Can You Paint Composite Decking?

Can you paint composite decking is a question routinely asked by customers and the simple answer to the question is yes you can. However, one of the main benefits of composite decking is that as a low maintenance option it doesn’t need to be painted or sealed in order to retain its aesthetic appeal. In fact painting your composite decking may actually affect the performance of your decking.

So, rather than asking can you paint composite decking, maybe the question should be “whether you should paint composite decking” In this blog post we are going to answer that question for you as well.

Why Do People Paint Composite Decking ?

The main reason people paint composite decking is purely aesthetic if they are looking to change its appearance in line with the design or colour scheme of your outdoor space. While some people think that painting composite decking will help increase its lifespan this is definitely not the case. 

As we mentioned above if you paint your composite decking you are running the risk of it fading or chipping which in turn will lead to increased maintenance costs which sort of defeats the object of installing it in the first place. 

The fact that Composite decking is now available in a range of styles and colours means it can cater for all different tastes. For example if you want a contemporary and modern outdoor space you could choose either our black composite decking, or grey composite decking, while our brown composite decking is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a more natural traditional feel. 

What Happens If You Paint Composite Decking? 

Whereas with timber the paint is applied to the surface in composite decking the colour is added during the manufacturing process and can be found throughout the whole of the board. This ensures that you will have a colour that stays vibrant for many years. 

The make up of composite decking makes it extremely difficult to paint without it appearing unprofessional and messy. Another problem is that when exposed to the extremities of UK weather conditions it is likely to fade, chip or flake. We would always advise clients not to paint composite decking, however if you are determined to do so then it is imperative you speak to a professional, however hopefully after reading this blog post you will give it a miss. 

Why There Is No Need To Paint Composite Decking 

One of the main reasons you don’t need to paint your composite decking is that it is now available  in a range of styles and colours means it can cater for all different tastes. Being made from a blend of wood fibres and plastics means that it is resistant to UV rays and weathering which helps prevent fading.

Additionally, many composite boards are manufactured with UV inhibitors and protective coatings, meaning they will retain their colour even if they experience prolonged periods of exposure to sunlight. 

Composite decking is specifically designed to be low maintenance and as such does not need any treatments or paint to keep it in good condition and looking pristine. All you need to do is brush it and wash it down occasionally to keep it free from leaves, dirt and other garden debris. If for some reason you decide to paint your decking then it will require a significant amount of maintenance to keep it looking as good as new. 

The way composite decking is manufactured means that it is not really meant to be painted. Long lasting, durable and available in a variety of different colours, composite decking is the perfect choice for any kind of outdoor space. With the options open to you in terms of colour and design we firmly believe that once made your choice from our extensive range you’ll be in no rush to change it. 

Hopefully the information contained in this blog post will leave you better informed when it comes to the merits of painting composite decking. If you are considering installing composite decking then why not speak to our expert team here at Modern Garden. We have a range of sizes including 2.4m composite decking and 4m composite decking meaning that whatever your specific needs for your outdoor space we can help.