Asked on Jun 05, 2015
Artificial decking that was painted over is now peeling
by
Cathy K
We're moving into a home that has a front porch and a very large back deck that is the early version of artificial wood...and it has been stained/painted over, which is now peeling. I plan on pressure washing, hoping to take off most of old finish. Does anyone know of a good product to use after that will hold up?
2 answers
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@D & K do you have any advice for Cathy?
Shira
on Jun 08, 2015
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Composite decking materials are made from a form of vinyl and/or PVC. Neither of which were really intended to be painted. In order to do so you will need to use a primer specifically designed for use on vinyl and PVC. A vinyl primer chemically bonds to the material and not simply a surface bond. Sherwin Williams makes such a primer as I assume do some of the other paint manufacturers. As far as the paint, well, I'm not a fan of the porch and deck paints available on the market and the same for the "Deck Over" types as well. What I use is a two part epoxy garage floor paint. It's more of an industrial coating. The problem, however is its only available in a gloss finish although I understand Kelly Moore now has an epoxy paint in a matte finish. The gloss is simply not what most people want on a deck. The solution I use is an old automotive painting technique. Mix 1 ts "tea spoon" of corn starch to a quart of gloss paint. Mix it well and apply. When it dries it gives you a beautiful satin/eggshell finish. There are also packages of grit available, very finely ground material that can be added to the paint that will make it non slip. Regardless of which type of paint you choose if you start out with a primer intended for Vinyls and PVCs you're project will be successful. You've got the right idea with pressure washing the surface to remove the old finish. In fact you might want to do it twice. After the first time let it sit a day then do it again. You'd be surprised how much finish that didn't come off the first time that does on the second attempt.
D & K
on Jun 08, 2015
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