Today we’re renewing the look of a porch deck using Penofin RenewAll. RenewAll is an easy-to-apply, thick, elastomeric coating that gives new life to horizontal surfaces such as decks—resulting in an attractive, finely textured, non-slip surface. (This is especially important in the wet Pacific Northwest.) Refreshing your deck is a simple project that makes a big difference—and it can be tackled in a weekend. RenewAll comes in several colors to complement your home, and can be used on wood or concrete.

bare deck

deck stairs

Step 1: Clean and Repair the Surface

The first step is to prepare the surface by giving it a thorough scrubbing and removing any dirt or splinters. Use a garden blower to remove loose dirt, then follow up with a good cleaner like Penofin Pro-Tech Wood Cleaner. As always, read the directions on the can, which cover application temperatures, applicator methods, coverage, and more. Let the surface dry.

Once you have a clean, dry surface, look for any boards that need repair or replacement. Sculpwood Putty works great for patching smaller areas of rot and filling in a gap or cracks larger than 1/4". Once repairs are made and any patching products are dry, you’re ready to apply RenewAll.

Step 2: Mask

RenewAll is like a paint, so mask off any areas you don’t want affected before you start. You can use tape or a tarp, drop cloth, or plastic sheet.

Step 3: Mix RenewAll

Stirring before you start and during application is recommended for most paints and stains, and RenewAll is no exception. We used a “squirrel-cage” mixer that fits into an electric drill—this ensures the coating is mixed quickly and thoroughly. For an even color across the whole area, mix multiple containers of RenewAll together. (Many people use half a can, add 50 percent of the next can, and so forth.)

Step 4: Apply RenewAll to Cracks and Tight Spaces

Start by painting RenewAll into any large cracks of the wood with a synthetic brush. Once you’ve addressed any wider gaps like this, you can also use the brush to cut in to any tight, confined areas or edges that would be hard to reach with a roller.

Step 5: Apply Two Coats of RenewAll

Once you’ve hand-brushed stain on any cracks or gaps, roll a thick coat of RenewAll down the length of the boards using a 3/8" nap roller. Allow it dry for four to six hours—I like to let it be overnight. Once dry, apply a second coat. Make sure you roll on the second coat of RenewAll in the same direction as the first.