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!
Just finished stripping the deck, however some stain stayed behind. I am unaware what was used I just bought this place. My question, since I need to sand the rest should I wait to use the brightener until after I sand. It’s soaking wet so I will have to wait until it dries.
Yes, the brightener is last.
I have 2 decks that I want to restore. 1st deck the calculator says is 465 sq ft. pressure treated pine, built in 2008 stained once with Flood cwf-uv probably 8-9 years ago. The only place any stain remains is some on railings and under the deck storage box. Both decks have some moss and mold on them. I do have a pressure washer.
The other deck was built in 2011 and has never been treated. it is 398 sq ft on the deck calculator also pressure treated pine.
What I would like for the finish to look like is the two-toned deck as described on your web site.
I don’t see how to figure out how much white versus how much for the semi transparent. Also I’m not sure about the stripper vs cleaner on the older deck. How many coats for each stain for each deck would also help. Thanks
Strip and brighten for prep. Probably 5-6 gallons for the floors and 2-4 gallons for the rails. Hard to say.
I finished the first deck! I was so impressed with how good the deck looked after stripping and brightening! It really looked new again! After finishing that deck, I’m not sure if I am ready to tackle the other one! It was a lot of work for an old lady! 🙂 The other deck is on the second level so it will take climbing a ladder to reach the outside or possibly using a long handle on a roller? So I’m thinking maybe instead of recreating the same I might just spray the semi-transparent on the whole thing. If I do that can I next year or the year after easily use the white over the semi-tranparent without stripping it? The other question is the second deck has never been treated do I use the cleaner/brightener rather than the stripper? And since its several years old do I do 1 or 2 coats of the semi-transparent stain? I also have a couple of boards on the first deck that were under flower pots that need to be replaced. I already purchased the boards they are weathering right now and was planning on replacing them this fall. Can the new boards be cleaned and stained before I install them?
You will have to prep the rails again if you switch to a solid stain later on. Use a cleaner and brightener for the second deck. 2 Coats wet on wet. You cannot stain new wood right away or prior to installing: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
I have a 300 sq ft treated pine deck 2 years old. It has a poorly applied coat of Behr transparent sealer.
I plan to sand the railing and some random areas of slight damage due to pressure washing.
1. Do I need to sand the whole deck, or will stripping with RAD work?
2. Do you recommend wet on wet application, or will applying to dry wood work as well?
3. Will a work plan that includes pressure washing, stripping, brightening, and 2 coats of natural stain be adequate?
4. I plan to order your $235.00 kit. Will that be adequate for coverage?
Thank you
JDF
1. Post a picture.
2. You can apply damp or dry wood. Wet on wet refers to two coats and how to apply, not damp wood.
3. Yes, but it depends on current condition and if it can be stripped or not.
4. Yes.
Thanks very much for your quick reply. There is little difference in the appearance of some unstained and stained areas. I will sand where necessary and use your kit.
Thanks,
JDF
I have a pressure treated deck that is 9 monts old untreated. I gave it a light sanding with 80 grit paper. I am going to use RAD semi transparent stain. Also hve cleaner & brightiner. How soon can i stain. Thanks
Wait about a month. Clean and brighten the wood and then stain with 1 Coat
Some RAD answers say – if sanding wait 1-2 months and at other times it says clean and brighten before stain. Sanded our deck with 80 sandpaper and want to do it right.
This really does vary based on how fine you sand the wood. If unsure, then wait a month or so and then clean and brighten for final prep.
What is the shelf life of your semitransparent stain? Can it be thinned?
12 months if opened. 2-3 years if unopened. It cannot freeze. It cannot be thinned.
I live in Minnesota and have a cedar deck that is about 7 years old. My original hope was to only have to clean/re-stain my deck every 2-3 years. I’ve only used semi-transparent stains on it during this time, but no matter what brand I try, it looks horrible after the winter and needs to be re-stained. I’m very hopeful your RAD product will be the answer I’ve been looking for. I’ve used a pressure washer on my deck over the years, and as many other people on here have experienced, I have wood “fuzzies”. I was planning on sanding to get rid of those so the deck looks nicer with the stain. I bought the cleaner/brightner set with a cedar semi-transparent stain to go on after. How would you suggest I go about the sanding/cleaning/brightning/staining process so I get the best possible outcome (i.e. what grit sandpaper should I use, should the cleaner be applied to a dry or wet deck, how many coats should I put on since I’m sanding, what’s the best method for applying the stain, etc.). Also, I know living in the midwest and having snow on my deck for roughly 5 months out of the year takes a big toll on the stain. Would you suggest I lay a tarp over the deck before it snows this winter to keep as much snow off as possible and help the longevity of the stain?
