How clean is clean before restaining?

Probably should strip so it is even. Clean and redo every 2 years is normal.

Thanks for the quick reply.

BTW I tried to attach photo from Photos.  Didn’t work. 

For us who are technologically challenged, any special trick/sequence to make that happen?

Maybe an issue with your computer or internet as it works when we tested?

Good morning,

Im attaching my question to this post as im asking myself the same question. Having read many of the other posts and replies im thinking this is too big a job for me but before i throw in the brush i have a couple questions..

Im in Vancouver BC which has the same climate at Seattle. I have a cedar railing which was treated 9 years ago with behr semi transparent stain and sealer in one product. It faces north and is now under a deck cover so only the west railing will get direct sun for about 4 hrs per day in summer. I have powerwashed and sanded the peeling areas but did not sand all away as it simply took too darn long. On that note, a full strip, clean, sand of ALL existing coating will not happen - I just dont have it in me. So, the questions are:

- is there a semi transparent product i can use over partially stripped wood that will adhere to both bare and residual coating? 

If yes:

- how involved will the refinishing be down the road? Same clean ,strip, sand brighten routine? 

- i see in your intro you do not recommend polyurethane for decks. Does that go for railings too? (Id be ok with a light sand and reapp every few years)

- and if the result is too hideous for even me, will i be able to simply prime and paint over it all? 

Had i known what ive learned from the posts today i would never have sealed the railing 9 years ago. 

Thanks in advance!!

Anja

Hello, you cannot apply over this with a different brand of semi-transparent stain but you could use a solid color stain.