7 Best Wood Deck Paint Reviews And Buying Guide [2023]

Wooden decks are really a great place to spend your time. They look beautiful and elegant. However, with time, they may lose their charm due to the effects of the weather. Being outdoors, they are exposed to rain, dust, UV rays, and more, which can damage them if not taken care of. 

The best method to save your decks from such damage and maintain their brand new look is by painting them. There are multiple paints designed for this purpose. Painting your deck will not only increase its life but also enhance its appearance. 

Finding a good deck paint is very vital to get the best results. However, not any good paint is going to a job for you. The paint you choose must be according to your requirements. If you need some help or want to be well informed before buying paints for decking, then this article on best wood deck paint might be beneficial for you. 

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1. Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood – Best Overall

The top on the list is the Ready Seal 512 stain sealer specially designed for wood. It is one of the best sealers because it is extremely easy to use. The user is not required to prime the surface before using it. 

Furthermore, the durability of this product is unmatched. It will provide a finish that not only improves the beauty of your wooden decks but also protect them from the effects of harsh weather. 

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Technical features and performance 

This is a ready-to-use paint that can be rolled, brushed, or sprayed on exterior wooden surfaces. It is available in eight aesthetic colors like light oak, cedar, redwood, which provide a finish that looks natural.

The amount of VOCs is kept minimum to ensure it is safe to work with. The high durability ensures that it does not fade and peels easily. Moreover, unlike other paints, this paint is biodegradable and thus, great for nature-lovers. 

Even if you do not have much experience in painting, you will find it considerably easy to apply. This is suitable to be used in any weather. Two coats will be required for the desired finish. One must wait approximately 45 minutes before applying the second coat.

The complete cure time is 48 to 72 hours. Remember, the finish may appear darker first, but the true color will be acquired after nearly fourteen days. 

Is this product recommended? 

According to numerous customers, this is one of the best paint for wood decks that they have ever used. Contrary to many other paints, this makes the process of painting effortless. Also, the end result is mesmerising and resembles wood. Therefore, making it the best of all.

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2. KILZ Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint, Low-Lustre, Slate Gray, 1 gallon – Most Durable

All the qualities like high durability, weather-resistant, moisture-blocking, and more make a paint compatible for wooden decks present in this water-based paint by KILZ. This product is going to exceed all expectations. 

One can apply it on various exterior surfaces other than patios, for instance, patios. Furthermore, no matter how severe rain, ocean water, dust, etc., it has to face, the finish will retain its brand-new look for a long time.

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Technical features and performance 

This enamel slate grey colored paint is perfect for wooden decks. Its attributes include mildew-resistant, no peeling or cracking, and non-fading color. Consequently, It is one of the most dependable deck paints one can find. This gives a premium looking low gloss finish. Apply using a superior ⅜ – ½ inch roller, sprayer with spray tip ranging from 0.015 to 0.019 inch, or simply a nylon brush. 

A gallon of this paint can easily cover an area of 300 – 400 square feet on smooth surfaces. Although the coverage can decrease to 200 – 300 square feet when painting on a rough surface.

Its thickness is good so that it is easy to apply. The second coat should be applied only when it has been four to six hours since the first coat was applied. 

Is this product recommended? 

Keeping in mind the features of this product, it is definitely one of the highly recommended paints. The longevity and the finish both are outstanding. Also, most customers said that using this paint was a hassle-free job. Thus, one must consider this product. 

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3. KILZ L573611 Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch and Patio Latex Floor Paint, Low-Lustre, Silver Gray, 1-Gallon, 1 Gallon, 4 l – Most Easy to Use

Third on the list is yet another product by KILZ. This is one of the paints that even some professionals suggest for decks, porch or patios. One can use this paint for both interior and exterior surfaces. 

The virtue of this paint, which makes it stand out from many other products, is that it is super easy to apply. Thus, it reduces the time taken to finish the job. Thus, if you are someone who wants trouble-free paint, this might be the one you would like. 

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Technical features and features

This paint will increase both the appearance and reliability of decks and patios. It is durable enough to withstand changing weather conditions. The finish it provides is less susceptible to scuffing, peeling, and fading due to UV rays, which are common problems on outdoor surfaces.

