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!
2 questions… 2 different decks.
1st question…
I did a clean > brighten > stain July 2018. Deck was admittedly in rough shape going into it (18 years old), but came out looking great. A Wisconsin winter later there are some grey streaks appearing. What is the recommendation for proper re-application?
Per RAD recommendation… in 2019 I proceeded with Lightly wash with the RAD Cleaner. No brightener. Apply one light coat stain to the floors.
After another Winter… same grey streaks.. follow the Same process for re-application? Light Wash with RAD CLEANER and Light coat of stain?
2nd question…
newly built Pressure Treated Pine deck. Finished last October in Wisconsin. Let ‘weather’ through the winter, which I believe is the recommendation. What is the best plan of treatment in this scenario?
1. Correct.
2. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
I want to order 3 gallons of your semitransparent stain. Is the Natural stain essentially clear or does it add color? If it adds color, what hue?
Natural is tinted golden, similar to a wet look.
I have a cedar picket fence that I had previously primed with oil based primer. Can I use the Restore A Deck white solid stain over it?
No. Deck stains (all of them) are not designed to be applied over a primer. No stain will work now.
Sorry, was doing this on my phone and it posted in the wrong area. This should go down below:https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-help-for-your-restoration-project.html?comment_id=7743
Hello, about to order your product. I will be staining my back deck. But my front porch is composite decking. Will this product work on composite as well? I do not know what brand of composite decking is on the front porch. And if it does apply to composite, im assuming follow the same prep procedure? 1 coat or 2? I couldn’t find any info relating to composite decking on the website unless i missed it. Sorry if im asking a question that has been answered numerous times already.
No, our stains cannot be applied to composite decking.
More
I have aluminum spindles on my railing. Will the Restore a deck cleaner or brightened damage the rail of they come in contact?
Typically no but always test first as they are not all made the same.
Let me clarify – I would save 70 by not purchasing the kit with 2 gal of stain and the brightner and cleaner and adding another 2 gal of stain to make the 4 gal needed.
No.
$220 with 5-gallons (2 of the 2.5-gallons) and RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kit
$210 with 4 Gallons and RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kit
I have a 20 x 20 deck no steps or rails. I want to purchase the cleaner and brightner plus 4 gals of dark walnut semi transparent stain. (I believe that is what the calculator revealed i needed) It shows my best value is to purchase the 5 gal container of stain and the cleaner and brightner 300 pkg. I would save 70.00 if my calculations are correct ?? Thank you in advance
I have a 900 sq ft deck that currently has a Behr transparent stain which had a brown additive added to it. Will your stripper work on this? How much stripper, brightener and stain do I need to order for 900 sq feet? I do not know what the underlying wood is.
Behr is not an easy stip as it is a film-forming acrylic similar to paint. It can come off though. Use this stripper: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Kits-Best-Prices.html
with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Apply, let sit for an hour misting with water so it does not dry and then pressure wash off. Brightener after.
thank you – can you also respond to the question regarding how much product I should order? Should I plan on needing to do some sanding in addition to the stripper?
2 RAD Stripper/Brightener Kits
2 of each additive.
You may have to do some sanding when done. Hard to say.
Hello,
I have a 410 sq/ft covered porch that is apx 25 yrs old, and made of pressure treated wood. I want to refinish it with the RAD solid stain, and was wondering how many gallons do you recommend I need for 2 coats? Also how long after applying the brighter can I wait before applying the stain.
Thank you,
Chatch.
For two coats, you will need about 3-4 gallons. You can apply the RAD Stains to damp or dry wood. Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
Follow up question. Can I apply RAD stain to new pressure treated wood, and do you recommend RAD cleaner and brightener before stain?
Thanks again
See this about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Is there specific instructions on doing your approach in a single day? I purchase the cleaner and bightener combo (with the semi-natural stain). I plan to attack this in a single day but want to be sure I do it correctly.
Is it simply do the cleaner, and then once finished move directly to the brightener, and then once finished (and the puddling is gone – i plan to use my leaf blower) apply the stain (2 coats with the wet on wet instructions) and then let dry? Let me know if there are more specific instructions I should be aware of, thanks!
See here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-in-one-day.html
see these as well:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
Thank you, this makes sense. What if I chose to use a TWP stain? Would I have to wait until the wood is dry (the instructions do not mention it) or could I continue the same course but just using that clear stain?
If you use TWP you will need to wait 48 hours after prep for the wood to dry.
