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!
My deck is pt lumber that has been stained. It needs to be cleaned of stains, mildew etc. and then restrained. What products do I need?
Post pictures of the current condition.
Will I be able to paint over the semi transparent stain if it gets on the painted surface?
With the solid stain, yes.
With white paint?
White solid stain.
Thank you.
What should be done with cracked wood? This is pretty much the worst part of the deck, and not sure if there is anything in particular I should do, or if semi vs solid makes any difference. Thanks
Cracks are normal on decks and are not an issue. Just leave as is.
I want to add that it’s been “stained” with a solid redwood color paint, or opaque stain, that has peeled and blistered.
Remove all the loose and peeling stain and then recoat with the RAD Solid stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Can I use your products to restore a vintage redwood picnic table?
I am staining just the floor of my porch. The rim joists are painted. If the stain gets on it can it be painted over?
can I apply the brightener in full sun?
Yes.
Does restore-a-deck strip paint from decks? If so what is necessary to follow deck strip prior to painting?
No, you would have to sand off a paint to remove.
One thing I have been thinking about but forgot to ask? Do you ever recommend a pre-stain wood conditioner be used on a deck? Ive used it on some outdoor wood furniture before and I think it helped to make it stain very evenly. Is this ever used on a deck or does the brightener kind of take care of that process? Thank you
No, that will not work with deck stains.
I need some help. About a year 1/2 ago my husband and I bought some western red cedar at an auction. We were going to use it for a project at our house. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly after our purchase. The wood sat in our backyard on pallets for about a year. Then my son and I used the wood to have a deck built on the back of our house. The wood was somewhat damaged for being out in the elements for so long, but still useable. By the time the deck was built, it was the blazing part of summer here and too hot. So we waited to do the staining and have almost waited too long again. We cleaned the deck with Behr deck cleaner. We used a power washer. When it dried there was still some gray oxidation in places. We rent a sander, the kind you push around, and lightly sanded. Returned sander. Evaluated deck. Still some gray oxidation in places. So I got out my Dewalt hand sander and sanded the entire deck with 60 and 80 grit sandpaper. Mostly 60 grit. This all took me about 1 1/2 months to do because the direct sun is on the deck most of the day. Now the deck is looking a lot better, but it has taken me so long to do it the gray oxidation has come back on some of the boards. What should I do Now? Should I clean again with your cleaner this time and then brighten and stain (no more sanding). or should I sand it all over again on top real quick then brighten and stain with your products? (no cleaner) , Or? Hope you can guide me in the right direction. Attaching some photos. No rails. Deck has never been stained before. I ordered the samples of your semi-transparent stain. I am considering a light walnut. I know you are very busy right now, but do you have any kind of overnight delivery or 2-day delivery or anywhere I can purchase locally? I am worn out with this project and really need to get finished before it rains again and the wood needs the stain.
Thank you so much for your help.
Sandra Baugh
Clean and brighten for final prep. A little bit of gray is okay after as the stain will hide this. Just one coat of the stain after the prep. No overnight delivery and we sell online only. It will be fine until you prep and stain. Rain or another week to two will not harm anything.
New homeowner and would like to stain our deck to a two tone look. Deck is 427 sq ft and appears to have a solid stain similar to your Cypress color all over (though somewhat hard to tell and we don’t know what was used last). We’d like to switch the railings to your Classic White Solid Stain and horizontal area to the Cedar semi-transparent color. From the articles, it looks like we’ll need to strip (with additives? one or both?), power wash, brighten, and then stain. Will the stripper with the additives be enough to remove the existing stain and allow us to use the semi-transparent? Or, does it look like we’ll need to sand as well? The wood is in good condition but we’re unsure how old the deck is. Thanks!
You cannot fully strip a solid stain. Strip off when you can from the floors with both additives. Let dry and sand the rest off. Brightener last. You can use the same prep for the rails as well but you do not need to sand it all off if you are going to cover with a solid stain.
Thank you so much!
can rad be used on a solid stain
Which RAD and for what are you trying to do?
Is Restore a Deck a sealer as well as a stain> If not, is there a sealer that can be used over it? I plan ono using it on a pressured treat retaining wall and some steps made of 4 x 4s filled with pea gravel.
The RAD is a stain and seals the wood. You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain. Will not work.
I received my order recently (CRY030305). Tracking number 1ZE38 055 03 9678 5902. When I opened the package today, I found the stripper and brightener packs in an additional bag which was tie-strapped. The brightener was ok, but the stripper had a hole in the bottom. Very little had escaped into the secondary package. There was some evidence of moisture accumulation around both packages. Given these conditions, will the stripper be ok to use? I noticed the product attracts moisture.
