These are the best decking paints to revive your deck and add some personality to your garden this summer
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The best decking paints can help transform your old, worn deck and make you fall in love with your outdoor space all over again.
Decking paints are generally usable on any type of wood, and will help smooth over uneven surfaces, which means you won't have to buy any deck prepping products before painting.
You won't have to use them too regularly either. You'll generally want to use your decking paint twice a year: once in the spring/early summer to restore your deck, and again in the early autumn to protect it from oncoming cold weather and snow.
Ready to paint your deck back to its fantastic best? These are the best decking paints for the job.
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1. Trade Paints Non-Slip Decking Paint
The best quality finish
Specifications
Anti-slip: Yes
Quick drying?: Yes
Colours: 13
Sizes: 2.5L, 5L
Reasons to buy
+
High-quality
+
Smooth finish
+
Vibrant colours
Reasons to avoid
-
Costly
This is a high-quality decking paint which simultaneously offers a quick fix with long-lasting results. It can be used on any type of wood (bare, previously coated, or old) as well as any age of wood — helping to provide a cover up for both new and old decking.
The quality of the paint is achieved through a hard-wearing polyurethane which seals both the timbers and the colours at the same time.
Plus, the non-slip properties within the formula ensure you won't slip even if the deck has water on it — because it's weatherproof, the paint won't be affected by the rain or sun, and it has UV properties which keep the paint from fading.
It dries out quickly within 2-4 hours, and leaves a brilliantly smooth finish that will transform your deck. It's also available in 13 vibrant colours to choose from in a satinwood finish.
Ronseal's Decking Rescue Paint is a top-drawer paint for helping to make tired and worn decks look new again, which is especially handy if your decking receives regular footfall from family members.
It expertly fills small cracks and splinters, and smooths over surfaces that have become uneven. It is rainproof after 90 minutes and ready for use within 24 hours. It is also resistant to mildew and moisture buildup on the surface.
Moreover, it leaves a beautiful thick coat, and while it usually only requires one coat of paint to get the job done, Ronseal recommends you apply two coats: not just to achieve the full, thick coat but to maximise its scuff resistance and long-lasting effect.
For an affordable decking paint, look no further than Cuprinol Decking Paint, which is as kind to your decking as it is to your wallet.
Although this is technically a 'decking stain', it is more like a paint as it produces an opaque finish that covers the colour and character of the wood.
It is suitable for all types of decking, comes in 12 attractive colours, and will dry within 2-6 hours depending on weather conditions (it's not recommended to apply if rain is likely).
Not only is it weather resistant, but it's also a great decking paint for those with pets and children — it has an anti-slip additive and great friction, and the sturdy finish offers long-lasting protection. It also includes an algicide to protect against green algae and mould growth.
It's recommended to apply 2-3 coats evenly along the grain, allowing each coat to dry fully before recoating.
This decking paint from the appropriately named Firmtread contains fine particles that increase the friction on the surface, giving you a surer footing. It's one of the best anti-slip formulas available.
Another reason to buy this paint is that it comes in a clear version too, so you can give your decking's current colour a spruce up, if you'd rather not apply a new colour.
It dries really quickly too, within 2-4 hours. Plus, it comes with a mixing stick, which makes it much easier to apply.
One thing to note is that while it requires two coats, these only need to be thinly applied. If applied thickly then the decking can feel gritty.
Ronseal's second entry to this list is their Ultimate Protection Decking Paint, which nails the basics and is available in a range of 10 translucent colours.
It is great for renovating tired, worn decks in need of a quick colour update. It works on softwood and hardwood decking, and can also be used to fill in small cracks and lock down splinters.
Once you've applied the recommended two coats, it should be dry within four hours. And Ronseal's deep penetrating formula is designed to increase adhesion and a long-lasting anti-slip finish. What's more, it offers all weather protection.
If you're looking for a good all-rounder to breathe new life into your decking, this is a solid option.
These are some of the things to consider when finding the best decking paint to help you make the best buy:
Anti-slip
Most decking paints come with an anti-slip formula, which can help ensure safe footing all-year round. This is beneficial if your deck leads into other rooms, such as your conservatory, and if your deck receives regular footfall from family or pets.
Is it weatherproof?
Most top quality decking paint will be weather resistant, but always double check to ensure your paint of choice leaves consistent results whatever the weather. Buying rainproof decking paint also means that you don't have to wait until the summer to use it.
What is the Difference Between Decking Stain and Paint?
Decking paints generally provide opaque finishes and give your deck a vibrant colour. Decking stains, meanwhile, are best suited for subtly enhancing and deepening the colour of your wood, which looks more natural, and can still help to revive old decks.
Decking oils, on the other hand, are good options when you're happy with the colour of your decking, but want to protect it against the elements.
How to Prepare a Deck for Painting
Preparing a deck for painting is as important as the application part. Firstly, it is always advised to read and follow the manufacturers' instructions - this will help to ensure the best possible finish, and advise you if your decking is unsuitable for the paint (for example, if it has been oiled in the last 12-24 months).
Following the instructions will also help to ensure you have the right tools and materials for painting, such as a decking cleaner and primer.
Can I paint my deck in autumn?
Most people paint their decks in the summer because there are more dry days, but if you need 48+ hours without rain to ensure your decking paint dries properly, then painting in autumn should be fine if a sunny, dry spell is likely.
Does Decking Paint Last?
As mentioned above, you'll generally want to paint deck twice to year to help save your floor from rot and fungus. The paint will also do a good job of filling cracks and providing longer-lasting protecting against mould and the sun.
Keep an eye out for paints that offer long-lasting protection, such as the Cuprinol Anti Slip Decking Stain, if protection is your priority.
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Jack has worked in journalism for over a decade and was the former News Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating between 2019 until 2023. In his time as News Editor he broke the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on the construction materials shortage, planning permission and green initiatives. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms.
He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.
