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Is It Possible to Remove Scratches From Composite Decking?

Scratches on Composite Decking


Adding a decking to your outdoor space is not exactly a cheap home improvement. When spending a considerable amount of money, it is best to opt for quality as this usually saves you money in the long run. For this reason, it is important to choose materials that can withstand many forms of damage, including scratches. As traditional wood decking is susceptible to scratches, many turn to composites as a better alternative.

Many customers ask: what causes scratches to appear on your decking? Can you prevent them? Can you remove them? But most importantly: What is the best scratch-resistant decking material you can use?

Preventing Scratches

Composite decking is durable, long-lasting and looks great. It has become more popular than using actual wood for decking. It is strong, dense and resistant to insects; features that instantly make it a favourite choice among homeowners. Like all aspects of your home, composite decking still needs to be maintained to retain its beauty and appearance. The decking will be exposed to sun, rain and other harsh elements outside, so it will need to be regularly cared for. Some problems for many homeowners may have been scratches on their decking, given its exposure outside, careful attention needs to be paid to avoid scratches. It is natural to have some scratching on your decking, however, to help you prevent scratching on your decking here are some tips.

Use Scratch-Resistant Decking 

Of course, it is wise to purchase the most scratch-resistant materials possible. While you may need to spend more on quality materials, the added cost is worth it, as it will retain its appearance over the decking’s long service life, meaning less maintenance is required. Furthermore, Ultra Decking offers quality, scratch-resistant decking without breaking the bank.

Protect Your Decking from Your Furniture

Having furniture on your decking is inevitable, whether that’s loungers, egg chairs, tables, and chairs, all of these can cause scratches on your decking. Using rugs, and furniture pads (Felt or rubber) can help prevent damage to your decking. If possible, avoid dragging furniture and other items across your decking, this is a common cause of scratching on a decking surface.

Remove Mould and Mildew

Remove decaying materials like wood, leaves and debris from your composite decking as soon as possible. When combined with the right temperature, amount of air and water, it can cause mould and mildew to grow on the decking surface. Remove these decaying materials immediately with hot soapy water and a soft bristle brush as mould and mildew can be difficult to remove once they start spreading. Mould and mildew degrade the board, leaving it prone to scratches.

Remove Snow 

Composite decking is made to be tough, durable, and resistant to the elements, however, keeping it snow-free, is necessary. If the snow fall is heavy, use a plastic shovel; avoid metal ones with sharp edges that might damage your decking to remove the top layer. Still be careful even with a plastic shovel not to damage the decking. Brush the remaining snow from your decking.

1 Is It Possible to Remove Scratches from Composite Decking?

With most outdoor items, the risk of wear and tear and damage from the weather including animals and other elements are higher. Most decking is extremely durable, but not invulnerable to damage. Among all the possible issues that homeowners may encounter, decking scratches are among the most common. While composite decking boards are especially designed to reduce the risk of scratch damage through scratch-resistant technology, it is important to remember they are not scratch proof.

So, is it possible to remove scratches? This very much depends upon the depth of the scratch, the generation of composite decking boards being used, their quality and surface finish.

2 Depth

If the scratch is deep, it may not be possible to completely remove the scratch to the point it is no longer noticeable. It may, however, be possible to improve the appearance of the scratch. Here we look at how to remove or improve a scratch on the two generations of boards and the different surface finishes.

3 First generation boards

Grooved finish

The first-generation grooved board is probably the easiest board from which to remove a scratch. Try using stainless-steel wool or fine sandpaper to lightly go over the scratch in the direction of the grooves. Be careful not to press too hard when using this method, we recommend using light pressure only. This can lighten the colour of the board over time; however, the board will weather over time and the lighter colour may not be as apparent.

 

Wood grain finish

On a first-generation wood grain board, the above method can also be used. However, this can result in buffing away the wood grain texture and removal of colour. The colour can be brought back using a composite colour reviver. When using a colour reviver, use a small paint brush only on the affected area. This may not be a perfect fix and may require time for the board to weather for the area to blend with the rest of the board.

4 Second generation boards

Using a heat gun is one of the most effective ways to eliminate the scratches on a second-generation composite decking board, however, this also requires a lot of practice. Failing to do this properly, will result in permanently damaging your boards with burn marks. To begin removing the scratches, find the marks and heat them using the heat gun. Be careful not to hold the gun too close or hold this on the mark for too long. Once the area has been heated; this may leave some areas darker, these can disappear after a few weeks of natural fading.

If you feel more comfortable using an already made repair kit, these are available. The repair kits use wax fillers, applying the wax and rubbing into place. Remove any excess wax quickly

To touch up scratches and marks, you can use a composite repair marker pen, use like a pen to go over the scratch, this method is less effective in creating a seamless finish.

To perfect any of the suggested techniques above, we recommend you first test the method on a cut off or sample of your decking.

Removing Scratches from Composite Decking

Use a Heat Gun

Using a heat gun is one of the most effective ways to eliminate the scratches on your decking. However, it also requires a lot of practice. Fail to do it properly, and you’ll have permanent burn marks on your decking. To do it, find the scratch marks and heat them using the heat gun. Be careful not to hold it too close or too long. You may test it at the best distance on a hidden part of your decking. You can also use leftover decking boards as practice. Upon heating it, it may leave some areas darker. But don’t worry, it will be gone after a few weeks of natural fading.

Try a Wire Brush

Another popular method that you can try is by using a wire brush. Find the scratch marks and brush them with a wire brush along the length of the decking boards or direction of the grain. Unlike using a heat gun, scrubbing the composite boards will make them lighter. But as with the heating method, it will go away in a few weeks. For some, using both the heat gun and wire brush is more effective, as it blends the colours faster.

Hide Scratches with Wood Stains

For darker, more wood-like shades of composite decking, you can try using wood stains. It’s useful when used on deeper scratches, as it also protects the exposed parts of the boards. Naturally, you will have to find a colour that will match the colours as close as possible. However, it doesn’t necessarily need to exactly be the same colour as the boards, as it will fade and blend over time. Some composite manufacturers have their very own line-ups of stains for scratches.

Decking Repair Kits

Another known method of removing signs of scratching on your composite decking is through the use of decking repair kits. You can buy them at most composite decking supply stores. They are fillers, often made out of wax or epoxy, which you apply to the scratches on your decking like a putty. For some kits, you will have to find the matching shade for your decking, while others work on any composite surfaces of any colour.

Ask the Manufacturers

What works for other composites may not necessarily work for everything. For instance, using a wire brush on a board with grain textures may remove the grain patterns. If you are uncertain which method to use, you will want to ask your composite decking supplier first. They may give you specific instructions on what to do when it comes to removing scratches on your composite decking. Each manufacturer may offer you several ways to remove them, and you have the freedom to choose what methods to use.

Time for Replacement

If all else fails, the only thing that you can do is to ignore the scratches or remove the decking boards and replace them. If you do end up replacing the boards, you will want to ensure to get the most scratch-resistant as possible. Look for decking boards with superior capping. Taking warranty and guarantee coverages into consideration is also crucial. If possible, you may want to order samples first before you commit to buying them. In this way, you can test how scratch-resistant the decking boards are.

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