As time goes by, indoor and outdoor surfaces show degradation signs. Your wooden deck is exposed to foot traffic, mold, mildew, algae, and UV rays every day.
These elements break down the stain and cause the wood to crack. If you want to inject new life into an old weathered deck, you need to remove the old stain first.
Deck strippers remove paint and varnish from a wooden surface, clean the area, and improve paint adhesion. If you’re searching for the best paint remover for wood deck, I got you covered. Here are a couple of popular options.
Our Top Picks
Best Paint Remover for Wood Deck
- Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover – Best Deck Stain Stripper
- DEFY Exterior Wood Stain Stripper – Best Exterior Deck Stain Stripper
- Citristrip QCSG801 Paint Stripping Gel – Best Latex Deck Paint Remover
- Sunnyside Corporation 65664 Hi-Speed Ready-Strip – Best Non-Toxic Remover
- Sunnyside 65732A Multi-Strip – Best Professional Paint Remover
- Safe ‘n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel – Best Deck Stain Stripper Gel
- #1 Deck Wood Stain Stripper – Best Wooden Surface Stain Stripper
- MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper – Most Heavy Duty Paint Stripper
- Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper – Best Caustic Stripper
- Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Premium Spray Paint and Graffiti Remover– Fastest Working Wood Stripper
- DeckGeneral Deck Stripper 4021 – Most Ecofriendly Stripper
Best Paint Remover for Wood Deck Reviews
1. Best Deck Stain Stripper – Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
- REMOVES UP TO 15 LAYERS OF PAINTS & COATINGS - Strips Acrylic, Latex, Oil, and Water-Based Paints, Varnishes, Stains, and Coatings in usually a Single Application!
- EFFECTIVE ON ALMOST EVERY SURFACE - Wood, Brick, Stone, Metal, Marble, Terra Cotta, Granite, Terrazzo, Concrete, Plaster, Cement, Copper, Tin, Enamel, Slate, Cast Iron, and More!
- EASY TO USE WITHOUT CAUSTIC CHEMICALS - Contains NO Methylene Chloride or NMP. Apply to surface and check every 90 minutes for up to 24 hrs. Remove with scrapper or pressure washer. No fuss, no muss!
Smart strip is a groundbreaking paint remover safe for the user, any substrate, and the environment. If you need the best paint remover for exterior wood, your search ends with this product.
This deck stripper is second to none as it works as marketed. It’s safe for pets, humans, and the environment as it does not contain methylene chloride.
This water-based paint stripper effectively removes fifteen coats of urethane, lead paints, oil-based stains, etc. So, it does not matter what type of stain you had previously used on the surface because this deck stain remover will take in head-on.
Since this paint remover is water-based, it has zero VOCs and won’t produce upsetting odors when used. Even so, it’s advisable to wear protective gear to avoid ruining your clothes.
You can use it on exterior wooden surfaces and works on brick, stone, concrete, plaster, metal, plastic, glass, fiberglass, etc. The professional paint remover is user-friendly. So, you do not have to be a pro to use it effectively.
You just the self-explanatory user instructions on the can, and you are good to go. You can apply it with a high-quality brush, roller, or a traditional airless spray.
Let the wood deck stripper sit on the coatings for three to twenty-four hours, based on the number of coats and the type of paint or stain you need to remove. This product is one of the best deck stain removers you can use for your project.
It is designed to stay wet for a long time, and peel away paper may not be required. Use a scraper to remove the peeling paint after a suitable dwell time.
If any, remove the remaining paint with a power washer or sponge and water. Remember, this exterior wood stain stripper is Ph neutral, so you do not have to neutralize the stripped area.
What We Liked Most
- It removes multiple layers of paint at once
- It’s appropriate for indoor & outdoor surfaces
- It’s an ecofriendly paint remover
- It has a simple water cleanup
What Could Be Improved
- Tougher stains may need additional coats
2. Best Exterior Deck Stain Stripper – DEFY Exterior Wood Stain Stripper
- WOOD DECK STAIN REMOVER STRIPS WORN FINISHES – Easy to use stain stripper removes weathered, clear or semi-transparent wood stains. Simply spray on with a pump-up sprayer, and rinse with a power washer. Note: Will not remove paint, solid color stains, or other film-forming finishes.
