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!
Does Restore-A-Deck stain require sealing?
No, you cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain.
That was what I thought as well. It didn’t make sense & I didn’t see any info on your site to back this up. I’m glad I checked with you. BTW, I like the results I got from your product. Looks very good!
What about a new deck; does not neec to restore it. Do you deliver in Canada? If so where so I order?
Yes we deliver there and see this about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
What is the shelf life of the semi-transparent stain. I ordered 5 gallons yesterday but I am thinking I’ll need more than that. Planning on ordering another 5 gallons today as I don’t want to run short! Will it keep until I reapply or touch up in a year or so?
Thanks
About 12 months, possibly longer.
What exactly is the required preparation required before applying Restore-A- Deck solid color stain over a previously semi transparent stained deck using Behr? Deck is 15 years old. Thanks!
Use the RAD Stripper to remove all much as possible and then the RAD Brightener.
600 Square feet of redwood deck (40 years old, but just turned underside up to apply new stain) and fir (new that replaced some old boards and received first stain). We live in a very rural area so it was hard to get redwood for replacement at local building supply store.
After sanding and prepping I had applied Behr transparent water-based and waterproofer with color tint. I ran out of stain and inadvertently purchased semi-transparent with same color tint and applied over it before I noticed that it was different. I began to strip with Behr stripper, but it was not working well, extremely labor intensive and so I began to read about RAD. I think I need RAD stripper and brightener, am I correct?
Yes I have a pressure washer.
it is very hard to remove Bher and even harder when just applied. You may need to sand as well to get it all off. Use the Booster and Gel with the Stripper: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Is RAD cleaner safe for koi. I have a deck around a pond that needs to be cleaned
It is eco-safe.
I am planning to redo a redwood deck and want to use your products. But you do not have a redwood stain. Do recommend just using the natural stain? You have pictures showing the colors of your stain but it is not clear what wood they were used on. Are their pictures of your stains on redwood? Thanks!
You can use any color you like. Closest to Redwood would be Light Walnut. The pictures are on pine.
I have 1900 square feet of fence/gates that I need to prep and stain. I was planning to use your products using a combination of pressure washer/pump sprayer/electric paint sprayer/roller & brush. I live in CA where it is very dry, and I just had some dry-rotted boards replaced and three gates rebuilt. I would like some guidance on what combination of products I should use. The original stain on the fence was applied by the builder 15 years ago and it has not been cleaned or touched up. I was thinking I could clean it with your cleaner via pressure washer, then go straight for the solid stain in espesso. I do have one gate that was painted but I don’t like the paint color, so I wanted to have it match the rest of the fence/gates. Do I need to strip that one? I’m assuming I can’t use the stain on the metal parts of the gate so would need to paint-match those? Can you advise me on product amounts? I see a note that says you give ‘double the product’ to account for railings, etc but I’m not doing a deck so I don’t want to overbuy. Thanks!
For 1900 sq feet and using the solid stain you will need about 15 gallons for the two coats. Pressure wash all wood with the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener kits. You can stain over your already painted door with the RAD solid stain. You can not use the stain on metal.
Is it still taking 2-3 weeks for shipping? I have just finished using your stripper and cleaner. Love you products! However, I am ready to start staining.
Thanks
Hello, we completed Step 1 and Step 2. Our deck is 3 tiered 1200 square feet. We do have some furries left over. As I have read, we should sand this down? This was a larger project than expected. Can we take a few weeks off and then stain? Should we purchase the cleaner when we do step 3 after sanding then stain? Thank you for your help!
You do not have to sand but you can. Use a floor buffer and sanding pad. If longer than two week yous should light clean again.
The specifications say the stain should not be applied when the temperature is above 90. Does that mean, it can be applied at temps below 90 (for instance in the morning) stopping when the temperature reaches 90 in the afternoon? Or does it mean the stain should cure at temps below 90, so stain should not be applied on days when the temp will top 90?
See this for tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
It would be best to not have it above 90 at any part of the day that it is being applied.
We live in Texas and have considerable staining to be done; deck with solid stain and house with semi-transparent. It is going to be above 90 most days going forward through the summer. Can you briefly explain the risks of staining in shade when the temp will be above 90 later in the day and potentially having sun on stain later in the day?
