Deck Stain Removal – Stain Strippers  5/5 (1)

This post was updated on March 3, 2024

Deck Stain Failure

Update: Deck Stain Removal – Stain Strippers

Do you have any questions on stripping your deck? Please ask below and post some pictures in our comment area.


There are many types of Exterior Wood Deck Stains on the market. They range from slightly pigmented sealers to solid color stains. One thing is for certain, they all fail after years of neglect, rain, snow, and UV degradation. In many cases, it is possible to use a deck cleaner and re-coat over an old stain. This is not practical though if the old stain has failed by wearing unevenly, peeled or if switching brands of stains. In these cases, you will need to use a Deck Stain Stripper. Stain strippers contain a more aggressive “caustic” than a typical deck cleaner. These caustics break down the bond between the cellular structure of the wood and the old stain. This makes removal of the stain easier with scrubbing or a light pressure wash.

These are basic steps needed to strip a failed deck stain:

  1. Remove all furniture/grills.
  2. Take precautions by covering nearby bushes with plastic tarps. Deck Strippers in general, are biodegradable but prolong exposure will burn the foliage.
  3. Read all the manufacturer’s directions.
  4. Apply the stripper with a bucket/scrub brush or a plastic garden sprayer. Do small sections of 100-200 square feet at a time.
  5. Let the stain stripper activate for 10-20 minutes.
  6. Heavy scrub or lightly pressure wash the surface.
  7. For stubborn areas repeat the process by applying more stripper, letting the stripper activate longer.
  8. It can be difficult to remove all of the old stain, especially on the verticals. Best to shoot for 90-100% removal.
  9. When done make sure to rinse thoroughly all dirt, grime, and old stain residue from the decking and nearby structures (i.e. house siding).
  10. Use a deck brightener to neutralize the deck stain stripper. This is an important needed step. Failure to do so will result in the new deck stain failing faster than normal.
  11. Rinse deck brightener after 10 minutes.

See here for a list of deck stain stripper reviews

Pro Tip: The Best Stripper to remove a solid color deck stain is the RAD PaintStrip Solid Stain Stripping Gel

More Info on Solid Deck Stain or Paint Removal

How To Strip a Deck Stain Video – DeckStainHelp.com


Please Rate This. You may also post comments or ask questions below.

author avatar
Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993
#As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

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John
John
6 years ago

My deck is adjacent to a very large lake. When I rinse the stripper off, what effect will the stripper have on the lake/environment/fish?

Chris
Chris
6 years ago

Will sanding a cedar deck affect the way it accepts new stain? Need to remove penofin red label and it may be less of a mess to sand instead of strip, powerwash etc. Thinking it might be better to remove by sanding and then brighten. Thoughts??

Ric
Ric
7 years ago

1. Do I need to cover my siding by my deck when applying the restore a deck stripper?
2. Do I have to immediately apply the brighter in the same day?
3. Can I use the same pump sprayer for the brighter and stripper?

Thanks,

Ric

Larry
Larry
8 years ago

My cedar house is stained with oil based Sikkens SRD semitransparent How do I remove old stain and prpare surface. I have tried several products in small areas without success.

Pat @ 709
Pat @ 709
9 years ago

Just finish staining my new 12×10 cedar deck. I HATE the semi- transparent color. I thought it would change after drying, but it is still ORANGE. Want to re-stain immediately. Can I use any stain remover? Will I need to use a brightener or sand? I would be grateful for any and all suggestions.

B. Larson
B. Larson
9 years ago

Help!! I am stripping my deck for second time in 4 yrs. I do not know anything about staining. I been using Home depot products: cleaner# 63, stripper#64, and Behr Transparent Wood Protector in natural color, not oil base. The entry way on the south side is very good. I live in MN. on the lake. The deck on the lakeside has never been taken care of, & it's lot bigger. The transparent wood protector worked fine for the front. I am bit worry after reading the report on Behr stain to continue with the project.—–

Michael Barnas
Michael Barnas
9 years ago

I stripped my deck with a two-part stripper, but will need to sand it as well. Should I sand before or after using part two (the brightener)?

Susan
Susan
10 years ago

I recently stripped my deck and the old stain came up in little dried-paint-like blobs that got on my concrete and patio furniture, then dried there. Any ideas for how to remove the blobs without using more stripper to soften them, since I doubt I can put that on concrete/furniture?

Thanks.

Sue W.
Sue W.
10 years ago

After stipping and using a deck brightner how long can I wait to stain the deck?

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