Restore A Deck Stain Stripper Instructions and How To Help
- Restore A Deck Stain Stripper is a specially designed two-step system for stripping old transparent and semi-transparent deck stains before refinishing.
- Apply RAD Stain Stripper using a pump sprayer or scrub brush, keeping the deck misted with water so it does not dry during the 10-15 minute dwell time.
- Pressure wash at 1500-2000 PSI or hand scrub vigorously to remove dirt, grime, and gray fibers, then rinse the deck and surrounding area thoroughly.
- RAD Stain Stripper may not fully remove Solid Color Wood Stains, paints, or varnishes; use RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper for these coating types.
Maintaining a wood deck will ensure you get the longest lifespan and most use out of the extra outdoor living space. To maintain the appearance of a deck it should be cleaned and recoated every couple of years on average.
When preparing a deck for refinishing it is vital that it be cleaned properly. It is important to remove any old stain or sealer remnants that may be on the deck that would block the new stain or sealer from penetrating the wood properly.
Restore A Deck Stain Stripper is a specially designed two-step system for stripping old transparent and semi-transparent deck stains from wood prior to refinishing. There are some basic step-by-step instructions for stripping a deck with the RAD Stain Stripper system.
Restore A Deck Stripper Steps
1. Be sure air temperatures are within 45-90 degrees before starting.
2. Remove all furniture and décor from the deck and the surrounding area. Move at least 20 feet away and downwind from overspray.
3. Although RAD products are Eco-Friendly it is still recommended to cover any sensitive landscaping, shrubbery, and/or plants or pre-wet with water. Make sure to rinse well any overspray that may get on plants.
4. Cover any windows, doors, and other areas of the house with plastic or pre-wet with water.
5. Be sure to wear personal protection equipment such as eyewear, gloves, and clothing.
6. Mix Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper by following the suggested instructions. Mix until all the crystals are fully dissolved. If using a pump sprayer to apply, mix in a separate bucket first and transfer to sprayer to avoid clogging of sprayer inlet tube.
7. Option 1: Mist fresh water onto the deck then apply RAD Stain Stripper using a pump sprayer or scrub brush. This is the most effective way.
8. Allow RAD Stain Stripper to sit on wood for 10-15 minutes or until the surface becomes slippery. Keep misting deck with water so is not allowed to dry.
9. Gently pressure wash at 1500-2000 PSI or hand scrub vigorously the deck until all dirt, grime, and gray fibers are removed. Rinse deck, shrubbery, and surrounding area with fresh water. Pressure washing is more effective.
10. Reapply RAD Stain Stripper to any stubborn areas repeating steps 7 & 8 to remove old stain or sealer as much as possible.
11. While wood is still wet apply Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener following the mixing instructions and using a pump sprayer. The RAD Wood Brightener does not need to be washed or scrubbed, simply rinse off after 10 minutes of dwell time. Make sure to rinse the RAD Brightener thoroughly for 20 minutes until all soap suds are removed after the 10 minutes dwell time.
Important Note: Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper may not fully remove Solid Color Wood Stains, Paints, Varnishes, and Excessively Over-Applied Acrylic Semi-Transparent and Semi-Solid Coatings. To remove these deck and wood stain types, use the RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper
Need Help Stripping an Old Stain? Ask Below!
Do you Have a Difficult to Remove Coating?
Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Additives
We had just finished rinsing off the stripper (Step #9) when we got caught in a thunderstorm. This before we could move to the apply brightener step.(Step #11). It’s already getting late so we were wondering if we could call it a night and resume with Step #11 tomorrow or even sometime next week. Idea is to re-mist the deck before we continue. Would this work or is the ‘apply brightener’ step so time sensitive that we should do it still tonight after the thunderstorm has passed? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Sooner is better. Do today if not done yet.
Happy 4th!
Thanks for your reply.
I actually went out again last night after the rain had stopped and finished Step 11. We had more rain overnight for an additional good rinse.
