How best to strip a wood deck of paint and then restain it for protection.?

Does anyone have any suggestions on how best to get paint off of a deck and then stain it for protection instead? The paint keeps getting scratched off and I don't know how to get it all off. Any suggestions on what products to use?How best to strip a wood deck of paint and then restain it for protection.?
I'm not sure if this will be helpful, but wanted to let you know that I purchased a couple of gallons of stain from Thompson's Waterseal this last weekend, and they are giving back $4 per gallon. I found it here: http://www.thompsonswaterseal.com/news/promotions/deck_days.cfmHow best to strip a wood deck of paint and then restain it for protection.?
Here's the right answer.





Power wash at 8-12 inches, with no greater than 1100 psi, using a fan head tip. This will prevent you from damaging ANY kind of wood while allowing for the greatest, and safest, removal.





Wait until completely dry and scrape (along the grain). Sand to feather or complete your removal.





Re-paint or seal to your hearts content. I'd personally recommend a product extremely similar to that you originally used for color and protection.
Lots of work! Sand, scrape, paint remover (messy), dry, scape, maybe water blast. Get edges good, and then when you are happy with the outcome, wipe off with paint thinner, dry. Then comes the stain. Try a small spot first, to make sure it the color you want! Brush in the edges, then roll out. It may take 2 coats-but well worth it! Then roll on a protective clear finish.....Best product would be ';Olympic Stain with a finish coat of OKON.';