How to Paint Pool Enclosures
By Piper Li, eHow Contributor
Pool enclosures provide privacy and safety. The styles and materials for these structures vary. Basic ones can resemble simple fences, while others may have large glass panels and sliding screens. Like other outdoor structures, your pool enclosure must withstand weather conditions that can cause the paint to chip and peel. These structures are also subject to high levels of moisture due to splashing and humidity. A new coat of durable epoxy paint can enhance the appearance of a wooden pool enclosure.
Instructions
1. Clean the surface of your pool enclosure with a bucket of soapy water and a soft sponge. Remove all dirt, spider webs and other debris. Rinse off the soap residue with fresh water. Examine your cleaned enclosure for signs of paint damage, such as peeling, flaking or chipping.
2. Brush cracked and dimpled paint with a metal brush. Flake away as much paint as possible with the rough bristles. Remove damaged paint with a paint scraper. Use the scraper to peel up pieces of loose paint. Avoid gouging the underlying surface as you remove scrape away at the paint.
3. Sand the areas around the peeling paint with a piece of medium-grade sandpaper. Buff the edges down to blend them with the surrounding surface.
4. Brush the loose paint off your pool enclosure with a broom. Spray the entire surface area with a cleaning solution that contains trisodium phosphate, an ingredient that cuts through grease and stubborn stains. Scrub the enclosure with a scrub brush to loosen stubborn grime. Use a garden hose to spray off the soap residue in the direction opposite your pool. Let the pool enclosure dry completely.
5. Paint your pool enclosure on a dry, calm day when outdoor temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pool enclosure contains glass panels or screens, tape the edges of these with painter’s tape. Stretch plastic sheeting around the bottom of your enclosure to protect the rest of the deck and pool area from paint stains. Apply a coat of epoxy primer to the clean surface of the pool enclosure. Use a soft-bristled paintbrush to apply the primer to the entire surface area. Let the primer dry for the amount of time recommend on the container.
6. Apply the first coat of epoxy paint over the primer. Use a thin coat to avoid drips and runs. Let the first coat dry, then apply a second coat to provide a uniform appearance. Avoid splashing or spraying the new paint until it dries completely.
