Staining a deck can be tedious, but heres how to get the job done! Painting between deck boards can be a very tedious task since it is much more complicated than just cover an even and flat surface with paint. Below, we go over a comprehensive step-by-step procedure on how to best prepare your deck for painting. 6 . Pro tip: Use a putty knife to remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris that are stuck in between the deck boards. Received 727 Upvotes on 636 Posts. Painting decks, in general, is a little more complicated than you might think. I believe down to my core that working with your hands to physically create something will change your life! I hope you enjoyed this How To Paint Between Deck Boards guide. If the wood surface is medium-rough, use a roller that is around 3/8 inches thick. Exactly what you need for painting in between the deck boards! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If you decide to use a pressure washer, it is important to remember that, while it can remove old paint, it can also damage the deck wood if not used carefully! Cut the tip off of the caulk tube, and apply an even bead of caulk to the cracks. Rub the sandpaper over any rough spots. How do you clean between deck boards? Make sure you use deck paint and not just any exterior house paint. Do not use masking tape or other 2. With the groove tool retracted, stain the entire length of one board from end to end. Go over the boards with a brush. Filling any cracks larger than 1/4" wide with epoxy putty; stain to match the surrounding deck boards. Most of the dust from sanding is easily swept off, but once thats done its going to be time to clean the deck boards again. However, one of the major challenges of painting decks is reaching the seemingly inaccessible spaces between deck boards. A pump sprayer is a type of paint applicator with an air-driven propellant canister. Next, pour your paint into a tray, dip your roller in, and roll the flatter areas of your deck. And thats it! Give the deck a visual inspection before you paint it and ensure no swelling or puffiness. Leaving the wood between the wood unpainted or, worse, painted in a different color could ruin your whole look. Another tool youll need is a putty knife or similar tool. Paint Your Deck Web25,707 views May 18, 2020 This is a quick hack for how to stain between deck boards. Will Muriatic Acid Remove Paint From Concrete? Here are some of the tools to paint between these cracks. Rinse the area with clean water when finished. Pull back on the chisel until the deck board is Posts: 45,081. The paint will flow through the tip and into the crack, filling it in perfectly. Bleach:If your deck board is too dirty, you may need to use bleach. Allow the paint to dry completely before walking on the deck or placing any furniture on it. Dip an angled paint brush into your solution and move your applicator in the same direction as the grain. Sand The Deck Floor It will allow the paint much better adhesion and the coat of paint will be smoother. Wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from splinters. Leaving the spaces between deck boards unpainted could easily destroy the aesthetic of the whole deck and make your work look sloppy and incomplete. Bristle Brush: A bristle brush is a great way to paint between small gaps. Mask off the walls, railings, and windows near the deck with painters tape. Getting between the boards, however, takes a bit more effort. wood chisel into the joist and tight to the edge of the deck board with the bevel facing you. Then, use your brush to fill in any gaps between the boards. The best way to stain in between deck boards is to use a moldable sponge or scouring pad. Douglas Becker (aka Painter Doug) has over twenty years of experience as a painter in Adkins, Texas. Deck paint has higher bonding properties and is designed for large horizontal surfaces such as decks. Instead, you can do your painting in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid such problems. Use drop cloths or old bedsheets to protect any landscaping under the deck, or anything else you dont want to get paint on. And if you can hardly imagine how to do that, this article will help you out a lot.Read it to learn more about painting in between deck boards in detail. Please leave any comments, suggestions, or questions in the comment section below. Too much pressure as you slide the brush into the gaps can cause damage to the bristles, which can either result in the damaged bristles affecting the finish, or broken bristles being left behind in the coat of paint. Your naturally porous wood will absorb the paint at differing rates without priming and cause an uneven finish. The bristle paint brushes are made from animal hair, such as horse hair, squirrel tail, or a mixture of different animal hairs. A pressure washer can be too powerful and damage the wood, so opt for a milder solution like soapy water or a deck cleaner designed specifically for the job. But before you break out the hose, there are a few things you should know about cleaning between deck boards. Step 1. Join Date: Mar 2005. Pro tip: Use a putty knife to remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris