There are may different types of deck stain strippers. In general, all stripper and stain removers for decks are biodegradable. The majority of stripper will contain the active ingredient of a well know caustic called sodium hydroxide. There are two different ways to buy a deck stripper. In a liquid ready mix formula or in a powdered formula.
Powdered Deck Stain Strippers
Powdered wood and deck stain strippers are very effective and considerably less costly than pre-packaged liquids. The normally mix at about 8oz of powders to 1 gallon of water. For example, a $50 container of Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper will make 5 liquid gallons. That is a cost of about $10 per gallon. In addition, a powder stripper can be mixed at different ratios. Less so for easier to remove coatings and more for those difficult to remove stains. The negative is that you will need to be extra careful when mixing. Best to use rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and clothes.
Pre-mixed Liquid Stain Strippers
Deck Stain strippers that come pre-mixed are easier to use in that they are ready to apply right our of the bottle. No mixing or measuring is required. Negative is that they cost 3-4 times as much then a powdered deck stripper.
Note
All stain stripper will raise the pH balance of the wood due to the active caustic ingredients. They require a wood brightener to neutralize and lower the pH balance for optimal stain performance.
Want to remove Latex porch and deck enamel which started to peel almost as soon as I put it down over existing latex. Then what?
You will have to power sand to remove this. Strippers will not work
Strip off with the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper and pressure washing. Use brightener when done. Stain with TWP 100 Series.
FYI, we are located in Bloomfield Hills, MI for store pick up if needed.
I have 3 coats of Sikkens SRD RE on a 2 year old cedar deck. My post winter cleaning with TSP and Bleach took off some of the seal down to the wood (a few bad spots after a new coat last summer got hit with pop up storm before fully dried).
I want to strip the deck and start over….which stripper do you recommend and which stain/sealant that is best at handling Michigan summer and winter weather extremes?? thanks
Use the Restore A Deck stripper to remove as much as possible first. Sand after if needed to remove the remaining. Neutralize when finished. Use IPE Oil or Armstrong Clark
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I had a beautiful Mahogany deck that was treated with Sikkens. Okay not so nice now that it’s peeling. Do I use a stain stripper to take the old peeling stain off or do I sand it off? I’m thinking a stripper then a neutralizer then another new kind of stain- but which kind? Want to keep the mahogany color. Oh, and where do I go, home depot, Lowe’s- I live in Portsmouth, NH Thank you all.