Trex is a popular composite decking material made from wood fibers and plastic resins. It is known for its durability, low maintenance, and wood-like appearance. When installing a new Trex deck, an important decision is whether to leave it bare, paint it, or apply a transparent stain. There are pros and cons to each option that must be considered carefully.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare painting vs. staining Trex decking. You’ll learn the key factors to consider when deciding between paint and stain for Trex. We’ll also provide tips on proper surface preparation, top coat options, application methods, and maintenance requirements. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make the best choice for your specific project.
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The Pros and Cons of Painting vs. Staining Trex
Let’s start by examining the relative advantages and disadvantages of painting and staining Trex deck boards.
Painting Trex Decking
Pros:
- Provides a vibrant, consistent color across the entire deck
- Excellent for hiding scratches, stains, and other flaws
- Can match any exterior paint color
- Minimal surface prep needed
- Long lasting protection when maintained properly
Cons:
- Hides the natural wood grain pattern
- Needs re coating every 2-4 years
- Challenging to repair if damaged
- Color fade can be difficult to correct
- Surface prep mistakes can cause peeling
Staining Trex Decking
Pros:
- Enhances the texture and color variation
- Allows the wood grain pattern to show through
- Lower maintenance than paint
- Easier to reapply and make repairs
- Less prep work required
Cons:
- Does not hide flaws as well as paint
- Color variation across boards is common
- Needs reapplication every 1-2 years
- Hard to dramatically change color
- Not as protective as paint
As you can see, both paint and stain have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. The key is selecting the right application for your specific Trex deck.
Factors to Consider
When deciding between painting or staining, there are several important factors to take into account:
1. Desired Aesthetic
What is your preferred look? Paint provides a solid, consistent color but obscures wood grain. Stain enhances the texture and natural patterns. If you want a bold, vibrant color, paint is likely the better choice. For a more natural wood appearance, select a semi-transparent stain.
2. Deck Condition
Is your Trex deck brand new or older and weathered? Paint is great for concealing flaws like scratches, cracks, splinters, and stains. Stain works better on decks in good condition since flaws will still show through.
3. Location and Exposure
Decks in full sun or high-traffic areas will need recoating more frequently. The shorter maintenance schedule of stain may be preferable for high-exposure locations. Paint lasts longer on decks with partial shade or minimal foot traffic.
4. Preparation Requirements
Paint needs thorough prep and careful attention to details like masking and trim protection. Stain needs less time-consuming surface preparation. If you want a quick project, stain may be easier to apply.
5. Color Flexibility
Stain allows some of the original deck color to show through, limiting your color selection. Paint can transform Trex to any solid exterior paint color. If you want to change the deck color dramatically, paint offers more options.
6. Maintenance Considerations
Stain needs reapplication every 1-2 years. Paint lasts 2-4 years before needing a new coat. If you don’t want the hassle of frequent recoating, paint provides longer-lasting protection. However, properly maintained stain can enhance rather than cover up the deck’s look over time.
Consider these factors carefully in relation to your specific deck project. Determine whether aesthetics, surface preparation, color options, or maintenance convenience is top priority to make the right choice between paint and stain.
How to Prepare Trex Decking for Painting or Staining
Proper prep work is essential to ensure the paint or stain bonds well and provides maximum durability:
For Painting:
- Clean deck thoroughly with a deck wash product to remove dirt, debris, and mold
- Allow deck to dry completely before beginning project
- Sand lightly with 80-120 grit sandpaper to improve adhesion
- Remove existing stains, coatings, or failing paint
- Apply painter’s tape around trim boards to protect them
- Cover any nearby plants or surfaces for overspray protection
For Staining:
- Clean deck using a power washer or stiff bristle brush
- Allow deck to dry completely before applying stain
- Use sandpaper or orbital sander to remove any loose material
- Test absorbency in an inconspicuous area to ensure proper penetration
- No need to mask off or cover nearby surfaces
Sanding provides “tooth” for the new finish to adhere to. Be sure deck is immaculately clean and dry before painting or staining. Careful surface prep prevents problems like chipping, cracking, or peeling later on.
Top Paints and Stains for Trex Decking
These top-rated products are recommended for painting or staining Trex composite decking:
Paints:
- Behr Premium Semi-Gloss Exterior Paint – Provides maximum durability and fade resistance.
