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!
Also – there are some 6 x 6s that appear to be left unsealed, but were pressure treated (img 0928 above) – adding another picture that failed to upload of the deck and railing
We have about 500 sq ft of deck that was showing signs of rot in structural areas due to some “interesting” design choices involving a hot tub. That’s been fixed – however we know the deck needs to be re-sealed, it’s showing signs of wear and we live in GA, north of ATL with lots of rain.
The previous work involved lots of red paint of unsure origin, it’s not peeling but it’s no longer repelling water. We were hoping to use the solid stain, and were planning on sanding prior to application. The floor surface is showing wear, but most of the railings and balusters are not – is there a way that we can use the solid stain without sanding on the rails/balusters?
I also had to replace all of the stair steps with new pressure treated wood – it looks like I need to wait for that? The balusters and railing on that are still in decent shape (not shown in pictures).
In short:
– 500 sq ft of pine deck, painted red – needs to be re-sealed now
– some railings and balusters still in good shape, would like to redo them though for continuity
– new stair steps and railings/posts
Let the new wood season for three months. Pressure wash all wood for prep. Sand as need after to remove the loose stain. You can then cover the old stain and new wood with the solid stain.
Alright – we are getting ready to sand and stain. Here’s our plan:
1. Sand the deck with a drum floor sander sander
2. Strip railings and balusters using RAD stripper
3. Pressure wash everything
4. Stain using solid RAD stain – what nap of roller should we be using for this, I was thinking 3/8 in?
3/8″ inch is good. Plan is good.
We have a cedar deck (new as of last fall) that has one coat of Penofin Red label. Can we “strip” the deck this fall and then power wash, brighten, and stain next spring? Thanks for your help.
Yes.
What prep should I do?
Type of wood- mahogany
Age of wood – 21 years
Previous stain – #1Deck, semi-transparent, water based
Last stained – 3 years ago
Wood type – deck
Pressure washer – yes
Use the Stripper with both additives to remove and then the Brightener.
I thought I figured it out but then when reading comments, I’m confused again. Could you simply just tell me which steps (Clean or strip and/or not Brighten)?
Strip off what you can of the current solid stain. You will need to recoat with the RAD solid stain after. No need to brighten this one.
Do I need to prime my deck (old and new wood) before applying solid color stain? If so, with what?
No.
Oops. One photo did not make the post I just did, the one best showing the over all deck. I will try again to attach it for the details. The house is in middle TN.
And, thanks again for any suggestions you might have in addition to the proper materials listing. TK
The house I bought 25 years ago had a stained deck, age unknown. Over the years I have had it stained multiple times by a friend who has used a variety of products, some at least oil based, last about 3 years ago. Two years ago my son-in-law added a railing using treated pine which has never been stained and is now showing some gray. And a year and a half ago a ramp was added hoping my wife could return home after a fall (but she has ended up in assisted living). That wood was also treated, but has never been stained.
My plan is to prepare and stain the entire deck, then repeat the stain in a year and possibly annually. It seems that no stain actually lasted more than a year, and some years I repeated with a preservative after six months. So, with a mix of previously stained and new aged wood, I anticipate using both cleaner and stripper. While I am “handicapped with technology” my son-in-law has access to a pressure washer and is willing to take on the project.
The deck is irregular in shape. The original deck is about 275 ft sq. The railing is about 50 linear feet, 48″ high, with 2×2 uprights as in the photo. Untreated/2 + years weathered. The ramp is about 75 ‘ sq with 45’ of hand rail, also untreated and over a year weathered.
Please advise me the appropriate amounts of stripper, cleaner, and stain I need to order for this project, to include at least 2 coats of stain, and appropriate amounts of stripper and cleaner. Thanks so much as I am a bit intimidated by the process and will start saving for the order. I will try to attach images below.
You will need a solid stain for this. You cannot strip it off fully. Just one kit to pre of the Cleaner/Brightener and then 2-3 gallons of stain.
Thanks so much.
My interest is in prolonging the life of the wood; aesthetics are secondary. Would a semi-transparent stain preserve as well as solid?
Thanks, again. The budget will adjust to order fairly soon. TK
You cannot use a semi-transparent stain on this deck, only a solid stain.
Hi. I just finished using your cleaner and brightener — awesome, and I’m ready to stain. I want to use your semi-transparent light walnut stain. Questions: 1) How many gallons of stain do I need for 1900 sq. feet? 2) How many coats of stain should I apply? 3) How dry does the deck have to be before I stain? 4) How long will it take ship? I live in Paoli, PA, outside of Philadelphia. Thanks.
