What to Do If Paint is Peeling Off Your Deck

For many homeowners, a deck is an extension of their living space — a place where family and friends can relax, unwind, and celebrate being together. So, when your deck doesn’t exactly look its best, with paint that is peeling or weathered, it can take away from the experience and cause you to spend more time indoors.  

 Whether you live in a harsh or moderate climate, your deck is exposed to a lot on a daily basis. So, even decks that were painted properly will eventually succumb to normal wear and tear from the sun, rain, snow, or other outdoor elements.

So what’s the best way to deal with an aging deck?  Deck painting or repairing are a few ways to address this problem and revive your aging deck. Painting and/or repairing your deck will depend on the amount of damage it has suffered, including the amount of yearly maintenance it receives. Another option is to have your deck stained by a professional. This option will help preserve your deck and bring out the beauty of its natural wood grain.

If you're still interested in painting your deck, read on to learn more about the steps you can take to fix a deck with peeling paint. Before you begin any work, here are some things to consider: :

• What’s causing the paint to peel (age, weather, both)?
• When is the best time to repaint a deck?
• What are the best tips to repair peeling paint on deck surfaces?
• Is painting your deck the best option? 

Let’s review each one of these factors in more detail to determine the best course of action.

Causes of Peeling Paint

The principles of adhesion in relation to paint is complex, but in short, a bond is created between the paint and the wood (or other surface) when specific criteria are met. If one or more of the issues below exist, this bond can fail, and peeling or flaking can occur. 

Here are some of the more common reasons why paint begins peeling on deck surfaces:

• Paint Quality: Expired or poor-quality paint can lack the properties necessary to create a tight bond, which makes it more prone to problems such as inadequate coverage, peeling, or flaking.
• Application Process: The method used to apply the paint to your deck is instrumental in achieving satisfactory results. Top-quality paint, tools, and the proper techniques are required to achieve a finish that will last for years to come.
• Preparation of the Surface: Paint can't properly adhere to a dirty surface, so extra care must be taken to eliminate dirt, debris, mildew, and other substances from the deck prior to painting. This will help ensure a good bond between the paint and surface.
• Moisture and Humidity Level: The number one enemy of paint is moisture. Water vapor separates the paint from the wood. If your deck was painted when humidity or moisture in the air was high, it will affect how well the paint adheres to and remains on the deck surface. 

When to Repaint a Deck

Whether you should repaint or repair your peeling deck depends on the extent of damage that has occurred. Is the peeling paint consistent throughout the entire deck or only present in one or two areas? 

If the damage appears to be confined, determine the source of the issue (e.g., a leaking gutter, high traffic, or excessive exposure to the sun). Address the underlying issue to prevent further damage and proceed with your repair using the tips outlined in the following section.  

If the damage is consistent over the entire surface, a complete deck makeover is in order. Call the experts at your local Five Star Painting for the best way to revive your deck with fast, professional results.

Tips to Repair Peeling Paint on Deck Surfaces

Depending on the age of the paint job on your deck, the location of the damage, and the color that was used, you may be able to successfully repair minor sections of peeling paint. However, if the paint on your deck is in bad shape, it might be best to hire a pro to strip the remaining paint and apply a stain that will enhance the look of its natural wood grain.   

Here are some tips from our painting pros to help you repair small areas of peeling paint:

1. Remove any loose paint from the deck using a stiff brush or scraping tool.

2. Lightly sand the area until it’s smooth.

3. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before proceeding.

4. Make sure you paint on a day when humidity levels are not too high and the air is relatively dry.

5. Apply the paint using a brush or roller.

6. Allow the paint to dry, and apply a second coat if needed.

If the original paint has faded and the area to repair is large and visible, you may want to consider staining the entire deck to achieve a better, long lasting  look..

Your deck can be an oasis — ideal for a quiet morning coffee or relaxing evening with a good book. When your deck doesn’t look its best, you probably won’t spend as much time enjoying it. If your deck needs a facelift, let the painting pros at your local Five Star Painting do all the work. We can strip the old paint from your deck and apply a fresh coat of weatherproof stain that will enhance its natural beauty. Our experienced team is well-equipped to handle all your exterior and interior painting needs. You can trust the experts at Five Star Painting for exceptional deck painting services because all of our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which guarantees your satisfaction.

So, spend less time working on your deck and more time enjoying it. Call us today to get started on your next project or schedule an estimate online for a free quote.