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As the weather starts to warm up and days grow longer, many Michigan residents spend more time outdoors, particularly on their decks. This outdoor space has the potential to become an oasis in your backyard - a serene spot to enjoy your morning coffee or chat with friends and family. But the first step to making a luxurious outdoor setting? Painting your wood deck. It seems like a daunting project, painting your wooden deck. This is especially true if it’s already been painted and you notice it’s starting to chip. But you can give your wood deck new life in just a weekend! If you decide to paint your wood deck, there is a proper process to follow to ensure a long-lasting paint job. It’s hard work, you want it to last as long as possible. That’s why we’re sharing a complete guide about how to paint a wood deck. Or you can get the professionals at VanDerKolk Painting to do it for you, so you can relax and actually enjoy your weekends. We’ll handle everything from prep to paint to clean up, leaving you with a beautifully painted deck. How to Paint a Wood Deck Painting a wood deck is more than just choosing a color and slapping a coat on your wooden boards. It requires preparation, selecting the right paint, and a strategic approach. Step 1: Remove Any Debris As an outdoor space, your deck can get quite dirty. Before you begin your painting project, it’s important to remove any debris, such as bird droppings, leaves, dirt, berries, and more. Step 2: Make Necessary Repairs If your deck is older, you may need to repair or replace rotting or cracked wood. This is also a great time to see if any boards need tightening to keep the integrity of your structure for years to come. Step 3: Sand the Wood Sanding down the wood allows you to remove any rough surfaces and edges that might cause splinters, but also prevents the paint from adhering properly. For newer decks that are in good shape, it’s a good idea to use sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth out edges and remove any old paint. For older decks, you could use a power sander to get a nice, smooth surface while eliminating splinters. Step 4: Wash the Deck Once all of the old paint is removed and the wood is sanded, it’s time to wash the deck and remove any mildew , stains, and dirt. You can do this either with a pressure washer set to a gentle setting or with a wire scrub brush with warm, soapy water. Now, it’s time to wait until the deck fully dries. This could take 24-48 hours, depending on the weather conditions. Step 5: Prepare the Deck to Paint Once the deck is completely dry, use painter’s tape to tape off areas where you do not wish to paint. Cover any plants or furniture in the area to avoid dripping or splashing paint. Step 6: Apply the Primer It’s always a good idea to apply one or two coats of primer to your wood deck, especially if it's new or bare wood, before painting. Primers help paint adhere to the surface better and last longer. Plus, the paint will be more evenly distributed and have a more opaque color. Wait until the primer is dry, usually around one to four hours. Step 7: Apply the Paint Using a paint roller, apply two or three coats of paint to your deck in large areas. For smaller, narrower areas, such as banisters and railings, apply paint with a paintbrush. It’s essential to wait until the previous coat of paint has dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions before applying another coat. This will prevent the paint from bubbling, peeling , or looking uneven. Step 8: Allow Paint to Dry Completely Before you start moving any furniture or plants back onto your freshly painted deck, allow the paint to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. This will ensure your paint job stays pristine and that all of your hard work pays off for you to enjoy. What Kind of Paint to Use on a Wood Deck The secret to a long-lasting and beautiful painted wooden deck is choosing the right type of paint. Since it’s an outdoor space, you’ll want to choose a paint that can withstand the harsh Michigan weather and direct sunlight. When painting a wood deck, there are two types of paint we would recommend: Acrylic Paint - This water-based paint is excellent for holding its color during extreme weather and sunlight and is also resistant to cracking and peeling. Oil-Based Paint - This type of paint is known for being extremely durable, especially in harsh weather, and creates a strong barrier to prevent moisture from reaching the wood. While we have mentioned the dangers of VOC levels in oil-based paint , using it outside is less harmful than using it indoors. When Is the Best Time to Paint a Deck? The best time to paint your deck is in the late spring or early fall to ensure you have sunny, dry weather. Before you plan to paint, check the weather to ensure rain is not expected for at least 48 hours, allowing the paint to dry properly. The outside