How to Restore-A-Deck in One Day!
Restore-A-Deck’s three-step process makes it possible to complete a wood staining project in a single day. The stain is safe to apply on damp wood, perfect for those who are busy and want to achieve same-day results for their exterior wood staining projects.
Here’s a rundown of Restore-A-Deck’s three-step process, it’s components, and how they work together to produce an immaculately stained wood surface.
Step 1: Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner or Restore-A-Deck Wood Stripper
Are you working with a wood surface that has not previously been stained? If so, use the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner. The Wood Cleaner works hard to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew better than the competition after one application. It restores the natural beauty of exterior wood to its original appearance without harming wood fibers, pets, grass, and most plants.
Restore-A-Deck Cleaner can also be used for maintenance coats when using the same brand stain as before.
If you are working with a new wood surface that has previously been stained or painted, strip the wood surface using Restore-A-Deck Stripper. The Wood Stripper quickly and efficiently removes most oil and latex based finishes including clear sealers, transparent stains, and semi-transparent stains. On top of removing the stain, the Wood Stripping formula takes off collected dirt, mold, mildew, and mill glaze.
Both come in a concentrated powder form that is convenient to transport and is extremely cost effective. Can be mixed on site with water then applied directly to the wood.
Step 2: Restore-A-Deck Brightener
After you complete step 1, using Restore-A-Deck Cleaner or Stripper depending on your situation, we recommend you follow up with Restore-A-Deck Brightener to neutralize the pH of the surface to allow for proper application of the stain. This formula works hard upon initial application to brighten the wood surface as well as remove stubborn rust stains and tannin stains caused by fallen leaves. Restore-A-Deck brightener will give your deck or wood surface a clean looking finish ideal for applying the stain.
Step 3: Restore-A-Deck Stain
The final step in this three-step process is the Stain. Restore-A-Deck Stain uses the latest in water-based wood staining technology to create a formula that allows for better UV protection, excellent penetration into the wood stain for long lasting beautiful results, and the ability to apply to damp wood for single day project completion or to dry wood the day after prep. The Wood Stain comes in four radiant semi-transparent colors that highlight and enhance the natural wood grain.
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is best applied the same day as prep typically 2-4 hours at 70 degrees F and less than 50% humidity. Make sure that all standing water has dried off the surface prior to application.
See here for: Wet on Wet Application Tips
See here for tips on new wood: Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
See her for hot sun application: Restore-A-Deck Stain Hot Sun Application
If you have used the Restore-A-Deck in one-day system, we want to hear from you. Feel free to leave a review and don’t forget to include pictures.
Which semitransparent color is more resistant to weather damage: neutral or light walnut?
Same.
I used the neutral on my wife’s disability ramp which was quite large and modular due to our building code. I used the Restore A Deck system and applied last season. We had a very icy winter here in NE Ohio and had to deal with shoveling it. Hard work. I will need to reapply this year as the stain has worn to that point. The handrails, siderails, posts and frame look new so 1 gal should do the trick. If anyone knows a safe deicer, I’m all ears.
Can I mix RAD semitransparent neutral with light walnut?
Yes.
Using the expresso stain what could Put on top to give it luster. How much stain for. 12×16 deck with railing.
Sorry but you cannot add anything on top. It will peel.
How many galons Semitransparent stain do I need for a 400sq feet deck?
About 4 for two coats.
Would like to restore the cedar siding on the house as well as the deck. Both surfaces have the same stain. Should I do the house first and then the deck or do both at the same time?
Both at the same time is easiest.
Last summer I used RAD semi transparent natural. I used 2 coats but the wood really soaked up the stain. I was thinking of applying another 2 coats this spring. Good idea? If so should I use cleaner, brightner, and stain?
Only reapply if needed.
How do you know when to reapply? If I were to reapply what process do I use? Cleaner, brightner, stain? Or stripper, brightner, stain?
More is not better. Only reapply if it is starting to fail. As for how to prep, that depends on the current condition and we would need pictures.
Solid stain… wait how long between coats?
As soon as the first coat is dry to the touch. 1-3 hours is normal.
Thank you for all your help with my numerous questions about this big (for me) project! ❤️ PS… I am a 63 year old woman doing this project!
I had my deck sanded and used the RAD brightener, then stained with RAD light Walnut. 1 coat only. Very pleased with the result, but when it rains, I get no beading. I’m very hesitant to do a 2nd coat as it looks very good with only one coat and I know that I got very good penetration. Can I use a Thompson’s water seal or similar clear water proofing product ?
It is not supposed to bead water but shed water. You cannot apply a sealer over the RAD stain. Do not add a second coat at this point. Second coats need to be applied wet on wet.
