How to Choose the Best Deck Paint

A deck is a big investment, so you want to be sure that you maintain it correctly—and that includes choosing the best deck paint for touch-ups and revamps. Unlike many standard interior surfaces, your deck is exposed to a lot of elements, which means that you need to pick out a paint that’s not just intended for deck use but that is ideal for its current age and condition. And the better job you do at making your selection, the longer you’ll have before you need to repeat the process.

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding on the best deck paint for the job, plus answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that people have when it comes time to paint a deck.

Why choosing the best deck paint is important

You have two primary options when you’re buying deck paint:

• • Acrylic (aka water-based) paints
  • Oil-based paints

  The biggest difference between acrylic deck paints and oil-based deck paints: Acrylic paints sit on top of the wood surface and form a protective layer, while oil-based paints penetrate into the wood to offer protection from within.

  If you know what kind of paint was used on your deck previously, then that will tell you which is the best deck paint for you to go with this time around. Oil-based paints work best when they’re layered on top of oils, and the same goes for acrylics.

  Alternately, if you choose to work with the type of paint that wasn’t previously used on your deck, you might end up facing some issues later on, especially when it comes to that all-important protective coating. For example, oil can’t penetrate acrylic, so if you layer an oil-based paint on top of an acrylic coating it won’t be able to seep into the wood of your deck—and thus won’t be able to do its job.

  Fortunately, there’s an easy way to figure out what type of paint was used on your deck during previous treatments: pressure washing. Because acrylic paints are water-based, you’re also able to remove them with water. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, require special treatment with mineral spirits for removal.

  If you spray a pressure washer at your deck and the existing paint easily chips off, you’re likely dealing with an acrylic. If it doesn’t, it’s a safe bet that you currently have an oil-based paint on there.

  Acrylic vs. oil-based deck paint

  There are other differences between acrylic and oil-based deck paints that might make you want to choose one over the other.

  These differences will come in handy if you’re painting a new, previously untreated deck for the first time. It also is possible to switch from acrylic to oil-based and vice versa, however keep in mind that you’ll need to completely strip the previous layer(s) of paint first, which is a long and labor-intensive process. If you want to go this route and it’s in the budget, consider working with a pro to get the deck stripped, and then you can take over the painting duties from there.

  As for those differences, here are some of the biggest ones to be aware of:

  Acrylic (water-based) deck paints

  • • Last for four to eight years
    • Low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
    • Easy to keep clean with just soap and water
    • Quick to dry and can apply next coat in about four to six hours, so you can paint the whole deck faster
    • Less likely to peel and crack

    Oil-based deck paints

    • • Last for five to ten years
      • High in VOCs
      • Best at protecting against moisture
      • Slow to dry, and may require at least 24 hours in between coats
      • Requires the use of special chemical solvents to clean up any tools and messes from painting

      Many professional deck painters consider oil-based varieties to be the best deck paint option, since while they’re a bit tougher and more time-intensive to apply, they also last longer and provide the most effective protection against moisture—which is a major element to consider on any outdoor surface.

      Acrylic deck paint offers a number of big advantages too though, especially if you’re undertaking this project on your own. It’s a lot easier to work with, and it’s safer too, thanks to low VOCs and the lack of need to use chemical cleaning solvents. To this point, if you do end up using an oil-based deck paint, make sure to wear a mask and goggles, since exposure to VOCs can irritate your eyes and throat, and even cause respiratory issues.

      Both acrylic and oil-based deck paints are available in a wide range of colors, and both offer you at least several years before you should have to paint again. And in terms of overall durability, both are designed to withstand outdoor elements. Just makes sure to steer clear of interior paints, or any paint that isn’t specifically designated for use on exterior surfaces (better yet, stick to paints that are purely designated for use on decks).

      Another thing to look for is additives. Look for deck paint that has been formulated with additives to protect it from UV rays, temperature extremes, and mold and mildew. This will provide you the best protection and ensure that you can spend more time enjoying your deck and less time treating it.

      Deck paint surface finishes

      There’s more to selecting the best deck paint than just the formula that you use. You’ll also have your choice of surface sheens, just as you would if you were painting an interior wall.

      Picking out the right surface finish isn’t as big of a deal as deciding between acrylic or oil-based, but it will have a major effect on the appearance of your deck—as well as how you maintain it—so it’s worth doing a bit of research.

      • • Eggshell deck paint – This surface finish is the least reflective, so you’ll have the least amount of sheen. This is good for hiding imperfections in the wood, but not so good for hiding dirt.
        • Satin deck paint – You’ll get a slightly higher sheen here than you would with eggshell, but it’s still low-luster. This means that it will still hide imperfections but it’s also easy to clean and less prone to showing dirt than eggshell paint.
        • Semi-gloss deck paint – For a bit more reflectivity, opt for a semi-gloss. The biggest benefit is that it’s good at hiding dirt and dust. Plus, most exterior trim is painted in semi-gloss, so this will give you continuity between your deck finish and your other exterior surfaces.
        • High–gloss deck paint – This is the highest sheen deck paint and also the easiest to clean. But high-gloss means there’s nowhere for wood imperfections to hide, so any nicks, cracks, or other flaws will be more apparent, instead of less.

        To sum it up: the less sheen in the paint, the better it is at hiding imperfections and the harder it is to keep it clean. The opposite is true with higher sheens. Which way you should go depends largely on your personal preferences, though you may also want to choose a sheen that most complements your other painted exterior surfaces.

        Frequently asked questions about buying the best deck paint

        Have some lingering questions? See if you can find your answer here.

        Is it better to stain or paint a deck?

        Stain is better if you want a more natural finish, and it’s also cheaper and easier to apply than paint. However, paint lasts a lot longer than stain, and it’s also more versatile and a whole lot easier to maintain. As for which is better, that depends on what’s most important to you in terms of appearance and durability.

        Should I prime my deck before painting?

        Yes. Primer will help the paint adhere to your deck, and it also provides additional protection against moisture, temperature, and foot traffic. It will also ensure that you get an even finish, since the porous surface of wood means that paint often sets and adheres at different saturations.

        Can I spray paint my deck?

        You bet! Both acrylic and oil-based paints can be applied using a sprayer, though you may be more limited in your color selections.

        When is the best time to paint a deck?

        Late spring is usually ideal. According to Consumer Reports, you want the outdoor temperature to be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit when you paint your deck and it should never drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit during the curing process. As for an upper temperature limit, 90 degrees Fahrenheit is a good cut-off. As Consumer Reports explains, if it’s too hot to hold your hand on the exterior of your home for more than a few seconds, it’s too hot to paint any outdoor surfaces.