Furthermore, it can be applied to pre-painted or primed surfaces. Hence, it curbs down the need to sand and scrapes off the old paint before applying new paint. 

Any method can be used to apply it, whether roller, brush, or sprayer. It dries within an hour of applying and can be recoated after six hours.

It can easily cover 200 to 400 square feet area depending on the type of surface, rough or smooth. The final finish is low glistening and even. Moreover, it can be used on metal and brick surfaces as well. 

Is this product recommended? 

Purchasing this product will offer a lot of features. It is easy to apply and also dries quickly. Being a water-based acrylic paint, once completely cured, it can be easily cleaned with soap and water. The list of perks goes on. Also, various buyers state that they would recommend it to others.

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4. TotalBoat TotalTread Non-Skid Deck Paint, Marine-Grade Anti-Slip Traction Coating for Boats, Wood, Fiberglass, Aluminum, and Metals (Beige, Quart) – Best Non-skip Paint

If you want to get rid of the slipperiness of your wooden deck, then this deck paint is just what you need.

Using this paint will make the wooden decks anti-slippery. It is great for decks that have to face heavy rainfall or are near pools or oceanfront. 

Moreover, the price of the product is affordable. Its finish will bring back the life in the decks that may have been lost in the tough weather. Consequently, it is one of the best paint for decks. 

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Technical features and performance 

The unique feature of this paint is that it uses one-part polyurethane, which has wax spheres that increase the traction of the surface. Thus, creating a non-skid finish. It’s quite durable and can be used in high-traffic areas.

This is available in four colors beige, grey, light grey, and white. It can be applied on wood, fiberglass, and even on metals. The finish is usually low-gloss and textured. 

The recommended method to apply it is using a brush and roller. This paint is going to last longer than expected and cure quickly.

The coverage is approximately 250 to 300 square feet in one gallon. If you need higher traction, you can go on to apply a second layer. It is necessary to stir the paint well before beginning the process. 

Is this product recommended? 

Most buyers state that the performance of this paint is outstanding. This budget-friendly paint is efficient in making the decks less slippery and hence, safer to use. Besides that, it has a brilliant finish as well. Therefore, one can invest in this product without worrying.

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5. DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain, Driftwood Gray – Best Finish

A great semi-transparent stain that is going to keep the natural beauty of wood and also provide required durability.

Unlike other stains, this product is designed to be exceptionally resistant against numerous weather conditions. 

Compared to many other stains, the performance of this product is much better. Therefore, if you want a stain for your wooden decks, then you must consider this semi-transparent exterior wood stain. 

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Technical features and performance 

This is a water-based semi-transparent paint that uses biodegradable materials to make it safe for the environment. It contains zinc particles, which are effective in protecting the surface from fading due to UV rays exposure.

The user does not need to primer or sand the surface before applying this stain. Just use a wood brightener and apply a coat of this stain. Also, it is very simple to maintain. If you feel that the finish is fading, just wash it with soap and water and apply a fresh layer of stain. 

There are six semi-transparent colors to choose from besides clear stain, including natural pine, light walnut, driftwood grey, and more. It can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray and dries up quickly. The finish is smooth, matte, or flat. 

Is this product recommended? 

Various customers that have used this product claim that its performance was impressive. It was able to withstand both sun and water.

Hence, it lasted for a long duration. Moreover, it was easy to apply and, thus, suitable for people who do not have much experience in painting. Keeping in mind the above features, it is a product worth buying. 

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6. RTG Supply Co. Deck, Porch, Patio Anti-Slip Paint (Quart, Sand) – Least Odor

Sixth on the list is the paint specially made for wooden surfaces like decks, porches, and patios. It is packed with a number of great features like anti-skid. So if you are looking for a non-slippery paint, then it is a great choice.

Also, it is available in four neutral colors, which provide a modern and aesthetic look to your decks. Being easy to apply, it is the favorite of people who do not want trouble while painting their decks. 

