Refinish Your Deck Like a Pro with Easy Paint Stripping Techniques

Is your deck looking worn and faded from years of exposure to the elements? Does it have chipping, peeling paint that needs to be removed before applying a fresh new protective finish? Transforming an old, painted deck into beautiful natural wood can seem like an overwhelming project, but it doesn't have to be with the right stripping techniques. With a little time and elbow grease, you can strip away years of old paint and restore your deck to its original beauty and function.

Stripping paint from decking requires removing multiple layers of old, degraded paint coatings to expose the bare wood underneath. This allows for proper adhesion and penetration of new stains and finishes. It can be a tedious process, but with the right tools and techniques, you can strip away old paint and prepare your deck for a fresh new look.

Assessing Your Deck's Current Condition

Before pulling out the paint stripper, assess your deck to determine the scope of the project. Look for any cracked, warped, or rotting boards that need replacement before stripping. Check for nails popping up that should be removed to prevent snagging. Identify if the deck was painted or if a solid stain was used, as that affects the stripping process. Also test the paint for lead, especially on older homes, as lead paint requires strict safety precautions.

It's also important to determine if a full strip is needed or not. Lightly sanded transparent stains often allow new stain to be applied over without fully stripping. Areas with peeling or flaking paint should be stripped, but if the current paint is in good condition, you may be able to apply a quality deck paint over it after proper cleaning and light sanding. But for a full wood restoration, a complete paint strip will be required.

Inspecting for Wood Damage

Use a screwdriver to poke at the deck boards, looking for soft, crumbling, or cracked wood that indicates rot. Check the underside of joists for brown wood rot as well. Damaged boards will need to be replaced before painting. Also look for popped nails, hammering any back down to prevent snagging during stripping.

Testing for Lead Paint

On older decks, it's important to test for lead-based paint, as handling lead paint requires strict precautions. Use a lead testing kit, or have a painted wood sample lab tested. If lead is detected, wear proper PPE when stripping, contain paint chips, and dispose of them properly.

Identifying Existing Finishes

Determine if the deck has been painted or stained. Paint forms a thick film on top of the wood, while stains penetrate into the grain. This affects what finish can be applied next. Inspect the sheen, feel the texture, and observe how worn it is to identify the existing finish.

Gather the Right Paint Stripping Tools

Having the proper stripping tools on hand will make tackling this project much easier. Essential items include:

• Chemical paint stripper - A thick gel works best for vertical surfaces like railings.
• Stiff paint scrapers - Get varieties with curved edges to scrape corners.
• Coarse wire brushes - For scrubbing wood after stripping.
• Paint trays and brushes - To apply the stripper.
• Putty knives - Useful for scraping detailed areas.
• Orbital sander - For smoothing wood after stripping.
• Sandpaper - 80-100 grit to sand between coats.
• Drop cloths & plastic sheeting - To protect surrounding areas.
• Chemical-resistant gloves & goggles
• Rags & chemical strippers - For wiping away residue.

Choosing the Right Paint Scrapers

Scrapers with curved or angled edges are useful for removing paint on edges, corners, and around railings. A 2 or 3 inch straight scraper can tackle flat areas. Opt for sturdy scrapers with handles and high-quality blades.

Wire Brush Types

For removing paint residue after stripping, use coarse wire brushes. Brushes with thicker, stiffer bristles work best for scrubbing. Flexible brushes are good for curved areas. Scrub brushes with replaceable heads allow worn bristles to be replaced.

Choosing a Paint Stripper Product

Look for paint strippers specifically formulated for exterior wood and decks. Thick gels cling better to vertical deck surfaces than liquid strippers. If you want an eco-friendly option, try plant-based citrus or soy gel strippers, although these take longer to work.

Prep Your Deck Before Stripping

Proper prep work before stripping paint will make the process smoother. Here are some tips for getting your deck ready for a paint removal:

Clear the Deck of Items

Remove any patio furniture, planters, hoses, or decorative items from the deck. Stripper could splash onto nearby items, damaging them.

Remove Hardware & Accessories

Taking off doorknobs, outlet covers, lighting fixtures, and railings prevents damage during stripping. Patch any screw holes later.

Wash and Dry the Surface

Use a deck cleaning solution or power washer to remove built-up dirt, mildew, grease stains. Let the deck fully dry before applying stripper.

Cover Plants, Siding, Windows

Protect any nearby plants, walls, windows, or surfaces from stripper splatter by covering them with plastic Drop cloths underneath the deck will catch paint drips.

