She said standard brands, such as Behr and Valspar, work well. How to Paint a Composite Railing. TREX decking materials are being installed at the HGTV Dream Home 2016 Merritt Island, FL. Do not paint in direct sun. Do not use a pressure washer on non-capped composite decks. Wait around half an hour and then brush or roll out … (There is no online order form; customers need to call or email.) Use a deck cleaner that doesn’t have a warning on the label against use on non-capped composite decking, because some cleaners for capped decks are too harsh for original-style composite decking. Add to Cart Compare. To address these issues, Trex introduced a new kind of high-performance decking in 2010. When choosing a deck for your home, the choices you make around its size, shape, height, and colour, will determine the overall visual appeal of your deck as well as its spatial dimensions, which you will later put to good use when you’re kicking back on that sunchair or entertaining guests with a BBQ. Toners Once mixed, the components remain usable for only about 1 1/2 hours, so the company recommends mixing only a few quarts at a time and having two people work on the painting. Therefore, you can surely paint your composite decking when you want to change the color completely or simply like to freshen the look of the deck. Complete the job by applying a top quality latex floor and deck paint in a satin or semi-gloss finish (higher gloss levels have better mildew resistance and are easier to clean). Adding deck stain for composite decking or a topcoat of paint can help restore the color and beauty while extending your deck’s already long lifespan. If the water soaks in, then the wood can be painted. The two-person process recommended for Versacryl would also be helpful with other products. Apply the paint or stain when the boards are not in direct sunlight, which would cause the coating to dry too fast. Upon researching composite deck stain choices this was one of the first ones Trex recommended on … If you notice a scratch or damaged area on your Trex decking, fret not! While composite decks like Trex aren’t designed or required to be paintable or stainable, like their natural wood counterparts, they can and will accept paint under certain circumstances – if properly cleaned, prepped and primed. In many cases, this means painting only three or four boards at a time. Whenever possible, try to avoid ripping composite decking and use full boards for your surface. TRC-15 Gloss Black • Home • Auto Restoration • Industrial • Fleet • Marine • TECHNICAL DATA SUGGESTED USES: Heavy equipment,... $26.00. How to Care for Your Trex Deck If you do have to rip, put the rough, exposed cut side where flaws will be least noticeable. A: You are correct. pıãövær'‰k˜¨NÖó¡Ş»7øèÃò�è,+j0¶¨Ë¢)!oÔ_�zû¬Me”J>Uõ#¸¡)ª��UmUùédÃø­û†}o&Nmf”`#ÁpÚÙz¯Ì9¼êH'0tİx¥UİÉÜ‹sÙ½6«‡Ó;º¿íwk§ş*ÜÁr]©È�±zëfŞèævv¸Ÿ­Ì™÷X¨,Tjm¡VRS4¯°r*†Öݨ\àXˆ° î³xn´UÒVºÆ K?‘ Ά™Øua¡(תQЪÍÆOÓj]B;‹ƒ®pH,Æ©`½®ÊAZİ. Once the wood feels dry to the touch, sprinkle a bit of water on it. Do three or four boards at a time. A metal shovel can possibly chip the decking surface and void the warranty. You can see this by inspecting the ends of boards. Give your house a fresh, updated look with exterior paint. To address these issues, Trex introduced a new kind of high-performance decking in 2010. In our new place we are replacing the ground level deck and would like to use Trex again. Paints and stains that adhere well to wood will work as well or better with Trex products. Newer-Generation High Performance Trex Decking Newer-generation Trex deck boards (Trex Transcend ®) is manufactured with a high-performance shell that wraps around the composite board to protect it from the elements, … Next spring it will be time for us to repaint. Thurston suggested also considering Versacryl, a coating made by Versacryl Restoration Solutions (877-977-6545; versacrylrs.com) specifically for wood-plastic composite decking and vinyl surfaces. You should never use acetone or any type of solvent cleaning product on your Trex deck as these chemicals can damage the composite and negatively impact the aesthetic of the structure. If you're going to paint the deck, prime with an exterior latex stain-blocking primer made for plastic materials. With a few tools, you can easily repair your deck and enjoy your patio. Work your way toward steps so you have a way to exit without stepping on wet finish. In case you want to use oil-based product over the latex coating, you should be careful, otherwise the oil coating may develop cracks that can ruin the appearance of the deck. Calcium chloride or rock salt can be used to melt ice and snow on Trex decking. See chart at left. One person should go ahead with a brush to coat the edges of the boards and the places where decking meets the house, and the other should fill in behind with a roller to spread the paint over the full length of entire boards. Trex decking that has been faded can be painted or stained at any time, even years after it has been installed. Use plastic shovels (never metal) to remove snow and ice. Newer styles of … When decking is abutting a wall, you must also gap it 6—13 mm depending on the temperature at installation. Proper cleaning techniques remove paint from Trex decking. Use Deck Wash to remove mold and mildew from composite decking and unstained pressure-treated wood. Q: Your column "There are options for cleaning vintage Trex composite decking" was thorough about cleaning, but it really didn't help the homeowner in the long run. ever asks you if they should paint their Trex decking, you have all the experience needed to answer their question with both confidence and authority, having done that once yourself. Start at one edge and follow through the end of the boards. It has a protective UV-resistant film, so it requires less maintenance than oil paint. Dealing with gunk in the gaps in old hardwood floors. Thank you so much for reaching out to us with your questions. Stain small sections at a time and avoid lap marks. The paint won’t stick to the surface, no matter how hard you try. Trex is a composite material widely used for outdoor projects like decks and fencing. Versacryl, however, is not cheap. Composite decking is often touted as a maintenance-free alternative to lumber, yet over time its original color will fade, and some individual boards can become stained by spills. We were told that it is not advised to use Trex on ground level because it can get very hot and there is no circulation around the boards to cool them. Versacryl is a two-part product, shipped with one gallon of Part A and two gallons of Part B. When your deck and railing were installed several years ago you were thrilled it was made of low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for composite material. Bob Harris, one of the owners, acknowledged that the price seems steep, but he said it’s worth it for folks who want a coating that lasts for many years. How do I clean paint that’s dripped onto my Trex Deck? Adhesion Promoter Clear Sealer, Plastic, Primer, Paint, TRC-500A, 15 OZ Aerosol. The product is one “we have done extensive tests with and found to work great with our early generation boards,” Thurston said, noting that it has a 10-year warranty on color hold and a high resistance to mold and mildew. A topcoat of porch paint can then restore beauty to your deck and extend its life for … Our vacation house has Trex decking from the same era. How do you paint composite wood? Rinse area with water. If installing the decking around an existing structure, a simple router can be used to make curved cuts. Both of the remaining 2 products failed at this point. Apply stain using a good polyester brush. Rinse thoroughly with a hose, and let the decking dry. And since Trex is a composite material, you don’t have to carry out long-term maintenance such as replacing rotted deck boards. End-to-End/End-to-Width Gap Trex decking end-to-end, based upon the » temperature at installation. Instead of staining the decking boards, use paint to carry on the color scheme of the play house directly to the deck. Screwdriver test. We used Trex decking on our previous deck that was approx 3 feet above ground. If you use paint, make sure you use the top quality exterior latex coating. When painting the exterior of your home, it’s possible to accidentally stain your deck with paint drips or overspray. If you didn’t prime the surfaces, you can apply a quality acrylic latex solid color deck stain recommended for use on composite … Yes, you can paint or stain Trex decking or railing to achieve a custom color, but it is not necessary for protection. Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn Brian Patrick Flynn. There is also a slip-resistant ingredient that customers mix in. For your first question, this cleaning solution has been tested on the fabrics and you will not run into an issue with it causing fading of the cushion color. Can you pass on this suggestion? A homeowner has a deck made of Trex ... Stir product thoroughly before occasionally during use. Newer styles of … Once the staining is done, you can also apply a coat of composite deck finish following the label direction. Acrylic paint is a better option. For exterior wood composites, use a pressure washer with a low-pressure tip to clean. Next Up. The Trex deck boards can be cut and carved like timber without the need to use any special tools. A standard deck stain might need to be redone each year, he said. No matter how you design your deck or how you gussie it up with planters and pergolas, it still boils down to a big, flat walking surface. Photo by: Tony Flora /AP Images Tony Flora /AP Images. Care should be taken to rinse off when the weather makes this practical. If you have a small scratch or chip, use a composite deck repair kit. How to remove a window sash from its frame, Reattaching the bowl of a cast-iron birdbath, There are options for cleaning vintage Trex composite decking. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth and rub. Most deck coatings are self-priming, but use a primer first if the label of the final finish calls for that. Most colored chalk lines are permanent. Vintage Trex decking and other brands of composite decking made of a uniform mixture of wood fibers and plastic can be painted or even stained. How to Install Composite Decking With Screws. More than five years ago, the painter we hired to do our house took it upon himself to paint the Trex decking — the only time I have ever applauded a contractor's initiative of doing something without consulting us first. We agreed to take on the job of cleaning and sealing this deck. We really liked working with the Trex. Stains tend to work better than paints, but they might not last as long, she said — as is