By Bob Vila and Glenda Taylor | Updated Sep 5, 2023 9:13 AM
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Q. First-time deck painter here. I have prepared my deck as well as possible, scraping away old paint and sanding the wood. I am just wondering what is the best and most efficient way to tackle the job. Is it better to go with a brush, a roller, or another option that I haven’t considered? Is there anything else I should keep in mind?
A. It sounds as if you’ve given due attention to this important early yet critical phase; others would be wise to follow your example. Ahead, learn why prep is so important before painting a deck and find out how to select the right paint for the job.
Deck painting is a classic summertime project, but according to Jolene Jantz, Paint Advisor for Jantz Lumber and Do-It Center in McPherson Kansas, the key to a successful deck-painting project lies in the surface preparation. “All loose paint must be removed, and the surface must be clean and dry,” Jantz said. Once existing paint has been scraped away, and rough patches have been sanded smooth, the deck must be thoroughly cleaned. Only then is it ready to accept paint.
Even if it’s a new deck, it has to be clean before applying paint or stain. Deck-cleaning products are available that can be sprayed on using a garden hose dispenser and then brushed in with a utility broom or similar brush and then rinsed off. Consider the following when washing the deck.
All loose and peeling paint must be removed before repainting a deck. For the best results, rough surfaces should also be sanded smooth.
Before opening the can of paint or stain, apply painter’s tape to adjacent parts of a house or garage. After all the rest of the prep work, this is a minimal step. The tools chosen to apply the new finish deserve consideration as well.
A common mistake DIYers make when choosing deck paint is to buy exterior paint without first making sure it should be used on a deck floor. “The paint must be suitable for a horizontal surface,” Jantz said. Whereas all exterior paints will resist water damage to an extent, regular house paints are made to cover vertical surfaces, such as siding, where rain runs down and doesn’t sit on the painted surface. On the other hand, decking may retain small puddles of water after a rain. The paint for a deck or patio should be labeled as “floor paint” or “deck paint,” or the description should say that it can be used on horizontal surfaces.
To an extent, choosing between paint and stain is a matter of taste, but paint is thicker and more durable, while stain must be reapplied more frequently. As a general rule of thumb, deck stain is designed for use on bare or non-painted wood surfaces because although it imparts some color, it also allows the wood grain to show through. Deck stains come in various opacities; some offer just a hint of color, while others are semi-transparent or nearly opaque. The more pigments a stain contains, the more color it will impart. Most deck stains also include a sealer product that helps protect the wood from the elements. Choosing between paint or stain requires understanding the differences between the two products.
Paint does a better job of disguising imperfections, and it completely covers the wood grain. This makes paint well-suited for decks where a few boards have been replaced, and there’s an obvious difference between the new boards and the old boards. A coat of paint will hide the differences and give the deck a uniform, updated look.
That said, if the deck runs close to the ground or is located in a humid spot with poor air circulation, particularly if it’s had some problems with mold or mildew, then go for stain. While paint completely coats the wood, a stain penetrates the wood grain, but it does not form a solid coating on top as paint does. When moisture is a consistent factor, paint has a greater tendency to blister and peel. A penetrating stain and sealer combination will soak into the wood and protect from within.
Whether painting a new deck or updating an older painted deck, it’s usually—but not always—a good idea to apply primer to the wood before rolling on the paint. Jantz explains what to consider when choosing a primer.
If the deck has splintered wood and gaps between the boards—if, in short, it’s seen better days—then you may want to consider a new crop of outdoor finishes that not only add color and protection but also correct minor flaws. Offered by a handful of manufacturers, these thick stains have a consistency reminiscent of cake frosting.
For instance, Behr makes a product called DeckOver, which the company claims can fill cracks up to 1/4-inch wide. This type of filler/paint product will smooth out the surface of decking that’s showing its age via gouges in the wood, nail holes, large pores, or obvious expansion cracks. If your deck is truly in rough shape and you have little time to put toward revitalizing it, DeckOver and similar products are probably worth the money. On the other hand, if your deck is in good condition, regular paint or stain would do just fine.
When it comes to buying paint, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get more rather than not enough. Leftover paint can be used later for touchups if necessary. Still, you don’t want to end up with large cans that never get opened. Follow these steps to get an idea of how much you need.
High-end decks made from redwood, teak, or cedar naturally resist water damage, but they too can benefit from the application of a clear sealer that penetrates the wood grain and slows down the weathering process.
Most decks, however, are built from treated—yellow pine that’s been soaked in chemicals to keep it from rotting. Jantz explains that treated decks need adequate time for the chemicals to evaporate from the wood before adding paint or sealant. If a deck is painted before the chemicals have completely evaporated, the paint is more likely to peel off. Jantz recommends waiting six months after the deck is constructed to give it ample time for the chemicals to evaporate before painting or sealing.
Spending time on a deck is a favorite warm-weather activity for many, so it makes sense to protect the deck to maintain its beauty and extend its useful life. For those thinking about painting or sealing the backyard deck, a few questions are to be expected.
Clean the deck thoroughly, remove all loose paint, and then sand the deck and let it dry completely.
Absolutely! Just make sure to prep the deck as detailed above and choose a deck paint that is compatible with the current paint.
Either oil-based or water-based exterior deck paints are suitable, but they should be designed for use on horizontal surfaces—not just exterior paint designed for use on a house or a fence.
If the deck was previously painted, it’s best to paint it again. If the wood is bare, either paint or stain is acceptable—it’s mostly a matter of personal preference.
A new coat of paint or stain will update a deck and give it new life and appeal, but before grabbing a roller, it’s crucial to correctly prep the deck. The actual process of rolling or brushing on paint or stain is relatively quick and straightforward compared to the time it takes to prep a deck—especially if it’s an older deck with loose paint or mold problems.
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