When should you paint your deck?

Decks offer homeowners a valuable place to relax, entertain, and host barbecue parties. They are a great addition to any home that increases its resale value and allows families to spend more time outdoors. However, several homeowners fail to pay attention to their decks or invest in their regular maintenance, causing them to develop issues and reducing their lifespan.

Outdoor structures, such as decks, remain exposed to different weather conditions and withstand wind, sun, rain, snow, and humidity, which affect their appearance. They require the application of a protective coating to minimize deterioration, enhance their look, and reduce potential wear and tear.

Why is painting a deck essential?

Applying high-quality deck paint makes them look beautiful and is a great way to cover any wood imperfections and add vibrancy to the outdoors. Paint offers an edge over other deck finishes like sealers or stains. It provides better protection to the wood, is available in several color options, easy to clean, resists mold, rot, and heat damage, offers design flexibility, and is more durable and lasting than other finishes due to its thickness. For deck painting, homeowners need weather-resistant paint capable of enduring the various outdoor elements and do not peel or crack over time.

However, painting a wooden deck is not as easy as several factors can interfere with the process, including the weather conditions. Deck painting is a significant investment, and homeowners should get it right the first time to save valuable resources.  

Best time to paint a deck

A common question several homeowners ask painting contractors is when is the best time to paint a deck. Though a deck needs repainting when the previous paint starts to show signs of wear and tear and deterioration, weather plays a crucial role in determining when a deck should be painted. Heat and humidity can spoil the paint job if not taken into account.

Ideally, spring or early summer is considered the best time to paint a deck. It helps correct the damages the deck suffered during the harsh winters and prepare it for summer and fall fun with friends and family. Based on the weather conditions a region experiences, consider the driest season as the perfect deck painting time.

Painting companies and experts recommend a temperature between 50-degree and 85-degree Fahrenheit and Relative Humidity levels of 40 to 50 %. Painting the deck in the dry season ensures that it looks best and lasts longer. Avoid painting when the sun is shining brightly and directly on the surface, as it causes the paint to dry quickly and result in brush marks. Taking up deck painting during cold temperatures prevents it from spreading smoothly and adhere well to the surface. It causes the paint to peel and crack shortly after completing the job. Moisture also creates issues for the deck surface, making it essential to ensure a clean and dry deck before paint application.

Deck painting tips

Here are some valuable deck painting tips for a flawless finish:

• Ensure to complete all the required repairs before painting an old deck. Replace nails, fill holes and cracks with exterior-grade epoxy putty, apply caulk at joints, and use a primer to prime the bare areas.  
• Invest time to prepare the surface properly. Cleaning, power washing, applying mold deterrent, sanding, scraping, and priming are essential for an even, smooth, and perfect paint job.
• Always paint on a thoroughly clean and completely dry wood deck.
• Add anti-skid additives for a better grip and prevent slipping accidents.
• Use plastic sheets to cover nearby trees and shrubs.
• Avoid painting a previously oiled deck surface.
• While repainting, scrape off the peeling paint instead of removing the old paint entirely.

Choosing the right time to paint the deck keeps it protected and ensures that homeowners can enjoy the space for a long time without frequent repainting needs. Hire a local painter that provides quality deck painting services for a quick and perfectly accomplished paint job.

This article is written by George Linardic, founder of Superior Painting Services- top rated painting company in Miami