If you’re like most homeowners, your outdoor deck is one of your most valued exterior assets. It provides extra livable space to host gatherings with family and friends. Over time though, constant exposure to the elements can take its toll. Your once beautiful wood deck likely looks faded, worn or splintered in spots. Replacing the entire deck is expensive, so your best option is to renew it with a fresh coat of protective deck paint.
But how do you know which type of deck paint is right for your needs? With so many brands and products to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to select one. The key is understanding what properties make for a long-lasting, durable coating able to withstand sun, rain, snow and heavy foot traffic. Let’s start by examining the differences between deck paints and stains.
Determine the Right Type of Paint for Your Deck
Differences Between Paint and Stain
Deck paint sits atop the wood surface and forms a protective film, while stain penetrates deeper into the wood grain. Paint tends to last longer, fully protecting the deck boards from moisture and UV radiation. Stain highlights the natural wood texture but doesn’t seal the surface. You’ll need to reapply stain more often than paint. However, stain is easier to refresh when needed – simply clean and re-coat the worn areas. With paint, the entire finish usually needs stripping before recoating.
Paint also conceals flaws and damage better than stain. So if your deck is pretty weathered, paint is the best option to give it a fresh, uniform appearance. For newer decks in good condition that just need some protection, a semi-transparent stain is ideal for showcasing the wood’s natural beauty.
Paint Considerations by Deck Wood Type
Certain paint coatings work better for specific deck building materials:
- For natural wood decks, oil or latex paints provide the best adhesion and durability.
- On composite decking, acrylic or latex paints are recommended since composites have plastic-like surfaces.
- Concrete porch and patio surfaces do best with enamel or epoxy paint formulations.
Be sure to read the label and product descriptions to ensure compatibility with your particular deck’s construction.
Key Paint Features to Look For
Regardless of which brand you choose, any high-quality deck paint should offer these essential protective properties:
- Durability: Withstands damage from heavy foot traffic, furniture, weather, and seasonal temperature changes without cracking, chipping or peeling.
- UV protection: Prevents fading, discoloration and wood damage from harsh sun exposure.
- Adhesion: Bonds tightly to form a uniform, water-resistant barrier that won’t blister or lift up.
- Mildew resistance: Inhibits mildew growth which can lead to staining, deterioration and slipperiness.
For decks with high traffic areas like stairs, also look for paint with textured additives to create grip and prevent slipping when wet.
Prep Your Deck Thoroughly Before Painting
Even the highest quality deck paint won’t adhere and perform properly without diligent surface prep beforehand. Remember, you want the paint to bond tightly to the bare wood, not old paint or finishes. Follow these essential steps:
Cleaning and Removing Old Paint
Cover the entire deck with a heavy duty deck cleaner, following label directions. Allow it to soak in for 10-15 minutes before thoroughly power washing off all residue. Pay close attention to areas with peeling paint or visible mildew and scrub with a stiff bristle brush to remove it all. After drying, inspect closely and scrape off any splintered spots or remaining loose paint with a paint scraper, putty knife or wire brush.
Filling Cracks and Damaged Areas
Inspect for any splits, cracks or holes and fill them with a paintable, exterior-grade wood filler. This provides a smooth surface for paint to adhere to. For more extensive wood rot or other structural damage, replacement boards may be needed before painting.
Priming to Improve Paint Adhesion
After the deck is fully cleaned, dried, and repaired, apply a high-bonding primer formulated especially for exterior wood and deck surfaces. Even if painting a bare wood deck, priming ensures uniform absorption so the finish coat goes on smoothly. For previously painted or stained decks, primer provides extra grip for the new paint. Allow the primer to dry fully before painting.
Top Paint Brands and Products for Decks
With your deck prepped and ready, it’s time to select the right deck paint. Here are some of the most trusted brands making long-lasting, protective deck paints and stains:
Benjamin Moore Arborcoat
This ultra premium exterior paint uses innovative resins to create an exceptionally durable, long-wearing finish. Arborcoat is specially designed to stand up to harsh weather, foot traffic, mold, mildew and sun damage. It provides complete opacity in a wide range of colors. Arborcoat’s thicker consistency gives great hide and coverage with fewer coats needed.
Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Deck Stain
For those wanting to keep the natural wood texture, Behr’s acrylic-oil blend penetrates deep while allowing grain and texture to show. It protects against fading, wear, mildew, and algae. The semi-transparent tintable stain enhances wood color without concealing it. An added traction additive provides underfoot slip resistance when damp.
