Dispose of paint chips carefully.
Sand the Surface
For proper adhesion, the deck paint needs a roughed up, textured surface to grip on to. Use 60-80 grit sandpaper to scuff up the existing paint. Apply enough pressure to smooth old brush marks or bumps.
Orbital sanders make quicker work of large areas. Sand diagonally across boards to avoid creating deep grooves. Sweep up dust and debris when finished.
Spot Sand Bare Wood
Any bare wood or uneven patches exposed after scraping should be sanded smooth for a uniform finish. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper and be gentle to avoid scraping deep into bare wood.
Choosing New Paint
The new paint or stain you choose needs to be compatible with the existing paint type. Using the wrong formulation won’t adhere properly or achieve the right look. Here are some key considerations:
Oil or Latex Paint
If the current paint is latex acrylic, use a new latex or acrylic formula. For old oil-based paint, coat with a compatible oil or alkyd paint. The exceptions are weathered alkyd paints coated with latex and vice versa.
Paint, Stain or Hybrid
You can use solid color deck paint, semi-transparent stains, or hybrids, as long it is compatible. Solid stains provide opaque coverage like paint. Clear finishes show more wood grain. Hybrids offer a middle ground.
Durability and Protection
For exterior use, choose paints or stains offering mildew resistance, UV protection, and durability. The label should indicate it’s designed for decks. High hiding pigments provide rich color.
Timing the Paint Job
Weather impacts the application and drying of exterior paints. For ideal results, pick a block of days with moderate temperatures between 50-90degF. Avoid painting in direct sun, high winds, or high humidity.
Cooler Temperatures
Wait for a cool snap on hot summer days when the deck is shaded. Drying paint needs airflow circulation, so early morning and evening are best in summer.
Lower Humidity
If possible, paint when humidity is below 85%, so moisture doesn’t get trapped under the paint. Low humidity prevents blistering.
No Rain or Dew
Avoid applying paint if rain or heavy dew is expected within 2-4 hours. Water can ruin the finish as it dries. Check the weather forecast before starting.
For ideal drying conditions, early summer or early fall are prime seasons for deck painting.
Application Tips and Techniques
With proper tools and techniques, you can achieve a smooth, professional-looking painted deck:
Quality Brushes and Rollers
Use high-quality polyester or nylon bristle brushes to “cut-in” edges and corners. Choose rollers with the right nap thickness for your deck paint.
Cutting In the Edges
Use a brush to paint 1-2 inch edges along boards, railings, and stairs before rolling. This prevents drips and creates sharp paint lines.
Rolling on Paint
Use a roller to quickly cover large deck areas. Work in sections starting with the most hidden areas. Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
Following Wood Grain
Brush or roll with the direction of the wood grain for the most natural look. Vertical on railings, diagonally across boards.
Two Coats Minimum
Regardless of color, apply at least two coats of deck paint for proper protection and coverage. Some dark colors may require three coats.
Proper Cleanup
Clean brushes and rollers with the appropriate solvent after use. Do not let paint dry on the equipment.
Achieving a Professional Finish
With attention to detail, you can achieve flawless results free of imperfections:
Sand Lightly Between Coats
For a super smooth finish, do a light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper between coats to remove any debris or bumps.
Avoid Drips, Runs and Sags
Applying paint too thickly results in unsightly drips and sags. Maintain a consistent coating thickness.
Minimize Brush Strokes
Use good quality synthetic brushes and avoid overbrushing which leaves visible strokes. Feather out edges.
Tackle Touch-Ups
Fix any drips or mistakes right away before continuing. Carefully brush out errors to blend with surrounding paint.
Protect from Early Moisture
If dew or rain is likely overnight, cover freshly painted areas with tarps or plastic sheets to allow proper drying.
Caring for the Newly Painted Deck
Once your deck paint project is complete, you’ll want to care for the refreshed surface properly:
Cure Time Before Use
Avoid heavy foot traffic on the painted deck for 2-3 days minimum while paint fully cures. Moving items too soon may imprint or scratch the coating.
Keep Furniture Off Initially
Leave patio furniture, planters and other items off the deck for up to 3 days to prevent imprinting while paint hardens.
Routine Maintenance
Occasionally wash the deck with soap and water to prevent buildup of dirt, pollen, etc. that wears down the paint. Spot clean any stains or discoloration promptly.
Reapply as Needed
Depending on usage and exposure, exterior deck paints last 2-4 years typically before needing to reapply a fresh coat.
With the right preparation and painting techniques, you can successfully give your old, weathered deck a makeover without having to strip and stain from scratch. Pay attention to properly cleaning and sanding before painting to ensure adhesion. Use compatible high-quality latex or oil-based paints. Allow adequate drying time between coats.
The result will be a refreshed outdoor space you can enjoy again without breaking the bank. Having a newly painted deck also adds appeal and value to your entire home.
