Can you Paint Composite Decking?

Composite decking may appear too beautiful: it never disappears, lasts indefinitely, and is resistant to scratches and UV degradation. Regrettably, that is not the case.

If you have an old composite deck or have recently moved into a home with a deck that you dislike, you may be asking if you can paint a composite deck.

A composite deck may be painted or stained. Several brands on the marketplace provide paint and stains designed exclusively for composite decking.

While previous generations of composite decking absorb stain faster than novel material, most composite decking forms will accept stain or paint.

Appropriate surface cleaning and application are crucial for any material, whether standard timber or composite. No stain may be used on any form of composite decking.

In this post, you will look at materials that may be used to stain or paint your composite decking, as well as techniques for bringing your composite deck back to life on your conditions.

What exactly is composite decking?

Composite decking is made from polymers and wood fibres; Composite decking is classified into two categories.

The first is made out of a blend of polymers and wood fibres. The second features a wood fibre core surrounded by a layer of plastic.

Do not get composite decking mixed up with polyester decking. Polyester decking, often known as Polyvinyl decking or timber, is entirely made of Polyvinyl and is not classified as a composite because it contains no organic elements. In this post, we will not discuss plastic decking.

Natural wood is one of the critical elements of composite decking. Wood fibres or ashes, a byproduct of wood processing, are used.

These fibres are combined with various resins and polymers to create a composite of organic and non-organic materials.

Composite Decking Varieties

The significant distinction between our composite decking varieties is whether the items are capped or not.

A silicone outer covering will surround the piece of timber in topped composite decking. Non-topped composites lack this covering, leaving the wood fibre blend exposed.

Topped composite decking is more enduring since it only exposes a polyethene surface to the outdoors.

Non-topped composites, on the other hand, are preferred by some because they act like conventional timber and weather identically to genuine wood.

The topped composite decking material is extremely tough to stain when painting. Because the polyethene topping is not spongy, the stain will not penetrate.

Although painting is a possibility, the colour will not work. Composite decking that is not capped can be coloured and painted.

Therefore, Can You Paint Composite Decking?

Composite decking may be painted. Many hybrid decking varieties will accept paint in the same way as simple wooden decking, but choosing the correct paint is critical.

Not all substances will receive paint in the same way. Topped composites feature a plastic film face with different compositions; polypropylene and polyethene are two examples.

These are typical polymers that you may find in your home. These are easier to paint than Polyvinyl, which is more challenging.

Rubber paint that is Vinyl friendly is required for Polyvinyl topped composites – it will state on the container if it is consistent with Polyvinyl. If it is too darkish or lacks reflectivity, it will overheat the Polyvinyl and cause it to disintegrate.

Pay special attention to your decking material since it will determine the sort of paint you buy for your composite boards.

Is it possible to stain composite decking?

Composite decking may also be tinted and is frequently a better choice than paint. The composite deck stain will only work on uncapped decking.

A Polyvinyl or other plastic film covering the wood pulp will prevent the dye from penetrating.

For instance, outdated Teak decking is not topped and might be discoloured. For a non-topped composite deck, you may use the same stain that you would for a standard wood deck.

Follow the instructions as if you were painting a wood deck involving surface preparation, priming, and application.

Is Painting or Staining a Composite Deck Better?

The benefit of painting your composite deck rather than repainting it is that you will have more alternatives for stains colour and kind than you would with paint.

High-end aqueous latex paint is the best type to use. Nevertheless, that paint is not intended for use on composite decking.

On the other side, there exist composite-specific stains. As a result, staining is preferable.

Paint will cover up the wood grain on your decking if it has faux-wood grain. It is also your only choice for changing the look of topped composite decking.

Because topped decking cannot be stained, exterior latex oil paints are the only option to freshen it up.

Paint has more particulates – minute particulate material that colour and reflects sunlight. Because there are more components, the paint is more durable.

Nevertheless, when weather, Ultraviolet light, and foot activity are factored in, the longevity of colour might alter.

Whereas paint with more particles may be “denser,” keep in mind that it may behave differently when subjected to the weather, UV radiation, and foot activity.

Paint adheres to the surface of polymers, whereas stains permeate. Even though the product is “narrower,” a permeating colour is suitable for outdoor surfaces because it gives additional protection to the wood.

If you must paint your topped composite decking, ensure you adequately prepare the surface and pick your paint wisely. Textured paints for harsh outdoor conditions, as well as paints with high solids content, are options.

Finally, you can paint composite decking.