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!
I have new white pine shiplap siding and I would like to know if I can get test samples to see what the true color will be. Is this possible?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Hello, we have a very large deck that we used Sherwin Williams Super deck about 3 years ago. It was the solid stain. So far we have rented a sander, cleaned and brightened our deck. There is still some solid stain on the deck boards. Do we need to strip everything off or if its not peeling just go over it with Restore? Thank you
You can cover it with the RAD Solid Stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Square footage – 225
Wood – unknown
Age – 25 years
Have pressure washer
Bought house 7 years ago – nothing has been done by us during this time
Hi, planning on staining the following deck – there is a part (photo where the flowers are which looks like some old paint) Originally, was going to power wash, sand, clean and brighten the entire deck and handrails but now I am thinking I need to use the stripper on that certain area.
Should I now power wash, strip, clean and use brightener before staining on everything ? Or just use stripper in certain parts. Do I even need to sand ?
If I power wash which tip should I use ?
Do I need a mask while applying the stain ?
Thanks in advance.
A stripper will not remove a paint so you would need to sand that off. Clean and brighten the deck for prep. No other sanding is needed. Up to you if you want to wear a mask.
I just sanded my 30 year old cedar deck and I notice the water is not soaking in to the wood , how long should I wait for wood to except the stain and I’m going to clean and brighten then use Twp 1500 ?
1-2 months.
Attached is an additional photo of the stairs.
Hello! I have a 20 X 15 pressure treated deck, that was stained with Sikkens Cetol SRD semi-transparent stain over 5 years ago. The stain is peeling on the floor boards, but okay on the railings. Stain comes off even when deck is washed. Some parts are okay, while others are bad. I have attached some pictures. I want to re-do this deck (or touch up) with TWP or Restore-a-deck products. I am in Canada. What do you suggest I purchase? Thanks
Use the RAD Stripper/Brightener kit for prep and then stain with the RAD stain or TWP.
Thanks! Do you recommend semi-transparent or solid given a Sikkens darker stain was on my deck? I prefer semi-transparent but thinking I might have to go with solid. Thoughts?
Also, I am in Toronto, Canada so assuming both TWP and RAD can be shipped here.
TWP is not allowed in Canada so you will need the RAD. Use semi-transparent.
One more pic
Hello, Live in Canada, and moved into a previously owned home 2 years ago. The house came with an existing deck (guessing about 6-7 years old) and needs attention. Handrail and deckboards are cedar, skirt is pressure treated pine (so I’ve been told). The wood has never been previously treated as far as I can see, it has weathered to grey and even developed “fuzzing” in many areas. Wood grain is lifted on the handrails and some deck boards, damaged ones will be replaced. Roughly 475 sq ft.
I do have access to a pressure washer.
I’d like the semi-transparent Cedar stain. Could you help with the following questions:
1) How many of the kits (cleaner & brightner) is needed for a deck this size?
2) How many gallons of stain, assuming 2 coats?
3) The deck has metal spindles, do you advise covering these when using the cleaners & brighter? Is there possibility of damage to the metal?
4) The deck could use a sanding, especially handrails, do you advise this is done before the cleaner is applied? At what point in the process is it best to sand?
5) There is almost fur like fibers that have developed on the deck (see pic), when it’s wet from rain they disappear, is there anything additional that’s needed to deal with this?
1. One kit.
2. 5 gallons
3. It should not damage the spindles.
4. Lightly sand after cleaning.
5. Nothing needed.
What is the suggested drying time? I’m trying to plan between rainy days
4-6 hours.
I placed an order this past Sunday and have not received any updates after the receipt email. Is there any way to track my order?
Reply to your order email confirmation for help.
I have used Cabot Timber Oil Jarrah Brown on my deck and am not satisfied though I feel like I’m in a death spiral. Can I change to your product? If so, how? And how much torture will it be to remove the Timber Oil from the deck? I’m fine with manual labor, but if its going to take 40 hours of scrubbing, I’m not too excited about that.
Also, how much of the product will I need? I have about 900 square feet of decking.
