Defy Stripper didnt turn out so well...

Pic of spindle showing not all stain would come off...

This morning you can see the difference where the stripper was applied to a quarter of the deck versus the rest of the deck - the rest of the deck is def dirty as hell, so is it possible that the stripper just needs multiple applications as it burns through layers of dirt and stain?

Also, I used a garden sprayer, so I am going to test out a small section using a roller to maybe see if that application is better.

Lastly, I am also going to try the roller when the deck is dry, it was wet after rain and an initial soaking by me, so I wonder if that stripper didn't work as well because it was wet (too wet?)

The issue is the Behr and the multiple layers of stain adding up to the point that is is basically a solid color stain now. No stripper will get that off effectively. You are going to have to sand this off.

OK, that is what I planned on doing next anyway.

In prep for sanding, should I:

1. Use Defy cleaner and powerwash? Or just powerwash away what I can and skip the cleaner until after sanding?
2. Let dry
3. Sand boards with an orbit sander (80 grit) (how many estimated pads to buy for ~300 sq foot deck?)
4. Sand spindles with a palm sander (80 grit)
5. Use Defy cleaner on entire deck, spindles, railings?
6. Use Defy brightener on entire deck, spindles, railings?
7. Let dry and stain

1. No need for a cleaner
2. Yes
3. No idea on the pads needed
4. Sure
5. After all is removed full
6. Yes
7. Yes

Might want to rent a floor sander. Also you may never get it all of the rails so might want to remove from floor then consider a two toned deck:

http://www.deckstainhelp.com/advantages-to-having-a-two-toned-deck/

Thanks for the help so far!

I am definitely doing a two tone scheme - solid white on the verticals and lattice and then probably the TWP pecan semi on the horizontals.

1. When sanding the boards, I will try to get the edges of the boards but if some are too close together, will this affect the new semi trans TWP stain I will apply? Is there a good way to get the old stain off the edges on boards this right? 2.
2. I see rain scheduled for the next 7 days after this Thursday - if I sand Thursday, can I let it sit through the rain for 7-10 days before finally using a cleaner/brightener or is it better to sand when I can clean/brighten the next day?

3. Will the solid white go right on over the behr on the spindles iff I don't get it all off the spindles?
4. What kind of solid stain do you recommend and what is the best way to apply it on the verticals? Regular brush?
5. What is the best way to apply the TWP to the horizontals? I have a stain pad - plan to just dip it in a paint tray and rub it on. Should I brush it or is the ps application the way to go?
6. Should I apply 2 coats to both the verticals and horizontals? If yes to either, should I wait a certain amount of time between coats?
7. Do most people stain the horizontal railing the same as the floor boards when Doug a two time or do they go white as well?

Thanks again for all the help! I'll get some pics before sanding and during the project as well as finished product.

1. You should be okay with the edges
2. You can let it sit through the rain
3. Yes
4. Brush for the solid stain. Flood or Cabot
5. Deck stain pad is best
6. Two coats wet on wet for the TWP. Probably two coats for the verticals but follow their directions.
7. Any color