How to Paint and Maintain Decking With These Incredible Products
If you think it’s a pain your deck to maintain, well it doesn’t have to be. Here we’re going to break it down real simple and easy.
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Save your perfect deck wood for years to come by learning how to paint and maintain decking. Extending the life of your decking is cheaper and better for the environment than buying a whole new set of deck wood. We’ve got you covered for all the tips on how to paint and maintain decking so you can welcome your guests in a newly-restored part of your living area as early as its last coat of paint dries. A few repairs here and there together with fresh paint will ensure your decking stays in great shape for as long as possible.
Make the repairs
The project should take place on days when the weather is mild and dry. First, take a good look at your decking. Check if there are any holes to be patched, cracks to be filled in, or mold removed. If there are any apparent impediments to the future premium shape of your decking, now is the time to act. Patch the holes if there are any, fix the cracks with wood putty, shellac sticks, or a simple combo of glue and sawdust, and remove mold with a degreaser or a natural alternative of white distilled vinegar. Whatever you do at this stage, plan ahead and give it some time to dry and set.
Take the safety measures
If there are any wobbly parts of your decking, such as the decking rail, remove the screws and replace them with new ones. Use this opportunity to safe-proof your decking by fixing broken stairs or adding extra locks to keep children from falling through the decking rail. It is good to check if a small animal has nested anywhere under or within your decking, as these guests, however cute they might be, should move.
Wash the decking
The two most popular methods are using a machine or a coarse bristle brush to deep-clean decking. Both of them would do good, but their effectiveness depends on the amount of dirt and grease accumulated on your deck’s surface. Start by sweeping away any leaves or big piles of dust, which will make the next cleaning stage tidier. In case you don’t have a machine for high-pressure cleaning, swift movements of a coarse bristle brush will do the work as well. Use a mixture of water and wood detergent to clean your decking from corner to corner. Scrubbing off the grime will prepare the surface for painting.
Apply fresh paint
This step is optional for some people but applying porch paint to a clean deck is a sure way to maintain its longevity. Deck stain preserves deck wood to improve its original characteristics and offers a layer of protection against harsh weather conditions. The best deck paint is either oil-based or acrylic. If you opt for either one, follow the paint label and act accordingly. Make sure to leave your decking to dry before putting back deck furniture or simply walking over.
Bonus tip: Treat yourself to more guides
Please continue to browse our website to find articles on how to maintain your flower garden or take the adventure of installing your shower. We make things easy for you by guiding you through an array of domestic projects that you can do independently. Happy reading!