…when the deck looks somewhat like this.  Stripping existing materials is time consuming and environmentally disruptive.  Although a quality transparent stain is usually the material of choice, if the deck has an existing solid stain or paint on it already, the most cost effective and environmentally sound approach is to wash and re-apply a “water-based” solid color decking stain.  This particular run-down, two-tone deck on the upper West-Side of SC was in desperate need of a face lift before being put on the market for sale.  Mas mejor!