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A Guide on How to Choose the Best Deck Paint

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A home's deck and patio often serve the most traffic and activity in the house. It is the usual location for gatherings and even low-key living room extension activities for the family. That's the good news. The not-so-good-news is that it's subject to harsh weather conditions all year round. If not careful, a revamp and renovation can hamper the wear and tear of your deck.

One of the most important decisions for redoing your deck is selecting the right patio paint that matches your lifestyle and your home. A good quality deck paint protects and provides aesthetic value to the exterior of your home, while also withstanding harsh elements such as extreme temperatures, wind, dirt, and rain. Here is a guide on what to consider in choosing deck paint for your home.

Horizontal versus vertical surface

Good quality paint can cater to both types of surfaces. Vertical surfaces are areas on an upright orientation, like walls. On the other hand, surfaces on a lying plane are horizontal, such as floors. A superior deck paint should withstand horizontal elements, such as consistent foot traffic, heavy furniture and fixtures.

All about the base

There are two main classifications of deck paint: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based paints lead the market, but the latter has gained traction due to improved convenience and durability.

Oil-based deck paints are popular for a tough finished product. It can last up to a decade with maximum moisture protection. Oil-based options carry a wide variety of color schemes. On the other hand, disadvantages include high volatile organic compounds (VOC), it requires solvent use, and dries slowly. VOC are substances that lead to watery eyes and respiratory issues due to VOC fume inhalation. [So if you're still planning on using this then there are plenty of types of oil paints in a range of color palettes for you to choose from.]

Water-based paints come in both acrylic and latex. They are low in VOC, do not fade with a durable finish, and cleans easily with water. Water-based paints are also available in different colors that dry up to 6 hours upon application.

Wood type

Expensive wood species, like cedarwood, are inherently resistant to moisture, rot, and damage. A cheaper alternative is yellow pine-treated lumber, which have been subjected to high-pressure alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) to make them resistant to outdoor elements. Renovation experts suggest painting treated wood at least six months after installation to allow treatment to cure and adhere.

Durability

Select a deck paint that is durable enough to withstand outdoor wear and tear. A deck paint that is suitable for outdoor use is specifically identified as 'exterior' paint. Veer away from the interior types as these paints are inferior in fading resistance and weathering harsh elements. Characteristics to take note of are 100% acrylic with drying oils, UV blockers, and mildewcide properties.

Colors built to last

Fading resistance is one of the factors to consider in painting the deck. Bright colors and deep hues tend to fade faster than earthy tones and light colors. Color exposed patios use paint that contains UV protection for longer-lasting protection from fading.

The above points are important to take note of in the construction or renovation of your outdoor space. Durability and the aesthetic value-retention of the paint are the most pivotal factors in choosing the deck paint for your exterior deck or patio. Know that the extra time choosing the right paint will pay off as the overall curb appeal of your home starts with a beautiful home exterior.

Base, Color, Deck, Durability, Exterior, Features, home, House, Outdoor, Paint, Patio, Renovation, tips, Wood

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