Choosing Deck Coatings

Two of the most valuable attributes of a deck is that is be durable and functional. That is, it should last a long time and serve its purpose while offering protection and safety to those using it. For these reasons manufacturers have developed a number of products that perform these two tasks, being various deck coatings. These deck coatings range in purpose from providing defense against weathering agents to giving a deck a non-stick surface.

Of the non-stick products, several have ground up items in them, which provides the aforementioned effect while still keeping the deck surface smooth, even on bare feet. A particular type, poly-crete, can actually be used to create a surface somewhat like slate when applied to plywood. Of the products with ground up pieces in them, rubber is the more common additive, but walnut shells are also frequently used. Sand is another anti-slip ingredient in many of these products and in fact, is invisible in clear coatings. A nice feature of these non-stick coatings is that they can easily be sanded off. A disadvantage of these coatings is that some do not take well to various paints and epoxies. Latex paint however, does work fine to paint over these coatings.

Products offering waterproofing can not only be applied to decks but also indoor surfaces including even vertical surfaces. These products, when dry, create a non-porous film over surfaces. 3M™, a United States based company, supplies many of these articles with the advantages of being UV resistant, low odor and non-flammable. It also offers Scotch-Clad™ TC deck coating, which is one of the most durable

water-resistant commodities on the market. Products supplied by other manufacturers include Versa Deck and Versa Deck Plus, which both employ a fiberglass system, with the former being used on concrete decks and the later being utilized on plywood surfaces, and Elasto Shield, which is a latex waterproofing membrane used over existing waterproof coatings to offer additional support.

For lots of information on the best deck material and other decks and patios related topics, visit http://www.decks-and-patios.com