If you're like me, when it comes to a spot of DIY or spruce-ups, I always prefer to use the fewest possible tools or products. Maybe it's the millennial in me, but if there's a tool or product that does everything, then that's always my go-to.
My desire for a magical one-size-fits-all approach has often steered me wrong. I even managed to convince myself that using gloss paint for wood was really just a clever marketing ploy. I definitely learnt my lesson when I was sanding peeling paint off a brand new set of built-in cupboard units.
Therefore I would urge caution before slapping any leftover fence paint on your decking ideas and hoping for the best. That's not to say it can't be done, but it's worth avoiding wasting time and money on having to rectify any mistakes.
Using fenced paint on decking: Essential advice
Bear in mind that decking performs a very different function from fencing, it has to put up with foot traffic and the weight and movement of furniture. Therefore it's important to know if you can use fence paint on decking before you start.
"Fence paint isn't suitable for use on decking unless it directly states so," explains Jimmy Englezos, Senior Brand Manager from Ronseal.
"Although fence paint is designed to protect the wood from the elements, it is not designed to handle foot traffic and so will become less durable over time. Many decking paints and stains also have anti-slip properties that provide a safer space for walking, especially when the deck is wet from rainfall," says Jimmy.
"If you have used fence paint on decking you may not notice the difference at first. But over time the paint will likely start to peel and flake off, leaving you with a patchy-looking decking. This also re-exposes the wood to the elements which can leave it vulnerable to long-term damage including wood rot, cracking, and warping," says Jimmy.
Sophie Smith of Zhoosh Paints adds: "If you have composite decking, it should not need painting as the colour will have been added to the material during its manufacture and it is a very durable material.”
Shop suitable paint for decking
Cuprinol City Stone Matt Decking Wood Stain, 2.5l
This anti-slip decking stain will deliver a matt finish, ideal for those who aren't fans of the more traditional varnish effect. The colour grey is now just as popular a colour for exteriors as it is for interiors.
Ronseal Ultimate Decking Paint Charcoal 5l
There's a decent choice of colours available in this range, including traditional browns and more contemporary options. It works well on older decking as it fills uneven surfaces and smooths splinters.
Wickes Decking Stain - Natural Oak - 2.5l
This low VOC option is enriched with wax, making it water resistant. It has a satin finish and can be used on new or existing, hard- or or pre-treated-softwood decking.
Jimmy Englezos
Jimmy is the Senior Brand Manager at Ronseal, the UK's number one woodcare brand. Jimmy regularly provides insights and guidance on how to properly prepare wood for treatment, as well as handy tips and hints for decorating and general woodcare projects.
(Image credit: Future)
Using decking paint on fences
On the flip side, it is possible to use decking paint on fences. You might do this if you are looking for a perfectly matching fence and deck scheme in your garden.
"Decking paint, stain, and oil are all perfectly okay to use on fences as they offer the same weatherproofing and UV protection as fence paint, just with the added bonus of them being more durable," says Jimmy.
"They do tend to work better on smooth-planed fences rather than rough-sawn as these surface types are the closest to decking. However, because of their added durability in most cases, they are a higher cost than fence paints."
If the extra cost is a factor the good news is that the range of colours available in paint and decking stain means that you should be able to find a good match for your paint and decking.
Many decking paints and stains will have anti-slip qualities(Image credit: Gareth Davies / Alamy Stock Photo)
FAQs
Can Ronseal fence paint be used on decking?
"No, Ronseal’s fence paints or garden paints should not be used on decking. Instead, use a specialised decking paint," says Jimmy Englezos, Senior Brand Manager at Ronseal. Try Ronseal’s Ultimate Protection Deck Paint at Amazon.
"Only designated decking paints should be used on decking as they are specially designed to withstand scuffs and wear from foot traffic and furniture. The same goes for fence stains, only specially stated decking stains should be used as these are much more durable," says Jimmy Englezos, Senior Brand Manager at Ronseal.
Can I use fence paint on wood?
"Many fence paints are designed to be used on rough-sawn wood as this can require up to 30% more paint than smooth-planned surfaces. However, water-based paints can also be used to paint wooden garden furniture items and accessories. They work better on items that have not been oiled, varnished, or stained," explains Jimmy Englezos, Senior Brand Manager at Ronseal.
If you decide that the upkeep and maintenance of decking is too much for you, have a look at our guide to decking alternatives.
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Teresa was part of a team that launched Easy Gardens in 2018 and worked as the Editor on this magazine. She has extensive experience writing and editing content on gardens and landscaping on brands such as Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and Living Etc magazine. She has developed close working relationships with top landscape architects and leading industry experts, and has been exposed to an array of rich content and expertise.
In 2020 Teresa bought her first home. She and her partner worked alongside architects and builders to transform the downstairs area of her two bedroom Victorian house in north London into a usable space for her family. Along the way she learned the stresses, woes and joys of home renovation, and is now looking to her next project, landscaping the back garden.