Thanks! I really appreciate the quick replies. My last question is if I do not know if a stain was ever applied (purchased home years ago) should I just use the stripper and brightener rather than the cleaner? It doesn’t look stained to me but I am not a professional, haha.
Post a picture.
First photo is after I power washed it a few years ago. Next photos are now with the grey and mildew.
Wierd, things aren’t showing up. Photos below. First photo is a few years ago right after powerwashing (I did not stain) Other photos are from yesterday:
Cleaner and brightener for this.
In 2015 I used Armstrong’s Oil Based Wood stain for Wood decks, fences, and siding (the same stuff you have for sale on your site) on my new cedar deck. Now in 2020, I’m going to re-do the deck. Should I stay with the same stain or can I switch to Restore-a-Deck water based formula? I have a pressure washer. What prep products/steps do you recommend?
Both are great options. If you want to use the AC again, then use the RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kits. If you want to use the RAD Stain, then you will need to use the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kits.
What stores sell your product in Ontario Canada
No stores in Canada but we do ship there.
how long will left-over stain keep and how to store?
12 months if opened, possibly longer. Few years if unopened. Must be store in a temperature-controlled room.
I have used the RAD solid taupe for the deck floor. I am now going to work on the rails. They are in rough shape. Can I use a wood petrifier (see pic) to fill in the gouges and rot and then apply the solid stain over the repair?
If it says it will work outside and is stainable, it should be okay to use the solid stain.
I am restoring a 300 sqft deck about 10 years old and think it is Cedar, previous owners used Pittsburgh ultra advanced stain and sealant 100% acrylic, I have just pressure washed it but am not sure how to go about getting the paint off so I can use your product. Should we use the solid stain and how should we prep for that? or would we able to use the semi-transparent if we got it all off with sanding? Would like to use the Dark walnut or Espresso if we need to do the solid. Thank you!
The only way to remove this fully would be power sanding. It will be easier to use the RAD Solid Stain. Use the RAD Stripper to prep with pressure washing. This will remove the loose solid stain. Use the Brightener after to neutralize.
Do you have any customer images of the solid espresso deck stain? Was looking at a few pictures and was going to go with the oak color. I’m afraid it won’t be dark enough though.
Thanks
We do not but we do have samples for testing: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
I applied samples of all the semi transparent stain colors to a piece of prepared wood (both for a deck and fence) There was virtually no difference in either piece between the Cedar and Light Walnut colors. I prefer more of a brown tint vs red/orange/yellow but just can’t tell which one that would be from these small areas. What is your opinion? I have seen one or two pictures people have posted using these colors but would love to see more… especially on a pine fence. Do you know of any I might access? Also what is the shelf life of unopened containers of the semi transparent stain?
Shelf life is 12 months when opened. You can find pictures in our contests.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-prep-stain-contest-2019.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-help-for-your-restoration-project.html
Thanks for the link.
Shelf life of UNOPENED semi transparent stain please?
A few years as long as it is stored in a temperature-controlled room.
I forgot to add this photo
In your (solid stain) color chart, you show two tones for each color, “full sun” and “shade”. what does that mean? How they look in sun or shade or are they different colors when purchased?
We just purchased our home in November 2019. The floor and railing tops are new wood (approx. 6 months old) PT pine. The rest (underside, railing posts etc. are older wood stained with a solid redwood color. I don’t know the brand etc. I cleaned with Behr deck cleaner and power washed the entire deck. I have removed all loose and peeling old finish but most of the old finish remains. That which remains is in
good shape. After much research I have decided to use “Restore-A-Deck” products.
I know I’ll have to stick with solid over the old solid. I’m not sure if I want semi-solid or solid for the new wood. I read your statement that solid is difficult to remove. In case of future problems, I’m 71 and want to reduce as much future work as possible. What are my next steps as far as preparation and staining? The floor area is about 200 SF. 9 steps, 36″ x 11″.
The deck is in Fredericksburg, VA, on the south side of the house with full sun, no shade.
Thank you
The appearance of any solid stain color will vary based on sunlight reflection. The chart just shows the difference between what it would look like in full sun or in the shade.
It would be easiest to do all in the RAD solid stain.
Thankyou. Should I use your cleaner even though I used Behr. what about brightener?
It looks fairly clean now. You should be okay to stain.
What is your opinion on Spraying vs Brush/Rolling stain?
if you spray you will have to back brush after to ensure it is applied evenly.
This is what it looks like after we sanded the handrail.
