The railings, except for the top, are actually undertaking fantastic so it seems I could stain/paint right over the very best. The real use and tear comes in on the deck surface. As it is supposedly a "stain" rather then a "paint" it's got worn every one of the way https://nimmansocial.com/story9236233/the-basic-principles-of-how-to-sand-deck-before-staining