The 9 Best Deck Paints of 2023

Best Overall

Ready Seal 1-Gallon Can Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer

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This wood stain from Ready Seal earns the top spot, thanks to its ease of application and smooth coverage. It’s available in 10 natural-looking colors, including dark walnut, golden pine, and light oak, to enhance the appearance of a wooden deck. This product can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush and doesn’t require any diluting or thinning before spray applications, which is a nice plus. The formula is advertised as “goof-proof,” which means it won’t leave any laps, run, or streaks. It’s also versatile enough to be applied in any temperature range. 

It’s important to note that this stain will look darker when it’s first applied. Some people who bought multiple cans reported some inconsistency with the color. To ensure color consistency, the manufacturer recommends blending multiple cans together before applying. Most users say a second coat is required; you should allow at least a 45-minute dry time between coats. It may take anywhere from 48 to 72 for the paint to fully dry—a significantly longer drying time than most other paints. You also need to wait about two weeks to get a good sense of its true color. 

Because this is a stain and sealer all-in-one, it conveniently adds color and seals the wood from moisture in a single step. One gallon of Ready Seal will cover 100 to 125 square feet, and it’s available in two sizes: a 1- or 5-gallon option. Although it’s pricier than many other options, it provides superior coverage and durability.

Price at time of publish: $41

_{Size: 1 gallon | Coverage Area: 100 to 125 square feet | Colors: Burnt hickory, dark walnut, golden pine, mahogany, natural/light oak, natural cedar, pecan, redwood, light oak, and mission brown | Finish: Not listed | Transparency: Not listed}

Best Budget

Kilz Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint

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Kilz Porch and Patio Floor Paint provides a durable finish that’s resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling in high-traffic areas. One gallon covers between 300 and 400 square feet, providing plenty of coverage at an affordable price point. It goes on smoothly and dries to the touch within an hour. Like most deck paint,  however, a 4- to 6-hour dry time is required between coats. For best results, you should apply it with a 0.37- to 0.5-inch nap roller or airless sprayer. This acrylic paint is versatile enough to be used on a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces, including porches, patios, basements, trim, and siding. 

Another advantage is its mildew-resistant finish, which is great for decks, because they are naturally prone to moisture damage. While the slate gray color is great at concealing dirt and footprints, we were a bit disappointed by the limited color selection: either slate gray or silver gray. Both are attractive and neutral enough for almost any setting, but we would have appreciated a wider variety.

Price at time of publish: $32

_{Size: 1 gallon | Coverage Area: 200–400 square feet | Color: Gray | Finish: Smooth |  Transparency: Solid}

Best for Old Wood

Cabot DeckCorrect Solid Tintable Tint Base Water-Based Acrylic Deck Stain

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If you’re looking to restore an old deck, Cabot DeckCorrect is perfect for filling in cracks and fixing splinters and other small flaws. The manufacturer suggests a four- to six-hour dry time between coats, but the first coat could remain sticky for up to 24 hours. A second is necessary for smooth, uniform coverage. Since one gallon only covers up to 75 square feet, you might want to opt for the five-gallon can to ensure full coverage. 

This formula creates a waterproof, non-slip finish that effectively protects your deck from mildew and dirt. This also makes this a good choice for deck stairs. It can easily be cleaned with soap and water, and the stain doesn’t come off when scrubbed with a rag. Note that the product comes in a satin tint base. A local home-improvement store will be able to tint it with your preferred color.

Price at time of publish: $63

_{Size: 1- or 5-gallon | Coverage Area: 75 square feet | Color: Tint base | Finish: Satin | Transparency: Not listed}

Best Color Selection

Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT Exterior Stain

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With thousands of shades to choose from, Benjamin Moore's ARBORCOAT Exterior Stain takes the cake when it comes to color selection. You'll also get the quality you’d expect from one of the most respected paint manufacturers in the business. With built-in UV protection, this paint will resist blistering, peeling, and stains in addition to creating a mildew-resistant coating on your deck. Made of 100% acrylic latex, it is also easy to clean with soap and water when needed. It is also very simple to clean up with soap and water if you happen to get paint on an area that you did not intend for it to be there.

For added convenience, this product comes in a variety of opacities and can be used to cover previously painted and stained wood. Two coats of paint are ideal for uniform coverage, and one gallon covers up to 300 or 400 square feet. Even though this paint is on the pricey side, its impressive coverage area will likely save you money in the long run.

