Patio Deck prep

[jzidle]

Suppose I have a deck that needs re-staining. It's 25 yrs old and is pressure treated. It has several layers of semi-solid stain. Three years ago, I attempted to scrape and sand it but couldn't get all of the old stain off. This year, I'm pressure washing it. I feel like all of the stain should come off as it is mostly loose but I feel like a good portion of my life will be spent doing this. Are there better methods for removing this latex-based stain? I'm open to anything easier, better, or faster.

[darkminion_17]

Yes, I have a solution.
Pry the boards up and flip them over.

[zippy1]

Good thread, as I'm in the same boat. Redid ours three years ago, and it looks like chit now. Most of the finish is gone, but then again, there is a bunch still hanging on.
Last time we pressure washed it, cleaned it with some store bought deck cleaner, and followed all the directions. Still looked terrible. So???

[DeltaCub]

Originally Posted by jzidle

Suppose I have a deck that needs re-staining. It's 25 yrs old and is pressure treated. It has several layers of semi-solid stain. Three years ago, I attempted to scrape and sand it but couldn't get all of the old stain off. This year, I'm pressure washing it. I feel like all of the stain should come off as it is mostly loose but I feel like a good portion of my life will be spent doing this. Are there better methods for removing this latex-based stain? I'm open to anything easier, better, or faster.

Originally Posted by zippy1

Good thread, as I'm in the same boat. Redid ours three years ago, and it looks like chit now. Most of the finish is gone, but then again, there is a bunch still hanging on.
Last time we pressure washed it, cleaned it with some store bought deck cleaner, and followed all the directions. Still looked terrible. So???

IDK....Try a floor sander??!!

[drcjv]

Most major paint brands will have a stripper or remover for decks. I personally think the Benjamin Moore works the best. Use the remover with a tank sprayer and good stiff brush. Then use their brightener, let dry and re-stain.

[Oak]

And when you do get them cleaned up and ready for stain, do yourself a favor and don't buy anything Lowes or Home Cheapo sells. My friends all use crap they sell and then bit*h about how it doesn't hold up. Go find a good paint store that sells Sikkens brand deck stains and use their product. Yes it is expensive but it holds up well.

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by DeltaCub

IDK....Try a floor sander??!!

Might work but it will take off the nail/screw heads unless a person resets all of them

[Rmowl]

Originally Posted by jzidle

Suppose I have a deck that needs re-staining. It's 25 yrs old and is pressure treated. It has several layers of semi-solid stain. Three years ago, I attempted to scrape and sand it but couldn't get all of the old stain off. This year, I'm pressure washing it. I feel like all of the stain should come off as it is mostly loose but I feel like a good portion of my life will be spent doing this. Are there better methods for removing this latex-based stain? I'm open to anything easier, better, or faster.

not sure of your deck dimensions, but I have done the same task too many times to mention in my line of work. For an older deck like yours I have pressure washed, allowed to dry, then belt sanded the entire surface feathering any existing paint to a paintable surface, followed by epoxy repairs to any cracks . As far as a latex stain, Sherwin Williams deckscape stain has surpassed my expectations. Poly stains we generally use Cabots. good luck

[zippy1]

Originally Posted by DeltaCub

IDK....Try a floor sander??!!

Hee/hee, you're funny Beth. The deck I'm referring to is rather large, with treated deck boards, ramp and full railing... I'd be better off tearing everything off the frame and replacing.

Originally Posted by Oak

And when you do get them cleaned up and ready for stain, do yourself a favor and don't buy anything Lowes or Home Cheapo sells. My friends all use crap they sell and then bit*h about how it doesn't hold up. Go find a good paint store that sells Sikkens brand deck stains and use their product. Yes it is expensive but it holds up well.

Yeah, last time we used Home Cheapo Bear brand stain. Started going to heck less than a year after applying it.

[darkminion_17]

Originally Posted by zippy1

Hee/hee, you're funny Beth. The deck I'm referring to is rather large, with treated deck boards, ramp and full railing... I'd be better off tearing everything off the frame and replacing.

Are you replacing with a composite?