Adding some color to your outside space is easy with a freshly painted deck. And by fixing any flaws, you can avoid having to replace old, worn-out wood. Expert house painters share the seven-step process they follow while painting a deck.
Preparation
You should expect a smoother painting experience if you take the time to prepare your deck beforehand. Professional painters advise choosing the driest time of year to paint in order to minimize the amount of rain that must be dealt with. Get an early start, so you don’t have to worry about the paint drying too quickly in the hot sun. Determine how much paint you’ll need by measuring your deck. You should wash the deck and then prime it before you start painting.
Risk Management
Being on your deck means you won’t need quite as much machinery. Don’t forget to use protective gear like goggles and gloves to avoid getting paint on your eyes and skin. Also, since the deck you’re fixing is a walking surface, an anti-skid additive could be a good idea. Add it to the paint for better footing.
Get the Right Amount of Paint
Calculate the dimensions of your deck by multiplying its width by its length. If you don’t know how much paint you’ll need, a paint calculator can help. However, if you happen to have any on hand, make sure it is in pristine shape. Water-based latex paint has a lifespan of two to ten years, depending on how well it is cared for.
Do Some Deck Cleaning
Before washing your deck with a concentrated deck cleaner, it is recommended that you dilute it with some water in a bucket. A hose can be attached straight to the end of some cleaners. It’s time to spray the deck cleanser and let it soak in.
Deck Power Washing
Before priming and painting, power-washing the deck is recommended to remove debris and loosen the cleaner. Fasten a wide-angle spray nozzle to the end of the hose, then turn on the pressure washer. Keep the spray gun’s nozzle at least 18 inches from the deck’s surface to prevent any dings. Wait two days after cleaning the deck before applying the primer for the best results. However, you can hire a deck contractor to do the power washing for you.
Apply Primer to the Deck
The deck surface must be primed first so that the paint may adhere adequately. While some may argue that priming isn’t necessary, it is. It’s an absolute must. Applying primer to the bare wood of the deck first is the first step in the painting process. Apply primer on the paintbrush and work it in between the boards so that the paint will adhere better. Priming the seams should be done systematically, moving from the top of the deck down to the bottom.
Paint the Deck
Similar to how you would have primed the deck, paint should be applied. Applying two or three coats is recommended for a more professional and visually pleasing end result. Additionally, you should wait two days between coats for a neater finish. If you want the job done right, choose a local painting contractor.