How to Paint a Deck With an Airless Sprayer

Remove the top of the airless tank. There should be two or four clamps around the perimeter of the tank. Push them up or down to release them.

Fill the tank with paint. Put the lid back on and tighten the clamps.

Screw the end of the paint nozzle all the way shut, and then open it halfway. Plug the airless sprayer into the nearest electrical outlet. The sprayer should run for a few seconds and then shut off as the pressure builds to an operating level.

Stand on the deck near one end. Holding the nozzle 12 to 14 inches from the deck, shoot a short paint stream onto the deck's surface. Note how wide the paint stream is. If it is more than 10 inches wide, turn the pressure knob on the front of the airless tank clockwise to lower the pressure and test again until the stream is about 8 to 10 inches.

Spray along the length of each individual board in a straight line, walking backward as you spray. When you come to the end of a board, angle the gun about 30 degrees and spray down inside the crack between the board and the next board, walking along in the same manner, then do the same with the other side of the board. When you get to the end of the board, start on the next adjoining board in sequence, spraying the board as you walk, then angling and spraying inside the cracks on both sides of the board.

Spray all the boards, then get underneath the deck. Spray as much as you can from underneath. If you can't get under, reach under and spray as much as you can. Finish by spraying all the board ends, stairs, railings and struts. Spray around the perimeter of any vertical structural posts.

Remove the lid of the airless tank. Pour approximately 1 qt. paint thinner into the tank and put the lid back on. Spray the thinner for about one minute to clear the hose and tip of any paint. Leave the thinner in the tank for storage. Wrap the hoses around the top of the tank and store the sprayer.