If you’re planning to paint your deck, you have many options.
However, don’t get overwhelmed just yet. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best deck paint to ensure your investment lasts as long as possible.
Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Behr Premium Advanced DeckOver
- Least Prep Work: Rust-Oleum Rock Solid 20x Deck Resurfacer
- Best Value: Kilz Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint
- Best for No Primer: Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
- Top Protective Stain: Flood CWF-UV Oil-Based Exterior Wood Finish
- Best Solid Color Stain: Behr DeckPlus Solid Color Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain
- Most Slip-Proof: INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
Best Deck Paint For Every Need
The old adage is always true—it’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do. As it turns out, most handy homeowners can easily paint or stain their own decks. All it takes is a little prep work.
Be sure to power wash your deck first to remove old paint chips. Then, once your deck is fully dry, you’re ready to paint. Aside from careful prep, a good product can go a long way.
These advanced formulas create a long-lasting finish that will repel the elements for years to come.
We’ll go one step further by breaking each of these deck paints into greater detail. Read on to learn more.
Best Overall: Behr Premium Advanced DeckOver
You might think it is pricey for paint, but according to DIY homeowners, Behr Premium deck paint is worth every penny.
The paint is available in an array of 54 colors, including beige, cappuccino, gray, brown, forest green, and more.
If properly prepared, it effortlessly resurfaces concrete and wood decks. The textured formula creates a finish that is both slip-resistant and waterproof.
For best results, clean the wood and allow it to fully dry for at least 24 hours prior to painting. The result is impressive adhesion with a crack- and mildew-resistant finish.
The splatter-resistant application makes it easy to do it yourself. Reviewers recommend power-washing your deck first. You can rent a power washer at Home Depot as well.
Let it dry for at least 24 hours and paint on a cloudy day when the surface of the deck is less than 90 degrees F.
Most used two coats and were very happy with how easy it was to cover the surface. The result was good bondage and an anti-slip finish.
Least Prep Work: Rust-Oleum Rock Solid 20x Deck Resurfacer
With this Rust-Oleum paint, you can have a new deck in a day. Combine with RockSolid cleaner and primer to eliminate the need for stripping and sanding.
Finish with the 20x Deck Resurfacer to transform heavily worn decks and patios. This formula is ideal for wood decks, composite decks, and broom-swept concrete patios.
A one-coat treatment covers up to 40 square feet per gallon and cleans easily with soap and water. The flat, textured surface hides imperfections like nail holes and cracks.
There are 60 colors available for any home design style. You’ll enjoy other perks like UV resistance and waterproofing protection.
Apply with a roller, and the paint will dry to the touch in 4-6 hours. It’s ready for foot traffic in just 24 hours.
Best Value: Kilz Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint
This latex paint scores high marks for easy application and durability.
The acrylic paint creates a low-luster surface for the deck, porch, and patio siding. It works best on a pre-primed surface and dries to the touch in one hour.
Apply the second coat in 4-6 hours. Reviewers love the attractive slate-gray coloring. One coat offers a light wash of color, but homeowners use up to three coats for the desired effect.
Apply paint with a quality roller, a polyester brush, or an airless sprayer. One gallon covers about 300 square feet, and you’ll need a bit more for rough surfaces. The paint gets high marks for its non-slip finish.
Reviewers loved the satin finish and say it holds up well to foot traffic with just one coat. Another good perk is that the paint is self-shrinking, so it helps to hide brush strokes as it dries.
Best for No Primer: Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
For raw wood surfaces, this handy formula will stain and seal in one step.
It requires no primer but works best on surfaces that are not pre-sealed, as that inhibits penetration. You can apply the sealant with a sprayer, roller, or brush.
There’s no back brushing needed, and you won’t leave runs or drips. “Goof proof” application means you don’t have to be handy with stain. Choose from the popular redwood color or opt for an array of natural wood hues.
Many deck stain products require multiple steps, like applying wood stain to add color and then topping with a wood sealer to protect from moisture. Ready Seal combines this step into one oil-based, semi-transparent stain and sealer.
Many reviewers, including professional contractors, give the paint high marks for ease of application. They note to shake very well and then shake again for an even mixture. The value is tough to beat at $33.
Best Protective Stain: Flood CWF-UV Oil-Based Exterior Wood Finish
If you live in a hot climate, this ultra-protective flood wood finish is a good investment for $95 at the home improvement store. It is fortified with Penetrol to drive protection below the surface.
It works with transparent iron oxides to absorb and block UV rays. The cedar semi-transparent stain lets wood grain show through for a natural look. It dries to the touch in 30 minutes.
The formula is ideal for outdoor decks and wooden patios. One gallon covers a wooden deck up to 750 square feet. Reviewers love the cedar color.
They recommend using a paintbrush, not rolling, for the application. It seals well to resist splinters and has a rich look. Cleanup is easy with soap and water.
Best Solid Color Stain: Behr DeckPlus Solid Color Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain
This smart formula is cheaper and easier to apply than exterior paint. The 100% acrylic formula has a durable water-repellant finish to protect deck boards and exterior wood surfaces.
Transform an old deck with this high-quality formula. Application is suggested in two thin coats to resist scuffing, cracking, peeling, and blistering. Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
The opaque stain creates the look of paint with easy application, and there are an array of neutral color choices available. Reviewers say it goes on easily with minimal cleanup.
Most Slip-Proof: INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
This fast-drying formula is available in an array of rich color choices.
The skid-resistant finish is ideal for high-traffic outdoor spaces like walkways, patios, pool areas, and stairs. Just don’t apply it where cars will be, like on a garage floor.
The thick coverage that applies to light coats impressed reviewers. Due to this easy application, it’s worth the price.
It requires an oil-based primer, which can be tough to find, but the result is worth it for a safe finish on frequently used spaces.
Which Deck Paint Will You Choose?
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There are many options for deck paint, but we’ve included the ones we think are the best.
Make sure to let us know which one you liked best by leaving a comment in the section below!
And while you’re here, make sure to check out our other complete guides in the “Home Guide” section in the footer at the bottom of this page.