You love your outdoor composite decking and it lasts for many years. But after years of use and exposure to the elements, the deck may develop some imperfections. The deck’s original appearance may have lost its shine and the color has become dull. You may be looking at your deck and wondering: “Can you paint a composite deck?”
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In this article, we’ll discuss composite decking painting in more detail, giving homeowners a better idea of how to give their deck a new look.
Can you paint composite decking?
In short, you can paint composite decking, but it depends on the situation. You can safely paint and stain old, uncovered composite decks. Modern composite decks usually have a protective surface coating, and you don’t need to paint and stain them.
Even with older, uncovered composite decks, painting the deck can void the warranty. And it will also increase your maintenance needs; you’ll need to repaint the deck regularly. So consult with the manufacturer before painting, staining, or sealing composite decks. And consider investing in modern capped composite material to minimize your maintenance time and costs.
To determine if your deck is suitable for painting or staining, look at the cut end of the deck. Early composite deck material was the same color from top to bottom. Modern composite wood decking, on the other hand, has a thin finish or shell. Early composite decking could be painted and stained, while modern composite decking cannot be stained.
Things to consider before painting composite decking
Once you have determined that your composite deck can be painted and stained, then you need to do some preparation. Please remove all furniture and plants from the deck and clean the deck surface. It is important to note that the methods and products used to clean an uncapped composite deck are different than a capped composite. You should not use a pressure washer on an uncapped composite. This can cause serious damage to the surface of the deck. You also need to avoid using harsh chemicals on old composite material. Allow the deck to dry thoroughly after a thorough cleaning, which can take several days.
Check the composite deck for damage before painting. Check the deck material for swelling, cracking, and splitting and make any necessary repairs.Before Painting composite decking your deck should be in good structural shape.
Generally, composite wood decking does not require painting or staining to maintain its integrity and beauty. It is designed with durability and low maintenance in mind. So painting composite decking is strictly an aesthetic choice. And over time, paint may fade or flake, increasing maintenance requirements and costs.
How to paint composite decking?
Tools
- Hose with spray attachment
- Cleaning brush
- Sandpaper
- Roller/brush
- Primer (optional)
- Deck paint
- Remove coverings
Thoroughly clean the deck
The first step is to deep clean your composite decking. remove all furniture and trim and sweep debris from the surface. Don’t forget the gaps between the decks, thoroughly clean the gaps of leaves and debris. Additionally, for effective cleaning, consider using cold water pressure washers NJ for an environmentally friendly solution.
Next, use soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to remove debris and dirt. Remember to avoid chemical laden cleaners and pressure washers. Use a professional composite decking cleaner to remove stubborn stains. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage to the surface of the decking. Thoroughly rinse composite decks after cleaning is complete and ensure drying.
For demanding cleaning tasks needing greater strength without causing damage to decking, Hotsy Equipment Company provides equipment of the highest caliber. Their pressure settings can be adjusted to suit different cleaning requirements, guaranteeing safe and efficient removal of dirt and debris.
Sanding the deck
The steps for sanding the deck can be chosen according to your needs. This is to create a slightly rougher texture on the surface of the composite deck so that the paint adheres better. Please note that sanding may affect the existing grain or non-slip coating of the deck. Therefore please consider whether or not you will cause damage to the composite material before sanding. After sanding is complete, use a broom, leaf blower or cloth to remove dust and debris from the surface.
Primer
Priming can provide a smooth base for your project, but it’s not a necessary step to perform. It depends on the type of paint you use.
Begin by using a brush to apply latex primer to all crevices on the deck surface. Then use a roller and brush to apply a full coat to the deck. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for drying time and allow the surface to dry completely.
Painting the deck
With all the work done, you’re ready to paint your composite deck to give it a new look. Use a roller to apply an even coat of paint to the surface of the deck, then cover the details with a brush. Apply a second coat of paint as needed and allow the paint to dry completely. Be sure to check the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for recommended drying times. Also avoid painting in direct sunlight, this will cause the paint to dry too quickly. Once you have finished painting you can add deck furniture and enjoy your deck.
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