How to paint in-between wood deck made easy

When painting wooden deck, painters do leave the space that is in between the deck due to it’s inconvenience that is experienced when to do this, that is why most of the in between deck spaces are been left alone, this in long run cause a lot of issues, these spaces when left alon create a lot of problem like Termites attacking the places, been exposure to moisture and mildew, and damaging the appearance of the wood deck as this effect can spread to the other part of the wood deck .

Painting in between wood deck is necessary and this should be done as necessary, it is not complicated hard as many Painter’s seems it as fit ,you don’t even have to employ professional when painting between in the wood decks. In this article we will ways for you to paint in between wood deck starting from how to prepare your deck for painting, how to choose the right paint to be used and lastly the methods to be used when painting between in wood deck.

Preparing Your Deck for Painting

Before you start painting your deck, you need to prepare it properly to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. Here are some steps you should follow to get your deck ready for painting:

Clean your deck thoroughly

The first step is to clean your deck thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, debris, grease, stains, or mildew that can interfere with the paint’s adhesion and appearance. You can use a broom or a leaf blower to sweep away any loose particles from the surface and in between the boards. Then, you can use a garden hose or a pressure washer to spray away any stubborn dirt or grime. You can also use a deck cleaner or a mild detergent to scrub away any stains or mildew. Make sure to rinse your deck well and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Sand away any flaws or rough spots

The next step is to sand away any flaws or rough spots that can affect the smoothness and evenness of your paint job. You can use a sanding pole fitted with 220-grit sandpaper to sand the surface and in between the boards, paying attention to any areas that have peeling paint, splinters, nail holes, or cracks. You can also use a sanding sponge or a crack and groove brush to get into the gaps and contours more easily. Sanding will help level out the surface, smooth out the edges, and create a better bond for the paint. Make sure to wipe away any dust or residue with a damp cloth after sanding.

Mask off any areas you don’t want to paint

The final step is to mask off any areas you don’t want to paint, such as railings, posts, hardware, plants, or furniture. You can use painter’s tape, plastic sheeting, drop cloths, or newspaper to cover and protect these areas from paint splatters or drips. You can also use painter’s tape to create straight and neat lines along the edges of your deck boards. Make sure to press the tape firmly with a putty knife or your fingers to seal it well and prevent any paint from bleeding through.

Paint and Tools for Your Deck

Once your deck is clean and ready for painting, you need to choose the right paint and tools for your project. Here are some factors you should consider when making your choices:

Types of paint suitable for decks

There are many types of paint available for decks, but not all of them are suitable for painting in between deck boards. You need to choose a paint that is durable, weather-resistant, water-repellent, and easy to apply in narrow spaces. Here are some of the most common types of paint for decks and their pros and cons:

– Latex paint: This is a water-based paint that is easy to clean up, fast-drying, low-odor, and eco-friendly. It also has good adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to cracking, peeling, fading, or mildew. However, it may not be as durable or protective as oil-based paint, especially in harsh weather conditions or high-traffic areas.

– Oil-based paint: This is an oil-based paint that is harder to clean up, slower-drying, high-odor, and less eco-friendly. But has benefit in terms of  better durability, protection, glossiness, and coverage than latex paint, especially in harsh weather conditions or high-traffic areas. However, it may be more prone to cracking, peeling, fading, or mildew than latex paint.

– Acrylic paint: This is a type of latex paint that has acrylic resin added to it for extra durability and protection. It has all the benefits of latex paint plus better resistance to cracking, peeling, fading, or mildew. It also has better color retention and glossiness than latex paint.

– Deck stain: This is not technically a paint but a type of coating that penetrates into the wood fibers and enhances the natural color and grain of the wood. It also provides some protection from moisture, dirt, insects, and mold. However, it does not cover any flaws or imperfections in the wood like paint does. It also requires more frequent reapplication than paint.

The best type of paint for your deck depends on your personal preference and your deck’s condition and location. Generally speaking,

– If you want a natural-looking finish that shows off the wood’s beauty and texture Use deck stain.

– If you want a solid-colored finish that covers any flaws or imperfections in the wood Use latex paint.

 If you want a glossy finish that provides extra durability and protection in harsh weather conditions or high-traffic areas Use oil-based paint.

 If you want a compromise between latex and oil-based paints that offers both durability and flexibility Use acrylic paint. 

Regardless of which type of paint you choose,

– Make sure it is specifically made and best  for exterior use and for wood surfaces

– Choose a color that fit your house’s exterior and your landscape

– Choose a sheen that suits your taste and your deck’s exposure (flat for low-luster; satin for medium-luster; semi-gloss or gloss for high-luster).

– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, thinning (if needed), applying (brushing vs spraying), drying time (between coats), curing time (before using), etc.

