How to Paint a Deck With Peeling Paint In 6 Easy Steps

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Painting a deck with a peeling paint job can be a daunting task. But with the right preparation and tools, you can achieve a beautiful new finish that will last for years to come. Americans love their decks looking sharp, and a peeling paint job can definitely take away from that curb appeal.

To paint a deck with peeling paint, start by power-washing the deck thoroughly, then repair any parts of the deck wood that’s damaged, remove all the loose paints using a scrapper, sand the surface properly, and prime the surface, then apply a fresh layer of paint. When you are done painting, you can add a second layer then clean up the deck.

A Peeling Paint

Peeling paint is when the paint can no longer stick to your furniture so it starts to come off. Peeling paint is caused by many different things. It can be from the sun, water damage, or even just age. When the paint begins to peel, it’s important to scrape off as much of the loose paint as possible. This will help the new paint to adhere better and provide a longer-lasting finish.

Why Paints Peel

1. Water Damage

When water seeps beneath the paint film, it can cause the paint to blister and peel. Water damage is often caused by leaks in gutters or roofs. If you live in an area with high humidity, this can also be a contributing factor.

To avoid water damage, make sure to repair any leaks before painting. You should also ensure that your gutters and roof are in good condition. If you live in a high humidity area, consider using mildew-resistant paint.

If your deck is already suffering from water damage, you’ll need to take extra steps to prepare it for painting. Begin by sanding away any rough or peeling areas.

2. Exposure To Sunlight

Exposure to sunlight can also cause paint to blister and peel. The UV rays from the sun break down the paint molecules, causing them to become brittle and flake off.

In case your deck is exposed to direct sunlight, you’ll need to take special care when choosing a new paint color. Look for a UV-resistant or heat-reflective formula. These types of paints will help to protect your deck from future damage.

You may also want to consider adding awnings or shade structures to your deck. This will provide protection from the sun and help to keep your deck cooler in the summer months.

3. Age

As paint ages, it can become less flexible. This can cause it to crack and peel, especially in areas that experience high temperatures or direct sunlight.

When your deck is older, you’ll need to take extra care when preparing it for painting. Begin by sanding away any rough or peeling areas. You may also need to use a primer to help the new paint adhere properly. Realize that paint peeling on decks is a clear sign of aging, and you may want to revamp more than the painting.

4. Poor Surface Preparation

It is important to ensure that you properly prepare the surface that you will be painting. This is especially true when dealing with a deck with peeling paint. If you do not take the time to properly sand and prime the surface, your new paint job will not last long.

5. Low Painting Quality

One of the main reasons that paint peels from decks is because of low painting quality. This could be due to a number of factors, such as using lower quality paints or not properly preparing the surface before painting. If you’re going to take the time to paint your deck, make sure you do it right the first time.

6. High Moisture Content

If the paint on your deck is peeling, it could be due to high moisture content in the wood. To fix this problem, you’ll need to remove all of the old paint and start from scratch. This may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s actually quite easy.

How To Repaint A Deck With Peeling Paint In Six Easy Steps

Here is how to paint a deck with peeling paint to get it right the first time.

Step One: Power Wash The Deck Thoroughly

You cannot just put a new coat of paint over old, peeling paint. The new paint will not adhere properly and will also peel. To avoid this, you must power wash the deck to remove all the loose paint and dirt. Do not skip this step or your new paint job may not last.

Step Two: Repair Any Damaged Wood

Repairing the damaged wood is highly recommended because it will make your deck last much longer. It’s best to use a wood filler or epoxy to make the repairs.

This may include replacing rotted boards or filling in cracks and holes with wood filler. Once the repairs are complete, sand the entire surface of the deck to create a smooth finish.

Step Three: Remove The Loose Paint Using a Scraper

Scrape off any loose paint. Be sure to use a putty knife or scraper that is specifically made for scraping paint. You may need to do this in multiple passes to get all of the paint off.

Step Four: Use a Sander To Prepare The Surface

You cannot paint a deck without sanding. The use of sandpaper is going to help create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to, by sanding the deck. Without sanding it the new paint is likely to peel.

Step Five: Prime and Paint

Prime and Paint refer to the process of painting your deck after it has been cleaned and repaired. This will protect your deck from future damage and wear. You’ll want to use a primer made specifically for decks, such as Sherwin-Williams’ DeckScapes.

Step Six: Finishing Details and Cleanup

Refinishing a deck with peeling paint is pretty easy. You can add any finishing details like trim or skirting.

You’ll also want to put back any furniture or fixtures that you removed before starting to paint. Finally, do a quick sweep of the area to make sure there are no stray paint chips or other debris. And that’s it! You’ve successfully painted your deck and it’s now ready to enjoy.

Can You Paint On Peeling Paint?

Yes, you can paint on peeling paint. Painting on a peeling paint depends on the severity of the peel and if there is any rot present. If the paint is only slightly peeling and there is no rot, you can prep the surface and apply a new coat of paint. However, if the paint is severely peeling or there is rot present, you will need to remove all of the paint and start from scratch.

