Best Deck Paint for an Advanced Deckover of Your Home

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Your deck is one of the best places to unwind after a tedious day. Unfortunately, you might not feel so relaxed when the deck looks like it's falling apart. The first signs of deterioration are visible on the coat of paint and appear as cracks, peels, or fades. Luckily, you can buy the best deck paint and transform the condition of your deck from dull to lively, which can help keep your home cozy.

This post explores the best deck paints available and the information you need to make an ideal choice.

Let's get started!

1. Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint

Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint,...
  • ✅EXTREMELY VERSATILE - Montage Signature is the #1 choice for...
  • ✅SUPERIOR COVERAGE & PROTECTION - All of our specialty finishes...
  • ✅ECO FRIENDLY - We're committed to the highest quality...
  • ✅10 YEAR WARRANTY - We can't wait to add you to our long list...
  • ✅MADE IN USA - Montage Signature Paint believes in the power of...

Let's start with the Montage Signature, a reliable choice for a fresh look at your previously painted interior and exterior. It's a versatile choice that works well in residential and commercial establishments alike. Replacing the old paint on your wooden deck or patio has never been easier since this deck paint offers a smooth finish that will protect your wood from cracking and peeling.

This paint is made from environmentally friendly ingredients, ensuring that it doesn't harm your surroundings while making your deck look better. Since it provides maximum coverage, you don't have to worry about water destroying the wood or catching stains. Additionally, you won't have a hard time cleaning your outdoor space anymore since this paint offers protection from water damage.

You don't have to wonder about the quality of this product since Montage Signature Paint comes with a 10-year warranty that keeps you covered if you aren't satisfied with your purchase. This latex paint comes in various colors, allowing you to choose the most appropriate match for your outdoor style.

Pros:

  • Easy to apply.
  • Semi-gloss finish.
  • Eco-friendly.
  • Works against mold and mildew development.
  • Long-lasting.

Cons:

  • Carries a strong odor.


2. INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint

Next up is the INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating, an excellent choice for enhancing the appearance of the old wood comprising your deck. There are seven color options to give you the creative flexibility you need to choose a suitable match. It's ideal for painting your floor or other surfaces on the outside of your home, including stairs, patios, and walkways.

You don't have to worry about how long this deck paint will last since it can retain its color while adding resistance to water and abrasion for maximum durability. This Benjamin Moore Product is made to dry within a short time so that you can get back to your regular schedule within a limited period.

One gallon of this deck paint can cover an area of about 8-120 square feet, making it a great pick for your home. Unfortunately, if you see signs of rainy weather, you should refrain from applying this paint since the pounding droplets of water can wash it off.

Pros:

  • Ideal for areas with high foot traffic.
  • Works on floors and vertical surfaces.
  • Dries quickly.
  • Easy application.

Cons:

  • Doesn't spread easily.
  • Light texture.


3. Rust-Oleum RockSolid 20X Deck Resufacer

Rust-Oleum 319383 RockSolid 20X Deck Resurfacer, 1...
  • Use to restore and update heavily worn, weathered deck and patio...
  • Durable coating is 20 times thicker than ordinary paint, repairs...
  • Flat textured finish masks surface imperfections, covers up to 40...
  • Advanced technology updates and restores decks by providing...
  • Use of RockSolid 20X roller cover is required to properly apply...

The third best deck paint you can get is the Rust-Oleum RockSolid 20X Deck Resurfacer which can transform your current deck into an improved outdoor area. It's ideal for restoring the shine in weathered wood and dull concrete floors so that your home doesn't look old and worn out.

The thick texture of this high-quality deck paint is a quick solution to the cracks and defects afflicting your deck. It can seal up these issues and eliminate any issues on your surfaces to give you a neat and smooth appearance. This also means that it'll last much longer than your standard outdoor paints.

A gallon of this paint can easily cover an area of 40 square feet and can dry within 4-6 hours. This means you won't need to stay out of your deck for too long when using this paint. The 60 different colors this paint offers will certainly provide a complementary appearance to your home.

Pros:

  • Multiple color options.
  • Dries in 4-6 hours.
  • Adds weather-resistance.
  • Thick formulation.

Cons:

  • Smaller coverage per gallon.


4. KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating

KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating, 1...
  • Over Armor offers an innovative solid color coating that brings...
  • This solid color, textured coating bridges cracks, hides...
  • Use on weathered or cracked horizontal or vertical wood and...
  • Over Armor is designed to conceal splinters and cracks up to...
  • This is a 1-gallon can of KILZ Over Armor Textured Surface...

The KILZ Over-Armor Deck is the next option on our list of the best deck paints on the market. This acrylic resin formula is an ideal choice for bringing a dull deck back to life by covering any visible imperfections for a smooth and even look. All your wood surfaces, vertical and horizontal, can benefit from this paint even if they are cracked and weathered.

The slip-resistant finish ensures you can walk safely on the painted floors even when they are wet for additional safety. At the same time, it can conceal blemishes like cracks, splinters, and other defects, to give you a uniform deck that looks good as new.

One gallon of this deck paint can cover a 75 square foot area. Plus, if you want long-lasting effects, you'll need to apply more than a single coat of paint. However, this product isn't a fitting choice for driveways or garage floors.

Pros:

  • Vibrant color.
  • Covers and seals defects.
  • Great for high traffic areas.
  • Anti-slip effect.

Cons:

  • Requires two coats for long-lasting effects.
  • Takes 72 hours of waiting.


