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    BrodyNoochie's Avatar
    BrodyNoochie Posts: 55, Reputation: 2
    Junior Member
     
    #1

    Jul 16, 2015, 10:39 AM
    Removing Paint From Deck
    My deck has a thick coat of paint on it that I am trying to remove. I used a chemical stripper and power washer to try and break through but it is being pretty stubborn. The ornamental vertical rails are proving to be exceptionally difficult.

    I also have tried using a wire brush which seems to work but also is shredding my deck pretty good and is difficult to get a good angle on the rails.

    Does anyone have any other suggestions for getting this paint off?
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,492, Reputation: 2853
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    Jul 16, 2015, 02:08 PM
    What material are the rails made of? Wood? (We can't assume they are) This is the most important factor as to what options are available.

    At some point the labor to remove old paint from old wood exceeds the value of replacing with new materials.
    BrodyNoochie's Avatar
    BrodyNoochie Posts: 55, Reputation: 2
    Junior Member
     
    #3

    Jul 16, 2015, 02:15 PM
    Yes, everything is wood though I am not sure what type.

    The deck is only about 10 years old. I considered replacing it all but I think I am to invested now to abandon ship.
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,492, Reputation: 2853
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    #4

    Jul 16, 2015, 02:24 PM
    Bad idea to get into ones head... you are never too invested to abandon ship. Just like an old car... at some point you will have to put more into it than its worth... and everything you have already put into it is moot. THough I do understand how easy it is to think that way. I've been there as I think most people have at some point.

    YOU have to decide if the labor (your time vs money in this case) is really worth it... being objective. Depending on how the deck is built. You might be able to replace them easily and fairly quickly... or not. I have a large deck. 12' x 24'. As an example I could replace all of mine with new ones in a matter of hours using a variable speed driver (clutch type reversible drill) and a power saw. I wouldn't spend days or weeks trying to strip them.

    Even then you will not get ALL the paint off. Some will be embedded into the wood. I assume you will be painting over it again. You will never get it stripped enough to use a transparent stain. If you are painting it again... then well attached paint doesn't need removed. Sand the edges to feather it so it won't be noticeable when you repaint.

    I really do not like PAINT on decks for this reason.....and prefer to use only a transparent or opaque waterproofing stain meant for decks. You don't have these issues with pealing.
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
    Expert
     
    #5

    Jul 16, 2015, 02:29 PM
    I can't chance my garden by using anything to remove paint. I replace boards as they become worn and wash down with a deck brush and paint. My Sundeck is always white.

    You are over working everything. Why make so much work !

    if you want to change the look, then you take all the wood off and replace.

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