The curb appeal of your home relies on proper paint and deck staining. Keeping up with your curb appeal and making necessary repairs will help your home value remain high. Even if you are not thinking about selling your home, having curb appeal helps make the house feel more like a home and increases the appeal of the neighborhood. 

Deck staining and exterior painting are just two elements that play a role in residential curb appeal. Media’s Painting offers both of these services to help homeowners elevate their homes. In this blog, we will share the benefits of these exterior services and how you can determine the right products for your home.

Benefits Of Deck Staining

Many homes can benefit from a deck or patio space for relaxation and entertainment. Using your deck for multiple activities means that it needs to be protected from foot traffic and weather. Even the most durable materials can benefit from a coating, stain, or paint in order to withstand different elements. Using your deck for normal recreational activities can cause damage, so added protection is crucial for decks in all places. 

The biggest benefit of deck staining is protecting material from rotting. Wood or composite materials can start to rot after too much sun exposure or moisture. Protecting a deck with a stain or paint will reduce the deterioration from the elements. 

Deck staining will also prevent discoloration from UV rays. Constant exposure to sun will wear down the particles and cause discoloration of wood or other deck materials. Homeowners may have to re-stain the deck every few years to keep up the true color. Even if the stain fades, the material of your deck will not be damaged by the sun because of the coating.

Additional benefits of deck staining include:

• Stronger surface
• Match the landscaping or make it stand out with bolder color
• Prevent moisture absorption
• Limit mold and mildew growth

Deck Materials That Can Be Painted

Some materials can benefit more from exterior paint than from a stain. Painting your deck is possible, but certain materials work better with paint than others. 

Pressure-Treated Wood

Most wood types can be painted with the right exterior paint, but pressure-treated wood is treated with chemicals to resist rot and make the paint last for longer. Before painting pressure-treated wood, make sure to use a primer and a paint that is recommended for your climate.

Composite Decking

Made from a mix of wood and plastic, composite can be painted to give some more life to your deck. While this material is more expensive than wood, it can reduce the time needed for maintenance. Before painting your composite deck, make sure that your specific material can be painted. Specialized paint is formulated for composite materials and will need to be applied in the right manner. 

PVC Decking

An entirely synthetic material like PVC is low maintenance and is resistant to moisture and bugs. This is a great material for outdoor decks, especially if they are painted. PVC comes in limited color options, so using synthetic-approved paint can help you create more personality on your deck. Use a paint and primer that is designed for plastic.

Hardwood

Many residents choose hardwood for its durability and stunning color options. Hardwoods will require a heavy-duty primer in order for the paint to adhere properly. Because these woods are so dense, they need a primer in order to hold the paint for longer. Typically, you can stain or coat hardwood decks and they will remain durable. 

Benefits Of Exterior Paint

Choosing a paint for the exterior of your home will ensure that your outdoor materials remain durable. Investing money into the construction of your home means you should do everything you can to protect it. Applying paint to the exterior of your home will keep your siding, roof, and even concrete in better condition. 

Homes with a cohesive color scheme have higher curb appeal. Proper paint that isn’t chipping or fading will enhance curb appeal and increase the resale value of your home. Aesthetics may not be important to every homeowner, but in the world of real estate, paint and design are important when it comes time to leave your home. 

Additional benefits of exterior paint include:

• Protection from extreme weather like wind, dirt, rain, and snow
• Limit the risk of insect infestation
• Improved temperatures inside your home (colder in the summer, warmer in the winter)
• UV protection and less sun fading
• Save money on external repairs
• Compliance with HOA requirements
• Seal small cracks and holes

Choosing The Right Paint Or Stain

Depending on the material, the age of your deck, and your climate, your paint or stain choice could vary. Younger decks made of wood can benefit from wood stains that let the natural grain peek through. Make sure to use a stain that is recommended for temperatures in your area and is moisture-resistant if your deck isn’t covered. 

Paint will often provide more protection from UV light, but some paints are specifically designed to withstand sun exposure. Paints with UV protection will last longer than other exterior paints and won’t chip or crack. 

Different paint types are best for certain materials. For example, acrylic and oil paint are best used for wood decks. They are durable and provide UV protection. They can also come in a variety of finishes to help make your deck look modern. 

All paints will require a primer to be applied before application. Choose a primer that matches your paint type to ensure the best adherence. 

Services From Media’s Painting

Whether you are looking for interior or exterior painting services, our experts have you covered. When it comes to an appealing home, having a professional paint job can make all the difference. We offer color consultations and free quotes to ensure you love the final result. Reach out to our team to get started on your exterior paint project today.