Giving your deck a fresh coat of protective paint or stain is one of the single best improvements you can make to your outdoor space. An old, weathered deck with peeling paint, gray, cracked wood, and splinters galore is an eyesore that drags down your whole backyard.
A freshly painted deck provides visual appeal and protects the wood from damaging UV rays, excess moisture, mold, and mildew. Quality exterior deck paints and stains protect your deck wood boards from splintering, rotting, cupping, and becoming hazardously slippery. Lets focus on deck staining service near me and save the money.
Types of Deck Paints and Stains
Deck paint falls into three main categories—traditional oil-based paints, latex acrylic paints, and penetrating stains. Each has its advantages and best uses.
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paints provide superior protection for horizontal exterior wood surfaces like decks and porches. The oils allow the paint to deeply penetrate the wood grain for excellent adhesion and a protective barrier that seals out moisture.
Oil paints expand and contract with the wood as temperatures fluctuate so they avoid cracking, chipping, and peeling. The high-quality oils used tend to be flexible and fade-resistant as well.
Oil deck paint application requires careful prep work and brings longer drying times but is rewarded by a highly durable, water-resistant, and protective finish.
Latex/Acrylic Paints
For decks, water-based 100% acrylic latex paints provide an easier, lower-odor application than messy oils. Acrylic latex dries faster for quicker recoating as well. Soap and water cleanup of brushes couldn’t be simpler.
Modern deck latex paints resist fading, cracking, and peeling and offer improved protection from foot traffic and the elements. The better formulas feature nanotechnology acrylic resins for superior adhesion.
Semi-transparent Wood Stains
You can avoid entirely coating your wood deck’s surface while still protecting it from sun and moisture by using a penetrating semi-transparent stain instead of paint. Quality decking stains contain oils, resins, and pigments that soak into the wood grain to guard against moisture, UV rays, and fungus.
Tonal, translucent wood stains allow the natural beauty of the wood grain and texture to show through. This creates a classier, more natural deck aesthetic that some homeowners prefer over painted looks.
The tradeoff comes in durability, stains don’t last nearly as long as paints before needing reapplication every 2-3 years. The wood surface remains more vulnerable to damage as well from heavy foot traffic, furniture scratches, etc.
Oil-Based vs. Latex Paint Pros & Cons
To recap, what are the major pros and cons of using traditional oil-based deck paint versus newer latex acrylics?
Oil-Based Paint Advantages
- An extremely durable finish lasts 6-9 years on average.
- Resists cracking, blistering, and peeling far longer than latex paint.
- Deep penetration seals and protects wood incredibly well.
- Ideal for horizontal surfaces like deck flooring.
- Handles expansion/contraction of wood better.
Latex Paint Benefits
- Far easier soap and water cleanup.
- Fast 1–2-hour dry times between coats.
- Much less smelly fumes than oil based.
- Easier to apply without dripping or sagging.
- Breathable finish lets wood moisture escape.
Downsides of Oil Paints
- Long 12+ hour dry times between coats.
- Big clean-up hassle using paint thinner.
- Toxic fumes require breathing protection.
- Messy application with lots of drips if not careful
Acrylic Latex Weaknesses
- Surface protection is not nearly as enduring as oils.
- Tends to chip, crack, and peel sooner than oil paints.
- Frequent reapplication is needed every 3-5 years.
- Won’t penetrate and seal wood as effectively.
Picking Paint Colors for Your Deck
Choosing a paint color for your decking may seem strictly an aesthetic consideration. But the hue you select impacts far more—namely long-term durability, maintenance requirements, and safety underfoot.
Lighter, brighter colors make your deck boards easier to see and visually widen small spaces. Vivid colors complement colorful container plantings nicely. Just knowing lighter paints more readily show dirt, pollen, leaves, etc. requires extra vigilance in cleaning.
Preparing Your Deck Surface Before Painting
Just as with interior walls, proper prep work before painting your deck is critical for beautiful, long-wearing results. Any loose splinters, holes, cracks, or rotten boards must be repaired beforehand, or they’ll still show through the fresh paint.
Here are the essential steps when prepping an existing deck for repainting:
- Inspect thoroughly for any structural damage that needs patching first.
- Remove old furniture, planters, wind chimes to paint unencumbered.
- Sweep off all debris, leaves, and dirt with a broom and shop vac.
- Use a power washer on low pressure to strip off all loose flaking paint and wood fibers without further damaging the subsurface
- Allow 3-5 days for any remaining dampness to evaporate.
- Scrape off any last bits of paint adhering with a flat tool and sand rough areas.
- Brush on a quality wood restorative solution to fungi-ridden areas if existing
- Wipes clean the full deck surface with a rag dipped in soapy water then a second cleaner water rinse rag to pick up any last specks of dirt and soapy residue.
- Fill cracks with exterior caulk and sand smooth when dry.
- Nail down any protruding nails or tighten loose ones.
- Cover nearby plants and structures to shield them from paint spraying or dripping if working with a brush.
- Wear protective eyewear and clothing during the painting process.
The time invested in carrying out these preparatory steps determines whether your newly painted deck gives you years of like-new enjoyment or starts chipping, fading, and peeling after one harsh winter. Spend the effort prepping thoroughly for the best chances of success.
Choosing Quality Brushes and Rollers
Investing in high-quality applicator tools leads to easier painting and smoother finished looks. The best exterior deck paintbrushes feature synthetic nylon or polyester bristles with flagged and tapered tips. These flexible brushes hold more paint and apply it efficiently with less dripping.
Angled sash paintbrushes simplify cutting crisp lines along borders and edges. wider deck stain brushes, 4-6 inches, make quicker work of broad open floor areas.
How Many Coats of Paint for Decks
Most quality deck paint brands recommend applying two finish coats to new wood or previously stained surfaces. For refinishing an already painted deck whose old coat has peeled extensively, up to four thin new paint coats may be warranted to build enough protection.
Oil-based deck paint requires 12-24 hours of drying time between recoating. Latex acrylic versions allow 1-3 hours between coats typically. Finish coats get walked on after 48 hours and furniture is placed 5-7 days after final drying for full curing strength.
Conclusion
Give your valued exterior living space a whole new look and protective barrier by repainting your deck periodically. Follow the preparation, painting, care, and maintenance tips outlined here for gorgeous, long-wearing results season after season—done affordably by yourself or a hired deck painting company. Invest a little time and money into your deck paint makeover and enjoy the benefits for years on end.
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