Flash dry and not cure correctly. Did you read the link we sent, that will help.
One more related question. Does humidity factor into the curing process? Not only is it hot where I live, but it is also quite humid. And yes, I had already read the link you sent.
Thank you for your help.
Humidity is not really an issue.
I just finished applying the cleaner and brightener, and I’m planning on applying the stain tomorrow. I have the wood staining brush, but I feel unprepared for how to do it (this is my first time). Are there videos to watch so I can know what I’m doing? I saw on the instructions to dip the brush into the tray, apply in the same grain as the wood in one solid push for the length of the board, and while that seems self explanatory a video showing the process so I know how much to apply would be great.
We do not have any videos but numerous articles:
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/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
Ok thanks. My deck is new, but 11 months old, not stained before. I saw it mentioned to do one coat if new under 9 months. Should I do one or two based on the age?
One.
Ok thanks! One last question – I did step 1 and 2 yesterday and left to dry overnight. It looks MOSTLY dry but still feels a little cool/moist. Should I wait a day to let it dry out completely or apply stain now?
The RAD stain can be applied to damp or dry wood.
I finished stripping a section of PT deck – had to apply 2 coats of stripper to get off previous stain. Now have significant furring of surface. Have not applied brightener yet. Should I use orbital buffer to get off fuzzies before applying brightener or apply brightener now, wait until dry, then use buffer? Also what type of buffing pad should I use?
Just use a buffer and a sanding pad. You can rent them from HD, etc.
Do I use brightener before or after buffing out fuzzies?
After.
Have ordered stripper and brightener as per your recommendation. I still have to buy a pump sprayer to apply them. Do you have any recommendation on what type of pump sprayer to buy? 1or 2 gallon? (Or more?) Will regular garden sprayers work? Thx.
Any quality 2-gallon pump sprayer with a fan tip will work.
P.S. the pictures above and here were taken in late January of this yr. New deck was built in late May of 2020.
Hello. Just received our package of cleaner, brightener and semi-transparent stain for use on a 12 month old deck. Before starting we planned to remove awful yellow filler the awful contractor stuck in several places including post corners, and replace with a good outdoor wood filler and also use to fill the many hairline cracks in the wood and holes left by nails below surface etc. (and sand all etc.) But I can’t find a wood filler product either plastic or epoxy or other that will take any type of stain. I was wondering a) if you have any suggestions for a product that will take the restore a deck semi-transparent stain; and/or b) if we should do all restore a deck steps including stain application first and then use an exterior filler that we can tint by adding a touch of the stain before applying filler? Or another suggestion? I have loaded a few pictures of what we want to correct on this new deck.
Wood filler will not work on outside wood and will not “stain” to blend. None will work so just best to not use it at all. If you had to fill a large gap, then use a caulk that is similar in color after the staining is done.
Thanks!
Our deck has plants and shrubbery around it. Are your products safe for them? Also, if the colors of your stains are a bit dark, can we add some kind of “lightener” to the product to get a lighter shade?
You cannot lighten the colors. Cover the plants when prepping and staining. Products are Eco-safe.
We are wanting to switch to your product from a semi transparent sherwin Williams stain. We have reapplied twice per year for the past 3 years on our 1500 sq ft deck. We are hoping for a product that does not peel. We are in flagstaff Az so we get harsh sun plus standing snow for months. Wood on deck is pine and 3 years old. We do have access to a pressure washer. I am wondering what steps we need to do to prep the deck and be ready to apply your stain. Also wondering how well your product holds up in environment line Az?
Strip off as much as possible with the Stripper and both additives. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Sand off the rest if needed. Brighten last. No issues for AZ as long as it prepped and applied correctly.
Additional pictures.
The best way to make it rain is to stain your deck?. No rain in the forecast for last night and then a storm hits at 4:00am. The flat boards were protected from direct hits with the covered deck. It had between 6-10 hours to “dry” before the storm hit. Water was repelled and standing on the deck boards. After blowing the water off, there are a few water spots, especially in the cedar railings. Do we need to strip it, brighten it, and start over? If we don’t start over, will it do it’s job or will the product and protection be compromised? We stained with TWP-pecan.
