Deck Stripping

Best Deck Prep? Clean, Strip, or Sand the Deck?

by Deck Stain Help 04/16/2019

Best Deck Prep? Clean, Strip, or Sand the Deck?

What is the Best Deck Deck Prep 2019

In this article, we help by guiding consumers in finding the best way to prep their deck for an application or reapplication of a deck stain or deck coating. Not all scenarios are the same and this article with some input and pictures from you will help determine the proper way to prep.

What is the Best Deck Prep? Clean, Strip, or Sand the Deck?

This is the 2nd most popular question that deck owners have on this website with the first being What is the Best Deck Stain? Prepping your deck is the single most important aspect in the deck restoration process and will determine your final appearance and the stain longevity. Not prepping properly can lead to premature stain failure and overall poor appearance results. How to best prep your deck could vary on numerous scenarios:

Is the wood new or old?
Does it have a previous coating on the wood?
Are you recoating with the same brand and colors as last time?
When was the last time it was stained?
What type of stain was it coated with before?

A better way to approach the deck prepping question is to ask, “what is the best deck prep for my deck due to its current condition and age”?

The three main ways to prep a deck are:

Deck Cleaning followed by Wood Brightening
Deck Stripping followed by Wood Brightening
Power Sanding
Or a combination of the above.

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How to Restore Your Deck all in One Day

by Deck Stain Help 05/20/2019

Tips on Restoring Your Deck in One Day

In recent years there have been a few new deck and wood stains coming to the market that allow the ability to prep and stain your deck all in the same day. As contractors in the deck restoration business, this allows us to save money and more importantly time by completing everything on the same day. No need to wait days or even weeks for the wood to dry or the rainy weather to cooperate. This frees up a lot of time for the average homeowner as the task of redoing the deck or exterior wood does not take up multiple weekends.

Here are the 3 basic restoration steps on prepping and staining your deck on the same day.

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Best Deck Stain Strippers 2019

by Deck Stain Help 04/29/2019

Update 2019 Best Deck Stain Strippers

Those who are familiar with the deck staining process are aware that you must properly prep your deck before staining for beautiful results. In this article, we discuss the best deck strippers on the market. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects.

Note: See here if you need to remove a Difficult to Remove Deck or Wood Stain.

Prior to staining a wood deck, it is necessary to properly clean the wood for the best results. Removing all the dirt, mold, mildew, and graying will help the new deck stain to penetrate better and last longer.

When dealing with a deck that has an old failing deck stain on it, a simple wood cleaning is not enough. In this case, a deck stain stripper must be used to emulsify and soften the old stain so it can be removed more easily. Wood stain strippers are more aggressive than a typical wood cleaner.

Some of the best deck stain strippers that we have found contain a mixture of Sodium Hydroxide and other surfactants and typically come in a concentrated powder formula. Once mixed with water they can be applied using a pump sprayer.

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Why Sanding a Deck Can be an Issue

by Deck Stain Help 03/02/2019

Sanding A Wood Deck

Update for 2019: Why Sanding a Deck Can be an Issue

We appreciate your input here at Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics through 2019. See below for an article about Why Sanding a Deck Can be an Issue.

Feel free to leave a comment or ask questions below.

Why sanding your deck can reduce stain penetration

One of the most frustrating problems that can crop up when you decide to stain or restain your deck is that the stain doesn’t absorb into the wood correctly.

There are a number of different reasons this can happen but one of the more common issues is that the boards were not correctly sanded or prepared for the task. Today we will examine the main causes behind poor absorption and explore some of the measures you can take to negate this issue in the future.

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When to use a Deck Stripper vs a Deck Cleaner

by Deck Stain Help 03/03/2019

Strip of Clean the Deck

Update for 2019: When to use a Deck Stripper vs a Deck Cleaner

Feel free to leave a comment or ask questions below.

When to use a Deck Stripper vs a Deck Cleaner

One of the biggest rookie mistakes that we often see, is someone applying a stain to a deck that has not been properly prepped. When you’ve stained a deck a few times before, you come to learn that dirt, mildew, mold or graying should not be present when you apply the stain or it will end in disaster.