Apply the Paint Stripper

Once your deck is prepped, it's time to apply the stripper. Read all product safety instructions first and wear protective gear. Follow these application tips:

Read the Product Directions

Follow the stripper directions for proper application. Apply a thick, even layer across the deck. Let it sit for the specified time before removal.

Use a Paint Brush or Plastic Applicator

Use a chemical-resistant brush or plastic applicator to spread the stripper. Avoid metal brushes that could react with the chemicals.

Work in Sections

Apply stripper in 4x4 foot sections so you can remove paint before the stripper dries. Reapply as needed on thick paint.

Allow Proper Set Time

Let the stripper sit for the recommended time before scraping, usually 20-60 minutes. This allows it to fully penetrate and lift the paint.

Scrape Away the Softened Paint

Once you see bubbling and blistering, the paint is ready for removal. Wear gloves and goggles during scraping. Here are some tips for safe, effective paint removal:

Scrape With Direction of Wood Grain

Use your paint scraper to gently lift the softened paint off the wood. Always go with the direction of the wood grain to avoid gouges.

Take Care Around Edges and Details

Use a detail scraper, or even an old flathead screwdriver, to carefully scrape paint out of corners and crevices.

Remove All Loosened Paint

It takes elbow grease, but be sure to remove all blistered, bubbled and peeled paint so the new finish adheres properly.

Brush Off Remaining Paint Residue

Once you've scraped off all the loosened paint, there may still be some leftover paint residue stuck to the wood. Follow up your paint scraping with these scrubbing steps:

Use a Coarse Wire Brush

Vigorously scrub all wood areas with a stiff wire brush to remove every last bit of paint residue.

Target Stubborn Areas

Focus on crevices and cracks that are harder to scrape. Let the wire bristles work into those areas.

Don't Damage the Wood

Scrub hard enough to remove paint, but not so hard that you scratch or gouge the wood. Long scratches will show through new stain.

Power Sand for a Smooth Finish

For the smoothest surface for your new stain or paint, it's important to sand the stripped wood. Follow these power sanding tips:

Use Orbital Sander on Flat Areas

Use an orbital sander with 80-100 grit paper to sand flat decking boards. Move steadily with direction of wood grain.

Sand Rails and Balusters with Hand Sander

For rails, spindles, and posts, use a hand belt sander, taking care not to remove too much wood.

Vacuum After Sanding

Before applying additional coats of stripper or finish, vacuum up all sanding dust for proper adhesion.

Apply Brightener to Neutralize Wood

Once all the paint is removed, brighteners help prepare and restore the wood. Here's how to use them:

Mix Brightener As Directed

Mix wood brightener chemicals per product instructions using proper PPE. An oxygenated brightener is best for removing grey wood fibers.

Apply Brightener to Entire Deck

Use a garden sprayer to evenly coat the entire stripped deck with the mixed brightener solution.

Let Sit 10-15 Minutes Before Rinsing

Allow brightener to sit for 10-15 minutes, then thoroughly rinse off with a hose. This neutralizes the wood and restores its natural pH.

Wipe Away Remaining Chemical Residue

For a fully prepared surface, wipe the deck by hand after brightening to remove any last residue:

Wipe Entire Deck With a Wet Rag

Use a water-dampened rag to wipe down the entire deck, cleaning out crevices and corners.

Check for Leftover Stripper

Look for any remaining stripper residue which could affect finish adhesion if left.

Allow Wood to Fully Dry

Let the deck dry completely over 2-3 days after wiping it down before applying new paint or stain.

Apply Your New Protective Finish

Once stripped and prepped, your deck is finally ready for a fresh new look! Talk to your local paint store about product options:

Consider an Opaque Stain

If wood is grey and discolored after stripping, use an opaque stain that hides imperfections.

Use Oil-Based Paint for Longest Durability

For a painted deck, oil-based exterior paints withstand weathering better than water-based versions.

Follow Application Instructions

Carefully read and follow the product application directions to ensure an even, sufficient coating. Allow proper drying time between coats.

Maintain Your Deck to Protect Your Hard Work

Don't let all your hard stripping work go to waste. Keep your deck looking fresh by:

Cleaning Regularly

Sweep often and use a deck cleaner 2-3 times per year to prevent buildup of dirt, debris, and mildew.

Resealing on a Schedule

Reapply protective sealants every 1-2 years to protect the wood and prevent moisture damage.

Inspecting for Early Signs of Damage

Check for cracked boards, peeling paint, or faded areas early on to make minor repairs before major stripping is required again.

Although refinishing a deck by stripping off old paint can be labor intensive, the results are worth the effort. Follow the process carefully using the right tools and safety precautions, and you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results. Your stripped and refinished deck will look like new again, ready to enjoy for many years to come.