That looks like a difficult strip. The stain looks very thick, almost like a solid stain. Not sure if you will be able to strip it fully.
Thank you, 2 followup questions:
1. What is the impact of not stripping the stain fully. Will that lessen the quality of the Restore-a-deck stain or will be an aesthetics issue?
2. Do you recommend using the restore a deck cleaner/brighter if I use the same Cabot stain to restain the deck? Will that be adequate preparation?
1. You cannot apply the RAD semi-transparent unless you remove it off fully 100%.
2. Yes.
I need to remove regular wood stain as well as an opaque white that’s on the spindles. I don’t know what the product is unfortunately but I know it was oil based. Do I need a booster as well or will the regular stripper remove it?
thank you!
You cannot strip off opaque stains. As for the regular wood stain, we would need to see pictures.
Type of wood if known: Not sure
Approximate Age of Wood: 10 years
If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type (Examples of Type: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Solid Stain, Oil-Based, Water-Based): Behr premium stain (Not sure if this semi-solid or solid) Please find attached picture
If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained: 10 Years
Wood Type to be Stained (Deck, House, Fence, etc.): Fence
Do you have access to a pressure washer: Yes
Total : 650 sq ft
Can you recommend the kind of products I need to use to strip this wood stain ?
You will not be able to strip this stain. You would have to use a solid stain over this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
I have a 14 year old covered porch deck made of pressure treated Pine (I think) and I used a product called “One Time” when I stained it, probably 7-9 years ago. About half of the stain has worn off now. The bottle says that deck stain strippers won’t take their product off. Are you familiar with this product at all and do you think the RAD stripper with the booster might work or do you think I will have to sand it? Since my surface is horizontal, I’m guessing the thickening gel wouldn’t be necessary? Also, how much RAD stain do you recommend to cover my 300 square foot area?
Use the Stripper with both of the additives for this. It will come off. About 3 gallons.
Square footage – 225
Wood – unknown
Age – 25 years
Have pressure washer
Bought house 7 years ago – nothing has been done by us during this time
Hi, planning on staining the following deck – there is a part (photo where the flowers are which looks like some old paint) Originally, was going to power wash, sand, clean and brighten the entire deck and handrails but now I am thinking I need to use the stripper on that certain area.
Should I now power wash, strip, clean and use brightener before staining on everything ? Or just use stripper in certain parts. Do I even need to sand ?
If I power wash which tip should I use ?
Do I need a mask while applying the stain ?
Thanks in advance.
I placed an order last night but realized I should have ordered a bundle kit instead. Can I cancel my existing order?
Reply from your order confirmation email if you want to cancel it.
So I cleaned my deck and it is looking good. I was going to sand it but i have to let the deck dry. It rained last night and weather forecast has changed and it looks like it will continue raining for a few days. Will the ran ruin the work i already did? Will I have to clean it again? Should i put some tarps down on the deck? Also i want to sand it down. Is my best beat to rent a machine? I was going to do it by hand but after cleaning it my deck is a lot larger then i thought.
Rain does not harm prep. Do not tarp. Sanding is not needed and could hinder the stain’s ability to soak in. If you do it, just lightly hand sand.
Thank you for your quick response. It is greatly appreciated.
Last year I sanded and stained my deck with one coat of your taupe solid stain. Due to weather, we were unable to put on a second coat. I want to change the color of the stain and have it dyed a bit darker. Do I use your cleaner, then add one coat or should I put on two coats of the solid stain in the new color?
Also we didn’t get to stain the railings. Do I just need the cleaner, not the brightener? Should I put on one coat of the current deck color, then either one or two coats of the new color?
Clean all and then two coats on all wood will be needed to go darker. Brighten just the unstained wood.
on a post from today you said RAD stains cannot be tinted. on one of my previous posts I said I was going to have Desert Taupe dyed darker and was told to put 2 coats of the darker color over it. please confirm if your solid stains can be tinted darker at a local paint store or not. I haven’t done this yet but I did order and have 3 gallons of Desert Taupe. thanks
The RAD Solid Stains are not designed to be timed as they are not bases. While this would potentially work, you would be at the mercy of the paint store doing what you want colorwise correctly.
would I be able to add some of your Brown Oak to darken it s bit?
