An inviting and comfortable outdoor space starts with quality deck paint. Not only does deck paint bring color to your backyard, but we’ve also found that it helps protect hardwood decking against damage caused by foot traffic, sun exposure, varying temperatures, and inclement weather.
While applying a protective layer of paint to your outdoor areas is a good start to extend their usable lifespan, it’s important to select a deck paint that fits your climate, wood type, and personal preferences.
Overall, the price of deck paint can depend on the type, quantity, and brand, but you can usually expect to spend between $25 and $50 for a 1-gallon can.
After examining over 50 of the top deck paints available and reading over 400 customer reviews, our top overall pick is the KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint, which covers 300 to 400 square feet and is designed for use on wood and concrete patios and walkways. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Top 5 Deck Paints
- KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint: Best Deck Paint Overall
- INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint: Best Pool Deck Paint
- Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer: Best Deck Stain and Sealer
- Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Indoor and Exterior Paint: Most Eco-Friendly Paint
- Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint: Best Deck Paint for Old Wood
Compare Top Deck Paints
| Product | Size | Finish Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor PaintCheck Price | 128 fluid ounces | Matte | 200-400 square feet |
INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating PaintCheck Price | 128 fluid ounces | Matte | 80-120 square feet |
Ready Seal Exterior Stain and SealerCheck Price | 5 gallons | Not listed | 100-125 square feet per gallon |
Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Indoor and Exterior PaintCheck Price | 128 fluid ounces | Low Sheen/Semi-gloss | 300 square feet |
Rust-Oleum Marine Topside PaintCheck Price | 32 fluid ounces | Gloss | 100 square feet |
Best Deck Paint Overall
KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint
We like that this latex deck paint from KILZ is available in two colors and adds a colorful, anti-chipping, mold- and mildew-resistant finish to covered or exposed porches and patios. We like that the paint comes in a 1-gallon can and covers between 300–400 square feet of smooth surfaces in a mild satin finish.
Pros and Cons of KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint
- Has a low-luster enamel surface formulated for decks, patios, and porches
- Works on all previously primed or painted surfaces
- Resists scuffing, fading, cracking, or peeling
- Has a lower viscosity than some other deck paints
- Is not fully waterproof
What People Are Saying About The KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint
We found that customers who were happy with this product liked that it was easy to spread, didn’t dry up easily, and was not slippery. However, we also found that others felt that this product was less durable than they were hoping, and others said that it peeled off too easily.
Best Pool Deck Paint
INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
We found that this slip-resistant paint from Benjamin Moore’s INSL-X line is ideal for pools or other outdoor areas subject to heavy rainfall. The coating comes in seven colors and features color-retaining and abrasion-resistant qualities, adding a protective grip to wooden surfaces. The multi-purpose paint is also compatible with concrete and metal surfaces so that you can protect all of your outdoor spaces with a non-slip surface.
Pros and Cons of INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
- Leaves a durable, skid-resistant finish
- Is good for exterior or interior application
- Dries quickly
- Some customers had issues with the color of the paint not being accurate
- Covers less surface area than some other paints
What People Are Saying About The INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
We noted that customers who were impressed with this deck paint said that it was easy to use, had a rich color, and dried quickly. However, our team also noted that some customers who left negative reviews said this paint had an uneven finish, and others said the color didn’t match what they were expecting.
Best Deck Stain and Sealer
Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer
This solid stain and sealer’s waterproof, UV-blocking formula make it a great choice for treating new and old decks. It’s also low-maintenance—apply it directly to unprimed wood without streaking or any need to back brush. Don’t worry about wet-line application, diluting or thinning it, as we found you can apply it any time of year.
Pros and Cons of Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer
- Can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush
- Does not require diluting or thinning
- Works on all types of wood
- Can take up to 2 weeks to reach its full color
- Can sometimes take a long time to fully dry
What People Are Saying About The Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer
We noted that impressed customers liked this deck paint’s stylish design, straightforward application, and long-lasting results. On the other hand, we also found some customers that felt it wasn’t a good choice for high foot traffic, and others had issues with the packaging, saying it arrived damaged and was difficult to get out.