I just stripped and brightened. Used a brush and follies with a power washer. Deck has some Fuzz as others have called it. Does that have to be removed before staining? If so what is the best way to do this? Staining tomorrow.
Sand or buff these off. Typically they do not show when stained.
I used the RAD solid stain Cypress but did not have enough to do 2 coats. Ordered more, can I just apply again a few days later?
With the solid stain, yes.
Yes
Second time using the cleaner and brighter due to weather and recent party of foot traffic. This time lots of fuzz. I try to power wash and scrub again. I’m about to rent a buffer to sand lightly. After so do I blow off with compress air or power wash then let dry lightly before staining?:
Lightly pressure wash if you sand.
120 grit with buffer?
No. Nothing higher than 80 grit.
Some more pics
I have a deck that was previously stained, more than 3 years ago. Most of it has worn off, but in the lower traffic areas the stain is still in ok condition. Not sure if I should go with the Cleaner or the Stripper. This article says that the Cleaner should be used on wood that’s never been stained and the Stipper is for new wood. I have old wood that has been stained, which falls into neither of these categories. Please advise!
Use the stripper. No need for the cleaner.
One day! Used the cleaner, brightener, and the light walnut stain!
Was done at 4pm, and late last night we got a lot of morning dew, so hopefully all stays nice. But I love the color!
Looks good!
Have ordered the natural semi-transparent stain, cleaner and brighter to stain a PT handicap ramp, posts and railing. The ramp is 10months old. Not thrilled with how PT wood has aged. The railing has horizontal side rails that have shrunk and there are small gaps between rails where you can see some of the brads. I have small cracks and some warping of the handrail. I screwed down the top hand rail which helped a lot but it’s not flush as I would like. Everything I have read advises not to fill cracks, splits etc..but I want to be sure to get the stain in as deep as I can.The floor boards are in good shape. I have anti-slip tread tape down for traction. Wood under the tape looks newer as it hasn’t had sun exposure. 1st question: Can you put a little stain in a spray bottle and target gaps and cracks? 2nd: Would it be okay to use just a hose instead of a pressure washer for the job? The ramp has had light traffic and no snow melter in the winter. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
1. It can be sprayed if you want to do this.
2. No, you need to lightly pressure wash for best results.
Can solid stain be applied same day as using the cleaner and brightener? I seem to have read can be done in one day and also need to wait 48 hours.
Yes, it can be applied the same day as the prep.
I am planning on using RAD solid stain on my 280 sf pressure treated deck. It was previously stained using Behr semi solid stain (Ugh). I am a little confused as far as how much old product must be removed. The verticals are not peeling. My preference is to pressure wash then sand instead of strip. Can I give it a light sanding & use cleaner or do I have to sand to bare wood?
When applying the solid stain you do not have to remove all the previous stain. Pressure wash for prep to remove dirt and the loose or peeling stain but you can leave the stain that is not peeling and cover over.
our deck is approx 30 years old but we have been power washing and cleaning every 2 years. We have used TWP cedar tone. I am trying to find something that will last longer than 2 years. If we switch to RAD semitransparent stain do you think it will last longer? Also must I strip it, and brighten it before staining it?
When switching brands, you will have to strip and brighten. The RAD stain lasts about 2 to maybe 3 years for most scenarios. Nothing will last longer.
Can you use TWP 100 over a cleaned but previously alkyd product?
No, previous coatings have to be removed when switching brands of stain.
I’ll be stripping, brightening and staining this weekend. The exterior of the house that abuts the deck is standing seam. Will any of the products damage the metal siding? I plan on wetting the standing seam prior to RAD product application. Same question for perennials around the deck. Thanks!
Should not harm the metal. Cover the plants.
After 2 coats of wet on wet stain application, how long do we need to wait before placing furniture, walking on it? Thks!
24 hours is normal. Just make sure it is fully dry.
I sanded to remove Behr oil based stain and scrubbed the deck. 95% of the stain was removed but some remained in the grain beyond the reach of the sander. Can I use stripper to remove?
Yes.
I have about 625 sq.’ of 2 year old pressure treated deck I’d like to stain with RAD. It was treated last year with TWP and developed a slight coating of black mildew in numerous places. My plan is to do a wet on wet application of two coats. What quantities would you recommend for stripping, brightening, and staining? Many thanks!
1 Cleaner/Brightener Kits and about 6 gallons of stain.
Is that a Cleaner or Stripper kit you’re suggesting. Thanks!
1 Cleaner/Brightener Kit.
Sorry, but even though the deck has last year’s TWP stain on it, only Cleaner is required with a Brightener, not a Stripper then Brightener? Will be purchasing today and want to make sure I’m ready to go.