Yes, or Espresso.
I did order samples of both those colors. thanks
Hello, I cleaned and brightened last weekend and was unable to seal with semi- translucent stain the same day. Then the rain began! 10″! We are getting some sun today, but not enough dry time for me to seal. Rain again tomorrow. We have great weather Sunday and Monday. Will my deck be too wet to seal Sunday since it has been soaked all week? Thanks in advance!
It should be fine Sunday.
Ihave a 16×16 deck, which I calculated at 500sq ft, including railings,stairs and lattice. built June of last year (2019), Made of pressure treated pine. It had a green tinge, but now is whitish. Never been stained. No pressure washer. I want it to show the grain, but not sure if I should use the natural, cedar or light walnut. Which would look the best after a year or 2? Want to get the package deal. Is 5 gal enough?
5-gallons is enough. The color preference is up to you. They all look great.
Hi-last year I cleaned, brightened and applied one coat of RAD stain to a 9 month old cedar deck. This year I planned on applying two more coats wet/wet. After using the step 1 cleaner, power washing and step 2 brightener, the deck now looks blotchy with stain remnants. Is this a problem or normal? Do I need to purchase stripper and redo step 1 and 2 all over again?
Also, if you don’t apply the RAD stain right after cleaning while the deck is still wet, due to time/weather and then it rains, does the deck then have to fully dry out before applying the RAD stain or can you still apply it to the damp wood that is wet from the rain?
You should be okay with applying to this deck after your current prep. You can apply to damp or dry wood. Damp after rain is okay.
Thank you so much! Your response and timeliness was much appreciated.
Hi- I am preparing to sell my house… with the exception of where I had a small outdoor carpet the deck needs to be restrained. 2+ years ago I used your semi transparent cedar. Do I strip or clean before reapplying?
Strip and brighten all.
If i decide to use your solid deck stain on my deck that has a oil based stain on it that was put on around 6 years ago can i just use your cleaner and brightener or do i have to strip it also.
Strip it would be best. Then brighten.
I have enough brighter for the deck- can I purchase just a bag of stripper?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Stain-Stripper.html
Oops sorry wrong thread
I have a hardwood deck (mostly mahogany with some Ipe trim), I used AC Mahogany stain about 2 years ago. I am intrigued by the RAD stain (especially wet on wet), but the color choices are significantly different than the AC mahogany stain. What do you recommend? I guess this is somewhat like oil vs water.
You would have to prep by using the RAD stripper and then the Brightener. Stain with Light Walnut color for IPE.
are you recommending the light walnut stain for the mahogany even though it is more reddish in color?
Yes.
Does the stain product require a sealer?
No need and you cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain.
hello, I am a painter and I am hoping to try your product next week. I wish I had an actual color deck/color fan/swatch whatever you may call it, that I can take to my customers. Doesn’t look too professional for me to show them a piece of paper I printed off my computer. lol Do you have such a thing? I will be going next week to meet with the customer and your product would def. be an easier sell if I had one. thanks for your help
Sorry, but we do not have color fan decks.
What is the shelf life of stain which has been opened? I have some left over from last year and I’m trying to decide whether to use it up or open a new container.
12 months after opening.
A clearer picture of the stairs, a bit of the lower deck, and the clearest example of the pressure washing mistakes (the worst spot).
Hello, hoping to get some help. Just bought a new house with a deck that wasn’t well maintained. I unfortunately don’t know much about the wood: how old it is, what type, if previously stained. I do know the railings are newer, probably within the last 1-3 years, and haven’t been stained or finished. Doesn’t seem like there was a previous stain on the flooring. It’s approximately 500-600 sq ft surface area including the railings. I was hoping to go with a two-toned deck: solid white stain railings and a semi-transparent stain for the flooring.
Mistakenly pressure washed without any cleaning agents to clean it off, and unfortunately dug into the wood in a few spots (not as obvious in the pictures, but they’re there). After trying to spot sand a couple boards with 80 grit sandpaper on my random orbital sander, the spots where I fixed the etchings/lap bands didn’t match the rest very well, so I stopped and I’ll just have to live with them. (Unless you have any suggestions on how to correct my pressure washing mistakes?). It’s worse on the lower deck, but I don’t care as much about the appearance of that.
