It’s time to repaint the 10 year old deck. This time, I’ve gotta strip old paint off. About 2-3/layers worth.

I’m guessing a rented floor sander would be best for a deck approx 27ft by 27ft w/approx 1x5 planks of various lengths. I’ve already pressured washed which removed the looser patches of paint. Also replaced bad boards. Texas summers with multiple 100 + degree days are tough on wood surfaces.

Rental places I’ve called describe several sanders either rotary or “rectangular” belt. Not sure which I should use or what grit sandpaper. Sounds like rotary will cover a larger footprint and may be faster and easier.

I suppose the sandpaper used to remove the paint needs to be a fairly radical grit. I’m hoping to avoid follow up passes to smooth the surface after the stripping passes.

I don’t want a “slick ” surface and hope that a rough surface will better take the new layer of paint.

I’ve never done this and am clueless. I’m fairly strong for a 74 year old, but do have some back issues.

Need advice. Which floor sander would be best to strip paint quickly and what level abrasive sandpaper belts or pads should I use? which is easier to use?

Will I need to do multiple passes or I can I get away with one pass to strip off the paint and then repaint without doing a finishing pass of finer grit abrasive?

Any advice, tips, tricks, hints, cautions or other comments appreciated.

Yes, I should prob hire someone but I’m kinda stubborn and cheap.

I can't help on this front since I elected NOT to sand my deck, but I did think about it.

What concerned me about using the big units was that the screws used to hold the deck down will tear apart the sandpaper.

Yes, I have hammered down all that protrude.

If the surface is not flat or close you are going to have problems or gaps.
Unless the sander is where you can do a plank at a time.

I used a paint and stain stripper from Lowes and then power washed.
Worked way better than I expected.
Spindles really sucked but the flats were easy.

I just did this in (Hot as Hell) July,on a 12X20 10 year old deck. Sherwin Williams deck stripper, followed by SW neutralizer, then 2 coats of their best deck paint. Not cheap but very happy with the results.

The paint and stain stripper sound better than a floor sander.

Do you spray it on, roll or brush?

Luckily, only have horizontal surfaces.

quote:

Originally posted by maxdog:
The paint and stain stripper sound better than a floor sander.

Do you spray it on, roll or brush?

Luckily, only have horizontal surfaces.

Mixed it in a pump sprayer. Couple spots I had to use a deck brush to agitate it pretty well befor power washing. I did a light power wash green nozzle. The same I use in my vehicle so it did not gouge or damage the wood.
I was shocked at how well it worked. It was a craptastic job as I also removed all the railings and replaced all the screen.

Next time I will make it an enclosed deck/sunroom thing because I am never doing it again.

I used Cabot Mahogany stain and it’s a great color with two coats. It has held up very well. This was summer number 2 we have a dog and deck chairs that slide all over it and it still looks great.

What was the name of the Lowes paint remover?

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:


Mixed it in a pump sprayer. Couple spots I had to use a deck brush to agitate it pretty well befor power washing. I did a light power wash green nozzle. The same I use in my vehicle so it did not gouge or damage the wood.

Stupid question: how did you manage the run-off with the power wash and the stripper? Or is it something that doesn't matter?

quote:

Originally posted by Rey HRH:

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:


Mixed it in a pump sprayer. Couple spots I had to use a deck brush to agitate it pretty well befor power washing. I did a light power wash green nozzle. The same I use in my vehicle so it did not gouge or damage the wood.

Stupid question: how did you manage the run-off with the power wash and the stripper? Or is it something that doesn't matter?

It said to cover any plants or flowers you may have nearby.
I have a concrete slab under the deck and did not care if some grass died. I made sure to use a ton of water to flush it out and did not have any dead grass either.

(“Mixed it in a pump sprayer. Couple spots I had to use a deck brush to agitate it pretty well befor power washing. I did a light power wash green nozzle. The same I use in my vehicle so it did not gouge or damage the wood.”)

Lowes carries several brands of stripper. Do you recall what brand you used? I don’t see any that have to be mixed.

quote:

Originally posted by maxdog:
(“Mixed it in a pump sprayer. Couple spots I had to use a deck brush to agitate it pretty well befor power washing. I did a light power wash green nozzle. The same I use in my vehicle so it did not gouge or damage the wood.”)

Lowes carries several brands of stripper. Do you recall what brand you used? I don’t see any that have to be mixed.

Sorry it has been nearly 3 years so I was mistaken on mixing. Jomax is what I used.

thanks!