Best Deck Restore Paint Recommendations

Is your deck looking weathered and worn? Before you decide to tear it up and rebuild, consider restoring it with a fresh coat of deck paint instead. High-quality deck paints and stains can revive even the most battered of surfaces, protecting the wood, covering imperfections, and giving you back a beautiful space to enjoy for years to come.

We'll cover determining the right type of coating, top brand recommendations, factors like sheen and color, how much to purchase, and application tips. With the right prep work and product choice, you can extend the life of your deck while enhancing its appearance.

Evaluate Your Deck's Current Condition

Before choosing a paint or stain, inspect your deck closely. Note any cracked boards, splintered surfaces, loose nails/screws, or other damage that needs repairing first. Check for mildew, which will need special treatment. Peeling paint or glossy finishes must be removed as well.

Assess Size and Material

Measure the square footage of your deck using length x width calculations. This determines how much product you'll need. Also note what your deck is made of - wood, composite, or concrete. Each material has deck paints formulated specifically for it.

Clean Thoroughly

Use a deck cleaner and power washer to remove built-up dirt, mildew stains, chalky paint, or other grime. Rinse thoroughly. Allow 1-2 sunny days of drying before painting or staining.

Determine the Best Type of Deck Restore Paint

Main options are deck stains vs deck paints. Stains allow woodgrain to show through while paints provide a solid opaque color. Consider:

Oil-Based Deck Enamel

Oil-based enamels provide maximum durability and a high-gloss finish. They expand and contract with the wood better than latex paints. However, they take longer to dry, require mineral spirits for cleanup, and have strong fumes.

Water-Based Latex Paint

Latex paints clean up with soap and water. They dry faster than enamels and have less odor. Latex tends to fade faster than enamel though and may require more frequent touch-ups. It can also crack or peel if the deck flexes a lot.

Solid Color Deck Stain

These stains add rich color while allowing some woodgrain to show through. They last longer than paint since they penetrate deeper into the wood. Water-based versions clean up easily with soap and water.

Semi-Transparent Deck Stain

Semi-transparent stains provide extra protection while allowing more of the natural woodgrain to show through. They contain UV blockers and water repellants and need reapplying every 2-4 years. Oil-based versions provide the longest protection.

Evaluate Top Deck Paint Brands

Leading deck paint manufacturers include:

1. BEHR Deckover

BEHR Deckover goes on thick to fully resurface and seal worn wooden decking. Its high-traction grit finish is slip-resistant. A 1-gallon container covers up to 200 sq ft.

2. Rust-Oleum Restore

Rust-Oleum Restore 4x Deck Coat provides superior UV, mold, and mildew resistance. At 2-3x thicker than typical deck paints, it fills cracks better and fully covers in 1-2 coats.

3. DEFY Extreme Wood Stain

DEFY Extreme resists fading, peeling, and cracking longer than typical deck stains. Its zinc nano-particle technology combats mold and algae growth. It's also low VOC and eco-friendly.

Factor Sheen Level Into Your Decision

Flat Paints

Flat or matte deck paint contains no sheen or gloss. It hides imperfections well with its subtle finish. However, it scuffs and stains easier and may require more frequent touch ups.

Satin or Gloss

Satin or gloss paints and stains contain urethanes for added durability and easier cleaning. Gloss offers the most vibrant color while satin provides a nice compromise - some sheen but not overly glossy.

Calculate How Much Paint You Need

Measure your deck's square footage length x width. For heavily worn surfaces, buy 25% extra. For two paint coats, double the final square footage amount. Most deck paints cover 200-400 sq ft per gallon.

Account for Multiple Coats

Depending on the paint and condition of your deck, expect to apply 2-3 coats. Solid color stains also require 2 coats while semi-transparent stains only need 1. Prep work impacts coats needed too.

Prep Your Deck Correctly Before Painting

Proper prep work leads to better adhesion and longevity from your deck restore paint. Key steps include:

1. Lightly Sand

Use 80-100 grit sandpaper to scuff up slick surfaces for better paint bonding. Smooth over rough areas so the new paint applies evenly.

2. Replace Loose Boards/Nails

Re-screw or replace any loose deck planks, nails, or screws. Fill knot holes with wood putty too. Sand smooth when dry.

3. Fill Cracks and Gaps

Use exterior-rated caulk or wood filler to patch cracks and gaps between boards. Let fully cure before painting.

Apply Paint Correctly for Longevity

Carefully follow manufacturer spread rate, dry time, and application instructions. Key tips include:

1. Use Quality Brushes/Rollers

Invest in quality stain brushes, mini paint roller kits, painter's tape, and drop cloths. Applying deck paint smoothly and evenly improves results.

2. Paint Along Wood Grain

Brush or roll deck restore paints and solid color stains parallel to the wood grain for best penetration and finish.

Whether applying by brush, roller or sprayer, allow proper dry time between coats as specified on the paint can. Cooler temperatures may necessitate longer dry times.

Restore a worn, weathered deck to its former glory with the right deck resurfacing product. Prepping properly and applying skillfully leads to longer lasting, better looking results from quality deck paint brands like BEHR Deckover, Rust-Oleum Restore, and DEFY Wood Stain. With a little time invested, you can revive your outdoor living space and enjoy for years to come.