How to Paint an Artificial Plank Porch

One of the principal reasons for installing artificial, or composite, decking is that it requires much less maintenance than standard wood decking. Composite decking is composed of a variety of materials, including wood, plastics and vinyl, but you can still paint over it using standard painting techniques. Just make sure you get the right kind of paint.

100-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Primer
Brush
Water-based paint

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe the porch with 100-grit sandpaper to texturize the composite and prepare it for the primer. Use a tack cloth to wipe away all dust and debris.
- 2
  Apply a coat of primer to the porch with your brush, working in long strokes with the grain of the artificial plank. Wait at least 30 minutes for the primer to completely dry.
- 3
  Apply a coat of water-based, or latex, paint to your porch. Non-water-based paint may contain chemicals that react negatively with the composite materials. Wait until the paint has dried completely.
- 4
  Apply additional coats of paint until you've achieved the desired depth of color on your porch.

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