Tools you will need for painting in between deck boards

There are many tools available for painting in between deck boards, but not all of them are effective or efficient.Some of the tools you will need for painting in between deck boards are:

– A paint tray or a bucket to hold the paint

– A stir stick or a paint mixer to stir the paint

– A paint can opener or a screwdriver to open the paint can

– A paint brush or a crack and groove brush to apply paint in between the boards

– A moldable sponge or a scouring pad to apply paint in narrow or irregular gaps

– A pump sprayer or a paint roller to apply paint on the surface of the boards.

– A rag or a paper towel to wipe off any excess paint

– A painter’s tape or a masking tape to protect any areas you don’t want to paint.

– A sanding pole, a sanding sponge, or a crack and groove brush to sand away any flaws or rough spots

– A broom, a leaf blower, a garden hose, or a pressure washer to clean your deck.

– A deck cleaner, a mild detergent, or a bleach solution to remove any stains or mildew.

Painting in-between wood decks

One of the methods of painting in between deck boards is using a bristle brush or a crack and groove brush that can fit into the gaps and apply paint evenly. This method is suitable for decks that have wide or regular gaps that are easy to reach with a brush. Here are the steps to follow for this method:

– Dip the brush into the paint and wipe off any excess paint on the edge of the paint tray or bucket. You don’t want to have too much paint on the brush as it can cause drips or runs.

– Insert the brush into the gap and press it firmly against the sides of the boards. You may need to angle the brush slightly to get into the corners of the gap.

– Slide the brush along the length of the gap, making sure to cover all the areas with paint. You may need to repeat this step several times to get a good coverage.

– Remove the brush from the gap and wipe off any excess paint from the surface of the boards with a rag or a paper towel. You may also need to use a small brush to touch up any spots that you missed or that have too much paint.

Method 2: Using a moldable sponge or a scouring pad

Another method of painting in between deck boards is using a moldable sponge or a scouring pad that can fit into the gaps and apply paint evenly. This method is suitable for decks that have narrow or irregular gaps that are hard to reach with a brush. Here are the steps to follow for this method:

– Dip the sponge or the pad into the paint and squeeze out any excess paint. You don’t want to have too much paint on the tool as it can cause drips or runs.

– Insert the sponge or the pad into the gap and press it firmly against the sides of the boards. You may need to twist or bend the tool to conform to the shape of the gap.

– Slide the sponge or the pad along the length of the gap, making sure to cover all the areas with paint. You may need to repeat this step several times to get a good coverage.

– Remove the sponge or the pad from the gap and wipe off any excess paint from the surface of the boards with a rag or a paper towel. You may also need to use a small brush to touch up any spots that you missed or that have too much paint.

Another method of painting in between deck boards is using a pump sprayer or a paint roller that can spray or roll paint into the gaps and cover them quickly and easily. This method is suitable for decks that have large or uniform gaps that are not too deep or narrow. Here are the steps to follow for this method:

– Fill the pump sprayer or the paint roller with the paint of your choice and adjust the nozzle or the roller size to suit the width of the gaps. You may need to thin the paint with water or solvent according to the manufacturer’s instructions to get a better flow and coverage.

– Hold the pump sprayer or the paint roller above the gap and spray or roll paint into it, moving along the length of the gap. You may need to overlap the spray or the roll slightly to ensure a good coverage. You may also need to apply more than one coat to get a satisfactory result.

– Wipe off any excess paint from the surface of the boards with a rag or a paper towel. You may also need to use a small brush to touch up any spots that you missed or that have too much paint.

Finishing and Maintaining Your Painted Deck

After you have applied paint in between the deck boards using one of the methods described above, you need to finish and maintain your painted deck to ensure its beauty and durability. Here are some tips to follow for this purpose:

Apply a second coat if needed

Depending on the type and color of the paint you used, you may need to apply a second coat of paint to get a better coverage and protection. You should wait for the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat, following the same steps and methods as before. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the drying time between coats, which may vary depending on the weather conditions and the humidity level.

Remove the masking tape carefully

Once the paint is dry and cured, you can remove the masking tape that you used to protect any areas you didn’t want to paint. You should do this carefully and slowly, pulling the tape at a 45-degree angle away from the painted surface. You should also use a utility knife or a razor blade to cut through any paint that may have adhered to the tape, to avoid peeling off any paint from the deck boards.

Clean and protect your deck regularly

To keep your painted deck looking good and lasting long, you should clean and protect it regularly. You should sweep away any dirt or debris from the surface and in between the boards with a broom or a leaf blower. You should also wash your deck with a mild soap and water solution or a deck cleaner once or twice a year, using a garden hose or a pressure washer. You should avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach that can damage or discolor the paint. You should also apply a clear sealer or a topcoat every few years to protect your deck from moisture, UV rays, insects, and mold. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the application and maintenance of the 

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