Our 10-year-old pressure treated wood deck is a dull, dingy gray. Can I paint the wood deck successfully?

– Marian

Marian,

While you can paint a pressure-treated wood deck, I don’t recommend it. A wood deck takes a lot of abuse from sun, rain, and snow; and the constant shrinkage and expansion of the wood causes paint to peel over time.

For a wood deck or fence, I prefer the look and longevity of a semi-transparent stain. Advantages of a semi-transparent stain over clear sealers, solid stains, and paint include:

  • Last longer than clear sealers.
  • Gives a uniform color to the deck compared to clear sealers.
  • Hides defects and weathered wood better than clear sealers.
  • Doesn’t tend to peel like paint or solid stain.

No matter what finish you’re applying, it’s important to thoroughly clean the deck with a product like Flood Cleaner/Brightener first, using a long-handled scrub brush to remove any dirt and open the pores of the wood before sealing, staining, or painting.

If the deck has mold or mildew, use a mixture of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water with either a little non-ammonia-based detergent or TSP (trisodium phosphate) added. Mixing some detergents with bleach can release poisonous chlorine gas, so read the detergent label carefully before using.

Wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, and eye protection when working with bleach, and keep it off bare skin. Allow the bleach solution to remain on the deck for 10-20 minutes, then scrub with a long-handled scrub brush and rinse well with a garden hose. Bleach can kill or damage plants, so wet down any plants or grass around the deck or cover them with plastic before spraying.

Once the deck is clean, allow the wood to dry thoroughly before staining. Drying can take several days or longer, depending on the weather conditions. When possible, use a moisture meter to make sure the wood has 15% or less moisture before finishing.

If the wood fibers on the surface of the wood have deteriorated and have a soft, fuzzy feel, sand the deck before finishing. Choose a quality stain that resists mildew and waterproofs the wood. Apply the stain following the directions, making sure to back-brush the stain into the wood.

If you do decide to paint rather than stain your deck, follow the same cleaning, sanding, and drying procedures as outlined above; then paint with a quality primer and paint made for decks.

Good luck with your project,


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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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