Ugh. Didn’t see you were switching stains. 1 Stripper/Brightener Kit: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/order-restore-a-deck/rad-kits-best-price/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/flypage.tpl.html
Figured as much. Really appreciate the prompt reply!
I just finished power washing our deck and handrails. Is sanding necessary prior to applying the Brightener and then the stain?
thanks
No need to sand after using the cleaner or stripper before the brightener.
How long does RAD need to set after staining before use ? I finished last night
12-24 hours. You should be okay later today.
Have a rare stretch of nice weather here and I have RAD semi transparent at the ready but I still need to brighten and only have Cabot Wood Brightener 8003. Can I still do same day application with Cabot Brightener and RAD stain? Thanks!
Not sure as we have never tried that combo. Most likely okay.
I just finished cleaning my 500 sq. ft. dock with the RAD cleaner, and it looks great. It’s too late in the day to apply the brightener. Should I wet the dock a bit tomorrow before I apply the brightener?
Also, how long should I wait before I finish with the semi-transparent cedar RAD stain?
Thanks!
yes, wet it first. See this about the stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
Thanks, thought so, but just wanted to make sure. I think 1 coat of RAD stain will be enough – at least that’s all I purchased. If I do need a second coat can I apply anytime? or would I need to wait? And if I did do that later, say next month, would I wet the wood again first?
If you want to apply another coat you would have to wait 6-12 months and prep first.
I have a 12’x24′ shed sided with t1-11 built almost 4 yrs ago. The contractor used an Olympic water based semi-transparent stain. I want to re-stain it with your product as it hasn’t really held up very well. Do I need to use the stripper then brightener, or is the, cleaner/brightener OK?
Stripp and brightener for prep.
We stained a one-year-old deck in May 2018. Question: What to do this year? Today’s photo is attached. We used the Natural Semi-Transparent stain — loved it. Thanks for advice on steps to take now to make it look great again.
Use the RAD Cleaner for prep and apply one light coat of the stain.
I’ve purchased stripper, brightener & stain for old deck. Due to many old coats, I’m pressure washing & sanding to bare wood first. Question: I’ve got to do deck in two sessions, days or weeks apart (due to deck’s size, planters, etc. having to be moved back-and-forth). The split will cross the middle of deck boards. Any advice for feathering the two separate applications where they meet? Or should I tape off a line between the sections and just live with a visible break?
You can prep separately but if you stain separately, the break will show.
I have purchased RAD cleaner and brightener, I am planning on applying the cleaner to my 800 sf deck and pressure washing instead of brushing. The instructions say to work in small sections of 100-200 sf. Does this mean to perform the whole process (ie. Wet, apply cleaner, wait, pressure wash) to each small section?
Apply cleaner in sections of about 200 sq feet. Pressure wash off. Move on to the next section and repeat until all is cleaned. Rinse well and then move to the Brightener. Apply the brightener all at once.
I have an Undercover Deck System below my deck, and the company suggests using this product for cleaning the deck above it. The previous owners painted the deck. Can your product be used on painted surfaces? Thank you.
RAD stain cannot be applied to a painted deck.
Can RAD CLEANER be applied to a painted deck? I just want to clean it. Thanks.
Yes.
I feel sick. I have been researching and asking questions. Deckstainhelp.com told me that I could apply solid RAD stain over our previously painted deck. I have power washed it to “almost” bare wood, but some of the paint is adhered and will not come off with just power washing. They told me that I had nearly all the horizonal surfaces clear so it would be fine to stain over. it. I literally just purchased all my products about 30 minutes ago. Did I just waste my time and money?
Most of it is off. Sand the rest off the floor and you will be okay to use the solid stain. A little bit of the gray on the floors will be okay. The rails will be okay if you still have some leftover gray on there.
I was going to do the vertical rails in white with coastal gray on the horizontal surfaces. Do I need to work to get the verticals to bare wood? We were also going to do the overhead boards in white, but they are completely bare wood, so I don’t think there is much problem there. We just need to powerwash them and use the cleaner/brightener on it prior to stain. I’m not completely finished with powerwashing, I just noticed that not all the paint was coming off so I started asking the question about paint vs stain application. This is a huge job for me and I definitely don’t want to have to repeat it soon!
No, you do not have to get all off the verticals.
This is a photo of the project I am undertaking, which now sounds like I just spent a bunch of money that I can’t use. I honestly thought I had done my due diligence and asked all the right questions.