Only a clean, well-prepared surface is able to correctly absorb the stain and allow it to perform just like you want and need it to. An added bonus of cleaning the wood thoroughly before undertaking staining is that it will look even more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing.

We have different products that we recommend to get the job done: “Deck Stripper” or a “Deck Cleaner.” They are both designed to properly prep the wood and clean it thoroughly before staining begins.

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Can you Stain over a Painted Deck?

by Deck Stain Help 03/22/2019

Remove Solid Stain on Deck

Can you apply stain to a deck that is painted? The answer is not immediately.

Whether you are looking to change the color or brand of stain on your deck or you are simply looking to treat your deck with a fresh coat of stain, you absolutely must remove all layers of paint or solid stains that are already on the wood. Otherwise, the quality and performance of your paint job will be compromised and you will end up having to stain all over again. So, just remember to remove any existing stain from the wood surface before tackling a new paint job and you will be all set!

There are two ways to remove the existing stain on a deck and you may need to do both to remove all of the solid stain or paint off your wood.

The first way is to try using a high-quality deck stain stripper. Choosing a high-quality stripper like Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper makes removing deck stains a breeze. To prepare the stain stripper, follow directions on the packaging and mix until crystals are fully dissolved. If you are using a pump sprayer, mix the stain stripper in a separate bucket before transferring to the sprayer to avoid clogging. To apply the Stripper, mist a layer of fresh water onto the deck then apply the stripper to the wood surface using either a pump sprayer or scrub brush. This is the most effective way to apply the stain stripper. Allow the compound to sit on the wood surface for 10-15 minutes or until the surface becomes slippery. Pressure wash or vigorously scrub by hand until all the dirt, grime and fibers are removed. We recommend power washing over hand scrubbing, as it is easier and more effective. Repeat this process to most or all old stain or sealer over stubborn areas. After stripping as much as you can of the solid stain, apply Deck Brightener to neutralize the pH and restore the natural beauty of the wood. This doesn’t need to be power washed, simply rinse off after applying.

The second way to remove a solid stain or paint from a deck is by sanding it. If your wood deck has many layers of paint from projects over the years and withstands damage, you must sand the wood down to its original surface before applying stain or paint. We recommend renting a drum sander to make the job a little less laborious. After sanding is complete, you may use a deck cleaner and wood brightener for the final prep.

Do you have any suggestions for removing the old stain from a deck? Leave a comment below

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Why Deck Stain Stripping can be Easier Than Deck Cleaning

by Deck Stain Help 03/05/2019

Update for 2019: Why Deck Stain Stripping can be Easier Than Deck Cleaning

Those who are familiar with the deck staining process are aware of how important it is to properly prep your deck before staining for beautiful results. In this article, we discuss why deck stain stripping can be easier than deck cleaning. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects.

Note: See here if you need to remove a Difficult to Remove Deck or Wood Stain.

The difference between deck cleaning and deck stain stripping is simple. With deck cleaning, you are simply washing the wood to remove any dirt, grime, mildew, and graying. With deck stripping the same contaminants are removed but you are also removing any old remnants of deck stain. In many cases, deck stain stripping is better because you are removing old deck stain in addition to other contaminants like dirt and graying.

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Deck Stripping – Removing an Old Deck Stain

by Deck Stain Help 03/05/2019

Update for 2019: Deck Stripping – Removing an Old Deck Stain

Those who are familiar with deck staining are aware of how important each step of the process is, especially the initial prepping that precedes the stain. In this article, we discuss the importance of using a quality deck stain stripper when you have an old coating on your deck you need to remove. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects.

Note: See here if you need to remove a Difficult to Remove Deck or Wood Stain.

Failing Deck Stain

When it comes to restoring an older wood deck, it’s extremely important to prep the wood correctly. Not doing so can lead to premature failure of the new deck stain. No matter the brand or cost of a deck stain, it will not last as long as it should if it isn’t applied to a perfectly cleaned and prepped surface.

