Deck Resurface Coatings: Behr Deckover, Olympic Rescue-It, Rust-Oleum Deck Restore – Do They Work? 4.8/5 (381)

This post was updated on September 10, 2024

Deck Resurface Coatings  – Do They Work?

Homeowners are always looking for an alternative to deck replacement. When wood is neglected, it can be expensive to have it restored or replaced. Companies like Behr, Rust-Oleum, and Olympic are selling deck resurface products. They claim they are the smart alternative to deck replacement. They can be applied to wood surfaces such as decks, stairs, docks, composite decking, etc. So, is it a good alternative or just a waste of time and money?

Deck Resurface products are similar to an extremely thick paint. They are designed to mask the wood and fill large cracks or voids. Deck resurfacer coatings will not show any wood grain. Please note that this product is far beyond conventional wood restoration.

Why use Deck Resurface Products?

The one plus reported by deck restoration professionals is that these products have little sign of UV fading. This, however, is typical for most solid paint or opaque stains because of the high volume of pigment.

Another benefit of using a deck resurface product is the wide range of colors. Because these products are more like solid, thick paint, companies can offer consumers unlimited custom color choices.

My Pro Tip: Avoid very dark colors as they can become hot to the touch when in full sun.

1. Deck Resurface Coatings Peel

My tests and seeing these coatings in the real world show that despite what the manufacturers claim, these products are prone to peeling. Peeling is always an issue with any film-forming product. It still seems to stand true that anything subjected to the elements will not hold up for more than a couple of years.

Olympic Deck Rescue-It Peeling Photos

2. Deck Resurface Coatings are Impossible to Remove

Another issue with deck resurfacing products is that they create many maintenance and removal issues. With conventional wood restoration, the ease of maintenance using a wood stain helps the deck look so good for many years. With deck resurfacing, maintenance is a chore. Good luck trying to remove such a thick, heavy product. Once the product is on the deck, you may be stuck with it or need to replace the wood. Conventional deck stripper will not remove Deck Resurface Coatings, leaving your options to remove with heavy sanding or scraping.

My Pro Tips: See this article on How to Remove a Deck Resurface Coating.

3. Deck Resurface Coatings Cause Rotting of Wood

The third issue is that most deck resurface coatings do not allow the wood to breathe. They coat the surface 100%, leading to dry rot and, eventually, deck replacement. When the coating cannot breathe, the rotting starts from the bottom up and traps moisture.

We suggest reading the comments below for consumers who have seen firsthand how their decking rots away, causing the need for a full replacement of the wood flooring.

My Pro Tips: Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive is breathable and has had no complaints of rotting.

Rust-Oleum Rock Solid (Deck Restore) Peeling Photos

4. Deck Resurface Coatings are Costly

The cost per square foot for a deck resurface product is extremely high. This is mostly due to the poor coverage rate of these product(s). The average cost is around $1-2 per foot, which is astronomical compared to conventional wood restoration stains.

So, despite the manufacturers’ claims that the product lasts many years, I see firsthand that these products fail and peel within two years. They are expensive to apply, have a horrible coverage rate, create rotting wood, and are hot to the touch in direct sunlight.

My Pro Tip: A class Action Lawsuit has been filed against Rust-Oleum Deck Restore 10x:  See Here

Still Looking for a Deck Resurface Coating?

Please read my article on Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive Review. If you’re looking for products that work, this product has real value.

Disgruntled Rust-Oleum Rock Solid (formerly Deck Restore) Customer on YouTube

Deck Resurface Product Reviews

Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive Review

Behr Deckover Review

Rust-Oleum Rock Solid/Deck Restore Review

Olympic Rescue-it Review

If you have any questions or experience with these deck stain products, please post below

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

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