You can paint or stain almost any composite deck. Some exclusions or limitations apply. TimberTech warns against painting their products since it will void the guarantee. Paints and dyes will not cling correctly to the boards, causing flaking and peeling, according to Lumberock. More costly decking should keep its color and not require painting in the first place.
Should I paint the deck or stain it?
Several factors influence whether you should paint or stain your deck. Choose stain if you want something that is easy to apply. Because of its thin consistency, it may be applied in a single layer and does not pool. If you want to paint your deck, you’ll need to use a primer first. Its thicker consistency is vital for preventing globs of paint and lap marks. Also, two coats may be necessary to achieve the desired coverage. In the long term, the additional time spent today will pay off. A decent paint will endure for more than a decade, however, a stain would need to be renewed every 2 to 8 years.
Additionally, paint requires less maintenance. A well-sealed painted deck can be pressure washed, however, pressure washing stain is not suggested. If you need to protect your composite decking from moisture, oil-based paint is a good option. Otherwise, guard against UV fading using latex paint. Stains have the advantages of being less costly, seeming more natural, and being readily painted over or given another color. It’s nearly tough to stain on top of the paint, especially on composite decks.
Before painting or staining your deck, make sure it’s clean.
Clean the deck completely of mold, mildew, and filth before painting or staining it. You may buy a deck cleanser made specifically for composite decks or prepare your own with soap and water. If you have mold, vinegar and baking soda will help.
Spray the debris with a hose and water. If you’re going to use a pressure washer, keep the pressure below 3100 psi.
- To clean each board, scrub it with soapy water and a soft-bristle brush.
- Rinse the deck well. This is necessary because unclean water might leave a coating on the kompositbrädor surface.
- Unless your decking contains mold, you can clean it off with a little elbow grease and continue on to the next step. Then there are a couple more steps to take:
- Pour a solution of two parts vinegar and one part water onto the mold.
- Allow 20 minutes for the baking soda to dissolve in the vinegar/water combination.
- Scrub the mold or mildew away with your bristle brush. Then re-rinse the deck.
Which paints or stains are the most effective?
Look for stains designed exclusively for komposittrall while buying. Those that leave a film will peel off more rapidly, generally within a few months. Select a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain to avoid a surface film. Start with an acrylic latex exterior primer if you wish to paint. For composite decks, Rustoleum or Valspar are good options. For floors and decks, choose satin or semi-gloss latex paint. Look for paints with a texturing ingredient if you require some grip in damp places, such as around a pool.
Read More: Is there a way to make my Composite Decking less slippery
