How to Paint a Deck in the Sun

Painting a deck in the sun requires you to move quickly without taking long breaks. Paint dries faster with sun exposure, and if it dries before you overlap the coats, it could look lumpy or discolored in sections. Paints containing ultraviolet protection provide a barrier to keep the sun's harmful rays from fading the paint color. Add a distinctive and whimsical touch to a deck with paint.

Broom
Garden hose
Dish soap
UV-protected paint
Paintbrushes
Paint pans
Paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Sweep debris and dirt from the deck with a broom. Dampen the deck with a garden hose. Squirt dish soap in three to four areas on the deck and scrub the surface with a broom. Rinse the soap and dirt from the deck with the hose. Allow the deck surface to dry completely before painting.
- 2
  Apply a UV-protected paint to the deck. Apply the paint to any railings on the deck using a 3- to 4-inch paintbrush. Use back and forth brushstrokes for the top railing, applying even coverage to the surface.
- 3
  Pour the paint into a paint pan. Starting at the back of the deck, work your way forward to any steps or the outside edges.
- 4
  Moisten a roller with the paint. Roll the paint over the top of the deck boards, working the roller along the length of the plank. Re-wet the roller and continue down the length of the boards. Continue working back and forth across the deck, painting the boards until you reach the outside edge.
- 5
  Paint along the outside edges of the deck with the paintbrush. Allow the deck to dry 24 hours before walking on it and replacing furniture.

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