Can You Use Fence Paint On Decking?

With the days getting lengthier and the evenings more mellow, there are many outdoor activities that tempt us daily. A barbecue with family or a brunch with friends are both amazing options for any sunny weekend. However, an old, tired-looking deck can ruin anyone’s mood. 

One way to refresh your patio deck is to repaint it – an easy and even pleasant activity. However, you want to make things even easier and plan to use the old bucked left from the last time you painted your fence. They’re both wood, so it shouldn’t be a problem, right? Things are, unfortunately, a bit more complicated. 

So, if you are wondering whether the old paint supply for the fence will do the job, or if you would have to head to the convenience store, this is the article for you. 

Do you:

• Have an old decking you’d like to improve or new you’d need to protect;
• Wonder if you can use fence stain on your decking;
• Want to know the difference between paint, oil and stain?

Then keep reading, as we will get into the details and help you decide for yourself. 

Can you use fence paint on decking?

The straightforward answer is – you better not. The drive to use what’s available in your shed and save money is understandable. However, there is one certain property of the decking products available on market, you wouldn’t want to disregard – their resistance to foot traffic. Sure, using fence paint will do the job, but the long-lasting effect won’t be, well … long-lasting. 

Another unwanted, but very possible outcome of painting with fence paint, is that you may end up destroying the carpets with marks tracked from the patio. You can do the count: money saved on paint against money spent on new carpets. 

If we want to sum things up, here are the main reasons why using fence paint on decking is not a good idea: 

• Not enough durability
• Risk of transferring paint stains due to foot traffic
• It’s against the manufacturers’ recommendation
• It peels off quickly

Overall, if you go with fence paint, you will not enjoy long-lasting results and might end up spending even more money in the future than what you saved up by not buying the proper materials. Decking paint covers small cracks more efficiently and has the ability to lock down small splinters.

Can you use fence stain on decking? 

If you’re not aware, stain is a product, similar to paint, that you can apply on wooden surfaces to change their colour from the inside. Paint only covers the top layer of your deck, for example, whereas stain penetrates deeply and also has the ability to protect the wood from moisture and UV rays. 

It’s a lot more natural-looking than paint, as it really highlights the grain of the wood. There are many different types of stain products on the market, including fence and deck stain. Similar to the issue with fence paint, fence stain is much less durable and it is not recommended to be used on decking areas. 

Torn between choosing stain over paint?

Then ask yourself the following questions: 

1. Are you aiming for a natural-looking wood deck?
2. Would you like safer, less slippery flooring? 
3. Do you prefer a more opaque colour shade?  
4. Do you want to skip the sanding process in the future? 

If the answer is yes, then stain would be the ideal choice. However, it’s still a very tricky job, and specific for each type of decking. Ideally, you would go with a professional for this process and they will be able to advise you on the best possible option for your situation. It’s always better to consult with a professional rather than making a choice you might possibly regret in the future. 

How to choose what paint, stain or oil to use? 

Obviously, you can’t use all of them at once, you’d have to decide which option is the best for your situation. Once you choose the appropriate material, we recommend that you go for high-quality even if it’s more expensive. When it comes to renovations, no matter if they are big or small, the money you might save by choosing a cheaper option, will be quickly lost in the future when you have to either replace or repair everything you’ve done. 

Now, let’s quickly go through the properties of paint, stain and oil, so that you can have an idea of what your options are. 

• Oil – Decking oil is the easiest to apply as the timber gradually “soaks” it without leaving marks of unevenness. Even if your decking is a bit worn out, the second layer of oil will cover up and do the necessary protection. Decking oil is like renewing timber from within, replacing natural oil and raisins that have faded over time.
• Paint – Professionals recommend that you go with high-quality latex paint. There are two main options – semi-gloss or satin finish, just go with the one that will fit your aesthetics better. 
• Stain – The best option would be to choose a brand that will colour, waterproof and protect your deck at the same time, so you can save yourself some future maintenance tasks. 

Contact professionals

If you’re not very confident in your deck repair skills, it’s a good idea to reach out to an expert. Our deck repair and installation professionals offer both painting and staining services for your property, delivering high quality results you can enjoy for years to come. 

The process itself is very easy – just book a survey online and a decking expert will come to your house on the appointed date and time. He will inspect the area that needs to be repaired, advise you on the best materials and arrange the appointment for a day that suits your personal schedule. 

With our services you can rest assured that we will be using high-end products that will provide long-lasting results, so you don’t have to worry about your decking for a while. Also, by trusting professionals, you avoid the risk of damage, which can happen if you decide to do the job by yourself.