Best Decking Paint for your garden

6+ Best Decking Paints (2024 Top Rated & Reviewed)

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Are you looking to give your outdoor space a makeover? Decking paint is the perfect way to revamp, refresh and renew any decked area. Whether you’re looking for a classic natural colour or something more unique, there are plenty of options available so that you can find the right product for your project.

When it comes to choosing the best decking paint, there are several factors to consider such as type of wood, existing finish and desired sheen level. To help narrow down your search, we have put together this guide which covers everything from prepping and painting tips to reviews on some of our top-rated brands. So read on for all the info you need when it comes time to pick out the best decking paint!

Best Decking Paint: Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint

A heavy-duty, water-based paint that provides long-lasting all-weather protection - perfect for creating an attractive and durable finish on decking.

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Best Coverage

Trade Paints Anti Slip Decking Paint

Trade Paints Anti Slip Decking Paint

An odor-blocking, durable satin finish which is water based and can be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer, offering great protection and coverage.

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Anti-Slip Protection

Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain

Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain

This water-based product is easy to apply with either a brush or sprayer, and will provide your decking with the perfect anti-slip semi-transparent finish.

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Great All-Rounder

Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint

Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint

A high-performance, water-based product that can quickly and easily restore grey weathered wood to an as-good-as-new finish in just 24 hours

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What Is the Best Decking Paint?

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Ronseal Matt English Oak Decking Paint

Best Overall

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint is the best way to colour and protect your decking. This heavy-duty paint fills in small cracks, locks down splinters, and smooths out rough surfaces. The water-based formula has a range of available colours and forms a durable finish that will stand up against whatever Mother Nature can throw at it. It provides long-lasting all-weather protection with a minimum touch-dry time of 90 minutes so you can get back on your feet quickly. Best of all, it comes with a guarantee of statutory protection!

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V33 Colour Guard Matt Light Silver Decking Paint

V33 Colour Guard Matt Decking Paint

V33 Colour Care Decking Paint is a versatile, water-based topcoat that offers medium-duty protection and colour to your exterior decking. With anti-slip properties, this paint provides reinforced protection against wet weather, while also being easy to clean due to its washable finish. The matt opaque finish gives a stylish look to your decking which will stay looking beautiful for years; this product comes with a 5 year guarantee! A single 2500ml tin of V33 Colour Care Decking Paint will cover 25m² and can easily be applied by roller or brush - perfect for giving your outdoor space an instant update.

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Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint English Oak

Great All-Rounder

Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint

Ronseal Chestnut Decking Restorer is designed to bring grey weathered wood back to life. Just a 2.5 litre tub of this high-performance restorer will cover approximately 10m² on ridged boards and 12m² on smooth planed boards. It quickly and easily fills in small cracks and smooths rough surfaces, restoring the wood to an as-good-as-new finish with two coats that should be applied 4 hours apart. Refresh your decking with Ronseal Chestnut Decking Restorer!

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Ta Paints Oil Based Paint

TA Paints Oil Based Paint

TA Paints Ltd's Eurospeed 2 is a multi-purpose garden paint perfect for outdoor use. It provides heavy-duty and durable weatherproof protection ideal for protecting fences, sheds, garden buildings, cladding, gates & railings, barns and more. The oil-based enamel offers excellent resistance to chemicals and weathering elements so that your painted projects are long-lasting. Eurospeed 2 comes in a 5 litre can of matt white finish with an odor-blocking special feature. It has a touch dry time of 2-4 hours; overcoat in 12-24 hours; full dry in 7 days; coverage of 8 - 10 squared meters per litre; and thinners if required T0001 White Spirit. It is suggested to apply two coats for the best results but remember, that good preparation is key to achieving an excellent long lasting finish!

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Trade Paints Anti Slip Decking Paint

Best Coverage

Trade Paints Anti Slip Decking Paint

Trade Paints Garden Timber Decking Non Slip (Anti Slip) Paint offers a durable satin finish that is easily applied with either a brush or roller. With an average coverage of 13m² per litre, this paint provides quick drying times of 2 to 4 hours and overcoating time between 12 to 16 hours for fast job completion. It is available in Anthracite Grey Ral 7016 and has odor-blocking properties for exterior use. This 5 litre pack comes from Trade Paints, one of the leading suppliers in the industry and will help protect your garden timber decking from wear and tear.

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Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain - Natural Oak

Anti-Slip Protection

Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain

Cuprinol Anti Slip Decking Stain is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make their deck safer and more beautiful! With its unique double action formulation featuring invisible anti-slip microbeads, this product offers a lightly tinted finish that is both tough and durable. It also contains an algicide which helps protect the film surface from green algae and mould growth. This stain covers up to 40sq m per tin and requires two coats for best results. With Cuprinol, you can enjoy a safe, aesthetically pleasing deck with minimal effort.

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  • Type of Wood

    Some types of wood accept certain paints better than others. For example, softer woods like pine soak up paint quickly and may require multiple coats, while harder woods like oak might not absorb paint as well.

  • Exposure

    If your deck is continuously exposed to harsh weather conditions, opt for a paint specifically designed for outdoor use. This will ensure the paint is durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant to withstand the test of time and elements.

  • Colour Choice

    Opt for a colour that complements the exterior of your home and the surrounding landscape. Light colours can make a small space look larger, while dark colours can create a cosy, intimate feel.

  • Ease of Application

    Some paints are easier to apply than others. Some require a primer, while others are self-priming. Choose a paint that suits your skill level and the time you have available for the project.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Is decking paint waterproof?

Yes, when applied correctly, most decking paints will provide a waterproof finish. This means that it is less likely to chip or peel due to moisture, and can better stand up against the elements.
However, it’s important to note that deck paint won’t protect you from flooding or heavy rains - if your outdoor space is prone to flooding, it may be best to look into a waterproof sealant instead.

Do I need a primer before painting?

In most cases, yes - using a wood sealant or primer will help protect the wood from moisture and UV rays, ensuring that the finish lasts longer. For more information on primers and sealants, be sure to read the instructions on your chosen paint can.

How long does decking paint take to dry?

The ideal waiting period for your newly-painted deck to dry will vary based on the type of paint, as well as humidity and temperature levels in your local environment. Generally speaking, it's best to wait a minimum of seven days before strolling onto the deck or sealing it with a protective coating.

Can decking paint be used on fences?

Yes, in most cases decking paint can be used on fences as well. However, it’s important to note that certain types of paints may not adhere properly to certain materials, so make sure to check the instructions on your chosen product before starting.

Can you use a fence sprayer on decking?

The answer is yes, you can use a fence sprayer on decking. However, the type of paint you need for your decking project will depend on the surface material and desired finish. For example, if you are using treated wood then a water-based deck stain should be used instead of traditional fence paint. If you are using composite decking, then you will need to use a solvent-based or oil-based deck sealer.
When using a fence sprayer on your decking project, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear protective clothing. Also, be sure to cover any nearby plants or furniture that could be damaged by overspray.
Finally, be sure to keep a garden hose or bucket of water handy in case you need to rinse off any excess paint. With these precautions in mind, you can confidently use a fence sprayer on your decking project and achieve the desired finish.

In Summary

Choosing the best decking paint is an important step in making sure your outdoor space looks its best. With an endless array of colours, finishes and textures at your disposal, you have so many choices to make. So take some time to explore all of your options when it comes to choosing your decking paint – you may be surprised at how creative you can get with this versatile product.

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