Yes, it will be fine but make sure to wear some gloves when you are opening and mixing. It will not have any issues with effectiveness. Sorry about this.
Finished up my deck this past weekend using your products. Used stripper (on previous oil based semi-transparent stain), power washed, used brightener. I stained two days later—it rained the day in between—and did two coats of natural semi-transparent, wet on wet. It all seemed to go well and looks fine. However, I used much less of the product than was indicated I should use: I used 1 1/4 gallons for 270 sq ft. Just hoping it will hold up. I used a deck brush to apply. It seemed to absorb correctly, but I’m just a bit disconcerted the amount was low. Interested in your opinion. Thx.
It looks good so do not add anymore. Porosity varies deck to deck. Store the remainder in a temperature-controlled room and you can always add a light maintenance coat to the floors or as needed.
how long do you have to stain after cleaning and brighting ?
Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
thank you for the quick reply
I sanded down my deck. Applied the cleaner and brightener then applied your dark walnut stain, using a pad on a stick to apply all three. Steps one and two went great, but after applying two coats of the stain, it did not cover the slots between the boards, I’m wondering how best to get the slots stained without messing up the really nice stained finish on the boards themselves. Is there a staining tool made for the gaps between the boards? We have plenty of stain left to apply a 3rd coat over the entire deck, but are wondering if there is a better way to get the gaps stained in the process. Any suggestions?
Do not apply a third coat. More is not better. As for between the boards. you cannot apply just there and not have some stain get on the top of the boards and creating a mess. Best to just leave it as is at this point.
We bought the crevice tool but did not find that it worked all that well. We had problems with our first attempt and are re-stripping and sanding (for the bits that don’t quite come up with power washing) WE have opted to lift the boards and stain. We catch the edges then. Pad application worked well for us. The brush seemed to puddle more. Pad made it easier to brush out and avoid uneven application.
Considering you have two coats, you could lift the boards and run the edge easily enough. The sides won’t be that visible. Try a board and determine if you can stand the bit of a line and how visible it is. Or a RAD suggests, leave it and when you need to recoat in a few years do it then.
Will the stripper product work on this semi-solid deck stain? (photo attached)
Square Footage of Area to be Restored: 500
Type of wood if known:pine, pressure treated
Approximate Age of Wood: 3 yrs
If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type (Examples of Type: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Solid Stain:Water-Based, Sherwin Williams
If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained: 3 yrs
Wood Type to be Stained: Deck
Do you have access to a pressure washer: Yes
Probably not as it looks like a solid stain on the wood. It would remove some or most but you will have to sand after to get it fully off.
I’ve worked very hard preparing my deck with your products. Love them. I am a little worried however. After stripping with the RAD I have used an un-opened package of the Neutralizer/Brightener that I purchased last year but was unable to get started on my deck last spring as intended. The instructions indicate soap-like suds must be rinsed. I really didn’t notice and suds or smell etc when I used it. Am I ok? I am ready for the RAD semi-transparent. Thanks!
Yes, you will be fine. Make sure to rinse the brightener well when done.
The stairs look great with semi-transparent Dark Walnut, but there are some drips on the patio flagstone. Tried to wipe then clean immediately, but the drips are still there. What is the best way to remove the stain from the flagstone?
Here are some before and after photos. After using the cleaner to be sure all the pollen and other dirt was off, the stain went on easily using your brush. Now if I can just get the drips off the flagstone. Thanks!
Use a graffiti remover cleaner fro your paint store.
Hello, I have a deck with approximately 750 sq ft of surface area, railings that are 36″ tall and approximately 80′ in length. I was looking to stain it with a gray color. I was wondering if there is an advantage to doing the solid color on the railings vs doing the semi-transparent? Will they look the same – or should I just use the semi-transparent for everything?
You could do either and it would look very good.
Went to use stain today. Unopened 2.5 gallon container purchased last year. Product had completely separated rendering it useless. Is this normal? If so then shelf life should be clearly marked. Disappointed.
Hello,
When looking at your order it was purchased almost two years ago. For it to separately like this it was probably exposed to freezing or extremely high temperatures. The shelf life is listed on the container as well.
The product was definitely exposed to freezing temperatures. I read the container twice and did not see a warning. Lesson Learned.
Does the cleaner remove the identifying dye marks stamped onto new treated pine or do they need to be sanded off? If sanding is required, should cleaning, brightening, and staining be delayed?
Sand now and then delay the prep and stain for a couple of months.
