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Restore-A-Deck Help with Your Project?

by RAD Products

Restore A Deck Prep and Staining Steps

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

author avatar
RAD Products Owner
Scott only carries wood deck stains and wood restoration products that perform best based on his experience using the products and his 30+ years of helping others. Scott has been approached about selling numerous restoration products through the years but selects only the products he has used and trusts to perform.
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Peter
Peter
1 year ago

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.

David Hofmann
David Hofmann
4 years ago

I am located in central Iowa and have a 780sf cedar deck that was rebuilt around 2013. Last treated in 2017 with Olympic Maximum semi-transparent stain. I have a power washer which I used to prep in 2017. Deck is low to the ground (8-18 inches above grade), with parts in damp shade and full sun. A few small spots are soft and will be replaced, and there are a few raw boards that have been patched in but not treated for about a year. I’m thinking it might be time for a solid stain in order to blend old and new boards, but am willing to try a semi-transparent stain again if I can get it prepped correctly. Any recommendations for prep and final product are appreciated.

Chandra
Chandra
4 years ago

Is the Stain Stripper safe to use around pets?

sun
sun
4 years ago

I want to order RAD cedar (I received a sample of) however, I cannot find cedar in a larger size. Please advise.

Karine
Karine
4 years ago

Hello,

We have a 7 years deck with pressured treated wood. We are currently preparing the deck for staining. We want to change a few board that have been damaged. Wondering if we just do the steps for those board (cleaner, brighter and two coats of semi-transparent stain? Thanks!

Mark Day
Mark Day
4 years ago

Got 20 year old deck, refinished it in 2016 with Behr semi-transparent weather proofing all in one stain and sealer. Not worried about seeing the woodgrain. Would like to use your solid color. Will your solid color work?

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4 years ago

we have a 25-year-old original cedar deck with various boards replaced with pressure-treated wood over time. It is 950 sq ft. It has peeling and lifting solid Sherwin Williams stain as it’s the previous coating. We have Stripped it, power washed it, Brightened, and then sanded the whole deck. Approximately 12 hours ago we finished the second coat of solid Restore a Deck stain on the stairs. 3 Questions:
1. from the picture you can see the previous color is bleeding through on the steps, can we do a 3rd coat? 2. the steps were brushed on – will this cover better if it is rolled on? and 3. With the solid Stain, it says to wait for it to dry completely before the next coat – is this 1-2 hour dry? Do we need to do the second coat BEFORE it fully cures? We are trying to complete this weekend as the weather is cooperating as a quick reply would be awesome!! Thank you so much in advance!

Laurie Hochberg
Laurie Hochberg
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thanks for the quick reply! Just to clarify – what’s the LONGEST period you can wait between an additional coat -1-2 days?

Victor
Victor
4 years ago

I’ve prepared my deck for staining, using RAD stripper/brightener. How critical is it to ensure that all of the old semi-solid stain visible in between the deck boards (which have rounded/beveled edges) is removed before applying new semi-transparent (non-RAD) stain? Stripping/sanding the top surface of a large deck was tough enough – I’m a bit reticent to aggressively attack the cracks if failing to do so won’t result in failure of the new stain to adhere properly.

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4 years ago

Sorry, here is the picture!!

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4 years ago

Added a picture to comment below….the pergola is very simple….

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4 years ago

Hi, we have built a 12′ x 8′ x 8′ high pergola in June and plan to stain it in the Fall. We used eastern white cedar. I expect we will only need 1 gallon of semi transparent stain. My question is whether or not it is essential to do both the cleaning brightening process? We do not have access to a pressure washer. Thanks in advance!

Karen Ranney
Karen Ranney
4 years ago

We have a 25+ Recycled material (composite?) deck floor. Will the RAD solid stain work?

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4 years ago

My order was shipped 7/25. Do you have have a tracking number since I still have not received it?

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4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

1BE4032049 Susan Parker

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4 years ago

Our deck is 2 years old and made from IPE wood. I want to confirm that your cleaner and brightener products are safe for this wood. Also is your semi-transparent wood stain similar to an IPE oil? And is that what you would recommend for an IPE deck or do you have other suggestions that work better?

Thanks

Jon
Jon
4 years ago

I have 10+ year old composite wood deck that is losing its color. I tested a interior polyurethane on a scrap piece and it brought the color back. I know poly will not work in outdoor applications however. Do you have a product that work to bring the color back and withstand Minnesota climate? Thinking of trying your semi transparent natural stain. Thoughts?