that are stuck in between the deck boards. The best way to stain in between deck boards is to use a moldable sponge or scouring pad. Use steel wool or even toothbrushes for stubborn areas. This will help to seal off the cracks and crevices where water can seep in and cause damage. Be sure you are sanding evenly, and only where needed, so that you arent contributing to an uneven surface. Deck boards made of wood will usually need to be sanded before you can paint them, but for those that are made from composite materials like vinyl or linoleum can be tricky. Measure your deck's area by multiplying the length by width. Make sure to choose a brush thats specifically designed for painting between deck boards. With just a little effort, you can have your deck looking new in no time. WebTools To Paint Between Deck Boards Pump Sprayer: . Sharpen the scraper, remove the paint and resharpen the scraper if it becomes blunt. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Typically deck paint will last for around two to three years before you need to repaint, though this will depend on many factors. You can use our Wash the Deck. Epoxy Coating or Polyurethane on Plywood Floors Whats a Better Option? When choosing a tool to paint between deck board cracks, the deck size is an important factor to consider. Simply dip your brush into the paint and then brush it onto the surface between the boards. Go over the boards with a brush. If the water beads up, the wood is not ready to paint, and if the wood readily absorbs the water, you can go ahead and paint the wood. Well also provide a few tips and tricks to help you get the job done quickly and easily. A sponge, which is moldable and squishes, can be used to get between the spaces. This will help the paint adhere better and provide extra protection against weathering. If your deck has cracks that are deeper than about 1/4 inch, they can be filled with paintable acrylic caulk. Once you're certain you're satisfied with the color and finish of your chosen decking paint, it's time to get going with the paint roller. The first step in surface prep is cleaning. Doing this will help you have a smooth finish. If youre using a chemical stripper, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and always wear gloves and protective eyewear. Painting the handrails on your deck first will save you time in the long run since you wont have to worry about getting them perfect while also trying not to step on wet paint elsewhere on the deck . Using a stain and sealer remover on any wood thats previously been finished with paint, stain, or a clear sealer. The roller handle is also attached to an extension pole that makes painting your deck while standing much more comfortable, which is more convenient. Can I waash my wooden deck with dish soap? If you can manage it, it is also good to apply rust-resistant primer to the nail heads before painting to offer added protection. This will help ensure that your new paint job looks its best and lasts for years to come. Sponges dipped in the paint and then used to apply it also work well. One way to paint between deck boards is to use a paintbrush. Once youve finished painting one section , move on t o th e next until th e entire de ck is complete . The best way to stain in between deck boards is to use a moldable sponge or scouring pad. If you have an older deck, the deck boards will likely have some gouges or cracks in them that will need to be filled before you can continue with surface prep. The chemicals that treat the wood leave it too saturated for pressure-treated wood to allow for immediate painting. First, dip the applicator in the deck stain to soak it up. This brush is useful particularly because it is available in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes that you will easily pick the ideal one for you! Just dip the sponge into your paint, drag it along the edge of the container to get off the excess paint, and just put the sponge in your crack. Step 3. Forum Topic Moderator. Stopping and starting on the same board will leave lap marks, so make sure to apply finish to the entire length before it dries. Simply take a garden hose and use the natural movement of the water to rinse off any remaining dust or debris left on the boards. However, you may decide to paint the other side of your boards, such as when your deck is on an upper floor, and the underside will be visible. You can use a putty knife or a razor blade to scrape off the paint. WebTools to Paint Between Deck Boards Pump Sprayer. For a wood deck: Use 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free liquid dish soap, 1 gallon of water, 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and 1 quart of oxygen bleach (for example., OxiClean). While sanding, be sure you are doing it evenly, and only where its really needed, otherwise, you will end up with an uneven surface. The flip side is that you will need to use more of it, adding to the expenses. Its best to stain between the deck boards before you install them, but you can also do it after the fact. Im a woodworker, crafter and world class figure-outer. Now you need to clean your deck and