The deck is a must-have element in a house because it not only enhances the value and visual appeal of your property but also offers a useful space for outdoor dining. To maintain the shine of its wood and to protect it from moisture, UV rays, and potential damage, it is essential to repaint it with premium colors and expert techniques. Our team of professional painters at OMG Painting has suggested the following steps related to deck painting that help you bring back the charm of your deck easily.
5 Steps to Paint the Deck- Expert Techniques
Do you feel deck painting is a tough job? Although it is not an easy task but after reading the following steps, you will be able to paint the deck by yourself.
Step 1: Preparing the Deck
Before you start the painting process, it is important to prepare the deck first. Thoroughly clean the dust, stains, and remove the old paint. As our experts recommend that applying new paint without removing the old one will not provide the desired results, and it will not be long-lasting. You can use different tools, such as a paint scraper, which helps you remove the old paint completely.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on deck preparation |
Step 2: Sanding the Deck for a Smooth Surface
Applying the paint over a rough and uneven surface is of no use. Therefore, deck sanding before painting is a must. You can use sandpaper to smooth the uneven surface manually and to eliminate the imperfections. Our professional painters suggest sanding in the direction of the grains because if you sand against the grains, it can damage the deck.
Step 3: Deck Resurfacing and Inspection
Once you are done with sanding, start inspecting the deck thoroughly. An old deck might have cracks, protruding nails, or show signs of a loose board. Use a hammer and nail to fix the board, and wood putty to repair the cracks, chips, or other imperfections. After that, remove dust and debris, or you can consider power washing deck if required.
| Pro Tip: Inspect your deck annually and address minor repairs. |
Step 4: Priming the Deck
The next and one of the most important steps in the deck painting process is priming. It is a special coating applied to the deck to make it more durable and enhance the adhesion of the paint. Since the deck is exposed to the sunlight and moisture, priming makes it moisture resistant. Let the primer dry before you move to the next step.
Step 5: Choose Deck paint colors
The selection of deck paint colors is also an integral part. You might have several options to choose from; however, consider a few things while making your decision. Firstly, select special colors made for exterior painting. Secondly, make sure the paint is moisture and UV rays resistant. Additionally, consider the color theme of the rest of your home exterior and choose the paint for the deck accordingly.
| Pro Tip: Dark Colors are preferable as they hide the dirt and stains |
Step 6: Apply the Paint on the Deck
Here comes the main job, and that is to apply the paint, but before that, collect all the essential tools such as the paint brushes or paint roller. For quick and easy application of the paint, you can also use an extension pole. Apply an even coat of the paint in long strokes and make sure the paint reaches all the parts of the deck. Reaching the corners, nooks, and the spacing between the boards is difficult, which is why the expert uses a paintbrush to paint such areas of the deck. Although two coats are enough but for a better finish and to prolong the lifespan of the deck, you can consider a third coat.
| Pro Tip:Late Spring or Early Fall is the suitable time for deck painting |
Deck Stain vs. Paint—A Comparative Analysis
Deck staining and painting are popular finishing methods, and both of them come with their unique advantages.
Staining:
When it comes to enhancing the natural beauty of the deck wood, staining is second to none. It adds shine to the wood and lets the grains show. There are various shades of stain available, so you can choose according to your preference. However, you have to apply the stain frequently because it has a shorter lifespan compared to the paint.
Painting:
On the other hand, paint is an ideal option to eliminate imperfections and to give a uniform look to the deck. It also offers more customization because the paint is available in various colors. It gives a new life to old and worn-out decks. However, unlike stains, painting hides the natural beauty and grains of the wood.
Conclusion
In short, painting breathes new life into your deck and also complements the rest of the home exterior. Keep the above-mentioned steps, techniques, and deck painting ideas in mind before you start the DIY deck painting process. Consider inspecting, repairing, and cleaning the deck board before you apply the paint. Use high-quality paints and tools for desired results.
FAQs
What color deck is the best at hiding dirt?
Dark colors, such as black, are better at hiding dirt and stains as compared to lighter shades.
Will a deck increase home value?
Yes, a deck is an important part of the home exterior that not only increases the visual appeal of your home but also adds more value to it.
What is the best time of year for painting a deck?
According to the expert, late spring or early fall is the ideal time for deck painting due to stable weather.
What are the necessary tools for deck painting?
You need several tools to successfully paint the deck, such as Paint rollers and paint brushes. Paint trays, Primer, Exterior paint or stain, and Sandpaper or a sander.
How long should I let the paint dry and cure before using the deck?
Each coat of paint takes around 4 to 6 hours to dry; however, let the deck dry out for 48 hours after the final coat of paint.