While paint lasts longer on a wood deck than a stain, it will eventually peel and flake. Removing paint from a wood deck is a multi-step process requiring some elbow grease and patience. But with the right tools and materials, you can remove paint to refinish or repaint your wood deck without damaging the wood.
The most effective way to remove paint from a wood deck is with a chemical paint stripper. Thoroughly coat the paint with the stripper and let it sit for the time specified on the product label. Once the paint loosens, scrape it off with a paint scraper or rinse it with a power washer.
Let’s look at some ways of removing paint from a wood deck so you can choose the best method for your project. Then, you’ll get step-by-step instructions on removing paint and prepping your deck before repainting or staining.
How to Remove Paint from a Wood Deck
There are two ways to remove paint from a wood deck: chemical or manual stripping.
Chemical Stripping
Paint strippers are the most common and effective way to remove paint from a wood deck and come in liquid and gel form. They break down the chemical bonds that hold the paint to the wood, so it is easy to scrape the paint off with a paint scraper or pressure washer.
Gel strippers are easier to work with than liquids because the viscous consistency prevents them from running off the surface. They also stay moist longer, which gives them more time to break down the paint bonds.
Gel strippers are typically better at removing oil-based paints, which are more difficult to remove than latex or water-based paints.
Liquid strippers have a watery consistency that makes them easy to apply with a garden sprayer. But they’re also more likely to drip and run than gel strippers. Liquid strippers are best for latex or water-based paints, and because they evaporate quickly, they’re easier to clean up.
Most paint strippers contain harmful chemicals, so read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wear gloves, eye protection, and a respirator when working with them.
Manual Stripping
You can strip the paint manually if you’re stripping a small area or want to avoid using chemicals. However, this process is more labor intensive and will take longer than a chemical stripper.
Common manual methods include pressure washing or sanding.
Pressure washing is less labor intensive than sanding because it uses a machine to do the work for you. But there’s a risk of damaging the wood because the high water pressure can cause scuffs or splits or drive water into the wood, leading to rot or mold.
Sanding is more labor intensive and is best for small areas because of the work required. You’ll need to sand each decking board with a palm sander or orbital sander. However, too much sanding will smooth out the wood grain, making the surface slick once you repaint it.
Step 1: Gather Materials and Prep the Deck
You’ll need the following materials to remove paint from your wood deck:
Deck Stripper
Gel strippers (on Amazon) are often easier to work with and are best for removing oil-based paints. If you’re unsure what paint is on your deck or prefer a liquid stripper (on Amazon), do a patch test in an inconspicuous area first to see how the stripper reacts with the paint.
Deck Brightener/Neutralizer
After removing the paint, you’ll need to use a brightener/neutralizer (on Amazon) to remove any residual stripper chemicals on the deck and brighten the wood, so it accepts new stain or paint evenly.
Paint Brush or Roller
If you opt for a gel stripper, you’ll need a paintbrush to apply it to the surface. A roller makes it easier to apply the stripper if you’re working with a large area.
Garden Sprayer
It’s best to apply liquid strippers with a garden sprayer (on Amazon) because of their watery consistency.
Scrub Brush
After the stripper has had time to work, use a scrub brush to loosen and remove the softened paint.
Pre-Taped Masking Film
Pre-taped masking film (on Amazon) protects areas you don’t want stripper on, such as fences, siding, or doors.
Refinishing Gloves
Refinishing gloves (on Amazon) are resistant to chemicals and protect your hands while working.
Respirator
Paint strippers contain harmful chemicals, so protecting your lungs with a respirator (on Amazon) while you work is necessary.
Eye Protection
Wear goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes from the chemicals in the paint stripper.
Once you have your materials, prep the deck by removing any furniture, planters, or grills, then cover areas and surfaces you don’t want stripper on with pre-taped masking film, including windows, plants, and walls.
To protect from drips or runoff, you should also cover areas underneath the deck, like patios or porches.
Step 2: Coat the Deck Using Paint Stripper
Whether using a gel or liquid stripper, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific application details. Then test the stripper on a small, inconspicuous area to see how it reacts with the paint and make sure you like the results.
When satisfied with the test patch, apply the paint stripper to the rest of the deck using a paintbrush or roller. If you’re using a liquid stripper, apply it with a garden sprayer for even coverage. Use a liberal amount of stripper, but not so much that it’s dripping off the surface.
Work in small sections, thoroughly coat the paint and let the solution sit for the recommended time so the stripper has time to break down the paint. If it begins to dry before the recommended time, apply more stripper.
Step 3: Remove Paint, Rinse, and Let Dry
Once the stripper has had time to work, use a scrub brush to loosen and remove the softened paint.
Pay special attention to details and areas with multiple layers of paint. You may need to use a putty knife to get under stubborn areas of paint.
If you have a pressure washer, use it on low pressure—no higher than 1,000 psi—to remove any leftover paint and stripper, and spray at least 12 inches away from the surface to avoid damaging the wood.
If you don’t have a pressure washer, rinse the deck with a garden hose using a low-pressure nozzle. Work in small sections, removing all stripper and paint before moving on to the next.
Then, apply deck brightener/neutralizer with a pump sprayer and rinse it off with a garden hose or pressure washer. Let the deck dry completely before staining or painting. Depending on the temperature and humidity, this could take up to 72 hours.
Step 4: Sand Deck and Prep to Stain or Repaint
After the deck is thoroughly dry, use a palm sander with medium-grit sandpaper to even out the surface and remove any residual paint. If there are still some stubborn areas of paint, use a putty knife or wire brush to remove them.
Once the surface is smooth, vacuum up any dust and particles, then wipe down the deck with a damp cloth. Then you can apply a new coat of paint or stain.