Picking the appropriate paint is important when you want to refurbish an old deck. It will bring back its beauty and protect it from more damage. The “best deck paint for old wood” not only makes the wood look better, but it also lasts longer on surfaces that have been weathered and aged. If your deck has cracks, peeling paint, or a fading tint, it’s important to choose a paint that can manage the problems that come with old wood. This article goes into great detail on what makes a deck paint good for ancient wood, lists the best products, and gives you useful tips to help you make a smart choice.
Understanding Deck Paint for Old Wood
Old wood decks present distinct challenges compared to new wood. Years of exposure to the elements can cause cracking, splintering, and uneven surfaces that demand a resilient coating. The best deck paint for old wood needs to fulfill several important roles:
- Durability and Weather Resistance: The paint must withstand sun, rain, snow, and temperature changes without cracking or peeling. Protective qualities like UV resistance and water repellency are critical.
- Flexibility and Adhesion: Old wood expands and contracts with weather more than new wood. Paints that bond deeply and flex with the wood reduce the chance of peeling.
- Surface Restoration: Many old decks have cracks or rough textures. Paints designed to fill and hide these imperfections restore a smooth, attractive look.
- Safety: Decks can become slippery when wet. The best deck paint often includes a textured or anti-slip finish to keep walking surfaces safe.
There are many kinds of paint that work on ancient wooden decks, such as solid stains, acrylic latex paints, and special resurfacing coatings. Semi-transparent stains bring out the grain in wood, while solid paints cover over imperfections that come with age. Textured coatings or additives can also make it easier to walk on.
Another important thing to do is get ready. Cleaning, sanding, and priming old wood properly can help the paint stick better and last longer. Using the appropriate primer can stop wood knots from seeping through the paint and make it stick better to objects that have been outside for a while.
Top Deck Paints for Old Wood
The market offers many deck paints, but some stand out for their performance on old wood. Here are some of the top-rated and best deck paint options that combine durability, coverage, and aesthetics for revitalizing old decks:
Behr Premium Advanced DeckOver
Behr’s Advanced DeckOver is designed to rejuvenate weathered old wood decks. Its thick, acrylic formula fills cracks and splinters up to ¼ inch while providing a slip-resistant finish. It offers a wide range of color choices and excellent durability against harsh weather conditions. The textured surface not only improves safety but also hides surface imperfections, making it a favorite for old decks.
KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating
KILZ Over Armor combines crack-filling ability with a tough protective coat ideal for highly weathered decks. It creates an anti-slip surface and provides reliable protection against water and UV rays. Known for its thick consistency, it covers age marks and surface roughness effectively, resulting in a smooth, refreshed look.
Rust-Oleum RockSolid 20X Deck Resurfacer
When dealing with severely damaged decks, Rust-Oleum RockSolid 20X is an exceptional choice. It acts as a heavy-duty resurfacer that fills deep cracks and offers a uniform, durable finish. The paint is resistant to peeling and fading, maintaining beauty and safety even under heavy foot traffic and harsh elements.
Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Exterior Deck Paint
Sherwin-Williams’ SuperDeck line offers both waterborne and oil-based formulas tailored for old wood decks. The paint penetrates deeply to protect and enhance the wood’s natural beauty. It has excellent adhesion and weather resistance, making it ideal for exterior decks needing lasting protection and visual appeal.
Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT Exterior Stain
Although technically a stain, Benjamin Moore’s ARBORCOAT offers the benefits of deck paint combined with the aesthetics of a stain. It resists mildew, fading, and staining while improving deck durability. It’s particularly effective on older decks, providing a natural look with excellent protection.
Cabot DeckCorrect
Cabot DeckCorrect stands out for its thick consistency and strong crack-filling properties. It easily covers splinters and imperfections up to ¼ inch while creating a non-slip surface. It’s highly resistant to weather extremes, making it perfect for old decks exposed to varied climates. Its application creates a refreshed, uniform finish ideal for wood in need of restoration.
Choosing the Right Primer and Preparation Tips
Preparation is key to getting the most out of the finest deck paint for ancient wood. First, scrape and sand off any loose paint and rough spots. Pressure washing gets rid of dirt, mold, and other material that is still there. If you have knots and stains that are likely to bleed through, use a shellac-based spot primer before putting on a high-bonding exterior primer made for decks. Priming makes your topcoat stick better and last longer.
Tips for Painting Old Wood Decks
- Choose a dry, warm day to paint and avoid direct sunlight to prevent premature drying.
- Apply paint with a brush or roller that allows you to push paint into wood grain and cracks.
- Use at least two coats, allowing proper drying time between.
- Consider adding silica to paint to enhance slip resistance on walking surfaces.
- Plan for annual maintenance checks to touch up cracks and chips before they worsen.
Conclusion
Choosing the right deck paint for aged wood will give your deck a fresh look and safeguard it for years to come. There is a solution for every requirement, from resurfacing paints that fill in cracks like Behr DeckOver and Rust-Oleum RockSolid to more traditional but long-lasting ones like Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck and Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT.
Seattle Painting Experts offers high-quality Deck Staining Services in Seattle for homeowners who want professional help. These services use professional-grade chemicals and competent application to make sure your deck looks fantastic and lasts a long time. Are you ready to change your old deck? You can count on the pros to get the job done right.
FAQs
Can I use regular exterior paint on old wood decks?
Regular exterior paint often lacks the thickness and flexibility needed for old wood and may peel quickly. Use a deck paint specifically designed for aged, weathered surfaces.
How often should I repaint an old wood deck?
With proper prep and quality paint, you can expect 3-5 years before the next repaint. Annual maintenance with spot repairs can extend this lifecycle.
Do I need to sand old wood before painting?
Yes, sanding removes loose paint and smooths rough spots for better adhesion. Pressure washing is also recommended beforehand for cleanliness.
Is deck staining better than painting old wood?
Staining penetrates wood and highlights grain but offers less surface protection than paint. Paint provides a thicker protective barrier, ideal for very weathered or damaged wood.
How do I prevent peeling on an old wood deck?
Proper surface prep, using a high-quality primer, and selecting a flexible, weather-resistant deck paint greatly reduce peeling.
