How to Strip and Refinish an Old Boston Deck

Assessing the Existing Condition

Before stripping, we assess what we're dealing with: Is the existing coating paint or stain? How many layers? Is the wood structurally sound or are boards rotted and need replacement? What is the moisture content of the wood? These questions determine the stripping method and how long the project will take. A deck with one thin coat of stain that's faded strips in a few hours. A deck with five layers of peeling paint over bare wood with a few rotted boards takes a full day just to strip. TWP stripping and application guide →

Stripping Methods for Boston Decks

Chemical stripper followed by pressure washing is the most effective method for decks with significant coating buildup. We apply a deck stripper (Cabot Problem-Solver Deck Cleaner/Stripper or similar), let it dwell for 15–30 minutes until the coating softens, then pressure wash at 1,200–1,500 PSI to remove the loosened material. For decks with only light weathering and no film-forming coating, an oxalic acid wood cleaner without chemical stripper is sufficient. After stripping, the deck gets a neutralizing wash and at least 48–72 hours of drying before any new coating goes on. Cabot deck stripper products →

Board Replacement Before Refinishing

Refinishing an old deck is also the time to replace any boards that are structurally compromised — boards that are cracked through, significantly cupped, split at the ends, or rotted. Installing new boards alongside the refinishing project means they're stained at the same time as the rest of the deck, producing a uniform finish. Replacing boards after staining always produces a color mismatch. We assess every board during the stripping process and include replacement costs in the scope before refinishing begins. AWPA wood treatment standards →

Product Selection for Boston Deck Refinishing

After stripping to clean wood, the correct product for most Boston decks is an oil-based penetrating stain — TWP (Total Wood Preservative) or Armstrong Clark. Both penetrate deeply into the wood rather than forming a surface film, handle Boston's freeze-thaw cycles well, and have straightforward reapplication cycles that don't require stripping. Application technique matters as much as product selection: apply in sections, work the stain into the wood with a brush or roller, and back-brush any excess before it skins over — typically within 5–10 minutes in warm weather. Puddled stain that dries on the surface creates a peeling surface film. Armstrong Clark application instructions →