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Technical features and performance 

This is a water-based paint that is easy to use and dries up quickly. The finish it provides is textured rather than completely smooth to ensure greater traction and making it non-slippery. A common problem with non-slippery paints is that they are more likely to scratch.

However, with this paint, one does not have to deal with this problem. It is made to survive harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and high foot traffic. 

Recommended tools to apply this paint is a ¼ to ⅜ inches roller or a good quality brush for the decks. With the fewer amount of VOCs, it has an insignificant odor. The coverage of this paint is 80 to 100 square feet per quart. Moreover, this is an environment-friendly paint. 

Is this product recommended? 

Based on the responses of customers, it can be included that this is a product that is efficient in making the surface non-slippery. Besides that, it has a very low odor and is also eco-friendly.

Hence, very easy to work with. Being a water-based paint, it can be cleaned with just soap and water. Thus, it is a highly recommended product. 

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7. KILZ Over Armor Smooth Wood/Concrete Coating, 1 gallon, Chocolate Brown – Best at Hiding Imperfections

Last but not least is another paint for wooden decks for KILZ. This paint will bring back the lost beauty of the wooden decks. With its unique chocolate brown color, it will make your decks stand out from others. 

Besides wood, it can be used on concrete surfaces as well. Whether you want to use it on horizontal and vertical surfaces, it will give the desired results. Hence, stated as one of the versatile paints. 

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Technical features and performance 

This oil-based paint can be applied directly over cracks up to ¼ inches and give an even finish. Hence, being great at fixing the blemishes on wooden and concrete surfaces.

In spite of being an oil-based paint, this can be cleaned easily using only soap and water. The coverage it provides is 75 square feet per gallon. 

Make sure that the surface is cleaned meticulously before applying the paint. It is necessary to apply two coats of this paint. One should open its foot traffic after a day or two of applying. The complete cure time is seventy-two hours. 

Is this product recommended? 

This oil-based paint is easy to apply and clean. This is premium quality paint, which gives a superior finish. Also, it can hide imperfections in the surface effortlessly. Therefore, its users recommend this product to others. 

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Even if you know the best deck paint around, it can still be a challenging task to choose one from them. This job becomes easier when you know what to look for in a deck paint. In this section, you will find the factors that are most important to consider in the paint for wooden decks. 

1. Range 

Range refers to how much area a specific amount of paint can cover. It depends largely on the thickness and type of paint.

One can find the range in the specifications of the product. Make sure that you get the right amount of paint that can cover the area you want.

Remember, some paints require you to apply a second or even a third layer in some cases. Consequently decreasing its coverage. Hence, you will need to ensure that you buy additional units of paint if that is the case.

2. Colour 

While some deck stains are available in transparent or semi-transparent like redwood, cedar, etc., others are available in grey, beige or white color.

Choosing a color depends entirely on the individual buying it. Colors like redwood, oak bring a more natural look to the decks. On the other hand, colors like beige look modern. 

Gray paints are good if somebody wants a subtle and simple look. White paints are usually good for tinting. One can add paint of the color of their choice to the white deck paint.

This way, you can get a deck paint of any color you want. However, not all paints give great results on tinting. Hence, one should think carefully before selecting the color. 

3. Type of Paint

The paints are generally of two types, water-based or oil-based. Both of these types have different positives and negatives. Water-based paints offer greater durability against mildew, mold, and UV rays.

These contain a minimum amount of VOCs and hence, are easy to work with. Furthermore, their curing time is less and is easy to clean. Its drawback is that it’s quite time-taking to apply. 

Oil-based paints are easy to use and yield a leveled and smooth finish. They are great at sealing stains. Also, they do not scrape or peel easily.

Although, they are easily affected by UV rays and are more vulnerable to mildew and algae. Thus, depending on the climate around your decks and the virtues you require in the paint, you must select the type of paint. 

Apart from these we have some more amazing options for you in this best paint for wood floors article. Don’t forget to check it.

4. Price 

Probably the most important factor of a buying guide is the price. It is essential that you get to paint, which offers value for its cost.

There are many overpriced paints in the market, and the best way to identify them is by doing proper research. For that, first, you need to know what features you want your deck paint to have. 