At this point, I’m assuming I should clean and brighten as normal, then apply stain? First the solid stain to the railings, then the semi transparent stain to the flooring?
Yes, you have it correct: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/two-toned-decks-with-restore-a-deck-wood-stains.html
I’ve used the cleaner and it’s looking good. I need to sand my deck because we have got splinters in the past. I asked in the past when do i sand and it was suggested between the cleaner and brightener steps. I have to wait for the deck to dry before i sand it. If it rains on the deck before i apply the brightener am i ok to continue or do i have to apply cleaner again? What if i get the brightener done and then it rains do i have to start all over or continue with the last step and stain. Any help is greatly appreciate.
I have a 3 year old wood deck that has never been stained (raw) does it need to be sanded first or just use the cleaner and brightener? Also our deck faces south with full sunlight so when applying the stain is there an issue with the 1st coat of stain drying too fast until the 2nd coat is put on?
Just clean and brighten. See here about full sun tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
I have a trellis that has Cabot’s solid stain on it and no pelting about 3 bare spots 2x 4 inched , just got done using restore A deck cleaner , do I need to use brighter now or can I just use the solid restore A deck stain now
You do not have to use the brightener for this.
Where can I find MSDSs for your products?
We can email them. Which ones do you want?
Cleaner, Brightner, and Semi-Transparent Stain
Thanks
Sent
Is the solid stain available in 5 gallon size?
Only single gallons.
I’m getting ready to prep and stain a 10 month old cedar deck. I was thinking that I should probably do a light sanding to get a uniform texture but mostly to get rid of some light flaking that has showed up on the graying surface. What is your advice on that and if I sand, at what step should it be done and with what grit? Thanks in advance for your help!
Use the RAD Cleaner first. If needed, sand after, then Brightener last.
We are putting in a cedar fence and came across your products. I want to keep the natural look of the wood. What color stain would best suit the natural look?
Natural is the lightest tint. Similar to a clean wet look.
Square footage: 140 sq ft
Type of wood: Unknown, but I think it’s pressure-treated
Approximate age of wood: 7 years
Previous stain used: Unknown
Last time wood was stained: 7 years
Wood type to be stained: Deck
Access to a pressure washer: Yes
Strip and brighten for prep and use both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Thank you so much for all your advice. I am looking forward to using your product. I have to say your customer service is excellent.
Last year I power washed my deck, it had Sherwin Williams toner on it. Some areas on the railing still show some of the toner (apparently I missed it) I am planning on using your solid stain on the railing . do I need to remove every bit of the remaining toner, or will the solid stain Brown Oak or Espresso cover the remaining toner? I do intend to clean and brighter entire deck and railing before staining. What do you suggest?
You can cover it with the Solid Stain.
What is best for deck stairs, solid or semitransparent? Is one more slippery than the other ?
Most use the semi-transparent.
I am concerned I may not have enough brightener to finish my project. The painter is starting today and I am in a panic. What would happen if the brightener was mixed a little weaker? If I run out what would happen if brightener is not used after the cleaner on the back side of the fence? I am not real concerned about the appearance since it is not seen by anyone…Just want to protect it with stain. Is there any other product that would work that I could buy locally? Thank you so much for your help.
You can water it down to 4-6 oz per gallon of water and then let it dwell for 15-20 minutes.
We bought a house that was 10 years old and deck needs help. Not sure what they have used on it prior. Should we just use the stripper vs the cleaner to be on the safe side?
We would have to see a picture of the deck.
Here’s a pic
Just the cleaner and then the brightener.
Same with this deck (this one is not under a roof like the first pic. Also would you recommend an oil or a stain. Can you tell what kind of wood this is?
Yes, clean and brighten. Use the RAD stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-5-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
That is pressure-treated pine.
