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An inviting and comfortable outdoor space starts with quality deck paint. Not only does deck paint bring color to your backyard, but we’ve also found that it helps protect hardwood decking against damage caused by foot traffic, sun exposure, varying temperatures, and inclement weather.
While applying a protective layer of paint to your outdoor areas is a good start to extend their usable lifespan, it’s important to select a deck paint that fits your climate, wood type, and personal preferences. In this review and buying guide, we look at the best deck paints on today’s market, discuss what to look for when buying, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Here are our top recommendations.
Top 5 Deck Paints
- Best Deck Paint Overall: KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint
- Best for Pool Decks: INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
- Best Deck Stain and Sealer: Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer
- Most Eco-Friendly Deck Paint: Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Indoor and Exterior Paint
- Best for Old Wood Decks: Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint
Compare Top Deck Paints
| Product | Size | Finish Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint | 128 fluid ounces | Matte | 200-400 square feet |
| INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint | 128 fluid ounces | Matte | 80-120 square feet |
| Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer | 5 gallons | Not listed | 100-125 square feet per gallon |
| Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Indoor and Exterior Paint | 128 fluid ounces | Low Sheen/Semi-gloss | 300 square feet |
| Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint | 32 fluid ounces | Gloss | 100 square feet |
| Product | Size | Finish Type | Coverage |
Best Deck Paint Overall
KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint
- $47.98
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a low-luster enamel surface formulated for decks, patios, and porches
✔ Works on all previously primed or painted surfaces
✔ Resists scuffing, fading, cracking, or peeling
✘ Has a lower viscosity than some other deck paints
✘ Not fully waterproof
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who were happy with this product liked that it was easy to spread, didn’t dry up easily, and was not slippery. However, we also found that others felt that this product was less durable than they were hoping, and others said that it peeled off too easily.
Best Pool Deck Paint
INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
- $52.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Leaves a durable, skid-resistant finish
✔ Is good for exterior or interior application
✔ Dries quickly
✘ Some customers had issues with the color of the paint not being accurate
✘ Covers less surface area than some other paints
What Customers Are Saying
We noted that customers who were impressed with this deck paint said that it was easy to use, had a rich color, and dried quickly. However, our team also noted that some customers who left negative reviews said this paint had an uneven finish, and others said the color didn’t match what they were expecting.
Best Deck Stain and Sealer
Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer
- $170.37
- $225
- 24% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush
✔ Does not require diluting or thinning
✔ Works on all types of wood
✘ Can take up to 2 weeks to reach its full color
✘ Can sometimes take a long time to fully dry
What Customers Are Saying
We noted that impressed customers liked this deck paint’s stylish design, straightforward application, and long-lasting results. On the other hand, we also found some customers that felt it wasn’t a good choice for high foot traffic, and others said it didn’t spread as easily as they were hoping.
Most Eco-Friendly Paint
Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Indoor and Exterior Paint
- $27.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Is easily scrubbable and defends against mold and mildew
✔ Marks can be wiped away without affecting color or finish
✔ Comes with a 10-year warranty
✘ May require multiple coats for full coverage
✘ Some customers said fumes took a long time to dissipate
What Customers Are Saying
Our research showed that customers who were impressed with this product liked that it had a large coverage area and how evenly it applied. Several others also were impressed with the texture and rich color. However, we did also find some customers that felt this paint didn’t match the color they were expecting, while others found that it had an overwhelming smell.
Best Deck Paint for Old Wood
Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint
- $27.98
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has excellent gloss retention and resists abrasions
✔ Ideal for use on fiberglass, wood, or metal
✔ Resists salt, mildew, and moisture
✘ Has fewer color choices than other deck paints
✘ Some customers said the color of the paint did not match what was listed
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who liked this product said it was long-lasting, durable, and dried quickly. However, we also found other customers who said this product was difficult to clean, and others said it chipped easily.
Best Deck Paint Brands
When shopping for deck paint for your next home improvement project, it’s important to select a reputable brand that’s known for delivering quality deck paint. Here are four top-rated brands we recommend keeping in mind when purchasing deck paint.
BEHR
Behr is a renowned paint and stain brand that offers a wide range of products for both interior and exterior use. Its outdoor paints and stains are available in various finishes, colors, and sheens to match your desired look. BEHR products are widely available and easy to apply and maintain, making them a great choice for DIYers and professional painters.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore, a leading paint company that has served homeowners for over 100 years, provides exterior paint solutions through its owned and operated brands, including INSL-X. The company’s outdoor paint catalog is designed to cover a variety of surfaces like asphalt, metal, tile, and wood so that all of your home’s outdoor areas are protected.
KILZ
KILZ is an American company that has provided paint and primer products for over 45 years. The brand is known for its quality exterior paints like the KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint, which is an all-purpose outdoor paint great for any deck or patio. To simplify the deck painting process, the company even offers an all-in-one paint and primer that cuts down on working time while delivering a long-lasting coat.
Rust-Oleum
Providing rust- and water-resistant paints for almost 100 years, Rust-Oleum is a trusted paint company suitable for almost any outdoor area. Specializing in protective paints, the company is well-versed in creating high-quality, long-lasting paint that works for commercial and residential customers nationwide.