Unfortunately, this morning results are pretty disappointing. Before we apply the stain (RAD natural), is this as-good-as-it-gets or is there anything else we should try next before staining?
Is the wood wet in these pics or dry? It does not look like you stripped properly. You cannot just “rinse” off the stripper. Did you pressure wash after applying the stripper? If so, did you use a proper pressure washer? Electric pressure washers are often inadequate.
Thanks for your reply.
I noticed we might be ‘almost neighbors’; greetings from Farmington Hills!
The wood is in the pics is not dry; I’d say between damp and wet.
We did use a pressure washer (rated 2900 PSI). However we understood the instructions to not to overdo it with the water pressure, so we used the foaming nozzle and a hard bristle brush. Sounds like this was our mistake.
So what is our best course of action: simply get another Stripper/Brightener combo pack (we already used all on our rather large deck) and redo those steps, but with a lot more water pressure? Is there maybe a different route we should pursue at this point?
The foaming nozzle and brush scrub isn’t the same as a proper pressure rinse — that’s likely the gap, not a product issue. No need to buy another kit yet. Go back over it with the actual pressure washer stream: 25-degree tip, held 6–8 inches from the wood, sweeping motion, and a gas unit if you have one (electric units usually don’t have the GPM to rinse effectively, regardless of PSI). Damp or wet wood is fine — no need to let it dry before rinsing or before staining later.
Thanks!
I power-washed it again per your recommendation yesterday and let it dry overnight. It looks better, but there seem to be still quite a bit of stain remnants left.
For some context, the deck is about 10 years old. The initial and the second treatment were with an oil-based stain. The 3.one was 3 years ago and with water-based RAD.
Where do I go from here?
Are you using the same RAD stain and color? If so, you can stain from here. One coat. We would apply it to a dry deck, not damp here.
Yes, same RAD stain and color.
How dry does the deck have to be? Bone-dry or ? (It’s been a challenge as late here to get a day without thunderstorms.)
How long of a precipitation-free window would I need after applying the stain, before the next rain could no longer harm it?
12-24 hours after any rain. No rain for 6-12 hours after applying.
Thanks, sounds like a plan!
This is what it looks like now after applying (1) coat of RAD natural yesterday. Much better!
We applied the stain liberally, but made sure not to ‘over-serve’. The deck is about 600 sq-ft and we still have a little left from the 2.5 gallon container. We expected to need a lot more. When we did it last some (3) years ago, it took us 5 gallons, but we also applied (2) coats of stain.
Now you recommended above to only use (1) coat. Since we still have all this stain left, would it make sense to apply a second coat (obviously not wet-in-wet), or just save the stain for the next round in a year or 2. If the latter, what’s the best way to store it?
No, more is not better. Just keep it in a climate-controlled place for later use. Looks good!
Got it. Thanks!
Do you have any videos of the RAD paint stripper applications and results?
Sorry, but no videos.
If you use both additives to your stripper can it still be sprayed on?
Yes.
If I use R A D paint strip, do I need to use brightener before staining again. I read where you do not, but want to make sure.
It does help to use it but not 100% required.
How long can I wait to stain my deck after using stripper and brightener?
It is best to stain within two weeks of prep.
Hello, I have purchased RAD stripper, brightener and a solid stain. Below you can see how the deck looks now, should I need to add any additive to the stripper to remove the existing stain?
When using the solid stain on previously coated surfaces, the goal is to remove all loose and peeling stain. You can then cover any remaining intact, non-peeling stain.
You should be okay to strip off what you can with what you have already.
I have patio doors with PSA veneer much of which is peeling. I am removing the veneer and plan on using RAD prep before staining. (The doors are solid wood.). After removing the veneer a lot of adhesive remains on the wood. Will RAD cleaner remove the adhesive?
No, it will not.
Will RAD stripper work?
No, you will need to sand it off.
Before or after cleaning?
Sand first.
Will this lift remove strip Home Depot Behr Deckover, nothing works so far. If this does not work WHAT WILL.