Most Eco-Friendly Paint
Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Indoor and Exterior Paint
We were impressed that this indoor and outdoor paint was created with the eco-conscious in mind. The water-based formula includes raw and post-consumer latex paint and boasts a mold- and mildew-resistant finish backed by a 10-year warranty. It comes in 15 paint colors and low-sheen or semi-gloss finishes to suit any exterior or interior surface.
Pros and Cons of Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Indoor and Exterior Paint
- Is easily scrubbable and defends against mold and mildew
- Marks can be wiped away without affecting color or finish
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- May require multiple coats for full coverage
- Some customers said fumes took a long time to dissipate
What People Are Saying About The Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Indoor and Exterior Paint
Our research showed that customers who were impressed with this product liked that it had a large coverage area and how evenly it applied. Several others also were impressed with the texture and rich color. However, we did also find some customers that felt this paint didn’t match the color they were expecting, while others found that it had an overwhelming smell.
Best Deck Paint for Old Wood
Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint
Originally designed for boat decks, this oil-based paint contains a UV-protected and weather-resistant formula that’s great for harsh climates. We found that the long-lasting paint dries in as little as one hour and delivers a semi-gloss finish to fiberglass, wood, or metal. The paint comes in nine colors to match your deck to its railings and surround decor.
Pros and Cons of Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint
- Has excellent gloss retention and resists abrasions
- Ideal for use on fiberglass, wood, or metal
- Resists salt, mildew, and moisture
- Has fewer color choices than other deck paints
- Some customers said the color of the paint did not match what was listed
What People Are Saying About The Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint
We found that customers who liked this product said it was long-lasting, durable, and dried quickly. However, we also found other customers who said this product was difficult to clean, and others said it did not cover as much area as advertised.
Best Deck Paint Brands
When shopping for deck paint for your next home improvement project, it’s important to select a reputable brand that’s known for delivering quality deck paint. Here are four top-rated brands we recommend keeping in mind when purchasing deck paint.
BEHR
Behr is a renowned paint and stain brand that offers a wide range of products for both interior and exterior use. Its outdoor paints and stains are available in various finishes, colors, and sheens to match your desired look. BEHR products are widely available and easy to apply and maintain, making them a great choice for DIYers and professional painters.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore, a leading paint company that has served homeowners for over 100 years, provides exterior paint solutions through its owned and operated brands, including INSL-X. The company’s outdoor paint catalog is designed to cover a variety of surfaces like asphalt, metal, tile, and wood so that all of your home’s outdoor areas are protected.
KILZ
KILZ is an American company that has provided paint and primer products for over 45 years. The brand is known for its quality exterior paints like the KILZ Interior and Exterior Latex Floor Paint, which is an all-purpose outdoor paint great for any deck or patio. To simplify the deck painting process, the company even offers an all-in-one paint and primer that cuts down on working time while delivering a long-lasting coat.
Rust-Oleum
Providing rust- and water-resistant paints for almost 100 years, Rust-Oleum is a trusted paint company suitable for almost any outdoor area. Specializing in protective paints, the company is well-versed in creating high-quality, long-lasting paint that works for commercial and residential customers nationwide.
Sherwin-Williams
Ranked number one in customer satisfaction for interior and exterior paints by J.D. Power, Sherwin-Williams is a top-rated paint company that provides affordable and effective outdoor paints for your deck or patio. Offering exterior paints in a variety of sheens and formula bases, Sherwin-Williams has many options suitable for your outdoor area.
Deck Painting Shopping List
An important first step to protecting your deck is selecting suitable paint. However, once the paint is picked out, our team found that a few additional items may be needed to prepare your deck for your next outdoor gathering.
In addition to a high-powered pressure washer, here are a few tools and accessories that’ll help you prepare, paint, and finish your deck.
Dumond SmartStrip Advanced Paint Remover
If your wood deck is currently stained or painted, use a stain and finish stripper to prepare the wood for a fresh coat of paint. This paint remover from Dumond helps you do just that with its odor-free and biodegradable formula that removes existing paint layers. Once the remover has penetrated your deck, you can use a floor scraper to remove the deck’s peeling layer.
