The 7 Best Deck Paints of 2021

What to Look for in a Deck Paint

Type of wood

Start by considering what type of wood your deck is made from. Hardwood and softwood varieties have different needs when it comes to deck paint. Softwoods, like pine, will readily absorb deck paint; you can choose either an acrylic or alkyd (oil) deck paint. If you have a hardwood deck, made from a tropical wood like ipe, you should choose an oil-based deck stain. The alkyd formula will provide better penetration while the transparent formula will highlight the natural beauty of the wood. 

Base 

Deck paint is either water-based or oil-based. Water-based formulas are most common and offer the advantage of being easy to clean up with soap and water. Oil-based deck paint is more commonly seen with transparent deck stains and requires mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleaning brushes, sprayers, and tools.  

You can use oil-based paint over a surface that has previously been treated with a water-based formula, but you cannot typically use water-based paint over a surface painted with oil-based paint.

Opacity 

The opacity of deck paint will determine how much or how little of the wood grain and appearance is visible once treated. Solid deck paint is the most common option since it better hides the effects that weather and aging have had on your deck. However, if you have new deck boards, then a transparent deck stain will allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Semi-transparent deck paint is another option, best suited for decks that are only a few years old and show minimal signs of aging or splintering. 

Durability

The durability of deck paint will be put to the test by foot traffic, UV exposure, and weather conditions. Acrylic deck paints are often formulated for horizontal application, with the understanding that this means the surface will be exposed to feet, furniture, and the elements. One of the biggest factors that will improve a deck paint’s durability is proper surface preparation before the paint is applied. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning and preparation exactly to enjoy the longest-lasting results. 

Texture and sheen 

Texture and sheen are two important aspects of deck paint finish. Deck paint can be smooth, textured, or extra textured. Smooth is most similar to paint used for vertical surfaces, while textured and extra textured deck paints have an additive to provide traction for walking. This is important if your deck, porch, or patio will be exposed to rain. The painted surface can easily become slippery and a deck paint with texture can help to avoid accidental falls. 

Sheen refers to the appearance of the deck paint’s finish. Some deck paint formulas are matte, while others offer a glossy finish. Some deck paints with a high-sheen formula will show marks easily, including footprints or pawprints. However, not everyone prefers the flat appearance of matte deck paint. 

FAQs

How do you prep a deck for painting? 

To prepare a deck for painting you should first use a deck cleaner, either a store-bought or homemade formula. The purpose of the deck cleaner is to remove accumulated dirt, debris, mildew, or algae that would prevent a smooth, long-lasting bond between the paint and boards. Once you’ve applied the deck cleaner (ideally with a garden sprayer and hose), allow time for the formula to penetrate the surface; the length of time varies by product but is usually 10 to 15 minutes. 

The next step is to thoroughly rinse the deck. The most common method is to use a pressure washer, but be sure that you don’t use it on high pressure too close to the wood’s surface, or else you may risk damaging the boards. Once the deck has been thoroughly rinsed, allow the wood to dry completely. This step takes at least 48 hours in most cases but will vary based on temperature and weather conditions.

The final step is to prime the deck. If you skip this step, you hinder the durability and longevity of the deck paint. Use a quality wood primer and use a brush to thoroughly coat the sides of each board and the spaces in between. You can then use a roller or sprayer to apply the primer down the length of each deck board. Allow time for the primer to dry—the manufacturer’s instructions will indicate how long of a drying period is required before you can move on to painting the deck.

How long does deck paint last? 

Deck paint needs to be periodically reapplied, but how long it lasts depends on several factors—including foot traffic, weather exposure, and the condition of the wood. In addition, proper surface preparation will often determine the success or failure of a deck painting job. Deck paint can last 5 to 10 years but may need to be repeated as often as every 2 or 3 years in harsh conditions.

What tools do you need for painting a deck? 

To paint a deck, you should have the following tools and products ready before you start.

• Deck cleaner formula
• Garden hose with water supply 
• Pump sprayer
• Primer
• Paintbrush, sprayer, or roller with cover for application (will likely need a brush for detail work and between boards)
• Clean 5-gallon bucket or paint tray
• Mineral spirits or paint thinner (only necessary for clean-up of oil-based paint)
• Deck paint

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Anne Fritz, a freelance home writer with over 20 years of experience. Previously, she was an editor and her work has appeared on several top publications. To make this list, she considered the formula, finish, and price point of each option.