Price at time of publish: $70

_{Size: 1 gallon | Coverage Area: 300–400 square feet | Color: Varies | Finish: Not listed | Transparency: Solid}

Best Stain

Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Wood Sealer

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If you’re looking to protect your deck, yet maintain its natural wood grain, Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Wood Sealer is an excellent choice. With just a slight tint, this stain doesn’t add a lot of color and leaves no sheen whatsoever. However, it does make wood boards of various colors look more uniform. Although the stain is easy to apply with a brush, it is a bit watery. For a less messy application process, it would be better to use an airless spray rig, especially if you’re staining a large area. 

According to the manufacturer, one coat will provide year-round protection against the elements. If you want to apply additional coats, there is a four-hour downtime before recoating. Once the stain has been cured for 24 hours, it is resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture. It also shows no signs of fading after extensive sun exposure. This transparent formula is easy to clean off with soap and water.

Price at time of publish: $32

_{Size: 1 gallon | Coverage Area: 150–400 square feet | Color: Desert tan | Finish: Smooth | Transparency: Transparent}

Best Coverage

Rust-Oleum California Rustic Exterior 6X Deck Coat

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One-coat coverage is no problem with Rust-Oleum RockSolid 6X Deck Coat because it is six times thicker than regular deck paint. It restores the deck's surface and covers up any flaws, such as tiny cracks, that might otherwise be visible. The paint protects against ultraviolet light and acts as a waterproof sealant.

In order to prepare the wood for application, you should use RockSolid Deck Cleaner Concentrate to get rid of mill glaze, dirt, mildew, and algae. There is no need to prep the wood by sanding or stripping it before applying. Simply apply a coat of RockSolid Deck Start Wood Primer to wet or dry wood, and once the primer has dried, you can apply paint. Remember to use the deck paint roller cover made specifically for the RockSolid 6X paint.

A gallon bucket of Rust-Oleum RockSolid can cover up to 80 square feet. After 24 hours, the surface will be dry enough to support foot traffic and patio furniture. This product can also be used on concrete to give patios and walkways a polished, uniform appearance.

Price at time of publish: $53

_{Size: 1 gallons | Coverage Area: 80 square feet | Color: Varies | Finish: Textured | Transparency: Solid}

Best for Pool Deck

INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint

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If you own a pool or live in a humid environment, this non-slip paint from INSL-X is a great choice for a deck. To prevent slips and falls, it adds a protective grip to wooden surfaces, making it a smart choice for wet areas with lots of foot traffic. It’s highly resistant to water, even in regions with heavy rainfall, and it retains its color well over time. Another advantage of this acrylic paint is that it fills and seals cracks for a smoother finish. 

In addition to wood, this paint can be used on other outdoor surfaces, including metal and concrete. Paint should not be applied to freshly poured concrete until at least 30 days have passed since the project was completed. Note that it covers less surface area than most of the competition: One gallon only covers up to 120 square feet. If you have a larger deck, you may have to purchase several cans to get the job done. This paint is available in seven colors, including saddle brown, pine green, and desert sand. However, we have read some reports that the colors aren’t accurate to the pictures shown.

Price at time of publish: $53

_{Size: 1 gallon | Coverage Area: 80-120 square feet | Colors: Saddle brown, pine green, desert sand, white, gray pearl, light gray, and tile red | Finish: Matte | Transparency: Solid}

Best for Deck Rail

Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint

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Specifically designed to highlight woodwork and trim, this low-VOC paint from Montage Signature is an ideal choice for deck railings. It’s available in 18 colors–with plenty of grays and earth tones to choose from. There are two finish options: low sheen or semi-gloss, the latter being the better choice for deck rails, because they get a lot of wear and need to be wiped down frequently. Even with vigorous wiping, this scrubbable paint maintains its color and finish. 

Featuring a water base, the paint goes on easily and provides excellent coverage. Although it’s a low-VOC paint that doesn’t release any toxic fumes, some say it has a very unpleasant smell when wet. The good news is that the odor is bearable if you’re applying it outside, and it dissipates once it’s dry. One gallon of Montage Signature can cover up to 300 square feet. It also cleans up easily with soap and water. Please note that it will not hold up to foot traffic and should never be used on deck floors.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Size: 1 gallon | Coverage Area: 300 square feet | Color: 18 colors including dove gray, swiss coffee, and desert tan | Finish: Low-sheen or semi-gloss | Transparency: Solid}