No stain stripper will remove Deck Resurface type coatings like the Behr Deck Over. See this article for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-rust-oleum-deck-restore/
Our cabin (owned for 1.5 years) has a deck that needs to be stripped / brightened / stained. I’m guessing the previous owner used Behr transparent waterproofing wood finish (cedar naturaltone) that’s in the shed about 2 years ago. (might have used it on the cabin’s wood exterior, too). I was planning on buying from you: stripper, brightener and semi-transparent stain. Anything else I should consider?
Behr can be difficult to remove, and the prior owner applied it unevenly in spots. When using the stripper, use both the booster and gel additives.
Thanks very much! Our wrap around deck is about 425 square feet. Should I get two 5-gallon containers of stain? And will one package of stripper and brightener each be enough?
One stripper, one brightener, one booster and one thickening gel.
As for the stain, one 5-gallon container should be enough.
Our home has a combination of cedar shakes & cedar siding. I realize this product is mostly used for stripping decks, obviously by the name of the product, “Restore a Deck”, however can it also be used for stripping, cleaning, brightening cedar wood siding & shakes?
Yes, it can. Do you know the brand of stain being stripped? Pictures of the siding?
Superdeck canyon brown
The oil-based version? Please add some pics in the comments of the siding.
I am cleaning my deck with sodium percarbonate right now. I purchased your stripper, brightener and semi-transparent stain. When is the best time to sand rough spots? After cleaning and before stripping and brightening? After?
After stripping, before the brightener, do not sand finer than 60-80 grit.
After stripping and brightening my redwood deck, can I wait a few days before applying RAD semi-transparent stain?
Yes.
after prepping with your products, i was hoping to stain the deck (not the vertical surfaces) with a dark charcoal colored stain (semi transparent hopefully, but solid if it seems appropriate)… what brand do you suggest that would have that color option? thanks
TWP Semi-Solid colors:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Is it OK to apply the stripper with a brush and do you have to neutralize the stripper after it is washed off so the new paint adheres
Best to apply the stripper with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off. You must neutralize with the Step 2 Brightener when done.
Hello, our deck is about 10+ years old and has never been stain but we did use Thompson water seal 2 years ago. The wood has turned grey with time and there is no remnants of sealant, stain, no flaking or any sign that it isn’t just plain bare wood. I’ve purchased RAD cleaner, brightener and stain but wanted to make sure I didn’t need to do the stripping step as well. Thanks in advance!
Does water bead or soak into the wood right away if you spill some on the wood?
It seems like it sits on top of the wood and then soaks in – the pic is right when I poured water on it.
I think you will be fine with the cleaner and pressure washing for prep. Brightener last.
Used the RAD paint stipper twice as suggested. Have brightened. Two questions: the color is uneven probably due to porosity. Will this cause uneven stain color? Should I wait til it all dries thoroughly and evens out? There are areas with a whitish cast as it dries. I rinsed ad nausium. Is this going to cause problems with the stain? Solution?
You should be good stain now.
I have 560 sq. ft. of decking. It says to use brightner for 20 to 30 minutes. But for what size area? Can I just rinse off with power washer until all evidence of stripper is gone? You also say to sand (if needed) between the stripper and brightener. Would’nt you be sanding a gooey mess?
Apply to all wood at once. Let dwell for 10-15 minutes and rinse the entire area well for 20-30 minutes.
If you sand in between, you let the wood dry fully first.
Hi, reccomendatiosn on kind of stripper I can use on this deck? I am not sure of previous stain.
Looks like Behr stain. Use the Restore-A-Deck Stripper with both Booster and Gel additives. Apply, let dwell for 30-45 minutes and pressure wash off. Repeat if needed for stubborn areas. Brighten all when done.
Would this work to remove Olympic Wood Protector semi transparent? It looks to be acrylic based. Or should I get the Paint Stripper?
Post some pics of the Olympic on the wood in the comments.
Do you recommend sanding after stripping and rinsing before brightening, or after both stripping and brightening.
Sanding is not typically needed. If you do sand, sand between stripping and brighten.