1. About 20.
2. 2 coats wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
3. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
4. 5-10 days.
Looking to stain the ceiling of a KD pine and KD fir covered porch. 1) Any suggestions on technique for application of a semi-transparent stain with a sprayer. 2) Any recommendations on how much stain/cleaner/brightener to order for a 435 sqft covered porch ceiling when using a sprayer for applications (see pic)?
1. Don’t spray this, it will make a mess. Tarp the floor and use a stain pad or brush.
2. One prep kit and 3-4 gallons of stain for the one coat.
I have holes under railing made by Carpenter Bees. can I use wood filler to fill holes? the board I am talking about would be difficult to replace. the holes would not be seen. I will be using a solid stain to finish railing.
If covering with the solid stain you can use a flexible wood filler or caulk.
First time staining redwood deck, 1 year old. Using RAD cleaner brightener and semi trans stain. Have some pine sap drippings, what is the best way to clean, remove them?
You will have to scrap or sand those off. A cleaner will not remove the sap.
I just stained one side of my house with two coats of your semi transparent cedar and I don’t like how dark the color is. So, I want to try just one coat. Is your Stripper sufficient to remove both coats? Should I also sand afterwards? Thanks in advance!
Strip with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Brightener after. No need to sand.
How long can I wait to apply RAD stain after using your cleaner and brightener?
Dealing with wet weather right now.
A couple of weeks.
Thanks for your response
What size roller nap should be used for a solid stain application?
1/2″ to 5/8″
I have a cedar deck that has a solid stain (S-W Superdeck). The decking is 3 yrs old, as is the stain, which is peeling. Can I apply another solid stain over it? Prep suggestions? Do I need to sand it down to bare wood to move to a semi-transparent stain? Thanks.
Strip off what you can: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Stain-Stripper.html
Sand the rest of the loose stain off, you can then cover the solid stain that is not peeling with the RAD Solid Stain.
I have a Wagner Renuvo Deck Stain Applicator which of the stains that you sell would be best for me to use that tool? I already ordered the Restore a deck stripper and brightener 3 pack kit for my 24′ X 34′ deck on top of my garage with an EPDM rubber under deck drainage system. Will the stripper react with the EPDM rubber roofing material?
We cannot tell what the stain type is on the deck and if it will fully come off our not. You might want to send a picture after your prep. As for harming the EDPM. it should not that we know of.
It is was Flood CWF UV water based stain and then Flood Oil Stain 2 years later.
Will RAD products take-off Sherwin William’s solid stain from deck? If not, do you have any suggestions for removal? Thanks.
No, you will have to power sand it off.
I’ve been working on my deck since last August. It is huge and it was not maintained. I had some of the boards replaced in Fall, then nasty weather set in so now I’m back at it. I had even more boards replaced last month, so I have very old, 6 month old and new boards. I’ve stripped down the walls and the previously stained parts of the deck. I used the cleaner product where the swing hangs on and where all new boards were installed. I’ve spent a lot of time scrubbing, as I did not have a power washer. I would like to know if I can use the cleaner on the newer boards and then brighten every thing will it look lot better than it looks right now? I do have a power washer on order cause it seems like the old boards are still pretty dirty. Also, can I use the cleaner on boards that previously I used the stain stripper on? Or will that not produce good effects. We have a tropical storm moving through and we are going to get a lot of rain so it will be well rinsed. Kicking myself for just not having every board replaced then I wouldn’t be trying to clean up the board so much. attaching pictures. Thanks, Heather G.
Strip and brighten all while pressure washing is your best option to get this to look more even.
I only have a little stripper left. I have a lot of cleaner left. I prob could apply stripper to the old boards, but I don’t have enough for the new. Can I use cleaner on the new, powerwash off, then striper, powerwash off, then brighten everything? Does the brightener need to be powerwashed off or just rinsed a lot? Thanks.
Yes you can do it this way. Rinse brightener well when done.
I have a redwood deck I stained last spring(2109) with Armstrong Clark semi transparant stain. This year I have cleaned my deck with your cleaner in preparation to restain with same AC stain. I did not brighten after cleaning. My question is should have I brightened. I have some spots that appear to be without stain after cleaning. Can I just go ahead with stain or should I now brighten. Not sure why the AC didn’t hold up a little better than it did.
Go ahead and stain.
