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A cozy and comfortable outdoor space starts with a quality finish paint. Top coat not only adds color to your garden, it also helps preserve the integrity of your wood by protecting it from damage from constant foot traffic, direct sunlight and the elements.
While applying a protective coat of paint to your exteriors is a good start to extend their lifespan. However, it is important to choose a finish color that suits your climate, wood species and personal preferences. Because color choice is important, our team researched the best top coat colors on Amazon to meet your specific product needs. Here are our top recommendations.
The 5 best colors for decks
- Easier to use:KILZ latex floor paint for indoor and outdoor use
- Best suited for wet areas:INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
- Best for wood:Ready Seal exterior seal and stain
- Ecological:Montage Signature Green interior and exterior paint
- Weather Resistant:Rust-Oil Marine Finish Paint
Compare top deck colors
| Product | Size | Finish-Typ | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| KILZ latex floor paint for indoor and outdoor use | 128 fluid ounces | Mate | 200-400 square meters |
| INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint | 128 fluid ounces | Mate | 80-120 square meters |
| Ready Seal exterior seal and stain | 5 gallons | not listed | 100–125 Quadratfuss per Gallon |
| Montage Signature Green interior and exterior paint | 128 fluid ounces | low gloss/semi gloss | 300 square meters |
| Rust-Oil Marine Finish Paint | 32 fluid ounces | Glow | 100 square meters |
| Product | Size | Finish-Typ | Roof |
Easiest to use: KILZ indoor and outdoor latex floor paint
KILZ latex floor paint for indoor and outdoor use
- 36,98 $
Prices at time of publication.
Available in two colors, this KILZ latex decking paint adds a colourful, crack and mildew resistant finish to covered or exposed porches and patios. The paint comes in a gallon can and covers 300-400 square feet of smooth surfaces with a smooth satin finish.
Advantages and disadvantages
✔ Features a low gloss enamel finish designed for decks, patios and porches
✔ Works on any previously primed or painted surface
✔ Resistant to scratches, fading, cracking or peeling
✘ Has a lower viscosity than other topcoats
✘ Not fully waterproof
Best for wet areas: INSL-X non-slip acrylic paint
INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
- 52,99 $
Prices at time of publication.
Benjamin Moore's INSL-X non-slip paint is designed for pool owners or those who live in areas with heavy rainfall. The paint is available in seven color variants and is characterized by color fastness and abrasion resistance, which give wooden surfaces a protective hold. The multi-purpose paint is also compatible with concrete and metal surfaces, so you can protect all your outdoor areas with a non-slip surface.
Advantages and disadvantages
✔ Leaves a durable, non-slip surface.
✔ It is suitable for outdoor and indoor applications.
✔ Dries quickly
✘ Some customers have had issues with the color not being exactly right
✘ Covers less surface than other colors
Best suited for wet areas
INSL-X Acrylic Anti-Slip Coating Paint
Best for Wood: Ready Seal exterior sealer and stain
Ready Seal exterior seal and stain
- 146,54 $
- 169 $
- 14% Discount
Prices at time of publication.
The water resistant and UV blocking formula of this stain and sealer makes it an excellent choice for treating wood.
It's also easy to maintain: apply directly to unprimed wood in warm or cold temperatures, without streaking or brushing. Don't worry about wet application, thinning or thinning and it can be applied in any temperature range.
Advantages and disadvantages
✔ Can be applied with a spray, roller or brush
✔ No thinning or thinning required
✔ Works on all types of wood
✘ It may take up to two weeks to reach full color
✘ Sometimes it can take a long time to dry completely
Greener: Montage Signature Green interior and exterior paint
Montage Signature Green interior and exterior paint
- 27,99 $
- 29,99 $
- 7% Discount
Prices at time of publication.
This interior/exterior paint was developed with environmental awareness in mind. It's made from raw, used latex paint and features a mold and mildew resistant finish that's backed by a 10-year guarantee. Available in over 15 colors, this mounting paint offers homeowners a choice of a matte or semi-gloss finish. With a water-based formula, this paint is easy to clean and can be customized for a custom finishOutsideor interior walls, floors and paneling.
