Best Deck Paint for Old Wood: Top Picks for 2023

Deck paint is an essential product that helps protect and extend the life of your wooden deck. Old wooden decks require special attention, as they are more vulnerable to damage from weather, water, and UV rays.

The best deck paint for old wood should be able to penetrate and seal the wood, protect it from moisture and UV rays, and provide a durable, slip-resistant finish.

After testing several products, we have identified the best deck paint for old wood: Behr Premium Advanced Deckover. This water-based deck paint is easy to apply, dries quickly, and provides a thick, slip-resistant finish that can fill cracks and hide imperfections.

Its unique formula also protects against water damage and UV rays, ensuring that your old wooden deck will last for years to come.

Best Deck Paints for Old Wood

If you’re looking to give your old deck a fresh new look, deck paint can be an excellent solution. Not only does it provide a new color and finish, but it can also protect your deck from the elements and extend its lifespan.

Best Weather-Resistant: Pettit Ez Decks Nonskid Deck Paint

If you’re looking for a slip-resistant deck finish, Pettit Ez Decks Nonskid Deck Paint is a great option.

Key Features

• Slip-resistant finish with silica grit
• Durable and weather-resistant
• Fade and UV resistant
• Suitable for decks in areas with harsh weather conditions
• Long-lasting appearance
• Provides safety by reducing slipperiness

Pros

• Contains silica grit for slip-resistant finish
• Durable and weather-resistant
• Fade and UV resistant

Cons

• Only available in gray
• Can be tricky to apply
• May require multiple coats

Pettit Ez Decks Nonskid Deck Paint is a great choice for those who want a slip-resistant finish on their deck. The silica grit in the paint creates a surface that is less slippery, making it safer to walk on.

Additionally, this deck paint is durable and weather-resistant, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with harsh weather conditions. Lastly, this paint is fade and UV resistant, ensuring that it will look great for years to come.

However, there are some downsides to this product. First, it only comes in gray, so if you’re looking for a different color, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Additionally, this paint can be tricky to apply, and may require multiple coats for best results.

Overall, if you’re looking for a slip-resistant deck finish, Pettit Ez Decks Nonskid Deck Paint is definitely worth considering.

Best Durable: SaverSystems Deck Paint and Sealer

If you’re looking for a solid color deck stain that acts as both a stain and sealer, then SaverSystems Deck Paint and Sealer is worth considering.

Key Features

• Acts as both stain and sealer
• Maximum protection against UV rays
• Completely hides wood grain
• Low odor and easy to clean up
• Suitable for all horizontal and vertical wood surfaces
• Available in 6 beautiful, solid color finishes
• Low VOCs for an eco-friendly option

Pros

• Completely hides wood grain and provides maximum protection against fading and graying caused by damaging UV rays
• Acts as both a stain and sealer for your wood – use over top of existing, solid color wood stains (that still have good adhesion)
• Available in 6 beautiful, solid color finishes that dry to a flat, natural looking finish

Cons

• May require two coats for old wood
• Thin consistency may cause it to run
• Color may not match expectations

See Also: Best Pool Deck Paint: Top 5 Options For Long-Lasting Finish

SaverSystems Deck Paint and Sealer is a low odor, water-based stain that is easy to clean up. It’s ideal for use on all horizontal and vertical wood surfaces, including pressure treated lumber, pine, cedar, fir, redwood, mahogany, and more. The low VOCs (<60 g/L) make it a more eco-friendly option.

While the product is marketed as a paint and sealer, it’s important to note that it’s more of a thin paint than a thick, protective sealer. This means that it may require two coats for old wood and may run if not applied carefully.

However, if you’re looking for a solid color deck stain that provides maximum protection against UV rays and hides wood grain, then SaverSystems Deck Paint and Sealer is a solid choice.

Best Quick-Drying: RTG Deck, Porch, & Patio Anti-Slip Paint

If you’re looking for a fast-drying, eco-friendly, and affordable way to renew and protect your outdoor floors, decks, ramps, and stairs made of sealed concrete, masonry, and wood, RTG Deck, Porch, & Patio Anti-Slip Paint is a great choice.

It provides an attractive finish and secure footing on exterior surfaces that become slippery when wet. It’s easy to apply and clean up, and it comes in four inviting neutral shades of Sand, Light Gray, White, or a rich, Clear/Amber. One quart covers 80-100 sq. ft.

