How to Paint a Deck with Peeling Paint
If you happen to have a deck or patio, there will come a day when the paint starts to lift and peel right before your eyes. Before the panic sets in and you rush off to Home Depot for your next DIY project, it’s important to go over some things first.
Why does paint start to peel?
When paint starts to peel, there can be a number of reasons contributing to the deterioration of the paint job. These contributing factors can be things such as moisture, paint quality, wear and tear over time, as well as how the paint was previously applied to the surface. Let’s take a moment to understand how and why these things happen.
Paint quality and application
Oftentimes the products that you buy will have varying degrees of quality – paint included. If you choose a paint that has been made with low quality materials, it could result in a paint job that fails both your expectations and the test of time. In addition to the quality of paint used, the application process and whether or not proper priming techniques were utilized can greatly affect the outcome of any painting session.
Dirt and moisture
Our next culprit for peeling paint is the presence of dirt and moisture. If the wood is accessible to moisture - whether direct water contact or through humidity - that moisture can begin to break down bonding agents in the paint. As a result, the adhesive relationship between the wood and your paint will deteriorate and allow the paint to as a result.
Similarly, dirty surfaces inadequately cleaned prior to the painting process can cause paint and any priming agents to fail to bond correctly.
Weathering by time, elements, and foot traffic
There is a possibility that your deck may just be peeling simply due to time. As years go by, excessive wear and tear may cause paints to lift and break apart from their applied surfaces.
When should you repaint a deck?
When to repaint your deck is ultimately a choice that falls to your discretion; however, there are some signs to look out for that can alert you as to when a repaint may be needed. Obvious signs such as cracking and peeling can serve as an indicator, but there are other concerns to look for as well. The less obvious indicators are things such as overall wear to the paint, as well as severely faded color due to long term exposure to the sun. Both of these conditions can cause the paint to deteriorate in a way that may not be as noticeable as chipping or cracking.
The best paint to choose for deck repaints
Just like most of your painting projects, the appropriate paint to use will be heavily dependent on your needs. For example: decks that experience water frequently will need a different type of paint than an enclosed or covered deck. Generally speaking, working with a latex infused acrylic paint is your best option for durable outdoor areas.
Steps to paint a deck with peeling paint
If you’ve found that your deck has already begun to peel, here is how you should prepare for your new project.
Prepare your work space
Firstly, it is always important to make sure you are prepared and set up your work space with any tools or pieces of equipment prior to starting. As always, it is critical to lay down tarps and cover or remove anything you do not wish to get paint on. It is also important to think ahead and ensure that supplies are available to clean up any unexpected mistakes or spills that may occur.
Strip or remove old paint and clean the surface
Once you’re set up and you feel confident that you have what you will need, you must remove any peeling, bubbling, or cracked paint before you begin your new painting project. If any lifted or warped paint remains on the deck, it can result in a completely uneven finish.
While painting over peeling paint may seem to fix the issue for the time being, it will only speed up additional damages to the new coat of paint you worked so hard to apply. Removing existing paint can be done by utilizing a paint scraper, power washing tools, or even a paint stripper.
Paint after letting the surface dry
Once the area has been cleared of any deck stains or debris, ensure that any surface area being painted is completely dry prior to painting. Even the slightest bit of moisture can threaten the finish, quality, and longevity of the new coat you just applied.
Apply deck finish
Lastly, once your deck has been completely coated to your liking, it is important to remember to apply a finish to your deck. This finishing coat should be applied to all types of decks - even decks using pressure treated wood - as it seals the deck and protects it from the elements.
Old Crow Painting in Tampa, FL does all painting projects
Here at Old Crow Painting, there is no painting or pressure washing job too big or small for us to handle. Painting is our passion and we hope to bring that skillset to any project you have in mind. Please feel free to give us a call or go online to learn more about us and what we can do for you.