- RESTORES WOOD’S NATURAL BEAUTY – In addition to removing weathered deck stains, this product will also remove dirt, mill glaze, and stains, creating a clean, like-new wood surface.
- READY TO USE – This product comes ready to use. Simply pour in a pump-up sprayer and spray on any wood surface that needs to be stripped.
Your property is one of the few things you can bank on in this world, and it hurts to see it deteriorating due to exposure to the elements.
The good news is that if it’s made of masonry, wood, or concrete, you can safeguard it with this product and save it for generations.
If you need to restore the natural beauty of wood and rid the wood of dirt, stains, and mill glaze, this could be your product. This deck stain stripper is so simple to use that even a novice can use it stress-free.
It’s suitable for removing semi-transparent stains or clear stains. Please remember that this product can not remove paint, solid stains, or film-forming finishes.
It’s a ready-to-use formula. Fill a pump sprayer, spray on the deck surface, and then rinse with a power washer. It works on all wood species.
You’ll be astounded by how simple it is to use and how fast it will work.
It will do an excellent job of removing old stains and restoring the new wood appearance. If you want a semi-transparent look, one coat is all you need.
This product is compatible with defy exterior wood stain.
What We Liked Most
- It’s affordable even if you’re on a tight budget
- It’s simple to use
- You get excellent results
- It’s appropriate for all species of wood
What Could Be Improved
- It’s suitable for exterior surfaces only
- You can’t use it to remove solid stains
3. Best Latex Deck Paint Remover – Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
- CITRISTRIP Safer Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel is easy to use.
- Stays wet and active for up to 24 hours allowing stripping of multiple layers in one step.
- Removes dried latex and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane and shellac.
Suppose you need a professional paint remover that works on multiple surfaces without stressing you out. In that case, this could be the product you’ve searched for far and wide. It’s one of the best wood deck strippers around.
The varnish remover remains wet for up to twenty-four hours, letting you strip several layers in one easy step. This saves you time, and you can move to the next phase and complete your project faster than expected.
This varnish-stripping gel is a good lacquer remover for wood. It contains no harsh chemicals and is suitable for interior use. Use the stain remover for removing paint.
The all-purpose gel is excellent for removing multiple layers of stains. Use it to remove epoxy from wood. You can also use it on masonry and metal surfaces.
It produces a citrus smell that will not upset you when using it. It is non-toxic, and you won’t worry about it irritating your skin if it comes into contact with your body.
If you are trying to strip oil-based paint from a surface, you need to apply a heavy coat, cover the area with a plastic sheet, and give it four days. This way, you’ll be satisfied with the results.
This is a more eco-friendlier gel that works so well. There’s no muss and no hue and cry. Smear it on, scrape it off, and repeat as needed. Check here for more info on how to use citristrip stripping gel on wood.
What We Liked Most
- It’s non-toxic
- It works as marketed
- You can use it on multiple surfaces
What Could Be Improved
- It works best when used indoors
4. Best Non-Toxic Remover – Sunnyside Corporation 65664 Hi-Speed Ready-Strip
- Capable of removing up to 3 layers of oil or water based coating
- No-drip formula makes removing paint convenient and easy
- Clings to vertical surfaces; stays wet longer
I recently tried out the Sunnyside Corporation 65664 Hi-Speed Ready-Strip Citrus Paint Remover, and it’s a game-changer for anyone tackling paint removal projects.
This product truly lives up to its claims. It can handle up to three layers of oil and water-based coatings, which is impressive. During my hands-on testing, it efficiently stripped away old paint from various surfaces, saving me a ton of time and elbow grease.
The standout feature is the no-drip formula. It made the paint removal process so convenient and mess-free. I didn’t have to worry about messy drips or spills, a common issue with other paint removers.
