I recently painted the front deck and ramp(9'x9' and 20'x4' and associated railing). I didn't think there'd be much to it until I read the instructions on the Behr's combo paint/sealer. Seems I had to apply their #62,63,and 64 strippers and cleaners before I could think about painting. That involved a whole lot of hand scrubbing with a wire brush so the entire project took me all of 4 good days.

Now a half a gallon of paint and a small back porch to go, I might well make it since the wood is not so damaged back there. Minimal prep. What I'd like to know is, was there a substitute for all that hand scrubbing? Such as a power washer? I don't mind big projects as long as I'm in the right frame of mind and I have reasonable resources.

And by the way, I couldn't do a thing with the standard size roller head(9"?). I had to go with the small one all the way.