First time, solid stain large deck

Are you trying to remove all the solid stain so you can go semi-transparent? That will not be easy, as it will require lots of sanding/stripping if you have multiple layers of coatings.

How to Sand a Deck

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How to Reapply a Solid Stain

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How to Reapply a Solid Color Deck Stain - Answer and Suggestions

If your existing solid-color stain is in relatively good condition—meaning no major peeling or flaking—you do not have to fully remove it before applying a new coat. However, proper surface prep is critical to ensure adhesion and long-term durability.

Maybe go to a Two Toned deck and Just Remove all from Floors

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@administrator no I want to stick with solid, I agree it’s too much work. 

I have two weekends to knock this out. What prep process would you recommend, only stripping (using something like RAD paint strip) and scraping off anything loose, then power washing at 1800 psi to remove and clean?

or do you think I should also sand?

I have been reading your website but there are various ways to go about it. I want what you think will be best for someone with little experience. I don’t expect perfection, but I want it to be better than how it currently is.

Concentrate most of the prep on the horizontal wood. Use a Deck Stripper and pressure washer to remove as much as possible. Let dry and spot sand as needed. You can cover the intact non non-peeling stain with a new coat of solid stain:

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@administrator thank you, can you confirm if a cleaner is needed if using the RAD paint strip?

Brighten after.

@administrator how long after brightner do I need to wait to stain? 

is brightner needed if only doing solid stain over the wood?

I have used a stripper yet, but did power wash and scrape/sand a few areas. Do you still think I need to use stripper or could I solid stain right over this?

See this for recoating with a solid stain:

DECKSTAINHELP.COM "https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/"

How to Reapply a Solid Color Deck Stain - Answer and Suggestions

If your existing solid-color stain is in relatively good condition—meaning no major peeling or flaking—you do not have to fully remove it before applying a new coat. However, proper surface prep is critical to ensure adhesion and long-term durability.

@administrator yea I read that but since I power washed, scraped, and sanded loose stuff. Is a chemical stripper really necessary if everything loose has been removed? Trying to avoid chemicals if possible. 

I also don’t want to pressure wash again and wait about 2-3 days to dry. 

I posted pics above if you’re able to see.

Maybe, but it is about having a solid foundation for recoating. We would do the strip but up to you.

@administrator if power washing the strip back off, do I NEED to brighten? And should I wait 48-72 hours since power washing gets deep

thanks. 

Yes, to both.