Sand off the current stain first using 60-80 grit paper. Clean and brighten the wood after. Only one coat of the stain. Use a stain pad or brush for applying. You could try and tarp the deck for Winter.
The rest of the answers will be in the directions on the containers.
I would check with some folks who have tried the tarp method before doing it. I know that placing a standard tarp or plastic tarp on an automobile will damage the paint and if there is any type of crack, chip or ding that the paint will actually pop off. Good luck and let me know if I am wrong about this
A tarp would not make a penetrating stain like the RAD crack or chip and pop off.
Good Morning.
I unfortunately had to replace some of my deck boards. which I need to clean and stain.
My concern is that the staining process for these few boards will result in a the stain for these few boards not matching the existing stain applied 2 years ago. For this case should I just clean the entire deck or use the stripper and brightener in order to get the uniform look?
You will not be able to match new wood to old wood no matter what. The new wood will be less absorbent and will result in a lighter color. The next time you redo in a couple of years, it will blend.
I forgot to mentionThat the replacement wood was installed a year ago and is kilned dryed after treatment. In this case is it baset to strip the s=whole deck of just use the cleaner ad brghtner.
Thanks
Joe
If you still have a stain on the older boards then you have to strip.
thank you
My new pine deck was just cleaned/brightened/stained with semi transparent Light walnut by a painter and there are two concerns. Stain was applied with a paint brush. The color is a bit irregular and there are a few grey patches. Any thoughts as to the cause. How do I remedy? Thank you.
How new was this wood? How many coats? Post a picture or two.
New premium pine has weathered for 8 months. One coat. Cleaner/Brighter were both RAD product.
The gray is either part of the grain or oxidation that the painter did not clean off fully. The blotchiness is due to uneven application by the painter. He did not apply evenly and has thick spots and overlaps. You cannot add more now to even out. You can wait until late Fall or next Spring to apply another coat.
What month in late fall would be the earliest date to apply another coat?
September or October. You will have to prep first.
By “prep”, I assume you mean that I should apply cleaner and power wash. Correct? I can see how that could cure the “blotchiness”, but Won’t the grey spots remain grey even then?
To remove the gray you would have to strip and then brighten.
I will apply a Second coat in the fall and I want to be clear on the steps that I need to take in order to “prep” for the second coat. I do not plan a redo, ie, strip and brighten.
Correct.
I have a western red cedar cabin, the siding and decking was originally sprayed on the boards at the factory in 2005. I applied a competitor of yours solid stain to the deck in 2010 and it began rotting within a couple of years.. Do you recommend your solid stain for the deck? Can I apply the solid color to the siding or will I be better off using the semi-transparent on the siding? Or, do you not recommend your products for siding at all. I am gun shy applying a solid color to the siding due to the problem I had with the rotting of the red cedar deck boards(I assume it may have trapped moisture….or am I misunderstanding as to why the deck boards rotted)
Use the semi-trans for the siding. You can use the Solid for the deck if you already have that on there.
Are you accepting orders?
We are.
I have a swing set that I’m wanting to apply solid stain too (looking at your brown oak) I believe the wood is pine and the current coating appears to be some sort of solid paint/stain that is chipping off. I used a wood cleaner/brightener and the attached pictures are about 2 hours afterward. Prep was not done with a power washer, only a hose on strongest setting.
Questions:
1) can I paint over what remains with a solid stain, or should I wire brush/strip this to get as much of the old chipping paint/stain off as possible?
2) how many coats should I apply?
You can paint over any stain that is not peeling. Two coats of the RAD Solid Stain.
Our deck is 25×15 plus deck railing and spindles on 3 sides. Want to use a solid stain and would like to know how many gallons we need for 2 coats. Also, we used a deck cleaner to remove moss and dirt. Do we need to use the RAD whitener before we stain as well?