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My Deck Stain Turned Black

by Deck Stain Help 03/05/2019

Update for 2019: My Deck Stain Turned Black

We appreciate when people write in and ask for advice when something goes wrong during their deck staining projects. Today we talk about what causes your deck stain to turn black after a year or two and what to do to get rid of the problem. We appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects.

Black Deck Stain

Why Did Your Deck Stain Turn Black?

Many things can happen to a deck stain when it is not applied or maintained properly. The biggest reason for a deck stain turning black is mildew. All wood surfaces need to be cleaned correctly prior to staining. The use of a quality wood cleaner and pressure washer or scrub brush is necessary to remove all the contaminants like dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and graying.

When contaminants are left in the wood pores and stain is applied a whole host of problems can occur. Mildew can begin to grow underneath the deck stain, which causes discoloring. This can also lead to rot and decay because if there is mildew there is also moisture present.

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How To Change from Water Based to Oil Based Deck Stains

by Deck Stain Help 03/05/2019

Update 2019 for How To Change from Water Based to Oil Based Deck Stains

DeckStainHelp.com continues to be a trusted source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics throughout 2018. Water-based stains and oil-based stains have their advantages and disadvantages. If you wish to change from a water-based to oil-based deck stain, or vice versa, here are some suggestions. Any questions? Ask below!

How to Change From Water Based to Oil Based Exterior Decking Stain and Vice Versa

The longevity of a deck or other exterior wood structure depends highly on how well it is maintained. A wood surface left alone or neglected will not last long in the harsh environment. Wood needs to be sealed and protected from moisture, UV rays, mold, mildew and such contaminants that will cause rot and decay. The most common types of wood protectants are oil and water based.

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Best Deck Stain Strippers 2019

by Deck Stain Help 03/05/2019

Update for 2019: Best Deck Stain Strippers

Those who are familiar with the deck staining process are aware that you must properly prep your deck before staining for beautiful results. Not much has changed since last year, we still recommend all the brands mentioned in this article. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects.

Note: See here if you need to remove a Difficult to Remove Deck or Wood Stain.

A deck stain stripper is used in place of a wood cleaner when an existing failing deck stain needs to be removed. Most deck stains should be removed before applying a new stain. The exception is doing a maintenance coat using the same deck stain as before in which case it is not always necessary to remove the old stain. However old failing stains should not be left underneath a new layer of deck stain. Doing so will highly jeopardize the effectiveness and longevity of the new deck stain.

For the best results in stripping away a failing stain, you should use the best deck stain stripper for 2017. We have found several products worth mentioning that are in the best class. Restore-A-Deck Stripper makes an excellent two-step kit that will allow consumers to get professional like results. This product will remove most semi-transparent oil stains quicker and more effectively than most other wood stain stripper products.

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Removing a Solid Deck Stain

by Deck Stain Help 03/11/2019

Update for 2019: Removing a Solid Deck Stain

We appreciate your input here at Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics through 2019. This is a revised article about how to remove a solid deck stain. They are can be very difficult to remove and take time and patience. Feel free to leave a comment below.

Peeling Solid Deck Stain

Help With Removing a Solid Deck Stain

Once a deck has been stained with a heavy pigmented or solid stain it can be hard to maintain. Solid deck stains are like paint in that they form a film on the wood surface to provide weather protection. Once it is time for maintenance, a good cleaning and recoat are necessary. After several years the solid stain begins to build up and has trouble adhering, thus it begins to peel and flake constantly.

To stop this negative effect from occurring, or to switch from one deck stain to another, it is best to remove the solid deck stain completely and start with bare wood again. But removing a solid deck stain takes patience and a little bit of work.

To remove a solid deck stain you need to start with a deck stain remover. Stain strippers contain aggressive ingredients to help break through and soften tough to remove deck stains. Once the stain begins to emulsify it can then be pressure washed off.

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