Advantages and disadvantages
✔ Scrubs easily and protects against mold and mildew
✔ Marks can be erased without affecting color or finish
✔ Comes with a 10 year guarantee
✘ Multiple coats may be required for full coverage
✘ Some customers said it took a long time for the fumes to dissipate
More Weather Resistant: Rust-Oleum Marine Finish Paint
Rust-Oil Marine Finish Paint
- 18,98 $
- 20,98 $
- 10% Discount
Prices at time of publication.
Originally developed for boat decks, this oil-based paint features a weather-resistant, UV-protected formula that's great for homeowners who live in areas that experience frequent inclement weather. The long-lasting paint dries to a satin finish on fiberglass, wood or metal in just one hour. To match your deck and the surrounding exterior decor, the paint comes in nine colors including black, red and beige.
Advantages and disadvantages
✔ Has excellent gloss retention and is abrasion resistant
✔ Ideal for use on fiberglass, wood or metal
✔ Resistant to salt, mold and moisture
✘ Offers fewer color options than other deck colors
✘ Some customers said the paint color is not as listed
The best top paint brands
When purchasing top paint for your next home improvement project, it's important to choose a reputable brand that is known for making top quality top paint. Here are four top rated brands to consider when purchasing top paint.
KILZ
KILZ is an American company that has been providing color and foundation products for over 45 years. The brand is known for high-quality exterior paints such as KILZ Interior/Exterior Latex Floor Paint, an all-purpose exterior paint that is great for any deck or patio. To simplify the top coat process, the company even offers an all-in-one paint and primer solution that reduces labor and provides a durable coating.
Sherwin Williams
Sherwin-Williams, according to J.D. #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Interior & Exterior Paints Power is a leading painting company offering affordable and effective exterior paints for your deck or patio. Sherwin-Williams offers exterior paints in a variety of formula bases and gloss shades, with a variety of options to suit your exterior.
Fiber
Rust-Oleum is a trusted paint company that has been supplying rust and water resistant paints for almost any outdoor space for almost 100 years. Specializing in protective paints, the company has extensive experience in producing high-quality, long-lasting paints suitable for commercial and residential customers across the country.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore, a leading paint company serving homeowners for over 100 years, provides exterior paint solutions through its owned and operated brands including INSL-X. The company's portfolio of exterior paints is designed to cover a variety of surfaces such as asphalt, metal, tile and wood, protecting all exterior areas of your home.
Additional items you may need to paint your deck
An important first step in protecting your deck is choosing an appropriate paint. However, once you've decided on the color, there may be a few extra things needed to prepare your deck for your next outdoor gathering. Here are some tools and accessories to help you coat your deck with the color of your choice.
Dumond SmartStrip Advanced Abbeizmittel
If your wood deck is currently stained or painted, prepare the wood for a new coat of paint with a stain and varnish remover. This paint stripper from Dumond will help you with this with its odorless, biodegradable formula that removes existing layers of paint. Once the remover has entered your deck, you can use onefloor scraperto remove the decal from the platform.
Yanyi formbarer Epoxidkleber
This easy-to-use epoxy adhesive is kneaded by hand and applied directly to any visible cracks or breaks in your deck's surface, allowing you to apply paint evenly across the surface. After you apply the epoxy, you want to use itSandpaperto even out any imperfections in your deck caused by epoxy or weathered wood.
Tape for exterior painters
This painter's tape is designed to adhere to rough exterior surfaces and provide a protective boundary between your deck and finished surfaces such as brick or siding. The product contains a strong adhesive that can stay on your patio for up to 10 days, lasting the life of your project.
Bates 11 piece painting supplies
Equipped with a roller frame, roller knobs, brushes and a paint tray, this Bates paint set includes the tools you need to apply your paint to decking boards, railings and stairs. To speed up the painting process, Bates aTelescopic Extension PoleThis can help you stand and walk upright when painting wooden decks.
Factors to consider before purchasing patio paint
When deciding on a top coat, consider the qualities and specifications of each color and how it affects its appearance and performance. Here are six factors to consider before purchasing and applying top coat paint.
Water based vs Oil based
When using exterior paints, you have a choice of water-based or oil-based products. Water-based paint, often referred to as latex paint, has a more flexible consistency than its oil-based counterpart. As a result, the color retains its appearance even with seasonal changes in the wood and better wicks away trapped moisture.
