If you want to lighten or add a different tint to your deck’s hardwood floor, stripping it might do the trick. Instead of replacing your entire deck floor with a light-colored hardwood, you have this inexpensive alternative. The good news is that you can easily pickle it yourself by following these five easy steps.
Before you begin, prepare plenty of sandpaper and absorbent (lint-free) rags, a wide brush, a bristle brush, a wool wax applicator, and enough varnish and paint for the entire deck floor. For toluene or alcohol based varnishes, protect yourself from toxic gases with a mask. Oil-based paint is easier to use on your deck because it takes longer to dry. If you want latex for the deck, thin it with paint thinner at a 25/75 ratio. Stick to flat finishes, as the shine tends to overshadow the textured wood of the deck. For larger decks, use a power sanding device. Otherwise, it would take forever to finish the entire deck.
1. Remove the existing finish from your deck floor. Be careful when using the power sanding device as it could chip or damage the deck floor. Sand the deck in hard-to-reach spaces. Once the finish is completely removed, the deck surface may be too rough for you. Use fine sandpaper to make it smoother. Clean thoroughly afterwards. Be sure to vacuum the entire deck, especially the corners, to ensure a clean paint job.
2. Paint the terrace. Spread the paint evenly over the wood. Don’t worry about the address, as that won’t matter later. Let the deck dry for 20 to 60 minutes.
3. Using the rags, wipe up the paint in a circular motion. The amount of paint you rub in will determine how light the deck stain will be. Smooth out any clumps of paint with the bristle brush.
4. Smooth deck floor with power sander and sandpaper. Remember to get rid of all the sawdust before moving on to the next step.
5. Apply a couple of coats of varnish to finish. Do not forget to use the mask for varnish that does not yellow. Use the wax applicator to achieve a polished veneer.
Remember that the colors you choose will blend with the original color of the deck floor, acting like a colored cellophane sheet. White paint on cedar will give it a pink hue. If blue paint was used, it would look purple. Different varnishes also affect decking in different ways. Oil or polyurethane varnishes can darken wood and turn it yellow over time.
Get creative with the colors and make them complement or contrast with the rest of your deck. That’s pretty much the 5-step process for stripping your wood deck.