We researched the best deck paints on the market, evaluating products on their base, opacity, durability, texture, and sheen, as well as their ease of application and cleanup. Our top pick, the Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer, is long-lasting and easy-to-apply and comes in a nice selection of colors. Here are the best deck paints. It’s important to note that this stain will look darker when it’s first applied. Some people who bought multiple cans reported some inconsistency with the color. To ensure color consistency, the manufacturer recommends blending multiple cans together before applying. Most users say a second coat is required; you should allow at least a 45-minute dry time between coats. It may take anywhere from 48 to 72 for the paint to fully dry—a significantly longer drying time than most other paints. You also need to wait about two weeks to get a good sense of its true color. Because this is a stain and sealer all-in-one, it conveniently adds color and seals the wood from moisture in a single step. One gallon of Ready Seal will cover 100 to 125 square feet, and it’s available in two sizes: a 1- or 5-gallon option. Although it’s pricier than many other options, it provides superior coverage and durability. Price at time of publish: $45 Another advantage is its mildew-resistant finish, which is great for decks, because they are naturally prone to moisture damage. While the slate gray color is great at concealing dirt and footprints, we were a bit disappointed by the limited color selection: either slate gray or silver gray. Both are attractive and neutral enough for almost any setting, but we would have appreciated a wider variety. Price at time of publish: $32 This formula creates a waterproof, non-slip finish that effectively protects your deck from mildew and dirt. It can easily be cleaned with soap and water, and the stain doesn’t come off when scrubbed with a rag. Note that the product comes in a satin tint base. A local home-improvement store will be able to tint it with your preferred color. Price at time of publish: $43 For added convenience, this product comes in a variety of opacities and can be used to cover previously painted and stained wood. Two coats of paint are ideal for uniform coverage, and one gallon covers up to 300 or 400 square feet. Even though this paint is on the pricey side, its impressive coverage area will likely save you money in the long run. Price at time of publish: $70 According to the manufacturer, one coat will provide year-round protection against the elements. If you want to apply additional coats, there is a four-hour downtime before recoating. Once the stain has been cured for 24 hours, it is resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture. It also shows no signs of fading after extensive sun exposure. This transparent formula is easy to clean off with soap and water. Price at time of publish: $24 Featuring a water base, the paint goes on easily and provides excellent coverage. Although it’s a low-VOC paint that doesn’t release any toxic fumes, some say it has a very unpleasant smell when wet. The good news is that the odor is bearable if you’re applying it outside, and it dissipates once it’s dry. One gallon of Montage Signature can cover up to 300 square feet. It also cleans up easily with soap and water. Please note that it will not hold up to foot traffic and should never be used on deck floors. Price at time of publish: $28 In addition to wood, this paint can be used on other outdoor surfaces, including metal and concrete. Note that it covers less surface area than most of the competition: One gallon only covers up to 120 square feet. If you have a larger deck, you may have to purchase several cans to get the job done. This paint is available in seven colors, including saddle brown, pine green, and desert sand. However, we have read some reports that the colors aren’t accurate to the pictures shown. Price at time of publish: $52
Base
Deck paint is either water-based or oil-based. Water-based formulas are more common and offer the advantage of being easy to clean up with soap and water. Oil-based deck paint is more commonly seen with transparent deck stains and requires mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleaning brushes, sprayers, and tools. You can use oil-based paint over a surface that previously has been treated with a water-based formula, but you typically cannot use water-based paint over a surface painted with oil-based paint.
Opacity
The opacity of deck paint will determine how much of the wood grain and appearance is visible once treated. Solid deck paint is the most common option, because it better hides the effects that weather and aging have had on your deck. However, if you have new deck boards, then a transparent deck stain will allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Semi-transparent deck paint is another option, best suited for decks that are only a few years old and show minimal signs of aging or splintering.
Durability
The durability of deck paint will be put to the test by foot traffic, UV exposure, and weather conditions. Acrylic deck paints are often formulated for horizontal application, with the understanding that this means the surface will be exposed to feet, furniture, and the elements. One of the biggest factors that will improve a deck paint’s durability is proper surface preparation before the paint is applied. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning and preparation exactly, so you can enjoy the longest-lasting results.
Texture and Sheen
Texture and sheen are two important aspects of deck paint finish. Deck paint can be smooth, textured, or extra-textured. Smooth is most similar to paint used for vertical surfaces, while textured and extra-textured deck paints have an additive to provide traction for walking. That is important if your deck will be exposed to rain. The painted surface can easily become slippery, and a deck paint with texture can help to prevent accidental falls. Sheen refers to the appearance of the deck paint’s finish. Some deck paint formulas are matte, while others offer a glossy finish. Some deck paints with a high-sheen formula will show marks easily, including footprints or paw prints. However, not everyone prefers the flat appearance of matte deck paint. According to Ebel, “Sheen tends to be more of an aesthetic preference or choice, but it is true that higher sheens often come with a bit more durability.”
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best deck paints for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their base, opacity, durability, texture, and sheen, as well as their ease of application and cleanup. She also took hundreds of customer reviews and write-ups from third-party websites into consideration. For expert insight, Sage interviewed Natalie Ebel, cofounder of Backdrop. The next step is to thoroughly rinse the deck. The most common method is to use a pressure washer, but be sure that you don’t use it on high pressure too close to the wood’s surface, or else you might risk damaging the boards. Once the deck has been thoroughly rinsed, allow the wood to dry completely. This step takes at least 48 hours in most cases but will vary based on temperature and weather conditions. The final step is to prime the deck. If you skip this step, you will hinder the durability and longevity of the deck paint. Use a quality wood primer and a brush to thoroughly coat the sides of each board and the spaces in between. You can then use a roller or sprayer to apply the primer down the length of each deck board. Allow time for the primer to dry—the manufacturer’s instructions will indicate how long of a drying period is required before you can move on to painting the deck.
Deck cleaner formulaGarden hose with water supply Pump sprayerPrimerPaintbrush, sprayer, or roller with cover for application (will likely need a brush for detail work and between boards)Clean five-gallon bucket or paint trayMineral spirits or paint thinner (only necessary for cleanup of oil-based paint)Deck paint
