When it’s nice and warm outside and the birds are chirping we feel this impulse to just go outside. That’s easy to do when you live in a house with a garden and a nice patio or a deck that you can admire the world from. That brings us to today’s topic: decks and how to paint and keep them in good shape. It’s usually something that you get to worry about in spring so it’s nice to get a head start around this time of the year. With that in mind, we’ve prepared a list of essential supplies that you’re going to need if you’re interested in doing some maintenance work on your deck.
Knee pads or pants
Since you’re going to spend lots of time on your hands and knees while working on your deck, you might want to get yourself some kneepads or a pair of reinforced pants so you don’t ruin your regular clothes in the process. At the same time, these offer plenty of other advantages. These utility pants, for example, are made of thick cotton and are both comfortable to wear and very durable. They have reinforced knees and also a bunch of additional pockets so you can carry tools and other things with you.
If you’d rather not wear work pants you can still get some extra protection for your knees. Knee pads are very helpful, especially when you’re working outside. These ones have soft gel cushions and high-density foam padding which are designed to offer additional comfort and to make your task more enjoyable. The pads also have heavy-duty shells for added protection.
If you need more help deciding which type of work trousers or knee pads you should get, there are plenty of helpful reviews that you can check out. There is an in-depth buying guide on Heatingforce that you can have a look at to get a better idea of what to look for when it comes to work trousers with knee pads.
Screwdriver
Everyone should have a screwdriver set in their home. This is such a basic and useful tool and it’s an absolute essential in general, not just for this project. A good starter kit is this set of 10 screwdrivers with magnetic tips that make it easy to take the screws out. They also have ergonomic non-slip handles that feel comfortable in the hand.
Dustpan and broom
In case you don’t have a dustpan and a broom set, now would be a good time to get one. If you’re going to make your deck look nice and pretty you’ll need to clean it properly and you’ll also get to use this set in the future so it’s a good investment. This set is pretty nice because of the 52” long handles that let you easily clean up without having to bend down at all. The bristle broom doesn’t absorb water and the dustpan has a rubber lip that sits flush with the floor preventing any dust and items from being pushed underneath.
Work gloves
You should also get some work gloves to protect your hands while working on your deck. These ones have thermoplastic rubber knuckle protection and an adjustable hook and loop closure system that ensures a secure fit. They durable and offer lots of protection without being oversized. Also, there are a few extra details that stand out such as the terry cloth sweat ipe placed on the back of the thumb.
Sander – BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander
For this project, you’re also going to need a sander. This is a basic sander with random orbital action and should be just right for the job. It’s efficient and easy to use and the hook and loop system makes it very easy to change the discs. It also has a dust-sealed switch that keeps all the debris out and it comes with a dust bag.
You should also get some spare sanding discs which you might actually need for this project. There are lots of different types to choose from and they’re all specialized to deal with certain specific scenarios or needs. These ones are really versatile. The set includes 70 pieces (120, 240, 320, 600 and 800 grit, 20 pieces of each). They’re made from premium aluminum oxide and have pre-punched holes that help with dust management.
Leaf blower
A leaf blower is useful for efficiently and quickly clearing your deck and walkways from debris and although you don’t necessarily need one it might be a good idea to consider the investment since you’ll also have use for it in the future. Consider a cordless leaf blower like this one. It’s compact, easy to use and also durable and efficient. It also has a lightweight and ergonomic design. It has a 20V max 5.0 Ah Lithium Ion Battery which gives you 400 CFM and 90 MPH performance.
The Best Deck Paint Options
1. Sik250-045.01 Cetol Srd Re Mahogany 045 Gal
Decks need to be periodically sealed and painted and that’s a really nice way to keep them looking nice and pretty and also giving them a new look in some cases. There are plenty of different types of paint that you can choose from. This one is an oil-based paint designed to offer a translucent matte wood finish. A single coat is enough to offer your deck wood the protection it needs and to also give it a beautiful look.
2. Kilz Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint
You can choose from a variety of different colors, not just the typical natural wood tones. This right here is an acrylic paint designed specifically for outdoor decks and patios. This is the slate gray version. It offers a durable finish and it’s resistant to fading, scuffing, cracking and peeling, being able to withstand typical outdoor condition with ease. It needs to be applied on primed surfaces and offers a low sheen finish. Once applied, it dries in about an hour.
3. In The Swim-Patio and Deck Paint Ivory
If you prefer a lighter color, perhaps this ivory paint would be better suited for your deck. It’s great for concrete patios and decks which are most common when it comes to modern and contemporary houses. It offers a non-slip finish and has great coverage. You can also get it in other colors such as granite or white.
4. Olympic solid deck color stain
This is a stain and sealant combo that you can use for wooden decks, patios as well as fences and other surfaces. It offers a waterproof finish and offers a mildew-resistant coating. It also makes the surface more resistant to UV rays and to scuffing which ensures that your deck will look like new for longer. The two-in-one combo also allows you to save plenty of time and effort, making any maintenance work a lot more enjoyable.
5. Defy Extreme Wood Stain Natural Pine
Another good option for exterior wooden decks is this semi-transparent wood stain. It’s water-based and eco-friendly and it allows you to highlight the beautiful grain of the wood. You can also use this on fences and even furniture. It offers a protective coat and a natural matte finish which reflects UV rays and prevents the wood from losing color over time. If you’re planning to use this when adding a maintenance coat to your deck you’ll appreciate the fact that there’s no need for sanding beforehand.
Brush applicator
Don’t forget the brush applicator, otherwise you’ll have a hard time applying the stain or the paint. Some are better than others and if you can find one that helps you save some time and effort then you should definitely consider the option. This deck stain brush applicator is super versatile and very efficient, allowing you to quickly apply the paint, stain or sealer on your deck and between all the cracks in no time. The pole is not included.
You should also get a set of smaller brushes. This one includes 5 different types. You get a 1” flat brush, one with a 1-1/2” angle, one with a 2” stubby angle, a 2” flat one and a 2-1/2” angle brush. You can use them for a variety of different indoor and outdoor projects, including to apply the paint stain or sealer in all the corners and on the edges of your deck.
The post Building a Redwood Patio – The Best Paint and Tools For Painting Your Deck appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.