What to Do If Paint is Peeling Off Your Deck

For many homeowners, a deck is an extension of their living space — a place where family and friends can relax, unwind, and celebrate being together. So, when you have weathered or peeling paint on your deck, it can take away from the experience and cause you to spend more time indoors. 

No matter the climate you live in, your deck is exposed to a lot on a daily basis. This means that even properly painted decks will eventually succumb to normal wear and tear from the sun, rain, or other outdoor elements.

Deck painting, staining, and repairing are a few ways to address this problem and revive your aging deck. The solution that’s best for your deck depends on the amount of damage it has suffered and the maintenance it receives. Before you begin any work, there are a few things you should consider:

• What’s causing the paint to peel?
• What is currently applied to the deck, oil- or water-based paint or stain?
• When is the best time to repaint a deck?
• What are your expectations for this finished project? New condition?
• What are the best tips to repair peeling paint on deck surfaces?
• Is deck painting the best option? 

Let’s review each one of these factors in more detail to determine the best course of action.

Causes of Peeling Paint on Decks

The principles of paint adhesion are complex. In short, a bond is created between the paint and the wood (or other surface) when specific criteria are met. If one or more of the issues below exist, this bond can fail, and deck paint peeling or flaking can occur. 

• Surface Preparation: Paint can't properly adhere to a dirty surface, so extra care must be taken to eliminate dirt, debris, mildew, and other substances from the deck before painting. Removing all of the old paint or stain will likely require the deck to be stripped with a grinding tool. This will help ensure a good bond between the paint and the deck surface.
• Moisture and Humidity Level: The number one enemy of paint is moisture because water vapor separates paint from surfaces. If your deck was painted when humidity or moisture in the air was high, it will affect how well the paint adheres to and remains on the deck surface. 
• Paint Quality: Expired or poor-quality paint can lack the properties necessary to create a tight bond, which makes it more prone to problems such as inadequate coverage, peeling, or flaking.
• Application Process: The method used to apply the paint to your deck is instrumental in achieving satisfactory results. Top-quality paint, tools, and the proper techniques are required to achieve a finish that will last for years to come.

When to Repair or Repaint Deck Peeling

Whether you should repaint or repair your peeling deck depends on the extent of damage. Is the peeling paint consistent throughout the entire deck or only present in one or two areas? 

If the damage appears to be confined, determine the source of the issue (e.g., a leaking gutter, high traffic, or excessive exposure to the sun). Address the underlying issue to prevent further damage and proceed with repainting using the tips outlined in the following section.  

If the damage is consistent over the entire surface, it’s time for a complete deck makeover.

Tips to Repair and Repaint Deck Peeling

Depending on the age of the paint job on your deck, the location of the damage, and the color used, you may be able to successfully repair minor sections of peeling paint on your own. However, if the paint on your deck is in bad shape, it might be best to consider professional deck staining or painting services. Call the experts at your local Five Star Painting® to discover the best way to revive your deck with fast, professional results.

Should you opt for the DIY route, lean on some tips from our painting pros to help you repair and repaint small areas of your deck:

1. To prep your deck, remove any loose paint from the deck using a stiff brush or scraping tool.
2. Sand the area until it’s smooth and all paint is removed
3. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before proceeding.
4. Make sure you paint on a day when humidity levels are not too high, and the air is relatively dry.
5. Apply the paint using a brush or roller.
6. Allow the paint to dry, and apply a second coat if needed.

In order to have a great project outcome, ensure you are using correct products rated for deck surfaces. 

Why Deck Staining May Be a Better Solution

If your original deck paint has faded and the area needing repair is large and visible, deck staining may be a long-term solution to consider over repainting your deck. While both options have their advantages, deck staining offers unique benefits that can make it a more practical and visually appealing choice.

• Natural Look: Staining enhances the natural beauty of wood, allowing the grain and texture to show through. If you love the natural wood look, deck staining is the way to go.
• Variety of Finishes: Stains come in a wide range of finishes, from clear coats that let the natural wood shine through to semi-transparent options that add a hint of color. You can customize the look of your deck without covering the wood’s natural beauty.
• Longevity: Because stains bond with wood at a deeper level, they often last longer than paint. 
• Easier Maintenance: Stains tend to penetrate the wood rather than sit on top like paint. This means they’re less likely to peel or chip over time, and , in turn, require fewer reapplications and less upkeep in the long run. 
• Weather Protection: Deck staining protects from UV rays, moisture, and mildew. It seals the wood, helping it resist the damage caused by the elements.

Five Star Painting’s Deck Painting and Staining Services

Your deck can be an oasis for a quiet morning coffee or a relaxing evening with family and friends. When your deck doesn’t look its best, you probably won’t spend as much time enjoying it. 

If your deck needs a facelift, let the painting pros at your local Five Star Painting do all the work. We can strip the old paint from your deck and apply a fresh coat of weatherproof stain or paint to enhance its natural beauty. 

Want to enhance more than your deck? Our experienced team is well-equipped to handle all your exterior and interior painting needs. You can trust the experts at Five Star Painting for exceptional deck painting services because all of our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which guarantees your satisfaction.

Spend less time working on your deck and more time enjoying it. Call us today to get started on your next project, or schedule an estimate for a free quote.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Five Star Painting is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content.