Best Paint for Old Wood Deck: Keep Your Deck Looking Great
If you have an old wooden deck that’s looking a bit worn, painting it can give it new life. But with so many deck paints on the market, choosing the right one can be tricky. You’ll want a paint that can stand up to the weather, protect the wood deck, and keep it looking great for years.
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic is a water-based paint that dries fast. It’s a good choice for exterior wood decks because it doesn’t fade easily and cleans up with just soap and water.
- Oil-based paint is tough and gives a smooth, shiny finish. It soaks right into bare wood, giving it strong protection and rich color. Oil-based paints are durable but do take longer to dry.
- This is another water-based option that’s durable and easy to apply. It’s great for exterior wood and dries pretty fast.
- While not technically a paint, semi-transparent stain is a great option if you want to show off the natural wood grain.
- Choosing the right texture depends on room use, design taste, lighting conditions, maintenance needs, and wall flaws.
Why Paint Your Old Wood Deck?
Old wood decks can really start to show their age. Sun, rain, and regular use can leave them looking worn, with weathered wood, cracks, and faded color. The right deck paint can protect your deck, freshen up its look, and help it last longer.
Types of Deck Paints
Not all deck paints are the same. Here’s a look at some of the main types and when each one works best:
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic is a water-based paint that dries fast. It’s a good choice for exterior wood decks because it doesn’t fade easily and cleans up with just soap and water. It gives solid color coverage, which is great if you want to hide any rough spots or marks on weathered wood.
Oil-Based Deck Paint
Oil-based paint is tough and gives a smooth, shiny finish. It soaks right into bare wood, giving it strong protection and rich color. Oil-based paints are durable but do take longer to dry.
Acrylic Latex Paint
This is another water-based option that’s durable and easy to apply. It’s great for exterior wood and dries pretty fast. Acrylic latex paint is flexible, so it resists cracking – perfect for older decks that need a little extra care.
Semi-Transparent Stain
While not technically a paint, semi-transparent stain is a great option if you want to show off the natural wood grain. It gives your deck some color and protection but lets the wood’s natural look shine through.
Key Features to Look for in Deck Paint
When choosing the best deck paint, here are some important features to consider:
Durability
Your deck paint should stand up to foot traffic and the elements. Exterior paint with high durability will keep your wood deck looking good longer.
Weather Resistance
Look for paints specifically designed for exterior wood. These can handle the sun, rain, and temperature changes.
Easy Maintenance
Some paints are easier to clean and maintain than others. Water-based options like acrylic are often easier to clean than oil-based paints.
Quick Drying Time
For fast results, acrylic or acrylic latex paint can be applied quickly and will dry faster than oil-based paint.
How to Choose Between Acrylic and Oil-Based Paints
Both acrylic and oil-based paints have their benefits. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Factors to Consider
Acrylic Deck Paint: Water-based, dries fast, resists fading, and is easy to clean. It’s ideal for decks exposed to a lot of sun.
Oil-Based Deck Paint: Soaks into the wood for deeper protection and a rich finish. It’s a bit harder to work with but is very durable. Best for pressure treated wood and areas with high moisture.
| Paint Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Paint | Dries fast, easy to clean, fade-resistant | May not last as long as oil-based |
| Oil-Based Paint | Deep protection, rich color, durable | Longer drying time, stronger smell |
| Acrylic Latex Paint | Flexible, resists cracking, good coverage | May require more coats for deep coverage |
| Semi-Transparent Stain | Shows wood grain, natural look | Less protection than full paint |
| Deck Resurfacers | Thick, fills cracks, hides imperfections | May need reapplication sooner |
How to Choose Between Acrylic and Oil-Based Paints
Acrylic Paint: This type of deck paint usually lasts about 3-5 years, depending on how much foot traffic and sun exposure your deck gets.
Oil-Based Deck Paint: Oil-based paint tends to be more durable and can last around 5–7 years with regular care.
Semi-Transparent Stain: Stains typically need reapplying every 2-3 years, especially if your deck gets a lot of sun and rain.
Eco-Friendly Paint Options for Decks
If you’re looking for a paint that’s easier on the environment, there are some great eco-friendly options out there. These paints have fewer chemicals, making them a safer choice for you and the environment.
Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paints
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals that can give off a strong smell and aren’t great to breathe in. Many brands now offer low- or zero-VOC deck paints that are safer to use, especially if you’re painting in a space that isn’t super open.
Natural Paint Options
Some companies make paints with more natural ingredients, like plant oils or minerals. These might be a bit more expensive, but they can be a good choice if you’re focused on sustainability.
Water-Based Paints
Acrylic and acrylic latex paints are water-based, which generally means they’re easier to clean up and release fewer chemicals. Plus, they’re low-maintenance once they’re on the deck.
Top Paints for Old Wooden Decks
Here are some top options that work well on wood decks and will help bring your old deck back to life.
KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating: This deck paint is thick and helps cover cracks in weathered wood. It’s a good choice for decks that need extra help with coverage.
Behr Premium Advanced Deckover: A highly rated exterior paint that fills in cracks and provides a long-lasting finish. It’s ideal for an older deck that’s seen better days.
Rust-Oleum RockSolid Deck Resurfacer: This thick, durable wood deck paint is great for heavily weathered wood. It’s designed to give your deck a new surface, perfect for filling cracks in deck boards.
Cabot DeckCorrect: An acrylic-based product that’s made for old, worn wooden decks. It helps fill in splinters and cracks and provides a smooth surface for walking.
Valspar Tintable Deck Paint: Another solid choice for exterior decks. This paint provides durable protection and comes in a wide range of colors.
FAQ: Best Paint for Old Wood Decks
Painting protects the wood from weather, covers wear and tear, and gives your deck a fresh look, extending its lifespan.
Common options include acrylic (fast-drying, easy to clean), oil-based (durable, rich color), acrylic latex (flexible, crack-resistant), and semi-transparent stain (natural look, less coverage).
Acrylic paint dries faster and resists fading, making it ideal for sunny areas. Oil-based paint soaks into the wood for deep protection and is better for moisture-prone areas.
Acrylic paint lasts about 3-5 years, oil-based paint around 5-7 years, and semi-transparent stain needs reapplication every 2-3 years.
Hiring a pro ensures even application, proper crack filling, and saves time. Professionals handle the prep and painting, so you can relax and enjoy the results.
Refresh Your Deck With EG Contracting Services
Painting your old wood deck can make it look new again and extend its life. From acrylic to oil-based deck paint, there are many options to choose from, depending on your needs and style.
If you’re from Virginia and you’re ready to tackle your deck painting and staining project with our skilled experts, contact us at (571) 253-5583 so we can get started.