While oil-based paints tend to crack and blister over time due to their inflexibility, they are more cold resistant than latex paints. Also, oil paints generally cover a larger surface area than their latex counterparts, so a second coat isn't always necessary.
primer
While the durability of the paint you choose will depend on whether it is water or oil based, you can extend its life by priming your deck with a primer. The primer is applied before your chosen coat of paint and ensures the wood is protected and ready for a finish coat.
surface gloss
An exterior paint's gloss refers to its luster, which can range from a matte, matte finish to a high-gloss, glossy appearance. Flat surfaces are typically used on large exterior wood surfaces to hide scratches and surface imperfections. Glossy lacquers are easy to clean and are mainly used on decorative surfaces such as doors or accessories.
protective properties
Many exterior paints contain additives that help protect the deck lining from wear and tear from high traffic areas or inclement weather conditions. A popular additive is acrylic paint, which increases flexibility and weather resistance. Paints contain varying percentages of added acrylic, although the more expensive paints usually contain a higher percentage to give a longer lasting finish.
Other common color additives include UV and mildew resistant additives designed for areas exposed to direct sunlight or heavy rain.
Roof
Coverage refers to the number of square feet covered by a single can of paint. The amount of coverage depends on a number of factors including the nature of the painted surface and the tool used to apply the paint. Coverage is typically between 200 and 500 square feet.
dry season
The drying time of the paint depends on several factors, such as the type of paint and the outside temperature and humidity. Depending on the color, drying times can range from four to 24 hours. To ensure your paint dries properly, consult the manufacturer's instructions for information on optimal air temperature, humidity, and exposure to sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my patio paint last?
The number of years your paint will last will depend on factors such as where you live and how the surface is used, although multiple coats of quality exterior paint are requiredshould last 10 to 15 years.
Should you paint or stain your patio?
Choosing whether to stain or paint your deck comes down to preference. If you're looking for a simple protection solution that requires minimal effort, pickling is a great choice. Deck stains are usually applied in a single coat and have a liquid consistency, making them easy to spread over wood siding.
If you're looking for a more durable solution and don't mind the cost or extra hassle, painting might be a better option. Paint comes in a variety of colors and typically makes for an easy-to-clean surface that makes deck maintenance easier.
Can it be painted over existing top coat?
Yes. However, it is important to remove any cracked, blistered or peeling paint before applying a new coat. This can be done with a paint scraper or sander and is an important step before painting to ensure the paint is properly adhering to your deck.
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FAQs
What can I mix with paint to make it opaque? ›
Add White. My go-to technique for making acrylic paint more opaque is to add a bit of white to the transparent color. I specifically use Titanium White since it's the white color with the most opacity. My favorite brand of acrylic paint is Liquitex, but you can find Titanium White in most major acrylic brands.
What is the most opaque artist paint? ›The most opaque acrylic paint
As stated by Winsor & Newton, the paint color with the highest opacity is Titanium White.
Soft Body Acrylic Paints and Acrylic Inks
Acrylic Inks and Soft Body, High Flow or Fluid Acrylic Paints are the perfect consistency for acrylic pour painting. Their consistency usually falls between milk (ink and high flow) and heavy cream (soft body and fluid).
Acrylic paint
This paint is popular because it dries quickly, enabling an artist to work over a painted area almost immediately.
8 Tips on How to Imitate Glass
1) Paint several transparent layers which intersect each other. Use a lot of water to create thin layers. 2) Use a lot of hues and shades of the same color. Mix colors to get new tones which have slight differences from each other.
But cornstarch gel is pretty clear, which means that if you paint it onto something like a canvas or T shirt, it isn't that visible. To make cornstarch gel into a good paint, you have to add pigment to make it opaque, or hard to see through.
What is the hardest paint to use in art? ›Watercolour is the hardest medium to master because it can be very difficult to fix mistakes. The transparent nature of watercolour means that mistakes show through the layers. As such, you cannot easily erase or paint over the errors in the same way that you would with opaque mediums such as acrylic or oil.
