How to Customize Your Deck With Spray Paint

Railing

• If you’re leery of spray-painting your entire deck, spraying just the railing may be a good alternative. It will add a pop of color to the natural wood, but you can easily replace the railing if you change your mind about the color later. Since natural wood essentially serves as a neutral, you can choose any color of spray paint to customize your deck’s look. However, consider your home’s exterior when selecting the shade. For a colorful but elegant look, go with a color in the same family as your home’s facade. If you have light blue vinyl siding, for instance, try a royal blue spray paint for your railing. With a red brick exterior, add a pop of vivid color with fire-engine red spray paint on your deck railing. If you like a bold, colorful look, don’t be afraid to try bright shades like yellow, purple or green for your deck railing if they complement your home’s exterior.

Stairs Treads

• For an even more subtle look than painted railing, customize your elevated deck’s look by spray-painting just the treads on its stairs. The overall effect is determined by how many steps your staircase contains, but it should be a small enough area that it doesn't make your deck look too busy. Spray-painting your deck’s stair treads is also a good way to hide stains or other signs of wear and tear than typically occur on steps. While covering up the areas that you don’t want to paint with a tarp, newspaper or other material is always important when spray painting your deck, it is especially important when painting just the treads. It is easy to make a mistake and get paint on the risers as well, so be sure to cover them with newspaper, masking paper or plastic that is securely taped down.

Built-Ins

• If your deck features built-in benches, storage compartments or other items, use spray paint to highlight them and give your deck a more decorative appearance. Covering the top of built-in benches with a coat of white spray paint instantly gives your deck a crisp country look. For a funky modern take, use black spray paint to cover built-in storage containers. A warm red, terra-cotta or orange spray paint can help give your built-in furniture a warmer look so your deck becomes a cozier spot for your family to spend time.

Stencils

• If you’re interested in adding a truly decorative look to your deck, color alone may not do the job. Instead, consider using stencils to spray-paint specific designs or images on your deck’s surface. It’s a truly unique look and a great way to customize your deck since you can choose stencils with images that are special to you and your family. You spray-paint with a single stencil in each corner of the deck for a simple look, or create a larger design in the center by using a collection of stencils. Spray-painting with stencils along the top of your railing or to your deck’s stair risers or treads is also a nice touch.