Terrace boards made of wood lose their charm over the years. A new coat of paint not only provides more color intensity, but also offers optimal wood protection.
The terrace is probably one of the most popular places to relax after a stressful day at work. A beer after work, a glass of wine, a good book and a blanket and the evening is perfect. If only it weren't for the aging decking. Somehow they destroy the whole look and the feel-good character.
Anyone who chooses wooden decking boards simply has to live with the fact that they occasionally need a new coat of paint. With a color refreshment, you not only bring the wooden floorboards back into shape, but also ensure perfect wood protection.
» By the way: Colored planks enhance the terrace and, together with patio furniture and plants, are a great eye-catcher.
Step by step to the new coat of paint
Preparation the A and O
Before you get started, check the condition of your decking. The wood should still be in good condition, otherwise all the work would end up in vain. It is best to replace rotten, brittle and damaged floorboards with new ones. Minor damage and scratches, on the other hand, are harmless.
Take the opportunity to check the attachment: Are all the screws tight? Does the construction wobble, are some boards warped? Take the time to fix things like this.
The old floorboards should then be thoroughly cleaned. To do this, use a hard brush and a special patio cleaning product. I have had very good results with the cleaner from norax. The productive agent is available for less than 10 euros and even tackles moss, bird droppings and other dirt.
» Attention: You should absolutely avoid the high-pressure cleaner on wooden floorboards. Otherwise, the powerful jet could attack the surface of the wood and start to splinter.
If theIf the floor has already been varnished, it makes sense to sand it down. But beware: Most decking boards have grooves. If you want to keep these, you absolutely have to do without the normal grinders, because then that's it with the grooves. Many hardware stores lend special grinding machines for parquet floors to which different attachments can be attached. A Dremel can also be extremely useful for the grooves. Then be sure to remove the sanding dust and, if necessary, allow the wood to dry.
If there are deeper holes or chips in the floorboards, you can repair the damage with a special wood filler (such as this one).
Different options for the colored design
Before you start painting, it is important that the planks are completely dry. Also keep an eye on the weather report. The process itself should also be dry and stable outside. If the patio is not covered, it is advisable to use rain protection until the paint has completely dried.
You have a free hand when it comes to choosing the colour: You can work with different wood tones, choose a subtle shade of gray or let the terrace shine in a bright colour.
Painting with wood stain
The wood stain is suitable for refreshing the colour, you can also use it to achieve a darker wood tone. The structure of the wood and the grain remain visible with the glaze, making the new look appear natural. Make sure that the glaze used is suitable for outdoor use.
Painting with boat varnish
An opaque coat works best with acrylic-based boat paint. This paint is easy to walk on after drying and very durable. A primer is recommended so that the colors come into their own. Only after this has dried are two coats of the actual color applied. Always allow to dry thoroughly in between. For permanent resilience use a clear protective varnish as the top layer.
» Tip: It is recommended that you choose paint and primer from a range from one manufacturer. This is the best way to get the best result.