The paint at the deck has some lifespan! With the seasonal changes, the color of the paint becomes dull and ultimately loses all its shine. Over time, the coat of paint on the deck will peel off and create a weird and ugly look. This will ruin the entire ambiance of your home’s backyard and none of the members will prefer to sit on it.
To apply a new coat of paint to the deck with peeling paint is sounds easy, but it quite difficult. But what are the major causes that peel the paint off from the deck? The reasons are defined as below:
The application of poor-quality paint: When the paint is applied to the deck’s surface, this will not bond properly. Thus, as an outcome, you will see some patches fade or peel.
Extreme Weather Condition: When the outer layer of paint is contaminated with humidity and moisture, the bonding of paint will decrease. This is also one of the main reasons for peeling paint off the deck.
Traffic Areas: In case of high traffic areas, over time, the deck’s paint will contaminate with emission of carbon footprints and dust particles. This will also be responsible for peeling the paint off.
For the accomplishment of a fine layer of deck paint at peeling conditions, the foremost step is to ensure sufficient bonding. This bonding will achieve between the peeling surface and the topcoat of new paint through some tips. To fix the look of the old deck with peeling paint through good bonding, you have to follow the below steps. By following these steps, you will satisfy with the finished product after fixing from flaking paint.
Pressure Washing
The first step is based on extensive cleaning and washing of the deck. For this purpose, you have to use the pressure washing technique. By applying the power washer, all the dust, mold, mildew, and grime trapped inside the deck will wash off. The right way of using the pressure is to maintain a distance of 6 to 12 feet from the deck.
By doing so, you can scrub off the additional debris in a sweeping motion with the help of a brush. The best pattern for washing a deck is using a garden hose with a nozzle attached. After this, the next step is to rinse the cleaned deck for at least 2 days before moving towards the next step.
Scraping of Old Paint
With the help of scrapping tools such as a wire or brush, you can remove more shedding paint. This will allow coming off the peeling paint on floorboards. Thus, wherever it is necessary to peel off the paint, with the help of a brush and wire, scrape it! Failure to remove the peeling paint will leave behind an ugly, flaking stain on the deck.
Sand your Deck
After the removal of excessive paint, is the peeling paint stuck on the large surface of the deck? Now you have to use some powered tools to smooth the surface for repainting. For this, the use of sandpaper is beneficial. Additionally, with the rubbing of sand or sandpaper on the surface, make sure that you wear a safety mask.
This is because the particles of dust and flaking paint will not contact with eyes, nose, and mouth. The sandpaper should range from 60 to 100 grit and use evenly. Don’t apply too much pressure while rubbing the flaking paint. This will thin the wooden layer of the deck, which destruct the repainting process. For the smooth and consistent texture of the paint, it is necessary to flat the surface of the deck.
Washing of Sanded Deck
The next step after the application of sandpaper is to again wash the deck. In this stage, wash the deck by using a garden hose. The benefit of this washing is that it will completely remove all the sanding dust from the deck. This will provide the owner with the final flattened surface for repainting purposes.
Application of Primer and Paint
Almost at the final step! Apply a fine layer of primer to ensure a strong bounding with new paint. Make sure to apply more than 2 layers of the primer and wait an hour or two between each coating process.
Moreover, in the marketplace, there is plenty of option for purchasing the paint. Such as there are some types of paints that have the feature of primers. So, this will reduce the time and after the removal of excessive sand, you can apply this type of paint.
While purchasing paint, you have to first confirm if this paint is for exterior use or not. Then, you just need a roller and paintbrush. Some owners prefer to buy a paint sprayer for convenience and ease. The advantage of purchasing a paint sprayer is that it will cover all those areas where the roller or brush can’t reach.
Finishing Product
After the application of the first coat, leave the paint to dry for one or two days. Don’t forget to apply the second coat and leave this to dry for further two days. Use your deck but make a checklist for regular maintenance to keep your backyard shining with bright colors.
The Bottom Line
For repainting a deck with peeling paint, you have to first prepare the surface. The smooth and flat the surface of the deck, the more finishing product will produce. Although in preparation of the surface the essential steps are washing, sanding, priming, and eventually, the painting itself. But, the most critical one is the pressure washer that will clean the deck thoroughly. Visit CityLocal101 for finding reputable painting contractors and companies.