5. FIXALL Skid Grip Anti-Slip Paint

FIXALL Skid Grip Anti-Slip Paint, 100% Acrylic...
  • ANTI-SLIP PAINT: Skid Grip is an acrylic textured paint that can...
  • INCREASE SAFETY: This slip-resistant coating is ideal for making...
  • ADHERES TO MOST SURFACES: Whether for home or commercial use,...
  • EASY APPLICATION: To create a non-skid surface, first clean the...
  • MULTIPLE COLORS AVAILABLE: Don't let a textured surface become an...

The FIXALL Skid Grip Anti-Slip Paint is also considered the best deck paint by many homeowners. It has an acrylic texture that can add skid resistance to any surface. If you are looking to improve the grip and stability required to walk on your deck, this paint will do that for you. That's why you can use it in areas with high foot traffic like the pool deck or patio to prevent falls.

It doesn't matter the type of material your deck is made from since this deck paint can stick on any surface, including wood, stone, and concrete. This means you can use it in various scenarios, including residential and commercial premises, for a long-lasting appearance. You can use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the various colors that this paint comes in.

You can say goodbye to fading, cracking, and peeling when using this paint since it is a durable option that will preserve your interior and exterior surfaces.

Pros:

  • Solid stain color.
  • Mildew resistant performance.
  • Highly adhesive.
  • Non-skid effect.

Cons:

  • Low coverage.


Why are Water Based Paints Better Than Oil Based Paints?

The best deck paint will feature a water base or oil base. Oil-based deck paints are the traditional option and were quite popular in the past thanks to their durability and affordability. However, an oil-based paint features volatile organic compounds that release fumes that can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. Plus, you'll need a solvent when using oil-based paints to clean the painting equipment. The 24-hour drying time is also another factor making them a less desirable option.

Water-based paints can be classified as acrylic or latex paints. They have low VOCs, making them more user-friendly than the oil-based types, and aren't subject to fading. Cleaning surfaces that you've painted with a water-based deck paint only requires some soap and water.

Additionally, these paints don't take as much time to dry as oil-based paints since they only need 4-6 hours. You'll also be glad to know that water-based paints experience fewer cracks and peels thanks to the acrylic ingredients that make them flexible.

What are The Benefits of Repainting Your Deck?

1. Enhanced Look

The primary reason most people consider painting their decks is to enhance the appearance of their outdoor area. Over the years, your old wood and floor paint will start fading or peeling off, especially after water penetrates the layer of paint. Painting your deck gives your home the rejuvenated look it needs to deliver a welcoming feel.

2. Easier Cleaning

Another reason to paint your deck is to make maintenance practices like cleaning easier to handle. The paint or stain adds a smooth layer above the surface of the wood that makes it easier to wipe down any spills or dust. Without a durable layer of paint on the surface, stains and dirt can permeate the wood and make your deck look dull and lifeless. So, you can add a coat of paint which will facilitate a quicker cleaning time than a surface without paint.

3. Repairs Defects

You might have noticed that the structure of the deck started deteriorating after a long while. You could see some cracks, splinters, and peeling in various wood sections, which makes the deck take a damaged appearance. Fortunately, you don't need to replace your entire deck to improve the situation.

With the best deck paint, you can conceal cracks and other defects with a layer that's up to a 1/4 inch thick. This can seal up the blemishes and give the surface that flawless look you want.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Deck Paints

1. Durability

No one wants to keep repainting their deck every year, which is why the paint you choose should be a durable option. The main challenge to durability is the natural elements, so you'll want to buy a deck paint that's labeled as an exterior product. This will ensure it's formulated to endure the harsh conditions of the outside environment for maximum longevity.

Another issue affecting the durability of the paint is the thickness of the formula. Generally, the thicker the paint, the better the quality, and the lighter the paint, the lower the quality. You'll need to find a suitable compromise since premium-grade paints cover a smaller area than light paints because of the thickness.

2. Drying Time

Enhancing your deck won't be an instantaneous task since after applying the paint, you'll need to set some time apart to wait for the coat to dry. If you were using an oil-based paint, you'd have to wait up to 24 hours after to add another layer or touch the area.

Fortunately, you won't have to wait that long with a water-based paint since it takes a maximum of 6 hours to dry. This will ensure you can complete the deckover within a shorter time than you normally would. So, depending on how long you are willing to wait, you can choose an appropriate paint.

3. Type of Wood

You should find out the type of wood used to make your deck before purchasing your paint. This is because there are some species of wood that have a minimal chance of damage from moisture, rot, or pests. These woods are expensive but, you want to get a pricey type of paint to keep them in good shape since they can do that without a lot of assistance.

Cheaper woods like lumber could require a better paint quality since they can't fight deterioration by themselves. So, you'll want to check out the wood used in your deck so that you meet its needs appropriately.

4. Color

The last thing to keep in mind is the color you want. Fortunately, the deck paints we've covered in this post come in more than one color to meet the demands of various homeowners. The color you select should complement your overall style and personality to ensure it looks the way you imagined.

Plus, to ensure the color won't fade, peel, or crack, you should go with paint that is weatherproof to prevent moisture, UV rays, and wind from damaging your deck. You'll want to ensure even the undersides of the deck are painted to ensure there isn't any room for water to seep through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best deck paint to use?

Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint

2. Can I use porch paint on my deck?

Yes, paints designed for porches are also suitable for deck use.

3. What is the best way to paint a deck?

The steps involved in painting a deck include cleaning, removing loose paint, repairing damages, sanding the surface flat, and applying the paint. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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