Using an exterior stain stripper is typically needed if the old stain or sealer has failed by peeling, wearing unevenly or when changing brands of stain. A stripper will aid in removing the old stain by softening the bond between the stain and the wood cells. This allows easier removal with a light pressure washing or stiff scrub brush.
The process of using a wood stain stripper is incorrectly considered difficult. In fact, it will save a substantial amount of time while reducing any chance of damage to the deck with a pressure washer.
How to strip an exterior stain:
- As previously mentioned, a stain stripper should be used if the old coatings has failed unevenly or if changing brands of stain. If not then using a deck cleaner may be sufficient. If unsure please feel free to ask a question here: Deck Stripping Questions
- Remove all furniture from the area. Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear.
- Mix the Deck Stain Stripper using the manufactures directions. In many cases, it is best to test effectiveness first by applying to a small section. The reason is that all not deck stains are created equal. Many are more difficult than others to remove. Testing first will determine if it will remove the finish or if you may need to use a stronger stain stripper.
- Apply the stain stripper with a pump up sprayer. Best to do sections of 200-400 square feet at a time. Saturate all wood then wait 10-20 minutes. Test wood to see if slippery. This means that stripper has loosened the stain from the wood. If not reapply the stain stripper one more time.
- Lightly pressure wash or hand scrub all stain from the wood. Take care to wash with the grain of the wood whenever possible.
- Repeat if needed until all stain has been stripped from the wood. Spot strip any difficult areas that did not come clean the first time.
- Very important to thoroughly rinse all wood and surrounding areas to remove the wood fibers, dirt, and grime.
- Apply a wood brightener to neutralize the deck stain stripper and restore the pH balance of the wood. Failure to apply a brightener will leave the wood in a high “caustic” state that will deteriorate the new deck stain faster than normal.
Important Note: Most Deck Stain Strippers will not fully remove Solid Color Wood Stains, Paints, Varnishes, and Excessively Over-Applied Acrylic Semi-Transparent and Semi-Solid Coatings. To remove these deck and wood stain types, use the RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper
If you have any deck stripping questions please ask below. All questions are typically answered within a day.
I applied RAD stripper and both additives to remove over applied Behr Semi transparent dark stain. It is a very large deck and while it works, I’m going to run out of stripper. Would I better off to just use the RAD paint stripper for next order? This is huge tedious project and weather is not cooperating, unexpected rain. Is it ok to wait until I can get entire deck stripped to apply RAD Brightener or does brightener have to be applied immediately after stripping. Meaning the 2 week clock is starting to apply the stain if I apply brightener already for the section I was able to complete . Also, once stripper is rinsed thoroughly, is it safe for dogs and children to walk over.
Either stripper would work for this. Finish the stripping and take your time until done. Brighten all wood after. You can walk on deck after stripping and rinsing and it has a chance to dry.
I have the old school cetol dek (high VOC) and I can’t buy it anymore to reapply. I need to strip it but I have tried a couple of brands and no luck. Suggestions?
Post some pictures or the Sikkens on the deck here in comment area.
Fabulous content at this site.
I would like to take great care of my mahogany deck with regular treatments. But will I have to apply a stain stripper, then a wood brightener, then the penetrating oil each time? Is there no treatment that can be applied annually (maybe after a light pressure washing) just to “refresh” the wood?
You always have to prep when reapplying.
After applying and rinsing deck stain stripper, do I need wait for it to dry before applying Wood Brightener?
No, apply brightener while wood is wet.
Redwood is the wood used for our deck
Also what stripper product do you recommend if stripping is required?
Yes, use the RAD Stripper with both additives: https://www.opwdecks.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.htm
Hi. We used Thompson oil based mahogany for our deck, and it rained so now there are blotches everywhere. Should we sand off and restain or stip, brighten, then restain?
I have a brand new redwood deck. Workers have applied a sealer immediately after installing. It is not penetrating. Should it be removed? If so, how do I do that?
Yes, it has to be removed but how depends on the brand and type of stain that was used?
We used Thompson’s® WaterSeal®
Penetrating Timber Oil – Semi-Transparent
Post pictures.
Of the stain on the deck.
Pic one
Use this to remove.
Hi was there a picture you were trying to show me? Didn’t post. Thanks for your help I really appreciate it and your fast responses.
Meant to send a link: https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.htm
Pic two
my husband did the floor of our decK and left brush marks and too much stain. I was told we will have to strip it.we used TWP SERIES 100. IS THIS TRUE?
Yes, strip and brighten to fix.
Hello,
Im looking to use Restore a Deck stripper/brightner on a pergola. Will the stripper/brightner cause damage to the pavers/interlocking below if it comes in contact with it? How about grass, and flowers/shrubs.
Thank you.
It will not harm pavers. Plants should be covered and rinsed well with water when done.
I had Olympic Semi-Transparent stain put on my brand new cedar deck (installed 6 months ago, stained 1 week ago). I don’t think the contractor prepped the wood well enough before staining and now it is blotchy. I was to remove it and redo it. Do you know the best way? Would I need to strip, sand and clean then stain? Thanks for your help!