Key Features

• Fast-drying, textured paint
• Provides secure footing on slippery exterior surfaces
• Suitable for decks, porches, patios, stairs, ramps, etc.
• Easy to apply with brush or roller
• Durable and withstands harsh weather
• Available in four inviting neutral shades
• Water-based polyurethane coating
• Stands up to heavy foot traffic and weather without peeling or fading
• Scuff-resistant and allows for furniture rearrangement
• DIY-friendly and easy to clean up with soap & water
• Low-VOC formula with little odor
• Softer non-slip texture
• Better value compared to some other brands

Pros

• Fast-drying, textured paint provides an attractive finish & secure footing on exterior surfaces that become slippery when wet. Great for decks, porches, patios, stairs, ramps, and much more. Traction additive is not abrasive like other anti-slip coatings.
• Easy to apply by brush or roller (1/4″-3/8″ foam or nap roller cover for surfaces with a smoother texture; ½”-3/4″ foam or nap roller covers for masonry with deeper texture).
• Durable coating withstands heavy foot traffic and harsh weather without fading.

Cons

• Some customers reported that the paint peels or lifts off the surface of the wood after being exposed to the weather for a couple of months.
• One customer found more sand than bargained for when they got under 1/2 of the can.
• One quart may not cover the area as advertised, depending on the texture of the surface and the number of coats required.

RTG Deck, Porch, & Patio Anti-Slip Paint is a water-based polyurethane coating that stands up to hot sun, driving rain, slushy snow, heavy foot traffic, company, kids, & pets without peeling, flaking, or fading. Its solid coverage and scuff resistance allow you to rearrange furniture to your heart’s content.

No more parking rugs and chairs in the same spots season after season to hide surface eyesores. Channel your inner exterior decorator, move things around, and live a little! The results will look so comfortable and cozy you’ll be tempted to turn the welcome mat around.

This DIY-friendly paint is very easy to apply with a brush or roller and cleans up quickly with soap & water. Its eco-friendly, low-VOC formula has very little odor, making it ideal for use in living spaces outdoors or indoors.

RTG Deck, Porch, & Patio Anti-Slip Paint has a softer non-slip texture and is a much better value than Behr Premium Porch & Patio Floor Paint and Kilz Porch & Patio Floor Paint.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fast-drying, eco-friendly, and affordable way to renew and protect your outdoor floors, decks, ramps, and stairs made of sealed concrete, masonry, and wood, RTG Deck, Porch, & Patio Anti-Slip Paint is a great choice.

Its attractive finish, secure footing, and durability make it a smart investment for any homeowner.

Best Waterproof: Ames Safe-T-Deck Floor Paint

If you’re looking for a reliable and waterproof paint for your interior floors, Ames Safe-T-Deck Smooth Formula Floor Paint is a great option.

Key Features

• Reliable and waterproof paint
• Waterproofs and seals out moisture
• Made of Acrylic & Urethane
• Easy to clean up with water
• Suitable for garage floors, concrete, and interior wood surfaces
• Dries to a tough semi-gloss finish
• Made in the USA by a veteran-owned business
• Available in a 5-gallon pail
• Can be brushed or rolled on for application

Pros

• Waterproofs and seals out moisture to keep your surfaces protected
• Made of Acrylic & Urethane and is waterproof
• Easy to clean up with water

Cons

• Actual colors may vary depending on monitor settings
• Designed to be brushed or rolled on
• Semi-gloss finish may not be suitable for all surfaces

This water-based urethane/acrylic coating is formulated to preserve, protect & renew interior floors. Use it as a garage floor paint, concrete paint, waterproof paint and more.

It can be used on floors, stairs, interior wood, concrete & masonry surfaces. The thick, waterproof paint dries to a tough semi-gloss finish for easy cleaning.

Ames Safe-T-Deck Smooth Formula Floor Paint is proudly made in the USA by a veteran-owned business. The 5-gallon pail is designed to be brushed or rolled on. It waterproofs and seals out moisture to keeps your surfaces protected.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and waterproof paint for your interior floors, Ames Safe-T-Deck Smooth Formula Floor Paint is a great option.

Best Long-Lasting: KILZ Low-Lustre Enamel

We recommend purchasing KILZ Low-Lustre Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint because it is highly durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scuffing, fading, cracking, and peeling in variable conditions.