It looks perfectly fine. You dodged a “rain” bullet. You could always put a light coat over the top of the railings.
Okay thanks! I was freaking out. Your products and service are the best.
Which color is lighter on treated pine, cedar or light walnut?
Cedar.
I have a wooden porch(deck) around 3/4 of my cabin. A rough approximation of the square footage is 680 with about 480 of it under roof and the remainder is uncovered. The cabin was built in 2007 and I had the porch stained with Sikkens CETROL SRD natural transparent in October 2008. A professional did the original work and I was very pleased with his work. I have maintained the stain since then; however I have not been satisfied with result the past two years. I am interested in trying your semi-transparent stain. Last year (2019) when I stained the porch there were areas that seemed to bubble and peel (if that is the correct term). I am attaching a couple of pictures. Hopefully, you can see what I mean. I would appreciate any guidance/assistance you can provide.
To fix this you will need to sand off the current coatings as it is too thick to be fully stripped. Once removed, you can then use the RAD Stains.
Placed an order and it came up as cancelled. I did not cancel it?
Your credit card was declined. You would have to ask your CC company as to why.
Trying to place an on line order tonight, but I have no coupon, and when I check step 5, coupon code with no entry, I get a “Coupon field is empty” message at the top of the screen and the order is not accepted. Please provide a coupon code if one is available, or let me know how to proceed with no coupon to enter on your website. Thank you.
Leave empty and do not enter anything in that field and you can check out. We do not have any promos at this time.
Still getting the same “Coupon Field is empty” message and will not process. I do note there is a step 3, shipping address, for shipping cost which does not allow any entries, as expected since all items “ship free”. Should I try ordering prep products and stain separately? Thanks.
Refresh your page, leave the coupon field empty and do not click the continue/update button next to the coupon field.
Now getting an error message, “No shipment selected”. My billing address is a post office box. I have unchecked the shipping address box and entered a street address, titled it “shipping”. And I have tried using both “new” and “shipping” in that “ship to” box, each time getting the “No shipment selected” message. Getting discouraged. TK
I am not sure what to tell you as the checkout does work correctly and we have been getting orders all day. Sorry, you are having issues.
Sigh. I am technically challenged. I logged out and then restarted my computer. Checking my account I confirmed that the shipping address was correct. And the order is placed. Thanks so much for your rapid replies and attempts to help my technically challenged abilities. TK
No issues and we do have your order!
Hello, I have new PT lumber Im waiting to weather before staining (RAD solid stain). I believe the instructions are to wait 1-3 months weathering before staining. Just wondering if leaving it exposed to the sun and rain would prep it sooner for staining, that leaving it stacked in the garage. Thanks,
Leaving it in the garage is not weathering at all. It has to be installed then weathered for 3+ months. See here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Can RAD solid stain (Brown Oak) be applied to a fence using a sprayer? Also, for a previously stained fence, would I need to apply RAD stripper first for solid stain, or would it be better to pressure wash and apply cleaner?
An airless paint sprayer but not a pump sprayer. Strip if peeling otherwise just clean and brighten.
Thanks very much for the quick answer! Our deck and fence are both 15 years old and have only been stained by pros (once for the fence; twice for the deck). I believe the fence is ironwood, but don’t know about the deck. I also believe the wood of both is in generally good shape. I read recently that for a deck of this age, solid stain is better than semi-transparent, which is why I have solid in my cart at this point. My goal is to match colors of the deck and fence and to have to re-stain only every five years or so. From your response, it sounds like semi-transparent would be way easier to apply, at least to the fence. But I’m wondering about durability. Sorry for the big-picture question, but can you give me advice re: semi-transparent vs. solid?
They last the same on a fence but semi-transparent is easier to apply and maintain.
I have previously stained my deck with Cabot Timber Oil, Jarah Brown. The can says it is transparent…the stain is just very dark. I have purchased Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightner. Can I clean with these products and then stain with Restore-A-Deck Solid deck stain (a dark color…Walnut).?
You can prep and stain over this with the RAD Solid Stain but you cannot use the RAD semi-transparent unless you strip this all off.
