How To Remove Deck Stain From Concrete

By  Claudia Henning

Things Needed

  • Safety glasses

  • Gloves

  • Powdered oxygen bleach cleaner

  • Bucket

  • Scrub brush

  • Garden hose

  • Mineral spirits

  • Wire brush

Tip

Removing the deck stain quickly will make the job less strenuous.

Oil based deck stain will require repeat scrubbing with the mineral spirits.

Warning

Wear safety glasses and gloves when using mineral spirits.

...

The warmer months tend to be the best time to refinish a deck. Stain is a popular choice in finish and it is easily applied by painting it on, or spraying with a paint sprayer. Using masking tape and plastic to tape off areas such as siding to avoid drips and overspray is important. Drop cloths should also be used at the base of the deck. Stain that is dripped or oversprayed on concrete requires quick, determined removal. The longer it is allowed to sit and cure on the concrete surface, the more difficult removal will be.

Step 1

Mix 4 cups of powdered oxygen cleaner with 5 gallons of water in a 5-gallon bucket. Scrub all areas of concrete that need deck stain removed with a scrub brush. Most water based stains will come off with repeated scrubbing. Rinse with a water hose.

Step 2

Pour a small amount of mineral spirits over oil based deck stain. Scrub the concrete surface with a wire brush and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3

Pour another layer of mineral spirits and scrub the concrete again. Rinse with a water hose and let the area dry.

Step 4

Inspect the concrete for any remaining stain. Apply the mineral spirits again and allow it soak for 20 minutes. Scrub with the wire brush until the stain is gone. Rinse with the hose.

Step 5

Scrub the area with the oxygen bleach and water. Rinse well with clear water from the water hose.

References

Recommended