Compare different brands that offer the features you require. Also, refer to the customer feedback to check if the performance of the paint is as good as advertised or not. This will make it clear which product is worth investing in. 

While painting the deck, one has to properly assess and select the best brand. One of the famous brands is KILZ which is an American company in the business of producing paint and exterior paints. Sherwin-Williams have paints for the outer surface.

On the other hand, Rust-Oleum has earned a name for creating the finest and most enduring paint which are rust- and water-resistant paint Benjamin Moore’s outdoor paint catalogue is devised to be suitable for metal surfaces, tiled areas, wood and diverse surfaces to preserve your outdoor space in totality.

To get a good finished look, kindly follow the below steps 

1. First of all the dust, debris, and large build-ups of moss or mildew are to be removed by giving a thorough brush to the deck.
2. Clean the whole surface evenly using deck cleaner and a stiff brush or roller.
3. If you use organic cleaners, you will have to leave the cleanser for a couple of days. For other cleansers follow the instructions in the package of the cleanser.  
4. Use pressure water to wash off the cleanser and let it dry.
5. Sand with a sanding tool, then use primer and let dry. Now your deck is ready for painting.

Staining

For finishing a wooden deck, staining is a commonly used method. It is less expensive and can be done with less labour. Sealers and stains are easy to apply. Another advantage of staining is we can retain the original look.

Painting

When you work on an older deck or you require a unique colour, using paint for finishing is a better option. It is comparatively costly but it thoroughly transforms the old desk.

Some benefits of Painting are –

• The paint is opaque, and UV rays cannot penetrate.
• Highly resistant to mildew, and green algae growth.
• Covers the uneven surface of old wood that needs repairing. If boards are mismatched, the painting will make it impossible to detect them.
• It is easier to clean. But it depends on the colour.
• Usually, the paint lasts for a much longer period than other finish options.  If high-quality paint is used, the deck will not need repainting for many years.

Painting a new deck is an easier job than painting a weather-beaten wood deck. The reason being your work here increases. First, you have to assess the weather deck for repairing the existing damages. If you paint a damaged deck, the effort will be a total waste.

1. Mend the damages

Repair the damages in the deck such as splintered layers. Check for damages at the base of the deck as well. 

The only choice to deal with marred or corroded wood boards is to replace them. Look out for surfaces smeared with dirt as they perish promptly. More importantly, fasten the undone screws in the deck.

As railings are an essential part of the deck, please scrutinize them to ensure their strength and rust-free condition. In case of damage, restore instantly.

2. Clear Out Old Finish Remains

Clear out the paint that remains in the deck painted hitherto. This task is important as it will make the deck suitable for applying stain or new colourless paint. It is better to smoothen the rough layers of the deck for good results. Even if the deck is new, make sure it is clean just before painting. Select one of the following for washing the deck.

3. Cleanser

Any dedicated cleaner for the deck will easily remove dust so that the surface of the deck gets ready to take in the paint.

In case you want to stain the deck, look for instructions from the maker recommending any particular cleaner for the deck.

4. Cleaning Old Deck

A brightener is more suitable when used on an old and uneven wood deck.

5. Surface Affected With Mildew

If there is a mildewed area on the deck, clear it with a mildew-killing agent.

6. Priming

Prime the wood if you want to use the deck for a longer time. It would be best to prime the more damaged decking boards as it helps in the wide spreading of paint. This process can be skipped only if the plan is to stain the deck.

7. Apply Paint to the Deck

Finally, the deck must be painted in a way the entire area of the deck is covered.

Painting your wooden deck is a great way to increase its lifespan by protecting it against moisture, UV rays, dust, and more. Also, deck paint contributes to improving their looks as well. Therefore, painting decks seems more like a necessity rather than a choice.

If you have an unpainted deck at your place, it is time you get a deck paint. Remember to consider the buying guide to help you in finding the best wood deck paint for you. 

Travis Martins

Travis is a painter by profession. His valuable painting tips help customers know how to do painting hassle-free. He is an expert in handling painting tools and loves sharing his experiences with customers. Travis has been in the painting business for the past 20 years. He is now on the verge of early retirement, passing on the secrets.