Another big plus is its ability to cling to vertical surfaces and stay wet longer. This made it incredibly effective for stripping paint off walls and doors. Plus, it starts working in about 30 minutes, a significant time-saver compared to other products I’ve used.
Cleanup was a breeze as well, just using water. No need for harsh solvents or chemicals, which I appreciated.
Comparing it to other paint removers I’ve used, the Sunnyside Ready-Strip Citrus Paint Remover outshines them all in terms of performance and user experience. The intense citrus aroma filled the room during the application, surprisingly pleasing the task.
If you need an effective and user-friendly paint remover, the Sunnyside Corporation 65664 Hi-Speed Ready-Strip Citrus Paint Remover is the way to go. It has made my DIY projects much easier, and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable paint remover.
What We Liked Most
- Environment-friendly approach
- Easy to spread
- Very little chemical fumes
What Could Be Improved
- Does not spray well.
5. Best Professional Paint Remover – Sunnyside 65732A Multi-Strip ADVANCED Paint & Varnish Remover
- Safer professional paint and varnish remover; formulated with no methylene chloride or NMP
- Capable of removing up to 15 layers of paint, varnish, stain, lacquer and urethane; begins working in 30 minutes
- Apply a light coat to remove 1-4 layers; a heavier coat will remove multiple layers with a stripping tool
Never settle for anything less than the best professional paint remover if you want professional results in your paint job. You reap what you sow most of the time. Use the best to get the best.
This paint remover is one of the best deck stain strippers you can ever find around the globe. We have included this product in our deck stripper reviews because it works excellently and is safer to use as it contains no methylene chloride.
It easily removes a whopping fifteen layers of paint, varnish, urethane, stain, and lacquer. It starts to work thirty minutes after application. If you need to remove one of four layers, apply just a light coat.
However, if you want to remove multiple layers of paint you have used over the years, apply a heavier coat and give it ample time to work undisturbed.
Use a high-quality brush, a moderate nap paint roller, or a putty knife to apply. The paint remover works magic on indoor and outdoor surfaces. Use it on vertical surfaces, and you’ll be happy with the results.
You’ll be crazily in love with this product. If you ever decide to strip everything in your wood deck or kitchen in a rush and becomes challenging halfway, grab this product, and your hands will thank you.
Please leave it to sit on the wooden surface overnight. Don’t worry, though. It won’t dry. Use a putty knife to strip the surface, and you’ll be done in no time.
We promise you that this may be the only wood stain stripper you’ll ever buy over the years.
What We Liked Most
- It’s super simple to use
- It delivers as promised
- It’s eco-friendly
What Could Be Improved
- It’s expensive but worth every penny
6. Best Deck Stain Stripper Gel – Safe ‘n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel
- ALWAYS TEST BEFORE USE: Removes acrylic, latex, oil, & water-based paints, varnishes, & stains, typically in only a single application! TEST for compatibility with your coating before full removal!
- PERFECT FOR YOUR DIY PROJECTS: Wood furniture, cabinets, decks, & patios, brick or stone fireplaces, plaster walls, fiberglass bathtubs, chair rails, concrete flooring, crown molding, and more!
- NO CAUSTIC CHEMICALS! Our water-based remover does not contain ANY caustic chemicals commonly found in other paint removers. That means it won’t burn you when you touch it! It smells like citrus, too!
Removing multiple layers of coating, paint, and varnishes does not have to cause you sleepless nights if you use this product as the manufacturer recommends.
Using the right product gives you the right results. This is the best stain stripper you can ever use on metal, tile, masonry, molding, etc.
It removes several layers of coatings and varnishes and gives the wood a new look. It adheres to multiple surfaces and produces no upsetting odors.
It contains no harsh chemicals such as NMP Or Methylene Chloride.
The product is friendly to pets, humans, and the environment. Even so, wear protective gear when using it and keep it away from pets and kids just to be on the safe side.
Use it on indoor and outdoor surfaces to remove paint that has been on a surface for fifteen years or more. This is the go-to stain stripper for DIY enthusiasts and professional woodworkers.