Looking to use the deck stripper, but concerned about my painted aluminum balusters. Will the stripper or brightener damage these if I spray on the stripper or should I brush on the stripper to avoid getting product on them? If I do get product on them, how quickly do I need to get it off?
Thanks,
It should not harm the balusters but always test spot it first.
Here is the picture
Picture…
This is after two rounds of cleaner. It obviously still has grime/mold stains. Is it okay to proceed to the brightener or should I do something else?
Are you pressure washing while using the cleaner?
Yes, at a low pressure
We would go over it again with the cleaner and use a higher pressure to remove the dirt and mildew that is still on the wood. Brighten after.
Applied semi-trans dark walnut early morning and finished before 10am… Now curing in hot sun all day (from about 10-4). Will this be ok?
Yes, looks good.
I just finished building a deck / patio covering using treated pine then covering with cedar, the flooring is a composite material, with no finishing required. AAll the surfaces I will be staining and sealing are vertical. I live in Houston, TX. I am considering your, cedar, semi transparent. What are your recommendations? Also, how long should I wait before staining and sealing? It looks like I will need to order product on line, it appears you have no distributors in Texas.
Hi, see this about new wood tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Can anyone please tell me if I should use the thickening gel additive or the booster additive? Not sure what they’re for?
Post a picture of what you are stripping. Also do you know the brand and type of stain?
Can i buy restore-a-deck at Lowes or Home Depot ?
No. Only online.
Ready to go with the cleaner/neutralizer then Semi-Transparent. Does the deck need to be damp when staining? More than likely due to time constraints, the neutralizer will have dried.
It can be applied to damp or dry wood.
Why can’t I find my post or answer from a question I posted yesterday, There are other new questions since I asked mine
Sorry but do not see any post in your name.
Is there a local dealer that can tint this stain for me, or is this the only location to purchase the Restore-a-Deck Classic White stain. Thanks
We only sell online unless you are in Michigan. The RAD Stains cannot be tinted.
What is the proper way to dispose of unused stripper and brightener?
We are installing a new cedar fence this week (Northern Nevada dry hot climate).
1. How long do we need to wait before staining with RAD?
2. Do we need to use the brightener before staining with a solid RAD color?
3. Regarding the side of the fence that faces the neighbor, what if they decide to use another stain product (not RAD), does that impact how we treat our side?
Thanks for all your help.
1. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
2. See above.
3. The other stain will bleed through and it will not look good.
I need to sand an old, solid stain from my deck before treating with RAD products. Should the cleaner/brightener/stain be applied immediately after sanding? Or can I wait for a week?
You can wait a week or longer. Does not matter.
I live in Edmonton Alberta Canada, given the current COVID -19 situation what is the anticipated shipping times to Canada
1-2 weeks.
Can i use RAD solid stain on composite boards?
We have never tried it but it should work.
Hi
can you please help me decide on a colour for my deck, fence and veranda. Also, do I need a brightener? I’m leaning towards a lighter colour but unsure. I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Thanks!
You have to use both the RAD cleaner and the wood brightener while pressure washing for prep. Any color will work, that is your preference.
Are the pictures of the semi-transparent samples accurate to what I will be receiving? I would hate to buy a lighter one and it ends up being darker or a different tint.
Colors will always vary based on the wood type and age of the wood so no, it will not look exactly like the sample picture.
Ok thanks- would I need a solid 48 hours without rain ?
Yes, correct.
can I apply timber oil the same day as cleaning and brightening ? Looks like rain later
No, not the Timber Oil. 48 hours after prep.
I had a lot of mildew/algae on my deck[2400sq ft]. So i used defy extreme stain after stripping and brightening. My question: Will I be able to use RAD stain after cleaning this deck which defy extreme on it.
I thought you would use the RAD stain without stripping and refresh say in 2 years WITHOUT stripping.
so I’m asking if I can use your products on the Defy extreme….OR do I have to strip it or stay with defy extreme stain. Not changing tone Used cedar. And have ordered your products kits with 10 gal of cedar stain of RAD. Thank you
No, you have to strip off the Defy Extreme before using the RAD Stain. Once you use the RAD Stain, you can clean and recoat as needed with the same stain.
Can the RAD products be used on Defy Extreme Stain…without having to strip, ie; just to refresh stain from 2 years ago
The RAD products should only be used if recoating the deck or wood.
for using a spraye for solid stain, the instructions state use “use tips between .013 and .015” what’s the measurement being used? I’m looking at purchasing a sprayer AOBEN Paint Sprayer, 750W Hvlp Spray Gun, Electric Paint Gun with 4 Nozzles, 1000ml with nozzle sizes: Blue nozzle size is 2.6mm, white is 1.5mm, black is 1.8mm, red nozzle size is 2.2mm. Is this sprayer appropriate for using with the cleaners, stripper and solid stain and which nozzle size for each?
