Give your deck a face-lift that will make a huge visual improvement. Stripping off old finishes like paint or weatherproof sealer will also add years to the deck's life.
Instructions
1. Measure your deck and take those measurements with you to the hardware store, home improvement store or lumberyard when you purchase the products you'll need (see next step). These products will provide estimates on how many square feet they will strip or clean.
2. Purchase the brand of stripper you prefer. Also pick up a deck cleaner to be used after the stripper to be sure all residue from the stripper is cleaned from the deck before you attempt to refinish.
3. Rent a portable power washer; these can be found at most rental centers. A power washer unit consists of an electric or gas-powered pump that hooks up to a garden hose. This pressurized water is sprayed from a wand like those at a car wash. In conjunction with the chemical treatment, the power washer will clean large amounts of old finish, as well as dirt and grime, from the surfaces of your deck.
4. Follow the directions for the use of the stripper. It's usually applied with a roller or paintbrush.
5. Work on small areas at a time and always work from the highest point to the lowest to avoid discoloration caused by drips and runs of the stripping agent.
6. Spray over the area where you've used the stripper with the pressure sprayer to ensure complete removal of the chemicals and loosened finish.
7. Continue in this fashion until the entire deck has been stripped.
8. Mix the cleaner according to instructions and apply again to areas of easily manageable size; follow the proper time limits. Rinse thoroughly.
9. Allow the deck to dry completely after using the products and power washer.
10. Give the entire deck a quick sanding with a fine grit sandpaper to remove any "raised grain" (furry-looking wood fibers that sometimes show up after stripping). The deck is now ready to be refinished to your satisfaction.
