Decks are a popular addition to many homes, providing a space for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. However, they are constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause wear and tear over time. One way to protect and enhance the appearance of a deck is by applying paint. The right paint can not only make a deck look great, but also provide a layer of protection against moisture, UV rays, and foot traffic.
When it comes to choosing the best paint for decks, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, the paint should be specifically formulated for outdoor use and be able to withstand the elements. It should also be slip-resistant to prevent accidents, and provide a good level of coverage to ensure that the deck is well-protected.
We spent hours researching and testing various paints to identify the ones that provide the best combination of durability, slip-resistance, and coverage. In this article, we'll share our top picks for the best paint for decks and provide a detailed analysis of each product. Whether you're looking to refresh the look of your deck or protect it from the elements, our guide will help you make an informed decision.
Best Paints for Decks
As experts in outdoor home improvement, we know that a well-maintained deck is essential for enjoying your outdoor space. One of the most important aspects of maintaining your deck is choosing the right paint. The best deck paint should be durable, long-lasting, and resistant to weather and foot traffic. After extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best paints for decks on Amazon. Read on to find the perfect paint for your deck.
INSL-X Tough Shield Floor and Patio Paint
If you're looking for a durable and long-lasting paint for your deck, INSL-X Tough Shield Floor and Patio Paint might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- This waterborne, acrylic enamel is designed to produce a rugged, durable finish with good abrasion resistance, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.
- It resists ponding water and has excellent wearing qualities, making it suitable for both interior and exterior use on surfaces like masonry, concrete, and wood.
- The durable satin finish is designed to produce a rugged, durable finish that stands up to weather and abrasion.
Cons
- This product is not suitable for garage floors or car parking surfaces.
- The coverage area is only 350-450 square feet per gallon, which might not be enough for larger decks.
- Before painting, you need to review the INSL-X Tough Shield label for proper preparation and application tips.
We recently used INSL-X Tough Shield Floor and Patio Paint on our deck, and we were impressed with its durability and resistance to wear and tear. The paint is easy to apply, and it dries quickly, which is great if you want to finish your project quickly.
One of the best things about this product is its excellent resistance to ponding water. We live in an area with heavy rainfall, and we were worried about the paint peeling or flaking off due to water damage. However, INSL-X Tough Shield Floor and Patio Paint held up well, and we didn't notice any damage or discoloration.
Another advantage of this paint is its durable satin finish. The finish is not too shiny, which gives our deck a more natural look. The paint also has good adhesion power, and it dried on our deck after a couple of hours.
However, there are some downsides to this product. As mentioned earlier, the coverage area is only 350-450 square feet per gallon, which might not be enough for larger decks. Also, this product is not suitable for garage floors or car parking surfaces.
Overall, we highly recommend INSL-X Tough Shield Floor and Patio Paint if you're looking for a durable and long-lasting paint for your deck. It's easy to apply, dries quickly, and has excellent resistance to wear and tear.
Magimate Deck Brush for Applying Stain
If you're looking for an affordable and high-quality deck brush, the Magimate Deck Brush is an excellent option.
Pros
- The 5-inch wide brush is perfect for quick and easy application of paint and stain on decks, fences, walls, and furniture.
- The soft synthetic filament blended with natural bristle holds more stain and paint, making your home improvement job a breeze.
- The brush is easy to clean and resistant to all solvents.
Cons
- The brush may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
- Some users have reported shedding of bristles during use.
- The brush may not be suitable for heavy-duty painting projects.
We recently used the Magimate Deck Brush to apply stain to our backyard deck, and we were impressed with its performance. The brush's soft bristles made it easy to apply the stain smoothly and evenly, and the 5-inch width allowed us to cover a large area quickly. We also appreciated the brush's threaded grip, which allowed us to attach a broom handle or extension pole for easier application.
One downside of the Magimate Deck Brush is that it may not be as durable as some other options on the market. We noticed some shedding of bristles during use, which could be a problem for some users. Additionally, the brush may not be suitable for heavy-duty painting projects, as it is designed primarily for deck and fence staining.
Overall, we would recommend the Magimate Deck Brush for anyone looking for an affordable and effective deck brush. Its soft bristles, easy-to-clean design, and compatibility with extension poles make it a great choice for DIY home improvement projects.
Benjamin Moore Collections Fan Deck
We highly recommend the Benjamin Moore Collections Fan Deck for anyone looking to paint their deck.
Pros
- The fan deck includes a wide variety of colors to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect shade for your deck.
- The chip cards are high quality and chip-resistant, ensuring that the colors you choose will look great for years to come.
- The fan deck is compact and easy to use, making it a convenient tool for any painting project.
Cons
- The fan deck is on the pricier side compared to other paint color options.
- Some customers have reported that the fan deck does not include all of the colors in the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2021 Palette.
- The limited selection of Benjamin Moore colors may not be suitable for all customers.
