I'm wondering what people have used to paint outdoor wooden decks. My in-laws recently bought a new house, which has a wonderful deck, but my father-in-law complains that it gets too slippery when it's even a little damp. I do think it seems more slippery than other decks I've been on, but in general things are slippery when wet, right? Anyway, it is chipping in a few places and could probably be refinished in the next year or so. I just wondered if there was a particular kind of paint or other finish that could be used that wouldn't make it as slippery when it rains or there is some dew.
Update-Sorry, I wasn't clear. The deck is painted now, so staining it would be a lot of work!
There are paints w/ texture to help w/ slipping - mainly for garages. However, I don't think they would wear well on an outside deck, but you could research and se if they do last outside.
Mix some sand into the deck paint before you apply it. That will give it a little texture and help prevent slipping.
If it gets slimy when it's wet, a good pressure washing would probably help a lot. You would want to do that before refinishing it anyway. But just the pressure wash can make a huge difference. We're doing ours this summer. Yay!
Once you paint it's way too hard to go back to anything else. Painted decks are way too much work to maintain with chipping and peeling and what not. I would stain if I were them. I also found that painted decks tend to be more slippery than stained. They also have come out with nicer rugs and carpeting that is meant for outside so that's an option as well. I saw that Walmart is carrying a line of outdoor rugs that could cover most of a deck area and are much more nicer and pretty designs vs the old fake grass type outdoor rugs they used to have. If your FIL is concerned with water collecting on it after it's down you can poke/drill small holes through it where needed for drainage. These are meant to be mildew resistant.
K. B
mom to 5 including triplets
Generally I think that people do stains until their decks are older, then they use a paint. I'm not sure about a stain adding texture, but maybe you can find those sandpaper-type non-slip strips to put near the edges, on the steps, etc?
I've mixed sand in to paint for that same reason. Check with someone at a paint store-- they will know the best ratio to use.
Go to Home depot or lowes they both have a whole line of deck refinishing line of products. The people at ours are generally very knowledgeable about the products and processes needed to accomplish a task.
Hi, S.:
Check your local home depot lowes or other places like that.
Inquire about Stain for the Wood deck not paint.
Just a thought.
D.
