Kansas City Deck Cleaning or Stripping: Which Does Your Deck Need?

A deck cleaner removes mold, mildew, graying, dirt and grime. A deck stripper is designed to remove existing coatings — many semi-transparent and solid stains, water sealers and some clear finishes — though how well it works depends on the product and the coating. Which one should you use, and why?

Cleaning or stripping the previous coating is an important step before applying a new one. Decks in the Kansas City area face weather extremes, from sub-freezing winters to hot, humid summers. With that kind of swing, preparation mistakes on decks, gazebos, fences and other outdoor wood show up quickly.

A Common DIY Mistake: Staining Without Proper Prep

We are often called to restore decks that have been neglected or improperly maintained. One mistake we see frequently is applying stain to a deck that was not properly prepared. Dirt, mildew, mold, grease and leaf tannin stains should not be left on the wood when stain is applied.

Cleaning the wood and then protecting it with a quality stain or sealer helps keep out moisture, reduce UV damage and protect the deck from the elements. Proper cleaning improves the finished appearance and helps the finish last. When cleaning is skipped or done poorly, stain cannot penetrate properly, which leads to frustration and more work.

Why Absorption Matters

Penetrating stains need a clean surface they can soak into. When the wood absorbs the stain, the product can perform as intended. Cleaning also brings out the beauty of the wood itself — especially important with clear and semi-transparent stains, where you want the grain to show.

Cleaner or Stripper: How to Decide

Several products on the market can do the job. Depending on your deck's current condition, either a cleaner or a stripper can properly prepare the wood before staining or sealing. So how do you know which to use?

When a Deck Cleaner Is Usually Enough

If the deck has never been stained, a cleaner is generally sufficient. If it is simply an older, grubby deck with grayed or darkened wood and little remaining finish, a cleaner may be all it needs. A quality deck cleaner removes most dirt, mold and mildew staining.

When a Deck Stripper Is the Better Choice

When restaining a previously stained deck, remaining old stain often needs to be removed, and it can be stubborn. In that case, a deck stripper is usually used instead of a cleaner. Strippers soften and loosen many stains so they can be scrubbed and rinsed away. Because strippers also remove mildew and graying, a separate cleaner is usually unnecessary afterward. Some coatings — especially heavier film-forming finishes — may need more than one application, or sanding, to remove fully.

Not every deck needs its previous coating removed, so understanding the surface before you strip matters. Your intended result matters too. Stripping is generally needed when:

• You are lowering the opacity — for example, going from a solid stain to a semi-transparent one.
• You are making a dramatic color change, especially from dark to light.
• The existing coating has weathered heavily or is chipping, cracking, peeling or blistering.
• The new product's manufacturer requires removal of the existing finish or the products are not compatible.

Don't Skip the Wood Brightener

Another common mistake is skipping a wood brightener. Brighteners make a noticeable visual difference. They lighten and even out the wood's tone, and they neutralize residue left by cleaners and strippers, many of which are alkaline. Bringing the wood back toward a more neutral pH helps the surface accept stain more evenly and can reduce darkening or blotchiness. Brighteners are an important part of the restoration process; follow the manufacturer's directions for mixing, dwell time and rinsing.

Not Sure What's on Your Deck?

If you are not sure whether your deck has been stained before, or you want professional advice before starting a project, our deck and fence staining and sealing team can assess the existing finish and recommend the right prep. For help choosing the finish itself, see our guide to choosing the best deck stain and sealer.