What is the hardest art to paint? ›However, abstract art is also considered by some to be the most challenging due to the lack of rules and definitions. To me, abstract art is defined by the overall feel achieved by the painting and I certainly appreciate the talent of those able to create great abstract art.
What is the hardest painting to paint? ›Watercolor painting is low-maintenance. Yet, it's the hardest to master, and many would agree that it's the most challenging medium to paint with.
What color combinations are best for acrylic pouring? ›Neutrals, such as white, black, beige, and gray work alongside any color on the wheel. I also find gold, silver and pale colors with lots of white added to them, also work well as neutrals in acrylic pouring.
How do you make big cells in acrylic pouring? ›
You will get lots of big cells by adding both pouring medium and silicone oil to your acrylic paint mix. When you pour this mixture onto a surface the cells will very quickly reveal themselves.
Is there a difference between acrylic paint and acrylic pouring paint? ›Pouring paint is an acrylic-based paint mixed with a pouring medium. A medium is added to thicken the paint's consistency, making it suitable for pouring. By pouring or tipping the paint onto a surface, the colours melt together to create stunning marble and drip-like effects.
What is the name of opaque paint? ›Gouache (/ɡuˈɑːʃ, ɡwɑːʃ/; French: [ɡwaʃ]), body color, or opaque watercolor is a water-medium paint consisting of natural pigment, water, a binding agent (usually gum arabic or dextrin), and sometimes additional inert material. Gouache is designed to be opaque.
What is the hardest paint when dry? ›When it comes to durability, an enamel- or oil-based paint is usually the right choice. That said, if you don't prepare the surface properly beforehand, these paints won't last as well as they should.
What paint dries very hard and shiny? ›Enamel dries with a hard glass-like finish that is easy to clean and hard to stain. Enamel paint is available in satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. Oil-based/enamel paints are commonly used for trim, cabinets, and other possible high-impact areas due to the high durability of enamel paint's finish.
Why do you put baking soda in acrylic paint? ›Baking soda will turn any acrylic paint into a textured paint that will transform an everyday mason jar, thrift store glass vase, or ordinary bottle into a chic, elegant showpiece.
Why is my paint not opaque? ›I don't know what brand you use, but if your paints appear translucent on the canvas, it may be due to the paint having more filler and less pigment. The exact ratio of pigment to filler can vary from brand to brand, but in general the Artist Quality paints will have more pigment than the Student Quality paints.
What gives paint opacity? ›The opacity or hiding power of a paint film is dependent upon the pigments ability to both scatter and absorb light. Scattering of light is dependent on the pigment's refractive index – the higher the refractive index, the greater the light scattering hence the better the opacity.
What is the most unforgiving art medium? ›Pen and ink
Ink is a powerful but unforgiving art medium, so you really need to master ink drawing skills before you start creating with it. What makes pen and ink artworks so expressive is the ratio of the blank spaces and the ink-filled spaces on paper.
Acrylic paint is one of the most common and most cost-effective types of paints used by artists. It attaches to most bases (wood, canvas, metal..) and as opposed to oil paint, acrylic paint dries very fast. The substance that embeds the color pigments is a water-based acryl emulsion.
What is the best art paint for beginners? ›
Acrylic paint is pretty easy to work with, making it a great option for beginners. We use acrylic paint because it dries very quickly. For at-home painting, watercolor paint is also a beginner-friendly paint that is convenient and easy to clean up.
What is the rarest painting? ›The most expensive paintings in the world
While some works of art are priceless, others have been sold with an astronomical price tag. The most expensive painting ever sold is the Salvator Mundi, the Saviour of the World in English, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.
WHITE. White is notoriously one of the most difficult paint colors to choose on both interiors and exteriors. Why? Well, white can harbor a number of different undertones and it is extremely affected by lighting and surrounding colors.
What is the hardest paint to master? ›The hardest medium to master is watercolour. This is because, aside from planning, the artist has little control over what will happen as the paint goes into the paper, although the painter can guide it, the watercolour mixture has a life of its own.
What paint shows the least flaws? ›Flat paint has a velvety, matte look and is the best choice to hide any wall imperfections.
What paint is easiest to touch up? ›Flat / Matte Paint
The good news is that flat paint is easy to touch up. Matte paint is not recommended for bathrooms and kitchens, but it is ideal for living room walls, ceilings, bedrooms, and walls which have many imperfections.