We have a deck that is approximately 10 Yrs old. I don’t believe it was ever stained before. We recently had a contractor stain it and I do not believe it was properly prepped prior to the staining. We chose Cabot Gold Mahogany Moonlight and would like to use that unless RAD has a stain similar in color? It typically requires two coats but he only put one on. I personally think it looks horrible. Not the color but the overall look and appearance of the wood and the application. We have decided to take off what was done and start over on our own.
1) What steps do you recommend as far as sanding, stripping, cleaning, brightening? Do we need to sand at all? We did sand off what was applied on the handrails and we could not get it all out as we couldn’t sand out all the ripples and it looks as if a buildup was stained over as well? We believe all the soft wood has been washed away?
2) What product/amount do you recommend we purchase? Deck, handrails and stairs are approximately 700 sq ft.
3) There is green mold in some spots but mostly on the ends of the boards. What would you recommend we do to get rid of it?
Thank you in advance for your help.
;Dawn
You will have to strip this. Use the RAD Stripper Kits with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Brightener after. You may also need to sand as well to get it all off we done with the stripping as it is very hard to remove a newly applied stain. The prep should remove the green mold.
BTW, it is not possible to get that look of Mahogany or Exotic hardwood when you have a pressure treated deck. it will never stain that rich or look that smooth.
How much stripper and brightener will we need to purchase for 700 sq ft?
Probably 2 strippers and one brightener.
We have a deck constructed with cedar hand rails and posts and composite decking for the floor. We are needing to clean and seal the cedar. Will the Restore-a-deck cleaner or the brightener harm the composite deck boards? Thanks!
No they will not.
We recently purchased a cottage with a deck that looks to us like it has never been stained. It needs some work but we are trying to figure out the best way to restore the deck. The surface is a little rough, so I am planning on sanding. Is a floor sander the best way to do the decking, and a palm sander the best way to do the railing? What grit of sandpaper should I use? I presume that I should do the sanding before using your cleaner and brightener. I have a pressure washer but will I be more effective brushing than using the power washer? How would you recommend handling the underside of the deck? I can get at it, but it is pretty tight under there.
It looks to me like sanding will probably be a whole day project with all of the railings, and then the washing and brightening should go pretty quickly. The weather is still pretty cool here, and it may be a few weeks before temps are consistently above 45 degrees. If I use one of your semi transparent stains, does it matter how long I wait to apply it? Can I perform the cleaning and brightening process now and then wait until its warmer to stain, or am I better off doing all of the cleaning, brightening, and staining all at once?
Thanks so much in advance for all of your help.
Sanding is not needed and actually hinders a stain’s ability to soak in. Best to just clean and brighten for the prep, You can lightly hand or pole sand when done to remove splinters but no need to power sanding. Use 80 grit paper.
No need to stain the underside of a deck. Stain within 2 weeks of the prep is best.
Thanks for the quick reply! It was indeed splinters we were worried about. It is a little rougher than it looks in the picture. So it is better to spot sand those than to do the whole deck? And that should be done after cleaning and not before? So I take it we should wait until within about 2 weeks of better temps to start the prep work? Thanks again!
Yes, lightly hand sand to remove splinters is much better than power sanding. Do after the prep. Temps above 55-60 is best.
Thank you!
We have a new construction barn, shiplap pine siding. Barn was completed in mid-November and is 52 x 48 feet. We ordered stain samples and selected coastal gray solid stain with white solid stain for the trim. We have a pressure washer. We are looking for advice regarding wood prep and application tools. As you can see from the photos, the lower portion of the siding has mud splatter from the rain (no gutters installed yet) so obviously we will need to use cleaner and brightener for this portion. But is it necessary to clean and brighten the entire barn? I’m assuming that using a pressure washer with both of these products is the way to go because it is a large structure. Will that be enough for the mud stained areas or will we also need a different application tool like a scrub brush? Can you also recommend what are the best application products for the solid stain? Just regular paint brushes and rollers? I noticed that many of the application products you sell say they only work with semi-solid stains, not solid. Thank you very much for any advice you can provide.
Yes, you need to prep all to ensure proper adhesion for the stain. It should be relatively easy as most is clean. Just do a light wash and rinse down with the cleaner and the brightener on the areas that are not dirty. A pressure washer is all you need with the prep kits. Roller and brushes to apply the solid stain.
I have a 2 level deck with railings and 3 steps. The deck is cedar and 20 years old and has never been treated other than water proofing. The cedar is now worn and very grey. What would RESTORE-A-DECK recommend? Do you ship to Canada and what would be the cost? Many thanks, Steve
Use the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kits for prep. Stain with the RAD Semi-Transparent stain. Yes, we ship to Canada. For the cost, you would need to add all products to cart then update the cart with your shipping info to see the total charges.
