Should I Paint That? Painting Decks and Porches

Painting Decks and Porches

Deciding if you should paint your deck or porch begins with whether or not it’s already painted. If you are adding a new deck or porch find out more on how to select whats best for you here! If your deck boards are of natural wood, you might choose to finish them with a stain in order to preserve the visibility of their grain, but painting your decking boards can be a great way to add personality to your outdoor living area! If your wood has aged or you’re noticing peeling paint, it’s probably time for a fresh finish, as putting it off until later leads only to more noticeable flaws and an unavoidably time-consuming maintenance routine. If you’re in this situation, the answer to whether you should paint your deck or porch is a resounding “YES!” So, the question becomes HOW you should paint your outdoor deck boards. What are your options as far as types of paint? How should you prep and prime the boards? And, are there any expert tips when it comes to the painting process itself? Keep reading to find out.

Choosing the Right Deck Paint

Deck paint primarily comes in two types—Oil-based and water-based, and they both have their own distinct benefits and drawbacks.

Oil-based paint offers a tough durability the pros swear by. It lasts 5 to 10 years depending on the condition of the wood it covers and provides optimal moisture protection. However, most oil-based paint needs up to 24 hours before it is sufficiently dry enough to recoat. Additionally, harsh solvents, like paint thinners or turpentine, are required in order to clean oil-based paint out of brushes, rollers, and spray guns.

Alternatively, you could choose water-based deck paint, which cleans up easily with soap and water and it dries quickly. Although water-based paint jobs offer less longevity than oil-based ones—typically, lasting between four and eight years—they offer the best protection against fading due to natural element exposure. they also experience less cracking and peeling, since their acrylic ingredients are flexible. Water-based paints are suitable for painting your deck flooring or railings, as long as they are labeled as either deck paint or exterior paint.

The Prep Work

All home improvement projects benefit from prep work; painting your deck or porch is no different. For proper paint adhesion, follow these steps:

~Fix popped nails and screw heads.

~Use a stain or sealer remover to completely remove any old finish, including paint, stain, or clear sealer.

~At least 48 hours prior to painting, clean the entire surface using a deck wash product.

~Sand all ridges and/or lifted green and clean up any dust it creates.

~Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to protect adjacent surfaces, such as siding.

~Cover nearby landscaping with plastic to prevent damage.

Pro Porch And Deck Painting Tips

~Caulk is your best friend. Use it to achieve as complete a waterproof membrane as you can between boards and at all joints prior to painting.

~Clean, dry wood is crucial for proper paint adhesion.

~Experts recommend finishing decks with a high-grade, oil-based finish. Good quality acrylic paint is often the choice for finishing handrails.

~Avoid painting in direct sunlight whenever possible. Doing so may dry the paint too fast and create an uneven or patchy appearance.

~Paint from top to bottom, one section at a time.

~Use a paintbrush to cut into edges and corners. A 3/4-inch paint roller should be used on rough wood, whereas a 3/8-inch roller is best for medium rough wood. A foam roller is best for smooth wood.

By choosing the right paint product for your deck or porch project, putting in the required prep work, and adopting the painting strategies of the pros, you can totally revamp your outdoor living space. Deck painting doesn’t have to stick to traditional guidelines, either. Fun ideas include patterns, like stripes or check boards. Some inspired homeowners are even popularizing painting vibrantly colored floor rugs on their porches! If you live in NE Ohio and would like to partner with a team of local, expert painters for an estimate on your deck or porch painting project, PaintPositive would love to hear from you. Call us today at (330) 860-4508 or visit our website for more information!