With summer in full swing, you are likely to spend a lot of time outside, in the garden, and by the pool, so give your wooden deck a brand-new look to make those summer days that much better!
Painting your wooden deck can easily be a DIY project, and with our help, you will have it done in no time!
Painting vs Staining
The first step in this process is to determine whether you need to paint or stain the wood. Do not use exterior house paints as this will not penetrate the bare wood or create a waterproof barrier, and it is prone to early peeling.
Solid-Color Acrylic Stain
One of the more durable options is to use a solid colour satin stain. This stain tends to have more coverage than a sealer or a transparent stain while allowing the wood to breathe. This stain is also less likely to peel compared to other options.
Acrylic-Based Paint
If you choose to use a brand-new colour on your deck to give it a completely new and fresh look, then your best option would be to go for acrylic-based paint. This is highly recommended by experts as it provides a very sleek look while still having weatherproof capabilities. To get the best results, you should wait at least one week between coats as acrylic paint does take much longer to dry compared to other paints on the market.
How to decide which one to go for?
In all honesty, both of these options require very similar steps and materials. To be on the safe side, you should read the formula’s directions. The decision would depend on what you are looking to achieve, both painting and staining will provide protection against weather conditions, however if you go with paint, this will better cover the natural look of the wood grain. Staining your deck will enhance these natural features.
What do you need?
Once you have made your final decision, you will need to gather your materials. Keep in mind that the tools needed will largely depend on the size and scope of your deck, but the below are some of the essentials which you will need to get going:
– Power washer
– Deck brightener or cleaning chemical (oxalic acid or sodium hypochlorite brightener)
– Sander and sandpaper
– Drop cloth
– Angled paintbrush
– Paint roller
– Paint tray
– Ladder
Preparing Your Deck
Check the Weather
You want to avoid extreme temperatures as this will negatively affect the dry time as well as the penetration of the product. The ideal weather situation should be dry, and keep in mind that the decking will take a few days to fully dry.
Prepare the Area
Remove all furniture. If you are going to be using chemicals, you need to water down the surrounding grass in order to prevent chemical burns.
Clean The Deck
Give your deck a proper wash by soaking it with a hosepipe, applying a cleaning chemical, giving it a good scrub, and lastly using a pressure washer to remove all dust, dirt, and remaining chemicals. Once cleaned, allow for optimal dry time so that the products used will stick to the dry surface.
Repair and Sand
Now is the perfect time to remove or replace old, rotting planks and sand the floor to encourage product absorption.
Painting The Deck
- Start with the smaller areas, such as railings. Use an angled paintbrush and dip it into your solution. When applying, move the applicator in the same direction as on the wood grain.
- Pour your paint into the paint tray. Use a roller and dip it into the tray, use this on the flat areas of your deck. To cover a larger area, use an extension pole to save time.
- If you are using paint, you might need 2-3 coats, whereas if you are using a stain, one coats should be more than enough. Carefully read the instructions on the product to determine the re-coat timing.
- To allow for optimal frying, leave the product to dry for a few days without walking on it or moving furniture back in place.
Now you should be set to enjoy the rest of summer on your newly painted deck. Your neighbours will be jealous!
For more how-to guides, visit our website:
https://dekro.co.za/how-to/
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