Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Repaint my deck
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Firsttimers
04-13-09, 03:22 PM
I need to repaint my deck. I went to Home Depot, Lowes etc and got different advice. One person suggested that I use a stripper, but another person said that I should not use a stripper (since I have a toddler at home) and instead use pressure washer instead.
I am attaching some pictures. Can someone also recommend if I need to do something as a filler, because I can see cracks in the wood surface.
Will appreciate your inputs.
Thanks in advance
I am attaching some pictures. Can someone also recommend if I need to do something as a filler, because I can see cracks in the wood surface.
Will appreciate your inputs.
Thanks in advance
Pulpo
04-13-09, 08:34 PM
The correct answer is a gas driven pressure washer with a red tip. Before Mark warns you about the red tip, you'll be ok if you just keep a 3 or 4 foot distance between the gun & the wood. So there, I beat him to it.
marksr
04-14-09, 05:30 AM
Welcome to the forums firsttimers!
It's true that I'm not fond of the red or zero tip. I believe you have more controll and can do a better job with one of the fan tips and you can get closer with it and not cause damage.
What type of coating is currently on your deck?
Deck strippers aren't the same as paint and varnish removers. There are certain stains [usually waterborne] that can only be recoated while the coating is still fresh or not until it's either been stripped or worn away.
It's always a good idea to clean a deck before restaining! This can be as simple as applying a cleaner and rinsing off with a hose. Stubborn areas might require scrubbing. Since mildew is often a problem in the S.E., I usually wet the deck, apply a bleach/water solution with a pump up garden sprayer, let set but not dry and then rinse with a pressure washer.
Care should aways be taken when using a PWer. Too much pressure can damage the wood. You also need to be carefull around the bottoms of doors [windows if applicable] as the pressure can force water past the door if the seals aren't good and tight:eek:
Pics can be posted by using a free site like Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket (http://www.photobucket.com)
It's true that I'm not fond of the red or zero tip. I believe you have more controll and can do a better job with one of the fan tips and you can get closer with it and not cause damage.
What type of coating is currently on your deck?
Deck strippers aren't the same as paint and varnish removers. There are certain stains [usually waterborne] that can only be recoated while the coating is still fresh or not until it's either been stripped or worn away.
It's always a good idea to clean a deck before restaining! This can be as simple as applying a cleaner and rinsing off with a hose. Stubborn areas might require scrubbing. Since mildew is often a problem in the S.E., I usually wet the deck, apply a bleach/water solution with a pump up garden sprayer, let set but not dry and then rinse with a pressure washer.
Care should aways be taken when using a PWer. Too much pressure can damage the wood. You also need to be carefull around the bottoms of doors [windows if applicable] as the pressure can force water past the door if the seals aren't good and tight:eek:
Pics can be posted by using a free site like Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket (http://www.photobucket.com)