Can You Paint Composite Decking?

Composite decking, such as Trex, Timbertech, and Azek is a great material. It's weatherproof as well as maintenance-free and sturdy. But, the color is affected by sunlight and weather. It can make the deck appear gray and dull. If this happens, you could paint your composite decking. However, there are some crucial steps to do prior to starting. First, the deck has to be cleaned thoroughly. Don't paint decks that are filthy. If you do, the paint will begin to peel. A primer must be applied that is specifically designed to work with the composite material your deck is made from. Not all composite deckings are identical. You can also paint your deck using outdoor paint.

It is crucial to determine the type of composite decking you are using before you begin painting. Because not all types of composites are alike. They are mostly made from polymers, while others are made up of wood pulp, polymers, plastics, glues, and fibers. You must use an appropriate primer designed specifically for the material you're using to prime. If you are using the wrong primer specifically for the decking material you are using, it could be able to peel.

Don't skip the cleansing step. If the deck you paint is contaminated with grease or oils or is dirty, the paint may be able to peel.

After the deck has been cleaned and primed, you can paint the decking using a brush or roller. The majority of the time, only the top layer is painted, but not the underneath. You can also cover both sides if the underneath of the deck is clearly visible.

Painting New vs. Old Composite Decking

Composite decking from the beginning is much easier to paint than the latest composite decking.

The latest types of composite decking can be secured by the use of a PVC shell or cap. The outer shell protects and shields the decking's internal core. The cap shields decking, which results in less maintenance, but also blocks paint and stain from adhering. But, you will be able to paint new composite decking even though it is protected by the protective shell, provided you use the appropriate primer and paint.

The warranty on new composite decking may be void when you paint them. To avoid this, we suggest painting composite decking if it's faded, old, or has an expired warranty. If you're looking to paint your decking from scratch, be sure to consult the manufacturer first.

The older composite decking material is easier to paint. It doesn't come with a plastic cap or shell, so paint is more able to stick to it.

To determine if your deck is capped or not, take a look at the cut edge of the deck board. The decking of the early generation has the exact color from top to bottom. Newer composite decking may be coated in a thin layer on top of the brown or gray composite core.

Older composite decking is able to take paint with much less ease than modern models. But, both are able to be painted, provided you do it right and make use of the correct primer as well as paint.