Strip paint off fence

[nisryus]

So my HOA sent me a compliant warning because the paint on one side of my fence was peeling (next to neighbor A). I have to repaint that, plus use matching color on the other fence (next to neighbor B).

Only the side of the fence adjunct to neighbor A was painted by my old neighbor (he was painting his side and told us he was happy to paint mine too) years ago, but only now the HOA said something!

The other fence with neighbor B was never painted.

Can i use a power washer to strip the paint? Or would it be better to sand it first before power washing it? The peeling wasn't that bad, but since it was painted maroon, it kind of obvious if you look from afar.

 

[Greenman]

Power washer might do the job, it also might chew through the fence boards.

 

[Klingenberg]

Power washer could work, but it might damage the wood. Sand a bit first, then use the washer on a low setting to clean it up.

 

[nisryus]

I hadn't thought of power wash might damage the boards. Thanks for the info, Greenman and Klingenberg.