Thank you.
You use a pump sprayer for the prep and if you want to spray the solid stain, you need an airless sprayer. The one you are looking at probably will not work.
Ok. Bought the system Strip-brightener-semi-transparent stain.
Stripped deck that had other semi-transparent stain. Stripper failed to strip fully after multiple coats.
Powerwashing left deck scarred a bit and fuzzy. Powersanded whole deck (80 and 120, 80 left the wood rather rough)
Stained spindles odd the deck. Worked well. Was looking forward to the deck.
Brightened the deck as it has sat in sun after sanding longer.
Stain did not seem to sink in and about half has awful white film. Would appear to be blushing? It did rain unexpectedly about 10 hours after applying but we did cover it overnight in case. (Widely scattered storms of course hit us)
Read that this might dry out and disappear?
Should we just Strip and restain? Re-sand with coarse grit?
Probably need to remove and restain. You cannot cover the deck from rain, it needs air to cure correctly. The white may have been from not rinsing the brightener correctly.
Your stripper will strip your stain? I really don’t want to have to sand the whole thing again.
Yes, but use both additives as well since it is newly applied.
Forgot to mention I want the deck stain to be semi-transparent, NOT semi- or solid
I plan to use the Restore-A-Deck one-day stripper & lightener to prep my now-peeling, hardwood mahogany deck that formerly had B/M Arbor Coat Amber water-based stain on it. For Hardwood Deck stains, you recommend Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain (previously described as a water-based stain). Is your Hardwood stain different from your regular deck stain (ie., is it oil-based or water-based)? I couldn’t tell from your description.
We do not have a hardwood version but the RAD semi-transparent stain works very well of hardwoods. It is water-based.
I am a bit confused. You state your water-based “RAD semi-transparent stain works very well on hardwoods,” yet on your website it is recommended using your Exotic & hardwood Oil-based stains on mahogany. Before I order, which is it?—water or oil-based for best results on mahogany???
?
The RAD is a water-based stain and works very well for hardwoods.
I forgot to mention that this deck is elevated about 10 ft off the ground with no stairway access. The only access is via the home which is why moving the furniture off the deck is not viable unless I fill my home interior with furniture, grill, fire pit, planters etc.
Is the solid stain coverage rating (200-300 sq ft / gal) for 1 coat or 2? My deck is 35X14 or 490 sq ft.
Will I need 2 gal or 4. Should I buy an additional gallon just in case my coverage only end up at 200 sq.ft. I plan to do only the decking itself. Rails and stiles are in good condition. All decking boards have been replaced last September, so I believe I am now adequately aged and ready for stain.
It is unlikely that I will be able to apply a second coat for a few days. I have heavy furniture on the deck so I plan to apply the first coat on half the deck, move the furniture to the newly stained area, stain the other half of the deck, move the furniture, apply second coat to previous stained area, move the furniture once again and then apply the second coat to the remaining area.
Is this the correct way to do this or should I apply 2 coats to half the deck, move the furniture and apply 2 coats the the remaining area.
I am 70 years old and don’t think I am able to physically do more than one coat per day.
Should I prep the entire deck and then stain half at a time, will I need to clean and brighten half the deck if a few days have passed between prep and stain?
Is it ok if a day or 2 passes between the 1st and second coat of the solid stain. applying the second coat of stain would be impossible in one day unless I can walk on the first coat in a few hours without leaving marks.
My deck is shaded for only a few hours each morning then it remains in full sun until sunset.
Hope I am not being confusing and any application tips you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
I have purchased 3 color samples, made my choice and am ready to place my order.
200-300 sq feet per gallon per coat. Probably 4-5 gallons for the two coats. Easier to apply two coats to the same half on the same day. Let dry for a few days, move furniture, and then apply the two coats to the other half. You can wait a day or two between coats for the solid stain.
Can I walk on the first coat in order to apply the second quote and if so, how long should I wait.
My deck boards run parallel to the house or 35 feet. Then extend 14 feet from the house via multiple runs of boards. I want to avoid a possible stripe down the middle of my deck.
I would need to apply 2 coats to the 35 foot length ( or about 35 feet by 7 feet) and repeat the process for the second half of the deck. Obviously this won’t work unless I can walk on the first coat.
Yes, you can: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html