Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Removing Deck Stain

I moved into a house with a red stained deck - I don't know what product the old homeowners used so that's all the information I can provide.

The colour is peeling and chipping and the wood underneath is very grey. It doesn't give the appearance that it was ever pressure treated. Basically the deck needs some TLC.

I want to remove the old stain and apply a water seal (probably a Thompsons unless someone recommends an alternative).

Do deck stain removers work? If so, can you suggest one? Or, instead, can I power wash the stain off?

Thanks for the tips.

Deck stain removers work for removing certain types of deck coatings. Won't help a whole lot with solid stains or paint.

I'd start by cleaning and pressure washing. While PWing alone can remove most paints, it isn't recomended because it's likely to damage the wood in the process.

I wouldn't recomend using thompson's waterseal - it has a short life span:eek::wall:
After you clean the deck would be a good time to determine which type of coating would give you the nicest looking job.

I agree with Mark in not recommending Thompsons.

Once you clean the deck, it may be possible to lighten it further with some wood bleach but I can't say that with certainty.

A solid body stain is probably going to be your best choice, though it looks possible you would not be able to get a light colored final product.