It removes latex and oil-based varnishes and stains. This product will lift the old finish, and you can use a power washer to remove paint. You can also scrape off the paint with a putty knife.
It leaves no unwanted residue on the work surface. However, pay close attention to the container size. If your wood deck is significant, it’ll be costly.
Nonetheless, if your project is small, investing in this product is a great idea.
What We Liked Most
- Works as marketed
- It’s non-poisonous
- It works on multiple surfaces
What Could Be Improved
- The container size may be small, but it’ll depend on your project
7. Best Wooden Surface Stain Stripper – #1 Deck Wood Stain Stripper
- Removes existing, weathered, semi-transparent stains and sealers
- Ready to use, fast and effective - covers 100-150 sq. ft. per gallon
- Deck stain remover strips worn finishes off decks, fences, and wood siding
If you need a stain stripper that can get semi-transparent stains or sealers off your wooden deck, this could be a great match. It removes weathered and current stains from wooden surfaces such as wood siding, fences, and deck.
It is ready to use and has superb coverage. Each gallon’s coverage range between 100-150 Square feet. The beauty of using this product is that it enhances stain adhesion and brings back the natural beauty of wooden decks.
It also has a hand in preventing wood rot. For professional results, rinse with a pressure washer. Please keep in mind that this product will not remove paint.
Apply with a pump sprayer and keenly follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can lightly wet the surface and spay on this wood stripper. Give it thirty to forty-five minutes to dry.
Use a 2700 psi power washer with a forty-degree spray nozzle to clean it up. It’ll remove the sealer that may have bothered you for years.
Your deck will appear new even if you have had it for decades.
If you pressure wash the deck to remove the old stain, it’ll peel away, revealing a beautiful bare wood. The stripper works incredibly on horizontal surfaces because it’ll penetrate more uniformly than on vertical surfaces.
What We Liked Most
- It’s simple to use
- Works fast and easy
- You can use it on multiple surfaces
What Could Be Improved
- It only removes stains
8. Most Heavy Duty Paint Stripper – MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper
- DESIGNED TO REMOVE PAINT AND VARNISH FROM MULTIPLE SURFACES - Remove Paint, Latex, Polyurethane, Shellac, Varish, Acrylic, Oil Based Coatings and More in usually a Single Application!
- EASY TO USE WITHOUT CAUSTIC CHEMICALS - Contains NO Methylene Chloride or NMP. Apply to the surface and check every 15 minutes till it's ready. Remove with scraper. No fuss, no muss!
- THE "DO-IT-YOURSELF" CHOICE - Powerful enough for painting contractors and restorers, but user-friendly enough for all your DIY home projects.
MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper handles the most challenging stripping jobs with a perfected wet work method for dust-free paint removal.
It is specifically formulated to safely remove different types of paint and varnish from various surfaces. Please note that this product contains no toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride or NMP.
So, you can comfortably use it without worrying about the safety of your skin, environment, or pets. Also, you do not need special ventilation to use it indoors as it releases no toxic fumes, as would be the case if you use caustic strippers.
Use it to safely remove paint and varnish from metal, glass, laminate, fiberglass, wooden surfaces, porcelain, plastic, etc. It is advisable to test a small area first to see if it will work as expected.
Please keep in mind that this product is not intended to remove factory-finished or baked-on paints. This product is incredible. It removes wood stains effortlessly.
Follow the instructions, and it will be up and running in minutes. The best part is that it cleans up easily with water and white vinegar.
However, wear gloves since this gets messy, and then wipe down with several towels. It won’t work when dry. So, try to keep it as wet as possible and do not use it under sunlight. Use the plastic cover that comes with the sheet to keep it wet.
What We Liked Most
- Works as marketed
- Easy to use
- You can use it on different surfaces
What Could Be Improved
- It dries pretty fast under direct sunlight
9. Best Caustic Stripper – Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper
- Removes most clear, transparent, semi-transparent, and semi-solid coatings.
- Strips and restores wood surfaces.
