Rejuvenate a Faded Deck with Simple Painting Strategies

Is your once-glorious backyard deck looking faded, peeling, and utterly uninviting? Don't tear it out and start from scratch just yet. With the right simple strategies and some fresh deck paint, you can rejuvenate your deck in a weekend and enjoy an outdoor living space you can be proud of once more.

Painting over a deck that already has peeling, cracking, or fading paint may seem pointless at first, but with proper surface preparation and a compatible high-quality exterior deck paint, you can breathe new life into old wood without the expense and effort of replacing boards.

Assess the Full Scope of Your Deck's Condition First

Before doing any cosmetic upgrades like painting, it's essential to check if there are any structural problems or defects with your existing deck that require repairs first. Here's what to look out for:

• Inspect all wood surfaces for signs of aging, such as cupping, twisting, large splits or splinters, as well as rot and insect damage. Make repairs where needed before painting.
• Check that deck boards and railings are securely fastened. Tighten loose screws and nails, and replace any missing or so severely degraded they no longer hold fasteners.

In terms of the existing paint job, look for areas with cracking, bubbling, or excessive peeling exposing large patches of bare wood. Use a putty knife to check areas that look intact to see if the paint is still well adhered or if it comes off easily.

Determine Oil-Based vs. Acrylic Deck Paint

It's also crucial to identify if the existing paint that will be coated over is oil or water-based. You can check any existing paint cans used previously, or do a simple water test by squirting some water onto the paint surface and seeing if it absorbs in or beads up.

Oil-based paints will repel water, while acrylic/water-based paints tend to absorb water. You'll want to use the same type of paint already present on your deck when doing a repaint so the new coating layers properly.

Stock Up on the Right Painting Supplies

Now that you know the scope of what you're working with, make sure you have these essential deck painting tools on hand before you start your transformation project:

• Paint scraper - to remove cracked/peeling areas
• Stiff wire brush - for stripping loose paint
• Putty knife - accessing tight corners
• Orbital sander + 60-80 grit sandpaper - deglossing surface
• Drop cloths - protecting surrounding areas
• Painters tape - clean lines along edges
• Angled trim paint brush - cut-in work

As for deck paint itself, select a durable exterior acrylic or oil-based formulation suited for wood decks from a reputable brand. Be sure to also get primer designed for exterior wood use.

Prep Deck for Painting with Thorough Cleaning

Now comes the sweat equity of prepping your faded, peeling deck for a flawless paint job that will last. It's dirty work, but worth it!

Clear off all deck furniture, planters and other items first. Use drop cloths secured with weights or painters tape to cover any outdoor kitchen components, patios, plant beds or other areas near the deck workspace.

With the deck empty, start removing any loose cracking/peeling sections of old paint using a paint scraper. A wire bristle brush also helps strip paint from wood grain if it seems to still be adhering in some spots.

Sand the entire deck using 60-80 grit sandpaper on an orbital sander. This smoothes and deglosses the surface so the new paint can properly adhere. Sand by hand in tighter spaces. Sweep away all dust with a broom or shop vac when done.

Deep Clean Before Primer/Paint

With sanding finished, do a deep clean by pressure washing the deck if possible, or scrubbing thoroughly with a deck cleaner solution and a stiff bristle scrub brush if you don't have access to a power washer. Let the deck dry fully over 24-48 hours before moving onto priming and painting.

Apply Oil-Based or Acrylic Exterior Primer

It's best practice to apply an oil-based or acrylic-based exterior wood primer after cleaning, even if some of the existing deck paint is still in decent shape. Primer seals the wood grain and creates an optimal "tooth" for the topcoat paint to adhere strongly.

Use a 4-6 inch trim brush to cut-in corners, posts, and railings with primer before rolling out primer across the deck planks with an extension roller pole and 9 inch roller cover. Allow the primer to dry per manufacturer recommendations before painting.

Rejuvenate Deck with Fresh Exterior Paint

Now for the fun part - give your deck a total facelift with new, vibrant exterior deck paint to restore its handsome good looks!

As you did when priming, use an angled trim brush to paint neatly into inside corners along railings and surrounding structures before breaking out the roller to apply deck paint across the planking.

Load the roller with a sufficient amount of paint and apply using long, even strokes at a gradual pace. Maintain a wet edge as you move down length of boards to prevent lap marks as paint dries. Recoat across entire deck to ensure optimal coverage.

Achieve Painting Excellence

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for drying time between coats. Cooler temperatures or higher humidity will slow dry times.

Inspect for any missed spots after each coat, and catch drips right away as they occur before painting additional coats. One thick coat with very light touch ups is ideal, but apply a second full coat of deck paint if coverage seems thin.

Once fully cured per the paint's instructions (typically 24-48 hours), your formerly faded and peeling deck will look fresh, durable, uniform, and inviting once more!

Put your beautifully revived deck on a regular cleaning schedule to prevent future peeling or fading issues. Sweep away debris weekly and deep clean every 6 months.

Consider applying a sealant made for exterior wood if heavy staining is still a concern after repainting. This adds extra protection to your newly painted surface.