Can You Paint Composite Deck Railings?

Typically, composite deck railings are manufactured colored white. If you have older composite railings, this is particularly true. The good news is that you can paint composite deck railings. Here is how we paint composite deck railings at Monk’s Home Improvements.

How to Paint Composite Deck Railings

1. First, rough the composite railings by sanding lightly. This will help the paint to adhere to the surface.
2. Then powerwash the railings to clean off any dust and dirt.
3. Once dry, then prime the railings with an oil-based primer
4. Lastly, paint the composite deck railings with two coats of premium paint. We typically use Exterior Duration paint from Sherwin-Williams

To see an example of this type of painting project, here is an example below. Monk’s painters took these worn, white composite deck railings and painted them a striking dark grey to compliment this home’s exterior.

Scope of Work: Exterior Painting
Town: Florham Park, NJ
Timing: 2 days

How to Paint Composite Deck Railings

When people choose composite decking and railings, they do so because it is billed as long-lasting and very low maintenance. With the right composite product, this is true. A good composite like Zuri or Azek will look beautiful for years. However, there are some brands of composite that have shown not to wear as well as others. Separately, if you’ve recently purchased a home, or changed the exterior appearance, you may also want to change the look of the composite deck railings.

With a little knowledge, prep work and the right products, you can have beautifully painted composite deck railings. This home in Florham Park, NJ featured standard white composite deck railings. The composite was flaking off and showing a lot of wear. Rather than take on the expense replacing the railings, the homeowner asked if we’d be able to paint them. Absolutely.

After clearing the deck from furniture, we began by lightly sanding the railings. Monk’s painters hand sanded the spindles, handrails, and posts. Afterwards, they power washed the railings. This removes all the dirt and dust from the railings and deck. Now there is a clean surface to paint.

Once the railings are completely dry, we applied an oil-based primer to the railings.

After the primer is completely dry, we applied two coats of Duration (exterior) paint by Sherwin-Williams.

In just two days these railings went from worn to wonderful, in this beautiful dark grey color.

More Exterior Painting Projects

Monk’s painters are happy to beautify any exterior surface on or around your home. In addition to decks, we also paint home exteriors, sheds and barns, fences, gates, doors, and even swing sets.

You can see our exterior painting gallery for some more examples of our work.

If you’d like a free estimate for your exterior painting project, then please give Monk’s a call at 973-333-4719. Schedule your free estimate today!