Hi, I have a 600 sq foot mahogany deck, covered by a farmer’s porch roof, that was coated probably 6 or more years ago with Behr solid color weather proofing stain in russet. It is a 100% solid color, not semi transparent (unfortunately). The high traffic areas show wear, and the steps and outer edges of the boards where the sun hits them are peeling. I plan to scrape/sand the peeling areas and then use RAD solid color stain to recoat the entire deck.
I have four questions: 1) will two coats of desert taupe (which I am leaning towards) cover the darker russet color, or should I go with brown oak instead; also, the house is medium yellow. 2) Besides washing with soapy water, do I need to use any other RAD product to clean and prepare the entire deck or perhaps the sanded areas? 3) I may end up replacing boards on the steps. What would I need to do to prepare the brand new mahogany boards? 4) How many gallons of stain (and any other product you recommend for prep) should I purchase since 2 coats are needed.
Thank you for your help!
It should cover with two coats. Brown Oak would cover better though. Pressure wash for prep with a cleaner to remove any dirt and loose stain. Sand after any loose solid stain. About 5-7 gallons of the solid stain.
See here about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Sorry but I think there is a word or something missing here :
Sand after andy loose solid stain
Sand after any loose solid stain
I am looking to decide what stain to buy for our porches. Our main focus is on our front porch that is mostly shaded and develops green slime on it. We have lived here for 4 years and haven’t stained it yet! The wood is old and probably pine wood. It is definitely not in good shape. We are planning to clean it up using restore a deck and a pressure washer and then put a solid or semi solid stain on it. We live on the Eastern Shore of MD. I want to know which brand to choose between the three on this website. Restore A Deck, TWP, or Armstrong Clark? Thanks for your recommendation.
Look at using the RAD Solid Stain for this porch: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
I have a pressure treated deck under a gazebo. I let the wood age for 8 months. I then treated with RAD cleaner and brightener and applied one coat of Armstrong semi-transparent stain. The deck is in excellent condition. Two years have passed. I want to apply another coat of stain. Should I use just the cleaner or also the brightener. Your products worked great BTW
Yes. Use the Cleaner and the Brightener for prep. Thanks!
Thanks
How long does it take to get product shipped to Michigan?
We are in Michigan and normally it would take 1-2 business days to arrive. During the current issues at hand, we are delayed an extra day or two with shipping.
I ordered and received the 5 color samples of your semi-transparent stain. I am going to do a test board to see how they look on the actual material (PT) I plan on staining; (a deck). I have staining cloth, terry cloth staining pads, and staining pad sponges w/terry cloth covers. Can I use any of these items or one in particular to apply the stain? Or none at all? I will not use this method to do the deck. I will use a brush. Will there be a marked difference between using a staining pad or cloth instead of the brush? I do not want to apply stain and clean a brush 5 times to apply the samples. I would like to avoid this if possible.
Is this test board new? Has it been weathered and prepped like the deck wood? If not then this will be your biggest issue of getting a true representation of the color that will be on your deck. Paint supply stores sell “chip” brushes for less than a dollar each. Use those for applying the tests.
The PT test board has been stored inside for a few years. It is a 2 X 4, not the 5/4 that is on the deck. So technically it is not truly weathered. I sanded it to lightly to eliminate surface material. A close match but not the exactly the same so I guess I will have to take that into consideration. I guess I will be getting a general look at what the stain will look like on PT realizing it could change slightly on the weathered deck surface. I installed the deck last August and have not cleaned or prepped it yet. Will or could the samples appear drastically different based on what I have just described? Thanks for the suggestion on the way to apply the stain.
A weathered and properly prepped deck will be more porous than your test boards so the color will be slightly darker or richer on the deck.
