Sandtex vs. Deck Paint

joliette

joliette

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My decks need a repaint and I was wondering if Sandtex would be a better / cheaper option than forking out for something like Blakes Deck Paint and then adding the sand?
 
I would have doubts about it's long term adhesion (not been over impressed by its performance on several houses I've owned); also you would need to consider how easy it would be to remove in the event of it not coming up to scratch (the ability to over-painting should also be a consideration).
 
funnily enough, I'm repainting some stone lintels with sandtex this afternoon. they wer last painted in august 2009 - most of it is lying on the floor underneath now

only using ti again cos There's still half a tin, the house is up for sale and hopefully we'll be gone before it all falls off again!

definately not recomended IMHO
 
So, the restoration on the boat has finaly forced you to flog the maison and live on the rotting wreckage, sorry, the restoration project? It sounds a familiar tale. :-))
A
 
Used Sandtex type masonry paint on my decks for many years now, and found it better in every way, Cheaper, easier to apply, better range of colours, more durable (i.e. stays put longer), much easier on bare feet, legs etc for sitting and walking, and every bit as non slip.

Gets my vote every time.
 
Another vote for Sandtex on deck. OK, it annoys the purists but its hard wearing and non-slip. I've been using it for 5 years and it isn't coming off (unlike the 'proper' deck paint which used to)
 
I have just finished the decks of my fishing vessel. I used oil based paving paint. I painted about 2 to 3 square feet rapidly with a brush then sprinkled coarse sand over it, then repeated till finished. The next day I overcoated with the same paint but with a roller. Heavy use areas I sprinkled a lot more sand. This makes a very aggressive non slip finish, ideal for walking on but may be too rough for a yacht deck where you may spend some time on your hands and knees. Fine builders sand might be a better choice.

The sand makes the deck much more durable but caution is required when it comes time to grind it off. Sand particles/dust is very dangerous.
 
oldharry said:
Used Sandtex type masonry paint on my decks for many years now, and found it better in every way, Cheaper, easier to apply, better range of colours, more durable (i.e. stays put longer), much easier on bare feet, legs etc for sitting and walking, and every bit as non slip.

Gets my vote every time.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help. I think I will give the Sandtex a try. I guess the surface prep is important to create a good key, to get it to stick. I've just repaired my grp sheathed deck, so it'll be going on that. I'm going to finish the CSM with gelcoat and then apply the Sandtex to that, so I will abrade any areas of gelcoat that are not going to be finished with gloss (top side paint around the edge of the deck) before I apply the Sandtex ... that should do the trick?

Sandtex do a nice range of colours - as you say - and the sand is already in the paint. I have used Blakes Deck Paint before but it horrible to apply, like trying to paint with thick glue!
 
It might be worth asking the Sandtex manufacturer!s advice on
compatability with what will be underneath it. That is the most
common reason for paint deterioration.
Cheers,
Chris
 
xtiffer said:
It might be worth asking the Sandtex manufacturer!s advice on
compatability with what will be underneath it. That is the most
common reason for paint deterioration.
Cheers,
Chris
Click to expand...

For what it's worth; last time this question came up I contacted Sandtex to get an opinion and was told that "... it is not suitable for use in a marine environment".

Plenty of people seem happy to use it though. Perhaps the manufacturer doesn't want their product used for purposes they haven't tested it for.
 
parsifal said:
For what it's worth; last time this question came up I contacted Sandtex to get an opinion and was told that "... it is not suitable for use in a marine environment".

Plenty of people seem happy to use it though. Perhaps the manufacturer doesn't want their product used for purposes they haven't tested it for.
Click to expand...

In this case I would take the manufacturer's word; they have nothing to gain by advising against their product and probably know more about the chemistry the any of us.
Looks like I will continue to recommend Interdeck.
Cheers,
Chris
 
joliette said:
I've just repaired my grp sheathed deck, so it'll be going on that. I'm going to finish the CSM with gelcoat and then apply the Sandtex to that, so I will abrade any areas of gelcoat that are not going to be finished with gloss (top side paint around the edge of the deck) before I apply the Sandtex ... that should do the trick?
Click to expand...

When you say gelcoat, do you mean 'flowcoat' a mix of resin with added wax and colour pigment.

Gelcoat has no wax so needs a film over it or it will not cure.

Flowcoat is applied just like paint but dries like gelcoat, I use a roller to apply and tip off with a brush, very hard wearing and fast application.
 
oldsaltoz said:
When you say gelcoat, do you mean 'flowcoat' a mix of resin with added wax and colour pigment.

Gelcoat has no wax so needs a film over it or it will not cure.

Flowcoat is applied just like paint but dries like gelcoat, I use a roller to apply and tip off with a brush, very hard wearing and fast application.
Click to expand...

Yes, I mean Flowcoat. I tried applying this with a roller but achieved a better result applying it directly with a brush. It's very thick stuff and important to thoroughly mix in the catalyst to avoid any uncured patches! It looks like it will be very hard wearing.

I have repaired about 40% of the deck with new sheathing and gel coat. So, my thought were to sand down the flowcoat and then to apply non-slip (Sandtex) to the whole of the deck.

I am wondering if I should apply a primer / tie coat over the new flowcoat, before applying the Sandtex?
 
Save your money

Another vote for saving your money. I used plain old matt emulsion and simply stippled the finish with a stiff brush. It's definately non-slip and yet comfortable enough to sit on. Downside is its not very long lasting in heavy traffic areas but very very cheap and easy to apply. Only prep-work is a quick wash :-)
 
deck paint

For many years I have used a cheap epoxy with cork granuals. Put on the epoxy with a roller sprinkle the cork on and run the roller over the cork. When dry Very NO SLIP and kind to feet and knees
 
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