true for coatings on wooden decks. Quick view. Newer styles of composite decking capped with a shell of different material on the top and sides of boards cannot. The paint came off easily when the screwdriver was used to scrape against them with very little pressure. This characteristic makes it resistant to warping and rot. 2. You’ll need to use a paint remover to get rid of the oil first, and then sand the wood before you apply a new coat. How to Paint Metal Shutters . For staining, use a high-quality acrylic latex solid color deck stain recommended for composite decking. The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. If this happens, there is a product that can help get the paint or stain off: Krud Kutter, which you can find at Home Depot. Vintage Trex decking and other brands of composite decking made of a uniform mixture of wood fibers and plastic can be painted or even stained. How to Properly Paint Your Home's Exterior. Wash and clean yearly, and then about the 5th yr., you will have to repaint. Only use outdoor paint. Composites aren't designed to be as paintable as natural wood planks, but they can accept paint if the deck is properly cleaned, prepped and primed. After a few years, it became horribly ugly, and no amount of cleaning or brightening ever did more than just lighten the stains. Follow instructions on the label about whether to apply one or two coats. Before you paint or stain, check to make sure the decking isn’t one of the capped styles. For painting, use a high-quality latex floor and deck paint in a satin or semi-gloss finish. However you should use paint or stain that is made for a walking surface. Whichever paint or stain you pick, clean the deck thoroughly first. This homeowner had contacted Trex and was sent a clear composite decking stain that was supposed to help it stay mold free longer. If you have an original-style composite deck and want to paint or stain it, pick a product intended for decks or porches, not walls or trim. Do not prime if you're planning to stain the deck rather than painting it. To get a good colour spread, pattern and look that you are happy with, lay out all the boards and arrange them as you’d like them to be installed. Painting or staining vintage composite decking isn’t necessary to make the material last longer, but it can give the deck a new look — changing the color, eliminating stains from mildew or leaves, and evening out the color on decks where rugs or planters kept sunlight from reaching some areas. Any chalk lines and other marks that do not dust off will be permanent, but may be lightened with acetone, which is available in the paint department of any hardware store. One coat is recommended. We decided to do the screwdriver test as this would be similar to furniture moving on the decking. Vintage Trex decking and other brands of composite decking made of a uniform mixture of wood fibers and plastic can be painted or even stained. Here, the top-rated deck paints to use the next time you need a refresh. How do you know when it’s ready? If you get tired of the way that paint looks, take it off with a paint stripper. As of 2014, Trex no longer manufactures any early-generation composite decking. Unlike wood, which must be stained and sealed and is subject to wear and weathering, Trex is a long-lasting material that holds up well to an outdoor environment. Just check that the paint stripper doesn't affect the Trex by testing it in an inconspicuous area. Choose the Right Stain - The type of stain you choose depends on the appearance and durability you want to achieve. “Paints and stains that adhere well to wood and are meant for walking surfaces will work as well or better with early generation products,” Rochelle Thurston, a customer care representative for Trex, said in an email. » When you use the recommended hidden fasteners, the placement of the hidden fastener establishes TRC-15-Q, Rust Preventive Gloss Black Paint, Quart TRC-15-Q, Rust Preventive Underbody Gloss Black Paint. Paint brushes will give you the most control over the finished product, but paint rollers are the workhorse of the paint kit. For its products, Trex specifically recommends Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner ($9.98 per gallon at Home Depot) and Expert Chemical’s Composite Deck Cleaner & Enhancer ($19.98 a gallon at expertchemicalinc.com). If you have a larger scratch, dent, or dings, it is best to replace the entire board. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. For Trex use either baby powder or Irwin Strait-Line ® * Dust-Off Marking Chalk available at www.Irwin.com. Painting Wood Composites. Top. Paint or stain won’t stick properly to the shell and could ruin its color, Thurston said. CAN I USE ROCK SALT TO MELT ICE ON MY TREX DECKING? Unlike solid wood decking which is porous, Trex is waterproof. Clear While offering the least UV protection, clear stains provide an optimum view of natural wood grain. Chalk lines are typically used in construction to mark straight lines. The paint still looks beautiful with no peeling. To avoid creating lap marks, plan your work so you can complete entire boards while the coating is still wet. This will be ok for about 3-4 yrs. 4-inch nylon paintbrush Trex is a brand of wood-plastic composite decking made of sawdust and recycled plastics such as plastic grocery bags. 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