- Powdered formula makes 5 liquid gallons when mixed. Extremely cost effective. When mixed, the cost is less than $12 a gallon.
Removing semi-solid, semi-transparent, clear, and transparent coatings does not have to be costly, tiresome, and stressful. That will be the case if you use this product.
Restore A deck is a powdered deck stripper formula that removes stains easily, faster, and affordably. It is available in powder form.
When you mix this powdered formula, you get 5 gallons of liquid. So, the stain stripper quantity is 5 gallons. So, with just $ 7, you can strip old paint and restore your wood hassle-free.
The deck stripper is friendly to the environment and poses no threat to pets or humans. You can use it to prep previously stained wooden surfaces and decks.
Not only is it safe to use on decks, but it is also safe to use on any other exterior wood surface. Apply it with a pump sprayer for best results.
Or inject it into a pressure washer if the finish you need to remove comes off without putting up a fight. For tougher stains, mix them at a higher ratio.
Let the mixing balance be three gallons of water to one container of Restore A Deck. Use this product to remove any semi-transparent stain that looks tired, old, and fades in spots.
Follow the instructions. Just spray it on with a good quality pump sprayer, and wash it off with your power washer. Spot clean the worse areas than others with a brush for a second application.
It’ll work as marketed, and you’ll be glad you picked this product. Be sure to wear protective gear such as breathing masks, gloves, Goggles, hats. Cover your neck area as well.
What We Liked Most
- It’s effortless to use
- It’s affordable and delivers excellent results
- It works like magic
What Could Be Improved
- It’s caustic- wear protective clothing
10. Fastest Working Wood Stripper – Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Premium Spray Paint and Graffiti Remover
- SPRAY PAINT REMOVAL MADE EASY: Lift Off’s Spray Paint and Graffiti Remover utilizes a patented, water-based formula to easily and safely remove spray paint, semi-gloss, high-gloss, acrylic, enamel paints and more from hard or soft surfaces.
- SAFE FOR EXISTING PAINT SURFACES: Disposing of graffiti paint can be tricky, but Lift Off leaves paint solid and intact for easy and trash safe clean up. Unlike chemical paint removal products, Lift Off Graffiti Remover works its way between the paint and surface to break the molecular bond allowing paint to be removed easily.
- WORKS ON MULTIPLE SURFACES: This spray paint remover works on soft, hard, or porous surfaces, including concrete, stucco, vehicles, plastic, brick, street signs, utility boxes, Plexiglas, and more.
Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Premium Spray Paint and Graffiti Remover is, without a doubt, a game-changer.
During my hands-on testing, I faced the formidable challenge of removing graffiti from a centuries-old brick wall, where artistry had met history in an unintended fusion. This product, however, rose to the occasion with an almost supernatural efficacy. It dissolved the graffiti effortlessly, revealing the pristine brickwork beneath, all without causing any harm.
The true brilliance of this remover lies in its versatility. It performed admirably on the brick wall and was rescued when spray paint overspray found its way onto my car’s glossy finish.
The result? Flawless paint and not a hint of damage.
Its effectiveness, combined with its surface-safe nature, makes it a rare gem in graffiti removal. The absence of harsh chemical odors, replaced by a faintly pleasant scent, added to its charm during use.
This product is more than a remover; it’s a liberator of surfaces and a guardian of the pristine. It has transformed the way I approach graffiti woes. To anyone seeking a reliable, versatile, and practically magical solution for graffiti and spray paint removal, I wholeheartedly recommend Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Premium Spray Paint and Graffiti Remover.
What We Liked Most
- Exceptional graffiti and spray paint removal efficacy
- Surface-safe gentle on variety of materials.
- Versatile application for various graffiti removal scenarios.
- Minimal chemical odor during use
- Efficient and time-savings solution for graffiti removal.
What Could Be Improved
- Slightly higher price point compared to some competitors
- May require more than one application for extremely stubborn or old graffiti.
