Renovate Worn Deck Surfaces with Restore Paint
Backyard decks allow us to fully embrace the outdoors while adding valuable living space to our homes. But after years of exposure to harsh weather and heavy foot traffic, even the sturdiest wooden decks start to show signs of aging with faded, splintered boards, peeling paint, and persistent mold growth.
While replacing an entire deck is certainly an option, deck restoration paints provide a convenient, budget-friendly alternative for renovating tired deck surfaces without the mess and expenses of a full tear-out. Advanced deck paint formulas work by penetrating deep into damaged wood grain to create a fully adhered protective barrier.
Exposure Damage that Accelerates Deck Deterioration
The typical lifecycle of backyard decks means enduring some difficult conditions on a daily basis. From intense sunlight and perpetual moisture to freezing temperatures and accumulated dirt and debris, the abuse takes a cumulative toll over the years.
Effects of Sunlight and Moisture
Ultraviolet radiation breaks down exterior wood fibers and finish layers through a process known as photo-degradation. As color pigments fade, the unprotected cellulose starts to oxidize and break apart into grainy gray powder on the deck's surface.
Meanwhile, water uptake causes swelling and dramatic shrinkage cycles in response to changing humidity levels outside. Repeated expansion and contraction slowly loosens deck boards and causes popped nails, cracked finishes, splintering, and warping overtime.
Freeze and Thaw Stress
For decks in colder climates, the additional stress of seasonal freeze and thaw cycles take an exponential toll. As water trapped deep inside wood components freezes and crystallizes, it expands with explosive force capable of rupturing cell walls. The subsequent structural damage leaves wood looking soft, spongy, and rotted.
And once finish layers get breached, exposed wood readily absorbs even more water to perpetuate deterioration issues through additional swelling, mold growth, and accelerated rotting.
Essential Prep Work Before Deck Painting
While deck restore paint can aesthetically update even severely neglected surfaces, proper preparation is still vital for good adhesion and performance. Carefully cleaning, repairing, and restoring flatness optimizes results.
Cleaning, Sanding, and Scrapping Steps
A thorough initial power washing removes built up grime, chalky residue, mold stains, and loose finish shards. For remaining glossy areas, light orbital sanding deglosses the surface so new paint can grip tightly. Finally, scraping away any additional peeling bits or protruding nails completes the process.
Replacing Bad Boards
For decks with only a few isolated soft or rotten boards, surgical replacements restore structural integrity for painting. After removing fasteners, pry up and discard damaged planks before cutting replacements. Allow fresh treated lumber to fully dry before coating to prevent moisture issues later on.
Use caution when prying up deck boards though, as deteriorated framing components underneath may also need addressing. Shore up wobbly joists or posts before proceeding.
How Deck Paint Restores Appearance
Specialized deck restore paints aim to emulate the performance of professional refinishing by floating a durable new surface layer over damaged uneven substrates. Advanced acrylic-fortified formulas flow into cracks and holes before curing smooth and flat.
Deep Surface Penetration
Unlike regular house paints that just cling to exterior surfaces, deck restore coatings actually soak into weathered wood for superior adhesion. Expanding resins seek out porous dehydrated areas and flexible polymers flex with movement.
Strengthening cell walls from within helps stabilize delicate deteriorating fibers prone to powdering. And soaking into the wood grain provides a protective foundation layer barriers cannot match.
Maximum Hide Coverage
High pigment concentrations block existing flaws and stains to completely refresh appearance. With less reliance on the substrate for coloring, deck paint easily hides splintered areas, nail holes, broken grain, and color inconsistencies.
In addition to disguising blemishes though, thicker applications also withstand heavy foot traffic better over time compared to thin stains.
Top Deck Paint Options
When reviewing deck coating products, look for advanced acrylic or urethane fortified formulas that provide flexibility along with fade, peel, and scuff resistance.
Behr Deckover
Water-based Deckover uses elastomeric acrylic technology for an extremely thick rubberized film that stretches without cracking. Flowing into weathered wood grain for stellar adhesion makes application fast and easy with less dependence on meticulous prep work.
A high-pigment concentration provides excellent hide and allows for dramatic color changes. Plus the tintable base means you can match almost any custom hue.
Rust-Oleum Restore
Restore 10X formulas deeply penetrate rough splintered surfaces while forming a protective flexible barrier against moisture infiltration. Expanding resins lock intodeck pores for superior adhesion properties and preventing future swelling issues.
Low VOCs make application more pleasant. And with decorative textured finishes that replicate natural wood grain available, you can skip staining completely.
Comparing Characteristics
When deciding between top brands, compare spread rates, coats required, and cost per square foot. While Restore offers slightly more coverage per gallon, Deckover's 100% acrylic formula often lasts longer before needing touchups. And both cost approximately $3 per square foot to apply.
Application Pointers
As thick gloopier paints, deck restore coatings handle differently than standard latex or oils. Adjusting techniques boosts performance.
Wide Diameter Rollers
Since ultra-high viscosity formulas resist flowing out, use thicker roller nap sizes rated for smooth masonry coating. The 3/4 to 1 1/4 inch covers provide enough pressure to spread deck paint evenly without excessive thinning.
Maintaining a wet edge as you work while quickly backrolling previously coated sections prevents clumpy lap marks. Extend coating times during dry spells to complete each wall before moving on.
Realistic Expectations
Understand that even quality deck paints may not live up to inflated marketing claims completely. Evaluate restored areas regularly and budget for supplementary touch up coats as needed.
Also consider foot traffic flows when planning renovations. High wear areas around stairs and entrances battle abrasion exposure beyond thinner resurfacers' durability limits.
Caring for Renewed Deck Finishes
Proactively maintaining your restored deck helps safeguard paint investments while keeping the wood protected. Quick cleaning and minor repairs make flawless surfaces last.
Gentle Wash Methods
When finished decking starts looking dingy again, prompt light cleaning opens pores back up. Use plain water or non-corrosive composite deck cleaners with soft non-abrasive attachments to prevent damaging thin acrylic films.
After spraying diluted solutions over all boards, let soaking briefly before gently wiping with microfiber pads. Avoid aggressive scrubbing of stained areas.
Touch Up Applications
For small damaged spots or excessive wear patterns, properly preparing and blending new paint prevents obvious patches. Carefully sand faded glossy areas before wiping clean.
When feathering in touch ups, extend just beyond original lines to reduce transitions. Apply thinner coats to feathered zones, building gradually instead of overloading quickly.
Compared to sanding or replacing deck boards, convenient deck resurfacing paints make renovations considerably less hassle. After proper cleaning and repairs, thick flexible formulas camouflage existing damage under protective decorative layers.
While marketed as long term solutions, monitor high traffic areas more susceptible to wear. But with periodic maintenance, restored wooden decks provide extra outdoor living space without breaking budget limits.