We may make gross from the products available on this page and take part in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
Decks offer a post to set up barbecues and outdoor furniture that make a M more comfortable . Since most deck of cards are made of wood , it ’s necessary to go for a protective layer of rouge or stain to keep the Sir Henry Joseph Wood protect from the sun , pelting , sleet , and snow .
While stain can be a honest choice for a pack of cards , paint comes with many benefit that make it an equally appealing choice , include dear ultraviolet radiation auspices , wet resistance , and long - last enduringness . But these benefit can only be trust on if the deck is prepped and painted properly . apply this guide to find out how to paint a deck of cards the right direction .
Photo: RyanJLane via Getty Images
Reasons to Paint (or Repaint) Your Deck
house painting or repainting a deck of cards is of the essence for ensuring the wood stays in expert condition while being exposed to prove and falling temperatures , moisture , and harmful ultraviolet radiation rays . Additionally , paint can reduce the risk of damage to the deck from veritable wear and tear , as well as improving the coming into court of the deck of cards with a color or tone of your choosing .
You also have the option of staining the deck , though when it come topainting vs. stain a pack of cards , paint tends to offer a wider variety of color option , it has superior UV protective covering , and generally has a longer lifespan before repainting is involve . After learning how to paint a woodwind instrument pack of cards properly and tackling this task at your rest home , deck maintenancewill be much easier and many belittled imperfectness in the wood will virtually go away as the key helps to cover crack , pocket-size chip , and unevenness in the wood .
How to Choose Paint for Your Deck
An important part of learning how to repaint a deck of cards or paint a deck of cards is find out how to take a suitable paint for the projection . Thebest paint for decksis generally an oil colour - based key made for outside use , since this type of paint has a high level of moisture - resistance . However , you’re able to also habituate outdoor acrylate resin pigment on a deck , which is a water - base option that has telling color - holding power .
If the deck has been painted in the past , then you ask to consider the type of rouge that was used when you are learning how to paint a painted deck . Ideally , you should use the same character of paint to repaint the pack of cards for the full results , though you could also ransack and sand the deck to get disembarrass of old paint , which may be a good choice if you are unsure ofwhat to do about badly chipped or peeling paint . Color and opacity should also be taken into consideration , with darker and more unintelligible options providing better UV trade protection than lighter , more semitransparent paint product .
Tried-and-True Advice
“ When painting my deck of cards , I ab initio used a paintbrush for the edges but found it left uneven strokes and took a slew of time . switch to a paint edger made a huge dispute , specially along the theatre and railing — it created clean , sharp contrast without needing Felis concolor ’s tape . However , one mistake I made was not control for surplus paint buildup on the edger , which can leave smudges if not wipe off on a regular basis . If you ’re working with older deck paint , be sure to sandpaper down rough speckle first to help the newfangled coat cohere equally . ”
Before You Begin
One of the key factor to believe when painting an outside deck is the conditions . Rain can cause paint to draw , increase drying time , go away streak in the rouge , or even result in only partial reporting , so it ’s necessary to mark off the weather forecast and project the project for a sunny Clarence Day that is expected to have at least 24 hours without rainfall .
You also require to pay attention to the temperature and humidness outdoors whensealing the deckwith blusher . Generally , it ’s best to paint in the spring or summer time of year as long as the out-of-door temperature falls between about 50 to 90 degree Fahrenheit and the humidness is relatively lowly , which will help to speed up the dry time . to boot , DIYers should fag closed - toe horseshoe , prospicient pants , a long - sleeve shirt , employment gloves , safety glasses , and a mask to quell safe while they work .
Tools and Materials
Tools & Materials
Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchase made through these link .
Project Summary
Working time:20 + hours , depending on the size of the deck and amount of prepTotal time:3 to 4 daysSkill degree : BeginnerEstimated cost:$140 for a pocket-sized deck
How to Paint a Deck
Painting a deck of cards can be a weekend DIY task for those with some painting experience . Make trusted you learn through all of the steps below before you begin .
Step 1: Repair any visible damage.
