Are you able to paint composite decking? Whereas many individuals’s ideas would possibly nicely be turning in the direction of some deck upkeep now that summer time is (nearly) right here, it actually does pay to solely perform duties which might be going to essentially profit your backyard.
Decking concepts are available in all sizes and shapes – and in many alternative supplies too. The kind of decking you’ve got will dictate what sort of care and upkeep it requires to remain wanting its perfect – briefly, what works for one decking materials might be fully unsuitable for an additional.
Right here, we check out whether or not or not it’s a good suggestion to color composite decking, a fabric identified for its sturdiness.
Are you able to paint composite decking?
Regardless of the sturdy and comparatively maintenance-free nature of composite decking, the UK climate inevitably implies that any out of doors construction or floor goes to take one thing of a battering at occasions, leaving it wanting rather less pristine than when it was first put in.
Decking upkeep is necessary for a lot of causes. After all, all decking will profit from being stored freed from leaves and different particles, in addition to a daily wash down with soapy water. Nevertheless, in some circumstances a bit of extra in the best way of maintenance will probably be required – and in sure situations this may imply a recent coat of paint. However is that this a requirement for composite decking?
“Portray Trex composite decking is pointless,” advises Lee Heitzman, Trex’s UK market supervisor. “Portray is a dedication to be stored up each few years, however the fantastic thing about composite decking is how low upkeep it’s – there’s no must deal with, stain, seal or paint it.”
“There isn’t a want to color fashionable and high-quality decking as a result of it’s manufactured with a PVC cap or shell which protects it towards injury and provides it its lengthy life,” explains Helen Godsiff, model supervisor at Eurocell. “Nevertheless, older and uncapped deck boards, which can have light or modified color over time, can usually be painted. Take into account that portray your composite decking might void your guarantee.”
“Portray composite decking is usually not really useful, however it may be achieved below sure circumstances,” additional explains Chris Bonnett, the founding father of Gardening Categorical. “In case your decking is uncapped and greater than ten years outdated it could be a bit of bit simpler. It is because fashionable decking contains a factory-applied end that resists fading, staining, and scratching, making the decking extra low upkeep and sturdy. However this additionally prevents the paint from adhering.”
Chris Bonnett
Chris based Gardening Categorical within the late 1990’s, whereas nonetheless a teen. He determined it could be a unbelievable concept to mix his ardour of the nice outdoor and vegetation with the Web. Whereas learning for a level at Writtle Faculty, world-renowned on the planet of horticulture, Chris painstakingly constructed up the enterprise, all funded from financial savings from half time jobs, till a full blown success had been created from the muse years of laborious work.
Can portray composite decking injury it?
Whereas portray composite decking is, it appears, pointless, how about should you simply fancy bringing in some new decking color concepts? May portray it’s a very good possibility or do you threat inflicting injury to your deck?
“We work laborious to match the colors of our boards to true wooden tones and textures and portray would disguise this pure wooden look that so many consumers ask for,” explains Lee Heitzman. “Portray might probably have an effect on different advantages too together with warmth mitigating expertise – our premium decking vary reduces warmth by as much as 40% in comparison with conventional timber deck.”
A top quality decking similar to this, from Extremely Decking, shouldn’t want portray(Picture credit score: Extremely Decking)
Lee Heitzman
Lee Heitzman is the UK market supervisor for Trex and has labored with builders’ retailers and timber importers all through his 22-year profession.
Can uncapped decking be painted?
There are two sorts of composite decking: capped and uncapped.
“Uncapped decking, also called first era, doesn’t have a protecting layer which implies it’s extra inclined to wreck from the climate, solar, or basic put on and tear. The color also can fade sooner. You’ll be able to typically paint uncapped decking,” says Helen Godsiff. “The floor of capped decking is coated in PVC which makes it appropriate to be used outdoor whatever the climate. It additionally protects it towards rotting, stains and fading, so that you needn’t paint it. What’s extra, should you do paint it, it’s prone to flake off.
“To search out out in case your decking is capped or uncapped, verify the sting of the deck boards to see whether or not there’s a skinny layer on prime,” continues Helen. “One other clue is that it tends to be smoother, extra vibrant and uniform in color. For those who’re uncertain or have any doubts, verify together with your producer or the product info booklet.”
How do you paint composite decking?
In case you have outdated, uncapped composite decking you could be eager to see whether or not a lick of paint might give it a brand new lease of life, however do remember that this new coating might nicely not stand the check of time and you can anticipate your new composite decking concepts to rapidly start to deteriorate.
“It is vitally tough to color composite decking with out it wanting untidy and unprofessional,” warns Lee Heitzman. “Over time, paint can even chip, flake and fade when uncovered to the weather.”
Nonetheless decided? “If the composite decking is outdated and light and also you do determine to provide the decking a recent coat of paint then there are some things to contemplate,” says Chris Bonnett. “Correct floor preparation is important. The decking ought to be completely cleaned to take away any mildew, mould, or particles.
“You must frivolously sand the floor to enhance paint adhesion and use a high-quality stain or exterior paint designed for composite decking – and don’t neglect to use a primer earlier than portray.”
“Portray your decking means committing to portray it each two to 3 years,” explains Helen Godsiff. “Additionally, you will want to color it meticulously to keep away from it wanting messy or uneven. Keep in mind that you’ll want appropriate decking paint, which could be pricey particularly in the long term.”
The vary of decking paint from Frenchic adheres nicely to composie decking and is available in a variety of colors.
Helen Godsiff
Helen Godsiff is model supervisor at Eurocell, a producer, distributor, and recycler of constructing merchandise. They not too long ago invested £10m+ of their recycling vegetation resulting from their dedication to scale back the corporate’s environmental affect.
FAQs
How are you going to hold composite decking wanting good?
Simply as with timber decking, to maintain composite decking in good situation and searching its greatest for so long as attainable, there’s a diploma of upkeep required, so remember to familiarise your self with easy methods to clear decking correctly.
“Caring for your composite decking goes an extended solution to sustaining its color. You solely want to wash it a couple of times a yr, however common sweeping might help stop staining from leaves or particles, which might in flip stop unpleasant mould or mildew,” says Helen Godsiff.
“For those who do see floor stains, clear it with a mushy bristled brush and washing up liquid. Cleansing can hold it wanting recent and in some circumstances, return it to a model new state.”
Based on Extremely Decking, offering you correctly keep and care on your composite decking, you may anticipate it to final for between 10-25 years.
In case you are evaluating wooden decking vs composite, you could be to know that Ronseal advise that timber decking can lasts from between 15 and 30 years with the proper care and upkeep,
Each composite and timber decking are a unbelievable solution to create an out of doors space from which to take a seat and revel in your backyard. Nevertheless, they don’t seem to be the one possibility. There are some lovely different patio design concepts to contemplate earlier than making your closing alternative.
