Deck Drama: Refresh Your Space With Paint

By Sarah Heeringa

September 6, 2024

Now is the perfect time to get those refresh projects done as we head into the warmer months. Transform a plain deck or balcony into a bright, cheerful space to enjoy looking out onto all year round.

Painting decking timber in a dark shade better defines the space, making it look bigger. Use more than one colour on deck rails and palings for a more visually dramatic effect.

Choose colours that accentuate natural features in your surroundings. For example, the light green shade of Resene Pewter, echoing the lichen on a nearby pohutukawa tree. 

You need:

  • Resene Timber and Deck Wash
  • Stiff brush or broom
  • Gloves and protective clothing
  • Exterior timber filler
  • Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel for handrails
  • Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen for palings 
  • Dropcloth
  • Assorted brushes, small rollers and tray
  • Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain
  • Floor and Decking Applicator Lambswool Pad and Pole

Step 1

Clear deck surface of items and sweep using a stiff brush.

Step 2

Put on protective clothing. Dilute the Resene Timber and Deck Wash according to instructions and apply evenly to deck surface. Leave for 15 minutes before scrubbing with brush. Wash clean using ample water. Allow to dry.

Step 3

Fill any cracks, nail or screw holes using an exterior timber filler. Allow to dry before sanding. Sweep deck clear of any dust or dirt.

Step 4

Lay dropcloth. Paint deck rails and palings in complementary tones. We chose Resene Rivergum for the rails and posts and the lighter shade of Resene Pewter for the palings. Allow to dry and recoat as necessary.

Step 5

Pour Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain into tray. Use the applicator to apply stain to 2-3 boards at a time, working the length of each board with even pressure. Apply two coats allowing dry time in between.

Step 6

Wash the lambswool pad in warm soapy water to reuse. Dispose of paint water using an eco-friendly two bucket method. See resene.co.nz for more details.

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