Hi there. I live in Calgary. In late summer I drum-sanded the paint off the front deck down to fresh wood, applied brightener and (in the following days) applied two coats of stain. The deck faces east, and is shaded ~3/4 of the day. In the wintertime, I noticed stain disappearing in no-traffic areas. Now, I already need to reapply. Here’s a sample picture. Any ideas what happened, or what I did wrong? Anything I should be aware of before applying more stain?
Only one coat is supposed to be applied to sanded wood. Basically you over applied and it could not fully soak into the wood.
You mean, a next-day 2nd coat over a dry 1st coat stops the 1st coat from soaking in? Can I restain now, or do I have to strip it off first?
Yes and if you ever apply a second coat, it has to be applied wet on wet. Never the next day: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
You should strip and brighten.
Will I be notified when my order ships?
Tracking emails are sent.
Our 150 sq ft cedar fence is 5 years old. I love the color when it’s dry but when it gets wet it looks really dark. Does this mean it’s time to re-stain? I want the finish to stay the same color. Before I brighten, should I strip or clean?
Strip and brighten for prep and then apply the RAD semi-transparent stain.
Will the stripper harm the Duradek walkable roof membrane below the fence?
It should not.
What do you recommend to fill knot holes?
Nothing. Wood filler will not work on a deck. Just leave as is.
I have a fence built with cypress fence boards, about 15 years old. Stained/sealed with Cabot semi solid stain about 10 years ago. Held up pretty well but is flaking off now.
1. Is Restore a Deck safe on cypress?
2. Can you use an roller and brush to apply Restore a Deck stain. Concerned with overspray on neighbors cars, houses, ect if I were to us a sprayer.
3. Same questions as above for the Stripper?
Thank you
1. Yes.
2. Stain pad or brush.
3. You will need a sprayer to apply the stripper and then pressure wash off.
You did not register with that email. lloydhelmkay@hotmail.com
How often does your stain need to be reapplied?
For a deck, every 2-3 years is normal.
I have a pine pressure treated dock In Michigan, new last year. I have 140’ of dock (560sq ft) plus a dock patio (10 sections, 400 sq ft) for 960 sq ft total. Pine was not stained and is now weathering grey. What product and quantity do I need to do the dock? Also, is this a runny product or will a roll on application not drip between dock sections? Ideally this would be much easier to apply with dock installed over water as opposed to laying 24 sections across lawn, but am environmentally conscious of lake. Thanks!
Prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kits. Stain with 2 coats of the RAD stain. It is drippy. You will need about 10 gallons of the stain.
Thanks – how much deck cleaner/brightened would be required?
1-2 of each.
Last summer, we refinished our deck using the RAD system (stripper/brightener/natural stain). We picked up some mildew/mold over the winter (it’s on the north side of the house) so the deck obviously needs to be cleaned. My question is, if we want to reapply the stain, do we strip/brighten and then re-stain or do we clean/brighten and re-stain? Thanks for your help.
Clean and brighten.
Last summer the deck was power washed and it removed most of the old stain that was about 8 years old. Due to illness, I didn’t do anything further to the deck. In the last few days I have used a stain remover gel and have almost all of the old stain removed. I thought I would power wash it again to remove the gray discoloration, then apply the cedar RAD stain that I bought last year. But in looking at your comments you seem to recommend that I apply RAD’s cleaner and brightener in addition to the power washing. I’m thinking that applying the brightener right after a power wash would be sufficient. Please let me know your thoughts about next steps and particularly the order in which they should be done.
Thanks.
Bill W
Just pressure wash and then brightenere should work in this scenario.
Thanks for you quick response. I’ve ordered the brightener. Can I go ahead and power wash while awaiting the brightener to arrive? Or, should the power wash be done a few hours before the brightener is applied?
Do it the same day.
Thanks again.
do you have samples? pints/quarts to buy. Since I live in Oregon I have no access to test your product.
Charlie
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Hi, will the stripper work on this type of stain?
Yes but use both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
I just stripped, brightened and stained my hardwood deck (cumaru) with light walnut. Stripping, brightening went well – but applied 2 coats of stain, and this AM, it doesn’t look like I stained it at all. Did not rain. I just applied another coat, looks great wet, but as it dries it still looks like bleached wood again with little change
Is there something I am missing?
