How to Prepare an Old Deck for Painting

Have you noticed some wear and tear on your deck? If it were in better form, would you use it more often to host parties or spend time with your loved ones? The effects of time and weather may be devastating on the appearance of your deck, leading to paint that is peeling, chips, and general deterioration. However, preparing a deck before a house painting contractor does the painting job is essential. You’ve found the ideal site if you’ve been debating whether or not to give your deck a new coat of paint but have no idea where to start.

Methods for Cleaning Off Stained Decks

Your deck will not look wonderful with a simple application of paint. Surfaces with dust, debris, or paint that has chipped make for an uneven canvas. Here are some things you can do to prepare your deck for painting, so it comes out looking brand new:

1. Use deck cleaning and a strong broom to scrub the surface. Cleaning will get rid of dust, debris, mildew and mold, and even some flaking paint. Depending on the nature of the cleaning, a neutralizer may be necessary.

2. To ensure that the new coat of paint adheres uniformly and without chipping or bubbling, scrape the deck with a soft bristle brush and a paint scraper.

3. Any remaining peeling paint or uneven spots should be lightly sanded to create a flat surface that is easier to paint and better seals to preserve the wood.

Things to Consider When Choosing Paint

Now that your deck is ready for painting, you can select the best product for the job. Sun, water, snow, and foot traffic all take their toll on a deck over time, making it more high maintenance than a brand-new one. What to check for in deck paint to help it last longer so you can get more years of use out of it:

Opacity

Whether or not the wood grain is apparent through the paint is a crucial factor. As opacity increases, the appearance of wood grain diminishes. Increasing the deck’s opacity can help mask the signs of age and use on an older, more worn-out board.

Durability

Because of the inevitable wear and tear that will occur from exposure to the elements, foot traffic from people and pets, and general use, the durability of the paint you choose is very crucial when painting an older deck. Painting the deck with paint that can withstand the elements can extend its life and keep it looking good for longer.

Texture

While heavily textured paint is unnecessary for the vertical sections, a smooth finish is unsafe for the flat areas. The quality of your paint job will improve if you know when and when to utilize different textures. The best option for vertical surfaces is non-slip additives.

Restoring the look of a weathered deck with new paint may do wonders. A deck will naturally age and deteriorate, so you may be tempted to rush the painting process. However, if you take the time to prepare the deck beforehand properly, the results will be much better. Call the best painting company in your area and learn fantastic painting ideas for your deck.