What Kind of Paint Is Good to Use on a Floor Porch to Keep It From Rotting Out?

Remove any peeling or chipped paint that is raised above the surface of the porch floor with an electric sander or paint shaver. Use coarse sandpaper for the paint removal. Paint shavers operate in a similar manner to electric sanders. If you're painting a porch floor with many previous layers, you may need to remove paint across the entire surface. If this is the case, using chemical paint stripper may be the fastest way to cover a large area. Apply the chemical solution and after several minutes, wipe away the paint with a rag.

Clean the surface. Another important step in the preparation of the porch floor is removing dirt, debris, oils or other contaminants such as fungi and mildew from the wood surface. Wash the surface with a water-based wood cleaner and a light brush or sponge mop. Then allow the surface to completely dry before proceeding.

Apply an oil-based primer to the wood on the porch. Pour a small amount into a painting tray, then using a painting roller, spread evenly across the entire surface of the porch. Allow the oil-based primer to dry.

Apply latex paint over the porch wood. Using a new painting tray and painting roller head, spread the latex paint evenly over the entire surface. Depending on the color and quality of paint, you may need a second or third coat. Allow each coat to fully dry before applying the next coat.