Paint Ideas to Transform Deck Railings

Whether you're aiming to refresh the look of tired deck railings or want to customize the style to match your home, a new coat of paint can work wonders without breaking the bank. Painting railings is an easy weekend project for DIYers that can extend the life of your deck. Read on for tips to prep, prime and paint your way to a dramatic deck rail makeover.

Why Choose Paint Over Stain for Deck Railings

Staining deck railings used to be the go-to for maintenance, but paint has some advantages that make it a better choice for many homeowners:

• Paint lasts longer than stains and semitransparent coatings which need reapplying every year or two
• Provides fuller coverage and allows more custom color options for a new look
• With proper prep and primer, paint adheres exceptionally well and resists chipping, cracking or peeling for years
• Easier to keep clean and touch up as needed vs restaining

Perfect Timing for a Fall Paint Job

Spring and summer may seem ideal seasons for painting outdoor projects, but autumn actually offers better weather conditions:

• Cooler air temperatures prevent blistering and bubbling
• Lower humidity provides optimal drying conditions
• Less intense sun exposure prevents premature fading
• Minimal bugs, pollen and debris landing on wet paint

Just be sure to finish before winter weather arrives. And pick a stretch of dry days since rain can ruin application and drying. Avoid painting in early morning dew or fog which causes moisture issues.

Prep Your Railings Thoroughly Before Painting

Taking time to properly prep ensures maximum paint adhesion for long lasting results. Here are key steps:

Remove Flaking Paint and Stain

Use a wire brush, putty knife or sandpaper to strip any loose, cracked or peeling sections of old paint or stain. Feather edges smooth.

Clean Surface of All Oil, Grease and Grime

Degrease railings with a TSP substitute cleaner then power wash. Let dry fully.

Sand the Railings With 120-150 Grit Sandpaper

Scuff sand to rough up the surface for better paint tooth and adhesion.

Fill Any Gaps, Cracks or Nail Holes

Use exterior wood filler and let cure fully per label directions before sanding smooth.

Tape Off Any Areas Not Being Painted

Mask off nearby siding, walls, windows and floorboards you want to protect from paint splatters.

Top and Bottom Painting Tips

It's faster to just paint the outer rail balusters, but for best results do top and bottom surfaces. Lay rails horizontally across sawhorses to easily coat all sides.

Choose Exterior Paint Finish and Colors

• Flat or matte finish shows flaws while high gloss exaggerates imperfections
• Satin or eggshell finishes offer nice compromise for railings
• Stick to darker color shades which hide scuffs and wear longer
• White easily shows dirt but is crisp, fresh color option

For a two-toned look, paint balusters a different shade than the top and bottom rails. Or opt for two colors on balusters themselves, alternating the pattern.

Oil or Latex Exterior Paint

Both formulations work for painting deck railings. Oil-based alkyd paints provide exceptional adhesion and durability. But cleanup requires smelly solvents like mineral spirits. Water-based acrylic latex paints make for easy soap and water cleanup but don't last as long as alkyds.

Prime Railings Before Painting for Best Success

Priming ensures topcoat paint sticks tightly to the wood surface. It also blocks tannins from bleeding through. Use these tips for priming:

• For heavily weathered railings, use an oil-based primer
• Previously painted railings can be primed with either oil or latex primer
• Two thin primer coats are better than one thick coat
• Lightly sand between coats using 220 grit paper

Use These Painting Tips for Great Results

Invest in Quality Applicator Brushes and Mini Rollers

Angled sash brushes simplify coating baluster sides. Small foam rollers work for rail top and bottom surfaces.

Paint Small Sections at a Time

Paint just a few spindles or a foot or two of railing before stopping to prevent lap marks at joints between wet and dried paint areas.

Apply Paint Evenly in Thin, Smooth Coats

Thick coating can sag and drip. Too thin coverage requires too many coats. Meet paint's coverage recommendations.

Allow Proper Drying Between Coats

Check manufacturer instructions as drying varies. Average times are overnight for latex primer and paint and at least 24 hours for oil-based coatings.

Lightly Sand Between Topcoats Using 220 Grit Sandpaper

This roughs surface to help subsequent coats bond tightly.

Common Paint Problems and Quick Fixes

• Drips or Runs: Let paint dry fully then scrape off any thick areas before final coat
• Brush Marks: Ensure paint isn't applied too thickly and blend areas
• Cracking/Peeling Later On: Indicated inadequate prep and primer use initially
• Mildew Growth: Scrub area with bleach cleaner to kill spores before repainting
• Discoloration Over Time: Plan to repaint deck railings every 3-5 years

Cost to Paint Deck Railings

If hiring out, you'll spend approximately $6-10 per linear foot including prep, primer and paint finish coat. For a 10x12 foot deck of around 120 linear feet, expect roughly $900 at the high end. Going the DIY route, you'll spend under $200 for supplies.

Professional Painter Benefits

• Perfect finish by experienced painters
• Warranty provided on labor
• Specialized equipment used
• No clean up or disposal work for you

• Far less expensive doing the work yourself
• Customize look exactly how you want
• Learn useful skills doing the project
• Have full control over paint choices used

Whether you opt to paint deck railings solo or hire a painting crew, a fresh coat of exterior paint is a budget-friendly way to revive your outdoor living space. Just be diligent prepping first so the new color finish adheres reliably for years of enjoyment!