Yanyi Moldable Epoxy Glue
This easy-to-use epoxy glue is hand-kneaded and applied directly to any noticeable cracks or breaks in your deck’s surface to help you apply the paint evenly to the surface. After applying the epoxy, you’ll want to use sandpaper to polish any inconsistencies in your deck caused by the epoxy or weathered wood.
Scotch Exterior Surface Painter’s Tape
This painter’s tape is designed to adhere to rough outdoor surfaces, providing a protective boundary between your deck and finished surfaces like brick or siding. The product contains a strong adhesive that can stick to your deck for up to 10 days to last the length of your project.
Bates 11-Piece Home Painting Supplies
Equipped with roller frames, roller naps, paintbrushes, and a paint tray, this Bates painting kit comes with the necessary tools to apply your paint to decking boards, handrails, and stairs. To speed up the painting process, Bates offers a telescoping extension pole to help keep you upright and walking while painting wooden decks.
Deck Paint Buying Guide
When deciding on deck paint, weigh several factors to ensure you’re buying the best product for your specific needs.
Start off with determining how much coverage you need and if you prefer water-based or oil-based paint. From there, you can narrow down your options by looking at the drying time, surface sheen, and protective qualities of each product.
How much coverage does deck paint typically provide?
Coverage refers to the square footage a single can of paint covers. The amount of coverage provided depends on various factors, including the painted surface’s texture and the tool used to apply the paint. Typically, coverage ranges between 200 and 500 square feet.
What is deck primer in relation to deck paint?
While the durability of your selected paint relies on its water or oil base, you can extend its life by preparing your deck with a primer. Primer is applied before your chosen paint and works to ensure the wood is protected and prepared for a finishing layer.
What is the typical drying time of deck paint?
The drying time of paint relies on several factors, like the type of paint and the outdoor temperature and humidity. Depending on the paint, dry times can range from four to 24 hours. To ensure that your paint dries properly, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for information on optimal air temperature, humidity, and sun exposure.
What protective qualities does deck paint usually have?
Many outdoor paints contain additives that help protect the deck coating from wear and tear caused by high-traffic areas or poor weather conditions. One popular additive is acrylic paint, which increases flexibility and weather resistance. Paints contain different percentages of added acrylic, though more expensive paint usually consists of a higher percentage for a longer-lasting finish.
Other common additives in paint include UV ray- and mildew-resistant additives designed to target areas that receive direct sunlight or heavy rainfall.
What does surface sheen refer to in deck paint?
“Sheen” refers to a paint or finish’s glossiness, which can range from a dull, flat or matte finish to a shiny, high-gloss look.
Typically, flat finishes are used on large exterior wood surfaces to hide surface scratches and blemishes. High-gloss paints are easy to clean and are used mostly on decorative surfaces like doors or fixtures.
What are the differences between water-based and oil-based deck paint?
When using outdoor paint, your options include water- or oil-based products. Water-based paint, oftentimes referred to as latex or acrylic paint, has a more flexible consistency than its oil-based counterpart and is far easier to clean up. This allows the paint to maintain its look through seasonal changes in the wood and better remove trapped moisture.
While oil-based paints tend to crack and blister over time because of their inflexible nature, they’re more resistant to low temperatures than latex paint. Oil-based paints generally cover more surface area than their latex counterparts, so a second coat isn’t always required.
Deck Paint FAQs
How long should my deck paint last?
The number of years your paint lasts varies based on factors like where you live and surface usage, though multiple coats of high-quality exterior paint should last 10–15 years.
Should you paint or stain your deck?
The choice to stain or paint your deck comes down to preference. If you’re looking for a simple protective solution that requires minimal work, staining is a solid option. Deck stains are usually applied in a single coat and have a runny consistency that makes them easy to spread over wooden panels.
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution and don’t mind the added cost or work, paint may be a better option. Paint comes in a range of colors and usually creates an easy-to-clean surface that makes deck maintenance simpler.
Can you paint over existing deck paint?
Yes. However, it’s important to remove any cracking, bubbling, or peeling paint before a new coat is applied. This can be done using a paint scraper or sander and is an important pre-painting step that ensures the paint properly bonds to your deck.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best deck paint recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of deck paints with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.