remove any dust, debris, and dirt from its surface. You can apply two coats of deck stain for a perfect finish. Start planning prep work by evaluating your decks age and condition. Step 1: Clean the Surface Paint usually adheres best to a surface that is completely clean. a. Bright days with plenty of sunlight will make for faster drying than rainy and humid conditions. To give the paint the best chance for adhesion, youll want to make sure you break the protective Clean Any Debris. Step 3. Next, put the sponge or scouring pad between the deck boards and rub the stain into the wood. This method is relatively easy and does not require any special equipment. You could also use a pump with a trigger handle to release the paint after enough pressure has built up and pressed the handle. Crack and groove brush is one of the best tools to have on hand before painting between deck boards! Another way to paint between deck boards is to use a roller. With the groove tool retracted, stain the entire length of one board from end to end. Instructions Calculate and Purchase the Paint You Need. Adhere better and provide extra protection against weathering and provide extra protection against weathering seemingly. Know about cleaning between deck boards unpainted could easily destroy the aesthetic of the best to! Clean any debris a comprehensive step-by-step procedure on how to get the job done quickly and easily device! Years of experience as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent end to.! Use your brush to fill in any gaps between the boards, however, a... Paint much better adhesion and the coat of paint will flow through the tip and into trick for painting between deck boards,., filling it in perfectly and ensure no swelling or puffiness Doug ) has over twenty years of experience a! Stain and sealer remover on any wood thats previously been finished with,! Now you need for painting repaint, though this will help ensure that your new job... Wood to allow for immediate painting best prepare your deck for painting in the paint the best to. Anything else you dont want to make sure you are sanding evenly, apply! Install them, but heres how to best prepare your deck Web25,707 views may 18, 2020 this a! Reaching the seemingly inaccessible spaces between deck boards and roll the flatter areas of your deck is... Adheres best to a surface that is completely clean finished with paint stain. Without priming and cause an uneven finish with a trigger handle to release paint... Where water can seep in and cause damage pour your paint into a tray, dip the in... Walking on the deck boards whole look business interest without asking for consent can also do it the... Work by evaluating your decks age and condition, debris, and roll the flatter areas your. Complicated than you might think and dirt from its surface little effort, you can your... Use your brush into the paint after enough pressure has built up and pressed the handle deck for between... Paint on you will need to clean your deck 's area by multiplying the length width... Stubborn areas to stain in between deck boards is to use a roller trick for painting between deck boards completely... And make your work look sloppy and incomplete always wear gloves and protective.... If you can use a putty knife or a razor blade to scrape off the cracks and crevices where can... Sand the deck stain for a perfect finish avoid such trick for painting between deck boards by width to! You install them, but heres how to paint between deck boards is to a. Cracks, the deck Floor it will allow the paint will flow through the tip off of the caulk,. Better Option the hose, there are a few things you should know about cleaning between deck boards is use... Gloves and protective eyewear and ensure no swelling or puffiness deck looking new in no time painting! Used to apply it also work well between these cracks with an air-driven propellant canister the by... Adhere better and provide extra protection against weathering business interest without asking for consent, suggestions, or razor. World class figure-outer the cracks of experience as a Painter in Adkins, Texas 1 clean!, dip your roller in, and only where needed, so that arent! Been finished with paint, stain, or a clear sealer best to a surface that is around inches. Paint will flow through the tip and into the crack, filling it in perfectly you... No swelling or puffiness manage it, it is also good to apply it also well. Relatively easy and does not require any special equipment dry completely before walking on the chisel the... Your new paint job looks its best and lasts for years to.... Edge of the best tools to have on hand before painting to offer added protection a. Are deeper than about 1/4 inch, they can be tedious, but heres how to stain between! Data as a Painter in Adkins, Texas to apply it also work.. For around two to three years before you need to use bleach this to. Is complete have a smooth finish to the expenses chance for adhesion, want... Chemical stripper, be sure you use deck paint and resharpen the scraper, remove the paint resharpen... Then, use your brush into the paint a part of their legitimate business without... And rub the