This post was updated on April 4, 2025
Hi! I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior deck cleaning and stain stripping. My wood deck cleaning/stripping help tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing. See here for more info about me.
Deck Stripper vs a Deck Cleaner
I appreciate your input at Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest deck restoration news and trending topics through 2025. See below for an article about When to use a Deck Stripper vs a Deck Cleaner.
Feel free to leave me a comment or ask questions below.
Strip or Clean the Deck
Why use a Deck Stripper vs a Deck Cleaner
One of the biggest rookie mistakes I 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 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 can correctly absorb the stain and allow it to perform just as you want and need it to. Cleaning the wood thoroughly before undertaking staining has the added bonus of making it look even more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing.
I recommend two different products for the job: a “Deck Stripper” and a “Deck Cleaner.” They are both designed to properly prep the wood and clean it thoroughly before staining begins.
Deck Stripper or Deck Cleaner?
There is a simple method to determine whether you should use a Deck Stripper or Cleaner, as it all revolves around the wood’s surface. Older, grubby, and grayed wood just needs a quality wood cleaner. A Deck Wood Cleaner is powerful enough to get rid of most dirt and mildew stains; however, a stripper might be needed for more heavy-duty preparation.
Often, when staining your deck, you will need to remove the remaining old stain, which can be stubborn. In this case, the Deck Stripper should be used instead of the Deck Cleaner. The useful advantage of strippers is that they will soften and ‘melt’ most stains, making them easy to wash or wipe away. On top of that, Deck Strippers cleans off mildew and graying, too. There’s no reason to use a cleaner after!
Brighten the Wood After Stripping or Cleaning
Another common mistake I often see is not using a wood brightener to neutralize the wood after using the deck cleaner or deck stripper. Brighteners are an integral part of the restaining process. They lower the pH of the boards and allow the pores to ‘breathe,’ making them more accepting and open to absorbing your new stain.
If you’re having trouble figuring out whether your deck has been stained in the past, please post a picture below.
Best Deck Cleaner or Stripper Articles
- What are the Best Deck Cleaners
- The Best Deck Stain Strippers
- Why Brighten After Deck Stripping
- How To Remove a Solid Color Deck Stain
My How To Strip A Deck Stain Video
We built our redwood deck 5 years ago and used Penofins Transparent Stain in Redwood color. Each year we clean it with their step 2 and then put another coat of stain. In the shady areas (1st pic) the look is exactly what we first had and would like to continue to have, however, every year the sunny areas get blacker and blacker. This year all H… has broke loose. In areas where plant were watered or umbrellas stands were, the stain is gumming up and coming off kind of when useing the Step 2 cleaner. I called Penofin directly and she said to keep using it and leave it on longer so the cleaner will do the work. Well the cleaner isn’t cutting it. Leaves hairy chunks is some spots and does nothing in others.
Thinking I need to strip it all and start over. What do you recommend and what have done wrong? Help and Thank you. PS we live in high desert 4 season area of far northern CA.
Penofin has known issues with darkening or turning black over time. You will need to strip and brighten to remove and start over.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-stain-strippers/
Hi Scott.
I have a ~25 year old redwood deck located in Ruidoso New Mexico. It is in the Rocky mountains at about 7500′ elevation so intense summertime sun and sometimes significant snow in the winter. About 5 years ago I hired someone to restain it and they put solid stain down (while I was not present to protest!) on top of what had been semi-transparent. The solid stain was peeling up pretty badly so about two years ago we sanded it down to bare wood and applied Cabot’s Wood Toned Deck and Siding Stain (#3002 Cedar) – a translucent oil stain. This looked great initially but now appears to be totally gone — the wood looks bare to my eye, water doesn’t bead at all, etc. So I am about to redo it. The wood itself is in great shape (for 25 y.o.). I am planning to use a TWP 100 semi-transparent product — maybe the 102 Redwood since I think it would show some wood grain (which I like / want) and also have decent UV protection. I would be interested in your thoughts about that … but my primary question is about the prep. Do you think I should strip + brighten since I am changing products … or given the situation and wood I am describing would clean + brighten be ok? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Strip and brighten for sure.
Thanks for your reply Scott. Followup question: This time of year an average day is sunny with high temps around 60 and low temps in the 30s, with daytime relative humidity around 20%. If i strip and brighten one day then let wood sit for 48 hours before staining … if temp is forecast to drop to 25-30 range overnight is that a deal-breaker for staining that day? Or with several hours of sun and low humidity immediately after staining is that overnight low temp ok? I would really like to get the stain down before winter sets in … but of course i dont want to compromise the end results! Thanks again
It should not drop below freezing the first night after staining.
