Get matched with top sandblasting pros in Newark, CA

The best way to sand a deck is by cleaning it, sanding the boards and stairs with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, and sanding the railings and posts with 80-grit sandpaper. You should sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the timber. When sanding your deck, use medium pressure and aim for an even sand. Pressing too hard with a sander can damage decks, as most are softwoods.

If you’re DIYing the project, it could take up to a week if you aren’t able to dedicate full-time hours. If you hire a professional and they arrive with a team, expect your stairs to be sanded in as little as 2 hours (for simple projects). Finishing the stairs takes a while longer as there are drying and sealing times to consider, but the actual work will take much less time than the sanding portion.

DIY is possible, but professional services ensure even removal, safety compliance, and proper cleanup.

Sandblasting is a common method for removing paint. It works great if the underlying material is tough. This is because you can then use more abrasive sandblast materials, making the paint removal process much faster and less expensive. If you plan on removing many layers of paint on smooth surfaces, you’ll need to be more careful about which materials you choose to use to sandblast.