Remove Varnish from Decking - Please Help

[mutantcamel]

I'm trying to remove varnish from my decking. The owners before me had put varnish instead of wood stain on this decking and by the time I moved in, it had all started to peel off in places and look a mess.

I have tried paint/varnish remover. I tried the b&q brand which didn't work very well and then I tried a dearer brand which wasn't any better.
I tried using a pressure washer/scraper in conjunction with the remover but my decking is now a total mess. Bits of come off in places but I want to get rid of virtually it all before I can apply the correct wood stain to it.

Yesterday I bought an heat gun, which after reading the manual says for "indoor use only" and did absoultely nothing outside. I think I've probably browned the wood in places by putting the nosel too close.

I have spent a fortune and probably buying brand new decking wouldn't have cost that much more think about it.

Before I do, anybody got any ideas what else I could try? Any specific products or just general tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[wingcoax]

Depending on the size of decking, you could do it the old fashioned way and get a wire brush(either hand or rotary) and get on your knees. Obviously going with the grooves and that should shift most if not all.