Learn DIY deck painting
A deck is a great additionto a home but it needs maintenance.
Because of exposure to harsh weather, the deck requires consistent reapplications of protective coatings.
Missing one or two of these maintenance procedures can lead to irreversible deterioration.
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Learn how to paint a deck the right way to keep your investment looking good and functioning long-term.
Paint the deck in the driest season in your region, and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
The best relative humidity levels for anyexterior paintingproject are in the 40 to 50 percent range.
Let the surfaces dry thoroughly before you paint.
Measure the deck to calculate how much paint you’ll need.
Plan the day you will paint.
Avoid painting in the hot, direct sun as this causes the paint to dry too quickly.
Instead, scrape off peeling paint and sand down any glossy paint that remains.
For deck safety, consider using an anti-skid additive.
It is mixed into the deck paint to provide a better grip for walking surfaces.
Use our paint calculator to determine how much paint you should buy for the project.
Buy paint based on the paint calculator’s recommendation.
If you already have paint on hand, check that that it is still in good shape.
Well-maintainedacrylic latex paint can lastbetween two and 10 years.
Many cleaners attach directly to the end of a hose.
Spray on the deck cleaner and allow it to penetrate the surface.
Attach the hose to the pressure washer.
Attach a wide spray tip to the end of the spray gun.
Be sure to clean between the boards.
Let the deck dry for at least two full days in warm, dry conditions.
Begin with the brushwork.
Dab the brush into the primer and force the brush between the deck boards.
Work your way down the entire length of the deck, priming every seam between boards.
Also, prime the sides of the deck boards and any areas that the roller cannot reach.
Pour the primer into the 5-gallon bucket and hang the screen inside of it.
Roll it out on the screen.
Move the roller to the deck, covering the deck boards with primer and working backward.
Let it dry for four hours.
Apply two to three coats to the deck, leaving at least two days between each coat.
Becausepaint is about color,not just protection, you gotta ensure color consistency.
Use the paint-boxing technique for this.
Pour several cans of paint into a clean 5-gallon bucket to achieve an average color between all cans.
Painted Decks vs.
Sealed Decks
Applyingpenetrating stainsand sealers is one way toprotect the woodwhile displaying the wood’s natural grain.
Painting can restore an old deck to like-new condition.
Paint lays down a thick, tough coat that penetrates the wood’s underlying cellular structure.
Once you paint your deck, you are more or less bound to this decision.
Keep the paint you used for touch-ups throughout the years.
Painting or staining a deck comes down to a personal preference.
How Much Does Deck Painting Cost?Angi.