Hello. Just confirming the process. We have old clear stain on our cedar deck.
We plan to use a pressure washer…is a scrub brush necessary for the cleaner?
No need for the Cleaner when using the Stripper. Brighten after.
cedar deck is 10 years old. Initially we used Behr semi transparent, then followed 2 years later with Behr solid stain but it hasn’t been touched other than light pressure washing in 8 years. Now I’m trying to convince hubby we can restore it with having to tear down and go to composite ($$$). I bought your paint stripper product already (arrived right on schedule), but based on my photos do you think I need to strip down to bare wood over entire surface or just where old stain is peeling etc?
If recoating with our RAD Stain, you do not need to remove all the old coating, just what is loose and peeling. You can then cover the intact stain with the RAD Solid Stain
would you recommend we do something like this then if we’re not removing all the old coating:
Lastly, can I apply a lighter color solid over my faded dark solid or should I keep with darker tones to avoid having to do multiple coats to completely cover the darker stuff?
many thanks for your help on this.
Your steps should work. The goal is to have a clean deck and make sure that you remove any failed or peeling stain. You need a clean and solid foundation. You have to do 2 coats no matter what but when going drastically lighter, you may need an extra coat or some touch-ups.
how long can I wait to brighten after stripping? I won’t be able to do it all in one day
Brighten as soon as you can and the same day is best. It is also a very easy step.
I used the RAD stripper on my deck a couple of weeks ago but didn’t use the brightener. Can I go back over it with the brightener after it has dried?
Also, is there a shelf life on the stripper and brightener? If so, what is it?
Yes, you can still brighten. Shelf life is a few years for the stripper and brightener.
How should I apply the brightener to the portion of the deck that has already been stripped and dried?
Apply with a pump sprayer to all the wood.
I am getting ready to strip, brighten and then stain an old deck. Do I need to wait awhile after I strip and brighten to apply the stain so it can dry out a bit, or can I do it right away? I thought I saw something about waiting 1-2 hours but now I can’t find that.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood
Yes I have read the directions about applying it to damp wood, I was just wondering if I needed to wait for the water to evaporate at all after I strip and brighten so that it is damp, but not soaking wet? I take it from your link that I can move on to the next step immediately? Is that correct? Thanks!
Yes, correct. Damp wood is okay, not soaking wet. 😀
What is the correct order to use a stripper, brightener and sanding some spots that the stripper refuses to remove old stain? Will a handheld orbital sander with 80 grit work on the spots that need sanding?
Strip, sand if needed, brighten after.
I’m addition to my previous comment, I see standing ground level there are a few shiny spots??
I can not find my comment from a couple days ago regarding using the stripper on my deck. To reiterate, I stained the deck last year with semitransparent Defy extreme. When spring came the floor of the deck was half off. I was told to strip it, brighten and then restrain. Rather than use the Defy stripper (which I’m thinking I should have) I bought the restore brand. I have now done the one half of my deck 3 TIMES according to the exact direction , and it has not all come off! The other half of the deck was done once and came off fine. I’m not sure which direction to go now. Mind you, that stubborn half is under trees, could that be the problem? Can I stain over what I can’t remove??
Post some pics.
The deck is wet right now since I’m still rinsing off and power washing the 3rd coat of stripper. I will post when it dries. A bit more is coming off with the power washer, but not all.
Does RAD Stripper remove 3 year-old Thompsons Water Seal?
Yes.
Thanks.
Hi, how long after stripper is applied n pressure washed can my pets n kids use the deck? Same for the brightener?
When it is fully dry. Make sure to brighten right after the stripping while the wood is wet.
I had to strip off the RAD semi-transparent stain that was applied 2 years ago (due to flaking). This left some fuzzies, so I lightly sanded them off using an orbital sander with 60 grit paper. I’m about to start brightening, then will stain tomorrow. I’ve read many discussions on the forum, and am confused as to how many coats of RAD semi-transparent stain I should apply. Some answers say only one. Others say 2 light coats wet on wet. Could you advise, please and thank you.
