The Best Deck Paint for Old Wood
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There’s no doubt that a beautiful wood deck can add a lot of value to your home. And, of course, a deck is also a hub for outdoor entertainment. However, if your deck is looking a bit old and worn, it needs some attention before it’s too late.
Is your wood deck starting to look a little worse for wear? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find their decks gradually fade and become stained over time. The good news is that there is a solution – deck paint!
Whether your wood deck is starting to show its age or you just want to give it a fresh look, painting it is a great way to achieve this. Quality deck paint will also protect the wood from the elements and allow your deck to last longer.
But what’s the best deck paint for old wood? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the options and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your needs. So whether you’re ready to start painting your deck now or are just doing some research before getting started, read on for helpful information!
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Best Deck Paint for Old Wood
If you’re one of the many homeowners with an old wood deck, then you know that it’s not long before it starts to look weathered and worn. You might be thinking about painting your deck, but you’re not sure which paint is the best for this job. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of using oil-based paint vs water-based paint on an old wood deck, and we’ll also recommend a few of our favorite paints for this project.
1. FIXALL Skid Grip Paint
Our top choice is this anti-slip Skid Grip paint from FIXALL. It’s highly durable and gives the wood a fantastic finish. Not only will the wood be well-protected, but it’s also got some grip and texture so it won’t be slippery, even when it’s wet. Since old wood needs protection and care, we found Skid Grip to be an outstanding choice that can extend the life of your wood deck.
This high-quality paint is thick enough that it covers up all the scratches, splinters, and holes making. This level of coverage improves the quality of your deck and also makes it look much more appealing than an old beat-up deck.
The paint sticks well onto wood, and it covers the wood effectively. Another reason why we love this paint is becasue it’s fade-resistant. Sun and environmental conditions won’t impact the paint or cause it to lose color. It makes your old wood look new for a long time. All these benefits land the anit-slip Skid Grip paint in our #1 position on the best deck paint for old wood list!
2. Total Tread Deck Paint
Total Tread is one of the best non-skid paints for surfaces where you need extreme durability, like wood decks. This paint will strengthen the wood and help it to look years younger than it actually is. The paint is ideal on other surfaces too such as metal, fiberglass, aluminum, and more. This paint is specifically made for use where it will get extreme use, like a deck.
The UV formula ensures protection from sun and the elements. Old wood is more prone to damage, and good quality paint can serve as a barrier that will protect it. Applying two coats is recommended. For the best results, it’s recommended that you prepare the surface before painting. This involve scraping any loose or peeling paint and fixing any damaged boards.
Total Tread paint sticks to the surface for a long time and won’t need to be re-painted every year. It won’t wash or wear out easily. One gallon will cover about 250-300 square feet. You can calculate the size of your deck to determine how many gallons you’ll need (don’t forget to account for two coats).
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3. INSL-X Tough Shield
The INSL tough shield is designed with waterborne, acrylic enamel that will give the wood surfaces a durable finish. It also adds shine to the wood.
Your old wood deck needs attention, and this paint is an excellent option. When the surface is painted with INSL-X Tough Shield, it becomes resistant to abrasion. This means the wood is well protected just like a shield, and just like it’s name suggests.
It’s also weather-resistant, making this paint more ideal old wood on decks that are exposed to tough climates. Wood decks need to be protected from damage and decay in order to last for an extended time. This paint provides the level of protection your deck needs to continue looking like new.
INSL-X Tough Shield will cover about 350 to 450 square feet per gallon. That’s quite impressive compared to most of the other paints.
It’s best to apply the paint when the temperature is above 50 degrees. You need to look for moderate weather and make sure the paint is able to dry thoroughly before it rains. Cold weather makes it harder for the paint to be absorbed into the wood, which means it may not cover up all the holes, cuts, scratches and splinters.
4. SlipDoctors – Tuff Grip
The Tuff Grip paint from SlipDoctors is highly textured. It gives your wood deck plenty of grit so shoes and bare feet will have no problems. Tuff Grip can protect the wood against any further damages if applied thoroughly. The old wood will usually be weak and easier to damage, which is why it’s so important to use quality paint and take care of the deck. A paint like Tuff Grip will add strength to the wood, which may help to extend its life
Tuff Grip paint withstands harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent choice in cold climates that receive a lot of snow.
The paint dries in 4-6 hours and is also UV resistant. Thick coats of paint are recommended, so be sure you apply it generously.
You’ll love the variety of paint colors available. ToughGrip comes in a few colors that you won’t find from other deck paints, so you’ll have plenty of options and is one of the reasons it made the best deck paint for old wood list.
