Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Repainting a deck
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Repainting a deck
aalorac
10-07-09, 12:15 PM
An outdoor deck measuring 7’ X 28’ made of pressure-treated wood doesn’t get much wear, but is exposed to much sun and rain. The deck was painted professionally less than two years ago with an oil-based primer followed by a water-based paint, but the paint and primer are peeling off in many places leaving bare wood. What do I do now to get a deck the same color as the house, without having to repaint every two years? It has been suggested that I use opaque stain instead of paint.
Will this solve the problem? If so, how do I remove the old
paint? Sanding? Power-washing? Scraping with a brush? Scraping with a metal scraper?
Will this solve the problem? If so, how do I remove the old
paint? Sanding? Power-washing? Scraping with a brush? Scraping with a metal scraper?
Pulpo
10-07-09, 03:04 PM
It sounds like they didn't pressure wash the deck when they painted it. That's what you have to do now. Rent a strong pressure washer, 2,000 or more PSI. Make sure that they give you a red tip with it but becarefull using it.
marksr
10-07-09, 04:21 PM
I'm leary of the red zero tip - it's easy to damage the wood. Even the other tips can damage wood if they are held too close to the wood. I'd pressure wash and scrape [sand as/where needed] allow plenty of drying time and then use a solid stain.
The deck should have never been painted! Paint doesn't hold up well on horizontal surfaces and the pt also can be problematic with paint. I'd clean up the deck the best you can and then use a solid stain. It will cover the areas that still have paint on them although these areas are subject to peel later [but hopefully not for a few yrs]
almost forgot :o welcome to the forums!
The deck should have never been painted! Paint doesn't hold up well on horizontal surfaces and the pt also can be problematic with paint. I'd clean up the deck the best you can and then use a solid stain. It will cover the areas that still have paint on them although these areas are subject to peel later [but hopefully not for a few yrs]
almost forgot :o welcome to the forums!
lefty
10-07-09, 05:08 PM
I'm with Marksr. Be careful about using a PW. Use the widest fan possible. And, it should have never been painted. Now that it has been, you are going to be out there every 2 to 3 years repainting (or restaining) it.
It's a wood deck. When you choose to go wood (rather than a composite) to save $$ upfront, you'll pay the savings out many times over later in maintenance.
It's a wood deck. When you choose to go wood (rather than a composite) to save $$ upfront, you'll pay the savings out many times over later in maintenance.
Littlefield
10-10-09, 11:39 AM
Strip the paint off, and use a non film forming stain to maintain. It's more work up front, but less work and better looking in the long run.
Stripping isn't as hard as many make it out to be, use Dorado Strip paint remover, brush or spray it on in the evening, pressure wash the next morning. Repeat if necessary, probably won't be, though.
Brighten with an oxalic acid deck brightener, and stain. Use Woodrich Timber Oil or Readyseal. They won't film up and peel, ever.
Stripping isn't as hard as many make it out to be, use Dorado Strip paint remover, brush or spray it on in the evening, pressure wash the next morning. Repeat if necessary, probably won't be, though.
Brighten with an oxalic acid deck brightener, and stain. Use Woodrich Timber Oil or Readyseal. They won't film up and peel, ever.