Composite decking is popular because it offers impressive durability and low maintenance thanks to its blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics. Still, painting or staining a composite deck has many benefits, including a refreshed style and improved protection from everyday exposure to weather and temperature changes.

Painting or staining your composite deck is a quick and cost-effective project, especially with the help of the friendly experts at Sherwin-Williams. This guide contains details on how to paint or stain composite decking, tips to ensure success and answers to common questions you might encounter along the way.

While composite decking differs from other, more traditional wood compositions, you still have the option to paint or stain your composite deck with the right preparation and products. Composite decking has a denser surface than other wood, so the stain doesn't absorb as easily. However, by cleaning the surface and then applying SuperDeck^® Exterior Waterborne Solid Color Stain, you can count on a durable and attractive finish. You can also paint your composite decking with our Porch & Floor Enamel, which delivers a long-lasting finish with excellent dirt resistance in high-traffic locations like a deck.

When you paint or stain your composite deck, you're helping this integral piece of your outdoor space last longer and look better. Here are some key benefits of painting or staining a composite deck:

• Refresh & Rejuvenate: Time can take a toll on your deck. So, when you start seeing signs of wear, fading or chipping, it's probably time to refinish. Paint and stain instantly revamp your outdoor space by covering your deck's imperfections and providing a refreshed look.
• Choose Your Color: Do you have a dream deck color in mind? If so, painting or staining your composite deck is the perfect opportunity to utilize the color you love. Thankfully, Sherwin-Williams offers a wide range of paint and stain colors to consider.
• Protective Coating: Whether you paint your composite decking or opt for staining, your deck will receive a boost in durability. Paint and stain act as protective barriers from precipitation, temperature changes and repeated foot traffic.

Properly preparing your deck is a crucial first step in achieving results you're proud of. Start by removing plants and furniture from the deck and covering nearby shrubs with plastic sheeting to protect them from paint and stain. Next, clean your deck using a scrub brush and mild detergent to remove debris and dust. It's also helpful to use a paint scraper to remove chipping or peeling paint.

If you're staining your composite deck, you'll want to remove the previous finish to allow the new stain to penetrate and adhere properly. For this step, we recommend using SuperDeck^® Stain and Sealer Remover.

Once you've cleaned and prepared the surface and surrounding work area, it's time for the heart of the project: painting or staining your composite deck! For excellent results, we encourage you to use a high-quality brush for the more detailed areas and a roller for the wider, easy-to-cover sections. You'll also want to apply two coats of Sherwin-Williams' best paint for composite decking, our Porch & Floor Enamel. If you're staining composite decking, use SuperDeck^® Exterior Waterborne Solid Color Stain.

After you've applied composite decking paint or stain and allowed for ample drying time, the final step is cleaning up the space and enjoying your deck! After the final coat is dry, move your furniture back onto the deck and remove the plastic sheeting from the shrubs. Then, admire your newly refinished deck and start planning your next outdoor hangout.

• Porch & Floor Enamel
• SuperDeck^® Exterior Waterborne Solid Color Stain

• Brushes 
• Rollers & Frames

OTHER TOOLS & SUPPLIES

• Paint Scraper
• Scrub Brush
• Plastic Sheeting
• SuperDeck^® Stain and Sealer Remover