Painting vs. Staining a wooden deck?

What is the difference? I want to paint the floor of the deck in my yard.  Can I just buy exterior paint in Mahogany or Burgundy and paint the floor of my wooden deck? Or do I have to sand it first and then stain it? I’m thinking of using Behr Exterior paint for this DIY project. Does anyone have experience with this brand of paint for exterior? Is there something else you would recommend for painting a wooden deck?  Thanks for the feedback.

brooklynhouselove

in Decks and Porches 13 years and 1 month ago

10

Please log in, in order to post replies!

10 replies

Newest Oldest

brokelin | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4937 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "90954"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BukARi5fCxcdKRwwLKRkiawWixLEUK/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "annindc@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/brokelin/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:32:08"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(90954)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Forget that…it looks like you have the paint like stain on there already…

brokelin | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5115 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5114 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "90954"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BukARi5fCxcdKRwwLKRkiawWixLEUK/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "annindc@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/brokelin/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:32:08"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(90954)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

And be careful of paint that is called stain. They sell it for houses with unstained clapboard. But it is really paint, despite the name.  google it and read up on it before you go shopping for stain.

brokelin | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4944 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5116 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "90954"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BukARi5fCxcdKRwwLKRkiawWixLEUK/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "annindc@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/brokelin/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:32:08"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(90954)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I prefer Benjamin Moore to most, definitely to behr.  Being a local boy originally, ben has the market share here.  Having grown up elsewhere, where sherwin, not sherman, williams was more common, I used plenty of it years ago, and at least back then, they had good products, too.

KCorey616 | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5114 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5117 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "29344"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "KCorey616"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "kcorey616"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "KCorey616@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(51) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/kcorey616/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:46:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "KCorey616"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(29344)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Decks should normally be stained with a “deck” stain. If you definately want to paint it then only use a porch and floor enamel…nothing else! Only porch and floor enamel will hold up but even that will probably have to be re-done in a couple of years. And as a parting thought, never use Behr paint. Forget what Consumers Reports says. I have over 43 years in the paint industry serving mostly commercial clients. The majority of commercial painters use Benjamin-Moore for a good reason…it’s reliable and with a proven track record.

concernedcitizen | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5115 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177166"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(16) "concernedcitizen"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BLl2eR52NXq8qq.ofKXYiMri5WqO9j0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(16) "concernedcitizen"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(27) "peter@methodrestoration.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(32) "http://www.methodrestoration.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:59"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(18) "Method Restoration"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177166)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

What type of wood is it? Has it been finished in the past?

slopegirl | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4944 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5118 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "34682"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "slopegirl"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BmPjvLLXxuJIHCzkqN9h9/FLl7akcD."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "slopegirl"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "sarah_11215@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/slopegirl/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:49:17"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "slopegirl"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(34682)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

also they make paint that is “floor paint” which I assume means something in there to help you not slip. you’d need more of that outside, where things get slippery. if you want it dark, why not try stain and then seal with waterproof wood stuff?

urbanexteriors | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5114 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5119 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "21301"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "urbanexteriors"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BynvYd0n5TimUJCs201Gk..GHJFJO7."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(19) "urban-exteriors-2-2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "steve@urbanexteriors.biz"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(56) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/urbanexteriors/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-17 21:36:28"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "urban exteriors"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(21301)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I agree with slopemope about not using paint on a deck. When it fails (and it will), you will have a major mess. I use a penetrating oil/stain, with UV protection, on all of my decks. Since you want a dark color, go with a translucent stain, but don’t buy it at HD. I think that Benjamin Moore makes what you need. You need to clean the deck first (if you pressure wash, dial down the pressure), but sanding would give you the best results. Steve

slopemope | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5120 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "161310"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "slopemope"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "slopemope"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "slopemope@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/slopemope/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:24:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "slopemope"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(161310)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

i’m not an expert, but I don’t think most paint will last long on a horizontal deck surface.  Paint sits on top of the wood, and rain pooling over a period of time will seperate the paint from the wood.  Then removing it / stripping it will be a huge PITA.  Use something that penetrates, like a stain or stain like product combined with a topcoat sealer.  If I were you, i would walk into a sherman williams dealer and get real advice, not rely on the big box “help”.  The Behr stains actually performed well in consumer reports tests, right behind sherman williams, but paying a little extra for the advice in your case could be worth its weight in gold.

emily000 | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4944 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5121 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179078"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "emily000"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B8lzrD6uvmULcT/8rl1afbxBsBooPt0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "emily000"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "h_emily0715@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(50) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/emily000/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:38:13"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "emily000"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179078)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I think i don’t know how to  paint. But I think u can sand it first and then stain it.

brooklynhouselove | 13 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5114 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5122 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177678"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(17) "brooklynhouselove"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bb/2q0DPg6am3/ecPknXMwTob1v6I50"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(17) "brooklynhouselove"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(27) "brooklynhouselove@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(32) "/forums/users/brooklynhouselove/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:26:57"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(17) "brooklynhouselove"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177678)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Here is a pic of the yard deck http://imgur.com/a/qN0bh