Hello! Please clarify. I’ll be applying RAD Semi-Transparent Natural deck stain to deck. Deck has been cleaned and brightened. Deck has never been sealed or stained and is about 2 years old. First time for stain on deck. It says:”It is recommended to use the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain with the Restore-A-Deck Stain Brush, stain pad applicator, brush, or sprayer.” I plan to use a pump sprayer then hand brush evenly with a Purdy nylon brush on both vertical surfaces. On the horizontal deck, same with the pump sprayer but I read conflicting advice on using back brushing (4″ hand vs larger pole style) vs stain pad (don’t use). What is the best way to accomplish the wet on wet application with pump sprayer?
Brush or stain pad will work but the pad is faster.
is the pricing in USD or CAD?
USD
How long should we wait/can we wait after using the cleaner and brightener to stain? Should we wait until we know when the stain will be arriving before we prep? Thanks
Yes, wait. Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
Hi! We just power washed and stripped our deck using Behr wood stripper when we found your products. Do we need to use cleaner and brightener prior to staining or just brightener?
Cleaner and brightener.
I love this product !
I have used the semi transparent stain in the light walnut but I noticed that the container says natural
so I’m confused. It doesn’t say light walnut on it anywhere.
If it states Natural in the bottom left then that is the color you used.
I’m about to order cleaner, brightener, and semi transparent stain. I have 3 questions. My deck is old but freshly sanded. I assume I need 2 coats. What is the recoat time? If it rains after drying but before the second coat, is that okay? And can I use the cleaner and brightener next year on the deck without having to restain, just to freshen it?
Second coat must go on wet on wet or 20-40 minutes after the first coat. Prep products are only used when you plan on applying a new coat.
Thank you. Do you have a product or recommend one for yearly cleaning? Our deck is on the shade and gets a lot of algae and some mold. I’ve used bleach products in the past and want to avoid them once I’ve refinished it.
Just warm water and some dish soap.
Thanks!
I’m from Alberta Canada and was wondering how long to receive an order.
Thanks Rick
3-7 days.
I am about to stain my deck with your Semi-transparent stain. I have a Wooster 4″ Bravo Stainer brush which I ordered on Amazon. After I had ordered this brush, I noticed you sell a brush for applying your product which turns out to be the same brush I bought. The question I have is that the literature which came with the brush states it is “Soft, 100% white China bristle”. Your instructions on the 1 gallon stain I received from you states to use a “nylon or polyester” brush. Can I use this Wooster brush for applying your semi-transparent stain? I like the threaded portion on the brush for attaching an extension pole. Makes doing the horizontal staining of the deck much easier as you stand up.
Yes, you can use the Wooster brush.
Per your request for pictures. I hope these will help. They were actually cleaned already one time with the cleaner.
thanks again
How the heck do you unsubscribe from this list? I hit the unsubscribe link in the email but is just links the website. I see no place to unsubscribe.
If you click the unsubscribe then you are removed.
More photos
I live in Sacramento area of CA. I have an approx 650sq/ft deck that is less than 10 years old. I believe the deck is made of redwood. Deck was stained before we moved in. Not sure on type of stain but I can see the wood grain. I pressure washed areas and damaged the wood slightly, but was able to remove the previous stain. Was planning on using RAD system with stripper, booster, brightener, and semi transparent cedar stain. My questions are if the stripper is what I need and if the booster is needed? Also, if the semi transparent stain is a good option for my situation and should I order 5 gallons or more?
Use both additives. The booster and the gel. You will need 6-7 gallons of stain.
I have a two decks measuring about 824 square feet. I painted it with Behr DeckOver Solid Stain a year ago and it is flaking up. It is pressure treated wood. The deck has had boards replaced so the age is anywhere from 15 years to 1 year old. I have access to a pressure washer.
You will have to fully remove the Deckover and that will require sanding.
If I mix all five gallons, will it keep, or should I mix smaller batches in case that I don’t need it all?
Are you saying that my sprayer will not work? I spray weed killer etc. with it. It builds up pressure within the tank.
Only mix what you will use on the same day. You can use a pump sprayer for applying. Mix first in a separate bucket.
I’ve read in comments that newly replaced boards should be seasoned for 6-12 months before staining, does this apply to ANY type of wood or just pressure-treated? We’re not entirely sure what type of wood the deck is made of, but will be replacing damaged boards with cedar, and will be staining the entire deck.
All wood. See here for new wood tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Part of my deck is over a garage. Will I need to cover shingles?
I have an battery powered sprayer. Will that work for my applications?
For the prep? No need to cover the shingles. Use a pump sprayer.
How do you apply restore-a-deck cleaner
With a pump sprayer.