The Benjamin Moore Collections Fan Deck is a great tool for anyone looking to paint their deck. The fan deck includes a wide variety of colors to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect shade for your deck. Additionally, the chip cards are high quality and chip-resistant, ensuring that the colors you choose will look great for years to come.
One of the best things about the Benjamin Moore Collections Fan Deck is how compact and easy to use it is. The fan deck is a convenient tool for any painting project, whether you're a professional painter or a DIY enthusiast.
However, it's worth noting that the fan deck is on the pricier side compared to other paint color options. Additionally, some customers have reported that the fan deck does not include all of the colors in the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2021 Palette. The limited selection of Benjamin Moore colors may not be suitable for all customers.
Overall, we think the Benjamin Moore Collections Fan Deck is a great investment for anyone looking to paint their deck. With its wide variety of colors and high-quality chip cards, it's a reliable tool that will help you achieve the perfect look for your deck.
Ames Safe-T-Deck Granulated Formula Exterior Paint
We highly recommend the Ames Safe-T-Deck Granulated Formula Exterior Paint for anyone looking to restore their old deck surfaces. This product is perfect for use on properly prepared exterior wood, concrete, and masonry surfaces.
Pros
- Ames Safe-T-Deck is a granulated, water-based, tough, acrylic deck coating that provides a textured, slip-resistant, matte finish that is barefoot-friendly.
- It preserves, protects, and renews decks, patios, walkways, ramps, and more.
- The adhesive qualities of this paint lock down splinters in dimensional lumber, adding years of service and enjoyment to old decks.
Cons
- It is a thick paint that requires two coats for complete coverage.
- The paint is only available in four stock colors, but can be tinted to 12 custom colors.
- The price is higher than some other deck paints on the market.
Ames Safe-T-Deck is a durable, pedestrian traffic, slip-resistant paint that provides added traction as well as beauty to the surface it is applied to. It is ideal for old dimensional lumber decks, porches, patios, ramps, outdoor stairs, steps, walkways, sidewalks, roof decks, boat decks, and more.
This product is easy to apply with a brush, roller, or drywall hopper sprayer. It is ready-mixed, low odor, and has great coverage. The paint applies smoothly and evenly to wood and concrete surfaces. It is water cleanup, environmentally friendly, and low VOC.
Overall, the Ames Safe-T-Deck Granulated Formula Exterior Paint is an excellent choice for anyone looking to restore their old deck surfaces. It is a high-quality product that provides a slip-resistant, textured finish that is both durable and attractive.
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Brush Enamel Paint
If you're looking for a paint that provides a smooth, durable finish on both interior and exterior items, Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Brush Enamel Paint is a great option. With a quick-drying formula and excellent hide, this water-based acrylic paint resists chipping and fading on a variety of surfaces.
Pros
- Provides a smooth, durable finish on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, plaster, masonry, or unglazed ceramic
- Quick-drying formula and excellent hide help to complete projects in less time
- Water-based acrylic formula is low odor, resists chips, and provides long-lasting protection
Cons
- Prior to application, surfaces must be sanded with 180/200 grit sandpaper, washed with a degreaser, and allowed to dry
- Limited color options
- Semi-gloss finish may not be suitable for all projects
We recently used Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Brush Enamel Paint on our outdoor furniture, and we were impressed with the results. The paint went on smoothly and provided excellent coverage, and the finished product looked great. We appreciated that the water-based formula was low odor and easy to clean up.
One thing to keep in mind is that this paint requires some prep work before application. Surfaces must be sanded and washed with a degreaser before painting, which adds a bit of time to the overall project. Additionally, the semi-gloss finish may not be ideal for all projects, depending on personal preference.
Overall, if you're looking for a durable paint that provides a smooth finish on a variety of surfaces, Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Brush Enamel Paint is a great option. Just be sure to follow the prep instructions carefully for the best results.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best paint for your deck, there are a few key factors to consider. We've compiled a list of features to look for when selecting the right product for your needs.
Durability
One of the most important factors to consider is the durability of the paint. Look for a product that is specifically designed for outdoor use and can withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, and other elements. A durable paint will help protect your deck from damage and keep it looking great for years to come.
Color and Finish
The color and finish of the paint can also play a role in your decision. Choose a color that complements your home's exterior and matches your personal style. You may also want to consider the finish of the paint, such as matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss.
Coverage
Make sure to choose a paint that provides good coverage and requires fewer coats. This will save you time and money in the long run. Look for a product that is easy to apply and has a smooth finish.
Slip Resistance
Safety is another important consideration when painting your deck. Look for a paint that provides slip resistance, especially if your deck is located near a pool or other wet area. A textured finish can help prevent slips and falls.
Environmental Impact
Finally, consider the environmental impact of the paint you choose. Look for products that are low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and environmentally friendly. These products are better for your health and the environment.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best paint for your deck and ensure that it looks great for years to come.
