Don’t settle for less when painting your deck. The best deck paint will not only bring color to your outdoor space but also protect its complex structure.
Improving an aging home deck or adding a new one is one of the most attractive home improvement projects to consider. Not only does it provide an ideal setting for an evening relaxation or small gathering, but it can also have an impact on your home’s resale value. Fortunately, you can easily make your deck look great and last long by applying a fresh coat of high-quality paint.
Unlike the paint you would choose for your bedroom, kitchen, or other areas of your home, your deck paint must be durable and weather-resistant. Since your deck will be exposed to the elements of nature, your exterior paint should be able to withstand any harsh weather conditions.
A deck can come with a huge price tag, though, so appropriate care should always be taken to prevent any damage. This is why we have gathered only the best wood deck paint options that can protect its surface so that you can enjoy your valuable investment for many years. Aside from wood, they also work great on a range of materials. Now, if you think it’s time to give your deck some uplift, then here are some products that are worth considering.
Best Deck Paints
KILZ L573611 Enamel Porch and Patio Latex Floor Paint
Highly Versatile Paint for your Deck and Patio
- 200-400 sq. ft. coverage
- Acrylic-based
- 1 gallon
- For interior and exterior use
- Low-luster finish
The best paint for the outdoor wood deck should be highly durable, long-lasting, and highly resistant to peeling, cracking, fading, scuffing, and more. Well, KILZ Porch & Patio Floor paint checks all of these boxes and comes with a mildew-proof film. It is an easy-to-clean acrylic paint that delivers a low-luster enamel finish that applies evenly and smoothly to a variety of surface materials.
KILZ Porch & Patio Floor paint is carefully formulated to keep your porch, deck, floors, and patio siding protected against different weather conditions. It is also ideal for basements, trellises, and even furniture.
This acrylic paint dries in just an hour but can be recoated after four to six hours. It can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on and is available in 2 shades of gray; Slate Gray and Silver Gray. It is also recommended to use on prepared surfaces or those that have been previously primed.
- Ideal for masonry and a variety of wood surfaces
- Weatherproof and skid-resistant
- Dries quickly
- Tends to shrink when dry
- Not ideal for aging wood
INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
The Safest Deck and Indoor Paint
- Indoor and outdoor applications
- 100% acrylic
- 80-120 sq. ft. coverage
- 1 gallon
- 8 hours recoat time
Because decks are typically outdoors, they are more prone to having puddles of water. Since a slippery floor can be a dangerous surface for anyone in your home, you will need a non-slip decking paint such as the INSL-X Sure Step Anti-Slip Coating Paint. It is designed to ensure that your surface is always safe for people to walk on when wet or damp.
One of the best things about this product is that its coating adheres well to a variety of surfaces, including concrete, wood, and metal. It is available in 7 different colors, so you can choose a perfect finish that will create a stylish look in your outdoor space. It is also ideal for DIY users who are looking for a durable paint that’s easy to apply.
INSL-X Sure Step Anti-Slip Coating Paint is resistant to abrasion, scuffing, and pounding water. It also features a color retention formula so your deck paint remains fresh and looking good for years.
- No peeling or flaking
- Cleaning with water and soap is a breeze
- No discoloring
- Requires multiple coats to hide surface imperfections
Behr Low-Lustre Enamel Porch and Patio Floor Paint
The Best UV-Resistant Deck Paint
- 100% acrylic latex base
- Low luster enamel finish
- 400 sq. ft. per gallon
- UV/fading-resistant
- Resists mildew growth
Since your deck is always exposed to sunlight for hours, you will need paint that is resistant to the sun’s UV rays. Otherwise, the color will eventually fade. This is why it’s wise to use BEHR Low-Luster Enamel paint so the color remains vibrant and beautiful even after intense exposure to direct sunlight.
In addition to being resistant to UV discoloration and damage, this low-luster acrylic paint will protect your surface against peeling, cracking, scuffing, and more. It delivers incredible hiding properties for efficient coverage and can be easily cleaned using soapy water.
This paint is perfect for decks, patios, porches, basements, floors, or any of your indoor and outdoor projects. It is designed to be durable and easy to work with a brush, paint sprayer, or roller.
- Efficient coverage
- Dries to the touch quickly
- Seals up cracks and covers imperfections well
- A newly-painted surface is slightly slippery when wet
RTG Deck, Porch, Patio Anti-Slip Paint
Deck Paint with Great Texture
- Textured finish
- Low-VOC
- Water-based polyurethane formula
- 80-100 sq. ft. per quart
- Light sheen finish
If you’re looking to give your outdoor area an affordable and easy update, then RTG Deck, Porch, Patio Anti-Slip Paint is the right product to consider. It is designed not only to protect your decks, outdoor floors, and stairs but also to renew their overall look. Aside from wood materials, it is also regarded as the best paint for concrete pool deck and masonry.
Thanks to its exterior traction coating, even when wet or damp, you will have peace of mind knowing that the surface remains safe for everyone to walk on. It is available in four neutral shades of White, Light Gray, Sand, and a rich Clear or Amber. This allows you to choose the perfect color that will complement the exterior of your home.
This water-based polyurethane coating offers outstanding protection against the slushy snow, hot sun, heavy foot traffic, and rain. It means that you can rely on this paint for durability and its ability to resist scuffing so you don’t have to worry about fading, flaking, or peeling. With this, you can move things around or rearrange your furniture without worrying about damaging the paint.
