Hard work

You need a stripper and then a brightener for prep. Much easier and does a better job. Simple green is not effective.

https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/

Will the retore a deck stripper harm plants/trees? the runoff will be over them. thanks

Cover the plants when working and then rinse with water when done.

Just to clarify the deck has not been painted or stained. still ok to use the restore a deck stripper?

You need the stripper to remove the Clear Defy sealer fully.

I used the RAD stripper and was very pleased with it. It was very effective. The deck is now exactly what it looked like when we moved here. Clean and natural. I am going to have it sanded towards the end of August and consider which application to use this season.  I will post a pic if I can figure out how....

Thank you for you help.

@whidbey Looks great!

@administrator Thanks could not have done it without your expertise!! 

Continuing on I used Aussie Timber Oil on our rear deck last year. It help up very well and it was easy to strip and power wash off this year. I am tempted to use it on the deck pictured above. The most outer cedar board gets heavy weather. I want to stain that single board around the deck. I thought painting it while as the paint holds up year after year. Don't know if that would look "off". Ideas appreciated. Thanks

Sure you could try that. 

completed the Australia Timber Oil Natural on the front deck. I really like the look

I ended up painting the most outside board white and will post that as well.

newbie in it 

@hasser Looks great!