How do I get peeling stain off a deck?
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We stained our deck a reddish color years ago. We didn't realize that all stains are not alike. We should have used a penetrating stain that wouldn't peel. Almost all the decking floor stain has peeled off, but the rails and stairs have a lot left. Any suggestions on how to get all the stain off? Once we do what type of stain should we use that won't peel. Any other things we need to do to protect the wood? Thank you for any help.
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A high pressure washer should remove all the loose stain. You may need to stain it after, some washer can loosen the top layer.
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You may have to use a sander to get the rest of the deck product off. I used a belt sander. I started with a coarse sanding belt and then moved to a medium and fine belt. The coarse belt may chew up your wood so be careful and switch to a medium grit if you find the coarse belt is too much. You can use a palm sander as well but it will take you longer. I power washed the deck when I was done sanding. It was a job to get all the deck product off and you may not be able to get it out of some of the cracks in the boards. I used a penetrating stain: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com
I am extremely pleased with this stain. It doesn't bubble or peel. This year I will just have to do some deck cleaning before I reapply. This stain is not available in my area but the company will ship it to you.
Power wash it
We used the power washer but not too strong. It can etch the wood.