“Acrylic paint lasts the longest and is also known for resisting all sorts of damage caused by weather and other natural variables. Acrylic paint is also excellent for resisting fading or damage caused by exposure to the sun, making it perfect for homes located in hot regions or climates.”
In what order do you pour paint? ›Pour the heaviest colour in the cup first then add each subsequently lighter and lighter colours. This is why you see a lot of white done first: it's very dense and therefore will sink down through your lighter colours. Pictured here are the same three paints layered in two different orders.
What is the best ratio for acrylic pour? ›A typical rule of thumb for medium body acrylics is 1 part paint to 3 parts pouring medium, meaning you're using more pouring medium than you are actual acrylic paint.
Do you wet the brush before using acrylic paint? ›Acrylic Paint Instructions and Tips. You don't 'need' to start with a wet brush, but if you want your paint to glide smoothly then it's best to have the bristles wet. I just quickly dip my brush in water, it doesn't have to be soaking wet.
What should I add to my acrylic paints to make them easier for pouring? ›
To do an acrylic pour, you need to change the consistency of your paint into a fluid consistency. This is achieved by using an additive such as elmer's glue, floetrol, Liquitex pouring medium.
Do acrylic pour paintings sell well? ›Acrylic paintings can sell for a wide range of prices, depending on the factors mentioned above. In general, acrylic paintings may sell for anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
What is the best symbol for opaque? ›The symbol used to show the transparency of a paint is an empty square while a coloured-in square is used to show opaqueness.
What color does opaque look like? ›The term opaque originated from the Latin, meaning 'dark' meaning 'not transparent' and opaque substance does not let any light pass through at all. A paint that is opaque will give a solid colour. Blacks and whites are always opaque and any colour mixed with them will become more opaque.
What kind of paint does Bob Ross use? ›In 'The Joy of Painting' Bob Ross uses rather thick oil paints. Please be careful not to get acrylic based paints, as these will not work for Bob's wet-on-wet-technique.
Is there a paint that never dries? ›Anti-climb paint is a non-drying, petroleum gel based paint that's applied thickly to surfaces which might be used by vandals, thieves and intruders. The paint does not set, remaining in gel form and therefore very slippery.
Is there a paint that hardens? ›HDX Paint Hardener is used to harden latex paints. The superabsorbent powders encapsulate the liquid component of the paint, forming a solid block of material. The hardened paint is acceptable for curbside disposal.
How do you increase the opacity of paint? ›Mixing: The Opacity can be adjusted by mixing the paint with other materials like a transparent base, solvent (for solvent-based paints) or water (for water-based paints). The more the paint is mixed with these materials the more transparency you can achieve.
How do I make the background opaque in paint? ›Paint has a "Transparent Selection" option in the "Selection" drop-down menu, which claims to make the background color of the selected area of the image transparent or opaque.
What are the mediums used for the opaque technique? ›Creating an "oil-like" acrylic painting (opaque technique)
Use a canvas-covered medium. Dilute your colors just slightly with water, or use them straight out of the tube. Start by applying color to the largest areas, then add the various motifs of your composition.
What color is opaque? ›
The term opaque originated from the Latin, meaning 'dark' meaning 'not transparent' and opaque substance does not let any light pass through at all. A paint that is opaque will give a solid colour. Blacks and whites are always opaque and any colour mixed with them will become more opaque.
What is high opacity paint? ›The higher opacity of trade paints means less chance of the substrate grinning through and therefore less coats are required. The paint life is extended as trade quality paints usually hold their colour longer and are more durable than DIY paints.
What paints are opaque? ›Some media such as gouache, chalks and pastels will always be opaque, because the medium itself is opaque. Other media such as watercolours, oils and acrylics are transparent, so the transparency/opacity of the paint will depend on another factor, which is the pigment used in each colour.
What kind of paint is see through? ›Transparent (or translucent) paints allow more light to pass through them. They are 'see through'.
What additive makes acrylic paint more opaque? ›1 – Add Titanium White or Carbon Black
Titanium White is the most opaque color. The easiest way to make acrylics more opaque is to mix acrylic paint with a small amount of Titanium White .