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Topic starter
01/07/2023 2:46 pm
I would appreciate any advice around the most efficient way to prepare my deck for re-finishing. I've searched the site for an answer to my question but didn't fine one. Here is the story.
We purchased the house ~7 years ago and it now looks like the previous owners may have used something like Rust-Oleum Deck Restore coating on it. It looked great when we purchased the house but now it looks terrible. The picture you have for the Rust-Oleum Deck Restore coating is eerily similar to our deck (see pictures) so I'm assuming it is that or something similar (I don't really know). Before finding this website we tried power washing and chemical removal and neither works (in agreement with experiences of others). Heat gun helped in some areas but it takes forever.
I am not thrilled about the idea of sanding this down as it will leave a dust of this material everywhere. So I was considering getting a plug-in planer with replaceable blades (yes, I realize I will go through quite a few blades) and then just remove the top surface after making sure the nails have been set properly. This will allow me to collect most of the debris from the deck and dispose of it properly. I would try to remove as thin layer as possible but the coating is quite thick is some places so I would have to do a lot of touch up with sanding (along any edges).
My understanding is that the wood is white pine. I'm planning on finishing the deck using semi-transparent deck stain so if there is any specific issue I should look out for in this case, I would appreciate any advice on that.
BTW, really happy I found this site before I started this. Very helpful.
Thanks,
Hjalti
24/07/2023 1:42 am
Been doing this kind of stuff forever and it's actually true that you've never seen it all ! Obviously that product is a disaster in the long term. Believe it or not I've never come across that in almost 40 years! If I had to though I'd love to try a hammer(heavy) and chisel(used,shitty ones 2,3,4"inches in width) as that stuff looks like it will come off in big pieces reasonably cleanly!? If you're a diyer and not used to hard labor! Tough luck! If you're photos are anything like the rest of the deck it's already 50% done! Just doing 2or3 boards at a time (with the grain) you'll knock it out in no time.. About 100sq.ft/hour would be my professional guesstimate , using both a chisel and grinder for the verticals between the boards shouldn't be too hard either!!
Anyway, good luck with your project as it looks like your lumber hasn't developed noticable cracks yet ! as far as I can see on your poor quality/low resolution photos! your deck is totally worth saving and will look fantastic with a semi-transparent finish and "frequent" (2 yrs!) re-coats. I'd love to see some " quality" pictures when it's done!!!
Old school painter. ( p.s. make sure to watch that how to video first which is what I'm about to do myself.)
