Composite lumber deck is gaining popularity as an alternative to wood decking. This is due to composite decking’s ease of maintenance, which eliminates the need for regular painting or staining. However, after many years of use and exposure to the elements, the original deck color faded and lost its luster. You may be wondering whether it is possible to paint composite decking boards.
1. Is It Feasible to Paint Composite Decking?
One of the major advantages of composite lumber decks is that it requires less upkeep. This is because, unlike traditional wood decking, it does not require regular maintenance, painting, or sealing. Of course, you can paint your composite decking to change its look. However, it is not considered the best technique to improve the appearance of your deck.
It’s vital to know that if you decide to paint your composite wood deck, you’ll have to do so on a frequent basis. This is because exposed paint will gradually flake away. You can paint traditional uncapped composite decking if you are ready to do the appropriate maintenance. Furthermore, depending on the brand of composite decking, painting it may invalidate the warranty.
2. Types of Composite Decking
Composite wood decking is made up of recycled plastic and wood fibers. There are two types of composite decking: standard uncapped decking and capped composite decking with a polymer protection coating.
The difference between the two types of composite decking is that capped composite decking has a polymer protective shell that protects the composite core. This composite decking material is more durable and resists moisture, mildew, and fading. This is due to the protective shell that covers the outside of the core, shielding it from weather and typical wear and tear.
Traditional composite decking boards lack a plastic shell or cover on top, exposing the wood fiber mixture. Some people choose normal composite decking without a cover since it can resist the same weathering as real wood. Uncapped composite decking can be painted or stained; capped composite decking cannot.
3. Tools for Painting Composite Decking
Soft bristle brush for cleaning
Deck cleaner
Paint brush or roller
Primer (optional)
Composite decking paint
4. How Can I Paint My Composite Decking?
The steps for painting a composite deck are identical to those for painting a wooden deck.
Step 1: Clean the Composite Decking
Using water and a soft-bristle brush, clean debris and filth from the deck. To remove tough stains like mold, use a specialized deck cleaner or make your own. Make sure to follow the bottle instructions and avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals. This is to protect the deck surface from the harm caused by the cleaners.
After the dirt has been removed from the deck surface, rinse it completely with clean water and allow it to dry. This could take a few days, depending on the local weather. Before painting or staining, make sure the deck surface is dry.
Step 2: Sand the Deck Surface
Many composite decking materials require sanding before painting or staining. Otherwise, the deck’s surface will be too smooth to paint or stain. Leaving the surface slightly rough deepens the lines and allows the paint to adhere more easily.
Step 3: Prepare to Paint
You may apply any outdoor wood deck paint to a standard composite wood decking surface. This composite decking may be painted using the same paint as traditional wood decking.
Although composite decking may require a primer, many paint formulations are “self-priming” and do not require one. Even if the decks need to be cleaned, priming is unnecessary. This is because oil-based traces must be able to penetrate, but the primer precludes this.
Some water-based solid color paints may need priming, but they can cover any deck surface if necessary. If necessary, use a deck-specific acrylic latex outdoor primer to achieve complete coverage.
Apply with a brush or roller along the length of the boards. Higher-priced primers contain more acrylic. Acrylics (sometimes called acrylic resins) thicken paint and increase its shelf life. Vinyl is added to inexpensive acrylic paints.
Vinyl is less durable, lighter in weight, and alters the appearance of composite decking materials. As a result, using a higher-quality primer will help the paint last longer and resist flaking and chipping.
Step 4: Paint the Deck
Once the primer has cured, paint the deck’s surface as you would a primer. You can apply two coats if necessary, but make sure the first one is completely dry before the second. Different paints dry at different rates, so check the label for paint drying times.
When painting outside, avoid direct sunlight. Strong sunlight, especially on hot days, can damage undried paint. Painting works best in the morning, evening, or when the temperature is cool.
Step 5: Keep the Deck Clean
Once you’ve finished painting your composite decking, you’ll need to maintain it. Cleaning your composite decking at least twice a year and applying a maintenance layer regularly will keep it looking great.
5. How Long Will the Paint on My Composite Decking Last?
After painting, your composite decking will require regular maintenance. As long as the decking is kept clean and does not experience extreme weather, it should last for two to five years.
On the other hand, weather, UV rays, and heavy foot traffic may diminish the paint’s life. If your composite decking surface is exposed to harsh weather or high foot activity, it will have a shorter lifespan. Before that, refinish the whole deck surface and make any necessary repairs.
6. To Summarize
In general, you should not paint composite decking. This is especially true with capped composite decking. However, if you really want to change the color, you can paint uncapped composite decking that does not satisfy specifications. Simply follow the instructions properly.
Before painting composite decking, check with the manufacturer to ensure that the paint will not damage it or void the guarantee.
