How to Paint Decking: Preparing, Painting and Repainting
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Decking is an essential part of any home. Not only does it provide you with extra space to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also increase the value of your property. However, as with any outdoor surface, decking can become worn and fade over time. This is especially true if it isn’t properly maintained. Luckily, painting your decking is a great way to give it a new lease on life. In this blog post, we will show you how to prepare, paint and repaint your decking so that it looks good as new.

Preparing the Decking
If your decking is in good condition and just needs a fresh coat of paint, then you can skip ahead to the next section. However, if your decking is old or damaged, then you’ll need to prepare it before painting.
To prepare your decking for painting:
- Start by power washing the surface to remove any dirt, grime or mildew.
- If the decking is made of pressure-treated lumber, then you’ll need to sand off any rough edges.
- Once the surface is clean and smooth, apply a primer designed for use on outdoor surfaces. This will help the paint to better adhere to the decking material.
- When the primer is dry, you’re finally ready to start painting!
Painting the Decking
Assuming your decking is already built, you will need to do some prep work before painting or re-painting. This includes:
- Cleaning the surface of the decking – You will need to use a power washer or stiff brush to remove any dirt, grime or mould from the surface of the decking. Be sure to let the surface dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Sanding the surface of the decking – This step is important to create a smooth surface for the paint or stain to adhere to. Use medium-grit sandpaper and sand evenly over the entire surface of the decking. Again, be sure to let the surface dry completely before moving on.
- Applying a primer – This step is optional but recommended, especially if you are painting over an existing paint job. A primer will help ensure that your new paint job lasts longer and looks better. Apply a thin layer of primer evenly over the entire surface of the decking and let it dry completely before proceeding.
- Painting or staining the decking – Once everything is prepped and ready, it’s time to start painting or staining! If you’re using paint, be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for outdoor use and apply it evenly with a brush or roller. For stains, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times. Let your newly painted or stained decking
Repainting the Decking
Whether you have a new deck or an old one, repainting the decking is a great way to add colour and protection from the elements. Here are a few tips on how to prepare, paint and repaint your decking:
- Preparing the surface is key to a successful paint job. If you’re painting over an existing coat of paint, be sure to sand down the surface first to create a smooth base for the new paint. If you’re starting with bare wood, use a primer before painting.
- When it comes to choosing paint, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide if you want oil-based or water-based paint. Water-based paints are easier to work with and clean up, but oil-based paints provide better protection against weather and wear and tear. Second, choose a colour that will complement your home’s exterior and furniture.
- Once you’ve chosen your paint, it’s time to start painting! Begin by painting the rails and spindles first, then move on to the deck boards. Use a brush or roller designed for outdoor use – avoid using indoor painting tools as they can damage the decking material.
- After the first coat of paint has dried, apply a second coat for extra protection against the elements. Be sure to let each coat dry completely before adding another – typically overnight is best.
- That’s it! You’re newly painted
Tips and Tricks for Painting Decking
- Before you begin painting your deck, it is important to clean and repair any damaged areas. This will ensure that your paint job will last longer and look better.
- To get the best results, use a power washer to clean your decking before painting. This will remove any dirt or debris that could prevent the paint from adhering properly.
- When choosing a paint for your deck, be sure to select one that is specifically designed for outdoor use. This type of paint will be more durable and resistant to weather damage.
- If possible, try to avoid painting in direct sunlight. The heat from the sun can cause the paint to dry too quickly, which can lead to an uneven finish.
- When applying the paint, always use a brush or roller specifically designed for use with decking stains or paints. This will give you the best results and help prevent any pooling or dripping of the paint.
What is meant by painting my decking?
Assuming you would like a detailed description of what is meant by painting your decking when considering painting your deck there are a few key points to keep in mind. Primarily, it is important to know what type of paint or stain you will be using on your deck. Different materials require different methods of preparation and application. For example, if you are using a water-based product, you will need to use a different method than if you were using an oil-based product.
In addition, it is important to take into account the age and condition of your decking material. If your deck is new, it may not need to be painted or stained at all. However, if it is older or weathered, it may require more prep work before painting or staining. Once you have determined the products and prep work needed for your project, you can begin painting or staining your deck.
How to paint my decking
Your decking is an important part of your home, and it deserves to be treated with care. To ensure that your decking looks its best, it is important to follow a few simple steps when painting or repainting it.
First, you will need to clean your decking thoroughly. Use a pressure washer or a stiff brush to remove any dirt, grime, or debris from the surface of the wood. Once your decking is clean, allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
Next, you will need to sand your decking. This will help create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Be sure to use fine-grit sandpaper so that you do not damage the wood.
Once your decking is sanded, you are ready to start painting. Be sure to use a primer specifically designed for use on wood surfaces. Apply the primer evenly across the entire surface of the decking, and allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
Now, you are ready to apply the paint itself. Choose a high-quality exterior paint specifically designed for use on decks. Apply the paint in even strokes, moving from one end of the decking to the other. Allow the paint to dry completely before walking on it or placing any furniture on it.
Finally, if you are planning on repainting your decking in the future, be sure to protect it from wear and tear by applying a clear
How often do I need to paint my deck?
You should paint your deck every two to three years to protect it from the elements and keep it looking its best. If you live in an area with a lot of suns, you may need to paint more often.
Preparing your deck for painting is important to get the best results. Start by cleaning the surface with a power washer or scrub brush and soapy water. Then, repair any damaged boards and sand down rough spots.
Once your deck is clean and smooth, you’re ready to start painting. Use a primer designed for exterior surfaces, and then apply two coats of deck paint in your desired colour. Be sure to let the paint dry completely between coats.
If you’re repainting an existing deck, be sure to remove all old paint or stain before applying new primer and paint. This will help ensure that your new paint job lasts for years to come.
Conclusion
With the right prep work and a few coats of paint, you can easily transform your deck into a beautiful outdoor living space. We hope that our tips have helped you figure out how to paint your decking and give you the confidence to tackle this project on your own. If you need help finding the perfect paint for your deck, check out our selection of exterior paints and find the perfect one for your home.