Removing Old Deck Stain

Q: How can I remove deck stain that I don’t like any more? The terra cotta colour I have now shows up all the dirt and scuff marks and I need to start over. What’s the best and safest way to get back to bare wood without damaging the deck? I was considering sand blasting. Will chemical strippers do the trick? I can’t sand the deck because of all the nails. p>

A: The best approach I can suggest has two phases. Start by rolling on a generous coat of water-based deck stripper to remove as much of the old finish as possible. Use a pressure washer (ideally gas-powered) to clean the wood after 15 or 20 minutes, then let it dry for a couple of good days before sanding with an 80-grit abrasive. The best tool for this job is a heavy-duty random orbit sander. Even though nails are present in the deck surface, you'll be able to go right over them while getting down to bare wood. Be sure to use a tight-fitting dust mask and keep others away while you work, especially of your deck is made with pressure treated lumber.