Strip off what you can. Sand the rest. Brighten all when done.
We applied Sherman Williams water based semi transparent stain along the top rail’s along the deck and down the stairs on a never before stained deck. It was built last year. We do not like the color and want to remove it and switch to a different brand oil based product. What do we needo to do for this to turn out. Thanks
Sand off the SW stain. Clean and brighten all wood when done. Stain with the Armstrong Clark:
https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Which product would you recommend to clean and brighten the wood. Thanks
See these kits: https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
Stripped most of the Behr stain off an 8-year-old cedar deck. It took two applications of the RAD Stripper and manually scraping the boards twice. Now onto sanding to get those last remnants.
I had to replace three boards and read that you recommend leaving new boards for four months (or more) before staining.
My questions: When I’m done sanding, do I use the RAD brightener right away and postpone staining for four months? Or sand, wait four months, then brighten and stain? Or is there something in-between (stain all but the new right away and stain the whole deck again next year)?
Since it is only three boards, just go ahead and do the deck now. You will need to apply another coat to the new boards next year.
This is the best Iv’e seen regarding this issue. what product(s) do you recommend to strip the old stai. In my case it’s a Behr solid, paint like stain. Thank you.
Rod, deck stain strippers will not remove solid color (opaque) stains. You will need to sand this to remove.
2 years ago I applied a water based semitransparent stain on a cedar deck. The appearance deteriorated so I cleaned the wood and then spot cleaned other areas where the stain lingered. See photo. After the second cleaning I noticed some raised grain. Is the only solution sanding?
Also, dies a wood brightener do some cleaning in addition to neutralizing?
My end goal is letting the cedar age and turn grey.
Thanks for your reply
A wood brightener does not clean. It lightens the wood and neutralizes. The raised grain does not look that bad. You could just leave it alone. If you do want to remove, you will need to sand.
[quote name=”VC Randell”]Have an ipe wood deck that has been neglected for 5 years. Old stain needs to be taken off and then restrained. Not sure how to proceed and if this wood is treated differently.
Thank you.[/quote]
Yes, any old coatings should be removed first. Once prepped, use a stain that is designed for this: https://www.opwdecks.com/exoticwoodstains.htm
Here are some IPE tips as well:
https://www.opwdecks.com/how-to-stain-ipe.htm
Have an ipe wood deck that has been neglected for 5 years. Old stain needs to be taken off and then restrained. Not sure how to proceed and if this wood is treated differently.
Thank you.
[quote name=”Joy L.”]I used Olympic maximum solid stain/ sealent. To remove most of it I used jomax. I need something stronger to get the rest removed. What can I use?[/quote]
Deck strippers will not remove solid stains. You will need to sand it off.
I used Olympic maximum solid stain/ sealent. To remove most of it I used jomax. I need something stronger to get the rest removed. What can I use?
[quote name=”Ed Glysson”]Under our deck is a Biuthene 3000 membrane which directs any water to some scuppers. Are there any safe stripper products to use with this membrane? Thanks, Ed[/quote]
I am sorry but we are not familiar with this membrane and if a stain stripper will harm it or not.
Under our deck is a Biuthene 3000 membrane which directs any water to some scuppers. Are there any safe stripper products to use with this membrane? Thanks, Ed
[quote name=”Chelsea”]purchased a home and the stain is not HOA approved. it is almost espresso brown looks black from far away. Is it possible to remove the dark stain in order to stain it a lighter approved stain color?[/quote]
What brand and type of stain is the dark brown?
purchased a home and the stain is not HOA approved. it is almost espresso brown looks black from far away. Is it possible to remove the dark stain in order to stain it a lighter approved stain color?
You have to remove the Sikkens first. Try the Restore A Deck Stain stripper. Apply this to the wood and pressure wash off. Repeat any areas that are needed. Apply the Restore A Deck Wood Brightener while the wood is still wet from the stripping. Wait 2-3 days to dry, then stain with the TWP.
2 years ago a contractor built a new deck for me with pressure treated woo. He suggested I wait until the next summer to stain it. when the time came I hired a local who came highly recommended. They used a sikkens stain. It turned out horrible and the man hired blamed it on the one he hired to do the work. He offered to come back this year and restain it if I would supply the stain. I would like to use TWP. What do I need to do to get the deck ready for the new stain? I’m 68 y.o. lady and know nothing about this process, except that I paid a lot for a nice deck that now looks pretty awful…..help!
Sand before using a deck cleaner and a wood brightener.
Hi,
I have removed most but not all of the solid color stain from a wood deck. I need to sand some of the smaller spots off and plan to do so with a 5 inch round hand sander.
My question is do I do the sanding BEFORE or AFTER the wood brightener? Thanks@
Hi,
After stripping the solid stain from a deck the best I can, there are still some small spots of stain that I would like to sand off with a 5 inch hand sander.