temperature should also be between 50°F and 90°F with low humidity. Now, in Michigan, it can be tricky to get a day when the humidity works in your favor. Check out our blog post for insider tips on how to paint in high humidity and make your paint last! Lastly, the best time of day to paint your deck is when the deck is in the shade. If you paint it in direct sunlight, it could cause the paint to dry too quickly. Depending on the position of your home, this could be in the early morning or late afternoon. What is the Best Color for a Deck? The key to choosing a color for your deck is to find one that complements the color of your house exterior . Some of the most popular deck colors include shades of brown, gray, beige, tan, and black (but be cautious if it receives direct sunlight), as well as natural wood colors. How Long Will a Painted Deck Last? It takes a lot of work to paint a wood deck, so you’re probably wondering how long your hard work will last. The answer is 3 to 5 years if you properly prepped the surface before painting. To get the most life out of your painted deck, it’s a good idea to keep it clean of debris often, giving it a good sweep to get rid of dirt. With each season, try to give your deck a good washing to remove any mildew that may start to grow. And lastly, check for chipping or peeling at least once a year. You can tell if your deck needs a fresh coat of paint if you notice chipping, cracking, or peeling. Is it Better to Paint or Stain Your Deck? There are two camps when it comes to the painting vs. staining of a wood deck. One school of thought is that paint actually protects the wood of your deck, helping it last longer . You also have a wider variety of colors to choose from, and it lasts longer. The second is that wooden decks should be stained to preserve the natural appearance of the wood. However, the stain only lasts 2-3 years, and you are limited to brown and neutral colors. In reality, the choice is entirely up to you! Both painting and staining your wood deck can enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase your property value over time, which is excellent news if you plan to sell. And don’t worry, VanDerKolk Painting can do both! Enhance Your Curb Appeal with VanDerKolk Painting Adding a coat of paint to your wood deck can make a world of difference when it comes to boosting curb appeal and giving your home’s exterior a desired aesthetic. But you don’t have to spend your weekends crouching down to sand your deck or climbing up on high ladders to paint the railings. That’s what VanDerKolk Painting is here for! Our team of painting professionals has been serving the Grand Rapids area for over 30 years, helping Michigan residents paint the exteriors of their homes. Whether you want to paint or stain your deck, we’re here to give you a pristine and long-lasting paint job that you’ll be proud of. So you can have your weekends back. Request your free estimate for your exterior painting project today!

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Did you know the right exterior house color can increase your home’s value by 7% in Michigan? But it’s not just about looks; it’s about standing up to snowstorms, humidity, and the blazing summer sun. Michigan homeowners spend a lot of time designing and decorating the inside of their homes, but what about their home’s exterior? Your home’s exterior appearance is just as important as the interior. And just choosing the right color for your home’s exterior can completely elevate your home’s look. There are many factors to consider, including Michigan’s climate and environment, your home’s architectural style, and, of course, the most popular Michigan exterior house colors. Whether you’re looking to highlight the unique architectural details of your home or enhance its curb appeal, painting your Michigan home’s exterior is a game-changer. And there’s no better way to paint your home’s exterior than by working with the professionals at VanDerKolk Painting ! Our experienced painters work with precision and professionalism to ensure your home looks its best. Today, we’re diving into the most popular Michigan exterior house colors and sharing essential tips to help you choose the right one for your home. The Importance of Exterior House Color in Michigan Michigan is known for having some pretty harsh seasons, from bleak and snowy winters to hot and humid summers. And you want your home to look great no matter what the season! Choosing the right exterior house color based on your Michigan surroundings can help enhance curb appeal, keep your home cool during the summer, and help your home withstand extreme weather. Best Exterior Paint Colors for Michigan Homes We get it; you want your home to stand out and not look like every other house on your block. But following popular Michigan exterior house color trends will help your home’s style stand out while also complementing its beautiful surroundings.