Since you sanded, just one coat.
I have stripped my deck and rails (they look great) I don’t think I’ll have time to complete the project this weekend. Should I brighten now or wait till right before I stain it a week and a half from now?
Brighten now.
Can I use Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Brightener on old wood that doesn’t seem to ever had any stain on it?
I just finished using RAD Stripper, Brightener and Stain on my deck and have lots of supplies and stain left over. I’m planning on staining a fence that has never had any finishes on it during the 18 years we’ve been here. I don’t have time to order RAD Cleaner, so I wondered if I can just use the stripper leftover from the deck. If not, I’ll have to use some type of locally available deck cleaner and follow up with the RAD Stain.
The Stripper alone is not designed for never stained wood as it can “furr” it up.
Thanks for your quick response. I used some deck/fence cleaner left over from a prior project. Fence looks good and I’ll apply the stain after today’s forecasted rain clears out.
Hi I have a 20 yr old PT deck. First used semi transparent then went to solid Behr stain. Deck is in good condition, but having peeling,and bubble issues with bare wood underneath.. I`ve been spot staining after peeling. Can you tell me the order of processes ? I am wondering if it is possible to get to all wood. If I sand ,PW ,or use RAD on the rough spots can I use solid again over the rest or just try to get it all off? Its about 40X10 . From the amazing information available it seems like I would be able to get to the bare wood again ,use a solid like on the spindles , but seems like a huge job..Like alot of things.Thanks
You can remove this but it will be a lot of stripping and or sanding to get down to the bare wood. Easiest would be to strip off what you can and then apply the RAD solid stain over the intact stain that is not peeling.
Have a 20 year old deck that has several layers of semi transparent stain on it that is now starting to look real bad. Just wondering if i can just use the stripper or will I need to get the booster as well to remove the old stains?
You will need this to get it off: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-stripper-5-gallon.html
I need to sand my deck in places. At what point in process should this take place? I pressure washed it already and have an order in for your stripper, booster and brightener.
You can sand first and then prep products after.
I have a small deck (6X8) that was treated with thompson’s advanced semi transparent in cedar 2 years ago. Some areas are good but much has washed away over the 2 years (mainly due to winter snow). Do I need to strip or can I use the cleaner and then the Brightener? The spindles and rail are in good shape so I hope to stay with the same colour as just the deck and steps need to be re done. Also I know there is a fee for shipping to canada but are there duty excise fees also added? thank you
You will need to strip. Post some pictures for prep advice. Our shipping is all included when you checkout. No additional fees when it arrives.
Not a lot left on it … and only 2years.
This is the deck as it is now. Not a lot of stain left.
Sorry for the double post, it said the pic did not load so I reposted. Oops!
Use the RAD Stain Stripper with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Brighten after.
Would 1 gallon of stain work? It is not a large deck and I am only doing the floor and steps (not spindles / railing)
Yes, it is plenty.
One last question (sorry). I was just at a lumber store and they had different product that is well rated. I asked about it and they said if you have used Thompson’s Water Seal you cannot change. They said that there is a wax or oil in the TWS that takes at least 5 years to wear off. Will not be removed by stripping or even sanding as it penetrates. Is this true? the TWS has not been a great product but I don’t want to put out the money to change it only to discover it peels off.
No, they have no idea what they are talking about. It can be stripped and then recoated with a different stain brand.
I have a narrow window of opportunity to apply the Stripper & Brightener. Rain follows the next few days. Should I cover the deck when it rains? I won’t be able to apply stain for at least 2 weeks. Thanks
No, the rain will not harm the prep.
Can the stripper be applied while it is lightly raining?
Light mist, not a down pour.
I’m gonna use the Rad paint strip on my deck but I want to power wash all the debris off first. Can I apply the rad paint strip while deck is wet? Or do I have to let the deck dry first?
It can be damp or dry but not soaking wet.
