How to Repaint a Porch Floor

Protect your porch floor with a new coat of paint.

The porch often serves as the focal point of a house. But because it receives a lot of foot traffic and is exposed to the elements, it is going to need a new coat of paint every few years, even if it's covered. This will help protect the wood and add to the beauty of your home.

Things You'll Need

• Orbital sander
• Hand (block) sander
• Belt sander (for large porches)
• 80-grit and 120-grit sandpaper for the sanders
• Liquid deglosser
• Primer
• Wood putty
• Broom
• All-purpose cleaner
• Knee pads (optional)
• 2 1/2-inch angled paint brush
• 3/8-inch nap paint roller
• Roller handle and extension
• Paint tray

Instructions

1. Remove all peeling paint. If there is a small amount, use your orbital sander with 80-grit sandpaper, then smooth it with 120-grit. If you have a large porch or a lot of damage, you can use a portable belt sander with 80-grit sandpaper to speed the process. Follow with the 120-grit on the orbital sander. Use the block sander for small areas and edges.

2. Apply a liquid deglosser if the existing paint is shiny and let it dry.

3. Prime any areas you had to sand down to bare wood to remove blemishes and damage.

4. Fill deep gashes with wood putty or a two-part epoxy. Wood putty is easier to work with, but epoxy is much harder and more durable. Let it dry and sand smooth.

5. Remove all rotted wood before you paint. Small areas can be excavated and refilled; large areas of rotted wood should be replaced.

6. Sweep the area thoroughly. Spray with an all-purpose cleaner then rinse with clean water. Sweep off the excess water and let it dry thoroughly.

7. Sweep the floor again just before you start painting. First paint the edges and trim with a brush. Then paint the main part of the floor with the roller. Work from a far edge toward an exit. Don't paint yourself into a corner. Let it dry according to the directions on the paint can before walking on it.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint on a calm day when rain is not expected.

• Use the best quality paints you can afford and a high-quality roller for the job.

• Chemical strippers sound like a good idea, but they add extra work. You'll end up spending a lot of time stripping and scraping, then still have to sand with 80-grit and 120-grit papers.

References

• Do It Best: How to Paint a Porch or Floor