Hi there, I stained by deck about 4 years ago and it’s much overdue for a restain. However, half of the deck is covered and half exposed to the harsh elements (intense sun and snow/ice) so the wear and tear between these areas is significant. How would you recommend prepping this deck for an even finish and do you have recommendations for a tough finish?
Strip and brighten for prep. Use the Restore A Deck Stain stripper with both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Apply, let dwell for 30-45 minutes and pressure wash off. Brightener when done.
Hi I’ve used your advice with great results in the past! Used TWP oil on deck. We live in Florida with very humid weather and daily rain in summer, we made a new deck in a very shady spot should I use the TWP oil or the water based Restore a deck? Thank you!
Either would work well here. See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Hi, Scott. Just got a new pine deck built in April and had it stained a few days ago. We were going for a two toned look. Unfortunately, we don’t like the end result and desperately want to change to a lighter stain on the skirt. What’s your recommendation on how to accomplish that as effectively and as economically as possible. The larger deck on an angle in one photo is the one we were hoping to achieve. The smaller deck where the photo is straight on is the one we ended up with. Halp!
You will have to remove it fully and it is difficult to remove a newly applied stain, especially if it is water based. What stain brand and type did you use?
We used Rymar stain
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kits with both additives:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Hi Scott, what a wonderful site! This deck is weathered with an Arborcoat solid stain. See the photos I added. Can I get away with using a cleaner instead of a stripper? I don’t want to have to remove all the stain before re-staining.
Also, what solid stain do you recommend if I want the same color as the Arborcoat?
Thank you.
Strip and pressure wash to remove all the loose stain. You can cover the intact stain after with a new solid stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
Look at Cypress or Brown Oak in the Restore A Deck Solid stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/
Thanks so much, Scott
Hey Scott, thank you for all the great information and help! Our property is lake front, so I was hoping not to use harsh chemicals on this project. I used a random orbital floor sander to try to remove as much as I could, then was intending to use sodium percarbonate to clean and then brighten. I am worried what stain remains on the deck may not come up in the cleaning process and become an issue down the road. Do you recommend that I use a stripper for this, or do you think cleaner would be sufficient? Thank you!
You have two issues. One is some old stain that has not been removed from the knots. That should be fully stripped off first.
The bigger issue is you sanded off the protective coating from your screws in areas, and you now have black rust stains. A brightener will remove the rust stains in most cases, but they will come back once it rains again, so you really should replace all your screws first and then remove the black rust stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/remove-rust-black-stains-from-deck/
Thank you very much for your input!
I have on a tigerwood deck with Ready Seal stain on it. I would like to remove the stain before I put a stain on it. What is the best stain stripper I could use. Let me know your suggestions. Thank you for you help
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and then the Brightener. The best thing about Ready seal is it us very easy to remove. 🙂
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
Need to prep pressure-treated wood deck for a new coat of stain.
2 years ago (when the wood was new) we brushed Wolman Raincoat Oil Base Clear Sealer on it. Now we plan to use TWP 102 Series to stain and seal it.
If I understand correctly, I can just go straight to using the RAD Stain Stripper and skip the RAD Cleaner? Do I need to use the RAD Brightener after that or can I just proceed to the TWP Stain?
RAD Stripper and then the RAD Brightener after.
Sanded, stripped, brightened 22×33 Pressure treated deck using rad bought with Twp. staining the rails is taking much longer than expected. Now there is rain for the next 10 days at least every 36 hours and the deck is in full sun (shaded starting at 6:00pm) and heavy dew happens every morning. So can’t for see squeezing in staining.
All that being said, how long will the strip/brightener be effective before I need to repeat to get back to staining. 😣
Thank you!
Stain within two weeks of prep.
Hello, and thanks for all the awesome videos. Will cleaner and brightener stain screening? As part of my deck is screened in. Thanks again.
They shouldn’t but the dirt and grime you remove from the deck can make a mess on screens so make sure to rinse well.
Hi, I want to refurbish our deck. I think my steps would be power wash, strip, brighten, stain. Is that correct based on the pictures? Any recommendations for holes or other breaks in the boards?
You strip while pressure washing. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener kit and both additives for the Stripper to remove this. Cracks are normal for deck boards so not a big deal. The really bad board in the picture should be replaced.
