Cleaning and suitable ordinary preparation depend on the existing coating and selected system. Discuss any required sanding separately. Unknown hazardous coatings are excluded, and a broad promise to remove every old finish would exceed the accepted handyman scope.
The gaps and edges need to remain appropriate for the existing deck arrangement. Coating is not a way to fill movement gaps or conceal damaged boards. Show narrow, blocked or uneven gaps so the preparation can be reviewed before application.
Touch-dry paint may not be ready for furniture or routine foot traffic. Plan an alternative route where the deck serves a doorway. Return-to-use timing follows the product and actual conditions; the job does not include a fixed universal drying promise.
Prepare the accepted sound surface and apply the agreed compatible deck-coating system in its required stages. Scope limits: Compatible film coatings on sound accessible timber only. No slip certification, hazardous stripping, structural repairs or waterproofing-system claims.