Best Deck Paint of 2020 – Reviews and Buying Guide

The 7 Best Deck Paints of 2020

1. Defy Extreme Wood Stain - Best for Treated Wood

This is a water based stain that will allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. The stain is kind to the environment because it is water based. The water base also makes it very easy to clean up when you are finished painting.

This stain is designed with Zinc nano-particle technology which basically makes it better at protecting your wood from the damages of the sun. You can think of this stain as a sunscreen meant for wooden surfaces. Once applied the stain stops the sun from bleaching or weakening the wood.

2. KILZ Over Armor Smooth Wood

If you have a concrete deck this paint substance is ideal for your needs. This is a water based item that is friendly to the environment. It is also tough enough to be used in the heavily trafficked areas like your deck, basement or garage.

It can resist staining from common items like gasoline, oil, or chemicals found around the home. It enhances the beauty of your concrete deck while it protects your deck from stains and damages.

This paint will dry to the touch in as little as 2 hours. It is ready for a second coat in as little as 4 hours.

3. KILZ Epoxy Acrylic Interior/Exterior Garage Floor Paint

This floor coating not only protects your decks it can repair them too. The formula is designed to bridge cracks, and smooth out imperfections that make your deck appear worn and weary. This product can be used on a variety of surfaces including wood and concrete.

Once applied this product will virtually eliminate splinters and will create a slip resistant finish so you can walk across your deck with more confidence.

This is an easy to clean up product that only requires soap and water for cleanup. It dries to the touch in as little as 2 hours but it needs about 4 hours of drying time between applications.

4. Montage Signature Interior, Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint - Best for Old Wood

This is a beautiful paint that glides on smoothly and creates a flawless finish. It can be applied with any of the top paint applicators including brushes, rollers and paint sprayers.

This is a water based product and it can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces. It is designed to protect your surface area from the ravages of mold and mildew while retaining superior color and beauty.

This paint is available in a low sheen variety and a semi-gloss for those people who want a little more gloss. Once it has dried completely the paint will resist stains and can be cleaned with soap and water to remove any dirt that may get on it.

5. TotalBoat TotalTread Non Skid Deck Paint - Best for Slippery Surfaces

This deck paint has polyurethane as one of the main ingredients. The polyurethane helps it to produce a finish on your deck that is both hard and resilient. It also creates a surface that provides secure footing that you are less likely to slip on without being abrasive and uncomfortable to walk on like some of the paints with silica additives.

This product can be applied on the majority of all surfaces using any application method that you prefer including paint brushes, rollers, and spray guns.

The finish will be durable and easy to clean. It will protect your deck materials and give you more time to enjoy your deck.

6. KILZ Interior, Exterior Floor & Deck Paint

This deck protector will provide you with a deck that resists mildew, resists scuffing and blistering or peeling, is capable of handling high traffic, and is durable. You get a formula in this product that creates a low luster and can be applied to raw wood or previously painted surfaces.

The product goes on smoothly and creates a surface that is nice to look at and comfortable even on bare feet. You should give the paint about 4 hours to completely cure before you apply a second coat or a finish coat.

7. Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint

This is an oil based product that has the ability to be self-leveling. It can help you to create the smooth and level deck surface that you desire.

It can be applied to a variety of surfaces from fiberglass to wood. It will give you the maximum UV protection to reduce the damages the sun does to your deck.

It will dry in as few as 2 hours, and can be reapplied in as few as 3 hours. You can apply this paint with a brush, roller, or a spray painter. It is durable and easy to clean and care for.

Difference between wood stain and paint 

Wood stain and paint both have the ability to beautify the surface of your deck, but they are very different products.

Wood stain is designed to soak into the wood changing the color and tone of the wood. Paint on the other hand is designed to sit on top of the wooden surface. Paint will soak into the wood slightly but the majority of paint will stay on the surface, and if you decide to remove the paint later you can usually do so with a paint remover. If you decide to remove stain you will have to sand the wood to a point below the stain level.

Stain does alter the color of the wood but it creates a matte finish. If you want a glossy look you have to apply a glossy finish over the stain. Pain comes in a variety of finishes from matte to high gloss.

Stain enhances the natural beauty of the wood and allows complex details of the wood such as the wood grain to show. Paint hides imperfections and hides details such as the wood grain or the present of a flaw in the wood.

How to Paint a Deck - Beginners Guide

To properly paint your deck you first need to make sure the surface is clean and ready to accept the paint. If you have to clean the deck surface make sure that you allow the area to dry completely before you apply any paint or stain.

Wait until a time when the weather is going to be sunny, with low winds, and a temperature above 50⁰.

Step1:

Choose exterior grade paint and apply it to the surface using a brush, a roller, or a paint sprayer. Make sure that you get the paint evenly applied in all cracks and crevices. Do not apply a thick coat of paint or it will take too long to dry. Apply thin layers of paint and allow about 4 hours between each application before you apply another layer.

Step 2:

Reapply the paint until you have received maximum coverage. You do not want to be able to see any bare wood if you are applying paint.

Step 3:

Do not let anyone or anything walk on the deck surface until the paint has completely dried. Once the deck is dry you can put all of your deck furniture and décor back in place. Check this short video guide:

Best Deck Paint for Outdoor Wood Buying Guide

There are several things you should consider about deck paint before you buy so you get the best product for your unique circumstances.

Deck Surface

You need to buy a paint that is formulated to be used on the surface materials your deck is constructed from. Some paints are specifically designed to be used on concrete, wood or metal and you want to buy the one that is recommended for the material you have to paint.

You also want to make sure that your surface will not need extra preparation because of the paint product you purchased. Read the manufacturers recommendations and warnings very careful before you select a product.

Texture

There are different paint textures. You can buy paints with silica additives and polyurethane additives that create a surface that will be slip resistant. You can also buy paints that are smooth and will create a surface that is smooth to walk on.

Know what type of texture you want your deck to have before you select a paint to use.

Brands

There are a lot of different brands of paint available to use on your deck. There are popular brands that are heavily advertised and more expensive and there are store brands that get no advertisement and have lower costs. You have to choose a brand that you have confidence in.

You can ask your friends and neighbors what brands of paint they recommend, and your local paint professionals may recommend a brand they like.