6+ Best Decking Paints (2023 Top Rated & Reviewed)

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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Product Base Coverage Finish Drying Time
Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint Water-based 10m² per litre Matt 48 hours
V33 Colour Guard Decking Paint Water-based 10m² per litre Matt 12-24 hours
Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint Water-based 4-5m² per litre Matt 24 hours
TA Paints Oil Based Paint Oil 8-10m² per litre Matt 2-4 hours
Trade Paints Anti Slip Decking Paint Water-based 13m² per litre Satin 2-4 hours
Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain Water-based 10m² per litre Semi-Transparent 12 hours

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint

Best Overall
Ronseal Matt English Oak 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!

  • Base: Water-based
  • Coverage: 10m² per litre
  • Finish: Matt
  • Recoat Time: 4 hours
  • Drying Time: 48 hours
  • Application method: Brush or paint pad

V33 Colour Guard Matt Decking Paint

V33 Colour Guard Matt Light Silver 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.

  • Base: Water-based
  • Coverage: 10m² per litre
  • Finish: Matt
  • Recoat Time: 8 hours
  • Drying Time: 12-24 hours
  • Application method: Roller

Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint

Great All-Rounder
Ronseal Decking Rescue Paint English Oak

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!

  • Base: Water-based
  • Coverage: 4-5m² per litre
  • Finish: Matt
  • Recoat time: 4 hours
  • Drying time: 24 hours
  • Application method: Brush

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!

  • Base: Oil
  • Coverage: 8-10m² per litre
  • Finish: Matt
  • Recoat time: 12-24 hours
  • Drying Time: 2-4 Hours
  • Application method: Brush, Roller or Sprayer

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.

  • Base: Water Based
  • Coverage: 13m² per litre
  • Finish: Satin
  • Recoat Time: 12-16 Hours
  • Drying Time: 2-4 Hours
  • Application Method: Brush, Roller or Sprayer

Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain

Anti-Slip Protection
Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain - Natural Oak

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.

  • Base: Water Based
  • Coverage: 10m² per litre
  • Finish: Semi-Transparent
  • Recoat time: 4 hours
  • Drying Time: 12 hours before light foot traffic
  • Application Method: Brush or Spray

Accessories Needed

Applicator Paint Pad Kit

Applicator Paint Pad Kit

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4 Pack Paint Brush Kit

4 Pack Paint Brush Kit

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Decking Scrubber Brush with Handle

Decking Scrubber Brush with Handle

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Wagner Spraytech Fence Sprayer

Wagner Spraytech Fence Sprayer

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Preparing Your Outdoor Space for Painting

Before you start searching for the best decking paint, it is important to make sure you have prepped your outdoor space. This will ensure that the finish looks even and professional, and lasts as long as possible.

CLEAN

First, clean off any dirt or debris from your decking surfaces with a garden hose or pressure washer.

PREPARE

Then sand down the area to get rid of any bad patches and remove any existing finish. It may also be necessary to use a wood sealant or primer before you start painting in order to protect the wood from moisture and UV rays.

TAPE

Finally, make sure to use tape around edges or areas that you don’t want to be painted in order to ensure a neat finish.

Choosing the Best Decking Paint

Once you have prepped your outdoor space and are ready to start painting, it’s time to choose the best decking paint. Here are 4 tips on choosing the best decking paint:

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.

Pro Tip

Think carefully beforehand as high-gloss paints will require more regular cleaning and can be more prone to chipping!

Best Practices for Applying Decking Paint

Once you’ve chosen the paint for your outdoor space, it is important to follow a few simple steps for a successful application. In some cases, it is recommended to use a brush or roller when painting, as sprayers can be more prone to runs and drips. If you're searching for the perfect paint sprayer, click here to discover our top picks.

Be sure to take your time and apply even strokes in one direction, and be mindful of any drips or runs as they can cause an uneven finish. It’s also important to wait between coats in order to let the paint dry properly.

Finally, make sure to read the instructions on the paint can itself for any other specific tips or warnings before starting.

How to Care for Your Decking

Once you have applied your paint and it has had time to dry and cure (usually around 1-2 weeks), it’s time to start caring for your newly painted deck surface. To keep the finish looking its best, wash down the area with a mild detergent and water at least once a month. It can also be helpful to apply a sealant every few years in order to protect the paint from UV rays and moisture.

Finally, always be sure to use non-abrasive cleaning products on your decking as harsher chemicals can damage the finish.

Creative Decking Paint Ideas

One of the great things about decking paint is that it can be used to create unique, custom designs on any outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for a classic colour combination or something bolder and unique, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your decking paint.

You can use two-tone designs or patterns such as stripes or chevrons to give your outdoor space a unique look. For a more subtle effect, you could try using different shades of the same colour to create an ombre effect.

Commonly Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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