This post was updated on January 18, 2023
Can you Apply Deck Stain over Paint
The simple answer is no, you can never apply any type of deck stain over a painted surface. You will have immediate failure if you do. If your deck is painted, then you would have to fully remove your paint off your deck by power sanding. Deck Sanding Tips.
Once you fully remove the paint off your deck, you can then use any type of deck stain that you like. We always prefer the penetrating semi-transparent deck stains for appearance and ease of reapplication as needed.
Have a Deck Stain question? Ask in the comments below.
For more info, see our Deck Stain Facts section with over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all the questions that you have regarding deck staining, cleaning, and prep.
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.
A strip of Arborvitae leaves are brown from staining the fence. Will damage be confined to these leaves?
Not sure but probably.