Can You Spray Paint a Rear Deck?

Paint Sprayers

• Paint sprayers make quick work of large expanses, such as walls, ceilings and floors. Using a sprayer to coat your back deck with paint or stain can help reduce the time and effort required for this outdoor project. Paint sprayers come in a variety of sizes and styles. Although they work similar to cans of spray paint, they are designed to cover large expanses of surface areas. Hardware stores and paint centers usually sell small sprayers that you can pump up by hand, while rental centers offer professional-quality paint sprayers that work on compressors and include spray guns, hoses and various accessories.

Preparation

• The first step when painting an exterior deck is to clean all dirt and debris off the surface. Hosing down the deck removes the most obvious particles of dirt, while scrubbing with a bristle brush and mild detergent helps buff off stubborn soil and dissolves grease stains. Allow the deck to dry completely before spraying on the paint. If your deck has an old coat of paint or stain, you may need to scrape peeling sections and sand the surface to ensure a durable finish. Help promote good adhesion when painting over a previously stained deck by using a compatible primer before applying the paint.

Paint Selection

• Both acrylic and latex paints come in formulas designed for use on exterior wood surfaces. Choose a deck or porch paint to ensure the highest level of durability, especially if your deck must withstand frequent foot traffic and hosing down. Although your color selection depends on your personal preferences, dark, earth-tone paints tend to hide more soil than light shades of paint.

Considerations

• Before renting or borrowing a paint sprayer to paint your deck, consider whether this is the best method of application. Spraying on paint requires masking off nearby areas with large pieces of plastic sheeting, as well as increasing the amount of time required to clean the sprayer equipment. If your deck is small or has numerous areas that require masking, you may find it quicker and easier to apply your paint with a brush or roller.