I just moved into a house with a large deck that the previous owners painted really poorly. Now the paint is peeling in spots and there are multiple layers of different colors to deal with. Replacing the deck isn't an option for us right now, so I'm looking for the best ways to remove the old paint before I apply a fresh coat (ideally a semi-transparent stain if I can manage to get all that old paint off). I've seen suggestions for power washing, chemical strippers, sanding, or even a mix of all three. I've watched a bunch of videos, but advice seems inconsistent. Has anyone tackled this recently and can share what worked for them?
3 Answers
We had a similar issue! I ended up power washing first, but it wasn't enough on its own. I scrubbed with a deck wash and touched up with some proper paint afterward. But I think the best advice is to maybe consider putting down a big outdoor rug for now. Take your time to settle in and tackle the deck in the spring. Power wash first, then sand or use a stripper as needed if it's too stubborn.
If your paint is already chipping and peeling, power washing should work pretty well for you. Just make sure to sand down the leftover stubborn bits afterward to ensure a clean surface for the new paint or stain.
The best approach here is probably to use a combination of all three methods. Start with power washing to remove the big chunks of paint. After that, use chemical strippers on the tough areas, power wash again to clean up what's left, and then sand the surface to prep it for painting or staining. This way, you get a thorough clean without too much hassle!
What about the mess from the paint flakes flying everywhere during power washing? Any tips for that?