How to Paint a Deck to Make it Not Slippery

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Things You'll Need

  • Broom

  • Large bucket

  • Gloves

  • TSP solution

  • Sponge

  • Scrubber

  • Garden hose or pressure wash system

  • Sandpaper

  • Slip resistant acrylic resin

  • Paint stick

  • Roller tray

  • Short pile paint roller

  • Paint brush

An acrylic coating system makes a deck slip resistant.

A slippery deck can be hazardous if left untreated. You can solve this problem by rolling on a few coats of high grade acrylic resin. This will not only make your deck slip resistant, it will also protect it from water damage, UV radiation, abrasion and foot traffic. Acrylic resin can be used on wood decks, pool areas, walkways and concrete. It can be applied as a clear coat or be pigmented in a color of your choice. A few simple steps will make your deck a safe place to walk even on rainy days.

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Step 1

Remove furniture and obstructions from the deck. Use a broom to sweep away any loose debris, dirt and sand.

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Step 2

Fill a bucket with warm water. Add 1/4 cup of TSP (trisodium phosphate) per gallon. TSP can be bought at any home improvement center. If your deck is made from redwood or cedar, use a cleaning product formulated specifically for this type of wood. TSP is harsh on skin, so wear gloves before handling. Apply the solution to the deck with a sponge. Use a scrubber on tougher stains. Rinse completely with a garden hose or a pressure wash system. Allow area to completely dry.

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Step 3

Sand any rough spots with sandpaper. Make sure the deck is completely free of any remaining debris, oil, dirt, tar or grease stains.

Step 4

Stir the acrylic resin thoroughly with a paint stick. Pour a small amount into a roller tray. Have enough product to cover the entire deck. One gallon will cover approximately 100 to 300 square feet on most surfaces. Cool Deck 70 from Ceratech Coatings is a good product to use because it has a built-in primer. Safe-Deck is another acrylic system to consider. Use a roller brush to evenly apply one coat of acrylic resin to the deck. A paint brush will help you cover corners and hard-to-reach areas.

Step 5

Allow the product to dry. After one hour, apply a second coat of acrylic resin.

Tip

Make sure you won't have problems with the weather before attempting to roll on acrylic resin. Outdoor temperatures should be above 40°F for at least a few hours after applying your second coat. Some products may advise against using in direct sunlight.

Warning

Avoid prolonged skin contact with TSP and acrylic resin. Make sure the area is well ventilated to dispel fumes. If you get resin in your eyes, flush with water and immediately seek medical help.

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