On Sun, 7 Jul 2013 00:40:30 -0700 (PDT), Higgs Boson
wrote:

Since I was painting the (wood) back porch, thought I'd paint the (Trex) side steps to match. (Yes, the Trex is several years old, so that wasn't a problem).

Terrible idea!

After scrubbing and rinsing the steps and letting them dry, I applied BM acrylic. Or rather TRIED to apply. Never saw such a miserable surface. Streaks and iffy coverage. Used a lot of time and a lot of expensive paint. Second coat helped only a little. Still streaks, etc.

After the fact, went on-line. Trex only approves 2 coverage, both stains.
But other sites don't specifically say don't use paint.

Wish I'd left the Trex alone; it was an unobtrusive pinkish beige-ish color

Was this a unique experience? What, if anything, did I do wrong?

TIA

HB

What you did wrong was painting the Trex. As you found out, only 2
stains are approved for it. No paint is. Only the Trex site is what
matter, not the fact that other sites don't say to paint. Trex is a
man made product with additives in it so it stays good looking for
years with little maintenance. Those same ingredients also make it
impossible to paint.

The only reason I'd use Trex is to avoid painting and staining. Now
replace it with real hardwood and oil it to keep it looking beautiful.
I used Tigerwood and enjoy the beauty every time I step on the deck.

You (finally) went to the proper source for information and still
doubt them. Why?