Finishes do more than make your deck look great. They are instrumental in protecting the wood from the elements and wear and tear. Choosing the best deck coating option can be a challenge—a quick walk around any building supply store will convince you of that. With so many possibilities at your fingertips, you will want to select the right one that fits your needs and your budget.
“Alkyd,” “acrylic,” or other chemical terminology—there are a lot of confusing words plastered all over coating labels. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to a select few. Let’s take a closer look at those deck finish options.
Oil-Based Deck Finishes
Oil-based finishes are the conventional choices for decks. They penetrate the wood better and offer longer-lasting protection than water-based finishes. Because of their slower drying times, oil coatings are easy to apply. Although they are simpler to recoat, oil finishes have more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and need solvents to handle the cleanup process.
Water-Based Deck Finishes
Water-based finishes deliver greater coverage per can than oil-based products. These finishes are also easy to clean up, requiring only soap and water. Unfortunately, water finishes are more likely to crack and peel faster. What’s more, the deck coating will need to be entirely removed before you begin the refinishing process.
Hybrid Deck Finishes
Don’t believe what you hear—sometimes oil and water do mix. This hybrid finish combines the best features of both oil-based and water-based products. Hybrid deck coatings will not only have the superior penetration properties of oil-based options but also have lower VOCs and easier cleanup capabilities of the water-based products.
OmegaStone Waterproof Deck Membrane
OmegaStone is a deck coating made from polyurethane. It is a waterproof deck membrane that bonds to the deck and can be guaranteed to be free from leaks for 20 years. There are no seams, and the material bonds directly to the deck or an older waterproof membrane. This ultra-durable membrane is completely weather resistant, meaning you will never have to worry about a deck leak. Ever. OmegaStone is also tough enough to handle any cleaner, brush, or power washer and can come in a variety of colours. When it comes to long-lasting and durable deck coatings that need to stand up to wet West Coast weather, hot summers, and freeze-thaw cycle winters, this option can’t be beat.
Which deck coating is best?
When it comes to choosing the top deck coating products, there really is no right or wrong answer. Ultimately, it is a matter of choice. No matter which product you go with, it is all about the right kind of protection. Mould, rotting, and decay can wreak havoc on your deck, causing damage and costly repairs—so choose wisely.
Bottom line? If you are still not sure which deck coating option is the best fit for you, reach out to deck professionals. They have the experience and knowhow to point you in the right direction.
For strong and long-lasting deck coating solutions, contact NewPort Dry Deck today!