I think the question from martin answered my question. I had to really strip off the old stain sealer and had to sand the deck too ( from power washing to get the stuff off) looked great after cleaning deck only 4 years old (old stuff will not name the “B” stuff it promised long lasting but failed after 2 or so years. I had to use the aggressive stripper 2 coats and power washer aggressively and cleaner brightener). I placed 2 coats using a stain pad as per direction but i think i was too lean and worried about applying too much (done that before). Looks great now but not seeing much beading up. I used about 2 gal on a 10x 20 area 2 coats. When can I apply another coat?
You cannot apply another coat at this point. It will not soak in. As for beading, the RAD stain is breathable and is not designed to bead water but shed water.
So how long must I wait and should I use a cleaner first
Next year. Lightly clean first.
One more thing then how can I tell if I did a great job or a bad job. Getting the right amount on
When I was applying the second coat on my deck I started leaving footprints on the first coat. Can I stain over the footprints without striping the deck and starting over again? Yes, I followed all the directions for the 3-step process. I stained my dock a month ago and it looks great. Where did I go wrong?
When doing the wet on wet application, you can walk on the stain while wet but you have to immediately back wipe with your second coat, smoothing out any footprints. Staining over it now will not remove the footprints. Try a light coat next Summer.
I have small 8×10 porch area with steps to door. Old mahogany, which has just been power washed. No grey wood appearance anywhere. Can I skip cleaner and use brightener and then stain. I have both left from treating and staining my deck and if i can skip the cleaner it would speed the job up.
If clean and free if any previous coatings, you should be okay to stain.
Should I do one coat or wet on wet application.
Just one coat for the Mahogany wood.
Just curious. Why one coat for mahogany and not wet on wet application?
Mahogany is considered a dense hardwood. Two coats will not penetrate well into the wood because of this.
Hi there I know it’s late in the season to be staining but I must do it I’m hoping we get some warmer weather this fall in Ontario Canada but do you have any tips or is there any issues for staining in cooler weather
Just make sure the temps are about 50 f and is does not drop below freezing at night.
RAD Team – I have about a 950-sf pt deck that’s 5 yrs old. First time used TWP, next two times used Ready Seal pecan. Been staining every year past couple of years, and plan on staining again this year (in Oct). Was hoping I could get away with staining every 2-3 yrs, but no luck so far. Anyhow, saw the great ratings and reviews for your products, so I want to try your RAD products. Especially like the idea of doing everything in 1-2 days (vs. a couple of weekends). Based on size of our deck, I “think” I need to get 2 ea containers of the RAD stripper, 2 ea containers of RAD brightener, and maybe even 2 ea of the 5-gal containers of RAD light walnut stain. Do those amounts sound right?? Then I plan to spray down with stripper, then power wash. Then spray with brightener. Do I put the brightener on while still wet? And do I simply rinse off the brightener with a hose after it’s sat on the deck for a while? Lastly, it sounds like your most recent RAD stain formula will allow me to begin staining the deck even before it dries, is that right? Or do you recommend letting it dry first? Sorry for all the questions. Sorta frustrated with all the deck work I’ve had to do these past 5 years, and there’s so much literature out there on do’s and don’ts of staining a wooden deck, my head hurts after a while. Appreciate all your time and assistance. Once I get these questions squared away, I plan to place my order for the applicable amount of RAD products. Thanks!! -Al
Hello,
Yes, the amounts sound correct. Best to get our combo kits so you can save a few dollars as well.
1. Apply stripper and pressure wash off. Rinse well.
2. Apply Brightener while wood is wet. Let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse for 10 minutes when done until all soap residue is gone. Make sure to rinse well.
3. Stain with RAD Stain to damp deck (2-4 hours after prep) or dry deck. Wood can be damp to touch but not visibly soaking wet.
RAD – thank you very much for the prompt response and steps’ breakdown!
RAD – 3 more questions please. And I attached 2 photos for reference.
1) I plan to apply 1 coat of stain. Will that suffice? And if I need to do 2 coats (but hopefully I don’t), do I need to increase the amounts of products I’m ordering (per original post)?
2) As you can see in the photo, there is algae on the composite boards which trim the deck. Can I use the stripper on the composite boards to remove the algae when I’m stripping the wooden boards?
3) There are a lot of spindles. A lot! Guessing I need to strip and brighten each one of them, correct? 🙁
Thank you,
Al
1. 2 light coats applied wet on wet is what is best and the amount you have is enough for both. Only need to do this to the horizontals. No need for the two coats on the verticals.
