We understand that everyone needs help with their wood/deck restoration and that not all projects are the same. Different species of wood, the age of wood, and types and brands of previous coatings make it difficult for homeowners to determine what is needed to restore their exterior wood or deck correctly.
We will ask some specific questions and reply to what you will need to do in your restoration process and the appropriate products and amounts to purchase, so it receives the proper prep and treatment required.
In the comment section below, you must include:
- Square Footage of Area to be Restored. See below.
- Type of wood if known:
- Approximate Age of Wood:
- If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type (Examples of Type: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Solid Stain, Oil-Based, Water-Based):
- If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained:
- Wood Type to be Stained (Deck, House, Fence, etc.):
- Do you have access to a pressure washer:
- Miscellaneous Info:
- *Must Include 1-3 Photos of Restoration Project. There is a link to upload photos in the bottom right corner of the comment area.
How to Calculate Square Footage
Deck Sq. Footage
Flooring Length x width =?
Railing Length x height =?
Steps Width x Depth x #of Steps =?
Add up all 3 for the Total Sq. footage.
Fence Sq. Footage
Length x height =?
Multiply x 2 for both sides = Total Sq. Footage
Coverage Rate for RAD Stains
The specified coverage rate for RAD is 150-200 square feet per gallon for the first coat. Second will apply at 200-300 per gallon. This averages to about 100-125 sq. feet per gallon for 2 coats wet on wet. From this, and from measuring the surface you can calculate how much stain you need. For more aged wood you could easily factor in some extra stain. On newer wood that is still smooth and dense, you probably are not going to use as much.
For maintenance coats you are not going to use near as much stain as you did initially staining bare wood. There are just way too many variables to know the exact coverage rate of RAD for sure. There is really no way of knowing exactly how much stain you will need. It is better to buy more than you need than to not have enough. You can always save left over stain for next time. RAD has a shelf life of 1 year if opened and 3 years unopened as long as the can is properly resealed.
Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips
- Applying RAD Stain Wet on Wet Tips
- Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
- Restore-A-Deck Stain Hot Sun Application
I’m just a regular home owner with a 35 year old deck and I got to tell everyone I did my testing on my deck with about 1/2 dozen stains and deck cleaners— I TRYED THEM ALL but hands down RESTORE A DECK STAINS, stripper,cleaner, and brighter are the best no question about it so for all you people out there who r going to do your deck this is it.
Thanks, Peter!
Hello,
My deck is 520 square feet, rail is 213 sq feet (32″x80′)
Not sure of the wood type
Can’t tell if the previous stain is semi or solid – can you tell from the photos?
I have a 3000 psi pressure washer
Should I use RAD or the regular stripper?
How much stripper and brightener should I get?
Do you recommend spraying or rolling/brushing stripper and brightener?
Thank you!
It looks to be a filming semi-solid stain. The RAD PaintStrip is most likley your best option, especially in the shaded areas since it looks “thicker”. You could try a combo of the Regular Deck Stain Stripper (with both additives) on the weathered areas and then the PainStrip in the shaded area. Brighten all when done.
Do you have pics of the railings? Verticals are the hardest to strip, so you may want to try a two-toned deck:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/two-toned-decks-with-restore-a-deck-wood-stains
OK, so I will go with the RAD paint strip. Attached is a pic of the rail…I was able to get 95%+ of the stain off with the pressure washer. I’m thinking of brushing the RAD onto the rails for the tough spots, and spraying the decking. Thoughts?
If you are getting most off the pressure washing, then we would suggest the regular deck stain stripper with both additives:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
You would have to airless spray the RAD PaintStrip. Always test spot when using the RAD PaintStrip:
Test Patch:
Before general use, test on a small area to determine compatibility, required dwell time, and coverage for desired results. For an estimated 5 or less coats, scrape a section of the area with a stripping tool after one hour of dwell time. If not easily down to wood after one hour, leave on longer and test again hourly.
Thank you very much, I appreciate all of your guidance.
One last question – I read that the brightener is not used after the RAD PaintStrip. So just a good rinsing before stain?
You do not have to brighten after the RAD PaintStrip but it does not hurt to.
Sorry if this is a repeat, but I do not see my reply here.
I think I will go with RAD all around for the railing and the deck just to be sure. I was able to get most of the stain off the railing with just a pressure washer, so perhaps I will brush on the RAD on the tough spots for the rail and spray the decking. Also thinking I should get the thickener for the rails. Do you agree with this approach?
Thanks!
Finished prepping for solid stain. Thought it was a one coat application; however, directions on bottle says two. I will order more How long may I wait to apply second coat. Ok to wait a week for second coat?
If ok what prep before second coat?
Thanks again!
Best to do both coats back to back, as soon as the first coat dries in 1-2 hours. Much easier as well.
I have a Chapin 2 Gallon metal sprayer. Can I use or do I need to buy a plastic sprayer. Does the RAD Stripper and additives react negatively with the metal.
You can use your metail sprayer.
I only need about 2-3 gal of RAD stripper and additives. Can The RAD Stripper and additives be proportioned and the remainder saved for future use.
Yes, just use about half the powder in the bag and mix with 2-3 gallons of water.
I am interested in a material estimate for the following deck. Most if it is treated southern pine, the post are cedar. Last stained with TWP 100 about 4 years ago. 986 sq ft of horizontal surface and 639 sq ft of vert surface. I will be using your water based semitransparent stain this time. I need stripper, brightener, and stain.
2 of these kits:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
12-15 Gallons of the stain for the 2 coats applied wet on wet.