Hi Freeda, Brian, & Tommy, etc...! Freeda...Great analogy about lawn-mowing!! Yes, it's exactly like that! * The hardest part is getting the machine up/onto the deck! It needs to be heavy though to ensure good sanding contact. * The one at our store uses 12" x 18" sanding-pads & backer-pads. It has two "lever-handles" you squeeze...one for each hand, on the t-shaped handle. * Put on the pads/sheets, plug it in, squeeze the "triggers", and you're on your way to a "new" deck surface! It's kinda like Mountain-bike handle-bars, with a brake lever on each side. * Then, as Freeda said, you're off & mowing! * Direction: Yes, you go the long direction. If boards run N/S, you sand N/S. Keep the sander running as you turn. It's like taking a long walk, back & forth, on the deck. * You may need a light dust-mask!! * Start with 60-grit...finish with 80-grit. You COULD do a 3rd set of passes with 100-grit, but that's kinda overkill. Brian & Tommy...Yeah, cupping may be an issue if they're bad enough. In that case, it may be worth replacing the plank. If you do, install it BEFORE sanding!! That way, it'll minimize the variation how the new board absorbs stain. * The backer-pad does have decent flex to it, but it's still just a "see-as-you-go" scenario. * Using some pad & some of your sanding-sheets mounted to a 2x4 or sanding-handle might be a way to sand in a cupped area. >>> Call the Rental-stores/hardware in your area for this type of sander...VIBRATING-PLATE...NOT a drum-type. * Inquire also if they stock the pads, & their selection of sheets. * Make sure your Shop-vac is going strong too! * You can do a quick sweep to get most dust off, but a good vacuuming helps too. * Then, a quick wipe-down with paint-thinner. Wrap an old bedsheet/t-shirts around a shop-broom, and use it as a big "tack-cloth". Not soaking wet, just damp. * Now, just a few hours later...STAIN AWAY! Faron

Hi, nice to hear back from you, Faron. You convinced me to sand and use Sikkens last spring, and it was worth it. The deck is holding extremely well. Great project, keep us posted!

I do not believe you will ever be able to stain it and make it look right. Too much of the primer will have gone down into the grain.

Bbstx - Good to know, thanks! Graywings - I don't think it's going to really be that bad. I can't find another inexpensive night stand that I like and I really dislike it painted and want something else stained in the room. I'm also in the mood for projects. I'll also add that there aren't thin legs or any details that will be a pain minus a few knot holes. The piece has three long rectangular drawers and two smaller drawers. The whole thing is basically wide, flat pieces. Gsciencechick - I'll use my respirator and chemical gloves. Brushworks - I'm not trying to be dense here I'm not grasping why I would want to do it that way at all. The piece was primed and then painted. If I were to use gel stain over what's there I would have to go extremely dark and most likely opaque and that's not the look I'm going after.