- Easy to apply
- Fast-drying properties
- Eco-friendly and low-odor
- Limited coverage
INSL-X Tough Shield Floor and Patio Coating Paint
Long-lasting Paint for Any Surface
- 100% acrylic satin
- Interior and Exterior applications
- 350-450 sq. ft. per gallon
- Water-based paint
- 24 hours recoat time
Featuring a durable satin finish, INSL-X Tough Shield Floor and Patio Coating Paint is formulated to create a rugged coat to a variety of surfaces that can stand against changing weather elements. It is abrasion-resistant with exceptional wearing capabilities for both interior and exterior applications. This paint is ideal on a range of surfaces, including wood, concrete, and masonry.
The INSL-X Tough Shield paint lives up to its name for being versatile and tough. It has excellent adhesion and can resist ponding water so it doesn’t bubble up even if there’s too much rain in your area. When cured, it can withstand scrubbing, oils, grease, and detergents.
To get the best results, preparation is recommended. All surfaces must be clean and dry, so make sure that you remove any flaking or peeling paint, as well as any grease and dirt before applying the product. This will help ensure that you can enjoy your good-looking, newly-painted deck for a long time.
- Cleaning up with soapy water is easy
- Durable coat for busy walkways
- Easy to apply using a roller, brush, or sprayer
- Longer recoat time than other similar products
- Shouldn’t be applied on surfaces below 50 °F (10 °C)
Behr Premium Advanced Deckover
The Best Deck Paint for Old Wood
- Abrasion and UV-resistant
- Interior and Exterior applications
- Smooth finish
- Low-odor
- 375 sq. ft. per 5 gallon
Give your old wood deck a gorgeous makeover with BEHR Premium Advanced Deckover. It features higher a viscosity formula that works great in concealing cracks and splinters so that your outdoor space can look brand new. It is barefoot-friendly and slip-resistant, making it safe for everyone to walk on.
Thanks to its advanced 100 percent acrylic resin, this product can form a long-lasting waterproof coating for any worn out and tired wood and concrete surface while upgrading its overall look. It is also available in fifty-four different colors, so you can always pick the perfect hue for your patio or deck.
For best results, just like with other paints, make sure that preparation and proper cleaning are done on the surface before application. Allow the wood to dry completely for at least 24-hours before you apply a fresh coat of this paint.
- Perfect for wood deck restoration
- Coverage is good
- Tons of textures and colors to choose from
- Ease of application
- Actual colors may not match with what’s advertised
How to Choose a Deck Paint
Painting a deck can either be a tiring chore or an exciting project. How you feel about it could depend on whether you have the best deck paint or a poor quality one. If you’re still confused about which paint or deck stain to buy, then we’ll provide you with some tips on how to choose the right one for your job. You will also learn how to prepare your surface to get the most of the best acrylic deck paint.
Consider the texture
Having a slippery deck when wet or damp can be dangerous for you and your loved ones. But since your deck is exposed to rain and moisture, you can’t avoid getting it wet. This is why it’s important to select a paint that provides a bit of traction on your surfaces. In this case, you need to check that your paint has a gritty, non-slip texture.
An anti-slip pain can also be used on a variety of surfaces including concrete, metal, wood, and asphalt. This makes it ideal for busy environments like ramps, kitchens, and walkways. It is strong to withstand common outdoor elements and is designed to last long.
The condition of your wood deck
Are you painting a new deck or fixing an old one? In case your deck is weathered, you will need a stronger deck stain or paint to fill holes and cracks, as well as other unsightly inconsistencies. You have to buy thicker paint with exceptional hide to cover those issues and restore its beauty.
On the other hand, if you have a new deck and want to apply a fresh coat of paint, you’ll want something that lasts long and will protect your wood. The best deck paint will preserve the structural integrity and appearance of your deck.
Water-based or oil-based deck paint
The common options you will have on the market are water-based and oil-based paints for your deck. No one is actually better than the other as each of them has its own pros and cons.
Water-based paints often provide the best protection against discoloration or color fading. They are low in VOCs and dries quickly. They are not as durable as the oil-based ones but the highest quality water-based paints last longer than the common ones. This is because they contain a high amount of acrylic, which is an essential ingredient that makes paint long-lasting. Although it is water-soluble, acrylic paints become water-resistant when dry. They are also easy to work with when using a paint sprayer, roller, or brush.
When it comes to durability and tough finish, oil-based deck paints are a winner. Professionals often prefer them and they deliver optimum moisture protection. Unlike water-based, oil-based paints are high in volatile organic compounds.
This is why it may not be ideal for those with respiratory issues when inhaled. It can also create fumes that can lead to a sore throat or make your eyes water. Although it takes a while to dry, it’s worth the wait because it offers strong adhesive and great hide.
Tips for Painting your Deck
Flaking, peeling, chipping, and bubbling painted surfaces are the common nightmares of many homeowners. If you select the wrong paint, these could be your problems too. To avoid these, here are some expert tips when painting your outdoor wood deck.
Use a primer
It is always a good idea to use a primer before applying your deck paint. But always check if your paint requires one or not. Some brands or types of paint are available as both a primer and paint, so check the label before you begin your project.
Preparation is crucial to getting the best result
Sand any splintered areas to ensure that your wood surface is user-friendly and smooth. Remove any dirt and debris, and make sure that the wood is completely dry before applying your paint.
Check the weather
The most frustrating thing that could happen when painting your deck is when the rain starts falling in the middle of your project. While weather can sometimes be unpredictable, checking it before you begin your job increases your chance of not having to worry about your paint being washed out by rain.
Conclusion
Just like in many aspects of our lives, preparation is the key to a successful project. For this reason, it’s necessary to be equipped with the best deck paint to have a living space that not only looks amazing but also feels safe and protected against the changing weather conditions.