How To Repair A Deck Without Stripping

You don’t have to strip off all the old paint before you repaint your deck—in fact, that would be a big waste of time and effort. Here’s how to go about painting over peeling paint on a deck so you can enjoy your outdoor space again without any worries.

Step 1: Assess The Failing Deck Paint

Take a close look at the deck and make a plan. You’ll need to remove any loose or peeling paint, sand down any rough spots, and fill in any cracks or holes.

Step 2: Sand Paper

There are different types of sand papers to choose from but when you use one for your deck, you’ll want to make sure it’s a medium-grit sandpaper. This will help to create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to.

Step 3: Clean The Entire Deck

You will need to clean the entire deck using a power washer. Be sure to remove all the dirt, debris, and mold before you begin painting. This also include sweeping and power washing the surface. Be sure to let the deck dry completely before moving on to step four.

Step 4: Prepare The Bare Wood Sections

Use a wire brush to remove any loose paint or wood fibers. If you’re working with a large section of deck, you may want to rent a power washer to make short work of this task. Once the area is clean and dry, apply a primer specifically designed for use on bare wood. This will help improve its durability.

Step 5: Paint Over Your Entire Deck

Use a paintbrush to apply paint over the entire surface of your deck. Work in small sections and brush the paint on in even strokes. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 6: Allow for the first layer to dry before applying the second.

Once the first coat is dry to the touch, you can apply the second coat. Be sure to allow adequate drying time between coats so that the paint doesn’t become tacky. If necessary, apply a third coat for even coverage. Allow the final coat to dry thoroughly before using the deck.

The Pros And Cons of Painting A deck White

A lot of homeowners are drawn to the idea of painting their deck white. After all, white is clean and fresh and has a way of brightening up even the darkest of spaces. But before you commit to painting your deck white, there are a few things you should consider.

Pros

White paint can help reflect heat, which is ideal for hot summer days.

It can also make your outdoor space look bigger and more open.
White paint is a great way to achieve a clean and fresh look.

Cons

White paint is more likely to show dirt and debris than other colors.
It can be difficult to find the right shade of white that complements your home.
White paint can require more maintenance than other colors.

If you’re still undecided, why not try painting a test section first? This will give you a chance to see how the color looks on your deck and decide if it’s right for you.

How to paint a deck white in 5 steps:

Begin by cleaning the deck with a power washer.
Next, use a medium-grit sandpaper to sand down any rough spots.

Once the entire surface is smooth, apply a primer specifically designed for bare wood.
After the primer has dried, paint the deck with two coats of white paint.
Allow adequate drying time between each coat.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be sure to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting finish. Just be sure to do your research and choose the right type of paint for your needs. And don’t forget to enjoy your newly painted deck.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to How To Repaint A Deck With Peeling Paint

Why Is Deck Paint Peeling Off After One Year

There are several reasons why deck paint might peel off after only one year. The most common cause is poor surface preparation before painting. If the wood wasn’t cleaned or sanded properly, the paint won’t adhere well and will start to peel. Another possibility is that the wrong type of paint was used. For example, using oil-based paint.

Should I Stain or Paint my Deck?

Yes, you can stain or paint your deck. It’s a great way to protect it from destructive elements, and also an easy way to give it a fresh new look. If your deck is starting to show its age, with peeling paint or stains, don’t be left worried because there is a solution to this.

I painted a deck with barefooting paint and now it is peeling. What can I do?

Barefooting paint has gained popularity in recent times. If the paint start to peel, that’s too bad. If you used barefooting paint and it’s now peeling, there’s not much you can do except remove the paint and start over. We recommend using a different type of paint next time so you don’t have to deal with this frustrating issue again.

Hopefully, these tips will help you achieve the perfect results.

Do I Need To Remove Old Paint Before Painting the Deck?

One of the most common questions we get about painting a deck is whether you need to remove old paint before applying new paint. The short answer is that it depends on the condition of the existing paint. If the paint is in good condition and isn’t peeling, you can probably just give it additional paint.

What Kind Of Paint is Used On the Wood Deck?

The type of paint used on a wood deck is very important. You want to use paint that is made for decks and can withstand the elements. Some good choices are Behr’s Deck Plus Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain or Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck solid color stain. These are both available at your local home improvement store.

How much does it cost to hire someone to paint a deck with peeling paint?

Cleaning and painting a deck can be a big job, so it’s no surprise that many people choose to hire a professional. Plus, even the handiest people may not know how to fix a deck with peeling paint. The cost of hiring someone to paint your deck will vary depending on the size of the deck, the condition of the existing paint, and the type of paint you want to use. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $700.

Conclusion

To paint a deck with peeling paint, you should start with cleaning the surface, then sand it, and then prime it. Once you have done that, you can apply new paint. It is important to use the right type of paint so that it will last longer and not peel off easily.

When your deck is very old and the paint is peeling off badly, you might need to remove all of the old paint before applying new paint. This can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s actually quite easy.