How to Strip a Deck

Stripping off the weather-beaten surface and applying a new stain can dramatically improve the appearance of your deck.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 80- or 100-grit sandpaper
• Deck stripper
• Paint roller, extension handle, paint tray
• Hose and a stiff brush or pressure washer
• Rubber gloves
• Broom or vacuum cleaner
• Splash goggles
• Power sander

Stripping Your Deck

1. Measure your deck and calculate its size in square feet. You need to know this to determine how much stripper to buy.
2. Choose a water-based stripper (available at your home store). Water-based strippers are easy to work with and usually won't harm plants or grass around your deck (read the label to verify).
3. Clear everything from your deck (patio furniture, barbecue, and the like) so you will have room to work.
4. Spread plastic sheets over the plants around the edge of your deck (just in case—to protect them from the stripper).
5. Read and follow the instructions for applying your deck stripper. Typically the instructions indicate to wet the deck and then apply the deck stripper with a paint roller and let it set for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Allow the stripper to set for the prescribed time and then wash it off. Many manufacturers suggest that you can just rinse off the stripper and the old finish using a garden hose and a stiff broom. However, a pressure washer will make the job a lot easier and a lot faster.
7. Apply a second coat of stripper to areas of your deck that have been protected from the weather. Repeat the process of brushing on the stripper, letting it set and then washing it off.
8. Pick up and rinse off the plastic sheets you placed over your plants. If you leave them on your plants for too long, the plastic will act like a mini greenhouse and could burn the plants under the plastic.

Sanding Your Deck

9. The downside to power washing is that the force of the water breaks some of the wood surface fibers, leaving you with a "fuzzy" surface on your deck.
10. Allow the deck to dry thoroughly (two to three days) and then use 80- or 100-grit sandpaper and a random orbital sander to remove the fuzz. Depending on how big your deck is, you might want to rent a large orbital sander rather than use your hand sander (it's definitely easier on the knees).
11. Sweep or vacuum the sanding dust, and you are ready to apply a brand new layer of stain to your newly stripped and cleaned deck.

Tips & Warnings

• Strip your deck when the forecast is clear for five or six days. Figure on one day to strip it, three days for it to dry thoroughly and one day to sand and then stain it.
• While you're waiting for your deck to dry you can replace any damaged boards and make sure all of your nail heads are below the deck surface.
• Chemicals strippers (even those that won't harm plants) can be hazardous. Always wear eye protection and rubber gloves and immediately wash off any stripper that splashes on you.

Who Can Help:

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