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!
Oops, this is for Gerald Jenkins (6/18/2020) not Brad Jenkins. Sorry for the error. Gerald, would you
please tell me why you are switching from Defy semi-transparent stain to RAD semi-transparent
stain? Also, what wood is your deck?
Thank you much.
I would like Brad Jenkins (6/18/2020) to tell me why he is switching from Defy semi-transparent stain to RAD semi-transparent stain. I’m trying to decide between the two. Thank you, Brad.
I have just powerwashed my deck. Then I applied Thompson water seal. We have decided we want to use a solid stain on the deck. Can I apply solid stain over the freshly applied Thompson product?
No, as it will repel the stain. You will need to strip and brighten for prep.
Hi,
Just finished staining our deck and I have 1 unopened, and one half used gallon of solid stain left over. How should I store these and how long is the shelf life.
Also wondering what the prep is for any touch ups next season?
Thanks,
Shelf life if opened is about 12 months. Unopened about 3 years. Store where it cannot freeze.
i have PTP deck i used your semi transparent stain 2 gallons.I did not mixed the first gallon properly. The second gallon i empty the jug and cut the bottom and the i mix it thourlghy as resullt
i have diffient shades. I am in the process of stripping the deck.I plan to redo the deck early October shoud I brightner now,clean an brightner in October.I will be using your semi transparent
Thanks
How do I just clean a deck that has Semi-Transparent stain on it. The deck is still in great shape, just want to clean it from dust, mildew etc.
Warm water with a little bit of dish soap.
Deck is 220 sq ft. 9 years old. Treated pine. Redone 3years ago with Cabot semi transparent. Will an orbital sander remove this product down to wood so we can stain with your product? Would we need to use stripper?
This is a solid stain on your wood. You will have to power sand to remove as a stripper will not remove it fully.
Hello, we have a 720 sq.ft. weathered PT deck that is about 8 years old. It has not been properly cared for, never cleaned / brightened or stained (see photo). Do you think if properly prepped (cleaned and brightened) we can use a semi transparent stain to finish or should go with opaque? How much cleaner and brightener and stain do we need to order? Thanks.
Use Semi-transparent. One prep kit should work. About 7-8 gallons of the stain for 2 coats.
Does your stripper in the process work on this form of solid stains? Pictures are before any pressure washing and sanding/cleaning.
A stripper will not remove a solid stain fully but it will help to prep for applying another solid stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
I moved into a house earlier this year with a solid stain chipping away, not sure about brand/type. What should be my process wit this deck?
The RAD Stripper will help to prep for applying another solid stain by removing the loose stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
After filling out an Order form and giving my address in Toronto Ca. I don’t see that I would be charged an exchange rate for Can. funds? Is this so or am I in for an annoying surprise when I see my credit card bill.
All funds are in USD,
My deck was stained with Defy semi transparent light walnut stain. I will be staining with RAD semi transparent dark walnut stain. I have stripped, pressure washed and then brightened and then noticed some stain still left on the deck. Can I hand sand just the areas with residual stain? If so, do I need to brighten and then stain with 2 coats? Or should I sand the whole deck with a 5 inch random orbital sander, brighten and then stain with one coat?
Hand sand and then brighten the wood again.
One or two coats of stain? Thanks so much!
Two light coats applied wet on wet.
We previously used Thompson water seal semitransparent stain on our deck floor. What would we have to do to use yorvproduct?
Pictures please.
I understand that I should not stain if the temperature will reach 90 degrees during the day. Is there a cure time at less than 90 degrees that would be okay? For instance, if I stain in the evening after it has cooled down, and stain would have say 12-15 hours to cure ahead of 90 degree temps the next afternoon, would that be okay?
Yes, thay would be okay. See here for more tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
Stained our deck with Restore-a-Deck and love the stuff. Especially the low toxicity. We have a bunch of active birdhouses around the deck and the stain doesn’t bother the nesting birds. Time to re-stain so I ordered stripper and brightener. I should have read more about them first! The toxicity of the stripper makes it a non-starter in our situation. Fortunately this stain is easier to sand off than stains I’d used. before. So I’ll just sand the old stain off instead of stripping it. My question is, should I just sand it off and apply the new stain or should I do anything additional to make the new stain adhere better? I’m not concerned how the wood grain appears or anything. Any half-decent stain job will do. But I don’t want stain coming off. That happened to me before with other brands and it was a mess. Thanks, Don
Do a pressure washing after and use the brightener after the sanding.
