What's the best approach for painting deck and porch railings? Ours are peeling badly after just two winters?

Peeling railings after only two winters is unfortunately common in Metro Vancouver, and it usually comes down to inadequate preparation or using the wrong products for our climate. Railings are especially vulnerable because they have multiple exposed surfaces, end grain on balusters, and joints where water collects and sits. To do the job properly this time around, start with full removal of the old peeling paint. A combination of scraping, sanding, and a heat gun works best. Do not just paint over peeling surfaces, as the new paint will fail just as quickly. Once you are down to bare or sound wood, apply a high-quality exterior primer specifically rated for wood. For railings in Vancouver, an acrylic latex primer with built-in mould resistance is ideal. Let the primer cure fully, then apply two coats of premium exterior acrylic paint. The critical step that most people skip is sealing the end grain on every baluster and post top. End grain absorbs moisture like a sponge, and that moisture works its way through the wood and pushes the paint off from behind. Apply an extra coat of primer and paint to all end grain cuts, and consider adding a metal or plastic post cap to shed water away from vulnerable post tops. For the horizontal top rail, which takes the most abuse, some contractors apply a thin bead of exterior sealant where the rail meets the post to prevent water infiltration at joints. Professional railing painting in Metro Vancouver typically costs $15 to $25 per linear foot depending on the complexity and condition of the existing finish. Have a professional evaluate whether your current railing design has any water-trapping details that should be addressed before repainting.

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