A fresh coat of paint is always the most cost-effective way of making something look new again. But when it comes to updating your deck, how do you know what’s the best deck paint to use? In this article, we’ll walk you through the best way to repaint your deck while also sharing with you what we have discovered to be the best paint and stain for your deck. We’ve evaluated several deck paints on the market and ranked them according to ease of application, cleanup, sheen, and durability. So, whether you want to go with a traditional deck color or want your deck to be a little more bold and unique, we’re here to ensure you choose the best deck paint for your project.
List of Best Deck Paint and Stain
If you’re lucky enough to have a deck, you’ll want to take proper care of it to keep it looking beautiful for seasonal gatherings or family time. For something this important, you don’t just want to pick up the first paint or stain you spot at the store. We’ve done our homework and have compiled a list of the very best deck paint and stains out there:
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Best Color Selection Deck Paint
Behr Premium Low-Lustre Porch & Patio Floor Paint
This deck paint is ideal for exterior applications such as patios, porches, basements, and decks. It’s resistant to fading, scuffing, peeling, cracking, and mildew. The best part is, it’s available in custom color matching!
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Best Paint for Wood Deck Railing
Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Paint
Offering superior coverage and protection, this paint is perfect for your specialty finishes. Extremely versatile, Montage Signature is the #1 paint choice for all your needs.
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Best Deck Stain
Sikkens Transparent Matte Natural OIl-Based Stain
You’ll get amazing and long-lasting results with this one-coat application stain. It penetrates deep into the wood to protect against the Boise summer heat and frigid winter temperatures. You’ll love how it allows the natural grain of your deck or furniture to shine through. It’s a bit pricey but makes up for it in longevity.
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Best Durable Deck Paint
Behr Premium Advanced Deckover
If you’re looking for durability, this paint is an excellent choice. It comes in a variety of color options, is applied easily, and holds up extremely well against the elements. It’s a thicker consistency of paint which means it will take longer to dry. You can use this paint on composite wood, wood, and concrete.
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Best Paint For Old Wood
Kilz Latex Floor Paint L573611
Appropriate for all previously primed or painted surfaces including wood and masonry, this paint has a low-luster finish that applies smoothly and evenly. It also can be used on trim, siding, and trellises. You’ll appreciate that it’s resistant to fading, scuffing, cracking, and peeling.
Picking a Deck Paint
It’s quite possible that the easiest part of painting a deck is the application process. Choosing the right paint or stain can prove to be a very difficult part of the project. With so many different deck paints on the market, it can be overwhelming for anyone.
Keep in mind how important it is to purchase an exterior paint that’s specifically created for decks and horizontal surfaces. Regular house paints are made to cover vertical surfaces where water and rain won’t sit. Decking is different and will accommodate puddles of water. Be certain the label on the paint you choose specifies that it can be used on horizontal surfaces.
Should You Use Paint vs. Stain?
The number one determining factor when it comes to going with paint or stain will generally be preference. Which look do you prefer more? However, paint is thicker and tends to be more durable. It helps to note that stains are designed for use on wood surfaces that are bare or haven’t been treated. While stain does have color, it’s designed to allow the natural wood grain to show through. Most deck stains also include a sealer product that protects the wood from exposure to the elements.
Paint will conceal the wood grain which means it will also hide any blemishes or damage points in your deck. If you’ve had to replace boards in your deck that don’t match the others, the paint will restore a more uniform look.
If however, your deck is prone to humidity you will have to think about preventing mold and mildew. If this is the case, stain will be your best option. The stain will penetrate your deck wood to form a solid coating on top, unlike paint. While Boise doesn’t receive nearly the amounts of rain as other regions of the US, it can still rain a fair amount in the spring and fall. Consider what look you’re going for, your climate, as well as the current state of your deck to determine if paint or stain is right for you.
How to Paint a Deck
Once you’ve picked your deck paint or stain, here are the steps to successfully painting a deck along with some helpful tips:
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Wash Down the Deck
Your deck must be completely clean before applying paint or stain. Even if your deck is new, it still needs to be thoroughly scrubbed and rinsed down as your first step. You can find several options for deck cleaning products at your local hardware store. Choose an all-purpose cleaner that will remove dirt, grime, and debris. If mold or mildew is a problem on your existing deck, purchase a cleaner containing mildewcide before painting or staining. You may be tempted to use a power washer to aid in the cleaning process, However, the high pressure may actually damage the wood by digging chunks out of it. A garden hose with a jet nozzle works well to get the job done without being so abrasive.
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Sand and Scrape the Deck
Any deck paint that is peeling or bubbling will need to be removed before you can start repainting. Any rough or jagged areas need to be sanded until smooth. Using a wire brush, use large strokes to loosen any dislodged paint. The wire brush should make quick work of most loose paint but you’ll need to follow up with a paint scraper. A flat scraper that resembles a putty knife will be the best tool to remove any remaining loose paint. Be careful not to push the scraper too hard and gauge the surface. A pulling motion will be more effective and less destructive.
You may be tempted at this point to skip the important step of sanding. But scraping rarely gets rid of all existing deck paint. In order to have a cohesive look and feel, sanding is necessary to smooth out the edges between the bare wood and any remaining paint.
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Apply Paint or Stain to the Deck
Before popping open your chosen paint or stain, tape off any areas of your home or garage you don’t want painted. We recommend using a roller with an extension pole for convenient painting while standing up. It’s also handy to have some various sizes of paint brushes around for those spots a roller can’t get too.
Do your best to paint every angle of your decking. The more surface you can cover, the more it’s protected. Pay special attention to paint the underside of your decking along with all reachable sides. Sealing your deck will prevent mold and mildew from growing and add to its longevity.
Can you Paint Composite Decking?
Composite decking, which is the same as Trex decking, doesn’t accept paint naturally like a real wood deck. It’s made of plastic film that when mixed with wood fibers, creates a resilient material more durable than decking that is 100% plastic.
If you’re going to paint or stain composite decking, stain will work better than paint but might not last as long. Since paint and stain won’t adhere as easily to composite decking, you’ll need to scuff up its surface before application. Once the composite has been roughed up by sandpaper, paint or stain will adhere much better with a gritty surface to grip onto.
How to Remove Decking Paint?
Stripping your deck of paint can be a messy job. There are several different stripping products on the market you can use. These gel-like substances when applied to your decking, will soften the existing stain or paint. Ideally, the stripping product will be rinsed away and take the original coating with it. The problem is that the stripping agent will likely need to be reapplied over stubborn areas and there will be scraping and scrubbing involved. Some strippers are meant to work on stain while others will work for paint or stain. If you’re going to take on this project, choose the stripper that best fits your needs.
Can You Stain Over Paint?
Yes, you can stain over paint but we don’t recommend it for a project as large as a deck. Stain over paint is more suitable for smaller projects like refinishing furniture or woodworking. Depending on the color of the paint and the stain you’re working with, the result will be a lacquered look. In most instances, if your deck was originally coated with paint, we recommend repainting instead of applying stain.
The Best Deck Paint in 2022 Conclusion
A fresh coat of paint is a great way to update your deck while giving it added protection at the same time. But before you jump in, be certain you’re choosing the best paint or stain to ensure long-term results. If you live in the Treasure Valley and have further questions about deck painting, interior, or exterior painting, contact Boise Home Painting. Our team of professionals will be happy to answer any questions or give you a free estimate for your current project. Click here to get your free estimate!