How to refinish a painted deck?

A painted deck can look sharp, but over time, even the best paint job succumbs to Westchester’s weather and foot traffic, leading to chipping, peeling, and fading. Unlike stained decks where recoating can be simpler, refinishing a painted deck often requires more intensive prep work to ensure the new finish adheres properly and lasts. Can you just paint over it? Sometimes, but often not if the existing paint is failing.

If your painted deck in scarsdale, rye, or surrounding areas is looking worse for wear, here’s a guide on how to properly refinish it, whether you plan to repaint or switch to a stain.

Can you refinish a painted deck?

Yes, absolutely! but the key lies in the preparation. You cannot simply apply a new coat of paint or stain over existing paint that is peeling, chipping, or otherwise failing. The old, loose paint must be removed to create a sound surface for the new finish to bond to.

DIY: How to refinish a painted deck?

Refinishing a painted deck is a labor-intensive process. If you’re tackling it yourself, be prepared for multiple steps and significant effort.

Step 1: Inspect and repair

Inspect: carefully examine the entire deck for loose or damaged boards, popped nails or screws, and areas of rot. Pay close attention to railings and stairs.
Repair/Replace: replace any rotted or severely damaged boards. Secure loose boards and hammer down or replace popped fasteners. ensure the structure is sound.

Step 2: Clean thoroughly

Sweep: remove all loose debris, leaves, and dirt.
Wash: clean the deck using a deck cleaner appropriate for painted surfaces. Follow the product instructions. This removes mold, mildew, algae, and ground-in dirt. A pressure washer on a low setting (use caution not to damage wood) can be effective, but scrubbing with a stiff brush may also be needed. Rinse thoroughly and let the deck dry completely (often 24-48 hours depending on weather).

Step 3: Remove loose and peeling paint

This is the most critical and laborious step. all failing paint must be removed.
Scraping: use paint scrapers (pull scrapers, putty knives) to manually remove all loose, bubbling, or peeling paint. Focus on edges and areas where failure is evident.
Sanding: use a power sander (random orbital sander or belt sander for large areas, detail sander for corners) to feather the edges of the remaining adhered paint and smooth the wood surface. Start with medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 60-80 grit) and potentially finish with a finer grit (e.g., 100-120 grit) for a smoother feel. Sanding also helps remove remaining paint and opens the wood pores for better adhesion. Always wear a dust mask or respirator, eye protection, and gloves. If your home was built before 1978, be aware of potential lead paint hazards and take appropriate precautions or hire a certified professional.
Stripping (Optional but sometimes necessary): if large areas of paint need removal or you want to go back to bare wood (e.g., to apply a semi-transparent stain), a chemical paint stripper might be necessary. follow product instructions carefully, work in small sections, and take safety precautions. Neutralize and rinse thoroughly afterward.
Clean Again: after scraping/sanding/stripping, sweep or vacuum all paint chips and dust. A final rinse might be needed.

Step 4: Prime (If repainting)

If you are repainting, applying a coat of high-quality exterior primer, especially to bare wood spots, is highly recommended. Primer improves adhesion, seals the wood, and provides a uniform base for the topcoat.
If you are switching to a solid stain, priming is usually not necessary unless recommended by the stain manufacturer.
If switching to a semi-transparent stain, all old paint must be completely removed down to bare wood.

Step 5: Apply new finish (Paint or solid stain)

Check weather: ensure no rain is forecast and temperatures are within the manufacturer’s recommended range (usually above 50°F / 10°C) during application and drying.
Apply finish: apply your chosen paint or solid stain according to the manufacturer’s directions. Use brushes, rollers designed for decks, or a sprayer (with back-brushing often recommended for decks to ensure penetration).
Multiple coats: typically, two coats are recommended for durability. Allow proper drying time between coats.
Avoid heavy traffic: keep foot traffic off the deck for the recommended curing time (which can be several days).

When to call a professional?

Refinishing a painted deck is a challenging DIY project due to the extensive prep work required, especially paint removal. Consider calling professionals like genesis pro painting if:

The deck is large.
The existing paint is extensively peeling or difficult to remove.
You suspect lead paint.
You lack the time, tools (scrapers, sanders, pressure washer), or physical ability for the demanding labor involved.
You want a guaranteed professional result.

Deck refinishing services with Genesis Pro Painting

At Genesis Pro Painting, we specialize in restoring weathered and painted decks throughout Westchester county. Our team has the expertise and equipment to properly prepare your deck surface, including safe and effective paint removal, necessary repairs, and professional application of high-quality paint or stain. We take the hard work out of deck refinishing, delivering a beautiful, durable finish you can enjoy for years.