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Pressure-treated wood lasts at least 10 years, but with the right care and treatment, it can last as long as 40 years. Painting the boards is one way to increase the lifespan of pressure-treated wood. The layer of paint provides extra protection for the wood against the exterior elements and insects.

You don’t have to pressure wash your deck before painting. However, you must clean the deck, and pressure washing is one of the most efficient methods. Pressure washing quickly removes flaked paint, wood fibers, and embedded dirt. It also gets much deeper into the wood surface than manually scrubbing the deck—and the cleaner the deck, the better the paint can adhere. Ensure the wood is fully dry before applying paint.

When applying multiple coats, wait four to six hours for each coat to dry. Not waiting long enough can result in streaks, peeling, and uneven color. Plus, it will be more difficult to discern where the second coat has already been applied.

Pressure-treated wood can not only be painted and stained, but it should be; doing so will help to prevent surface or deck board cracking. Allow the wood to dry out before painting it, as pressure-treated wood from the hardware store takes longer to dry than kiln-dried lumber. If water beads on the surface, it needs additional time to dry—in fact, it can take weeks or even months to fully dry. As soon as the wood absorbs water on the surface, it is ready to be painted or stained.