How to Remove Old Paint From a Deck
- 1). Tape off any areas where you do not want paint removed. Use duct tape to cover adjoining siding or molding, for instance.
- 2). Pour paint stripper into a wide-mouth quart jar, filling it mostly full so the stripper is easy to access. Dip a paint brush into the jar to gather a large amount at once, then apply to the furthest area of the deck, gobbing it on instead of painting it on. A thick application works better than a thin layer.
- 3). Work quickly, applying and working in the stripper along the entire deck and railing. Use a smaller brush to get the stripper into small cracks and joints, where paint removal will prove more difficult.
- 4). Cover the deck with plastic sheets or garbage bags to help the stripper work more quickly. Wait the time specified on the product to allow the stripper to work; stripper will begin to bubble when paint is coming off. Reapply as necessary until the paint is loosened and flakes off easily.
- 5). Spray the deck and railings well using a power washer. Use a yellow nozzle -- which sprays a 15-degree angle -- set at between 1,500 and 1,800 psi; work in large, swinging strokes, taking care not to concentrate the pressure in any one spot. Spray from the top, downward as you work, so the stripper and loosened paint runs down into previously areas not sprayed yet.
- 6). Scrub any areas where paint remains, using a piece of steel wool or toothbrush in crevices. Rinse thoroughly after completion, to make sure all chemicals and residue are gone.
- 7). Remove any tape or covering protecting areas not stripped and washed. Dry the deck for at least a day or two before sealing with wood sealer or reapplying paint.
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