The great Aussie deck is the center of the house with numerous BBQs, long summer afternoons, and morning coffee in the quietness.However, as needed as it is, it also has to endure our harsh weather conditions constantly, both on the side of the blazing UV rays and thunderous downpours.
When you are planning your deck painting project this season you must have more than sloshing on a coat of colour.A really long-lasting finish is one that is prepared and with the correct product.Your deck will look like it is mint and will be kept unharmed throughout the year with these tips of the experts.
- Preparation is Everything (and It’s Not Optional)
This is the step that consumes the most time, and it is also the step that is most likely to be rushed, at the expense of the final finish.No paint, however good, will cling to a soiled, cracking or rotting surface.
- Deep Clean: It is always a good idea to start by cleaning all the furniture off and sweeping.Apply a superior professional grade deck restoration cleaner and a stiff-bristle brush together with cleaning away the accumulated dirt, grease, mould, and mildew.In case your deck has faded or gotten weathered, it is possible to use oxalic acid based brightener to restore the natural colour of the wood.
- Sand Like a Pro: Sanding brings back the old and flaking paint, levels off the splinters and, most importantly, exposes the wood grain.This open grain enables the fresh paint or coating to enter and take root so that it is not easily peeled away.Start with an orbital sander and a 80-grit paper then a lighter swab with a 120-grit paper to finish off.
- Don’t Skip the Primer (Especially on Older Timber)
Even though there are modern deck coating options that purport to combine a primer and a paint, a special purpose primer can be the key to the longevity of the coating, especially when it comes to older or previously painted timber.
- Choose the Right Product for Our Sun
The exposure to UV in Australia is savage.Internal house paint will crumble in less than a year when used on a deck and it is cheap.You need to select a product that would be used on exterior timber and is meant to be used in the full sun.
- UV Resistance: Seek out paints or coatings by labeling it as UV resistant or high UV protection.These have colouring and binding substances that delay the decadence and discolouration of the sun.
- Acrylic vs. Oil: The contemporary water based acrylic paints are mostly quicker drying, less messy, and more pliable and therefore less prone to cracking.The use of traditional oil based products will go deep into the grain of the wood, giving good water resistance, although it will require more time to dry.
- Apply Multiple Thin Coats, Not One Thick One
You will actually want to apply a heavy coat on yourself when you have reached the enjoyable stage.Thick coats entrap solvents, dry unevenly and have much more likelihood to peel or bubble.
Application: Use a high-quality roller on main boards and brush to cut in edges and between gaps.It is always important to coat with the direction of the wood grain.Ensure that the first coat has dried in detail (consult the tin on the time required) before doing the second coat.Two thin even layers allow better protection and long life than when there is a heavy coat.
When you take time to complete these four professional steps, you will not need to worry whether your deck will only look good throughout the summer months, but will serve your needs well through the Australian climate in several seasons to come.
