Strippers should be used if you plan to use a darker stain or finish on the wood once sanding is complete. Sanding is preferable where less penetration is required and the deck is flat, but the process requires additional labor and time to achieve consistent results.

How do you sand back a painted deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Use 120 grit sanding sponge. This will quickly round the sharp edges to prevent injury. Most decks have some type of decorative.

What’s the best way to sand a painted deck?

Use an orbital sander to remove any old gloss and smooth out any rough areas on decking boards. You may need to use a sanding sponge on the railings or balustrades. Use 60- or 80- grit sandpaper on the main deck boards, and use 80- or 100-grit on the handrails.

How do you strip paint off a wood deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I kept the stripper. In like an aluminum pan you would use for barbecuing. I paint it on and then I would scrape it with my husky scraper again this also went on a broom handle.

How long does it take to sand a painted deck?

Let me explain: In general, it will take you 8 hours to sand a deck that is 25m2, using a belt sander. But there are a few factors that can affect the time it takes to sand your decking.

What kind of sander should I use on my deck?

random orbit sander

Remember that woods used on decks are typically soft-wood species. Belt sanders, whether hand-held models or large uprights, tend to gouge softwoods, so an oscillating or random orbit sander is usually the better choice. Make sure your deck is thoroughly dry before you sand.

Can I use an orbital sander on my deck?

Random orbital sanders let you work across your entire deck without having to worry about always keeping a straight line. They make your deck sanding job more even and a lot faster.

Can I use a floor sander to sand my deck?

It is possible to use a floor sander to sand your deck, although we still advise you to use a hand-held belt sander for best results. The steps for sanding with a floor sander are very similar to the ones described above, except you replace the step using the belt sander with using the floor sander.

Do I need to sand deck before repainting?

All loose and peeling paint must be removed before repainting a deck. For the best results, rough surfaces should also be sanded smooth. Start with a wire brush: Use light sweeping strokes over the painted decking to dislodge loose paint.

Should I use a drum sander on my deck?

Use an Orbital Sander—Not a Drum Sander



A flooring drum sander removes too much material too quickly to use safely on a deck. Most decks are made from softwoods, and the surface is more uneven than an interior floor. Every time you run over a bump on a deck with a drum sander, you’re likely to create a deep gouge.

When should I sand my deck?

After the wood is dry, it’s ready to sand. Sanding may take an hour or several days depending on the size of the task. The best time to sand a deck is when the forecast predicts 3 or more consecutive dry days. Once sanded, the wood needs to be stained, painted, or sealed before it rains.

Can I use a floor sander on my wood deck?

Some homeowners will want to rent a big floor sander to do a large wooden surface like a deck floor. Don’t do that. These machines are heavy and they won’t be able to reach the entire surface of most wooden planks. Floor sanders can only sand surfaces that are perfectly flat, and deck boards are slightly curved.

Can you sand cupped deck boards?

Worse yet, the cupped shape traps water, which accelerates deterioration. Use a plane or belt sander to take down the high edges if the cupping is shallow. If it’s pronounced, either pull the nails and reinstall the board upside down, or replace it.

How do you fix curled deck boards?

By adding moisture back into the wood, you can correct the warping with a little bit of pressure. Add water to the board until it starts to pool. Leave it sitting on the surface for roughly 15 minutes before wiping it away. Once the wood has enough moisture in it, it will become pliable and can be slightly bent.

Why are my deck boards cupping?

When the external forces become too powerful for the wood, the wood will move, typically cupping upwards at the outside edges. Too much sun on the top, combined with too much moisture below.

Can I flip my deck boards over?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: It over and I can show you that by flipping the deck board over I can get a much better look and a much better surface on the deck board without actually replacing.

How do you Uncup a board?

To flatten a warped piece of wood, you’ll need to change the moisture content on one side of the board. Look at your warped board and identify the inside face of the “C” or cup. The wood fibers on this side of your board are dryer and have shrunk. You can use water to relieve the tension and allow the board to flatten.