August 26, 2014

Deck Refinishing Do's and Don'ts



If you have been following along, you know I have been obsessively talking about the outdoors. I shared our front porch reveal, an easy outdoor living design and how I daydream about decks and patios. So today we are continuing that obsession by talking about the best way (in my opinion) to refinish your deck! I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say we are not as awesome as Young House Love because we did not build a new deck but we did bring some life back into our old one. We Tim faced a lot of trial and error in refinishing our deck. I told him from the start that this would be his project but that I would help paint. The end result was amazing but there a few times I wasn't sure that we would make it.

Way's we thought we could get the paint off:
Power washer-NO (but we did use it to clean the siding)
Paint Strippers/Thinners- NO (we tried this one and this one)

How we DID get the paint off:
A Belt Sander- Tim did each board individually. If anyone knows of a better way, pleas share!! If your boards are flatter, you may be able to use an orbital sander but ours were too uneven.

What paint we put on:
We purchased Olympic Maximum Stain and Sealant in One (Solid Color-Autumn Brown). We used multiple brushes and rollers. I used smaller brushes to get in little crevices and a larger brush to get in between boards.

FEATURES
-Enhanced Waterproofing Protection
-Advanced SunBlock® UV Defense
-Extends Color Life
-Exclusive Scuff Guard® Technology
-Provides Our Best Mildew-Resistant Coating

Other Tips:
-We also cleaned it with Olympic deck cleaner
-An employee at Lowes told us about this little thing called a painting mitt (best.invention.ever) If you plan to paint any railings in the near future go ahead and pick one or 5 up! You're welcome :)
-Get as many volunteers as you can. This could have went a lot faster had we had some more helpers.
-You may already know about this one but instead of cleaning out your rollers and brushes every day, wrap them up in saran wrap tightly, stick them in the fridge and they will keep fresh for a few days.
-Make sure the deck is completely dry before you start and make sure to check the weather because the new paint needs about 48 hrs of dry time. If it rains, you will have to touch it up or possibly redo it.
 So the backyard was definitely one of the major selling features of the house for us. We loved the size of the deck and yard and knew it would be perfect for our every day and entertaining. All it needed was a little love, right? We may have underestimated how much work it would be. We did get an estimate to have the work done but figured we could tackle it ourselves and save the money! Not only was it in pretty rough condition, the color just wasn't doing anything for us. You can see that Artie wanted to help but we only let him be a spectator.
 You can see that we didn't get ALL of the paint off. But it covered really well in the first coat! I put down a few samples before we started (not that it mattered, we had already bought the paint. They do not sell sample sizes for this product so we just had to cross our fingers.) We actually came to an agreement on the color pretty easily. I think it compliments the siding color and blends in well with the fence and trees.
TA-DA! I love the dark stain that we chose because it doesn't show much dirt at all. I also think it makes the teal and yellow really pop! I put "after" because the deck is finished although we do have a few things left to take care of to complete the look. We have a new security light to put up (that's oil-rubbed bronze) We need a few more lights to string to the other half of the house. There is some trim work around the doors that needs my attention. The red paint was just slapped on and is all over the almond colored trim. Not sure what to get it off with so thinking I will have to find a paint to match the trim and cover it up. Oh and we need a new roof too...no big deal.

Here's hoping the mosquitoes go away soon so I can actually enjoying the deck without being bitten 5 million times.

Do you have any additional tips to add? Should I put something to the left of the door?

Sources:
Yellow tub chairs: World Market (no longer available)
Table: Target
Umbrella: Target
String Lights: Target (no longer available)
Teal Paint (on doors): Valspar La Fonda Teal
Door Hardware: Lowes

Linking up with Remodelaholic, Nancherrow and Work it Wednesday

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38 comments:

  1. Another great and informative post :) Now I want to have a house with a patio!

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  2. Gorgeous! I love how you chose to decorate your deck too. I need some of those lights for my backyard :-)

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  3. I can't get over how awesome yours looks! I just can't wait to have my own house!

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  4. This is a post my husband would love! I'll have to bookmark it for the day we get into a house :)

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  5. Great tips! Loved how it turned out!

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  6. It looks so good!!! Definitely worth the effort! :-)

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  7. It turned out nicely! It looks like a lot of work but worth it!

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  8. you did such a lovely job on the deck!! :) can't wait to be back in a real home again and start nesting. :)

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  9. Hey...can you come do mine! Kidding. I need it desperately, thanks for kicking me in the tush.

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  10. That looks awesome! I think ours might be due for this! Bookmarking! :)

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  11. You did a great job. We don't have a deck but maybe at our next home.

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  12. Great to know! You did a fantastic job so if I ever am in the market, I'm following your steps word for word.

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  13. I love how your deck turned out. I have never had a deck myself but will remember this if I ever do!

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  14. Your deck looks amazing! Great tips!

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  15. I'm loving your deck! I can't wait to get those lights for mine.

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  16. I love the makeover, especially the yellow chairs.

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  17. OMG Your house is too pretty. So so sweet! I want decking like this now. Very jealous!


    If I ever have decking, I'll make sure to refer to your tips!


    Katie <3

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  18. Beautifully done, looks really fabulous

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  19. The difference before and after is so huge! It looks wonderful. Thanks for the tips.

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  20. Love these tips! The before and after is astonishing! Great work!

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  21. the end result looks wonderful, great post as well

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  22. Looks great! You guys did an amazing job!

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  23. Thanks girl! That's what everyone has been saying...I thought more people had decks/patios/backyards

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  24. Thank you!!! Its like having a 2nd dining room :) And the lights make it romantic!!

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  25. Thanks! I'm sure when you do have a house your's will be just as awesome :)

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  26. Yes...it's definitely a guy thing!! They love projects :) Pins appreciated!! That's how I bookmark things anyway haha

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  27. Thanks but we can't build tables like you guys ;) Maybe we'll get there eventually

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  28. Thank you!! So glad you stopped by. Have a great Thursday!

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  29. Awesome tips! But I'm so glad I don't have to complete this task anytime soon!!

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  30. What a cool project! It looks awesome!

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  31. My goodness. You are like wonder woman, you did a great job!

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  32. I know I said it last week, but holy moly your deck looks amazing!

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  33. I love it! Now you are ready for a Labor Day party. :) The color of the deck looks great, much more modern and elegant than the gray wash before. Love the lights, the yellow matches the chairs. Nice transformation. Enjoy your time here!

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  34. Our deck is in desperate need of refinishing. This is both extremely helpful and somewhat exhausting to read :) Hadn't heard about the painting mitts - thanks for the tip.

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  35. Love it!! there is nothing better than a deck to relax on :-)

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