If your deck only has mild dirt or debris, or you cannot find a power washer, hand wash the deck with a mild cleaner like dish soap, water, and a wire scrub brush. Apply the cleaner and gently scrub the the deck with the wet scrub brush, removing dirt and debris. Rub the deck in long, horizontal strokes to work the cleaner into the wood and then rinse off any remaining soap with water.

Look for mold deterrent for deck wood at your local hardware store or online.

Look for a paint scraper at your local hardware store or online.

You can also blow the deck clean with a leaf blower, if you have one on hand.

You may apply rust resistant primer to the nail heads for added protection before you start painting, especially if the nails are prone to rust.

If any of the boards are badly cracked or full of holes, you may need to replace them rather than patch them up.

If you cannot get out stubborn stains on the wood, you may try using the paint to cover them up. Using a darker colored paint for the deck can help to cover up any unsightly stains on the wood.

Look for plastic sheets for painting at your local hardware store. Make sure you also cover any plants or objects close to the deck with plastic sheets so they do not get splattered with paint.

Use an exterior stain made for wood that is water-based, as this will help to seal the wood and prep it for the paint.

This will help to prevent paint drips or uneven edges or corners.

Use a paint roller that is 3⁄4 inch (1. 9 cm) thick if the surface of the wood is rough. Apply paint with a roller that is 3⁄8 inch (0. 95 cm) or 1⁄8 inch (0. 32 cm) thick if the wood surface is medium rough. Use a roller that is made of foam if the wood surface is smooth, with very little rise in the grain.

Working one small section at a time will ensure you can feather out the wet paint before moving on to painting the next section.

Make sure you allow the paint to dry overnight between coats.

You can then enjoy your new deck for years to come, as the paint will help the wood stay dry and protect it from fading or damage.