Can You Paint A Deck?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can you paint a deck?

Paint allows you more color options

, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does. It’s easier to clean a painted deck rather than a stained one.

Is painting decking a good idea?


Deck paint is a great garden decking idea

, it will not only refresh your outdoor space, but it will also help form a protective barrier around the timber. To ensure you can continue to enjoy your decking area for years to come, we’ve put together some maintenance tips, along with a guide on how to paint decking.

Is it better to paint or stain a deck?

staining the deck,

paint generally comes out as the more durable and colorfast finish

, lasting 10 years or longer before requiring re-application. Oil-based paints offer the best protection from moisture, whereas latex paints provide the best defense against UV-related fading.

What kind of paint do you use on decks?

Can you just paint over deck?

You don’t need to remove old paint before painting a deck. You only need to remove old paint if it’s blistering, cracking, or peeling. Otherwise, the new layer will bubble and peel soon after.

If the old paint is still in good shape, paint over it.

Why You Should Never paint a deck?

To get the most out of a wood deck

it needs to be protected from the environment and harsh weather conditions

. Harmful UV rays and moisture can lessen the longevity of a wood deck in no time.

How long will paint last on a deck?

Deck Painting

A quality paint job can last for

up to 10 years

when it’s done right. Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does.

How much does it cost to paint a deck?

The cost to paint a deck ranges from

$600 to $1,500

or about $2 to $5 per square foot. Painting a 300 square foot surface is $1,050 on average, but many factors can increase the price. The labor rate, material condition, and paint quality, for example, can all drive up the total.

Can you paint old decking?


Paint is best for older decking that needs a TLC and has the added bonus of an injection of healthy colour

. And finally, oil is best if your decking is greying and needs nourishing.

Do you need to seal a deck before painting?

If your deck is weathered, paint might be a good option to restore the look.

Paints don’t penetrate wood like a sealer, but rather create a protective film on top to provide excellent UV protection

.

Can I paint my deck without sanding?


Don’t skip the sanding

: Scraping rarely removes all the paint from the existing deck, and it’s not meant to. After scraping away loose paint, it’s likely the wood will still have large areas of stuck-on paint, and that’s okay because if it’s not peeling, the new paint will still adhere.

What’s the best color to paint a deck?

  1. Slate Grey. If you are after a contemporary feel for your new deck area, then slate grey is one of the best deck paint colors to use. …
  2. Black. If you wish to go even bolder than slate grey, black is another attractive option to consider. …
  3. Dark Blue. …
  4. Chocolate Brown. …
  5. Greige.

What’s the difference between deck paint and exterior paint?

The primary difference between deck paint and house paint is

the quality it possesses relating to the surface you use it on

. Deck paint is formulated to avoid chipping and wearing. Wood deck paint is able to expand and contract with seasonal temperature and moisture changes.

What can I cover my old deck with?

If you want to completely cover your old deck,

composite decking

is a good option. Composite decking is made of a mix of wood and plastic, so it is very weather-resistant. It also doesn’t require any staining or sealing, which makes it low-maintenance.

How do you restore a weathered deck?

  1. Before You Begin…
  2. STEP 1: Inspect the deck and repair any damage.
  3. STEP 2: Remove any flaking, loose finish.
  4. STEP 3: Protect the surrounding area.
  5. STEP 4: Clean an unfinished deck or strip a previously finished deck.
  6. STEP 5: Sand the deck to prepare it for staining.
  7. STEP 6: Stain and seal the deck.

How do you paint an old deck?

What is the best deck paint for old decks?

Best Overall:

Behr Premium Advanced Deckover

Our best overall choice for deck paint is Behr Premium Advanced Deckover because it’s easily applied, has lots of color options, and holds up over time against the elements.

How many coats of paint does a deck need?

Apply

1-3 coats

of paint.

Paint the floor of the deck a few boards at a time, making sure you have a clear path on and off the deck so you do not paint yourself into a corner. Applying 3 coats will ensure the paint is durable and make the paint easier to maintain.

Will a rug ruin my deck?


If you properly take care of your outdoor rug and deck, your rug will not cause damage to your outdoor spaces

. But if left neglected, outdoor rugs can stain your deck or cause mold or mildew to grow within both the rug and the deck, causing damage that might be costly to fix.

What happens if it rains after I paint my deck?

Stains and oils penetrate wood best when it’s cool and dry. If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment,

the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain

. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat.

Should I power wash my deck?


If you have timber deck boards, a power washer’s pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers

. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

When should you not stain a deck?

You want to apply the stain when the wood surface and air are in the temperature range of 50° – 90°F. You also want to avoid the direct application of sunlight. Lastly, do not apply a stain

if there is a forecast of rain in the following one to two days, or all your hard work could end up being washed away

.

Should I pressure wash my deck before painting?

Pressure washing will not only remove the dirt and grime, but it can also remove old, chipped paint that may cause discrepancies in you new paint job. In short,

forgoing the pressure washing step will likely cause a lot of injustice to your new paint job

!

Should I power wash my deck before staining?

There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain.

Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result

.

How much does a gallon of deck paint cover?

One gallon of paint covers

300 to 400 square feet of deck

on average, depending on the formula, deck material, and condition. Painting a bare-wood deck takes 250 to 300 square feet per gallon and up to 2 coats of primer, plus paint.

How do I make my deck look new?

  1. SCRAPE OFF LOOSE FINISH. Remove loose paint or opaque deck stain with a paint scraper. …
  2. SCRUB THE SURFACE. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove flaking stain or dirt. …
  3. APPLY CLEANER. Apply a deck brightener/refinisher product to wood surfaces. …
  4. POWER WASH DECK. …
  5. APPLY FINISH. …
  6. USE A BRUSH.

How can I paint my deck fast?

Can I use a roller to paint decking?


To work more quickly, consider a roller

. These allow for greater coverage in one application than a brush and can be fitted with extension poles for ease and comfort. Like a roller, a paint pad can also be used with a pole and works well applying stain to both grooved and smooth decking.

Can you put paint over stain on a deck?

Should deck be lighter or darker than house?

Contrast the deck color with the house


Consider deck paint that will contrast with the exterior of your home – particularly for a small deck

. It will help define the exterior seating area. Black and white is a classic combination, but you could get a similar look with any dark and light pairing.

How soon can you walk on deck after painting?

In most cases a full body stain or aryllic deck finish will be dry to touch within an hour in dry, hot weather. After two hours you could take a chance and walk on it with shoes, though I’d recommend barefoot. After

about 4 hours

you should be able to safely walk on your deck.

Can I paint over stained wood?

What deck paint lasts the longest?

The general rule is to buy the highest quality paint available, because it will last longer and protect the wood more efficiently. Look for these qualities:

100 percent acrylic

: Top-of-the-line water-based deck paints often contain all-acrylic binders, making them slightly flexible and less likely to peel.

What temperature is best for painting a deck?

Consumer Reports notes the best time to paint or stain a deck is late spring when temperatures are

between 60 and 85°F

and the nights are cool. You’ll need four dry days for preparation, for application, and for a finish to completely dry.

Can I use outdoor paint on decking?

Although exterior paint has been used on decks before,

it is not something that we would recommend

. Exterior paint will not last as long as a proper deck paint or stain. This is because it does not like sitting water.

How do you save rotting decking?

  1. Remove any rotted boards and replace them with new, pressure-treated ones.
  2. Apply a water-resistant coating over the entire deck, including the support pieces.
  3. Even out any spots that create water pooling.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.