If you’re considering prepping and painting your garden decking, you’ve come to the right place. There are a few things to keep in mind, such as using a primer. You should also be sure to sand and check your wood for damage. You might need to reapply a protective coating every couple of years.
Sanding
Sanding garden decking before painting is crucial if you want to get a smooth finish. It allows the wood to absorb the stain more effectively. But before sanding, your deck needs to be cleaned.
You can clean a deck by using a detergent and water mix. The solution should be wiped off with a tack cloth. If you have any hard-to-reach areas, you can use a sanding sponge instead.
For a new deck, wait thirty days before staining it. This will give the wood plenty of time to dry. You may also need to apply a wood brightener, which restores the wood’s pH level and luster.
Sanding can be done with a belt sander, a random orbital sander, or a palm sander. You need to wear protective gear such as safety glasses and a face mask. The sanding process is physically demanding.
Applying a primer
Primers are used to help your paint stick better and to avoid bubbles. They also help to block out small pores in the wood. The right primer can ensure your deck looks great for years.
Primer is an important step in the process of painting a new deck. You should always use primer before applying any type of paint to wood. Even if the wood has been previously stained, you should still prime the surface first.
A primer can be applied with a brush or a roller. You should also make sure the primer has enough time to dry before you apply your paint. Typically, primers are oil based.
Whether you choose to use primer or not depends on your personal preference. It’s a good idea to buy a low-VOC primer. This will save you money on paint and help the environment.
Staining vs painting
If you’re looking to refresh your garden decking, paint is a good option. It’s easy to apply, easy to maintain, and it provides an extra layer of protection against the elements. You can choose a color that compliments your home or one that will blend in with nature. Whether you decide to go with a solid or semitransparent stain, you will be rewarded with an attractive, durable coating that can stand up to the test of time.
Before you start, you’ll need to clean the surface of your deck. This includes removing any loose paint or debris from the surface. If you don’t want to use a pressure washer, you can opt to remove dirt using a sponge and a garden hose with jet nozzle.
Checking for rotting wood
When painting a garden decking, it is important to check for rotting wood. If you have rotted boards, they need to be removed as soon as possible. The rot is extremely dangerous, and it can cause structural damage to the wood, including the joists and beams. Highly recommended this site Painters in Geelong
The wood rot is caused by fungi, which thrive in moist conditions. If left unchecked, the fungi will slowly eat the wood, causing it to decay. A good way to prevent this is to have your deck properly sealed and maintained. You can do this by sealing the gutters and by adding a plastic ground cover to the area around your deck.
The fact is that if you aren’t careful, your garden decking may end up looking like a mess. If it isn’t, the only thing you can do is replace the rotting boards.
Reapplying a protective coating every few years
Decks, patios, and other exterior surfaces are subject to wear and tear, and it’s important to reapply a protective coating every few years to keep them looking their best. The first step is to sand your deck to remove any loose or peeling paint. It’s also a good idea to cover up any plants and thresholds leading to the house.
The next step is to apply a protective coat of paint. If you’re unsure how much paint you need, you can use a calculator to estimate the amount. Depending on the age of your deck, you may need more than one coat.
If your deck has a clear protective sealer, you’ll want to reapply it often. These sealants provide long-term protection against moisture damage. It’s also important to make sure you aren’t applying the sealant during precipitation or high humidity.