Technical Information

Painting

• Download Painting Technical Bulletin (pdf, 31K)

Can Trex® decking and railing be painted or stained?

• Yes, You can paint or stain Trex decking to achieve a custom color, (but it is not necessary for protection). Paints and stains that adhere well to wood will work as well or better with Trex products. Trex decking that has been faded, can be painted or stained at any time, even years after it has been installed. However, you should use a paint or stain that is made for a walking surface.

What types of paints and stains shall I use?

• Most paints or stains that you would apply to wood can be applied to Trex decking. The following paint companies have evaluated Trex decking and have suggested these coatings:

Paint Manufacturer

Toll Free Number For Technical Support

Suggested Coating

Shall I wait until my Trex decking is faded before applying paint or stain?

• Yes, it is important to wait for Trex to fade (approximately 12-16 weeks) before applying paint or stain. If the Trex decking is painted or stained before it fades, the paint or stain could become discolored and adhesion may be compromised. This discoloration is not permanent and can be cleaned.

Once I've picked out my paint or stain, what do I do?

This easy three step process will guide you:

• Wait until the Trex decking fades, approximately 12-16 weeks.
• Clean your Trex decking surface. Never paint over dirty surfaces or surfaces with mold or mildew. Refer to the Trex Cleaning Guide for cleaning instructions.
• Apply the paint or stain in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.

How long will the paint or stain on my deck last?

• This depends on the paint, but testing has shown that paints and stains on Trex decking will last as long as or longer than paints or stains on wood. Because Trex decking absorbs minimal moisture, the paint or stain will not experience checking or splitting.

What about cleaning my painted or stained Trex deck?

• Consult your paint or stain manufacturer's directions before cleaning.

For additional information, contact an Authorized Dealer near you.