Moved into our house last fall and am refinishing deck. Don’t know any facts about deck age (at least 10 years or so) or stain but is a 730 sq. ft. deck and 110 sq. ft. in railings. I believe it was a solid stain. I have only power washed it so far. I am wanting to put RAD solid stain on it. What else do I need to do to prepare for staining.
Just continue as you are doing by removing the loose stain.
Should I just clean and stain or would I need to brighten before applying stain? Some of the previous stain would not not come off, is that ok since I am applying solid stain? Also, how many gallons should I need?
You do not have to brighten this when using a solid stain and you can cover any intact stain. About 6-8 gallons.
Thank you.
Six months ago, our then current deck, 9’11” deep x 13’6″ wide, and mostly covered by a roof, was extended by 11’9″. The total area is now 21’8″ deep x 13’6″ wide = 293 sq ft. The old decking came with the house built end of 2003. I do not know the type of stain used. I have included a couple of close-up decking pictures, one next to the house and very well protected from the sun and rain, and a second that is exposed. Not sure if you can tell anything from the pix. As one picture shows, I will have to refinish/finish in two sections, as a hot tub will have to be moved. The The railing is plastic and all wood is pressure treated pine. The old deck is stained underneath and on the beam and two posts. I have access to a pressure washer. We are interested in using the Cottage Gray Semi. What is your recommendation regarding finishing the bottom of the deck, the new beam, and five new posts? I have never done a project like this, so I would very much appreciate any guidance you can provide.
See here about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
You have a solid stain now so best to use a solid stain again for even coverage and appearance. clean and brighten all wood for the prep. Use the RAD Solid Stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Hello,
My surface has been weathering for apx 2 months, and I’ve prepped my material for RAD solid stain by sanding, followed by RAD cleaner and brightener. I just checked the wood moisture level with a meter and it is all less than 12%, is this level low enough to go ahead with staining?
Thank you.
Yes. Have fun staining!
How do I get rid of lap marks after power washing marante deck. Didn’t realize about lifting nozzle. Can I still sweep back And forth?
Those are called stop marks and you cannot get rid of them outside of power sanding the entire deck.
Hello
We are interested in stripping/restaining our deck. It is pressure-treated pine and has a sealer on it (semi-transparent). Some areas still look good, while other areas are looking pretty bad. Will the RAD stripper perform well on the areas that still have a good coating?
What stain is this? It looks very thick almost like it is a varnish on top of the wood. That means it can be hard to remove fully with a stripper.
CABOT Gold (Honey Drenched Oak)
Your best option is to strip as much as possible with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Sand after if needed to remove any stubborn areas. Brighten the wood last.
More than 2 coats ever used?
Yes, on decks older than 12 months.
I recently moved into a house with a deck that looks like it needs to be cleaned and stained. I am not sure if it has ever been treated or stained, and what type of wood it is. I am hoping for some guidance on what I should do to get the best results. I am looking to clean the wood and stain
Use the RAD stripper and brightener kits for the prep. Then stain with the RAD Stain.
Thank you, so I do not need to use the cleaner solution or does the stripper clean it as well as strip the wood?
No need for the cleaner if using the stripper.
Should I be ordering the semi-transparent or the solid stain?
semi-transparent
We have three decks, each that have been painted with exterior paint. Does all the paint need to be removed before using this product? We would need to pressure wash and strip it? We were considering a “deck-over” type product, but, they have horrible reviews. Now trying to decide how to proceed. Thanks!
You will have to remove all the paint and that will require power sanding as a stripper will not remove it.
We bought 2 brushes and some solid wood stain. No one mentioned it did not work well on solid. But it did. only problem is that we can’t get it clean. Help?
No sure what you mean? What did not work well and what can you not get clean? Pictures would help.
Deck looks fine – have been unable to get brush clean. We used espresso stain.
Hi, the order page for the RAD Brushes does state it does not work for solid stains. Not sure if you will be able to clean them. Maybe take a pressure washer to it but be careful?
OK – thanks. Gentleman whom I ordered from never told me that and he knew what kind of stain I ordered. All is wello.