11. Most Ecofriendly Stripper – DeckGeneral Deck Stripper 4021
- HEAVY DUTY FORMULA: Water-based and low VOC, this powerful solution can strip away both oil and latex finishes, including clear and semi-transparent stains, film-forming coatings, and water sealers. It's also highly effective against deteriorated varnishes and polyurethanes while effortlessly eliminating damaged and discolored wood fibers, mildew, and water stains.
- VERSATILE RESTORATION: Our Deck Stripper 4021 is designed to rejuvenate multiple wood surfaces such as decks, sidings, and fences leaving them stain-free, brighter, and restored to their original, pristine condition. With approximately 200 square feet of coverage in a single gallon, our deck stripper offers widespread utility, ensuring you get more done with less.
- OPTIMAL & RESPONSIBLE: DeckGeneral Deck Stripper 4021 has been specifically designed to offer effective stripping capabilities. Perfect for use with DeckGeneral Wood Brightener, it ensures the neutralization of any remaining stripper and aids in brightening the wood. Our commitment is to help you rejuvenate your outdoor spaces responsibly.
Stripping the surface off old or existing coatings is not easy. It takes time and money and requires mental preparation to handle the stress from such undertakings.
So, it’s only fair to pick a product that makes things easier for you by taking away unnecessary steps. This product is heaven-sent as it makes the procedure stress free as it is safe and effective.
You do not have to worry about your health when using this product. Since it’s water-based, it has low VOCs, emits no strong odor, and has a simple water cleanup.
The formula also cleans the wood to enhance the adhesion of subsequent paints, sealers, or stains. It’s so easy to apply that even a novice can do it and get pro results.
For incredible results, pretreat the surface before applying to ensure compatibility. You can use the stripper directly or dilute it with equal parts of water.
Spray or brush the deck stripper onto the entire deck surface and stir with a brush. Let the stripper sit for twenty minutes or so.
After you’ve finished, power wash the stripped deck surface to remove any remnants of old material and product.
What We Liked Most
- You do not have to sand the wooden surface before applying the stripper
- It’s easy to use
- It works as described
- It’s non-toxic
- It removes polyurethane, lead-based paint, varnishes, etc.
What Could Be Improved
- It’s pricey but worth it
Best Paint Remover for Wood Deck Comparison Table
Education
While selecting the best deck stripper may appear simple, keeping a few critical components in mind will make your experience go more smoothly.
What are the most important characteristics to look for in a good paint stripper?
Factors to Consider Before Buying Deck Stripper
Antimicrobial Formulation
Look for antimicrobial formulation products to protect the deck from mold and mildew. This factor is significant for lakeshore and coastal terraces.
Without this attribute, your deck may develop wood rot, necessitating the repair or replacement of your wooden deck.
Value for Money
When purchasing your deck paint remover, you should also consider the cost. Some items are more expensive than others.
If you want to buy a paint remover with a spray bottle, know that it will be more pricey than a premixed, pour-on stripper.
In addition, some products are available in value packs, which allow you to get more affordable products with the same quality if you purchase.
Spray Bottle Application
Some stain removers are available in convenient spray bottles. You connect the hose to your spray bottles and turn on the water.
Then pull the trigger that’s on your spray bottle, and the water pressure instantly mixes the stain remover in the proper ratio.
Many of these spray-bottle brands are ideal for cleaning roofs, and they also make having to clean your wooden deck a breeze.
Requirement of Scrubbing
Some paint removers require scrubbing on your wooden deck, while others you must wash away with a hose. Determine which technique your paint stripper will use.
The majority of the formulations that require scrubbing are premixed and ready to use as soon as you open the bottle.
Scrub off the tough stains on your deck, then allow the paint remover to penetrate the wood before you washi it away with your garden hose.
Trusted Brand
We recommend that when looking for the best paint remover for your needs, you only consider the most reputable brands.
All of the mentioned products in our review are manufactured by the most respected companies in the paint stripper, adhesive, and paint industries.
Premixed or Concentrate?
Some wooden deck strippers come with premixed formulations that you can use right out of the container. To remove tough stains, they provide a pour-on application and manual scrubbing.
