Stain is a great option for sealing the deck against moisture, but it isn’t as effective as paint against harmful UV radiation, which can damage the wood fibers and make the deck more prone to cracking and warping. Also, keep in mind that a deck can and should be refinished when you start to see signs of wear and tear, like chipped or peeling paint. Follow these steps to learn how to paint a deck the right way.
When to Paint a Deck
One of the drawbacks of trying to paint a deck is that you need to factor in the weather. If it rains in the middle of your painting project, you may have to deal with running paint, streaks, slow drying times, partial coverage, and an uneven finish once the paint does dry. To avoid these issues, make sure to check the weather ahead of time and plan to complete the job on a nice, sunny day within a period of at least 24 hours without rain. This should give the paint and primer enough time to dry. Also, it’s important to pay attention to the temperature and humidity. The best temperature for painting a deck typically ranges from about 50 to 90°F. Paint dries slowly in high humidity, too, so try to complete outdoor painting projects on days when the humidity is low to help quicken drying time.
The Best Time of Day to Paint a Deck
It may feel great to get to work when the sun is high overhead, but the best time of day to paint is actually when the deck is in the shade, because this prevents the paint from drying too quickly. If the paint dries too fast, then it can appear uneven and patchy, so for the best finish, get started early in the morning while the temperature is lower, then allow the entire deck to dry in the afternoon during the hottest hours of the day.
Working Safely
When you are working on an indoor painting project, ventilation is your most important safety concern, but outdoors you have the benefit of open air, so you won’t need to worry about setting up fans to clear paint fumes. You should still wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, safety glasses, and a mask. The mask isn’t necessary for painting outdoors if you are working with a paintbrush and roller, but if you choose to use a paint sprayer, a mask is essential. (It can also help prevent you from inhaling sawdust and paint chips while you are preparing the deck.)
Clear any objects off the deck and sweep to remove dust, dirt, and debris. After sweeping, use a paint scraper to remove any paint that is still on the deck. Run the scraper over areas with flaking, chipped, or peeling paint. Apply pressure to the scraper so that it slides under and across the existing paint without damaging the wood underneath. Keep in mind that a pressure washer sprays water at a high enough pressure to damage the wood if it isn’t handled properly, so if you haven’t used a pressure washer before, it’s best to stick with the bucket of warm water and a wire scrub brush. After washing the deck, treat the wood with a mold deterrent spray, then allow the deck to dry before moving on to the next step. Once the primer is dry you can start to paint. Paintbrushes are great for narrow spaces between balustrades and in the corners, but for the rest of the deck you will want to use a paint roller. Consider investing in an extension pole for your paint roller so that you can paint the deck quickly and effectively without needing to squat or kneel for a long period of time. After the first coat, let the paint dry for 1 to 2 hours, then add a second coat of paint, if necessary. Whether you need one, two, or three coats of paint typically depends on the color of the paint and the coverage. If the old paint or the exterior wood putty is showing through, then you will need another coat of paint for complete coverage. Allow the paint to dry for 24 to 48 hours before resuming regular deck use.
