How To Paint Between Deck Boards and Tight Gaps

Painting between deck boards can be tricky. The gaps are small, and reaching them isn’t easy.

But leaving them unpainted can make your deck look unfinished and expose the wood to damage.

The good news? There’s a simple way to do it right. With the right tools and techniques, you can get between those tight spaces without a hassle.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to paint between deck boards.

As a bonus, you’ll also learn how to stain between deck boards.

How to Paint Between Deck Boards and Tight Gaps – Tools to Use

Using Crack And Groove Brush

If you were well prepared for the painting task, you probably have the crack and grove brush.

Dip the bristle brush in the paint tray and press it on the edge of the tray to remove excess paint drips. Then, run your brush in between the deck boards, back and forth, leaving a trail of even paint coverage.

Using Bristle Paintbrush

A bristle paintbrush is also a practical choice for painting decks with larger gaps. Use it in the same way you would use crack and groove brush.

Since these brushes come in various sizes, you are guaranteed to find the best size for your project. Avoid jamming paintbrushes into narrow gaps because the bristles will get pinched and end up damaged.

Using Pump Sprayer

A pump sprayer is another means to apply decking paint to hard-to-reach areas like the cracks between deck boards. A pump sprayer is a type of applicator with an air-driven propellant canister.

Mix paint with its respectful thinner and put it in the canister. Leave a third of the tank empty to allow for pressure to build up when pumping the tank.

Pump to create pressure while holding the sprayer nozzle about six inches from the surface. Then, press down the trigger to release the paint and spray an even coat of paint to your deck.

Using a Moldable Sponge

A moldable sponge is the best one here because you can fold it or mold it to fit the size of the spaces between your deck boards.

Dip the sponge in the paint tray and then wipe off excess paint on the edge of the paint tray. Next, rub and drag the sponge in the cracks to coat the gaps evenly. Finally, soak up more paint and repeat the process.

Whichever method you use, allow the first coat of paint to dry fully before applying the second coat.

How To Paint Between Decks on a Board and Tight Gaps – Steps

Painting in between deck boards can be tedious, more so if you don’t have the correct set of tools to help you get the job done.

Unlike painting over old deck paint using a roller or paintbrush, getting between the grooves is another story. Remember, you can’t leave the gaps unpainted – otherwise, the entire project will appear undone.

Here are some steps you should follow to learn the best way to paint between deck boards.

Step 1: Seal Off Surrounding Area

Cover any plants around your decking location using painter’s plastic or drop cloths and securely tape the plastic on the underside of the deck siding.

You should also remove any deck furniture and fill cracks on older decks using wood filler. Screw into the wood filler only after allowing it to cure and harden fully, as this will ensure a strong and secure attachment for any additional fixtures or hardware.

Also, hammer any protruding nails flat on the wood. Ensure you have a clear surface to work on.

Step 2: Clean the Deck

The first step is to clean the deck before you apply paint. This aims at removing debris on the surface of the deck: whether it’s a new deck or an older deck.

Begin by sweeping the surface of the deck to remove peeling paint and any loose dirt between the deck floor. Next, scrub the floorboards with mild soapy water and a stiff bristle brush. Finally, rinse the surface using a garden hose or power washer.

Let the bare wood dry overnight before painting.

If your deck boards were previously painted or stained, grab some mineral spirits or paint thinner and use it to soften the paint film before scraping it. Remember also to remove paint between deck boards.

Step 3: Prepare the Paint

Once you have chosen the best deck color paint of your choice, open the paint can and stir it using a paint stirrer. Stirring the paint breaks any paint lumps and ensures it has a uniform viscosity. Therefore, you can be sure your paint will spread smoothly.

Pour some paint into a paint tray for convenience’s sake.

Step 4: Apply Primer Between the Boards

Before painting, apply a high-quality primer between the deck boards. Use a small brush or a putty knife to reach deep into the gaps.

The primer helps the paint stick better and protects the wood from moisture.

Let the primer dry completely. This usually takes a few hours. If the wood is very dry, you may need a second coat.

Always check the primer can for drying times.

Step 5: Choose the Right Painting Method

There are a few ways to paint between deck boards. Choose the one that works best for you:

• Painter’s mitt – Dip it in paint and swipe between the boards for fast coverage.
• Small brush – Perfect for precision and reaching tight gaps.
• Putty knife – Works well for forcing paint into narrow spaces.
• Paint sprayer – Great for even coverage but requires masking nearby areas.

Pick a method that fits your deck size and comfort level. If you’re using a sprayer, work in sections and keep the nozzle moving to avoid drips.

Step 6: Apply the Paint

Start with the gaps first. Use your chosen tool to apply the paint smoothly between the boards.

Make sure to get full coverage. If the wood soaks up too much paint, apply a second coat after the first one dries.

Once the gaps are done, move on to the deck surface. Use a roller or wide brush for even coverage. Work in long, smooth strokes following the grain of the wood.

Let the first coat dry completely. Then, check for missed spots and touch up as needed.

Step 7: Let it Dry and Stain

Give the paint enough time to dry. Most paints need at least 24-48 hours before you can walk on them.

Check the weather forecast to avoid rain during this time.

If you’re staining instead of painting, make sure the paint is fully dry before applying the stain.

Use a brush or roller to spread the stain evenly over the deck surface. Wipe off any excess to avoid a sticky finish.

Once everything is dry, remove any painter’s tape and plastic coverings. Put your furniture back and enjoy your freshly painted deck.

How to Stain Between Deck Boards

The best way to stain in between deck boards is to use a moldable sponge or scouring pad. First, dip the applicator in the deck stain to soak it up.

Next, put the sponge or scouring pad between the deck boards and rub the stain into the wood. You can apply two coats of deck stain for a perfect finish.

Make sure your wood is dry and clean before applying stain. If not, you risk trapping dirt and any contaminants in there, which can lead to streaks.

What Lasts Longer Between Deck Stain and Deck Paint?

Deck paint generally lasts longer than deck stain.

However, applying stain to a new deck is relatively cheap and takes less time than painting.

On the other hand, painting does a better job at concealing flaws, filling the cracks, and generally guaranteeing longer-lasting protection for your deck.

Paint also protects your wood decking from direct sun damage, rot, and mildew – because it’s composed of two parts, a base coat and a top coat. Here is a comparison guide of deck paint vs stain to give you more insights.

The Trick For Painting Between Deck Boards

The space between deck boards is usually about 1/8 wide, meaning you need something equally slim or at least moldable to fit in the cracks. A tool that can save your day is a sponge or replacement pad. A soft, moldable sponge can easily get in between the deck board spaces.

You have to dip the sponge into the paint on your paint tray and wipe it on the edge of the tray to remove drips.

Next, squish the sponge into the decking board cracks and drag it along the cracks to apply the paint. Finally, run the sponge back and forth to make sure there’s sufficient paint coverage.

Read also: Best composite decking brand.

FAQs

How to Paint in Between Deck Boards Summary

I hope this guide inspires you with some confidence to refurbish your outdoor living space, whether you want to throw in a new color or update the same color already on your decking.

You’re unstoppable when you know how to paint between deck boards and have the right tools needed to get the job done.

Do you know any other tricks for painting between deck boards? We’d love to hear them. Drop a comment below.