You’ve read our useful guide for dummies on deck painting. You’re finally here for our experts’ recommended tips for painting your deck with zero bottlenecks. See below for a selection of 5 dos and don’ts to make painting your deck successfully a breeze.
Table of Contents
1. Choose the right sprayer
There are 3 ideal sprayer types for painting deck if you chose spray painting. Deciding upon the right sprayer, as an act, must be guided by how wide your deck is and your spraying skills level. But here’s a good rule of thumb. If you’re a newbie with a lot of spraying to do, an airless sprayer or an LVLP (low-volume low volume), either of the two is easier to operate at low pressure.
Related: Surefire Tips to Paint Guns like a Pro
Since less volume of paint is applied at each pass, the chances of having an overspray are tight. Likewise, you are able to spot defects easily for a quick fix when operating at a low space. On the flip side, high-speed sprayers such as the HVLP (high volume, low pressure) and the gravity feed sprayers are ideal for professionals who can paint at high-speed with no bottlenecks.
2. Set Up Your Sprayer Perfectly
While you may be tempted to use the generic method of setting up your painting equipment, following the setup instruction as written in your sprayer’s manual is more recommended. Make sure, however, that you set the air pressure to such a level that won’t knock off your nozzle or cap.
The bigger your nozzle size is, the greater the volume of paint it can release at high pressure. But again, except you’re an expert, you want to make the first pass at low pressure to stay at the surface of the task. On the other hand, when using a deck stain brush applicator, go for a 5-6inches wide brush to minimize error and get an accurate painting.
3. Chose The Best Paint For Deck
Here’s the most important staining advice. The exterior elements of your home are more vulnerable to mechanical and climatic factors. So when it comes to painting your deck, your paint of choice must be such that it can withstand rainfall, sun, and intensive temperature. It should be water-resisting and less prone to wear or tear on continuous use. This is especially for the floorboards that are continuously stepped upon.
Finally, be picky when making a color choice as dark color category paints heat up your deck. This will make your deck less conducive for outdoor refreshments and may even weaken the joists/floorboards.
4. Prep To Details
Dents and gauges should be filled with a wood filler. Loose nails should be hammered back in place. Likewise lifted boards and other damaged parts should be repaired. Other prepping activities include; washing your deck with mildewcide-containing soap and letting it dry before applying paint. Needless to say, protect areas not to be reached using plastic covers.
5. Use PPE For Painting
Areas to be protected during a painting job are your face, eyes, skin, hair. Wear protective gloves to protect hands and shield your eyes from chemicals by wearing protective google. Also, while the face is covered in a dust mask, a piece of respirator will help you breathe healthily.
