Quck answer
Removing paint from a wooden deck can be done using several methods. One option is to use a chemical paint stripper, which is applied to the deck and then scraped off. Another method is sanding, which involves using a sander to remove the paint. Power washing can also be used to remove paint, but it may damage the wood if not done carefully. Another alternative is heat gun, which heats the paint so it can be easily scraped off. Whichever method is chosen, it is important to wear protective gear and follow safety precautions. After removing the paint, the deck should be cleaned and sealed to protect the wood.
When you initially painted that deck it appeared fantastic. Now, years after the task, the paint is worn-out and peeling. Maybe you are thinking about replacing the deck. Maybe you are about to call a contractor to get an estimate for stripping the deck back down to its natural finish. Before you do that, think about doing the job yourself. Here are some techniques available as well as suggestions to help you get the best possible result
Determine what type of paint is on your deck
Step 1
The first thing you need to determine is the nature of the paint. Is the paint an oil based exterior paint or a latex? Latex lays on top of the wood which makes it easier to remove while an oil based paint will be much tougher to remove. If you were not present when the paint was applied and are not sure of the type of paint used, a simple test will tell you the type of paint you are dealing with. Put a small amount of alcohol on a rag or cotton swab and rub this over the paint. If the paint comes off, it is latex. If it does not, you are dealing with oil-based paint. Of the two types of paint, latex is by far the easiest to remove.
Step 2
There are two methods to eliminate paint on a deck; chemical and mechanical. Chemical methods involve fairly caustic chemicals that can be applied by sprayer, brush, and roller. Mechanical methods include power washing, sanding and planing. Using a combination of these methods will yield the best results. Most contractors prefer a combination of chemical and power washing. The chemicals used to strip latex paint are caustic and salt based and can come in either a gel or thinner based form suitable for spraying. Usually, a gel-based stripper is more effective but requires application by roller and brush which is more time consuming. However, a gel based stripper is most effective on vertical surfaces such as rails and box sills due to its ability to cling. Anytime you are using a chemical, be sure to wear protective gear. Wear goggles, rubber gloves and a dust mask.
Step 3
Work in ten foot by ten-foot sections as you apply and remove the stripper. After allowing the stripper to work for the recommended time, use a power washer set on a lower pressure to peel away the softened paint and rinse away the salt-based stripper. You want to be certain that you rinse thoroughly so that no stripper remains to foul the new coating you will apply to the deck. A thinner stripper suitable for spraying may be effective for decks that have a minimal amount of paint to remove. Simply spray on and wait the recommended time. Then pressure wash the chemical away. Do not use hot water. Cold water is just as effective and hot water may damage the wood.
Fourth Step
If oil-based paints and latexes have been applied on the deck for a long period of time, additional mechanical methods may be needed for their removal. The next step in this process is sanding to eliminate the paint. Utilize a belt sander for this task. The objective is to minimize the amount of wood surface removed while getting rid of the paint. In case there are still spots on the wood, planing is the final step in paint removal. This will necessitate removing the boards and running them through a planer. However, planing the wood will result in a reduction in board dimensions and should only be used sparingly for the most challenging cases.
Fifth Step
Once you have completed stripping the deck, you will be prepared to stain or seal it. It is crucial to thoroughly rinse off the stripping agent before proceeding with this step. If any of the stripper remains, it will continue to affect the new coating. Clean and store all the tools you have used and dispose of brushes and roller covers in a manner approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
