Pressure-treated wood is a great, low-maintenance option for outdoor woodwork around your home or office, but you will need to freshen it up before it becomes too gray and dull.
People typically choose pressure-treated wood because it is less likely to rot or become infested by insects. That means it’s ideal for different kinds of outdoor uses. Pressure-treated wood will become dull and gray if it is not maintained or painted.
Spectra Painting Contractors in the greater Boston area is experienced in working with pressure-treated wood and making it look great.
Here are a few things to know about painting pressure-treated wood
- Pressure-treated wood contains chemicals
Pressure-treated wood is chemically treated to protect it from decay and insect infestation. Usually, the wood gets coated with oils, organic solvents, or water-borne salts. These chemicals are applied using high pressure, so it soaks deep into the wood. Although the chemicals help protect it from the elements, pressure-treated wood does require some regular maintenance to ensure it stays in good shape.
- The wood needs to be clean
Before any painting project, you’ll want the surface to be clean. You can use a pressure washer or garden hose to remove any dirt and debris from the wood. If you’re working with relatively new pressure-treated wood, use soapy water and a brush to clean it and rinse it with water. You’ll want to leave the wood alone to allow it to weather for about 60 days. In that time, the chemicals should leave the wood. Once the chemicals are out of the wood, you can move forward with your painting project Note that it’s important to maintain a cleaning routine even after the wood is painted to make sure the pressure-treated wood keeps looking its best.
- You may have to wait a while for it to dry
The drying process can take quite a while, depending on how new the wood is, the types of chemicals used to treat it, and the local humidity levels. Generally, treated wood takes about two or three weeks to dry completely as the chemicals gradually leave the wood grain. It is important to allow the wood to completely dry, otherwise, the moisture could cause the paint to peel and bubble up.
- Test the wood to be sure it’s ready
You can test the wood by performing a sprinkle test. You do that by sprinkling some water onto the wood and see if it soaks in. If the water does soak in, then the wood is dry and ready for primer and paint. If the water sits on the surface and beads up, then you’ll need to give it more time to dry.
Priming the pressure-treated wood is a crucial step. It is best to use a primer designed for the outdoors so it can withstand the wear and tear from moisture and sunlight. The professionals at Spectra Painting Contractors are always happy to handle your outdoor wood painting projects and know the best primers and methods for the job. Once the primer is on, it will need to dry out completely. This drying process should take a day or two.
- The wood may need to be sealed
Even though pressure-treated wood contains chemicals that protect it from rot and insect infestations, it still might have natural knots and dark spots in the wood grain. You can quickly fill these in with a knot sealer designed for outdoor use to ensure your wood texture looks even, and that the paint goes on smoothly.
- Expect to use two coats of paint
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to get painting. Treated wood takes at least two coats of paint for full coverage. You may have to apply additional coats if you’re painting a dark surface with lighter paint.
- Choose a good latex paint
Latex paints are best for pressure-treated wood. Oil-based paints may not adhere to the surface and may not last as long as latex paints.
- Paint helps protect the wood
Other than looking nice, the paint will help protect pressure-treated wood from weathering and corrosion over time. Pressure-treated wood is durable and can last about 40 years on average. However, it does require some protection from outdoor elements.
- Expect to repaint every two or three years
Paint that is in a lot of sunlight and moisture won’t last forever. Anticipate repainting your pressure-treated wood about every two or three years. It is important to keep up with your painting routine to ensure your pressure-treated wood is safe from the elements.
- Decks may need more frequent painting than railings
Since deck surfaces are horizontal and exposed to more direct sunlight and moisture, they will require more frequent painting than railings and fences. Keep this in mind when you’re planning your spring home improvement projects. Feel free to contact
Spectra Painting Contractors with any questions or to schedule your next painting project.
