Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - refinishing an old deck

I need to refinish my deck. The previous owner kind of spot
painted/stained it so it now has a dark red color and a faded pinkish color. I have no idea what she used.
I have no objection to sanding the entire deck but need some advice. I purchased a deck stain (oil based) last year.
I thought it was paint. Can this be used over existing finish or must the whole thing be stripped? thanks, Anita

Anita,
Your deck should be stripped of any old film base finish and completely cleaned. A pressure washer will remove the old finish with the right chemical stripper which will probably be a sodium hydroxide product. Most strippers will remove the old finish, but it may also require some scrubbing. Sanding can accomplish the reomoval but you risk the removal of the galvanize finish on your nail heads. However you decide to strip it, afterwards for general cleaing, do not use a sodium hypochlorite(bleach) product.
If you can find Wolman deck brightener, an oxygenated bleach, it will be much better to use, and mch safer. If you can't find the Wolman product you can substitute OxyClean. The deck needs stripped and cleaned before any stain can be absorbed by the wood. Be sure your stain is a penetrating oil base, water repellent, and has UV protection. Alot of work, but it will look great afterwards.
fred

After reading your post my husband says. "Hummm, seems like a lot of work for a deck we are going to replace in a few years, why not just paint it?
What are your thoughts on using paint?
would a porch paint work?
Also the hand rails are splintering. Is there something I can use to fill in before I use the top coat. I've heard of somekind of an epoxy?
The deck has a roof so it doesn't get all the sun all day.
Thanks, Anita

Anita,
Normally, I say no, no to paint on a deck. But since it is under roof, you can apply a good porch/floor paint.
The splintered hand rails could be replaced fairly cheap or you could belt-sand them down to smooth them out.
fred