For a smooth, long-lasting painted or stained finish, you must thoroughly strip and sand the surface. Stripping a deck is time-consuming but well worth the effort, and precautions should be taken to protect yourself and others against toxic dust and fumes generated while stripping a surface or piece of furniture.
In this section, get tips for stripping surfaces to be painted or stained, and find out how to safely remove lead-based finishes. Learn how to strip a deck and how to prepare cabinets for painting or staining.