3 Steps - How to Prepare an Old Deck for Painting

There is no secret mantra when it comes to maintaining an old deck. Repairs, paint, polishes etc are the basic steps needed when it comes to maintaining an old deck. Many a times, when a deck gets old, one needs to paint it all over again. Painting the deck is a very easy task but, it can turn into a nightmare if not done properly. A few things need to be noted before painting an old deck. Deck builders Calgary suggests the following 3 tips to keep in mind prior to painting your old deck.

1) Wash the Deck:

Washing the deck is the most important step when it comes to repainting an old deck. You can use any washing liquid you want including sprays and washers. You can use broom or a mop to clean dust off the deck. Here are a few important washing tips that might be helpful for you:

- Use Deck Cleaner:

Deck cleaners can help a lot as they are very potent when it comes to removing dirt, dust or grit from the deck. It can be used for almost all types of decks. This is an important task because leftover dirt can hinder with the paint job.

- Use Brighteners:

Brighteners play an important role in cleaning a wooden non-painted deck. Use of normal cleaner would not be very efficient. It is mostly used to restore the colour of wood that fades with time. It will give the wood a new and fresh look. It also helps removing stains and other patches.

- Use Mildewcide:

This can be very effective when moulds and mildew are deposited on an existing rock.

Another tip is to avoid using high pressure jet sprays as it may result in unwanted cracks in the deck.

2) Scraping the Deck:

Scraping the deck is another important step that needs to be considered as scrapping and sanding help remove old leftover paint. This results in elimination of any rough surface and helps with smooth paint job. It is how it should be done:

- Start off by brushing off any dust using a wired brush. This will help remove the dust, making the surface a bit smoother. It will also help eliminate any chips or pebble.

- The next step is to scrape off the old paint. You might need a scrapper for this one. Simply hold the scrapper and push at an angle to chip off the old paint. It might seem as a tedious task at first, but once you get the hang of it, it will become very easy for you to scrape off the paint. Keep in mind that excessive force while scraping may lead to damage to the deck. So be gentle.

3) Painting:

Last but not the least is painting. Pick a colour that compliments the design of the deck. Paint evenly and do not forget to use primer for a smooth coating. Make sure you consider using vivid tools such as brushes and rollers- anything that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Contact My Home Handyman Painting services for more details on paint types and other furniture cum paint jobs.