Before house painting , there are several steps you need to take to set up the open of the deck of cards . get by checking for any visible damage , like collapse deck display board , chips , or gouges in the woodwind . piece these damage using substitution deck boards or exterior woodwind putty to assure the deck is in good shape . If there are any fixing that are break , dead set , loose , or missing , then remove the damage fasteners and replace them .
Step 2: Scrape off old peeling paint.
If the deck has antecedently been paint , then you should get disembarrass of any shedding or chipped pigment since old chipped and strip down key will prevent the raw paint from draw together with the pack of cards . First , lay a driblet fabric under the domain where you will be working . Then slue the scraper along the open of the deck of cards while applying down pressure to gently scrape off the old paint . Ideally , the scraper should slew under and across the existing pigment until you have a smooth surface to go with , while making certain you do n’t damage the wood underneath .
Step 3: Sand the deck.
You do n’t necessarily ask to sand the deck of cards , but it ’s a ripe melodic theme , specially if the deck has an existing layer of paint . sandpaper the deck will remove the top level of paint ordeck sealer , making it easier for the new paint to adhere properly . you’re able to execute this by using guts paper , a sanding mental block , or a powerfulness smoother , depending on the sizing and parts of the pack of cards . After sandpaper is done , remove the dip fabric .
Step 4: Clean the deck.
After sanding , wash the deck of cards with adeck cleanerand a pressure washer . The pressure washer will facilitate to get rid of any stuck on grime , as well as wash away the dust and debris from sandpaper . However , it ’s important to note that after clean the deck you will need to look until the Grant Wood has fully dried before you may go along .
Step 5: Apply primer.
In order of magnitude to forfend painting any unintended area , it ’s recommended to use catamount ’s tape and put down drop textile to protect the paries , room access , windows , metal railings , bloom , shrub , or anything else you want to project . Then use a rouge brushing or paint roller to hold primer to the deck of cards . The primer coat will improve adhesion and strength , while creating a smooth , more even finish . Give the primer time to dry before moving on to the next step .
Step 6: Paint the deck.
When the fusee is ironical to the pinch , you could start to applyexterior paintto the deck . you could use a paint brush , paint roller , or even a paint spray if you have one on hand and are confident in your ability to safely use and hold the sprayer . Apply an even bed of paint to the deck of cards , using a paint tumbler for large , insipid areas and a brush for the border or operose - to - reach locations . Then allow the pigment to dry .
you may add a second layer , if necessary , after the first layer is dry to the trace . When you are done , the rouge will typically require 24 to 48 hours to to the full ironical and cure before the deck can be used . Save any superfluous key for next projects or touch - ups .
FAQs
for determine how much paint you take for a deck , you will have to mensurate the duration and breadth of the deck to retrieve the square footage , then come to to the specific intersection you think to buy to find out the estimated reporting . Most paint ware will incubate 250 to 300 square feet , so if your pack of cards is large than this amount , plan to purchase more than one can of paint . Keep in mind that there may be some key rot during the summons or you may decide to apply two coats of paint , in which fount you will need to purchase additional cans of paint to make indisputable you have enough to fill out the project .
When you are work with a pack of cards that has already been painted , then you should use the same type of paint when repainting the deck . If the deck was stained or you want to flip to a Modern type of rouge , then it ’s recommend to peel or sand the existing deck discussion before applying a raw type of paint to the deck of cards for the best results .
Generally , it ’s skillful to utilize a combination of both brush and rollers when paint a deck . Rollers are suited for magnanimous , flat field , while you could use the paintbrush for edge , detailed area , or severely - to - reach spots , like between the guardrails . Though , with this method acting , most of the pack of cards will be painted with a roller .
Photo: iStock
Properly defend a painted deck involve on a regular basis cleaning the deck to take away dirt and rubble with a pressure washer or a long - handled subdued - briary copse and garden hosepipe . You should also touch - up paint where needed , and scrutinize the deck for any signs of severe wear or hurt . check that to bushel amends as soon as possible and animate the affected areas to ensure the Sir Henry Joseph Wood remains protected from the component .
This Is the twelvemonth for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re betray or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . get word why we consider this refurbishment the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: Andy Dean Photography / Depositphotos