Okay thank you
I’m about to restore an old Redwood deck, treated 1 year ago with Thompson’s Water Seal. I’ll use Restore-A-Deck Stripper, followed by Brightener. How long should I wait before applying stain?
You can apply the RAD stains to dry or damp wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood
I have IPE furniture that has turned black from a previous costing of Penofin about 3 years ago. Will Restore a Deck strip this finish? I am hoping to clean the IPE and let it gray naturally. How would I estimate the amount of Restore a Deck needed?
Yes, use the RAD Stripper and then the brightener. Post some pics of all furniture for advice to amount needed.
Purchased my home December 2021. Prior homeowner installed a cedar deck sometime within the last 10 years and most recently applied Sherwin Williams Superdeck clear sealer probably within the last 3 years. It is likely clear sealer was used for prior treatments since the cedar has not grayed, but there were some areas that were becoming black (see picture). Before doing much research, I power washed with ZEP deck cleaner and then deck brightener, but I ended up having to sand many of the black sections (60 grit). Should I go back with RAD stripper to ensure the clear sealer is completely removed and brighten again before applying RAD stain? I’ve also included a picture of the current state of the deck after sanding.
You should use the RAD deck cleaner and pressure washing one last time and then the RAD Brighener. No need to strip but you do need to do this to open the wood pores after sanding. One coat of the RAD semi-transparent stain for sanded wood.
I used the stripper on a section of my deck..I accidentally got some on another area that didn’t need stripping, and now there are spots(dots) in those areas that won’t wash off. What do I do?
If that is unstained wood then brighten all of it. You must brighten after stripping.
My deck was finished using a mixture of boiled linseed oil and paint thinner. Protected areas still have that finish but the rest of the deck is just weathered. Will RAD stripper remove the linseed finish so I can begin with the RAD system? I will also need to sand out some ridges created from previous pressure washing. Based on my research I believe I’ll need to strip, brighten, sand and then clean and brighten prior to applying RAD semi transparent stain. Am I correct in my assumptions?
Yes, it will strip it. Steps are correct.
Can you make a partial batch rather than a full five gallons of this product. I have a short length of fence covered with Thompson Water Seal.
Yes. Roughly 6-8 oz per gallon of water.
1 have 50ft X 8ft back porch deck, it is mostly shady only the very edges get any sunlight. i used Olympic maximum semi solid in Cedartone, about 3 years ago after completely sanding the deck down. My know it all wife, i can just use solid stain to cover it after only cleaning it. She now wants Defy Solid Gray to cover it. I really dont want to strip and sand that thing again. Can i get by just doing as she says?
Yes, just make sure to remove any peeling stain, and then you can cover the intact stain with the solid stain.
Are you saying it’s ok to just apply Restore a deck solid stain after cleaning and not stripping?
Yes.
No, it will not.
Can you tell me how much of the stripper, thickener, and booster I would put into the 2 gallon sprayer? Also, we would like to stain the deck with a medium gray semi-transparent when we’re finished. I don’t see this offered by RAD (the gray I see is too light). Do you have a recommendation or can we have colorant added to RAD stain?
You can put up to 2 gallons of mixed product into the sprayer. Premix all together into a 5 gallon pail. We do have a medium gray or can think of a brand to suggest. Thanks!
I stripped the deck today and also applied the brightener today. I will be sanding the deck in the 3 days from now, but noticed that you recommend to apply the brightener after sanding. Do I need to re-apply the brightener after sanding again.
Yes, and light pressure rinse after. This opens up the wood grain after sanding. Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit.
Can I use a pressure washer to apply the stripper, if so at what strength? My Simpson washer applies at a 7 to 1 ratio. When I use the correct soap on the pressure washer, there is very little pressure applied. If I use the pressure washer, will I still need to brush clean or will the application and subsequent rinsing with the pw be enough. I’ve used another brand of cleaner from a local shop at full strength and the deck was improved. There is still dirt in some of the grain of the wood but overall it is much better.
Would the stripper still need be applied with a sprayer?
No, do not use the pressure washer to apply the stripper. Use a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off.