If you’re seeking a unique, effective, and durable solution for your wooden surfaces, using rubber paint for wood is an unbeatable choice that can protect your investment. Not only is it easy to apply, but it’s also an incredible way to add years of life for your wood, safeguarding it from the elements. In this article, we’ll help you better understand using rubber paint for wood, how to apply it, and why it should be your top choice for DIY projects.

Why You Should Consider Rubberized Paint

If you want your wood to last, you need to protect it. This type of specially rubberized paint adds a high-quality coating that provides extensive protection to your wooden surfaces. It’s not just a paint; it’s a protective shield. Unlike regular paint or stains that require constant touch-ups, a rubberized wood paint treatment can last up to five years or more before requiring a recoat. Even better? It’s resistant to stains, damage, and even the sun’s UV rays.

It’s also a safer option, especially for households with children or pets. Since it’s slip-resistant and has high solar reflectivity, it doesn’t absorb much heat, making your deck cooler and safer for bare feet or paws.

The Pros and Cons of Different Deck Coatings

Before moving on, let’s take a few moments to fully consider the benefits and drawbacks of three common deck coatings: oil-based, water-based, and polyurethane-based.

Oil-based Coatings

Positives:

• Provides excellent moisture protection
• Offers a tough, durable finish that can last up to 10 years
• Comes in a wide range of colors and finishes
• Can yield professional results with minimal effort

Negatives:

• Contains highly volatile organic chemicals
• Can be challenging to recoat
• Requires turpentine or paint thinner for clean-up
• Takes longer to dry, sometimes up to 24 hours between coats

Water-based Coatings

Positives:

• Resistant to fading
• Low in VOCs
• Easy to clean up with warm soapy water
• Comes in various finishes and colors
• Dries in 4-6 hours

Negatives:

• Has a service life of 4-8 years
• Offers low durability

Polyurethane-based Coatings

Positives:

• Highly rated and reviewed
• VOC and environmentally friendly
• Specially formulated
• Comes in both pigmented and clear finishes
• Easy to apply
• Creates an impermeable plastic coating that bonds to the deck, resulting in a longer service life

Polyurethane paint combines the benefits of its competitors, without their drawbacks. However, among hundreds of products on the market, not all polyurethane coatings are suitable for your deck. But popular solutions like Liquid Rubber’s Polyurethane Deck Coatings are specially designed for your deck and will withstand the test of time with just a few coats.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started on this DIY project, you’ll need a few tools handy.,

• Hammer
• Nail puller
• Putty knife
• Scrub brushes
• Paintbrushes
• Pressure washer
• Sanding blocks or electric sander
• Masking tape
• Drop cloths
• Saw (to replace rotting wood)

If you’re working with a brand-new deck, you can still apply the coating to protect it for years to come. Liquid rubber products work excellently on both pressure-treated lumber and concrete, so it won’t matter what surface you’re applying it to. You will want to make sure that the deck is fully dry before applying the product and that you prime it beforehand. Note: If you have a concrete deck, its surface should be etched and moisture tested before applying the primer and topcoat.

Prepping Your Deck for Rubber Paint

You’ll need to prep your deck thoroughly before you can apply this coating. This process involves inspecting your deck for rotting wood or protruding nails, and possibly pressure washing the deck to remove all contaminants, oil, grease, organic growth, or dust. All wood and nail holes should be firmly set, and all rotting or loose boards should be replaced. You want to make sure that you also fill any knots and cracks in the wood with exterior wood putty and allow it to fully cure before application.

After you’ve completed this step, make sure to mark off any surfaces you don’t want to paint with high-quality masking tape and place drop cloths around your yard and landscaping. Remember to remove the masking tape while the paint is still wet for the best results!

Painting Your Deck with Rubber Paint

Once your deck is prepared and ready to go, it’s time to start the painting process. Here is a helpful checklist of what you’ll need to have on hand.

• Paintbrushes (even if using a sprayer or rolling)
• Paint rollers (optional if spraying)
• Paint roller pan (optional if spraying)
• Paint sprayer (optional if rolling)
• Sandpaper
• Rags
• Jars, buckets, pans for cleanup
• Soap and water (for water-based deck paints)
• Paint thinner (for oil-based deck coatings)

Applying the Paint

Good weather is the key to a solid application. So be sure to check the weather for the next few days. You want to avoid extreme temperatures, aiming for a range between 50-86˚F (10-30°C) with no rain forecast and low humidity.

• Start with applying a generous coat of Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer to prime the deck. This step promotes proper adhesion and provides a vapor barrier that prevents blistering. Using a nylon-bristled brush, you can gain coverage between slats, corners, and cracks in the surface. Wait for the coat to dry to the touch, typically about 1-2 hours, then it’s time to apply the rubber paint for wood.
• Apply the first coat of paint and let it dry. Use the roller on larger areas and a smaller brush for the cracks and corners. The dry time is about 4-8 hours, and it’s crucial to ensure each coat is completely dry before applying the next one. Two coats are the minimum for proper sealing, protection, and appearance.
• After applying the final coat, inspect the deck for any flaws on the finish, such as thin spots, pinholes from air bubbles, or other imperfections. It’s better to fix these now than after the deck is fully cured.

Deck Maintenance

If you maintain your treated deck, it can last for over a decade. Concrete, vinyl, and composite decks require little maintenance other than regular sweeping and immediate clean-up of any spills. For wood decks, be prepared for a bit more maintenance due to the wood’s tendency to swell and shrink depending on the humidity, but that’s a different article for a different time.