We have a bit of a mess and are looking for recommendations on how to proceed. We bought a house 16 months ago. The deck in front (346 sq ft) was in OK shape, but the steps had to be completely replaced. The back deck (approx. 720 sq ft) also had to be completely replaced. That work was done right before we purchased the house. We believe they used pine, but do not know whether it was treated or not. We waited 5-6 months to stain the new wood, and did nothing with the original deck in front. All staining was done in late summer / early fall of 2019. The rail posts are metal and do not need staining. So now we have 3 situations:
1. The original front deck, age unknown, but the house was built in 2003. No idea what stain was used on it, but it is now peeling completely off. Because of the opacity of it, we guessed that it was a solid stain. Color: Dark brown
2. The new steps in the front. New pine (we think), seasoned for 5-6 months. We were trying to match the existing deck, so we used Valspar 1-Coat Solid Exterior Stain and Sealer. It looked nice to start, but is already peeling. Color: Dark brown
3. The back deck. New pine (we think), seasoned for 5-6 months. We sanded and cleaned the wood prior to staining. We used Valspar 1-Coat Semi-Transparent Exterior Stain and Sealer on it. It looked terrible and blotchy from the day we first put it on (although the railings look OK). In a few spots, long lines of what looks (and feels) like sap emerged from the wood within the first month. The appearance has only gotten worse in the last 6 months. Color: Cedar
We know we pretty much need to start over, but are not sure how. Especially in the front, since it was done with solid stain. What are your recommendations? Thank you!
Riggan
Hello,
You cannot strip off the solid stains and the back semi-transparent looks very think and will most likely not strip off as well. So your choices are to power sand all deck down tot eh bare wood which will be incredibly hard or go with a solid stain to cover all. If you do the latter you should strip and pressure wash off as much as possible on all three decks to remove the loose stain and any dirt.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Stain-Stripper.html
Let dry and then spot sand any remaining peeling areas. You can leave the stain that is intact and not peeling/failing.
Once done, use the Restore A Deck Solid Stain to cover all.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
I have a PT wood deck with 2-3 coating of Cabot solid stain. Deck is 10 years old. I plan to use RAD stripper, brightener and stain. Can I use semi transparent stain or do I need to stay with solid color stain? Rails and spindles are also solid stain and I don’t want to strip them. Can I use RAD solid white stain over top of existing stain without stripping? I like the 2 tone look
The deck stain stripper will not remove a solid stain fully so you can use the semi-transparent stain but it will prep correctly for applying the RAD Solid Stain. It would be best to prep all this way. You can then do a two-toned look with the white and any of the other solid stain colors.
ready to order stripper, booster additive, thickening gel, brightener and solid stain. Do I pressure wash prior to stripping then pressure wash again? If sanding is needed, do I sand before or after brightener? Anything else needed?
No need to pressure wash first. Only sand if needed. You can do that after the prep if suing the solid stain.
If RAD was left unopened but froze over winter is it still usable? Thanks!
The stain? No, that would ruin it if it froze.
can I get the Expresso stain in 5 gal buckets?
Sorry but no, the RAD Solid Stain only comes in 1-gallon size.
How do you apply the Semi Transparent Wood Stain? Brush? Spray? Pad? Nothing on the site gives that assistance.
Hello,
There are numerous articles and pdfs on our website about how to apply. See these links:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-in-one-day.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/pdf/Restore-A-Deck-wood-stain-data-sheet.pdf
Thank you. Was having a tough time finding specific tools for application. How about using a “car wash brush”? Maybe help force product into pores?
We have a floor brush that is very similar but designed for applying the RAD Stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-staining-brush/flypage.tpl.html
I’m building a fence using new construction-grade kiln-dried redwood (a mix of sapwood & heart, I think), faced with horizontal planks 3/4″ thick by 4″ high with 1/2″ space between the planks. The fence will be faced ‘double-sided’ so that the back side of the planks on each side of the fence will hardly see any sunlight.
1) Should I stain the planks on all sides?
2) I’m not fond of the colors you offer. I would probably prefer to add a light reddish (maroon) tint to the semi-transparent stain. What tint product/brand do you suggest that would not alter the beneficial qualities of your product? Do you sell your semi-transparent product with a neutral base so that I can control the color I get when adding a tint? Thanks. – Kerrie
1. Yes.
2. Sorry, but it is not possible to tint the RAD Wood stains. You can mix colors though. For example, mixing Natural and Light Walnut would give a lighter reddish tint. You can test with samples if you like: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
I was thinking it looked thin to be Deckover but I’ve never used it before so wasn’t sure.
Sq ft 1100, type of wood pressure treated southern pine, age of wood > 5 years, previous stain – Behr Deckover Acrylic, last stained – > 3 years, wood type to be stained – deck. Will any of your products strip the Behr Deckover? Also can I use the RAD solid stain over the Behr Deckover?
No, it is not possible to strip Behr Deckover. The only way to remove and fix is to power sand it fully off. No stain can be applied over the Behr Deckover. It will fail if you do. Unfortunately, you have no choice but to sand it all off or replace the wood if you used Behe Deckover.
