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To open the wood grain so it absorbs stain or paint, sand the deck using 20 to 50 grit sandpaper on the first pass and 60 to 80 grit on the second pass on a belt sander or orbital floor sander. Use the same grits to sand railings, posts, and stairs using palm or orbit sanders.
Do I need to sand deck before repainting?
No need to remove all deck paint without stripping, but scuff sanding is recommended before repainting, allowing new paint to grab and hold even better. So there you have it! Great news if your current deck paint is holding up, needing an additional coat. You only need to give it a good scuff sand first.
What should I use to sand my deck?
Sand the Deck Use an orbital sander to remove any old gloss and smooth out any rough areas on decking boards. You may need to use a sanding sponge on the railings or balustrades. Use 60- or 80- grit sandpaper on the main deck boards, and use 80- or 100-grit on the handrails.
Can I sand my deck with a floor sander?
Sanding your deck with a floor sander It is possible to use a floor sander to sand your deck, although we still advise you to use a hand-held belt sander for best results. Just make sure to go slow and steady to get an even finish, and make sure all parts of the deck have been sanded down.
Can I sand my deck by hand?
Most homeowners find it entirely possible to sand using an ordinary hand power sander, though patience is required, especially with a large deck that may need several days of work.
Should I power wash my deck before sanding?
Splintered, cracking, or just plain rough wood should be sanded first, then pressure washed to open the wood’s pores and allow penetration of the stain. Deeply grooved wood that has mold, moss and other growing things filling the cracks will need treatment with a deck and siding cleaner.
Should I wash my deck after sanding?
Remember no more than 60 or 80 grit paper. The next step is to clean the wood thoroughly after the sanding. Deck cleaners, also known as deck wash are used to lift dirt and unsightly mildew which accumulates over time. Most deck cleaners contain soaps to help them clean effectively.
How do you prep a deck for painting?
Applying a deck wash product to completely clean all wood surfaces. Allow to dry thoroughly, at least 48 hours. Sanding any ridges or lifted grain with 80-grit sandpaper; cleaning up any dust. Protecting adjacent surfaces, such as siding, with painter’s tape and plastic sheeting.
When should I sand my deck?
Sanding a New Deck A new deck should season for 30 days or more to allow it to dry to the outdoor climate. Some pressure-treated lumber can take up to half a year to dry enough to absorb sealant or stain. Use the water test and sprinkle some water on the boards. If the water beads up, you need to wait longer.
Do I need to prime my deck before painting?
As with any painting job, it is also very important to prime the surface before applying paint or stain. Your deck boards need to be properly primed because they are constantly exposed to varying temperatures, moisture, humidity, and lots of foot traffic.
What kind of sander Do I need to sand my deck?
A random orbital sander is a specialized tool that sands wood in an elliptical pattern. It’s the most efficient sander to use when refinishing a deck, as they’re easy and practical to use.
How long does it take to sand a deck with an orbital sander?
In general, it will take you 8 hours to sand a deck that is 25m2, using a belt sander. But there are a few factors that can affect the time it takes to sand your decking.
What if it rains after sanding deck?
It’s important that you make sure there is no chance of rain when you begin to sand. If the wood gets wet after it’s been sanded, but not before you’ve had the chance to stain or paint it, you’ll be back to square one — you’ll need to wash and sand it all over again.
Can you sand down decking?
Sanding is only practical when your garden decking is smooth, with no grooves. If you have grooved decking, like most people, sanding won’t remove the finish from the grooves. If you want to re-treat your decking with a sealer, you need to remove oil-based finishes with white spirit.
Can you sand a pressure treated deck?
Sanding pressure-treated wood is actually contraindicated because, as Sand & Stain warns, you’ll end up partially removing the protective coating created by the pressure treatment, and the wood will look terrible.
How much does it cost to sand a deck?
The cost to sand a deck is $280 on average. Most homeowners spend between $210 and $350 for a 200-square foot deck, which takes about seven hours to sand. If you choose to sand your deck yourself, you’ll need to purchase an orbital sander, which costs $75 on average.
