Deck Refinishing: Pressure Wash, Sand & Paint
Deck Glow-Up: How Pressure Washing, Sanding, and Painting Can Transform Your Outdoor Space
By 24 Solve | Bothell, WA | Serving Greater Seattle
If your deck looks tired, gray, and peeling, you don't need to replace it — you just need the right process. At 24 Solve, we refinish decks across Bothell, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, and the greater Seattle area using a three-step method that brings worn-out wood back to life.
Here's exactly what we do — and why each step matters.
Step 1: Pressure Washing — Strip Away Years of Grime
Before any sanding or painting starts, the deck needs a deep clean.
Over time, Seattle's wet climate leaves decks covered in mildew, algae, dirt, and old flaking finish. Skipping the pressure wash means painting over all of that — and your new coat won't bond properly, won't look clean, and won't last.
We use a pressure washer to:
- Remove loose and peeling paint or stain
- Kill surface mold and mildew
- Open up the wood grain for better absorption
- Reveal the true condition of the wood underneath
After washing, the deck dries fully before we move to the next step. Rushing this is one of the most common DIY mistakes — wet wood and paint don't mix.
Step 2: Sanding — Smooth, Even, Ready to Coat
Once dry, we sand the entire deck surface.
Sanding does two things: it smooths rough, splintered wood and it removes any remaining old finish that the pressure washer couldn't fully strip. The result is a clean, even surface that paint or stain can actually grip.
We pay special attention to:
- High-traffic areas like steps and railings
- Raised grain from the pressure wash
- Edges and corners that get missed with a drum sander
A properly sanded deck absorbs coating evenly — no blotchy spots, no peeling in six months.
Step 3: Painting or Staining — Protection That Lasts
This is the step that makes everything visible. A fresh coat of exterior paint or stain seals the wood against moisture, UV damage, and foot traffic.
We help homeowners choose between:
- Solid paint — full color coverage, hides imperfections, longest-lasting finish
- Semi-transparent stain — shows the wood grain, natural look, easier to recoat later
- Clear sealers — best for newer wood you want to preserve naturally
In the Pacific Northwest, moisture protection is not optional. A quality coat applied to properly prepped wood can last 3–5 years before needing a refresh.
Why Hire 24 Solve Instead of DIYing It?
Deck refinishing is one of those projects that looks straightforward but goes wrong fast — uneven sanding, paint applied too thin or too thick, or skipping the dry time between steps.
24 Solve is a licensed and insured handyman company based in Bothell, WA. We handle the full process in one visit, with the right equipment and no shortcuts.
We serve: Bothell · Bellevue · Kirkland · Redmond · Woodinville · Kenmore · Sammamish · Shoreline · Lynnwood · Lake Forest Park
Ready to Book Your Deck Refinishing?
Call or text us at 425-233-1136 or visit 24solve.com to get a quote. Spring and summer book up fast — reach out early to get on the schedule.
24 Solve is a licensed and insured handyman and home services company serving the greater Seattle area.