12 Things to Know About Behr DeckOver Paint

Behr DeckOver paint is an amazing product. You can choose from various colors to stain your deck and other parts of your home. 

But there’s a lot more to know about the product that will help you make the most informed decision regarding whether and when to use it.

Information you might find valuable about the product includes whether it’s oil- or water-based, how long it should last, what type of roller you should use with it, which colors the product comes in, and whether you can use it on new or treated wood.

about behr deckover paint

This article will list 12 of those facts for your convenience so you can better understand this fantastic product.

Is Behr DeckOver Water-Based?

When a painting project comes along, you have to choose between water-based and oil-based paint. Both of these types of paint have different consistencies that make them better for different needs and affect how you thin them.

Behr DeckOver is a water-based paint. This means you can easily thin it to the consistency you want by adding water or paint thinner.

Of course, you can also apply Behr DeckOver right out of the can. While some DIYers feel that this paint is too thick, no one says you have to thin it.

How Long Will Behr DeckOver Last?

If you have ever used Behr DeckOver before, you know that it is high-quality paint and worth every penny. You could use plenty of cheaper paint brands on your deck, but you get what you pay for: the results just won’t be as good as Behr.

According to people who have stained their decks using this product, Behr Deckover lasts like new for up to 5 years. However, that depends on many factors, such as the amount of sun exposure and foot traffic.

Behr paint holds up well against the elements but will not last forever, and severe weather will slowly affect how good your deck looks. Still, you should not have to reapply the product within the first 2 years or so.

Behr DeckOver on Pressure-Treated Wood

wooden deck is painted

There is no doubt that Behr paint can make any deck shine like never before—including pressure-treated deck boards.

You can use Behr DeckOver on pressure-treated deck boards. You just have to perform proper deck prep, which means sanding and cleaning the deck boards prior to application. You can do so with a paint stripper and a scraper or power washer.

Once your pressure-treated wood is ready, you can apply a coat of Behr paint just as you would on any other type of wood.

Best Roller for Behr DeckOver

You can apply this paint with a brush on small or hard-to-reach areas, but you should use a roller for the primary deck coating.

To get the best possible results from Behr DeckOver, you should use a half-inch roller cover. This ensures you get enough stain on the deck wood with every stroke.

Make sure that you use high-quality rollers. Once your project is done, you can wash your roller cover by hand and store it until you need it again. 

NOTE: It is vital not to put paint rollers in a washing machine to avoid damage. Hang the roller out to dry, then put it away.

Does Behr Still Make DeckOver?

Behr was founded in 1947 and has been making high-quality painting products since then. 

One of their best products is Behr DeckOver, which they still make. You can purchase Behr DeckOver in smooth or textured finishes from almost any paint or hardware store. 

Which of the two is suitable for your deck is really a matter of preference. While a smooth finish brings out the natural beauty of the wood grain, a textured finish helps to hide imperfections in the wood grain.

What Colors Does Behr Come In?

man painting the deck

While some wood stain brands offer only a few select colors, you will be happy to learn that Behr DeckOver comes in dozens of colors that you can choose from.

Color options include reds, browns, greens, and blues like Redwood, Tile Red, Pyramid, Dark Walnut, Slate Gray, Flat Top, Cordovan Brown, Parade Brown, Wrangler Brown, Wood Chip, Ponderosa Green, Colony Blue, and countless more.

Which color is best for your deck is a matter of preference. However, some of the most popular colors include Colony Blue and Ponderosa Green.

Does Behr DeckOver Come in White?

You can stain your deck with plenty of colors when you use Behr DeckOver. 

Unfortunately, though, white is not an option. Perhaps this is for the best since finishing your deck in white would make it look good but only for a while, as whites tend to get dirty more easily than darker colors. 

Because of this, you might want to consider a darker color for your deck.

Can I Use Behr DeckOver on New Wood?

You can apply Behr DeckOver to both old and new wood. Using this finish on new wood will actually be easier since there will not be old paint to strip or use a pressure washer on.

Remember that no matter what wood you apply Behr DeckOver to, you must first prepare it properly. This will ensure that you get the best possible finish.

Behr DeckOver Coverage Per Gallon

How much coverage you can expect from Behr DDeckOver depends on several factors, such as how many coatings you apply and whether you thin the finish or not.

Behr claims on their website that a gallon of DeckOver will cover up to 75 sq. ft. with two coats. Of course, if you only apply one coat or thin the paint, you can expect to cover up to twice as much area.

How Much DeckOver Do I Need?

family home's wooden deck is painted with Behr DeckOver 

Since a gallon of Behr DeckOver will cover up to 75 sq. ft., you should measure your deck to determine if one gallon will do or if you need to purchase more.

Getting more than you think you might need is a good idea so you do not run out before completing your project.

How Long to Wait Between Coats

If you are going to apply more than one coat of Behr DeckOver, you have to allow enough time between coats for the finish to dry.

Behr DeckOver is generally dry to the touch within 30 minutes or so. However, you will have to wait for 1 to 2 hours before applying another coat.

Once the final coat is on your deck, you must also wait 72 hours for the paint to cure before using your deck. This time frame can vary, but it is best to wait this long so you don’t inadvertently ruin your finish and have to start all over.

Putting up signs would be a good idea also so that no one uses the deck during this time.

Can I Use Behr DeckOver on Plywood?

While you might be tempted to apply Behr DeckOver on plywood, you should not do so. On their website, Behr recommends not using DeckOver stains on plywood or compressed wood. 

But if you still want to use Behr DeckOver on plywood, try it on a small and inconspicuous area first. This will allow you to see what results you will get and then decide whether or not to continue.

Conclusion

Now that you know just about everything that there is to know about Behr DeckOver, you can decide whether this finish is suitable for your deck or not. Many people have used this top-quality finish to restore both old and brand-new decks, and you can, too.