Outdoor Deck Paint - Which is the Best?

Choosing the best paint for your outdoor deck can feel overwhelming with all the options available. With the right preparation and paint for your climate and deck material, you can protect and beautify your outdoor space for years to come.

When evaluating deck paints, durability and longevity should be top priorities. Your deck endures sun, rain, snow, and foot traffic, so the paint needs to stand up to the elements. Acrylic and latex paints resist fading and mildew growth but may require more frequent touch-ups compared to oil-based enamels. For wood decks, penetrating stains protect from inside out while paints coat the surface. Match the paint to your specific deck material and needs.

Factors That Impact Deck Paint Performance

Many variables influence how well deck paint holds up over time. Consider these factors when selecting products:

• UV exposure - The sun's rays break down paints quicker than shade.
• Moisture - Humid climates lead to mildew concerns.
• Deck usage - High-traffic areas may require more cleaning/repainting.
• Deck age & condition - Well-maintained new decks need less prep.
• Deck material - Each surface has ideal paint types.
• Desired final look - Sheens impact durability.

Evaluating your climate, deck condition, and personal preferences will guide you to the right paint. Areas like deck flooring endure more wear than vertical rails. High-quality acrylic or oil-based paints work on various deck materials when adequately prepped and applied.

Prepping Your Deck for Painting

Proper prep work makes all the difference for deck paint projects. Thorough cleaning and repairing existing damage helps the new paint adhere and perform better. Here are key prep steps before painting decks:

1. Wash the deck with a cleaner or pressure washer.
2. Lightly sand to smooth existing paint or wood grain.
3. Replace loose nails, damaged boards, etc.
4. Use wood filler for cracks and holes.
5. Allow the deck 1-2 days to fully dry before painting.

It's crucial to start with a clean, intact surface free of grease, dirt, and deteriorated paint. Proper prep removes contaminants for maximum paint adhesion. Allowing adequate dry time also prevents peeling or blistering issues after painting.

Types of Exterior Deck Paint

For wood and concrete decks, oil-based alkyd enamels, acrylic/latex paints, and penetrating stains are go-to options. Each has pros and cons to weigh:

Oil-Based Alkyd Paint

• Hard, glossy finish.
• Highest durability and longevity.
• Resists fading, scuffs, and stains.
• Not mildew-resistant.
• Requires priming.
• Long dry time between coats.

Latex/Acrylic Paint

• Added mildew resistance.
• Low-VOC formulas available.
• Faster dry times.
• More prone to fading and wear.
• May require primer on new wood.

Penetrating Deck Stain

• Allows wood grain to show through.
• Oil-based formulas offer wood waterproofing.
• Must be reapplied frequently.
• Less coating thickness than paint.

For best durability, oil-based alkyd paint is ideal for horizontal surfaces like deck flooring that withstands foot traffic. Latex paint works for vertical rails and risers. Stains enhance wood's natural beauty.

Paint Sheens and Finishes

Paint sheens also impact a deck coating's durability and appearance. Gloss levels to consider include:

• Flat - No shine, excellent hide, not very durable.
• Satin - Low sheen, easy touch-ups, nice wood grain accent.
• Semi-Gloss - Medium shine, easy cleaning, resisting staining.
• Gloss - High shine, reflects light, hard to touch up.

Satin or semi-gloss finishes better withstand foot traffic and moisture while still looking attractive. Flat paints lack durability for outdoor horizontal surfaces. Higher gloss looks striking on railings and verticals. Evaluate sheen samples before deciding.

Top Brands of Deck Paint

When reviewing different exterior deck paint brands, Behr(r), KILZ(r), Valspar(r), Olympic(r), Sherwin-Williams(r), and Rust-Oleum(r) frequently top the list thanks to their:

• Durable acrylic and oil-based formulations.
• Excellent UV/fade resistance.
• Anti-slip additives for safety.
• Wide range of colors and finishes.
• Weather-resistant performance.
• Trusted quality from leading manufacturers.

Look for their deck coating products or comparable options from Duckback(r), INSL-X(r), Fixall(r), and other reputable paint brands. Compare reviews and real-world testing data to assess durability over time.

Recommended Deck Paints

Based on performance testing and customer feedback, here are some top-rated deck paint options to consider:

• KILZ Floor Coating - Durable gloss enamel for high-traffic areas.
• Rust-Oleum RockSolid - Decorative metallic and flaked finishes.
• Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Stain - Enriches wood tones beautifully.
• Valspar Duramax - Fade and mildew resistant acrylic.
• Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck - Clear tones show off wood grain.

Estimating Required Paint Quantity

Measure your deck area thoroughly, accounting for railings, steps, and other components. Most deck paints cover 200-400 square feet per gallon for proper coverage. Buying too little is inefficient, while excess paint is wasteful. Consider variables like:

• Surface porosity and texture.
• Desired dry film thickness per coat.
• Number of paint coats planned.

Always opt for quality paint over trying to stretch cheaper paint too thin. Verify the coating's spread rate and do the math for your specific deck size. Unused paint can be saved for future touch-ups if properly stored.

Application Tips for Deck Paint

Careful application ensures the paint adheres and performs as expected. Follow these best practices when coating your deck:

• Use brush, roller, or sprayer properly.
• Apply in 50-80degF temps on dry, calm days.
• Allow 2-4 hours drying time between coats.
• Lightly sand or de-gloss between coatings.
• Apply an anti-slip additive on flooring areas.
• Apply in direction of wood grain for uniform appearance.

Patient, proper application makes all the difference. The initial investment of time pays off in long-lasting, beautiful results. Prevent lap marks, drips, and imperfections by working methodically. Let each coat fully dry before adding another.