We are replacing treated lumber decking after 25+ years. The framing underneath is sound (also treated lumber). Is there any value in treating the deck frame with a product like Restore-A-Deck prior to replacing the decking?
No need.
Hi, I have a covered porch with the deck that the former owner built and used SW SuperDeck oil-based Transparent Cedar Tone Natural. I am planning to maintain it. If I still use the same product, do I need to use stripper?
I read your review and seems that TWP is better product. If I switch TWP, do I need to use stripper?
Here are my deck pictures. Thank you very much!
They do not make that version of Super Deck anymore and then the new version is not very good. Strip and brighten for prep. Stain with TWP in Honeytone for a similar color.
Thank you! Is TWP Honeytone a Transparent oil-base?
Yes.
Talking about SW version, I noticed that SW now also has a modified-oil based formula, but I was able to get a oil based formula in a store because I am not comfortable with the modified-oil base. Are you saying that even the “oil based formula) still not a good version? For your reference, the former owner left me the can showing SuperDeck oil base as the 2nd picture. I tried to stick with “oil base” 🙂
You need to strip it for prep so switch to a better stain. SW even when oil-based is a mediocre stain.
I replaced 18 mahogany decking boards with new ones and hope they all blend with the older boards. I am planning on using Wolman paint stripper followed immediately with Defy Wood Brightener. Can I use two different manufacturer products? Will I definitely have the “fuzzies” to hand sand? Thanks.
Best to use the stripper and brightener from the same manufacturer. Since they are not always made the same, you might not have the correct balance when neutralizing.
We are going to repaint our deck. As I read in several of the previous posts: as long as the previous paint is not peeling, we can just paint over it. We can spot treat any areas that do have loose paint.
Do we still need to apply deck cleaner and brightener prior to repainting?
Thanks you!
You should pressure wash with a cleaner or stripper to remove any dirt, mildew, and peeling paint. You can then cover the intact paint that is not peeling.
Thanks! So no need for a brightener?
I thought it was needed to rebalance the pH after using cleaner/stripper.
Not needed when you have a painted deck.
Here are some images of our deck
More tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
I have no idea what is on the deck now – oil or water based. I think I need to strip, brighten, sand, then stain – correct? If so, can you recommend a specific stripper, brightener and stain?
Thank you so much for your advice!
Your steps are correct. Use the Restore A Deck Prep products. Their stain works great as well.
Would you recommend a solid or semi transparent stain? Also, should I use an oil or water based stain?
Thank you for your help!
Semi-transparent. Does not matter if oil or water based as long as it is a top stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
My dad has paint on his deck which we applied 7 years ago and wants me to repaint over with same material, but a slightly darker mixed paint. Any advice on what chemicals to use to prep and if I need to sand or take at other steps prior to applying paint? Thank you
Pressure wash first, let dry and spot sand to remove any loose or peeling areas. You can cover the intact/non-peeling paint.
Awesome. So no need for at cleaner stripper or brightener
A stripper will help to remove the peeling stain while pressure washing.
Here are the photos of fence and staircase
Here are photos of deck
Hi,
wondering what processes to use here to restain and what order. 2% Bleach clean brighten with oxalic acid.
I wish I knew what material was on here already as we want to keep same stain. Would it make it easier (time and labor wise) if I am able to find out or not really? Could I skip sanding or stripping if so? If not we’ll just pick a similiar color.
Do not use bleach to clean, it is bad for wood. You need a deck stain stripper and then a wood brightener. No way around it. Stripping is no harder than cleaning so it does not take any longer.
If I want to us the same exact stain should I still strip or just clean and brighten? I cannot tell if my current stain is solid or semi-transparent.
Strip and brighten. It is semi-transparent.
Thank you for your tips.
No need to sand then since it is not solid stain, right? But for any areas I want to smoothen I can sand right? Or should I just light sand everything in between brightening and staining?
You recommend sodium percarbonate or metasilicate to strip? Someone else recommended bleach because of the algae content. Which brightener do you recommend citric or oxalic? Do I run these chemicals via downstream injector after power washer pump just before the gun? Do you recommend tarping flowers and vegetation or the cedarwood siding of the home?
No need to sand and do not spot sand as it will stain unevenly. If you want to sand, do all lightly as you mentioned.
You need a deck stripper, not a cleaner. Look at the Restore A Deck Stripper and then the Brightener. Do not attempt to make your own formulas as it will not work very well. Pump spray on, do not inject. Waters it down and can get messy. Cover plants while working. As for the house, depends on what type of stain you have on the cedar/
Not sure on the cedar. I have to call the guy who did it. All I have is the bill from previous owner from 2016. It was like $16k.
