I recommend sanding down the wood for a smooth finish. After, apply primer, sanding in between coats of primer in order to get a better adhesion to the paint.
Of course! This would require a wood primer to create a smooth finish, though. You can sand the surface smooth, apply an oil-based primer and then an oil-based paint.
Yes! After cleaning it, power sand all surfaces using a power disk sander to restore most of the deck boards to a 90% like-new condition. Hand sand spindles to prevent...