Can You Paint Composite Decking?

Can You Paint Composite Decking? We Can Show You How With The Proper Tools and Materials

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Introduction

Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic polymers. It is a popular choice for decks and other outdoor structures because it is durable and low-maintenance. You can paint composite decking, but it will require some special considerations.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is made up of a mixture of wood pulp and recycled plastic, which gives it the strength of traditional lumber without the susceptibility to rot, decay, and insect damage. This type of material is also easy to care for, requiring little more than soap and water for cleaning.

One of the best things about composite decking is that it comes in a variety of colors and can even be stained to look like real wood. However, before you decide to paint or stain your composite deck, it’s important to check with the manufacturer to see if this is an option. Some manufacturers do not recommend painting or staining composite materials because it can void the warranty.

Can You Paint Composite Decking?

Painting composite decking is possible, but it requires finding the right type of paint and primer that can stick to the material’s surface. Composite decking is a mix of wood and plastic, so it doesn’t have the same absorbency as natural wood. This makes it more difficult to find paints that will adhere well to the surface. You’ll also need to take extra care when painting composite decking, as traditional paint rollers may not work as well on the textured surface.

How to Paint Composite Decking

In order to rejuvenate your composite deck, give it a new coat of paint. You can use a solid color stain or a semi-transparent paint to achieve different looks. It is best to use a brush when painting composite decking because it will allow you to get into all the nooks and crannies. When applying the paint, make sure to go with the grain of the wood.

Tips for Painting Composite Decking

It’s time to paint your composite decking and refresh your outdoor living space! Here are some tips to help you choose the right paint and get the job done right.

-Choose a paint specifically designed for composite decking. We recommend BEHR® DURABILITY™ solid color stain or BEHR PREMIUM soaking stains for a natural look.
-Make sure your deck is clean and dry before painting. sweep away any dirt or debris, then use a hose or power washer to remove any lingering dirt or grime. If you plan to stain your deck, also remove any existing paint, stain or sealant with a paint stripper.
-Be sure to prime composite surfaces before painting. This will help ensure even coverage and minimize the number of coats you’ll need to achieve the look you want.
-It’s always a good idea to test your paint on a small, inconspicuous area of your deck before applying it to the whole surface. This will help you gauge both the coverage and color of the paint, and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding.
-Once you’ve got the perfect shade of paint, apply it with a brush or roller designed for use with exterior paint. Be sure to follow all label instructions, and enjoy your freshly painted composite deck!

Conclusion

Based on our research and direct experience with composite decking, we highly recommend having a professional contractor do the initial painting of your composite deck. While you can technically do it yourself, there are several reasons why it’s best to leave this job to the pros.

First, painting composite decking is a lot more labor intensive than traditional wooden decking. You’ll need to power wash and sand the surface before you can even start painting, which is something most homeowners don’t have the time or equipment to do.

Second, because composite material is so dense and difficult to work with, your paint job is likely to suffer if you don’t have experience working with this type of material. A professional contractor will have the necessary skills and experience to get the job done right the first time.

Finally, while we believe that painting composite decking is ultimately worth the effort, it’s important to remember that this is a temporary fix. Once you paint your deck, you’ll need to repaint it every few years to keep it looking its best. If you’re not prepared to make this ongoing commitment, then we suggest simply opting for a different type of decking material.