We moved here 2 months ago, so I have no idea how old the deck is, but I’m pretty sure it was painted with valspar porch and patio enamel, latex. I plan to sand it down to remove the paint. It appears to have one coat. What is the point of using stripper if I sand the paint off? Also do i need to use the cleaner and brightner? I have a power washer and will sand, power wash to remove dust and stuff. Can I just apply the solid stain?
My deck is about 300 sq feet, how many gallons of solid stain will I need! Also, how long will it take to get my order?
Sand oof the loose stain and then pressure wash. No need for a stripper. You can use the solid stain after. 2-3 gallons for two coats.
I applied semi transparent last weekend 2 coats to new wood but a spot is light.
Is there anything I can do now?
Second question is I have some semi stain that stained my solid stain. What can I do?
It will probably not take if you try to spot apply. Use graffiti remover clean to clean off the spots on the solid stain.
4years ago I had my new pine wood deck stained with a semi-solid stain, close in color to Desert Taupe, but made by Sherwin Williams. That stain is virtually gone now (only used once) and we want to stain it with Restore a Deck Solid Stain in Brown Oak. I need to know what I need to do prior to using your stain and what tools are best to buy for the job, as well. Thank you!
Prep by stripping off as much as you can and then brighten the wood. You can cover any intact stain with the new solid stain.
I have a 320 square foot, pressure-treated deck that was built in 2013. I waited one year before treating it with Valspar cleaner/prep products and then applied a water-based solid Valspar one-coat exterior stain and sealer. The Valspar stain has not stood up well to Maine winters, flakes badly, and has to be pressure-washed and recoated every year (including 2019). The attached photos show what the deck looks like after I pressure-washed it this month to remove the loose stain. I’d like to strip the rest of the current stain and recoat it with Restore-A-Deck semi-transparent stain (Cottage Gray). Any advice would be appreciated.
Ed
You cannot strip a solid stain. To fix you will need to sand it all off.
Is okay to Strip and brighten one evening and then Stain the next morning even though the high temperature the day of staining will be 92?
Above 90 is too hot. See here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
Is it okay to spray the stripper down on partially wet wood from a little rain?
Yes.
Is Restore-a-Deck semi-transparent stain safe to use on the outside and inside of wood vegetable planter boxes?
Yes, it is.
Thank you for your reply to my question.
I used your solid white on railing and baluster, after all prep, applied 2 weeks ago, now I notice some nail and shrew heads rusting threw, what can I do.
Sorry but you cannot stop the screws from rusting outside of replacing them. The rust will bleed through any stain.
Our deck gets full sun starting at about noon. Am concerned about trying to do the stripping, brightening and staining in one day. If we do the stripping and brightening in the evening, and the staining the next morning, should we just “mist” the wood first before applying the first coat of stain?
Will this be as good as applying the stain a couple of hours after brightening?
Thank you,
Yes and yes.
what can be used to clean up drips from restore a deck stain?
Drips onto what?
Concrete
Try a paint stripper and pressure washer to remove.
I cleaned and brightened my deck yesterday and was going to apply a timber oil today. I believe we are going to switch to the RAD solid deck stain, which if I order today will not arrive for 3-4 weeks or so. What do I need to do to my deck between the order and when the deck arrives to make sure the solid stain is ready to apply?
Just do a light cleaning prior to applying the stain with the pressure washer and wood brightener.
We live in Colorado and get a lot of sun on our deck. We are thinking of switching to a solid stain and like the look of the espresso. Does this stain “hold the heat” making it impossible to walk on in the sun or does the heat transfer through to the wood?
All stains will retain some heat but we have not had any complaints about the Espresso being and “hotter” than the others.
We stained our deck yesterday and ran out of time to do a second coat. Can we do a second coat and touch ups today?
No, second coats have to be applied wet on wet. At this point, it has already cured. You can do another coat in 6-12 months after a light cleaning.
Didn’t see your message so we started on 2nd coat. What happens now? Will the 2nd coat washes off or remain sticky? Anything I can do?
Nothing you can do. Hopefully you will not have an issue but if you do, you may have to recoat next year.
What is it’s solid stain? Then can you do the second coat the next day?
Sorry. Yes, the solid stain can be done the next day and the 2nd coat has to be applied after the first oat fully dries. The semi-transparent has to be wet on wet.
I would like to see a picture of a deck finished with Cottage Gray. I have not been able to find a picture. Is there a section on the site with finished decks or is there a picture available to post on this forum?
