Project Spotlight · Newton, MA
Deck Painting in Newton, MA: Before and After of an Elevated Deck Railing Makeover
This elevated, two-level deck sits off the back of a cedar-shingle home in Newton, MA. When we arrived, it looked like three different decks stitched together: several railing sections and the post caps had just been replaced with new, bare wood, right next to older red balusters and red lattice skirting, with an unfinished lattice privacy screen on top.
The job was to make all of it read as one finished deck. Here is exactly how we did it, from primer, caulk and wood filler on the new pieces to two coats of dark brown on the railings and lattice and two coats of crisp white on the trim, with side-by-side before and after photos of every angle.
- Location: Newton, MA (Middlesex County)
- Service: Deck and railing painting on a two-level elevated deck with stairs
- Prep: Primer, caulk and wood filler on the newly replaced railings and post caps, then sanding
- Finish: Two coats of dark brown on the lattice, skirting, balusters and handrails, plus two coats of white on the trim
Where we started: new wood next to old red paint
Part of the railing system and all of the post caps had recently been replaced, so the deck had bare, unfinished wood sitting right beside sections painted in an older red. The lattice skirting under the deck was red, the privacy screen up top was bare wood, and the posts and trim were white. Nothing matched, and bare wood left out through a New England winter does not stay looking good for long.
The full deck from the patio: bare wood railings and red lattice before, white trim with dark brown railings and lattice after.
Our process, step by step
A paint job on new wood is only as good as the prep under it. Most of the work on this deck happened before the first color coat went on.
Primer on the new wood
The replaced railing sections and the new post caps were bare wood. We primed every new piece first, so the paint bonds to the surface and the color comes out even instead of soaking in unevenly.
Caulking the joints
We caulked the seams where the new railings meet the posts and trim. That closes the gaps where water likes to get in and gives the paint a clean, continuous line.
Wood filler on the new pieces
Holes, gaps and dings in the new railings and post caps were filled with wood filler, so the finished surface reads smooth instead of dotted with fasteners.
Sanding and masking
Next we sanded the surfaces to knock down rough spots and give the paint something to grip. The stair treads were covered and the edges taped, so paint only went where it belonged.
Two coats of dark brown
Two full coats on the lattice, the lower skirting, the balusters and the handrails. Two coats, not one, is what gives a deep, even color with no thin spots.
Two coats of white on the trim
Last, two coats of crisp white on the trim. The white outlines the structure of the deck and makes the dark railings and lattice stand out.
More before and after views
Every part of the deck got the same treatment, from the privacy screen by the back door to the stairs down to the patio.
By the back door: the bare wood railings and lattice privacy screen, now dark brown against white posts.
Top of the stairs: new bare wood post caps and stair rail next to the old red balusters, finished as one design.
Same angle, primer to finish: the railings primed and taped, then two coats of dark brown and two of white.
The stairs: treads covered and edges taped during prep, then dark brown balusters and handrail with white posts.
The finished deck
The result is one consistent deck from the patio to the top rail. The dark brown railings, caps and lattice pick up the tone of the cedar shingles, and the white trim lines up with the white window trim on the house, so the deck looks like it was always part of the home.
Why white trim with dark brown railings works on a New England deck
- It ties new and old together. One color scheme over everything makes freshly replaced pieces look like they were always there.
- Dark rails hide everyday wear. Handrails and balusters get touched, bumped and splashed. A dark color shows far less of that than white does.
- White trim keeps it crisp. The white posts and framing outline the deck, so it reads as part of the house instead of an add-on.
- New wood needs protection. Bare wood weathers fast in Massachusetts sun, rain and snow. Primer plus two topcoats seals it in.
Getting ready for an outdoor project of your own? Read our tips for preparing your home for exterior painting, see how to stop peeling paint on a New England exterior, or browse our painting services.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need to prime new wood before painting deck railings?
Yes. Bare wood absorbs paint unevenly, so the color can look blotchy and the finish does not bond as well. On this Newton project, every newly replaced railing section and post cap was primed before any color went on.
How many coats of paint does a deck railing need?
On this project we applied two coats of each color: two coats of dark brown on the lattice, skirting, balusters and handrails, and two coats of white on the trim. The second coat evens out the color and leaves no thin spots.
Can you paint the railings without getting paint on the deck boards and stairs?
Yes. Before painting, we covered the stair treads with paper and taped off the edges, so only the railings, lattice and trim were painted.
Can new railings be painted to match the rest of the deck?
Yes. This deck had freshly replaced railings and post caps right next to older painted sections. After primer, caulk, wood filler and sanding, two coats of the same colors over everything made the new and old pieces match.
Do you paint decks in Newton and nearby towns?
Yes. ALP Home Services paints decks, railings and exteriors across Newton, including Newtonville, Auburndale, Chestnut Hill and Newton Upper Falls, plus Wellesley, Needham, Weston and the rest of Greater Boston.
Explore our services
- Interior and Exterior Painting Services
- Custom Finish Carpentry
- See More of Our Completed Projects
- Preparing Your Boston-Area Home for Exterior Painting Before Winter
- Top 5 Benefits of Professional Exterior Painting
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