Composite decking, sometimes called Trex, is the perfect choice for homes with outdoor spaces because it offers durability, beauty, and versatility. And if you want to add more personality to your composite decking, painting it is an excellent option.
High-quality exterior-grade acrylic paint and primer are ideal for composite decking. Acrylic paint is designed to adhere to the material, providing a long-lasting finish that won’t easily chip or peel away. An acrylic bonding primer provides additional protection, sealing the wood and preventing water damage or rot.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 4 factors to consider when choosing paint for composite decking
- What type of paint to use
- What paint finish is best
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for composite decking
The 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for Composite Decking
1. Consider the Type of Composite Decking Material
The material composition of your decking will determine the type of paint and primer you need. Some composite decking materials contain wood fibers, making them semi-porous, while others do not.
If your decking contains wood fibers, choosing a paint and primer that can penetrate the fibers and adhere well is essential. On the other hand, if your decking material is non-porous, you can use a standard paint and primer.
2. UV Protection
Composite decking is highly resistant to the sun’s fading and discoloration effects, but painting can make it vulnerable.
Therefore, it is essential to choose a paint with UV protection. This will help preserve the decking color’s vibrancy and prevent fading and discoloration.
3. Application
Trex decking requires a different painting technique than traditional wood surfaces. The best way to paint a composite deck is to use a combination of brush, roller, and sprayer, depending on the area’s size and complexity.
Choose a paint that can be applied with your preferred method and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
4. Quality of Paint
When choosing your paint, go for the high-quality options available. Good quality paint will have excellent adhesion and resistance to fading, chalking, cracking, and peeling.
Choosing a paint that is UV stable and has a low volatile organic compound (VOC) level is also essential. These attributes ensure that your painting job offers excellent protection and durability.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a type of paint made from pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It’s water-based and known for its quick drying time and versatility.
Pros
- Versatile: Can be used in various applications, including composite decking.
- Easy to Clean: Being water-based, it’s easy to clean up with soap and water.
- Quick Drying: Dries quickly, reducing the waiting time between coats.
- Safe: Relatively safe to use due to its low toxicity.
- Weather Resistant: Some acrylic paints are formulated to resist harsh weather conditions, making them suitable for outdoor surfaces like composite decking.
Cons
- Moisture Sealing: Painting can trap moisture in the composite material, potentially causing issues over time.
- Durability: It may not be as durable as other options for composite decking and may require more frequent touch-ups or recoats.
- Surface Preparation: Composite decking often requires a primer for the best adhesion of acrylic paint.
- Fading: Over time, the color of the acrylic paint may fade when exposed to the elements.
- Slipperiness: When wet, painted surfaces can be slippery, which might be a safety concern on a deck.
Latex Paint
Latex paint, also known as water-based paint, is a type of paint that uses water as its main solvent.
Pros
- Easy to Clean: Can be cleaned up with soap and water.
- Quick Drying: Dries faster than oil-based paints.
- Low VOCs: Has fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it more environmentally friendly and less odorous.
- Flexibility: More flexible than oil-based paint, which can help it resist cracking.
- Fade-resistant: It’s more resistant to fading and discoloration from sunlight.
Cons
- Not as Durable: May not be as durable as oil-based paint, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Poor Adhesion: It might not adhere as well to certain surfaces without proper preparation.
- Multiple Coats Needed: Several coats may be required for complete coverage.
- Prone to Mildew: Latex paint can be more susceptible to mildew growth.
What Paint Finish Is Best?
A gloss finish provides the most outstanding durability to withstand heavy foot traffic, furniture placement, or extreme weather conditions.
This finish provides high protection against water, UV rays, and mold. However, gloss also has its downsides. It is the most reflective finish, which means it can create an overly shiny appearance that can be distracting or not aesthetically pleasing.
Semi-gloss is often preferred over gloss because it delivers superior protection while providing a less reflective surface.
It gives a subtle sheen to the surface that does not create shine but provides adequate protection against weathering, scratches, and moisture. Semi-gloss is perfect for areas that experience a lot of foot traffic, such as outdoor entertaining areas.
One important thing to note is that the paint finish for composite decking depends on the deck’s location and intended use.
A semi-gloss finish could be a more practical choice if the deck is situated in a shaded area and does not experience as much foot traffic. Alternatively, a gloss finish is recommended if the deck is under direct sunlight or sees a lot of foot traffic.
The Best Paint and Primer for Composite Decking
Best Paint
INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint is a premium solution specifically designed for composite decking.
Its specialized anti-slip coating provides a superior skid-resistant finish that is effective for interior and exterior surfaces.
Its remarkable strength and resilience make it the perfect solution for areas subjected to high traffic, such as stairs, patios, walkways, and more.
One of the most significant benefits of this acrylic anti-slip coating paint is its fast-drying and easy application process.
The water-reduced formula eases the paint’s flow and pressure, ensuring users can easily apply it with clean, consistent results. This feature also makes it ideal for quick projects and urgent installations.
It is also known for its unmatched durability. This high-quality paint shields surfaces from significant damage caused by UV rays, abrasions, and ponding water.
Its ability to fill and seal minor surface cracks is even more impressive, thus offering long-lasting protection and improved functionality.
Composite decking surfaces require a specialized coating paint that can withstand constant human traffic without fading or losing grip.
INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint delivers on all these fronts, providing a superior, long-lasting finish for all composite decking needs.
Best Primer
INSL-X has developed a product designed to provide unparalleled adhesion to even the most challenging surfaces.
INSL-X Sure Step Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer is ideal for anyone looking to improve the bond between their composite decking and the final topcoat.
One of its key advantages is its ability to bond to hard-to-coat surfaces. This can be a major concern when dealing with composite decking, which is notoriously difficult to paint or stain.
The primer creates a strong foundation for the topcoat, ensuring it will adhere properly and provide long-lasting protection against the elements.
Another important feature is its ability to cure quickly, even in low temperatures. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone working on outdoor projects during the fall or winter.
With a coverage rate of 300-400 square feet per gallon (7-10m² per liter) and a low VOC formula, this primer is effective, environmentally friendly, and easy to clean up.