Sherwin-Williams
Ranked number one in customer satisfaction for interior and exterior paints by J.D. Power, Sherwin-Williams is a top-rated paint company that provides affordable and effective outdoor paints for your deck or patio. Offering exterior paints in a variety of sheens and formula bases, Sherwin-Williams has many options suitable for your outdoor area.
Additional Items You May Need for Painting Your Deck
An important first step to protecting your deck is selecting suitable paint. However, once the paint is picked out, our team found that a few additional items may be needed to prepare your deck for your next outdoor gathering.
In addition to a high-powered pressure washer, here are a few tools and accessories that’ll help you prepare, paint, and finish your deck.
Dumond SmartStrip Advanced Paint Remover
If your wood deck is currently stained or painted, use a stain and finish stripper to prepare the wood for a fresh coat of paint. This paint remover from Dumond helps you do just that with its odor-free and biodegradable formula that removes existing paint layers. Once the remover has penetrated your deck, you can use a floor scraper to remove the deck’s peeling layer.
Yanyi Moldable Epoxy Glue
This easy-to-use epoxy glue is hand-kneaded and applied directly to any noticeable cracks or breaks in your deck’s surface to help you apply the paint evenly to the surface. After applying the epoxy, you’ll want to use sandpaper to polish any inconsistencies in your deck caused by the epoxy or weathered wood.
Scotch Exterior Surface Painter’s Tape
This painter’s tape is designed to adhere to rough outdoor surfaces, providing a protective boundary between your deck and finished surfaces like brick or siding. The product contains a strong adhesive that can stick to your deck for up to 10 days to last the length of your project.
Bates 11-Piece Home Painting Supplies
Equipped with roller frames, roller naps, paintbrushes, and a paint tray, this Bates painting kit comes with the necessary tools to apply your paint to decking boards, handrails, and stairs. To speed up the painting process, Bates offers a telescoping extension pole to help keep you upright and walking while painting wooden decks.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Deck Paint
When deciding on deck paint, consider the qualities and specifications of each paint and how it affects its look and performance. Here are six factors to consider before buying and applying deck paint.
Coverage
Coverage refers to how much square footage a single can of paint covers. The amount of coverage provided depends on a variety of factors, including the painted surface’s texture and the tool used to apply the paint. Typically, coverage ranges between 200–500 square feet.
Deck Primer
While the durability of your selected paint relies on its water or oil base, you can extend its life by preparing your deck with a primer. Primer is applied before your chosen paint and works to ensure the wood is protected and prepared for a finishing layer.
Drying Time
The drying time of paint relies on several factors, like the type of paint and the outdoor temperature and humidity. Depending on the paint, dry times can range from four to 24 hours. To ensure that your paint dries properly, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for information on optimal air temperature, humidity, and sun exposure.
Protective Qualities
Many outdoor paints contain additives that help protect the deck coating from wear and tear caused by high-traffic areas or poor weather conditions. One popular additive is acrylic paint, which increases flexibility and weather resistance. Paints contain different percentages of added acrylic, though more expensive paint usually consists of a higher percentage for a longer-lasting finish.
Other common additives in paint include UV ray- and mildew-resistant additives designed to target areas that receive direct sunlight or heavy rainfall.
Surface Sheen
“Sheen” refers to a paint or finish’s glossiness, which can range from a dull, flat or matte finish to a shiny, high-gloss look.
Typically, flat finishes are used on large exterior wood surfaces to hide surface scratches and blemishes. High-gloss paints are easy to clean and are used mostly on decorative surfaces like doors or fixtures.
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Deck Paint
When using outdoor paint, your options include water- or oil-based products. Water-based paint, oftentimes referred to as latex or acrylic paint, has a more flexible consistency than its oil-based counterpart and is far easier to clean up. This allows the paint to maintain its look through seasonal changes in the wood and better remove trapped moisture.
While oil-based paints tend to crack and blister over time because of their inflexible nature, they’re more resistant to low temperatures than latex paint. Oil-based paints generally cover more surface area than their latex counterparts, so a second coat isn’t always required.
Deck Paint FAQ
How long should my deck paint last?
The number of years your paint lasts varies based on factors like where you live and surface usage, though multiple coats of high-quality exterior paint should last 10–15 years.
Should you paint or stain your deck?
The choice to stain or paint your deck comes down to preference. If you’re looking for a simple protective solution that requires minimal work, staining is a solid option. Deck stains are usually applied in a single coat and have a runny consistency that makes them easy to spread over wooden panels.
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution and don’t mind the added cost or work, paint may be a better option. Paint comes in a range of colors and usually creates an easy-to-clean surface that makes deck maintenance simpler.
Can you paint over existing deck paint?
Yes. However, it’s important to remove any cracking, bubbling, or peeling paint before a new coat is applied. This can be done using a paint scraper or sander and is an important pre-painting step that ensures the paint properly bonds to your deck.
Check out Mark Power’s step-by-step video tutorial below for thorough instructions on restoring your deck.
How We Selected the Best Deck Paints
To provide our readers with the best deck paitn recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of deck paints with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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