deck work......

The PO's
( previous owners) of our house had the brainy idea to PAINT THE WESTERN RED CEDAR decks and now each year it becomes our project to upkeep them......this is our second year of experimenting with different sanders and painting products trying to tackle the decks.......we have rented a floor sander, tried a power washer and good old fashion hand sanding but nothing seems to get the wood back to its "bare" state..........it would be nice to restore the wood and just have to stain it every few years... BUT each year after many hours of work....we " give up" and grab the tinted primer and slap on another coat.....and next spring we will be looking at the peeling deck and groaning at the work ahead of us AGAIN..............once my back finally gives out completely I will be forced to make a decision....either replace the existing boards or FLIP them.... until then....I have employed( I use that term loosely).. my teenager to give me hand...and although the picture looks like he is the only one working......don't be deceived...the pillow he was sitting on was removed for the picture :)...and me ( the true grit manpower)...............was taking the picture......... :)