Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Painting Deck

:confused:
Okay. Last year I pressure washed my deck before I painted it. It seemed like it got off all the dirt and loose old paint. This year around May I started noticing some peeling. So my question is this year should I pressure wash and sand it and maybe it won't peel next year? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
:)

It's peeling because you painted it. You should use stain, or other penetrating sealers. Paint leaves a surface film which will always decay due to standing water on your deck.

Even if I use paint that is made for decks?

Yes, even if you use paint made for a deck. I've never been able to understand why anyone would want to paint over a wood deck.

I totally agree with Famdog. I would use a composite if I didn't like the look of natural wood.

I have painted a covered porch with porch floor enamel. It has grit in it so when wet its not so slippery. Solid colors will not look good long. Three different colors were sponged by an artisan not myself i simply painted it all white. THe result is very eye pleasing and even as it ages ( 1 year give or take) it looks very random with the sponge pattern versus a 10' wide set of steps that are solid and the chipping paint looks just bad. HOpe this helps--Josh

lmm_1076,

I agee with Famdog. Paint or even a solid acrylic 'deck stain' will peel in short order, especially on horizontal surfaces. It is due to the solid layer of 'film' and the weather elements involved. Just like a house paint can peel due to moisture in the wood. The wood absorbs water from underneath and also wicks into the wood from the board ends.

My suggestion is to remove all the paint. This may take a harsh chemical deck stripper that contains sodium hydroxide(lye) and other additives. When you've got it to the bare wood, use a stain which is oil-based, has water repellancy and UV protection.
The good ones should last three to possibly four years.

Fred
(Deck-Kleen Powerwashing)

Thanks to all for your input on my problem. So I still have one more question. Once I strip down to the bare wood should I prep the wood in anyway? (i.e. sand, powerwash, etc....) Again thanks to all for your help! This is my first house with a deck so I was kinda in the dark on everything and all of you helped greatly.
Lana :D

lmm_1076,
It may take a good pressure washing with the stripper and possibly some sanding to remove all of the paint. After the paint is off, all you need to do is let the wood dry for a few days and then stain.

fred