For the amount needed, please send us a total sq footage that includes, floors, ratings, steps, etc added up. Your prep is okay. It really should be cleaned and brightener better as you still have a lot of gray, etc.
I should add that the cleaning was NOT done with a power washer, just a hose on the strongest setting.
I used RAD stain last spring after stripping, sanding, and cleaning with a different brand. The are bands of graying throughout several areas. I recently ordered your cleaner/brightener and stain package to correct it this year. Do I apply all according to instructions since the RAD stain was just applied a year ago?
Yes.
10×12 deck, I believe the deck boards and rails are pine, vertical posts to roof may be cedar. Currently has the remnants of semi-transparent stain from previous owner, estimating applied at least 4-5 years ago. Photos are 2 hours after using a cleaner/brightener combo from local store.
Questions:
1) can I use a solid stain (looking at dark oak) to cover what is left here, or do I need to strip/sand?
2) I did some light test sanding in the the back left corner of the deck with fine grit (my mistake), will sanding impact the application of solid stain? After reading about sanding I plan to not sand anymore if possible.
3) I will be replacing the steps deck boards with new boards that have aged in a garage for about 6 months. Is this aging sufficient to be able to stain them with a solid stain, or do they need to age outdoors first?
4) how many gallons of solid stain to do this deck including the vertical posts?
5) If I buy extra solid stain just to have it on hand for touch ups, how long will both opened and unopened stain last?
1. Prep looks okay for the solid stain.
2. You should be okay.
3. New wood needs to season outside for 3 months and then cleaned and brightened for prep.
4. 2-3 Gallons.
5. 12 months shelf life if opened. Longer if not.
Thanks so much!. A couple follow-ups:
1) How many coats of solid stain should I do?
2) Do I need to intermix the gallons before using them for color consistency sake, or are they all close enough to not need to do that?
1. 2 Coats.
2. They do not have to be intermixed.
I have been waiting for the right window of weather to get my deck stained. Is a 45 degree overnight temp too cold for the stain? There are also a lot of rain showers in the forecast. I assume that I can do the cleaning and brightening around some rain showers. What about the stain? How soon after staining are rain showers acceptable? Thanks for the help.
45 at night is okay as long as the stain has 4-6 hours of drying. Same with rain. About 6 hours.
I refinished my deck last year with RAD (stripped, sanded, cleaned, brightened then stained) and it looked incredible. Over winter some chipping has happened and I’m not sure why. Can you help me troubleshoot? I’d like to reapply stain but not sure what steps to take first as I thought I did everything correctly the first time. Thanks
It was over-applied in those areas and did not fully soak into the wood. Maybe because you sanded. Sanding reduces the stain’s ability to soak in therefore only one coat is suggested. Easiest thing to do is touch up those posts this year and then do a full refinish next year.
How can we restore our deck? It spreads over 800 sq. ft. It was built in 2013 with treated lumber and we stained it in the summer of 2015. We gave it a second coat of stain in the summer of 2018. The stain we used was oil-based, see attached photo. We live in southern Québec, Canada. We hope to benefit soon from your expertise and products. Could you also advise us with respect to shipping delays or is there a supplier in our area (postal code J8Y 6C7).
Francine and Gilles
You will need a solid stain to cover this. Pressure wash for prep with the RAD stripper kits. Solid stans are here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
We do not have dealers there. Shipping would be about a week.
I would prefer a semi transparent, will your product enable me to do so and what would be the steps?
You will not be able to fully strip the coating that you have on the wood. You may be able to strip most but you will have to do some sanding to remove all. Brightener after.
I’m not sure whether to use the cleaner or stripper for my deck…it’s pretty old and has signs of some old stain but is also very dirty. Any tips/suggestions?
We would need to see pictures.
Here are some pictures, let me know if you need anything else. Thanks!
Use the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kits for this.
When using the RAD solid stain, how long does is need to be dry for (as in no rain)? also, what is the lowest outside temperature that it can be?
Not below 50. Takes about 2-8 hours to dry.
Hi,
We had a deck built 3 years ago and we haven’t done anything to it yet. I want to use the transparent wood stain on it this year. What are the steps I need to before applying it if there hasn’t been any stain put on the wood before? Thank you!
Use the Cleaner/Brightener Kits for the prep.
