Comparing Deck Paint and House Paint: Key Distinctions
When selecting paint, it's important to distinguish between products made for decks and those for house surfaces. Deck paint is designed specifically for exterior use, whereas house paint may be for indoors or outdoors. Both types can refresh and protect a worn home.
By Kai Murphy
Wood decks painted with deck paint resist weathering
The choice between deck paint and house paint hinges on the specific surface being coated. Deck paint is strictly an exterior product, while house paint can be formulated for either outdoor or indoor application. Either option can enhance the appearance and value of a home showing signs of age.
Deck Paint
Deck paint is defined as a "special hard-surface paint that is resistant to abrasive wear," making it suitable for areas like deck and porch floors that face weather and foot traffic. It can either conceal the grain and texture of wood or bring out the wood's natural characteristics. Some deck paints include weather-treatment additives, and certain types may need special surface preparation or finishing for correct application.
House Paint
House paint, in contrast, is usable on a home's exterior or interior. It can be applied to outside trim, siding, stucco, or indoor walls. Latex paint is the most frequently used house paint, available in formulations from non-acrylic to 100 percent acrylic, with the highest acrylic content performing best.
Differences
The main distinction between deck paint and house paint lies in how well each is suited to the surface it will cover. Deck paint is made to resist chipping and wear. Wood deck paint can expand and contract as seasonal temperature and moisture levels change.
When selecting deck paint, another consideration is how much UV exposure the paint will face, because some paints deteriorate more under sunlight. Exterior house paint and deck paint typically contain UV protection, while interior house paint does not, since it is not subjected to harsh outdoor conditions.
For interior paint, key factors include resistance to abrasion and humidity. Drying speed is also important, as most indoor painting projects need multiple coats.
Varieties
Specialty house and deck paints come in different types, depending on the job and the desired final look. Elastomeric paint is an exterior house paint that performs well on stucco and wood because it flexes with the surface and fills cracks. Epoxy paint is a durable, chemical-resistant interior paint suited to garage floors. Urethane is another enamel that works well on decks due to its strength and scratch resistance.
Costs
Prices for deck and house paint are generally comparable, depending on the quality selected. Standard exterior and interior house paints usually range from $25 to $40 per gallon, while premium paints can reach $100 per gallon. Deck paints begin at about $50 and rise with higher quality.