5. Non-Skid Paint
The Non-Skid Paint from Monster Grip is extremely durable. It dries quickly and is also easy to apply. The paint works on a lot of surfaces, but we think it is especially well-suited for old wood decks.
This is extremely high-quality paint (marine grade) and is made to handle the toughest of environments and harshest weather conditions.
Non-Skid Paint sticks to the surface when it’s being applied, making it thick and strong. The paint covers about 200-300 square feet per gallon, which is about average or slightly better than average.
Application of this paint is easy too. You’ll need a brush or a good roller. The only thing to consider is the vapor that the paint generates. It cautions the user on the container because the fumes can be rather strong. It may cause skin irritation, so you’ll have to make sure you wear your gloves and keep it far from your bare skin.
It comes in several different colors, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
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Tips to Choose the Best Deck Paint for Old wood
When it comes to old wood, it’s essential to consider a few specific factors that will help you to choose the best deck paint for old wood and decks.
1. Type of Paint
There are two categories of paints you must choose from, water-based and oil-based.
The water-based paints ensure safety. These have a lower amount of toxic substances such as VOC (volatile organic compounds).
Water-based paints are durable for four to eight years. However, it’s important to understand that some decks are exposed to harsh elements (sun, raise, snow, etc.) than others, and this will impact the lifespan of the paint. How extensively the deck is used will also be a factor.
Water-based paints dry off quickly after application too, which is another benefit.
Oil-based paints are less durable as they cannot resist moisture as much as water-based paints. But paints stay stiff and tough for a reasonable period. You will need to dry an oil-based paint for over 24 hours and then apply the next coat.
2. Thickness
You’ll have to look at the thickness of the paint, especially when you’re painting old wood. There is a need to cover up a lot of spots, cracks, and gaps. With thicker paint, you will be able to cover up the splinters too. Paint that goes on thin simply won’t be able to protect the wood as well.
Go for paints that have labels that say 10X or 20X. These paints are thicker and will cover up the old wood defects.
But you’ll have to keep in mind that the thicker the paint is, the harder it would be to apply and the more it will cost (because you’ll use more paint).
3. Durability
Durability is very significant. When you spend time and energy painting, you’ll want to get the desired results, which is a deck that looks great and is well protected. Go for paints that are weather-resistant and will be able to withstand challenging situations.
We also recommend looking for paints that offer some UV protection, which adds to the durability.
4. The Finish
Paints come with different finishes. Most deck paints have some texture, but the amount of texture can vary significantly. In the case of deck paints, the finish or texture is more important for practical purposes (preventing slips) than it is for looks.
5. Ease of Use
Painting can be a very tiring job, and thicker paints require more effort to work with. You’ll have to decide which is more important to use: durability or ease of application. We prefer durability, but you may want to have an easier time applying the paint. The size of your deck may also factor into this decision. If you have a huge deck, ease of application may be more important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Weathered Wood Be Painted?
Yes, protecting and extending the life of weathered wood is one of the primary reasons for painting a deck. The paints on this list are specifically made to revive the weathered wood and give it a new look.
Is it Better to Stain or Paint a Deck?
If you have old wood, it’s always better to paint. Staining may help a new deck to look great, but it’s generally not as thick, durable, and long-lasting as a good deck paint. Staining can be done if your wood is not weathered too much and you’d want to bring back a natural look of the wood.
Can I Paint Over Old Paint on Wood?
You can, but it’s not recommended to do so. To protect the wood in the best way, you must remove the old paint and then repaint it. If you paint on the old surface, you’ll see that it’ll get peeled off as time goes by. The paint needs to stick to the wood, and that’s when it’ll be durable. If you decide to paint over existing deck paint, be sure to at least sand or strip the paint anywhere it is peeling or cracking before applying the new paint.
How Long Will the Paint Last on the Deck?
It depends on the paint you choose and how thick you apply it (how many coats). If you do multiple coats, then it would last longer. If you made sure to follow all the steps in the manufacturer’s instructions, the paint could last up to 10 years (if you use quality paint).
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The Best Deck Paint for Old Wood: Final Thoughts
If you’re like most homeowners, your deck is one of your favorite places to relax and spend time outdoors. But if your deck is looking and feeling rough, it might be time for a paint job.
Painting an old wooden deck may seem like an easy task, but if you’re not using the right type of paint you won’t get the results you’re looking for. We’ve ranked the best deck paint for old wood that are currently available based on how suitable they are specifically for older wood, so you should have no trouble finding a quality paint to use. Painting your old weathered deck is easily one of the best things you can do to extend the life of your wood deck and improve your outdoor living space.
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