2. Yes, it should remove this.
3. Yes.
RAD – sorry for more q’s, but thanks for your help. Okay, so I’m sure I’ll need to use a small paint brush for staining the spindles, right? Or do you have any other suggestions? And for the horizontal deck boards and steps, we’ve used a paint brush roller in the past, along with a paint brush to get in between the boards. I see you have a RAD staining brush and a Padco Deck and Stain Pad (7″ & 10″). And you also have a Speed Mop Kit. Suggestions for the easiest, most effective method? Or should I just stick with a small paint brush for the spindles and paint brush roller for the deck boards & steps? I’m trying to make an unpleasant task a little more bearable. Thanks! -Al
Use the RAD stain brush for floor and a stain pad for the verticals.
More pictures
Have a 20yr old PT deck,980 sq.ft, Northeast Ohio, direct sun 8am until 4:30pm,originally had Behr semi transparent stain tinted gray, changed to Behr solid stain tinted gray in hope that it would last longer. Semi transparent stain had to be re-stained every spring after pressure washing the winter grim. Solid stain looked good after 1st year but various family members started applying the stain heavy and closed up the gaps between boards, stain started lifting, did not adhere due to heavy applications. This year we have stripped with pressure washer and Zep deck cleaner, hand scraped areas that didn’t come off with PW. Renting a drum sander, will sand deck boards against the grain and final with the grain, to get the remaining tough spots and replacing rotted boards. Old screws are rusting and heads snapping off, re-screwing with new deck screws. How long before new PT boards can be stained? What can I use to plug old screw holes? Exterior wood filler? Would the dark walnut hide rust stains? Does chorinated pool water affect the stain?
-See here about the new boards: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
-You cannot use wood filler on a deck. It will not work (cracks after a Winter) and it will not “stain” to blend with a semi-transparent stain. It will look like small white spots all over the deck.
-A semi-transparent stain will not hide the black rust stains. The brightener should help to remove some or most of the rust stains.
-Chlorine can damage any deck stain.
I have removed “BEHR restore”, replaced some bad cedar boards and then sanded my deck. There is a little gray on some boards. Can I move forward with cleaner, brightener and stain or should I wait ?? months to start the finish process? Thank you.
Wait a month and then clean, brighten, and stain.
If I use RAD stain, do I need a sealer.
No need. Just an FYI, you cannot add a sealer over a deck stain. Will not work.
That’s great news. Thanks for your help.
I am needing to take up an old semi solid stain. Is it alright to use another brand of stripper (already purchased) and then RAD brightener, and stain afterwards? Also, if I need to sand, would I need to do that before the stripper, or if after the stripper how long would I have to wait until I can sand(do you sand after its completely dry)?
Yes that is fine. Sand after the stripper but before the brightener. Has to be fully dry when you sand.
I followed the 1 day restore process yesterday. After the second coat of stain was applied, it dried in direct sunlight at about 90 degrees. Then we had on and off rain through the night, sometimes heavy. Rain predicted on and off though today. Water seems to be beading up….what do I do now?
No need to do anything. It will be fine.
I have decks which has been stained by previous owner sometime in last 4 years. The stain was applied in an unprofessional manner and only 50% area shows some stain on wood.
What should I use cleaner or stripper?
i want to stain my decks with RAD
You will need to strip and sand to remove fully. Brightener after. The reason you will need to sand is the stripping will not remove the previous coating fully. It is a solid or semi-solid coating that will not fully come off with a stain stripper.
How long does the deck need to cure before we can move furniture etc. onto it? Thanks.
48 Hours.
Here you state you can clean, brighten and stain in one day yet, the Brightener package says to wait 48 hours before applying the stain. Please clarify.
That is with other brands of deck stain. If using the RAD Wood Stain, you can do the same day as stated on the Restore A Deck Wood Stain Label.
I plan to use RAD products on a shed with T1-11 rough siding. What is the best way to apply the stain?
A stain pad or brush.
ive used rad and the brightner yesterday, followed all instructions, today when examining the boards some of which a bleach-like white stain on them. 90% of the wood looks great ,10 however look bleached. i used pressure washer to clean off and also ran hose setting lightly after to remove any loose mildew. is this okay to stain? should i re-wash it?
Picture please.
Picture oh white boards
That looks like oxidation of the wood cells that were not fully removed during the washing. Did you use a pressure washer? If the white does not show when wet with water then it should not show when you stain the wood.
Yes used pressure washer. Didn’t appear white when wet.
You should be good to stain then.
What is the coverage area per gallon?
Hello,
Ths varies based on which Step you are inquiring about?
The stain . Thanks
About 150-200 Sq feet per gallon for one coat.
Where can I buy restore-a-deck products
Directly from our website.
Which is better: Spraying, brushing or wiping stain on the deck?
A deck stain pad is best.