Jon
Jon
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Okay thank you. Would there be negative
affects on my decking if I did apply it to the composite boards?

Lyn
Lyn
4 years ago

for your solid RAD stain what type of roller should I get? the stores have so many to choose from. fabric, polyester/knit high or low density?

nap size?

thanks.

Jill
Jill
4 years ago

We have a 3 year old Cypress/yellow cedar deck. We live in Washington state and the deck faces west. First year we used a clear sealer, by the next summer I had to sand it because it was so grey. Then used a tinted sealer, same result. Does your product work with this kind of wood? and if so will it be grey again in a year?

Kevin
Kevin
4 years ago

I’d like to repaint my deck and am trying to figure out exactly what I need to do to prep it. There is mold/mildew on the decking and the boards are kind of rough. What exactly do I need to do to prepare it for painting? I’m thinking of using a RAD cleaner first. Do I need a brightener too if I’m just painting after? After the cleaner and brightener (if needed) I was planning on sanding with 80 grit paper to remove the roughness. Then I planned to prime and paint. Are there any other products I need or do I need to change the order of the steps? Thanks!

ilmiglione
ilmiglione
4 years ago

We have inherited a classic Maine “camp” built just after WWII and like other structures of its kind, it features open framing throughout the interior. The original knotty pine is much darkened and also shows areas of gray and water damage. I am wondering whether we might be able to bring it back to something like original condition using restore-a-deck cleaner and Brightener. Can they be used inside with ample ventilation? Will they work? I have already ordered stain samples to try on the deck, so I may be ordering these products anyhow.

Dale
Dale
4 years ago

What is the best method for staining a rough cedar fence with RAD semi-transparent? Can I use a pump sprayer and back brush?

John
John
4 years ago

I’m trying to restore a 25 year old pressure treated deck with a railing. Approximately 500 square feet and stained with a solid stain 2-3 years ago. I’m replacing some boards (when pressure treated wood becomes available, there’s a little flaking but mostly just a worn out color with old boards. Which of the cleaner/stripper combinations would work? I’m planning on restaining with a new solid color.
Thanks!

Sara
Sara
4 years ago

I have tried pressure washing my deck (untreated cedar – and just using water) and it turns out I’m not great at doing it evenly. So, now the wood varies in color based on how evenly I cleaned it. If I use your cleaner and brightener on the whole deck before your semi- transparent stain, would I have a good chance of it evening out? Or, do I need to go back and ensure the pressure-wash job is perfectly even before proceeding? Or, would some light sanding work? Thanks!!

Sara
Sara
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Ah, okay, this represents the most stark contrast – as bad as it gets. thanks!

Sara
Sara
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Okay, that’s what I thought! I did make a couple of grooves in the wood (not too deep – you can kind of see it in the 2nd picture, top step). Should I: 1. Sand it down before the entire cleaning/brightening process? 2. Sand it down after cleaning but before brightening? 3. Not worry too much about it?
I have read various pieces of advice about the “fuzzies.” I don’t really mind them too much… if I see them, could I leave them alone or do I need to sand? Final question about sanding: can I just sand in spots or do I need to sand the entire thing?

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4 years ago

Hello,

We just installed two ~170sqft decks on our home with pressure treated supports, Moso bamboo deck surfaces, and Ipe railings. We are planning on applying your dark walnut semi-transparent stain on all surfaces after 3-4 months of weathering. Any concerns with the stain application on the bamboo or pressure treated surfaces?

Thanks,
Dominic

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4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if the Armstrong Clark stains will work on bamboo?

Ray
Ray
4 years ago

Do you sell a 5 gallon bucket solid stain (instead of buying five 1-gallon)? I can’t see it offered in your product list.

Thanks

Pat
Pat
4 years ago

I have a new 3 month old Ponderosa treated wood deck. Should I sand the deck first? 60 grit with orbital sander? If I use your cleaner do I still need to use brightener? It’s 400 sq/ft so I assume I need 3 gal. gallons of sealer? Thx Pat

Holly Smit
Holly Smit
4 years ago

Our neighbor just stained their side of our shared fence with an oil-based stain. I want to use Restore-A-Deck on our side, but figure any cleaning/brightening we do will splatter onto their side and remove portions of their stain. What are the consequences of just sticking on a coat of water-based RAD on our side without the prep. Will it peel? Fence is UV damaged with a faded remnant of whatever stain was on there in the first place. We moved in 2 years ago, suspect oil-based was used prior. Just trying to be good neighbors while attending to the wood, and I hate the oil-based fumes and headache that goes with them.

