How To Remove Solid Deck Stain - Complete Guide
- Alex K
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
How to Remove Solid Deck Stain
If your deck is covered in an old solid stain that’s peeling, fading, or just looking tired, you might be wondering how to get it off so you can bring your wood back to life. The good news is you don’t need to sand your entire deck for hours—using the right products makes the job much easier. Two trusted options are Penofin Pro-Tech Wood Stripper and Behr Stain & Finish Stripper, both designed to break down tough, weathered coatings.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing solid deck stain as a homeowner.
Step 1: Get the Deck Ready to Remove Solid Deck Stain
Before applying any stripper, remove furniture, grills, or planters from your deck. Protect nearby siding, plants, and grass with plastic sheeting or give them a good soak with the garden hose so they won’t absorb chemicals. For best results, choose a cooler, cloudy day so the product doesn’t dry out too quickly.
Recap:
Clear the deck – Remove furniture, planters, and anything you don’t want covered in stripper.
Protect surroundings – Cover plants, siding, or grass with plastic or water them down well before you start.
Work on a cool, cloudy day if possible—direct sun dries stripper too fast.
Step 2: Apply the Stripper
Pour the stripper into a pump sprayer or apply it with a roller or brush. Cover each deck board generously—the thicker the old solid stain, the more product you’ll need. Allow the stripper to sit for 15–45 minutes, depending on the product instructions. If it starts to dry, mist it lightly with water to keep it active.
Recap:
Mix or shake the stripper as directed on the label.
Use a pump sprayer for even coverage, or roll/brush it on.
Apply generously to stained boards—don’t skimp.
Let it sit 15–45 minutes (varies by product and thickness of old stain). Keep it wet by misting with water if it starts to dry.
👉 Tip: Solid stains usually take more time to soften.
Step 3: Scrub and Rinse
Once the stain begins to bubble or soften, scrub the boards with a stiff-bristle brush to loosen any stubborn spots. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or use a pressure washer set at low pressure (500–800 PSI). Be careful not to get too close—holding the nozzle 12–18 inches away helps protect the wood grain.
Recap:
After the stripper has lifted the old finish, scrub stubborn areas with a stiff bristle deck brush.
Rinse with a garden hose or a pressure washer at low pressure (max 800 PSI). Keep the nozzle 12–18 inches from the surface to avoid gouging the wood.
Work with the grain, not against it.
Step 4: Repeat if Needed
Solid stains are especially durable, and it’s common to need a second application. Simply reapply the stripper on any areas where the finish remains, let it dwell again, and rinse. Patience here will pay off with a clean, stain-free deck.
Recap:
Solid stains often need 2 rounds of stripping for full removal.
Reapply stripper on spots where the coating remains, let it dwell again, then scrub and rinse.
Step 5: Neutralize and Brighten
After stripping, your wood may look a little dark or uneven. This is normal. Applying a wood brightener/neutralizer—like Penofin Pro-Tech Brightener or Behr All-in-One Wood Cleaner—restores the wood’s natural beauty and balances the pH, which is key for the next step. Apply the brightener, let it sit as directed, then rinse well.
Recap:
After stripping, the wood’s pH can be off and may look dark or dull.
Apply a wood brightener/neutralizer (Penofin Pro-Tech Brightener or Behr All-in-One Wood Cleaner).
Brush or spray it on, let sit, then rinse thoroughly. This restores the wood’s natural color and prepares it for new stain.
Step 6: Let It Dry and Restain
Finally, allow the deck to dry for at least 24–48 hours before applying your new stain. For best results, the wood should feel dry to the touch and have less than 15% moisture content. At this stage, you can lightly sand any rough areas, then apply the fresh stain or sealer of your choice.
Why This Matters
Stripping solid deck stain isn’t just about looks—it’s about protecting your investment. Old coatings can trap moisture, cause wood to rot, and prevent new stain from bonding properly. Taking the time to fully strip and brighten your deck ensures your next finish lasts longer and looks better.
Recap:
Let the deck dry for at least 24–48 hours before applying new stain.
Check moisture with a moisture meter if you have one—wood should be under 15% moisture before staining.
Sand lightly if the wood grain feels rough after stripping.
With Penofin Pro-Tech Wood Stripper or Behr Stain & Finish Stripper, the job is completely doable for homeowners, as long as you follow the right steps and give yourself the time.
Why We Use Penofin & Behr solid deck stain strippers:
At Stain Bros LLC we trust Penofin Pro-Tech Wood Stripper or Behr Stain & Finish Stripper on our projects.
IF you must remove the old solid stains, see our blog post about it: Can I remove solid stain Post.
Then we use these two strippers:
Why We Use Penofin Pro-Tech Wood Stripper
Penofin Pro-Tech is a powerful yet biodegradable stripper that breaks down old stains and finishes without damaging the wood underneath. We like it for its effectiveness and reliability, especially on hardwoods and stubborn oil-based stains. It also opens the wood grain, which helps new stain penetrate deeper for a richer, more even finish.
Why We Use Behr Stain & Finish Stripper
Behr’s stripper is another trusted product in our toolkit. It’s especially useful for removing thick or weathered stains and works well on decks that have seen years of exposure. Behr’s formula lifts away old coatings quickly and helps prepare the wood for a fresh start.
The Right Tools Make All the Difference
Every deck is different. That’s why we choose the best product for the job depending on your deck’s current condition, wood type, and finish history. By using professional-grade strippers like Penofin and Behr, we ensure every project is done with precision and care.
If your deck is faded, peeling, or just in need of a refresh, we’re here to help. Reach out to us to schedule an estimate—we’d love to bring your outdoor space back to life.
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