Yea I know, sounds crazy right!!!

Two years ago we purchased Moisture Shield composite decking and its an absolute steaming pile of garbage. From the out of spec dimensions to being easily stained. After fighting with the company I pretty much got the material for free.

My biggest issue is its easily stained. If the dog has slightly muddy paws there will be marks that have to be taken off with cleaner and a scrub brush. Even after monsoon type rains the paw prints are still there. Its almost like the material is missing something.

I have the idea to add a clearcoat to help keep the dirt/mud from sticking. Can anyone think if of any issues this could cause? I already thought this could make a slippery deck when wet.

I have some scrap pieces I was going to test out first.

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I have some scrap pieces I was going to test out first.

Excellent idea.
Otherwise I don't think I would recommend it but the test will tell the tale.
Good Luck.

You'll need the right clear coat, one that will adhere well and will be UV resistant. I'm not sure what would fit that, but it wouldn't be standard polyurethane varnish; that doesn't hold up in the sun.

I would worry some about making it slippery, but something to think about is marine varnish - specifically made to hold up under prolonged sun exposure.

Search “deck paint”. Should be something out there.

On ship our deck paint was mixed with sand. Gave very good anti-slip surface. A bit hard on brooms, mops and knees.

The main purpose of composite is to avoid the maintenance related to wood. Thus, do you really want to negate that original advantage?

I can understand your plan as a short-term solution, but I would start thinking about new decking (either with new / better composite or return to wood).

Wet and forget.

Worked a miracle on our deck. Not sure if it works on composite but I would do some research. Would be a much easier and cheaper option.

You want a clear sealer, not a clear coat persay. We use a clear sealer on the plastic yacht decks and it stinks to holy hell, but works really good. You can wipe or slather it on with a rag, it brings the color back AND keeps stuff from sticking into it. Sadly, I can't remember the manufacturer.

(Didn't have my glasses.. thought the threat title was "Cerakote a composite stock??" Sure why not!

Then I opened the thread, started reading and saw he wants to "Cerakote a composite deck!??" Has he lost his mind!!??)

Use a solid color stain in the color of you choice.

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Originally posted by Chris42:
I would worry some about making it slippery, but something to think about is marine varnish - specifically made to hold up under prolonged sun exposure.

Search “deck paint”. Should be something out there.

On ship our deck paint was mixed with sand. Gave very good anti-slip surface. A bit hard on brooms, mops and knees.

This is a great brand. I would look around their offerings. +1 on avoiding an approach that will cause decreased traction.

I have no doubt that is great stuff, but it states it's for wood.
I would question how well it will adhere to a composite material.