INSL-X Sure Step Anti-Slip Paint
Ideal for staircase safety, this textured acrylic latex paint contains loads of granules to create an extremely slip-resistant grippy surface. Suitable for concrete, wood, composite, and other deck materials, Sure Step comes in a range of custom tintable colors with excellent fade and scuff resistance.
Talk to your local paint store experts for personalized recommendations based on your specific deck and needs. Be sure to bring a sample of your decking material.
Get the Right Supplies for a Flawless Paint Job
In addition to top quality primer and paint, invest in the proper brushes, rollers, and other accessories for a smooth application.
Paintbrush Types and Sizes
Use an angled sash brush to neatly “cut in” edges, corners, and tight areas first before rolling larger sections. Opt for brushes with densely packed, feathered bristles. For easily applying paint to large deck planks and boards, a brush width of 4-6 inches works best. You’ll also need a smaller trim brush for spindles, rails, and details. Buy high-end brushes specifically for exterior paint – they make a big difference.
Other Helpful Painting Tools
Gather all the additional supplies that will aid in a fast, neat paint job:
- Paint tray with textured bottom to evenly distribute paint on roller
- Paint pole and roller sleeve equipped for smooth surfaces
- Painters tape for masking off areas
- Scrapers, caulk gun, screwdrivers, pry bar
- Exterior wood filler, caulk, and patching compound
Safety Equipment
Be sure to protect yourself from paint fumes, spills, and debris. Have on hand:
- Respirator mask rated for oil-based paints
- Safety goggles to shield eyes
- Gloves to keep hands clean
- Hat and sunscreen if painting in direct sunlight
- Knee pads for working on low areas
Step-By-Step Guide to Painting Your Deck
Once you have all the recommended supplies and tools, follow these key steps for flawless results:
Laying Drop Cloths and Masking Off Areas
Outline the perimeter of the deck with canvas drop cloths to protect surrounding structures and plants from drips, spills, and overspray. Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to mask off any areas you don’t want painted like doors, windows, and railings.
Opening Paint Cans and Preparing Brushes
Carefully open and stir your primer and paint containers, taking care not to spill. Pour sufficient amounts into paint trays. Next, thoroughly wet bristle brushes in the paint tray, then tap brush on edge to remove excess dripping. Prime brushes should feel fully saturated but not be dripping wet.
Cutting in the Edges and Hard-To-Reach Spots
Using the angled sash brush, paint a “cutting in” border along all edges, corners, and tight areas first. Work methodically around the perimeter before moving on to rolling larger areas. Apply paint liberally but not too thick in these detailed zones.
Rolling on Paint in Sections Starting at Far End
Dip roller into paint tray and evenly cover in a back and forth motion. Apply in approximately 4×4 sections starting at the far end and working backwards toward exit area to avoid trapping yourself. Spread paint smoothly and evenly in direction of wood grain.
Second Coat Tips and Drying Timeline
Let first coat dry completely, typically within 24 hours for latex or 48 hours for oil-based. Lightly sand any drips or rough patches, then wipe away debris. Follow same painting steps for second finish coat, allowing full drying again before use.
Cleaning Up Properly After Painting
Wash brushes thoroughly after each use in solvent recommended on paint can label. Promptly clean any spills and remove all masking tape and drop cloths once painting is complete. Safely dispose of all soiled solvents, rags, cans and other waste.
Maintaining Your Painted Deck
Put some effort into caring for your freshly painted deck and it will retain its just-painted look for as long as possible:
Checking for Early Signs of Damage
Inspect your deck once or twice a year for any flaws in the paint like cracking, peeling, blisters, etc. Address any issues immediately before they worsen.
Handling Small Repairs and Touch-Ups
For minor damaged spots, thoroughly clean and sand the area, then spot paint just the affected portion with a small trim brush. Match original color as close as possible.
Determining When a Full Repaint is Needed
If paint damage is extensive and noticeable even from afar, a full deck resurfacing is likely required. Ideally this is done every 3-5 years.
Steps to Prep and Paint Previously Coated Decks
Follow the same intensive cleaning, sanding, scraping, repairing and priming process detailed earlier to get the surface ready for repainting. Compatibility with old paint may influence new paint selection.
Choosing the ideal long-lasting paint to protect and beautify your outdoor deck requires careful consideration of deck materials, paint properties, proper prep work, application tools, and maintenance. But the payoff is well worth it. Follow this comprehensive guide and you’ll have a deck surface that impressively withstands the elements while retaining a freshly painted look for years to come.