I plan to use RAD stripper and brightener on deck this Wednesday. But the 10-day forecast after that is not promising for staining w/ too high chance of rain. If I have to wait another week or two before staining (w/ RAD semi-transparent), is there any additional pre-stain prepping you would recommend before staining at this point?
As long as you can stain with a couple of weeks and the wood is not dirty, you are okay.
Hi, quick question. Ton of fuzzies on cedar deck. Unable to rent floor buffer with pad. Is it feasible to use green scotchbrite pads and try get rid of what I am able? Not staining, applying clear sealer. Have cleaned. Plan to brighten after buffing with scotchbrite pads.
Am I correct that fuzzies are mainly cosmetic in appearance and once brightened the sealer should still soak in regardless of fuzzies?
All cosmetic. Not sure if a green pad will remove them or not.
We used the stripper on our deck but I don’t think we got it good on the balusters because mold is still present. We went ahead and sanded it then we are going to brighten them stain. But do we need to use the cleaner on what still shows mold?
No need.
What is the shelf life for the RAD stripper, brightener, semi-trans stain and both boosters, if unopened?
12 months, possibly longer.
What is your return policy for new, unopened product. For example, I would like to order the Speed Mop and 1 refill pad if it can get here (NC) by this coming weekend. If it doesn’t arrive by then I will have to use a locally purchased mop/pad product. If unused can I return the Speed Mop and extra pad for a full refund?
We are on a 2-5 business day delay before items ship at the moment. The policy is here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Store-Policies/refund.html
What is the best way to apply the brightener and semi transparent stain? No rails or spindles just deck boards
Pump spray the brightener. Use or stain pad or brush for the stain.
I ordered 6 gallons of semi-transparent Lt Walnut stain to refinish a ~730 Sq Ft pressure treated pine deck (including skirt and steps). Should this be enough stain?
Closer to 7-8 for two coats applied wet on wet.
I pressure washed my deck. Doing this caused a few places to raise the grain with fuzzy spots, Do I sand these spots before or after using the striper? I will use pressure washer again after the striper if that is what is called for. If not I will use a hose. Or do I sand before or after using the brightener? I know I should have used the striper before I pressure washed. But it is what it is.
Sand if needed. Brightener and rinse after.
Is there a tracking number on our order just trying to see when things will arrive
ty
If I purchase the stripper and brightener today, can you estimate when it will be shipped? Shipping to WV 26301
2-5 business days before it ships.
Hi, your product sounds great, but just want to make sure because all comments seem to be about previously built decks. As I’m building a brand new one in treated wood, can I use restore-a-deck on it or do you recommend using something else?
See here about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Thanks!
Can this be purchased in Ontario Canada?
Online only.
Hello, im interested in your RAD Semi transparent stains. I was wondering does this stain work well with a High Volume Low Pressure sprayer? Or would a airless sprayer work better? This will be for a large fence job of 4032 sqft.
You can use either but you will need to back wipe any drips and runs.
thank you very much I am excited to try your product. will post before and after.
so to be clear. strip any area still showing old toner. then clean and brighten entire deck. Is this the correct order? The toner has been remover from 90% of the remaining deck already with power washer so only small amount toner needs to be stripped.
Yes, correct. Spot strip the areas where there is old stain. Clean the rest. Brighten all.
this is the area were the toner did not get removed when I power washed. there are a few more spots not as bad on other spindles. I was hoping it would be removed when I use your cleaner and
You will need to strip and brighten this. The cleaner will not remove it.
I have some small areas on the railing that still has some of the deck toner from Sherwin Williams. about 5 years old. the rest of it I removed with a power washer. can I use your stain light walnut (darker than the toner I used) over it or should I use your remover? very small amounts left at top of spindles. I intend to use your cleaner and brightener before I stain entire deck.
Post a picture.
My deck is approximately 1400 square feet total. 5-7 years old cedar. How much stain should I order. applying two coats as you recommend.
About 13-15 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet.
Can I apply Restore a Deck solid stain via a garden pump sprayer and back brush in?
No, the solid stain is too thick.
Will using a 2700 psi 2.3 gpm pressure washer with 15” surface cleaner damage ptp during prep? Thanks!
You cannot use a surface cleaner on a deck. It will damage the wood.