I don’t think my picture uploaded. the size of it was 7 mb and I don’t know how to make it smaller to meet max file size of 6 mb. can you help?
You need a photo editor or save a picture on your phone in a smaller format.
Now that I’ve decided to keep the deck the solid Desert Taupe, I want to tackle the fence. The top 2 rows of new boards were added Jan 2020. The bottom 2 rows of new boards were added 1st week of March 2020.
1) Are they all aged enough and ready to stain?
2) Do both the old and new boards need powerwashing, cleaning and brightening?
3) Do I need to stay with the solid stain because of both old and new boards?
4) Could I use a semi-transparent stain? if yes, what would you recommend?
5) The fence is 70′ wide. How much stain would I need?
Thank you.
1. It should be okay.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.
4. You can but the wood ages will show differently when stained.
5. We would need a total sq footage. Length x height x 2 for both sides = ?
There are eight 8′ sections, seven 6″ wide boards in each section. How much solid stain should I order? One coat or two? Thanks.
You will need two coats and what is the total sq footage all added up and are you doing both sides? If so double the sq footage.
I used your white solid stain on banisters with two coats two days ago. Now it looks like some brownish streak lines are coming through. What can I do?
That is Tannin Bleed from your wood.
DEFINITION
Tan or brownish discoloration on the paint surface. Tannins exist in many woods, most notably cedar and redwood and can bleed through to the surface, leaving a yellowish-brown stain on the surface. These stains are more noticeable on lighter paint colors and when in a higher moisture environment.
Let the wood dry out for a bit and then touch up the posts when the climate is dryer.
Thank you! Will do.
I haven’t touched up the tannin stains yet and notice a lot more now. The beautiful white railings are looking brownish now. Your solid stain didn’t require a primer. What can I do now?
Just what we said prior. Let it dry out and stop and then touch up.
Ok. Thank you for your quick response.
So just to be clear…I will wait for dry days, then touch up. Touching up may mean a 3rd coat application. Will that stop the tannin bleed?
Let it dry out for a month or so until the rainy or wet season is over. Then apply. You cannot stop tannin bleed but you can cover it once it stops.
Ok. Thankyou.
I plan on stripping my deck with RAD stripper & additives. The deck is about 750 sq ft. How much area should I strip at a time? Large sections 100 sq ft or larger or smaller areas. Do I have to brighten it after each section or wait till whole deck is done.
Strip 200-300 feet at a time until done, rinse well, and then brighten all at once.
if i used TWP 1500 semi transparent stain, a couple years later can i clean with RAD and then use semi-transparent RAD stain (similar or darker) or do i have to strip?
Strip and brighten.
Hi. I refinished a large deck last summer (Ontario Canada). Some areas of the deck had wood replaced the year before – I let it season for a year before treating it. Used the stripper/brightener kit, prepped extensively with careful power washer use and some sanding where needed, and stained with light walnut semi transparent. This spring, the stain has flaked off from some of the newer wood (last picture), and many areas of the older wood now show bare wood thru the 2 coats that were applied. Suggestions?
It was over-applied in areas as you can see it did not fully soak into the wood. Best to clean and recoat with one light coat.
Will do – thanks. I bought an extra jug of stain last year….I know what I’m doing this week!
Hi, is your solid stain thicker than normal stain?
Yes, much.
I finished staining last night at 9:30 pm. When can I walk on the deck? When can I move the furniture back on?
Also, I didn’t do some of the railings and lattice because of pending rain. Are they subject to the 12 hour rain rule, too?
Thanks .
Wait 24 hours for furniture. You can walk on it when dry. Yes on the rain.
I’m not sure what type of coating this is on my deck currently. I’d love to make it the grey color you sell, so will the Stripper and Brigtner (along with maybe a light sanding) be enough? Or will I need to have it “power sanded” to move forward? Thank you 🙂
You cannot strip this coating on your wood so you will have to sand it all off first.
How would RAD work on my new pine pressure treated deck that is 90 days old? Would I still need the Brightener. I plan on using a semi transparent RAD stain.
