Since decks have been growing in popularity the demand for deck paint and stain has consequently grown. There are many kinds of deck finishes ranging from water based latex ones to conventional penetrating ones each providing opaque, semi-transparent, and clear finishes. To protect decks and ensure a longer life of the finish, many homeowners are using a semi-transparent or opaque coating to their decks.
To prepare a deck for paint application, be sure to thoroughly clean or power wash the surface and railings to rid them of dirt, mildew and previous coatings. It is also wise to purchase and apply brightening products, which will restore the deck to its original appearance, if a clear finish is to be used.
When painting a deck a wise method involves using both a brush and a roller, one after another, to achieve maximum coverage and a quality coating. First, using the brush, start with the railing and work down to the deck and gradually in toward the house. Switch then, to a roller and paint in the same manner, painting from an outside edge in to the house.
An alternate way to put a finish on a deck is to use a spraying technique. It is much faster but the problem of overspray must be compensated for by protecting any nearby scrubs and bushes. One way to achieve this protective shield is to tape paper or old sheets to the outside of the railing. This will serve to catch any of the access paint. The equipment used to apply the stain in this manner can easily be rented at various hardware, rental, and paint stores. While at one of these stores it may be beneficial to inquire about the size of tip and pressure gauge to use as it depends on the type of stain being administered to the deck. The spraying process is the same as described for the brush and roller system, with the rails being painted first.
For lots of information on building deck railings and other decks and patios related topics, visit Decks and Patios.com at http://www.decks-and-patios.com
Choosing Deck Paint