My question is do I sand BEFORE or AFTER the wood brightener?
THANK YOU
I am sorry but it is not possible to strip this particular product off. It will have to be sanded, scraped, and/or even replaced.
Two summers ago I used the Rustoleum 4X solid stain on my pressure treated garage roof deck and pergola. After the first year the stain had started to lift,peel and crack in various spots and it looks terrible. I want to remove this stain and re-do the deck and pergola with an oil-based stain since this dck is in full sun all day during the summer. My deck is 20X22 so I want to use the options n that s least labor intensive. Will using a stripper work in this case?
What would you recommend? Thank you
We would not suggest using it. TWP or Defy Extreme are much better.
Hello,
I started stripping our beck with Sherwin williams deck stripper. Now i have to use the revive brightener. Do we have to use Sherwin williams stain? The reason I’m asking is I just found out it’s reviews say it’s difficult to apply and people were not happy with it. Please if you have any advise I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
Linda
I am not sure a stripper will remove this or not off the composite. You can try the HD80 or the Restore a Deck Stripper but unsure if it will work well.
We have composite decking with wood railings. We stained the whole thing with Cabot deck stain. The railings look great, the composite looks like a kindergarten art project. The composite did not take the stain so now it is blotchy and uneven. What do you suggest?
Phillip, You cannot spot strip or sand and then apply to this areas and have it blend. You will have to do all of the wood. As for best method. Try stripping first then sand if needed.
Becca, You will better off just sanding this.
I just applied a translucent, teak colored stain to my pressurized deck. In my effort to stain the end of some of the boards I accidentally applied too much stain and it dried shiny and uneven in these places. The majority of the deck looks great but these shiny areas are very noticeable and I’d like to remove the stain in these places and then reapply. What would be the best way to go about this? Should I use a deck stripper and brightener or try to sand it off? Thanks, Phil
I believe the previous owner painted over failing stain -I’ve tried two different brands of stripper, the citristrip gel and a Cabot wood stripper. So far waiting an hour hasn’t produced great results with either one, although the citristrip says to wait form 30 minutes up to 24 hours. I’ve been using a hose and a scraper. I don’t have a pressure washer but I’m willing to rent one after figuring out what steps are best…or is it better to just skip straight to sanding?
Do the deck first. When excessively over applied like this, you will need to strip multiple times and possibly sand as well. Brighten all wood when done. Stains within a week or two after the prep. As for applying, it depends on the stain brand you will be using.
I’m stripping a dark brown colored semi-transparent Benjamin Moore deck stain that has been applied multiple times to the point that it almost looks like a solid stain. I’m switching stain brands and will need to strip the spindles, rails and lattice as well. When stripping, should I do the rails and spindles first or the deck first? Also, how long can I can I go between stripping, brightening, and staining? I will be stripping it one weekend and staining it the following weekend depending on the weather.
Finally, I will be restaining it with another dark brown stain and was wondering if it was best to use a ‘wet on wet’ technique to apply two light coats of stain to get a uniform look or just go with a single coat. This is an older deck (15 year PT deck). Thanks in advance for your advice.
Do not use the Deckover unless you want a huge peeling mess. Read online reviews of how bad these products are. Use the Restore A Deck stripper and the wood brightener for the prep.
I’m not sure what stain was used previously on our deck. It is in the sun all day and the previous stain is fading, not pealing. Its cracking and wearing off. We would like to put something on it to protect it from the sun and water as we have a pool. Looking into the Behr deckover. How should we prep it, not knowing what was used previously and to ensure the new coat last? Thanks
Shannon, strippers do not remove solid stains so yes you will need to sand it all off. Use brightener after is a good idea. Avoid those brands and order online. Look at the Armstrong Clark.
Living in Alberta, Canada I’m unable to get the great products you routinely recommend. I have a solid stain on my deck that has started peeling. Should I just sand it down to bare wood? I can’t locate any good strippers here. Once it’s sanded down, do I still need a brightener? Finally, I can only locate sikkens, behr and similar stains which all rated badly. I would hate to do all that work sanding to do it again in a couple years. Suggestions?
After stripping a section of deck and washing clean, can I allow that section to dry and continue on stripping another section before using a brightener? I have been using the brightener immediately following the strip procedure bur its not allows very convienrant.
Thanks
Scott, the black streaks are from your nails. It is rust. The screws are either the wrong kind or just have lost the protective coating. Brighteners will usually remove the black rust spots but every time it rains it will rust again.
I have noticed since applying a brightener to a stripped cedar deck that black streaks have come up at the screw holes. These weren’t there before. I’ve tried spot scrubbing with brightener, some sanding, but nothing seems to work. How can I remove these black streaks?
Scott
It really depends on how deep the water marks. If at surface it should come out, if deep in the wood than nothing will get them out.
After stripping solid stain from cedar siding I have a few water stains. Do I need to remove them or will appling brightener take care of that?
Andrea, sorry but nothing removes a solid stain effectively outside of sanding.