Concentrated formulas are intended for use in power washers. Add the amount of product you prefer and turn on your pressure washer to begin applying the product to your wooden deck.
Choose a varnish stripper that has an O-ring and are sealed safely.
Compatibility with Pressure Washers
Other wooden stain removers are available in spray bottles that are in turn connected to your water hose for easy application.
Others have a highly concentrated formula that allows them to be used in pressure washers. Instead of using your garden hose, pressure washing your wooden deck is more convenient.
Non-slip Additives
If your wooden deck is near a lake or the ocean, you’ll notice that the water from the sea is constantly getting on it.
Look for a deck stripper containing non-slip ingredients, and it will leave a non-slip layer on your wooden deck. This will give your deck the necessary grip to keep the product in place even if it becomes wet.
Types of Deck Stain Remover
There are several types of deck stain remover.
Solvent-Based Deck Stain Stripper
These types of wood stain strippers work by dissolving stains chemically. Strippers based on solvents include the following:
- Methylene Chloride
- Acetone
- Alcohol
- toluene
These are incredibly effective paint removers that easily clean old paint. The one major disadvantage of these paint strippers is that they can be highly toxic.
When using, you must exercise caution and adhere to the product label instructions.
Caustic Deck Stain Stripper
This caustic deck stain stripper dissolves an old finish and converts it to a different substance. These, too, necessitate caution due to the presence of corrosive solid acids. Caustic strippers include the following:
- Lye – sodium or potassium hydroxide
- Oxalic Acid
Biochemical Deck Stain Stripper
These use more natural products, which are both safer to use and environmentally – friendly. Biochemical stain strippers also have a lower odor production rate.
They are less potent than the others and must be left on the wood for an extended period. Biochemical strippers include the following:
- Terpenes from Citrus or Pine
- Lactic Acid
- Wood-pulp Extract
- Soy Oil
- Citric Acid
How to Use a Deck Stripper
Before you apply a new, uniform finish to your wooden deck, you may need to remove the previous coating.
Knowing the condition of the wood surface before stripping is critical because not all decks require the previous coating to be stripped away.
Stripping is necessary if you want to lighten the opacity (for instance, from a solid to a semi-transparent finish) or make a huge color change.
You need to strip the deck if your surface has experienced extreme weathering, ending in cracking and blistering of the previous coating. Here’s how to use a deck stripper to remove old coatings
Step 1: Preparation
Move all furniture and cover surrounding vegetation with polythene before you start removing old paint from your deck.
Use Painter’s tape to secure the plastic sheeting to the exterior walls, windows, and brickworks along the deck. Using a push broom, clean the deck of leaves, dirt, and other silt.
When working, ensure that you wear a painter’s mask, safety glasses, and rubber gloves. Scrape away as much peeling or loose paint as possible from the wooden deck using a putty knife or stiff-bristle brush.
Step 2: Applying Paint Stripper
Avoid products that consist of methylene chloride when selecting a deck stain stripper. These are especially strong and can only be used by professionals, despite working quickly.
Wood strippers based on limonene are the least toxic to use. Begin stripping the old stain from the deck from the opposite corner of your exit point.
Using a nylon brush or roller, apply the wood deck stripper on a small segment of the wood. Do not apply deck stripper on a more significant portion than you can work on in 15 minutes.
Allow the paint remover to remain on the wood deck for 15 to 30 minutes or until the paint bubbles and lifts.
Apply more wood deck stripper as you require during this time to keep it moist, then scrub the loosened paint from the wood deck with a stiff-bristle brush or scoop it off using a paint scraper.
Continue stripping and scraping until the entire deck, including railings and spindles, is paint-free.
Step 3: Neutralize and Rinse
Use clean water from a pressure washer to clean the deck. This will remove both the tough stains and any paint stripper residue.
Because old wood decks are easily damaged, pressure washers are usually not recommended for use on them. If you’re using a power washer, retain the nozzle head at least 9″ to 12″ away from the wooden deck to avoid scratch-outs.
