Simple Tips for Stripping Paint from Your Deck

If your deck is looking worn and faded from years of exposure to the elements, stripping off the old paint and applying a fresh new coat can restore it to its former glory. But removing deck paint can be a challenging and messy process if not done properly. Follow these simple tips to efficiently strip paint from your deck without causing damage.

The first step is ensuring you have the necessary supplies on hand before starting the stripping process. At a minimum, you'll need a paint remover product, plastic paint scrapers, coarse sandpaper, fine sandpaper, paintbrushes, heavy duty cleaner, brightener solution, deck stain and/or sealant, drop cloths, and personal protective equipment like gloves and eye protection. Gather all supplies in advance so you have everything at your fingertips once the work begins.

Preparing the Deck Surface

Before applying any chemical paint strippers, prep your deck by clearing any furniture, planters or decor off the surface. Cover surrounding vegetation and landscaping using tarps to protect from potential overspray. Lay drop cloths beneath railings and across open staircases to catch paint drips. Remove any loose, cracked or peeling existing paint using scraper blades or coarse sandpaper to ensure the stripper can permeate deeper layers effectively.

It's also important to check weather forecasts and only strip paint on dry, sunny days when no rain is expected for at least 48 hours afterwards. Ambient temperatures should also remain above 45degF throughout the duration of the project so paint strippers can activate properly. Windy conditions make applying these products more challenging.

Cleaning Before Stripping

Pressure wash your deck using an all-purpose heavy duty cleaner before stripping to remove built up dirt, mildew stains, pollen and other debris that may hinder performance of paint removing products. Pay special attention to cleaning corners, around cracks and crevices and vertical railings where buildup typically accumulates the most. Allow the deck boards to thoroughly dry for at least 24 hours afterward.

Choosing a Paint Remover Product

There are several options available when selecting a deck paint stripper depending on your specific project needs and personal preferences. Consider the following popular choices:

• Chemical Strippers - These solvent-based liquid products are the most powerful for removing thick, lead-based exterior paints from decks. Formulas contain harsh chemicals like methylene chloride so must be handled carefully.
• Soy Gel Strippers - Effective at loosening multiple layers of latex paint without fumes or methylene chloride. Typically require longer dwell time before scraping.
• Citrus-Based Strippers - Contain d-limonene oil extracted from citrus peels so minimal odor. Often used for interior wood but can work on decks too.
• Heat Guns - Use targeted heat between 700-1000degF to soften and blister exterior paint for removal by scraping. Very effective but higher risk of fire damage if improperly handled.
• Orbital Sanders - Attaching coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper allows stripping paint and primer from deck boards through abrasion alone but very labor intensive.

How Much Paint Stripper is Needed?

Determine how much stripper you'll need by measuring the square footage of your deck using length x width. Most products cover approximately 200-300 square feet per gallon. It's better to purchase slightly more than you anticipate needing rather than running short halfway through the job.

Applying the Paint Stripper

Always refer to individual product instructions closely and follow precautions regarding necessary skin, eye and respiratory protection needed. Chemical fumes can cause headaches, skin burns or irritation if proper protective gear isn't worn.

Work methodically in smaller deck board sections starting in hidden areas or under railings. Use a paintbrush to generously apply an even coat of stripper across wood grain. The product may instruct shaking or stirring beforehand. Cover every inch of the surface area, targeting cracks and crevices. Add a slightly thicker stripper layer atop highly worn paint specks to encourage lifting.

Allow the stripper to rest and dwell for the recommended strip time, typically a minimum of 15-20 minutes. Reapply additional product as needed if certain stubborn sections appear dry and not bubbles have formed. This indicates the stripper requires more time to penetrate the paint layers. During this period, periodically scrape with plastic putty knife to test paint release.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don't leave stripper sitting for longer than maximum dwell time or it could begin drying and damage wood finish.
• Don't apply paint stripper to extremely hot deck surfaces which causes excess evaporation.
• Don't allow stripper to spread beyond target work areas which can kill grass or harm pets.

Scraping Away the Paint

After waiting appropriate strip time, use your plastic putty knife to gently scrape the bubbled, loosened paint from deck boards. Apply firm downward pressure across wood grain to lift paint up. Twist knife sideways to collect and remove paint clumps. Ensure the scraping tool remains flush with the deck to prevent gouging delicate wood.

Expect having to repeat the reapplication-and-scrape cycle three or more times to remove all paint traces from hidden cracks and crevices. Some residue usually remains wedged tightly. Carefully work remaining specks free using coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper and a sanding block apparatus for increased friction.

Getting Into Tough Spots

Use detail scrapers, wire brushes and small fine grit sanding sponges to eliminate paint from between deck board gaps, posts, balusters and other narrow crevices standard stripping tools can't reach. Removing all residue protects new finishes from chipping or peeling prematurely after reapplication.

Neutralizing Chemical Residue

With paint removal complete, cleaning and brightening your deck is a crucial final step before adding stain or sealant. This ensures any leftover stripper film is fully eliminated so new finishes adhere properly.

Pressure wash the stripped deck using an all-purpose heavy duty cleaner deck wash. Scrub thoroughly using a stiff bristle broom to remove hidden chemical residue while brightening wood appearance. Pay special attention to probing within cracks. Let the deck dry fully over 48-72 hours.

After allowing proper dry time, apply a wood brightener solution following product instructions. This helps neutralize any remaining stripping chemicals while returning your deck's natural vibrant look prior to sealing. Let the brightener sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing clean.

Sealing and Protecting Your Deck

Now that years-worth of paint have been stripped away and your deck's bare wood is revived to its former glory, the final step is choosing a new protective finish to maintain its refreshed appearance over time.

Most experts recommend using a penetrating oil-based stain within a few weeks after stripping/neutralizing to limit exposure and provide protection from weathering elements before the wood texture opens. Alternatively, a film-forming deck sealer can provide excellent UV defense.

Schedule stripping/sealing over a 2-3 day period without interruption allows completing the job from start to finish without waiting weeks between steps. Consistent weather also helps finishes dry effectively when tasks are grouped together.

Proper prep work is key to ensuring freshly stripped decks don't require heavy-duty paint removal again for many years down the road. Taking the time to thoroughly clean wood and eradicate all existing paint maximizes adhesion for new protective coatings later on.

Expect to routinely pressure wash, spot clean and reapply fresh sealer every 2-4 years depending on regional climate conditions to maintain your deck's revitalized appearance long-term.