Prepping and Painting Garden Decking
If you’re planning to install a new deck or repair an existing one, you’ll want to prepare and paint the surface in preparation for a great finish. There are a number of things to take into consideration when it comes to prepping and painting your deck, including the type of wood you’re using, the weather and the time of year you’ll be doing the work.
Stain vs paint
Stain and paint are both good ways to protect your deck. They both provide a barrier against water and UV rays. You can choose from a variety of colors and finish to match the style of your home. But before you decide, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Unlike paint, which adds a thick, opaque coating, stain absorbs into the wood. That means it won’t hide flaws and imperfections, but it will highlight the grain and other natural markings. It also tends to offer better protection from UV fading.
While stain doesn’t offer as much color choice as paint, it’s also easier to apply and maintain. It can also be cleaned with a solution of TSP. It can also last longer. It’s typically cheaper.
Check for rotting wood
If you plan on painting your garden decking, you should check for rotting wood before you do. This type of damage can occur in a variety of ways. Depending on the type of wood and the location of the damage, you may need to replace the rotting wood or replace the entire deck.
Rotted wood will be crumbly and mushy. It will also have a dark color. If you notice a lot of splintering, cracking, or spotting in the area, it is likely that there is a problem.
Another symptom of wood rot is the presence of mold. Mold gives off a musty, earthy smell. This type of mold can also appear as white patches or purple spots around the area where rot is taking place. It can also cause structural damage if not addressed in a timely manner.
Apply primer
If you want to paint your garden deck, you will need to prep the wood. The primer will protect the wood from wear and tear and also make it easier for the new paint to stick. This will help the deck last longer.
To prepare your deck, you will need to wash it with your garden hose to remove organic growth and residue. This is especially important for older decks. It is better to wait at least six months before painting.
A quality primer can last several years and will make your deck look much better.
When choosing a primer, be sure to choose one that is compatible with the new
paint you will use. A latex or oil-based primer will work well for wood. It is also a good idea to get one that has a low VOC (volatile organic compound) content. This will reduce the amount of paint fumes you are exposed to. Also read Painters Geelong
Paint all 6 sides of every board
If you want to improve the look of your deck, it might be time to paint it. A coat of paint will hide some of the flaws and imperfections in your deck’s surface. Plus, it gives it a new, fresh look. Painting is also an excellent way to bring an old deck back to life.
To determine the amount of paint you’ll need, calculate the area of your deck by multiplying the length by the width. If your deck is 10-ft by 20-ft, you’ll need about 200 square feet. This means you should buy two gallons of paint. You’ll need to paint your deck at least once every two or three years.
Avoid high temperatures
When you are painting your garden decking, you want to make sure that you avoid high temperatures. This is because they can cause streaks and other problems. Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening. The best way to do this is to pay attention to your surroundings.
To begin, you need to keep in mind that the sun will dry your stain too quickly. This can result in a patchy finish. It can also wreak havoc on the adhesion of the stain.
The best time to do this is in the early morning or the afternoon, before the heat of the day hits. This is because the shade can help to cool down the area.
Cost of hiring a deck staining company
When you hire a deck staining company, the cost of the job depends on a number of factors. These include the size of the deck, the type of stain that you choose, the condition of the wood, and the preparation work that is needed.
Most contractors charge by square foot for deck staining. They will also charge you separately for cleaning and staining.
Depending on the amount of prep work, your deck may require three to five hours of staining. It can take as long as two days for the stain to dry.
The costs for a professional deck staining service vary greatly. Some of these factors are labor costs, the type of stain used, and the type of equipment required.