Get matched with top deck staining pros in Point Marion, PA

It’s a good idea to sand your porch before painting. This will remove loose or chipped paint and debris, and give you a cleaner surface so that your new paint goes on smoothly. But if the existing surface is in good condition, it’s not necessary to sand your porch before you paint.

For the longest-lasting exterior paint, consider acrylic or enamel (oil-based) paints. Acrylic paints, including acrylic latex and acrylic enamel, are known for withstanding harsh weather and sun exposure. Enamel-based paints are also one of the most durable options available. While latex paint is common, it typically has a shorter lifespan than acrylic or oil-based options. The paint's finish also affects its durability; a higher gloss finish is generally more durable. For resistance to moisture and cracking, matte and satin finishes can be effective, while a high-gloss acrylic or oil-based paint offers a combination of maximum longevity and durability.

Wet-sanding and dry-sanding each have pros and cons. Dry-sanding is less messy, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to minimize dust (for example, if you’re sanding an occupied home or working with particularly dry or dusty drywall mud). However, dry-sanding is quicker because you don’t have to keep rinsing a sponge or wait for it to dry before painting.

Painting a damaged pool deck is not recommended if the substrate is crumbling, cracking, spalling, or otherwise actively deteriorating. Continuing deterioration will result in the paint also delaminating or flaking off the damaged surface. Minor damage such as chips or hairline cracks that are not actively deteriorating can often be repaired enough to paint over. A damaged pool deck with a lot of cracking and deterioration should be replaced for best results.