Replies

1. 
   Dave_Richeson | Aug 23, 2001 01:54am | #1

   *
   I just primed and painted a handicap ramp for an older couple. The ramp was about 6 months old. I used a 100% vinyl primer, followed by a topcoat of ValSpar semi-gloss exterior deck paint with silca (sand) mixed in it. The couple already had the paint, so I don't know about the wearability of the products.

   I am not sure about the best time to paint PT lumber. I have heard both ways; wait and let it dry a little, and paint it immediately. Maybe others here will take up that debate.

   The ramp has been painted about two weeks now, and they haven't called about it peeling or such yet:)

   They did say that the wheel chair is much easier to manuver and handle on the gritty surface.

   Hope tis helps.

1. 
   Frank_H._Biscardi | Aug 23, 2001 04:34am | #2

   *I am not an expert. I did what the guys at Lowes paint department said which was to paint it after it dried for six months.I used enamel paint as instructed. It flaked, chipped, peeled, disintegrated and otherwise went the way of all flesh. I tried to pressure wash it/ strip it/ sand it off the porch. It looked terrible. For a few years I would just roll a solid hide stain over every six months to try to keep it even. It looked so bad I finally bought some 5/4 Pt boards and screwed them down over the other boards. I wouldn't paint it again, but I am no expert.There was an article on this in FHB about 3 mo ago.Good luckFrank

1. 
   Steve_Harding | Aug 23, 2001 07:14am | #3

   *Mr. Smith,I was just about to post a question about painting wooden stairs when I saw your post. If you don't mind, I'd like to add this related issue to yours. Recently, I got hired to paint several wooden stairways (both PT and redwood) on a couple of large apartment buildings. The owner wants paint, but unfortunately his previous efforts have not been very effective- the paint chips, flakes and wears away within months due to the heavy foot traffic. I've sanded off the old paint and am ready to prime. Any suggestions on the best methods and materials for a paint job that might last? Others have told me they use an oil-based primer followed by an acrylic latex porch and floor paint- but this is also what has been tried before on the steps I'm about to tackle. Someone suggested a two-part epoxy garage floor coating and said there's no paint he's ever heard of that will withstand serious foot traffic. Any ideas or comments would be greatly appreciated.Steve

1. 
   lonecat | Aug 23, 2001 08:35am | #4

   *I'd say no primer, you never was supposed to use a separate primer on porch floors. I vote for let it weather a while, then use industrial enamel. Instead of primer you thin the first coat sos it'll soak in.

1. 
   Chip_Tam | Aug 23, 2001 12:47pm | #5

   *I agree with lonecat....no separate primer for porch floors. You'll also need to make the floor slip resistant. Porch and deck enamel will make the floor into a skating rink come winter. You can add "skid-no-more" (a fine sand) to the paint or use skid resistant tape. I'm not wild about either alternative so if there are other solutions I would be interested in hearing about them.

2. 
   Bill_Flather | Aug 23, 2001 03:54pm | #6

   *Interesting, I have a porch, not PT but narrow yellow pine. I treated all boards with paintable wood preservative before the deck was laid. Followed this up with Zinsers water-based primer and put a latex deck paint from Lowes on top of that. This porch is roofed, but does get wet by wind-driven rain and there has been no chipping, pealing or flaking except where physically abraded by gravel under a mat, metal dragged accross the surface or the like. After 3 years, the deck still looks good.

3. 
   Getch | Aug 23, 2001 04:39pm | #7

   *Hi all,I have a covered porch and replaced the original decking with PT 1X4. I let it weather about 6 months, then painted with Sears porch paint.It required 2 or 3 coats as I recall but it has held up nicely.The steps are not covered and take the brunt of the abuse of traffic. I painted these with the same paint but mixed in silica for tread grip.They have held up OK. The do need touch up but it has been a couple years of summer sun, rain, winter snows, salt...etc so I consider repainting 5 treads every couple years acceptable.

4. 
   Charles_C. | Aug 23, 2001 08:23pm | #8

   *I have done several with Sherwin Williams polyeurethane porch paint. It is self priming so you mix the first coat with mineral spirits( or whatever was recommended on the can) for bare wood. I have tried 2 part epoxy before and had a lot of peeling and cracking problems. Treated wood is tough to get a good coat of paint on.

2. 
   D._Lawrence_Smith | Aug 23, 2001 08:23pm | #9

   *
   I'm getting ready to finish a wood porch and walkway. Both are done in PT tongue & groove. The porch has a roof while the walkway does not, however it is slightly sloped to allow rain run-off.
   The problem is the finish. My wife wants everything painted. I'm trying to minimize the potential upkeep of this. I'm keeping the wife, I kinda like her, so any suggestions, other than getting rid of her, about the type of paint to use to prolong its life or reduce the slipperiness, a primer, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
   Thank you - David