Last fall, we applied Behr DeckOver to our deck. We prepped properly, applied it properly, let it dry properly and didn't have any problems. This spring though, after the snow melted, we've had big patches flaking off, especially in high- traffic areas near the stairs. My question is, can this issue be fixed or do we face the daunting task of stripping, sanding and staining the entire deck?
Our Answer
Behr DeckOver is a special product – four times thicker than traditional stains. Like any finish, prepping the surface really is key to making it stick. With respect to this particular product, though, prep is even more integral because of the thickness of this coating.
To answer your question, there's unfortunately no way to patch the problems you're having with this finish. If it's not sticking, it's not sticking. If you were to repair just those loose areas, no doubt other areas will eventually loosen up, too.
Removing this product will be tough, though. On Behr's website, they explain that removal of DeckOver requires multiple application of stain and finish stripper, and will likely also require a scrubber, scraper, power washer and/or sander.
I wish we had better news, and wish you the best with the project.
I also used Deck Over on my deck that wraps all around the house. . Boy do I regret it. I followed all the steps as directed. Now it is peeling everywhere. Not only does it look terrible but I’m forever picking up paint chips from my lawn and flower beds. There is no end to it.
DON’T, and I REPEAT,
DON’T USE THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!
DON’T USE THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!
DON’T USE THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!
What he said.
Ditto!!! it’s a nightmare!
Having the same problem trying to get it off the deck so disappointing
James,
Not sure of the date of your experience …. but the new, as of this year, Behr formula has been good – really good to me. Wish they had addressed this properly years ago. Bottom line, I cleaned entire deck (got rid of all the flaking paint, replaced bad boards, killed mold etc.) – then waited till it was bone dry, then applied Kilz 3; (remains slightly tacky after drying) – Then two coats of the NEW DeckOver. Both – let fully dry between coats . Fast Forward 7 months.. No issues whatsoever – no bubbling , no flaking, no peeling …a rock-hard, no-skid shell. Great on steps and stairs.
Deck got direct sun, 103 degree days, pouring rain – the usual summer stuff. Unlike before, now no bubbling – can slide deck furniture, no peeling or damage. Checked it daily , no change whatsoever .
Will report back Spring of 2023 … if I remember. The old formula fared OK with cooler – cold temps, it’s when it got HOT with high humidity / water exposure that the previous formulation failed on me.
(I didn’t use Kilz in the previous 1st coat base application…this is a MUST IMO).
Good Luckwith your project.
Yes! Do Not use this product!
I have the same problem with my four year old deck over painted pool deck. It looked spectacular for the first year. By year three it went downhill big time. Now it’s a complete disaster. I was not aware this problem was so wide spread. Behr has cost people millions with their horrible product.
I agree, we have a double deck and it took 4 of us to paint it the entire summer about 4 years ago, now the paint is peeling and the wood is rotted. We spent lots of money for me to be told I need a new deck now .
my deck is ruined by using this product i have a 60 ft x 15 deck and this product rotted my deck , what to do now to fix it
I have the same problem with my 30×20 deck it’s not so much the peeling and flaking that’s the hugest issue it’s the fact that it trapped water underneath and rotted the upper layer of my decking. Now when I scrape it off I get a bunch of old wood along with it
I’ve had the same problem on our 320 sq. ft. deck. After 3 years, the stuff just starts flaking off in different areas.
I’m considering a few options, one of them is to just flip the boards over and use Ready Seal stain. The thought of trying to remove the DeckOver and my back issues doesn’t blend well.
We’ll just so you know it’s next to impossible to remove. The worst condition that your deck is in when you apply the deck over the harder it is to remove. Because the product seats down in the cracks and fuses end of the wood. I’ve pressure washed the loose material and let sit for three winners while I scraped ice and snow off it and I finally removed most of the deck over
I applied this product and it ruined my deck, I was involved in the class action law suit against Behr and Deckover! I sent in all the required paper work and the lawyers that settled the case say that I didn’t have my paperwork in by the deadline! I have all of my emails, I feel they took millions from Behr and are just ripping the customer off
We have used the Behr deck over product and had nothing but trouble. popping peeling coming up in large chunks. Seems that there is no way to recover from this disaster with chemical strippers because it is such a thick coating the chemicals can’t get through to break the bond with the wood, where it has adhered (rare) . A chemical stripper that would do the job would probably be toxic or corrosive.
Don’t buy this product!
Amen what a mess
Having the same problem trying to get it off the deck so disappointing
BEHR DeckOver ruined my deck. The wood under the paint is wet. How do I remove the DeckOver?
Ralph, Sorry to hear about your experience but unfortunately I have heard many similar comments about this particular product over the years. Removing the product is a also major job. Requiring much labor and harsh chemical strippers that may be hazardous to your health. If you want to remove the BEHR DeckOver I’d consider hiring a pro for the project. The other option is to give up on having a high maintenance deck surface, remove the wood deck boards and replace them with composite decking. A more costly way to go but once done, you’ll never have to refinish the deck again.
I have a wooden deck around my swimming pool. My grandchildren were starting to get little splinters in there feet.I told my daughter to get them water shoes but they didn’t like them, so I spent 700 dollars on deck over stain. I cleaned as directed and applied in over the hole deck. They didn’t say anything on the can or warnings that the stuff gets so hot that you can’t walk on it bare foot in the summer so needless to say my grandchildren are wearing water shoes when they swim now. After two years it’s peeling off and looks terrible I would not recommend this product
Had the same issue…..it was so hot I used to have to pre-wet the deck before they could use the pool. This year, I am biting the bullet and removing the remaining deck over. I used a pressure washer to remove about 90% of it and had to use a grinder with a wire brush attachment for the rest…BACK BREAKING WORK! The worst product ever!