?’s about my other deck – 10 mo old cedar never treated 250 sq ft with 30’ linear rail w/ aluminum spindles no stairs I’m thinking 2 coats how much semi-transparent natural will I need – can I use Wagner Deckmate to apply or should I use yellow staining brush
Just one coat for new wood. Use the brush. 2-3 gallons.
My cedar fence is one year old and I applied one coat of restore-a-deck semi-transparent Cedar stain in June 2019.
I’m now planning to apply a second coat, but want to use your semi-transparent dark walnut stain. Any issues with applying a darker stain as the second coat?
What is required to prepare the fence/cedar wood for the second coat?
I live in San Diego, CA about 20 miles from the ocean.
Thanks, Dave
You can apply the darker color. Prep with the RAD Cleaner.
I want to protect the exterior wood steps from my cabin to the lake. Would the Restore a Deck Solid Stain work well for this? Can it hold up to foot traffic?
Yes it would work well for this.
We have waited over 10 months for our new pressure treated deck to weather and will be staining with TWP 100 series. We purchased your two step kit through TWP. Last Fall I messaged that we were concerned with some black mold stains that were appearing on some of the boards. We were reassured that the cleaning/brightening process would take care of it so do nothing. Today we went through the process in preparation for staining in a few days. There was zero effect on the black mold. It didn’t even clean off a few dirty dog feet. So now what?
Did you use the pressure washer after applying the cleaner? Are you sure it is mildew? It could be something else like rust. Rust is black in wood. Post a picture.
Yes. We applied with a pump sprayer and cleaned with a pressure washer. We even did a second application before brightening. The rest of the wood looks great. Given time of day and sections still wet, I will photo in the morning and send. If it’s rust, how do we remove that? It was not visible in the wood when we installed – it appeared months later. Thank you and I will reply in the AM. I also posted on the TWP site – you may be the same responder
I have a partially covered 4 year old PTP deck, 50% is screened in porch and 50% is open to direct sunlight, 27’x12’. The deck has never been stained and I am considering RAD semi-transparent stain for the entire deck. Are there any issues with the covered portion of my deck with this stain? I read another post imply that RAD semi-transparent stain needed direct sunlight to properly cure, is that true? If there are issues, is there another water based stain you would recommend instead? Thanks!
No, the RAD does not need direct sunlight to cure. No issues.
we used the stripper, once we power washed it and it dried, it was fuzzy. Do we sand/brighten/stain or brighten/sand/stain? Thank you
Sand, brighten, stain.
Last summer I built a 240 square foot redwood deck and stained it with a Preserva Wood “Clear” unpigmented oil-based stain. This spring I power washed the deck thinking this would be all I would need to do to prep it for another coat of stain. From the attached photos after power washing I noticed gray blotches. (I’m not sure what these are. I can’t tell if they are areas of wood where the power washer stripped away the stain or if these a areas where the wood has oxidized under the stain.)
I tried to orbital sand the horizontal deck surface thinking this would solve the problem but the 60-grit sand paper just filled with stain residue. So my questions are as follows:
1. How much of your product do I need to order? It unclear to me if your standard 5 gallon mix is enough.)
2. Do I need to order your stripper and brightener, or your cleaner and brightener? (I fear I may have been too aggressive with the power washer and damaged the wood. Hence, I think I may need to sand to repair this damage but I’m not sure. Any direction?)
3. Should I decide this is all the time I can spend this year on the deck, will applying another coat of clear stain cover the gray blotches or just make them worse. Once my deck ages a couple of years I may consider a transparent stain with pigment or a semitransparent stain but right now it seems a shame to cover up the natural beauty of redwood.
Thanks in advance!
Bill
1. One kit.
2. Use the Cleaner and Brightener.
3. Clear will not prevent the wood from graying. Best to use a stain.
Thank You so much! I so much appreciate your blinding fast reply.
Thanks for quick replay, yes I will be stripping and sanding down to clean wood. I need to know if the cleaner and brightener are ok for the lake, fish etc.
Yes, they are.
I have a deck which was coated with “DeckOver” it failed. Previously I used to use semi transparent stain and just pressure washed before re-staining. The deck is out over a fresh water lake. Can I use the cleaning and brightener when the run off will go into the lake?
You cannot apply the RAD over the Deckover. That will need to be sanded off. Then clean and brighten for prep.