Question, the pictures do not look like Behr Deckover but Behr Solid Stain. Are you sure you used the Deckover version?
I was told it was Deckover however it’s possible it’s just stain. What are my options if it’s just solid stain?
Can you show a couple of close-ups? Deckover has some grit to it while a solid stain does not. It also peels in layers. See pic.
If just a solid stain, pressure wash off the loose solid stain and apply the RAD Solid Stain over it. This is much easier. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
I have an 1100 sq ft deck, can I Clean, Brighten and Stain in sections? I could split it up and do sections when the time is available? Or will the stain not match?
You will have to prep all at once and stain all at once to ensure it looks even when done.
How many days at the most should i stain after prepping?
Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
Thanks for all your help!
Hello. I would greatly appreciate your professional advice here. I have included the details requested on your website. The floor of our Deck is approximately 375 square feet and has handrails covering about 90% of it as you can see in the attached photos. The decking material is pressure treated lumber that’s approximately 15-18 years old. The deck has never been stained or sealed that we are aware of. We just moved in in February and want to do the best we can with what remains with the hopes of extending the life of the deck. The first question, is what sort of stain to use. We assume for best results we should probably go with a solid stain. That said, if given the condition of the deck semi-transparent would do a great job, that would be ideal. What would you recommend based upon the information and the included photos? Secondly, how much stain do we need? I’d rather order more and have an extra gallon versus getting into the project not having enough. Lastly, do you sell a combo kit that includes the cleaner, brightener, and the solid stain? Thank you so much for any insight you can provide. It is greatly appreciated.
You would best with the RAD Semi-Transparent Stain and the Cleaner and Brightener combo kit for this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-combo-kits.html
One kit and the 5-gallon stain will work for this.
A year ago I stained my pressure treated wood deck with TWP 200, and it is in great shape, just very dirty after the winter/snow. Can I safely use this cleaner? or will it remove/damage the stain?
The RAD Cleaner should only be used for when you are planning on applying a new coat of stain. Deck cleaners should not be used to try and only remove dirt.
It’s been 6 months since deck railing was completed. I’ve purchased the RAD cleaner and brightener. How careful do I have to be about not getting it on the glass inserts? Is it ok to let it run over the glass or should I cover up the glass with plastic before application of both the cleaner and brightener?
It does not harm glass but make sure to rinse well when done cleaning so the dirt and suds do not dry on the glass.
We are staining our deck and fence this spring.
Deck is pressure treated pine-950 sq ft, aged 3 years, never stained/sealed.
Fence is cedar, will be aged 1 year by the time we stain, never stained/sealed.
1. How much stain will we need? Planning to use “cedar” color semi transparent for all of it.
2. Will the deck and/or fence need one or two coats initially?
3. Best application method for the cedar? Worried with how fuzzy it is, application seems less fool-proof than on the smooth pine.
we have access to pressure washer for prep, or could use brush method.
1. What is the total sq footage with the deck and both sides of the fence?
2. Two coats applied wet on wet.
3. Stain pad or brush.
Use the RAD Deck Cleaner and Wood Brightener for prep while pressure washing.
Oops, sorry, thought I’d included that in my comment. 950 sq ft is total for deck, 3125 for fence. So 4075 total sq feet.
You would need about 35-40 gallons of stain for two coats applied wet on wet.
I have used your cleaner, but as of yet not your stain. I just installed a new pressure treated deck last August 2019. I have been letting it weather over the winter. I want to seal/stain this spring. Will your natural stain retain the natural pine look of the deck material? Or do I need to use a clear sealer? Thanks for the help.
The Natural is tinted so yes it will enhance the grain of the wood and offer UV protection. A clear sealer will not offer UV protection.
i am trying to estimate the amount i need to order for my deck this spring, cedar wood was installed in July 2019, I plan on staining in May so I think i need two coats. My question is will the left over stain still be good for the next year if I need to put on another coat. (basically my question is does it store ok), purchasing the two 2.5 gallon is a cost saying and i may need it but think i will have left overs or should i just get four one gallons instead. Live in Illinois
The shelf life is roughly one year with an opened container and it must be stored in a temperature controlled room.
I have a redwood deck (live near Sacramento, CA) that I am about to use your stripper and brightener. Assuming it works well, I want to keep as much natural redwood color as possible. Do you recommend a product, semi-transparent water based? Thank you.
Use the Restore A Deck Stain in one of the semi-transparent colors.
How long does it take to receive stain if shipped to Birmingham, Al.
About 2-3 business days.