You have to clean and brighten. See this about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
This picture shows 2 coats of solid stain applied yesterday. Can I fill those cracks and crevices with another coat without causing future issues? I already applied additional stain to the railing, to fill in where possible, hoping I didn’t do the wrong thing and will cause future problems. This area is the deck boards. BTW, it’s looking really nice. Just wish the weather would cooperate for this project to be completed soon.
No, you do not need more and it is normal to have cracks in exterior wood and is not an issue.
Will it be problematic, in any way, if another coat is applied?
Yes. Too much stain can lead to the wood not being able to breathe causing failure.
Sanded and did one coat last summer, I am ready to do a second coat now. Do I need to clean and brighten before applying the new coat, or just clean?
Just the cleaner will do if you have a base coat.
Deck was fully sanded 2 years ago removing solid stain but other projects came up. It seems the process is to clean,brighten,stain… 1 coat or 2? (will use RAD semi-transparent). I would think 2 is better as the the deck is not a “recent” sanding. Also need to clarify wait time to stain after step 2? Needs to be dry after step 2 or can stain wet? Thanks!
Clean and brighten and 2 coats wet on wet of the RAD Semi-Transparent Stain. Dry wood or damp is fine for applying.
I ran out of brightener before I could cover everything that I used the stripper on? Can I leave it or can I use anything else for the small spot to brighten and neutralize?
Brighten it otherwise it will stain darker in color.
Can a 3rd coat of solid stain be applied to my white railings? Not sure if I had applied enough in the 2 coats.
Yes, with the solid stain but not the semi-transparent.
I am installing new pressure treated lattice to my deck. Do I need to clean it before I stain it, or could I just use brightener on it?
Clean and brighten if smooth wood. If rough sawn, no need to prep.
If I have stripper can I use that instead of the cleaner?
Too aggressive for new wood.
Do I have to allow the new wood to age or does the cleaner and brightener eliminate the need to wait?
It has to age. See this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Sorry if this question was asked before but I couldn’t find the answer.
1. What size and nap roller is best for solid color stain or would a pad applicator be better? And how many coats is needed?
2. I’ve power washed and sanded down the deck already but wasn’t happy with the result so I’m going to apply the stain removal and brightener. Should I resand it afterwards?
1. 5/8″ roller and hand brush, not a pad for the solid stains.
2. No need to sand.
Adding some before powerwashing and sanding pictures. Just to make sure I need the stain removal. Unsure how old the deck is.
Strip off what you can and then use the Solid Stain to cover the rest.
Once you mix the product stripper , do you have to use immediately or can it be used next day? and At what point, if you need to sand, is that done after you strip or after the brighten? Thanks
The Stripper and Brightener do not go bad once mixed. If you sand, do it after brightener.
Hello again – question about shipping charges. I just put a 5 gallon combo kit (cleaner/brightner), another 5 gallon, a brush, a crevice tool, and a painting pad in my cart. It shows a shipping charge of just over $20. I expected free shipping based on product listings showing free shipping. Why are shipping charges being applied? Just asking in case there is a website error. Thank you.
No, not on the pads. It states that other items are charged shipping if not a RAD item as they have to ship in separate boxes.
ok, thanks for the explanation
If you remove the pad there should be no shipping charges.
I did and you are correct.
Hi, we used the Dark Walnut semi transparent stain on our deck (New wood – 5 months old). It is beautiful, but not quite as dark as we would like. Is it ok to apply a 2nd coat?
No, new wood will not take additional coats.
Ok, thanks….how long (or how old does the wood need to be) before we can reapply?
Next Spring. Clean and recoat.
Just finished my first coat of solid stain and unexpected weather has come up. How long can I wait to get the second coat on?
A few days.
I ordered the sample kit last Friday. I see the charge on my cc, but not an order confirmation. I purchased as a guest. When should I expect to get info on shipment, etc. Thanks!
Order confirmations are sent at the same time. Check your spam folder. If not reply back to your CC confirmation and we will forward a copy.
I have the receipt. The order number is Y1P2029760. I do not see estimated shipping time or anything to tell me when to expect it.
Hello RAD – I posted in inquiry last night and have not yet received an answer but see that you have had a couple other questions from people that you have answered. I am posting again in case somehow my post got overlooked. Thank you.