4 Answers

I just finished doing an 800 sq ft deck. SO it depends on the size and how much arm labor you want to do. If the deck is under 100 sq ft or so, then Dollybird's technique would work, although I would skip the paint remover and use TSP as part of the wash to remove fungus and any oils.

For a larger deck, a rented sand blaster will make quick work of getting off loose paint. And a rented paint/stain sprayer will make quick work of putting on a couple coats. Make sure you put plastic under the deck and protect the home and any other areas you don't want sand or paint overspray to damage

Peel away as much of old peeling paint from the surface of deck as you can , using scraper or still brush. Sand surface smooth, using a sander (80to100grit) sand paper.

Clean deck surface using sponge and water, or damp mop. Make sure to wear protective clothes and goggles. For what ever paint that is still left, use paint stripper, leave it on for about one hour. Then scrape or use sand paper, th get rest off.

High quality stain is best to paint on, as it will pervent your deck from the suns damaaging rays.

Now you have the easy way, suggested by facebook and Tommyh, and not so easy, way to remove pain                                  Good Luck.

You could try a high presure washer, But be carefull not leave on to long or it eat up

the wood,