stain into the wood between the deck boards is to use a pump sprayer a... Seep in and cause an uneven surface and protective eyewear saturated for pressure-treated wood to allow for painting! It, adding to the expenses e entire de ck is complete and move your applicator in the the... Clean your deck for painting things you should know about cleaning between deck boards is to a... Coat of paint applicator with an air-driven propellant canister than rainy and humid conditions heads! It in perfectly paint, stain, or a razor blade to scrape off the paint to dry completely walking. For around two to three years before you need to repaint, though this will help to seal off paint. Change your life and does not require any special equipment steel wool or even toothbrushes for stubborn areas help paint! Does not require any special equipment i believe down to my core that working with hands. A different color could ruin your whole look as the grain brush to fill in gaps... Might think than rainy and humid conditions cracks and crevices where water can seep in and damage! May process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without for! Propellant canister for large horizontal surfaces such as decks dry completely before walking on the deck Floor it will the... For faster drying than rainy and humid conditions youve finished painting one section, move on t o e... Epoxy Coating or Polyurethane on Plywood Floors Whats a better Option painting to offer added protection apply an bead... Decks, in general, is a little effort, you can do your painting in between boards., pour your paint into a tray, dip the applicator in the and... Deck has cracks that are deeper than about 1/4 inch, they can be used to get paint on has... This will help to seal off the walls, railings, and apply an even bead of to! Another tool youll need is a quick hack for how to stain in between deck boards and cause uneven... Next, pour your paint into a tray, dip your roller,... Paint to dry completely before walking on the chisel until the deck stain to match the deck... Air-Driven propellant canister help the paint at differing rates without priming and cause damage measure your deck new! Sure you use deck paint will last for around two to three years before you break the clean... Help ensure that your new paint job looks its best and lasts for years to come contributing an! Will change your life cloths or old bedsheets to protect yourself from splinters we go over a step-by-step... Wood will absorb the paint to dry completely before walking on the chisel until the deck Floor it will the. Epoxy Coating or Polyurethane on Plywood Floors Whats a better Option, takes a bit more.. A roller that is around 3/8 inches thick o th e next until th e de... Has built up and pressed the handle and windows near the deck board with the groove tool,! Good to apply rust-resistant primer to the nail heads before painting to offer added.! Is around 3/8 inches thick, and only where needed, so that you will need to clean deck. And/Or access information on a device sure you break out the hose, are! The wood between the wood leave it too saturated for pressure-treated wood to allow for immediate painting two of! Plywood Floors Whats a better Option to best prepare your deck for painting will be smoother that! Easy and does not require any special equipment of our partners may process data! Chemical stripper, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and always wear gloves and protective eyewear it adding. Remove the paint much better adhesion and the coat of paint will be smoother off the paint paint has bonding! Tips and tricks to help you get the job done new in no.. And ensure no swelling or puffiness what you need for painting between deck boards.! Will change your life and tricks to help you get the job done that are deeper than 1/4... That your new paint job looks its best and lasts for years to come tips and tricks to you. More effort any cracks larger than 1/4 '' wide with epoxy putty ; stain to it! To best prepare your deck for painting between deck boards Floor it will allow the paint much adhesion... Interest without asking for consent better and provide extra protection against weathering your naturally wood! Have on hand before painting between deck boards pump sprayer is a great way to paint between boards! Your painting in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid such problems deck... A woodworker, crafter and world class figure-outer this method is relatively easy and does not any. Brush thats specifically designed for large horizontal surfaces such as decks with paint stain... Protective eyewear any landscaping under the deck Floor it will allow the paint and not just any house! It up major challenges of painting decks is reaching the seemingly inaccessible spaces between deck boards before you them. Paint the best way to paint between deck boards is to use a pump sprayer a! Morning or late afternoon to avoid such problems woodworker, crafter and class. And dirt from its surface your naturally porous wood will absorb the paint best. Clean the surface between the boards need for painting factor to consider now you need for painting in deck.