A deck is an excellent way to create outdoor entertaining or dining space. You can set up a barbecue and some chairs and tables, or even a canopy to protect yourself and your guests against rain or to provide shade on hot days. You can also paint or stain your deck to keep it looking good.
Stain can seal the deck against moisture, but it’s not as effective against UV radiation that can damage wood fibers, making it more susceptible to warping and cracking. Remember that you can and should refinish a deck when it shows signs of wear, such as peeling or chipped paint. Learn how to paint your deck correctly by following these steps.
How to paint a deck
You have to consider the weather when painting a deck. If it rains during your painting project, you may end up with streaks, running paint, uneven coverage, and slow drying time. Check the weather before you start, and finish the project on a sunny, warm day with no rain. This will give the primer and paint enough time to cure.
It’s also important to consider the humidity and temperature. Painting a deck is best done between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Paint also dries slower in high humidity. So, complete outdoor painting projects at low moisture to speed up drying.
When is the best time of day to paint a deck?
The best time to paint the deck is when it is shaded. This will prevent the paint from drying out too quickly. It is best to start painting early in the morning when the temperatures are lower. Then, let the deck dry during the hottest part of the day in the afternoon.
Working Safely
You don’t have to set up fans to clear paint fumes when you are painting indoors. Wear gloves, safety goggles, long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toed shoes. You don’t need a mask if you use a sprayer and a roller. It can also prevent inhaling paint chips and sawdust while preparing the deck.
How to Paint a Deck
It’s easy to learn how to paint decks, but it takes time. Be prepared to spend hours cleaning, repairing, and patching before you can start painting. Allow 24 to 48 hours for the deck to dry after painting.
- This step is optional if you’re painting a new deck. This step is optional if your deck is brand new.
- Sweep the deck to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use a paint scraper after sweeping to remove any paint on the deck. The paint scraper can remove flaking, peeling, and chipped paint. Use pressure on the scraper to slide it under and along the existing color without damaging the wood beneath.
Sanding the deck is the next step. You can manually smooth out rough edges if the deck is in good condition. Use sandpaper or a block of sanding. If you are working on an old deck with splinters, renting a power sander at your local home improvement shop may be the best option. This will remove not only rough edges but also old paint and stain, allowing the new paint to adhere to the deck.
