How to remove flaking paint off deck balustrade to prepare for deck oil?

[DIYQueen1]

Hi I've got a timber deck balustrade that is partially painted (vertical struts) and partially bare timber.  The paint is flaking off the vertical struts that attach the whole balustrade to the deck and I've decided the easiest thing to do is to oil the lot to match the decking oil I just applied.  The vertical struts are pretty high, so awkward to reach to get real force onto a wire brush to scrub the paint off.  I am wondering if there is a deck cleaning product or something that will make getting the paint off easier, requiring less force.  It's a crappy old balustrade so I feel no need to get alllll the paint off, just a respectable amount before oiling.  The rest can continue to flake off in its own time.  House and deck were built post 1990 so I shouldn't think it's lead paint.

[Jason]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @DIYQueen1. It's great to have you join us and we look forward to reading more about your projects and plans. 

You might like to share some photos of your balustrade so members can see what you are working with and provide more specific and helpful advice. 

If you are going to oil the balustrade you will need to remove all of the paint. Would blasting with a pressure washer be an option? 

Jason

[DIYQueen1]

Thanks Jason, yes I've a friend with a water blaster I can borrow.  I'm just wondering if vinegar or bleach or some sort of deck prep stuff would help?  Or is that mostly just for lichen and mould not paint?  And  I've attached a photo of the tri-colour balustrade.

Cheers

[Jason]

Paint stripper would be what you would use, not a deck prep product, but I would not suggest using it as it tends to create a mess. 

It's difficult to see much paint at all in your photo. Is it mainly on the other side and that's why it's difficult to access? 

Jason

[DIYQueen1]

Yes the painted bits are the vertical struts on the outside of the balustrade.  If you zoom in on the first vertical strut you can see the flaky-offy bits.  My other option would be to paint the vertical struts ... but i feel like I'd still need to get the flaky offy bits off anyway, and then prime it, and then paint it if i want the paint to stay on there.  So I'm thinking oiling will be easier, especially with the long reach oil applicator off the portable scaffold.

[DIYQueen1]

Could I sand the paint off?  It'll be awkward to reach all the bits of painted wood, but my sander is pretty light so it is feasible.

[EricL]

Hello @DIYQueen1 

I propose renting a scaffolding ladder so that you can reach the vertical struts with ease and get all of the paint off. Sanding the surface would be the best way to go about it. Please remember to work safely when off the ground and to use proper safety equipment such as safety straps to prevent accidents. Once you have all the paint removed, you can then oil the vertical struts and not have to worry about flaking paint.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric