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You don’t necessarily have to remove all the old paint before repainting your deck, but it’s best to remove as much as possible to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Prioritize scraping off loose, peeling, or flaking paint, and sand down rough areas to create a smooth surface for the new paint to bond with.

Yes, pressure washing your deck before staining is a great idea because it clears the wood from any dirt, dust, and debris that could get in the way of solid stain coverage. Washing makes it easier to stain your deck and helps the stain grip the wood so it lasts longer. Pressure washers are faster and easier on your body than scrubbing your deck by hand.

Applying too much sealer to a deck might seem like extra protection, but it can cause more harm than good. Wood is a porous material with a limited capacity to absorb liquids. When you go overboard with sealer, the excess can't soak in and instead forms a film on the surface. This leftover layer is prone to peeling, cracking, and trapping moisture, ultimately defeating the purpose of sealing in the first place. 

Beginners can absolutely use a paint sprayer, but there is some technique involved, so you’ll have to spend some time learning how to use your sprayer. It’s a good idea to practice on a scrap surface before moving to your actual painting project to get used to using the sprayer. This can help avoid over spraying, which can lead to drips, bubbles, and other imperfections on your finished product.