Can You Paint Trex Decking or Composite Decking?

People assume that Trex or Composite decking is permanent. But extreme weather conditions can damage composite decking. So, one would know “Can You Paint Trex Decking or composite decking?”

Many homeowners rushed to Trex paints composite decking when it initially became available because it does not decay and required less upkeep than a wood deck. Select acrylic latex paint with UV blockers and mildew inhibitors if you choose to stain.

Homeowners soon observed that the color of the composite decking had faded due to continuous sun exposure, mostly white decking paint.

If you have any desire to paint or stain your composite deck, I’ll walk you through the means by which you might paint composites, whether you need to paint or stain, and how to set up your deck.

If you choose to paint for composite decking, begin with an acrylic plastic outer preliminary and afterward a glossy silk latex paint.

Can You Paint Trex Deck Trex or Composite Decking Explained:

Composite decking is a synthetic construction material composed of wood fibers, polymers, and a limited quantity of bonding chemicals. This mixture is roasted and spread into long lengths and then cooled down.

Can You Repaint A Composite Decking?

People wonder “is trex decking paintable”. Although you can paint any of the composite decking, there are some decks that deviate from this rule. Some of these exceptions are discussed below:

TimberTech recommends that you should not paint its products since doing so would void the guarantee. The paint will not stick properly anyhow because it is constructed of PVC.

Trex paint states that the Transcend and Escapes lines, which are more costly, cannot be painted.

Most people think that paints and dyes directly can attach themselves to surfaces. However, it’s not true.

Many costly decks are built with great quality materials to retain their color for a long period. So, there is no requirement for repainting them.

What Is The Life Of Paint If It Is Applied On A Deck?

Because exterior paints are weather-resistant, they can last up to five years if applied appropriately to a composite deck. On composite decking, internal paint lasts between 6 and 18 months.

This short period is due to the lack of ingredients in interior paints that allow them to survive on outside surfaces like composite decking.

Humidity, temperature, Ultraviolet radiation, and debris all impact how long the composite deck paint will survive. As a result, if you use weather-resistant paint on your composite deck, it will last longer than if you use non-weather-resistant paint.

Painting Vs Staining a Deck

Stains are less costly, seem more natural, and are readily painted over or given another color. Deck paint is durable for 10 years, while a stain is durable only for 2-8 years. So, it would help if you renewed the stain after this interval. Its thicker consistency prevents globs of paint from forming and lap marks.

In my experience, Before applying deck paint, make sure to use a primer. In addition, paint requires less upkeep. If you want to avoid UV fading, use latex paint.

Several things are effective on whether you paint a trex deck or stain your deck. If you need to preserve your deck from humidity, oil-based paint is good. People use pressure wash even for the light and well sealed part, however, I don’t recommend doing so.

Best Paint and Stains for Decks

Look for stains manufactured exclusively for composite deckings while searching for stains. An acrylic latex stain containing UV and mold inhibitors, such as zinc, should be used. Acrylic-based paints are the best paint for Trex decking.

Don’t use solid deck stains as they can fade the color and increase the need to repaint a material. In this case, where you look at high risks for fading up of the color, I recommend using semi-transparent or semi-solid stains for better results.

For composite deacons, Rustoleum or Valspar are recommended based on our experience. Using stan or semi-gloss latex paint is another option. A primer is necessary to apply paint on any surface.

The Stepwise Procedure of Painting A Deck:

Every paint task requires special tools to complete. Without proper tools, you can not get the best results. So, some tools that might be required in the painting deck are given below:

1. A garden hose
2. Washing Agents (detergent and vinegar)
3. A bristled brush
4. A large drop sheet
5. Paint primer
6. An exterior paint of your choice
7. A spray gun
8. Sandpaper (medium grit)

Now that you have all the tools ready to perform your job, proper guidance on the method of Painting is discussed below:

1. Clean the Surface before Painting

The first and most important step is cleaning the surface and making it free of molds, filths, and dust. I recommend using a deck cleaner or you can also use soap and water for cleaning purposes. You’ll need vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to get rid of mold.

Using a sprayer and water is a good option to remove debris. For power cleaner, I recommend keeping the deal pressure under 3100 PSI.

Similarly, cleaning the board is not easy, and I recommend cleaning it by using a soft bristle brush. Don’t skip this step; otherwise, you should be ready to face color fading issues.

If your decking has mold, your deck is clean, with some elbow grease, and thus is ready to continue to the next stage. Then you should take into account the following steps:

Allow your deck to dry completely before beginning to paint. If your deck is wet and you start painting onto it, It can ruin your painting result

2. Use Sanding Paper

You may sand the deck once it has dried. Sanding the composite deck is vital because it helps to erase any previous paint or stain. Sanding the wood also aids in the removal of gouges and splinters.

Start by sanding with medium-grit sandpaper. Start with 150-grit sandpaper. After that, progress to fine-grit sandpaper. When you reach 240 grit, you may stop sanding.

You should avoid pressure or power when sanding. Applying pressure has the potential to harm the deck.

3. Apply Paint Primer

You will need another paint coat priming on the composite deck. Find a primer compatible with the paint you are painting.

If you are using a water-based paint to coat your deck, find a primer that is water based. The same goes for other paint types. Over a water-based primer, oil-based paints and stains can be utilized as primers.

4. Start Painting

The last step is to put the paint on. If the deck paint is too thick, then first lower its viscosity. There are multiple options to apply the paint on the deck including a brush, a roller, and a spray.

Because composite decks are often big, Painting using a paintbrush or roller will be challenging. A spray gun is your best bet. Make sure the paint gets around the deck. On the composite deck, two coatings are sufficient.

Other ways of Refreshing a Composite Deck

Clean your deck thoroughly before you start with your project. Sometimes all a deck needs is a thorough cleaning. When using a pressure washer, remember to maintain the pressure under 3100 psi.

If you determine that all it requires is a thorough cleaning, you’ll want to invest in a more powerful cleaning product. Expert Chemical’s Composite Deck Cleaner and Enhancer is a mild chlorinated solution that penetrates the pores of composite decking and is one of Trex paint’s recommended products.

A deck brightener or Cleaner is another choice. A deck brightener’s oxalic acid removes tar and rust stains. With the extra washing necessary to freshen the composite, you could go ahead and apply a stain if you take it this way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summing Up! Can You Paint the Trex Deck?

You may paint or stain outdated composite decking to make it seem new again. Whatever option you select, don’t forget to clean your deck. Paint is durable, but you can’t go back and re-stain your deck after it’s been painted.

Irrespective of what you choose, do not forget the important steps. Otherwise, the stain will not stick correctly and will begin to flake off. I hope the above information can help you paint Trex or composite decking. For further tips and ideas related to paint, keep reading our latest blogs.