Painting Trex Products

Although it’s not necessary for protection, you can paint or stain Trex products to achieve a custom color. The following are guidelines to keep in mind for customers who want their Trex installations painted.

When to Apply Paint or Stain

It’s important to wait for Trex to fade (approximately 12-16 weeks) before applying paint or stain. If Trex is painted or stained before it fades, the paint or stain could become discolored and adhesion may be compromised. However, this discoloration is not permanent and can be cleaned.

What Types of Paints and Stains to Use

Most paints or stains you would apply to wood can be used with Trex. If you’re painting Trex decking, be sure to use a paint or stain that is made for a walking surface. The following paint companies have evaluated Trex decking and have suggested these coatings:

Apply paint or stain in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.

Cleaning Trex Before Applying Paint or Stain

Remember to clean Trex products before applying paint or stain. Never paint over dirty surfaces or surfaces with mold or mildew. For detailed cleaning instructions please refer to the Trex Cleaning Guide.

How Often to Paint or Stain Trex Products

Testing has shown that paints and stains applied to Trex products will last as long or longer than those applied to wood surfaces. Because Trex absorbs minimal moisture, the paint or stain will not experience checking or splitting.