Paint Like a Pro: How to Refinish Your Decking

Given our climate in Ireland, decking requires regular maintenance. We get a lot of questions at Pat McDonnell Paints this time of year about how to breathe new life into old decking. If you have decided it is time to spruce up your deck, check out our handy step-by-step guide below.

Tools for the Job

Before You Start

Check the forecast as you will need a few of days of dry weather to complete your project. Avoid very hot weather as this may cause the product to dry too quickly and not fully absorb into the wood.

Step 1: Scrub the Deck!

As with any paint job, you need to get the surface as clean as possible.

Start by removing all deck furniture or plants; then, thoroughly sweep the deck with a hard-bristled yard brush or similar. This will remove surface debris but will also dislodge some of the growth (moss, algae, mildew etc) that will almost be inevitably present on an Irish deck.

Once your deck is surface cleaned – use a hose with a nozzle or a power hose if you have access to one to remove stubborn dirt. If using a power hose, be careful not to damage the timber by holding the gun too close to the surface – also, use a wide fan tip rather than a pointed tip as this will be less likely to mark your surface.

Tip: Don’t use bleach cleaner, as this can whiten and damage your decking boards.

Leave the decking to dry for at least two days. While the decking may seem dry the day after, you risk sealing in any remaining moisture which can lead to cracking and splitting.

If required, sand off any loose or flaking areas. Run a cloth soaked in white spirits over the decking boards to remove any sanding dust.

Remember – it is critical that your deck is fully dry before application of any coating. If not, then you run the risk of sealing the moisture within the wood and in time, this will ‘push’ any coating off your deck.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Product

Typically, your decking will have already been coated with Decking Oil, Decking Stain, or a Solid Decking Colour. The most straightforward option is to re-coat your deck with a similar product to what was used previously. If you want to change the product completely, it’s best to speak with a member of our team who can advise you on the best options for your deck.

Sikkens HLS is a great product if you are looking to finish your deck in a stain or a solid colour. In addition to providing a beautiful finish, it will also protect your decking against mould, algae, UV damage, and water damage.

Step 3: Time to Paint/Stain /Oil Your Decking!

Using a good quality paint brush (approx. 3 - 4” in width) to apply the decking oil along the decking boards. Remember to always work with the grain.

Tip: For an even finish, start at the furthest end of the deck and go in an S-shape, painting one or two boards at a time.

We recommend giving your decking two coats in April. After your final coat, wait for at least 24 hours of good weather before using your deck.

At the end of September, give your decking a third coat to protect it from the winter weather.

Tools for the Job

• FARBEX Exterior Fungicidal Wash
• Hard-bristled decking brush
• Sikkens HLS (If using a decking stain or solid decking colour)
• Textrol Oil
• 4” brush