Deck replacement can be expensive if you hire professionals, and expensive and time-consuming if you try to do the job yourself. Deck resurfacer can be an affordable alternative and one that can help to restore your deck, breathing new life into it, while protecting it from future damage. But for those who are just learning about resurfacer, finding the right product can be a challenge.
Fortunately, I’ve done all of the research for you. I’ve tested out several of the leading products and compiled a list of the top four resurfacers that are definitely worth the money. I’ve also put together a buyer’s guide that includes many of the important factors that you’ll need to consider before choosing the right product for your deck, the different types of resurfacers to choose from, and the pros and cons of using these types of products.
What is a Deck Resurfacer?
Deck Resurfacer is a water-based covering intended for reemerging intensely worn decks and yards. RockSolid Deck in a Day Program kills the requirement for stripping and sanding. Use RockSolid Deck Cleaner and RockSolid Deck Primer preceding application for project finish in just 1 day.
1. KILZ Interior/Exterior Latex Floor Paint
This high-quality deck acrylic resurfacer paint uses a special formula that lets it endure all kinds of poor weather conditions without flaking or starting to crumble, and applies a low-luster finish to whatever surface it’s used on. You can apply it with either a standard paintbrush, a big roller, or a special spraying tool depending on the situation, getting similar results each way to make sure that the entire surface looks consistent. Once dry, it’s surprisingly durable and resistant to cracks, fading, peeling, and scuffs, as well as naturally holding off mold and mildew.
2. RUST-OLEUM 41100 Surface Coat
This Rust-Oleum paint uses the same basic formula as a lot of their other wood paint and stain products, staying four times thicker than your average wood surface paint while also being able to outlast many other deck stain options. It provides long-lasting protection to any surfaces you apply it to, stopping direct damage and preventing quick wear and tear while also getting rid of hairline cracks. This makes it a great option for protecting and repairing a wood deck.
3. KILZ Over Armor Wood & Concrete Resurfacer
This wood and concrete resurfacer uses a special formula that can help cover up cracks on a variety of surfaces, ranging from wood decks to concrete sidewalks. There are multiple color options that all help it blend into a certain surface type and provide a subtle coat and finish, and the 100% acrylic resin formula means that it is surprisingly durable for a deck rescue paint. Coating it twice can boost this durability even further, and it only has a second coating drying time of around five hours on average.
4. Rust-Oleum 319383 RockSolid 20X Deck Resurfacer
This deck resurfacer is designed for use in almost all outdoor conditions, offering a formula that’s twenty times thicker than some of the best deck paint on the market. Unlike deck paints, it offers plenty of durability with each coating and can resist most weather types while still keeping a pleasant, well-balanced finish that can restore most surfaces to full health. Not only that, but it’s easy to apply and clean, and can handle wet weather conditions just as well as the bright sun.
5.Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer
This stain and sealer can be applied without any primer, letting you put up the first coating straight away and making the deck restore process much faster as a result. It’ll give you the same experience and resulting coatings regardless of the ambient temperature, and doesn’t need any special techniques like back brushing or wet-line application, meaning that you can start to use it straight away if you want to restore your deck quickly and efficiently.
Best Deck Resurfacer Buying Guide
If you’ve just bought a home that has a deck that’s in bad shape, or you’ve neglected to take care of your deck, then a resurfacer can be a great treatment option and one that can have your deck looking new in no time. These deck treatments are similar to very thick paint and they’re designed to fill in chips and cracks and other signs of wear and tear, but they’re not meant to show the wood grain.
Types of Resurfacer
Like finishes and stains, there are many different types of resurfacers to choose from. Make sure you choose the correct type based on the kind of wood your deck is made out of, your environment, the look you want to achieve, the current state of your deck, and make sure it’s a type that can provide ultimate protection from the sun, rain, snow, and more.
Oil
Oil-based resurfacers are the most popular option. This type of paint often consists of mineral additives and oil. Since the additives contain solids, they will begin to settle down over time, so the product should be stirred thoroughly before use. Oil-based products should contain excellent bonding properties, so it should have no trouble sticking to the deck’s surface. Keep in mind that because resurfacer is so thick, especially oil-based products, that it can take twenty-four up to forty-eight hours to dry. Unlike other types of resurfacers, oil-based products have poor UV ray resistance. Over time, the coat will gradually fade and become colorless. In most cases, you will need to repaint the deck every four to five years.
Alkyd
Alkyd is a great alternative to oil-based. It’s made out of a special varnish and it possesses excellent resistance to the elements. It can prevent moisture from penetrating the surface of the wood, which will prevent warping in the future, and it’s also designed to easily withstand major changes in temperature. It’s also very affordable and features a wide range of colors to choose from. This paint can also be used to create different types of visual effects. Additionally, it’s much easier to mix compared to the oil-based alternative. Unfortunately, alkyd is very flammable, so you must avoid smoking or grilling around the area until the paint has fully dried. It has an average lifespan of six to seven years, which is slightly better than oil paint, but it also has a very unpleasant odor that tends to linger for several days after application.
Water-Based
Water-based paints are just as popular as oil and they offer excellent durability and a wide variety of color options. There are four types to choose from, including:
- Acrylic
- Silicate
- SiliconeLatex
Acrylic is the most popular option, and it’s also very affordable. It offers excellent resistance to weather conditions, especially UV rays, which will help to prevent fading. It also offers great water vapor permeability, preventing moisture from penetrating the deck’s surface. In order to achieve an even, beautiful surface, two coats is all you’ll need for several years of protection.
This type of resurfacer doesn’t contain ingredients that can affect your health, making it more environmentally friendly than alternative resurfacers. It can take up to eight hours for the paint to dry completely, which is impressively fast.
Latex
This is a modern material that possesses superior properties compared to acrylic resurfacers since it contains special additives. It’s safe for use around animals and humans, so you won’t need to wear a respirator when applying.
Due to its high water vapor permeability, the coat will allow the base to breathe. Unfortunately, latex paint can be pretty pricey, so it may not be the best choice for you if you’re on a tight budget.
Conclusion
A beautifully cared-for deck can have a major impact on the appearance of your home, making it appear well-maintained. Deck resurfacer can help breathe new life into an old, worn, and faded deck, instantly, and affordably. The products I’ve included here, and the buyer’s guide are both designed to help you choose the right product for your deck, one that will last for several years and offers the type of protection your deck needs to look great and last for many years to come.
Leave a Reply