I need your knowledge. I have a 2 level deck that is approximately 625 ft’ that has been stained with Armstrong Clark semi-transparent stain 3 years ago. The upper level of the deck was installed a year after the lower level and it was untreated for that year. When we stained we clean and brightened with RAD products. Unfortunately the 2 decks came out different shades using the same stain. It’s time to redo them and I need advice.
I assume both need to be stripped and brightened before staining with RAD semi-transparent stain. Is this correct?
Are 1 or 2 coats advised?
How much product should I order for the recommended coats to cover 625 ft’?
What other information do i need?
Thank you,
Todd
Yes, strip and brighten for prep. About 6-7 gallons. No other info is needed.
I am interested in your product and went to order it, only to find out that you don’t ship to Alaska. Is there any shipping options available to us up here?
Sorry but no.
Approximate Age of Wood: 17 years. Not sure what type of wood it is.
——-
If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type (Examples of Type: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Solid Stain, Oil-Based, Water-Based): Behr Premium semi transparent
—-‐-
If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained:
Wood Type to be Stained (Deck, House, Fence, etc.): about 3 years ago.
—–
Do you have access to a pressure washer: yes
Miscellaneous Info: 540 square feet with rails and stairs it appears. I was thinking about getting the semi transparent light walnut 5 gallon combo with the stripper and brightener. And then also the brush and a 7 inch pad. Would that be the correct choices? Then also how do you apply the stripper, brightener and stain to the spindles? What tool do you use? Any other recommendations?
Unfortunately, that will not strip off fully. What you have on your deck is opaque in appearance and not a semi-transparent. Behr does have a tendency to lie about their product transparency. You would have to use our RAD solid stain for this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
I have a pressure treated wood deck, 280 sq ft (including railings). Have previously used semi-transparent oil based natural stain. Has been 5 years since last stained. I think I will need stripper. I don’t own a pump sprayer, but will get one if that’s what I need to apply stripper and brightener. Let me know if this is what I need. Also, can I get by with one coat of stain, or do I need two? How much stain will I need if just one coat? If two coats? Thanks for any other tips you can give me. Also, can the whole thing be done in one day?
You will need the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kits. Apply with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off. One kit will work. For stain, 2 coats applied wet on wet. About 3 gallons.
I just finished sanding and patching my front stairs with wood epoxy filler caused by power washing too close to stairs causing gouges.(hubby was in big trouble). None the less I am looking to stain my stairs now. I want solid stain since there are many imperfections I have to cover. I have 7 steps approx 70” long by 12” wide. I have 36 spindles. The risers are 8” high. I want white stain for the spindles and risers and slate blue for the steps. How much would I need to do this job correctly. Pics attached. I only get Morning sun on these stairs.
here are some pictures. Hoping you can help. Spent a long time sanding and patching!
Probably one gallon of white and 2 gallons of the gray: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Do I have to Use step one and two of restore a deck First Or can I just paint using the solid color that I will purchase
If clean, just use the solid stain.
Ok. Thanks. I am just painting only the top of the steps gray and the spindles and railings will all be white. It Was suggested by your company to get 2 gallons gray and 1 gallon white. Should it be the other way around. Shouldn’t I get 2 gallons white and 1 gallon gray. Please advise, thank you for your quick response.
Hard to say without knowing the sq footage amount for each area that is to be covered.
Is RAD best product for a wood dock? It is 20 years old, I don’t see any evidence of stain left on it. Do I need to strip it anyway? Is the stripper safe to use over the lake? What are your recommended steps for old dock?
If no previous stain then clean and brighten for prep. You can use it over water.
what do you suggest for regular maintenance and cleaning between refinishing?
Just wash with water lightly.
Hi, i bought a house it has a deck that was apparently stained (solid) a few years ago. Some spots are peeling. Just wondering if i can just pressure wash it and get the stuff thats peeling off, then can i just use your solid stain and go over the old stain?
Yes, just make sure all peeling and loose stain is removed.
Sounds good, i am located in st.andrews manitoba,Canada. Im thinking i need 4 gallons, curious how much that would cost me with shipping and when roughly would it arrive?
For the total cost, add products to the cart and enter your shipping info. Shipping could be 5-9 days.