Deck stripping is the process of removing the finish from a deck to prepare it for a new finish. The process can be done using either a stripping agent or a power washer.
A deckstrip will make the wood look dull and grey. Therefore, applying a new finish immediately after stripping or power washing is important. It usually takes about 6–12 hours for the wood to dry enough for another coat of finish if it is done in direct sunlight; otherwise, it may take up to 48 hours. The drying time depends on humidity, temperature, and other environmental factors.
Deckstrip can be done in two ways: with a chemical agent that removes the old finish or with a power washer that removes all finishes mechanically.
The main benefit of using an agent instead of a power washer is that there will not be any damage to the wood fibers when the agents are used properly. This type of stripping is often used when you finish the deck with a smooth (satin or semi-gloss) sealer and oil finish.
As the agents soften the finish, they also affect any stains in it, so there may be some off-color staining left on the wood.
Using a power washer instead of an agent will remove and cleanse your deck more quickly and efficiently than using an agent by hand. Using a power washer won’t require chemical solutions or scrubbing pads because you can do everything very quickly with water pressure alone. However, if the surface is not completely clean after power washing, rough residue may remain, requiring you to re-apply the solution again.
Power washers can damage wood fibers if used improperly, especially with old pressure-treated wood. Decks with nails may also be damaged beyond repair by power washers. It is because kiln-dried softwoods like pine and cedar may fragment simply from a rapid temperature change when cold water hits the hot metal.
If this happens, the only way to fix it would be to remove all the fragments and then replace those boards, which you cannot repair without leaving significant gaps between boards or other negative aesthetic impacts.
Iron stains are also common when using either method of stripping. After you’ve removed the finish, it’s important to neutralize any chemical residue left behind, or else it may leave stains on your deck.
After removing the old finish by using either method, make sure to clean your deck with a strong detergent and water. Use a bristle brush to get rid of dirt deep in the wood’s pores if necessary. Wipe dry after cleaning or leave it in direct sunlight for drying, which takes 6–12 hours depending on environmental factors such as humidity and temperature.
The first step in preparing a deck for a new finish is to clean it thoroughly using a pressure washer or a stripping agent. The second step is to allow the wood to dry before applying a new finish. It may take two days. The last step is to apply the finish and dry it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines before use.
If the process downtime exceeds the normal time by too much, you should consider whether you should strip or power wash your wood, as this could damage your wooden decking boards and harm the look of your deck.