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Tasker2Tasker t1_ixsn7pm wrote

Need to? No.

Does it benefit the overall process? Yes. The sequence below maximizes benefit and outcome, under most conditions.

Knowledgeable word care/restoration folk would either strip or clean, then brighten with oxalic acid, then allow to dry. Then sand (40 grit for aggressive removal, 60 for moderate, finish with either 80-100, fairly pointless/counterproductive to go above that for decking without knowing precisely why) and stain.

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JadaNeedsaDoggie t1_ixswzqw wrote

When you sand with a much higher grit, you're closing the pores in the wood (which is why it feels smoother) and the stain/water repellent won't penetrate as deeply and won't last very long, especially with foot traffic. I have a cedar deck and stop at 80 when I refinish about every 3 to 4 years.

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