How to Paint a Porch Deck

Keep the porch floor in shape with a coat of paint. Here's how to directions to paint a porch deck with advice about the tools and materials you need. Use the calculator to find out how much paint to buy.

By Gene and Katie Hamilton

Step 1 : Prepare the surface
Scrape off any flaky and loose paint with a scraper or putty knife. If necessary, use a belt sander to smooth badly worn wood and a large buildup of old paint. You can use a random-orbit sander to remove flakey old paint and smooth the hard edges of paint around the scraped area.
Step 2 : Clean the surface
Use a brush and water to clean the surface and let it dry. Then make any repairs that may be needed. The deck should be clean and dry before painting.
Step 3 : Apply the primer
Apply wide masking tape around the perimeter of the porch deck along the bottom of the siding to protect it. Then stir the primer and apply it to the surface according to the directions. First use a paint brush to outline the primer on the decking along the bottom of the siding. Then use a paint roller to apply primer to the decking. To get into spaces between the boards use a foam applicator brush. Then let it dry.
Step 4 : Clean out the tools
Thoroughly wash the brush and roller in water to remove all primer. Remove excess with a paint spinner to dry them.
Step 5 : Apply the paint
To apply the paint finish coat, follow the same process of applying the primer. Let it dry thoroughly. Clean the paint tools again.