American Painting Contractor: Vol. 81, No. 4 May, 2004

Creating A Competitive Edge
The deck surface is one of the most demanding areas to maintain because of the constant exposure to a range of outdoor elements. These surfaces must endure a variety of harsh conditions, including high levels of moisture from rain and snow, the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays and temperature extremes. The human element also plays a major role in the deterioration of the surface. While the main purpose of a deck is for people to use and enjoy, foot traffic and the constant rubbing and scraping of patio furniture can be extremely harmful to its surface.

Proper Preparation
Proper preparation up front goes a long way toward accomplishing a quality look, durability and performance, regardless of the coating product. While actual readying processes may vary, all coating manufacturers recommend some degree of surface preparation. Some companies gloss over the importance of preparation because their aim is to present a product that appears easy and quick to use. However, no matter what product you use, the more time and care you take in preppring the surface, the better the final results will be.

There are two reasons why preparation is so important: The milling process can leave a glaze on new wood; and exposed woood will have dirt, debris and a weathered surface. Sticking to a thorough preparation technique can mean the difference between a successful and profitable deck project and a callback because of failure, poor appearance and weathering.

Product Technology
There are many different types of deck products available in a wide range of prices, making it challenging for consumers to make the proper choice for their deck. It is important to explain these differences to your customers so that they can understand and appreciate the reasons behind your recommendations.

There are four major categories of deck coatings: oil-based, alkyd oil-based, modified alkyd and acrylic/latex. The traditional oil-based coatings offer excellent penetration, absorption and adhesion properties for wood. It is important to remember that lower quality formulations can be less resistant to mold and mildew and lack long-term durability. However, with modern technology advances, these formulations have improved over the years.

Alkyd oil coatings represent an improvement in oil technology with the addition of synthetic resins. These coatings offer a combination of durability and penetration that many products on the market cannot match. High solids, versions of alkyd products, offer even better durability and performance than typical alkyd formulas.

Acrylic/latex products are water-based finishes that clean up with soap and water. These products normally have fewer odors and dry relatively quickly. However, drying too quickly can cause problems with the coating's ability to adhere to the wood's surface. Water-based coatings also do not offer the same water repellency as alkyd oil products.

Modified alkyd or acrylic products, also referred to as emulsions, offer the performance-enhancing benefits of both oil-based and water-based products. Alkyd emulsions, which have been used successfully in Europe, are the next wave of technology in North America. During the next several years, more products using this technology will become available.

Buying a stain strictly based on price is usually a mistake. There are many options available for deck finishes. Do your homework. Choosing a higher quality product from a manufacturer with a good reputation will lead to better results in the long run.

Pigmentation
Deck finishes are available as clears, stains (semi-transparent or translucent) and solid colors. Choosing which one to use is a personal preference, but there are tradeoffs in performance for each type.

Clear deck finishes allow the natural grain of the wood to show through. Because they have no pigmentation, they do not leave any lap marks during application. However, they do not block UV rays as well as translucent, semi-transparent or solid stains.

Stains, semi-transparent stains and translucent coatings have pigments in their formulations that change the color or tone of the wood while still allowing the grain to show through. These coatings offer far better UV protection for wood than clears, which creates better long-term performance. Not all stains are the same. Choosing higher quality translucents containing iron oxide or trans-oxide pigments will provide even better UV protection and clarity.

Solid deck finishes provide the greatest protection against UV rays and are available in a wide range of colors. Solid colors work very well on older decks because they are able to mask weathered wood more effectively than a transparent stain. A solid color used in conjunction with a stain or translucent coating can help create that natural wood look and maintain a cohesive decor with a painted home.

New Decking Materials
The deck industry has seen many changes in recent years, particularly with the type of materials used to construct decks, such as composite decking boards and new types of pressure-treated lumber. These materials can affect the performance of some of the products you currently use.

Composite deck boards have garnered considerable interest fueled by the promise of low maintenance but with a high price tag. Composite woods typically combine recycled plastic with wood pulp or fibers. Similar to wood, may types of composite wood turn a silver-gray color over time, and all materials fade and change color with extended UV exposure. In just a few years, these composite materials can look faded and washed out. Many coatings manufacturers have recognized this and continually test their products on these materials in order to provide compatible coatings. It is a good idea to check with the manufacturer on the compatibility of its products with the specific type of composite wood you are working with.

Another change in decking materials is the demise of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treatments. Because of the health and environmental concerns associated with their use, CCA treatments are being replaced with different types of preservatives. The new preservatives used to treat lumber are alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) and copper azole (CBA). It is a good idea to check the compatibility of these new preservatives with the products you are using. Again, many companies have anticipated these changes and have taken steps to ensure that their products are fully compatible.

Conclusion
A deck project can pose a considerable challenge to those who are unprepared for all possible situations. This is a great opportunity for the qualified contractor who can offer a package of quality products, solid preparation and application techniques, and knowledge of the newest product technology and building materials. It is the contractors who specialize in this area that succeed in setting themselves apart from the competition and turning the challenge into a lucrative opportunity.