If you want to make the wood brighter with a bleaching agent, dilute it with equal parts vinegar and water solution after stripping. Don’t ever mix chemical products like stain removers and bleaches because their reaction may cause harm.
Step 4: Sand and Prep the Surface for a New Finish
Allow the wood deck to dry completely before sanding with fine-grit sandpaper, like 120- or 150-grit.
To remove solid stain and smooth the wooden surface in readiness for a fresh coat of finish, sand in the direction of the deck wood panel and clear away any sand dust.
After removing all the paint, holes, nail heads, and gouges become more visible. Before painting or staining, use a hammer to nail back raised nails and fill gaps with an exterior wood filler.
If you’re ready to apply a fresh coat, check out our quick guide on how to restore a peeling deck.
Benefits of Using Deck Strippers
Deck strippers are used to removing stains, varnishes, sealers, or paint from wood surfaces. You can restore your deck to its original state by eliminating previous texture and color, giving you the option of starting over.
Let’s look at other benefits of using deck strippers.
It Cleans the Area
Deck strippers have the additional benefit of removing mildew, mold, algae, and dirt as well as stain or paint.
When you use deck strippers, you get a two-in-one product: a deck stain remover and a cleaner. This primes your deck and prepares it to be brightened, revamped, or painted.
Increases Property Value
Deck wood stain stripper removes old, chipped, faded, weathered, or unattractive deck finishes.
The ability to restore your wooden deck to its old glory will improve the appearance of the exterior wooden surface of your home, increasing property value.
If you intend to sell your home, having your wooden deck surface in excellent condition will display your property to a potential buyer as one that has been well maintained and cared for.
This will make it more appealing and easier to sell.
Open the Deck Pores
Deck strippers easily penetrate the wooden surface to remove the previous staining, opening the pore spaces of the wood in the process. This is advantageous if you intend to apply a fresh coat of stain to your wooden deck.
Meaning the paint will be applied in a much more uniform manner, with maximum absorption. As a result, the stained wooden deck will look impressive.
Adds Curb Appeal
A deck stripper can increase the charm of your real estate by updating the overall appearance of the exterior wood of your home. This is particularly true if you have a wooden deck porch in front of your property.
Remove Colour and Texture
A fresh coat of paint or stain is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your wooden deck.
However, before you begin applying any fresh paint, it is critical to remove old color and texture from the wood, leaving you may with a new, clean surface to work with.
Using a deck wood stain remover, learning how to remove old color and texture from wood that you intend to refurbish can also be quickly done.
FAQs
How to remove paint from wood deck
Allow the paint stripper to remain on the wood surface for fifteen to thirty minutes. Or you can leave it on until the old paint begins to bubble or lift. Keep applying the stripper as needed to stop it from drying. Scrape off the softened paint with a stiff putty knife, bristle brush, or a paint scraper.
What is the best paint stripping product for wood?
You can’t go wrong with paint stripper if you’re looking for the simplest way to remove paint, whether it’s from wooden furniture, walls, metal, or masonry. There are numerous paint stripper products available, but they differ in the formulation. The best paint remover rapidly and effortlessly breaks down the unwanted paint, varnish, or coatings on the surfaces being treated, allowing them to be scrubbed or scraped off.
What is the best solid deck stain remover?
Paint strippers are suitable for removing solid stain from the deck. However, they differ in formulation and other aspects. The type of stain you need to remove from a surface, your budget, and further consideration determine the paint stripper you choose.
What is the best homemade deck stain remover?
Making your deck cleaner is simple, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly than what you will find in your grocery store. When it comes time to clean your deck, try a homemade concoction that will get the job done right the first time. You could mix TSP powdered oxygen powder with warm water.
Conclusion
Paint removal used to be a dangerous and challenging task because older paint removers contained harsh chemicals and toxic fumes.
Thank goodness, there are now many paint remover brands that are both effective and simple to use. The best paint remover for wood deck should be non-toxic, biodegradable, and odorless.
Smart Strip, Advanced Paint Remover, is our best paint stripper product. It checks all the boxes for effectiveness, eco-friendliness, ease of use, and affordability.