- Rust-Oleum RockSolid Metallic Finish – Offers unique metallic sheen in many colors.
- Valspar Duramax Exterior Acrylic Latex – Excellent color retention and weather resistance.
- KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence & Barn Paint – Specifically formulated for exterior vertical surfaces.
- INSL-X Cabinet Coat Urethane Acrylic – Hard wearing industrial grade finish.
Stains:
- Trex Hideaway Composite Deck Cleaner – Prep deck for staining using manufacturer approved cleaner.
- Penofin Pro-Tech Composite Deck Stain – Specifically designed for composite decks.
- Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain – Enhances wood grain with semi-transparent oil-based formula.
- DEFY Extreme Exterior Clear Wood Stain – Provides optimal UV protection and mold resistance.
- Messmers UV Plus for Composite Decking – Water-based stain with excellent UV protection.
Look for exterior grade products designed specifically for composite decking. Apply a minimum of two coats following manufacturer directions.
How to Apply Paint to a Trex Deck
Follow these steps to properly paint a Trex deck:
- Complete surface preparation as outlined above.
- Apply painter’s tape around the perimeter and top of support posts.
- Stir paint thoroughly before and periodically during application.
- Apply first coat using a 3/8” nap roller, nylon/polyester brush, or airless sprayer.
- Allow first coat to dry completely, at least 24 hours.
- Lightly sand first coat using 220 grit sandpaper to improve adhesion.
- Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
- Apply second coat using same method as first coat.
- Remove masking tape immediately after final coat.
- Allow paint to cure fully before placing furniture on deck, about 2-3 days.
Tips for Painting Trex Decks:
- Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks as you paint.
- Use angled painting pads to coat support posts and vertical surfaces.
- Work in smaller sections if painting in hot or windy conditions.
- Intermix cans of same color paint to ensure color consistency.
Take the time to properly prepare, prime, and paint the deck to achieve an attractive, long-lasting color.
How to Apply Stain to a Trex Deck
These are the basic steps for staining a Trex deck:
- Clean deck thoroughly and allow to dry.
- Mask or cover any adjacent surfaces that could get stain drips.
- Purchase oil-based, water-based, or gel stain suited for composite decks.
- Test absorbency by applying to a small hidden area of deck first.
- If needed, apply stain conditioner to regulate absorbency.
- Stir stain thoroughly and apply first coat using a pad applicator, roller, or brush.
- Keep stained surface wet and avoid overlap marks.
- Allow first coat to dry per manufacturer’s directions, commonly 2-6 hours.
- Apply second coat to achieve desired color intensity.
- Remove masking and allow stain to cure 24-48 hours before use.
Tips for Staining Trex Decks:
- Work in manageable sections starting away from exit path.
- Maintain a wet edge and move quickly to avoid lap marks.
- Apply light even coats rather than heavy application.
- Use a paintbrush to carefully coat support posts and vertical surfaces.
- Apply along length of boards to minimize color differences.
Proper application technique will help the stain penetrate evenly and minimize color variation across the deck boards.
Maintenance Requirements
To make your paint or stain job last, Trex decks require some periodic maintenance:
For paint:
- Expect to recoat ever 2-4 years depending on exposure and traffic.
- Reapply when color fading or paint wear becomes noticeable.
- Clean and prepare surface before recoating.
- Spot paint any damaged or peeled areas as needed.
For stain:
- Plan to reapply stain every 1-2 years.
- Clean deck thoroughly before re-staining.
- Spot treat any faded or high-traffic areas before reapplication.
- Re-stain entire deck to maintain uniform appearance.
Proper maintenance preserves the freshly painted or stained look. Inspect your deck periodically and recoat at the first sign of wear. A well-maintained finish protects Trex and enhances its beauty over the years.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to paint or stain your Trex decking is an important choice. Paint provides vibrant color and bolder look, while stain showcases the wood grain and natural variation. Prepare surfaces carefully, select quality topcoats, and apply properly for best results. Maintain freshly painted or stained decks by reapplying coats every few years before they erode. With the right prep work and application, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting paint or stain on Trex composites. Carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider your individual preferences to choose the ideal finish coat for your deck.