Paint for garden decking & pergola

[Craig Farrall]

I have recently built a pergola and decking area in my garden using timber. I am now wanting to paint everything grey, to match the fence panels and general style of everything else in my garden.

Whenever I go to look at what paint is available online and read reviews, they generally keep saying the same thing that after a short amount of time, the paint starts to crack and then looks awful. Meaning you have to sand things down and re-paint. I don't have a problem doing a new coat every year to keep on top of things, but it's the cracking that concerns me and looks like more maintenance than I was expecting. Is there any type of paint I could use, that is recommended for this? I know that stains will be better for this, but I do prefer to paint an actual solid colour. I assume getting anti-slip paint would be best too, based on the fact the decking will be painted too?

Any help of any brands that you recommend and would serve these needs would be hugely appreciated. Or just any general advice.

 

[ktuludays]

From experience the decking paint will wear off where footfall is heavy. Tried osmo oil and various others, osmo lasted longest before showing wear.

Depends on your colour choice but I quite like the cuprinol ducksback products for external wood. Colours are limited but it stands up to the weather pretty well of 2 initial coats are applied.

 

[Craig Farrall]

I should have specified in my first message - but I am wanting the decking and pergola to be a grey colour, to match with my fence panels - does that rule out using oils and would mean paint is needed?