We do not have pictures to post but you can order a sample: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
I’m going to use TWP 1500 stain on cedar deck , I just stripped deck and in a couple of weeks going to clean and brighten , after clean do I have to wait to use brighten or do I have to wait for deck to dry in between the clean and brighter??
Brighten as soon as you are done with the cleaning.
I stripped/brightened/semi stain (all rad products) cedar deck had plenty of drying time. When it rained for the first time it did not bead up. Just puddled. Do I need to put a sealer on?
It is not designed to bead as the stain needs to breathe. You cannot add a sealer over a deck stain.
I have a redwood deck that I stain with the same oil based stain every other year. It’s not clear from your instructions if I should use Cleaner – Stripper – Brightener then stain, or if I should just or Cleaner OR Stripper, then Brightener and stain
Id using the same stain again then clean and brighten for prep.
I am replacing some old, cracked 2 x 6 Treated with the same. I have already striped the deck with RAD, preparing to sand everything then RAD Neutralizer/Cleaner/Brightener. Then stain with RAD Semi. I’ve read NOT to sand the new 2 x 6’s. However, is there a way to get the stain on the new wood to match the old? In the past (Olympic Maximum II) the new boards always turn out way lighter in color.
No, new wood will always be lighter as it is less absorbent. New wood tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Do you offer samples of the restore a deck solid colors? I’m interested in the two darkest brown colors.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
12 by 12 cedar deck and railings 10 mo. old never stain doesn’t get much full sun there is some greying and a little green . I’m ready to stain with a tung oil based stain. what do I need to do to prepare the deck so I get the natural cedar look back?
Prep with the RAD Cleaner and Brightener kits.
I replaced a 520 sqft deck with 5/4 treated yellow pine about 6 months ago. It has dried nicely, the boards had shrunken and became time to stain. I researched a bit and selected RAD. I got the sample kit and the cleaner and brightener. We treated and stained some scrap pieces from he deck. Light walnut was our choice. We finally got a fairly dry forecast ( a rare thing here in NC). There were marks I didn’t like so I sanded the whole deck with 36 grit folowed with 80. We have a sunny spot so I treated the deck in late afternoon. The next morning looked good so lightly misted the surface and the stained the whole thing; about two hours. The temp was mid 70s and the humidity in the 50s. I used your yellow brush – which I really liked- and worked hard not to leave puddles, brush marks etc. It looks fine. Here is the question. I did the whole job with a little less than one gallon of stain. Did I brush too much? What do I do next?
Yes, you did seem to apply to thin, just clean and recoat in the Spring of next year.
Have stripped PT wood deck and now need to remove fuzzies with hand held orbital sander. Cannot find buffing pads to fit 6 hole hook & loop 5 inch sander. Can I use finer grit sandpaper (like 120 grit) instead? or should I just sand the deck with 60-80 grit? Once finished, will deck take only 1 coat of RAD semi-transparent stain?
60-80 grit. Brighten the wood after and rinse well. One coat of stain.
Hello, we purchased your deck cleaner and solid deck stain last year, and the project turned out great! However, we failed to sand well enough and now some of the horizontal boards need to be re-done (our fault). We bought plenty of product and do not need more at this time. My question is this: for best results, can we clean it all and then just touch of the bad spots with stain, or do we need to clean and restain all of the horizontal boards so that the color is consistent?
Thank you,
Karen
Restain all. It will not blend if you spot apply.
Would it work if I do the spots now and then restain it all in a couple of weeks?
Just leave as is until you recoat all. It will be fine.
I’m trying to decide on stain: RAD, TWP, or Armstrong. I live in a VA with heat and humidity. I have a pine PT deck – about 7 years old and we should have stained 2 years ago. Can you let me know which product might be the best fit in my case.
Use the RAD.
Is the cleaner and brightener safe to use around vinyl siding?
Yes.
Two questions. First, I have old, seriously peeling Behr semi-transarent on my deck now. An answer to Andrea below said Behr is hard to get off with your stripper. So is it better to sand it off rather than using stripper? Second, if I do that, is it okay to sand in the fall and leave the deck exposed to winter and then clean, brighten and stain the following spring? That would let it age 3-6 months before staining. Thanks!
Yes, you can sand now and then prep and stain in the Spring.