I forgot to attach photos of my deck showcasing th DEFY EXTREME Semi-transparent stain. (Redwood color)
Good morning. I used DEFY waterbased stain on my Colorado sunsoaked deck and absolutely love it. It’s infinitely better than the Superdeck stain I had on previously. The stain has been on only a year and looks great, but the deck is dirty and has some small stains from the winter. Mostly dirt, melted snow and leaf stains. I am not planning on restaining it or adding a maintenance coat this spring, but I would like to clean it. Should I use DEFY Wood Cleaner, brush and hose or should I just use a simple dish soap solution and then rinse with hose? I guess the question is, if I use the DEFY Wood Cleaner to clean and rinse without brightening and staining, will it ruin my deck? 😀
Using the DEfy Cleaner when prepping for another coat is the correct way. You can use it at 1/2 strength so it is less agressive.
Hi! Have a 3 year old st (behr??)failing semi-transparent stain on our 10 year old PT deck.
Hoping I can just strip it and not have to sand?? Thoughts
In the PNW
Not an easy strip. Use the RAD stripper with both additives. Let dwell for 30-60 minutes and pressure wash off. Spot sand if needed to remove any stubborn stain that can’t be stripped. RAD Brightener is last.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Thanks for your reply and help……my neighbur has some left over HD80 stripper. Is it worth a shot to try that first before buying the RAD?…or is just no strong enough?
Thanks again
Does not hurt to give it a try.
We are looking at options to refinish out Deck. The deck was new when we bought the house three years ago and was painted with what looks like normal exterior paint and almost immediately began to chip and peel. The deck also has large tulip poplar’s which constantly rain sap down onto it which almost turns the color black.
A couple questions:
I am currently in the process of pressure washing it to get the heavy dirt off before doing the prep and was was wondering if I also need to strip off the remaining paint before applying surface coatings or should just cleaning it be good enough?
I was considering using a deck over type product to give it a more durable surface that is easier to clean but based on some research that sounds like a waste of money. Is there a deckover product durable paint that is recommended, or is stripping all the way to bare wood and starting over the best bet?
Thanks for any help
You cannot fully strip a paint/solid stain from a deck. You would have to sand this all off if you want to remove it fully and go with a transparent or semi-transparent stain. You can continue what you are doing and then apply a solid stain over the intact stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
We’re trying to figure if we can clean our deck, retouch certain spots with paint, and then put a sealer on top?
Or strip the whole thing?
We have a certain area where a hot tub was removed, that we DO need to strip and redo. But the rest of the deck (we were told) wasn’t in bad shape and didn’t need to strip, just touch up.
So what should we do with the other parts of the large deck? There are a couple spots, such as on steps and by the door where some paint has chipped off.
It costs us $1700 to hire someone to just strip and repaint the whole thing. Should we do this or can we touch up the other areas (minus the hot tub location) ourselves?
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain or paint. You cannot strip a solid stain fully down to bare wood. You cannot touch up spots as they will not blend.
The easiest thing to do is pressure wash for prep and then reapply another solid stain over the top of your current stain.
We moved in 3 years ago Oct and had been told the deck “had been refinished”, but after winter (Minnesota) there were places starting to peel like paint and even what looks like worn old stain underneath. Like all our projects this was put off too long. We will be sanding because frustration took over with having NO luck using a stripping product and thus chewed up the wood a bit. But if there is any other product we can use to strip this coating that’d be great. Please give any and all advise you feel pertinent 🙂
1) We Assume the deck is 11 years old (same as the house)
2) yes, current coating UNKNOWN
3) some mold/mildew looking spots after pressure washing also some under deck
4) reason for failure…unknown, possible use, neglect or bad refinishing last time?
We are deadlocked to paint the whole thing or 2 tone finish? Your thoughts?
The only way to fully remove a solid stain is to sand.
I have been using Thompson’s Waterseal Advanced in Honey Gold for many years, last year I covered the deck but it did not last. I assume this was because i never “cleaned or stripped” the deck only pressure washed. I am wondering what is best to do before I attempt to cover again use a deck cleaner or a deck stripper?
Post some pictures of the deck.
See attached
You should strip it all down and start over. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper with both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Is pressure washer required for the stain stripping process or it’s optional and I can just use a stiff brush and a garden hose?
Pressure wash.