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Owning and maintaining a wood deck can be a double-edged sword for some. The beauty and detail of a cleaned and treated deck is unsurpassed. The upkeep, however can be cumbersome. The photo on the right shows the effects ultraviolet rays and water can have on untreated wood. |
 Your wooden deck or fence is a big investment. Properly cleaning it will extend its useful life and make it a source of pride for both you and your family. Whether the wood is pressure-treated, cedar, or ipe, sticking to a scheduled maintenance program will insure your deck stays in top shape. A high-quality cleaner and regular refinishing will protect your investment from the elements. |
 You can choose to hire a RAD certified deck maintenance company to keep your wood looking top notch. While this is the best arrangement, we understand the repeated expense can be a burden. This is why we introduced Restore-A-Deck to the public. With the proper tools, a little know-how, and Restore-A-Deck you’ll be happy to just sit by the window and take pride in knowing your deck is a labor of love. |
| View the Restore-A-Deck cleaners catalog page |
Can I use your solid stain over water based semi transparent that is well worn with no peeling? 3 year old finish.
B Burris
As long as you prep correctly by stripping off the loose and peeling old stain, you can cover the intact non peeling stain.
I’m using RAD cleaner & brightener on a never stained before PT wheelchair ramp. The ramp is under cover. Mold is a problem, especially where the ramp comes down on the cement. I’ve read spraying on a borate/water mix prior to staining can help deter mold growth. Is it ok if I do this before applying the RAD semitransparent stain?
The borate will not help to deter mold. Mold if it happens will grow on top of a stain. A borate in the wood under stain will do nothing to help prevent this.
Stained deck 2 years ago with Restore-A-Deck. Can I put another coat on without stripping the deck again? Also, is there a thickening agent for the stain to prevent dripping to lower areas?
You will need to use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener for prep first. You cannot add a thickener into the stain.
This is quite a new build (2 years) but has been damaged by snow / weathering. It currently doesn’t have any stain. The builder said it would age well but I don’t like the different colour tones and I’m worried about damage to the wood. Do you have a product you could recommend?
For prep, use the Cleaner and Brightener Kits while pressure washing: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Kits-Best-Prices.html
Stain with the RAD Semi-transparent stains: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-5-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
I don’t see any comments about ensuring products selected for refinishing a deck are compatible with the products used in previous stain applications. Is applying a water base stain over a deck that was previously coated with an oil base product not a concern? If it is a concern, how do I make the transition using RAD products?
All previous coatings must be removed first when switching brands of semi-transparent stains. Does not matter the base. The only exception would be using a solid stain over a solid stain.
So you are saying that a latex solid stain can be applied over an oil solid stain? What do you mean by “switching brands”? “Switching brands” to me is changing from Cabot to Valspar for example.
Correct on switching brands unless it is a solid stain. Solid stains can cover other solid stains that are intact as long as you prep to remove all dirt, peeling stain, etc.
Sorry to take up so much of your time, but the implications of your answers have a broad impact. I just want to be sure that I am understanding. Seems to me that, based on this answer, anyone buying a home with a deck could be faced with removing all previous protective coatings because they would not know the “brand” unless the coating is a solid stain??? If this conclusion is accurate, what makes the brand such a critical decision point on non-solid stains?
You can never recoat a penetrating semi-transparent stain over a different brand without removing the old coating first. All our directions state this and is the norm for all brands of semi-transparent deck stains.
Thank you for your patience.
We had a deck/carport built two years ago ( insert family emergencies ), now there is mold/mildew now on the raw wood. I have WetnForget, have tried a sample spot, but now i wonder if i should continue or switch to your product only. I want to do the beams etc of the carport like the deck. Some will be difficult due to the height.
What do you recommend?
Prep to remove the mildew with the RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kits. Stain with the RAD Wood Stain with finished.
I need suggestions on which products are best. I had the deck stained two years ago by a professional painting company. Chipping began in less than a year. What is the best course of action? Do I need to strip the deck? Clean and brighten, then stain? Any assistance is appreciated. Thanks.
Hello,
Unfortunately, this cannot be stripped. You have solid stains and the only way to remove this is to sand it fully off the wood.
Can you apply 2 coats of the deck stain to your desk on the same day. Meaning can you step on the first coat to do the second coat?
What brand of deck stain are you using?
Restore a deck cedar color.
That is a two coat application unless new wood. See this for application tips:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
Thank you!