Key Features

• Highly durable and resistant to scuffing, fading, cracking, and peeling
• Formulated to endure variable weather conditions
• Suitable for both interior and exterior applications
• Provides a low-lustre enamel surface
• Covers 300-400 square feet on smooth surfaces and 200-300 square feet on rough surfaces
• Versatile, can be used on wood, masonry, trim, siding, and trellises
• Easy to apply and quick-drying

Pros

• Provides a low-lustre enamel surface that is formulated to endure on deck, porch, and patio siding and floors through variable weather conditions
• Ideal for both interior and exterior applications
• Covers 300-400 square feet on smooth surfaces and 200-300 square feet on rough surfaces

Cons

• Not for use on areas subject to automotive tires
• Sealed surfaces may become slippery when wet
• May require multiple coats for full coverage

KILZ enamel floor paint is a great choice for those looking to paint their porch, patio, or deck. It provides a moisture-resistant finish that resists scuffing, fading, cracking, and peeling. The low-lustre finish is perfect for those who want a subtle sheen without being too glossy.

One of the best things about this paint is its versatility. It can be used on all previously primed or painted surfaces including wood and masonry.

It also can be used on trim, siding, and trellises. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a cohesive look throughout their outdoor space.

KILZ enamel floor paint is also easy to apply and dries to the touch in just one hour. It can be recoated in 4-6 hours, making it a quick and easy project for those who want to update their outdoor space.

Overall, we highly recommend KILZ Low-Lustre Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint for those looking for a durable, long-lasting finish on their outdoor surfaces.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best deck paint for old wood, there are several factors to consider. We recommend looking at the following features before making a purchase:

Durability

Durability is a crucial factor to consider when looking for deck paint. You want a product that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foot traffic, and other wear and tear. Look for paints that offer long-lasting protection and are resistant to peeling, cracking, and fading.

Color and Finish

The color and finish of the deck paint can significantly impact the overall look of your outdoor space. Consider the color scheme of your home and surroundings when choosing a color. Additionally, look for paints that offer a range of finishes, such as matte, satin, or glossy, to achieve the desired look.

Coverage

Coverage refers to how much area a single gallon of paint can cover. It’s essential to choose a product that provides adequate coverage so that you don’t have to purchase more paint than necessary. Look for products that offer a high coverage rate per gallon.

Application Method

Deck paints can be applied using various methods, such as brushes, rollers, or sprayers. Consider which method works best for you and your project. Additionally, look for products that are easy to apply and offer quick drying times.

Price

Price is always a factor to consider when making any purchase. Look for deck paints that offer a balance between quality and affordability. Keep in mind that cheaper products may not provide the same level of durability and coverage as more expensive options.

In summary, when choosing the best deck paint for old wood, consider the durability, color and finish, coverage, application method, and price. By considering these factors, you can find a product that meets your needs and provides long-lasting protection for your outdoor space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some recommended deck paints for old wood?

When it comes to old wood, we recommend using a deck paint that is specifically designed for weathered or damaged surfaces. Some of our top picks include Behr Premium Advanced Deckover, Rust-Oleum RockSolid Deck Resurfacer, and KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating.

Which brand of deck paint is best for weathered wood?

There are several brands of deck paint that work well on weathered wood, but our top pick is Behr Premium Advanced Deckover. This paint is specially formulated to cover and protect damaged or weathered wood surfaces, and it comes in a wide range of colors to suit any style.

Can you paint over an old deck with new paint?

Yes, you can paint over an old deck with new paint, but it’s important to properly prepare the surface first. This may involve cleaning, sanding, or stripping the old paint or stain before applying the new coat. We recommend consulting the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you use the right technique for your specific paint product.

What type of deck paint is best for high traffic areas?

For high traffic areas, we recommend using a durable, non-slip deck paint that can withstand heavy use and foot traffic. Some of our top picks include Rust-Oleum RockSolid Deck Resurfacer, KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating, and Cabot Solid Color Acrylic Deck Stain.

Are there any textured deck paints for old wood?

Yes, there are several textured deck paints available that can help cover and hide imperfections in old wood surfaces. Some of our top picks include KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating, Rust-Oleum RockSolid Deck Resurfacer, and Behr Premium Advanced Deckover.

Where can I find deck paint at Home Depot or Lowe’s?

Both Home Depot and Lowe’s carry a wide selection of deck paints and stains in-store and online. You can also find a variety of brands and colors at these retailers, including Behr, Rust-Oleum, KILZ, and Cabot. Be sure to check the store’s website or speak with a sales associate for more information on specific products and availability.