Tips for Painting Your Deck for a Weather-Resistant Finishing

Having a deck is the highlight of every house. It complements the look and feel of the house. Moreover, the area is also a perfect spot for hosting parties or some alone time. However, the problem with decks is that they are subjected to frequent wear and tear.

If you live in New Zealand, you know the extreme weather conditions. This is why it is important to ensure that your deck is weather-resistant. Hiring experienced house painters in South Auckland will make the deck maintenance job easy for homeowners tired of painting and repairing their decks every year. If you want to find out how to make your deck weather-resistant and ensure the paint lasts longer, the following article discusses some essential tips and tricks.

1. Choosing the Right Weather To Paint the Deck:

Choosing the right weather is one of the most important aspects of painting the deck. This means that you need to check the weather conditions before beginning the project.

If you start painting your deck when it is raining, you will end up with patchy finishing, and the paint may not adhere to the surface properly. Moreover, you may also be able to see visible streaks, and the paint may take longer to dry. On a rainy day, the paint also doesn’t apply properly to the surface as there is a lot of moisture and humidity. Hence, choosing a bright and sunny day for your painting project is ideal.

2. Choosing the Right Time of the Day To Paint the Deck:

One may think that the best time to paint the deck is during the peak of noon when the sun is over the head. However, the right time is in the shade because it prevents the paint from drying too quickly. It is important to paint your deck during the morning for the best finishing and allow it to dry in the afternoon when the sun is at its peak.

3. Preparing the Deck Surface:

Another essential aspect of a weather-resistant and flawless finish is preparing the deck surface before applying the paint. Here is how you can do so:

• Scrapping off the old paint: If the deck surface area has old paint, scraping it off is important. If there is any old and chipped paint on the deck, the new coat will not adhere to the surface properly. This means that you have to paint your deck every year. Hence, use a scraper to scrape off any residue of the old paint. A crucial thing to remember here is that applying the right pressure plays a crucial role. If you apply too much pressure, the wood underneath the paint will potentially be damaged. But if you apply too little pressure, you won’t be able to scrape the paint effectively. Hence, it is best to allot this task to expert painters. They know how to remove the existing paint without damaging the wooden surface.
• Sanding any rough edges: Even if you apply the best primer available on the market, you won’t be able to achieve a smooth finish if the surface layer is not smooth. For a smooth surface, you need to sand the rough edges with the help of sandpaper or sanding blocks. On the other hand, a power sander is a good option if you are looking for some serious sanding. We understand that, as a homeowner, you may not have the equipment. So it is best to let the professionals do the task for you.

• Washing the deck: After completely sanding the surface area, wash your deck with a pressure washer. This will remove all the dust, grime, and mild dew that is still present on the surface. However, remember that the pressure of the washer mustn’t be too high, as it can damage the surface area.

4. Applying the Right Paint:

Exterior painting is all about the correct surface preparation and applying the right paint formula. When it comes to the paint formula, the first and foremost thing to remember is that it should be weather-resistant. Moreover, the formula must also be specifically made for wood surfaces. Latex is generally a great option for painting the deck because it is weather-resistant and long-lasting on wooden surfaces.

Choosing an Expert Deck Painter

Choosing an expert deck painter is the most important step to painting your deck successfully. A painter with years of experience is equipped with all the tools necessary for painting your deck. Moreover, they will also have a strong understanding of the best weather-resistant paint and how to ensure that the paint lasts for a long time. And let us not forget about the smooth finishing the expert painters will guarantee.

This is why most residents in and around South Auckland choose Eco Painters for their painting projects. Our team knows what is best for your deck, so contact us today to hire our service.