How to Paint Composite Decking
Wood is the most common material used in decking construction, but wood features a number of drawbacks, including mold potential and weathering over time. Composite decking mixes wood with recycled plastic to create a more resilient surface. Most composite decking does not need to be painted or stained, since it looks like natural wood and maintains that look throughout its life, but you choose to change the appearance of your deck, you can do with multiple coats of paint. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Remove all deck furniture from the deck. Cover nearby shrubs or plants with plastic sheeting to protect them from paint. Depending on the location and design of your deck, you may also need to mask off areas where the deck touches your house to prevent paint from getting onto your siding.
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Spray down the deck with a hose to remove dirt and debris. Mix dishwashing soap and water in a bucket and use a push broom to clean the entire deck to remove any stuck on dirt or dust. The surface must be completely clean to accept paint.
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Rinse away residual soap. Allow the decking surface to dry completely before continuing.
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Prime the composite surface with an outdoor paint primer. The primer will soak into the composite surface and create a smoother, more accepting surface for the paint itself. Coat the entire deck with a thin coat of primer, using a paint roller or sprayer to spread the paint evenly. Allow the first coat to dry completely and apply a second coat. Allow the primer to dry completely before continuing.
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Coat the deck with exterior paint in the cover of your choice. Make sure you use exterior-approved paint, as these paints withstand weathering and fading much better than interior products. Apply at least two thin coats of paint to the decking surface; you may need to use more if instructed by the product or to achieve a darker color.
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Replace all deck furniture once the final coat of paint has dried completely.
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Tips & Warnings
If you paint your composite decking, you will need to maintain the paint, which will include regular cleaning and reapplying paint every few years.
Follow all specific primer and paint product instructions before use. Details such as thinning the paint and the number of coats to apply will vary by product, and can even vary based on the application method (paint roller, spray gun, paintbrush, etc.).
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