Don
Don
4 years ago

A few years ago I used BEHR products to stain our deck. In the past winter the stain was lifting. In the spring I started to redo the deck I used the BEHR remover and the cleaner in while in progress I did a lot of searching “How To” and came across your product. I followed all the directions and “how tos” to get the deck to stainability. I sanded the deck 80 grit hand sander put down one coat of stain as recomended.
I don’t know if I uas too light on the amount I used or if the wood asorbed more but there are areas that seem to be too light like the stain didn’t sink all the way. Question can I or should I put on a second coat??
Thank You

Douglas
Douglas
4 years ago

I got the restore a deck natural stain and it’s too yellow for my liking on my redwood deck. . Can I put a second coat on of the cedar to even out the color?

Russ
Russ
4 years ago

I am a bit confused. My back porch was done with Duck Back semi transparent oil stain. It looked good for about 6 months, after about a 1 1/2 it turned all black with mold…I used Mold Eraser and it did take most of it off…now 6 months later the surface in some spots is still a bit oily to the feel and a little black mold still is on a few areas. Would you suggest I sand with 60 to 80 grit sand paper to remove the oily areas and the left over black mold??? Please advise. Thank you.

Bob
Bob
4 years ago

Can I use other brands of semi transparent stain after using your cleaner and brightened? We are looking for other color choices you offer in semi transparent stain. Thanks.

Kris Balle
Kris Balle
4 years ago

I am planning to apply your solid stain only to my railing. Do I need to strip it first? If not, what prep is necessary before applying the stain? Thanks for your help! Kris

Melissa
Melissa
4 years ago

Will the RAD stripper harm the latex paint on my house?

Melissa
Melissa
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I think I have ruined my cedar deck and railing. I used the stripper with the Booster and the Gel additive yesterday and followed the directions. I powerwashed the stripper and not everything came off. I have 4-sided deck spindles and not all the finish is off there, either (the outside and sides of the spindles is pretty much intact.) I ran out of daylight last night and didn’t get the Brightener on it. The deck just kept foaming up the stripper and the deck was very slippery. I plan to spray the brightener on it after work today. Not sure what to do about the spindles. My deck is up high with no stairs off the deck, so whatever I do I will have to do it from an extension ladder. Can I still use the brightener on the deck?

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4 years ago

Hi, I have a 26 year old treated 5/4 deck, 228 s.f., that’s held up fairly well, was solid stained about 3 years ago and is in need of a refresh. I power-washed it, and am in the process of removing broken screws (most of them). For may boards I have been flipping them over and they look better. There seems to be a shortage of replacement boards at the big box stores.

My questions:
– Since it’s such an old deck, will it soak up all the stain?
– I have a mix of old boards with residual solid stain that didn’t all come off with power-wash, some boards flipped, and a couple new replaced boards. This leads me to a solid stain, but do I need to strip the boards where the previous stain wouldn’t power-wash off?
– Have new granddaughter, worried about splinters, so I’ve been sanding as I go with a hand sander 80 grit paper. I plan on a bigger sander with screen once I get the screws all figured out. Is it the brightener that opens up the wood to take stain, or do I need something else?

Thank you, you guys are great!

Pat from PA
Pat from PA
4 years ago

Deck is 800 sq ft. pressure treated pine. 20 years old. Previous Behr semi-solid water-based stain applied 7 years ago, now stripped with Behr stripper . Pressure washed. Sanded with orbital upright sander-60 grit. Sanded again with small plane sander-60 grit. Frequent changing of sandpaper.

I intend to use RAD semi transparent cedar-tone.

I am confused about the number of coats recommended on sanded wood and whether the deck should go unstained for a month or 2 due to sanding process.

Should i delay staining for 1-2 months?

Should i apply 1 coat or 2 wet on wet?

How much stain should i purchase?

Thanks, Pat from Pennsylvania

Lin
Lin
4 years ago

I have a question about Heather’s post. I’m getting ready to put on a coat of you’t dessert Taupe solid stain. what do u mean by don’t back brush. when I put on the first coat last year I rolled it on and then smoothed it down with a brush. was I not supposed to do that?

Heather
Heather
4 years ago
Reply to  Lin

Hi Lin
I back brush only when solid stain is put on immediately. For instance, i have done in the past 2 deck board pieces by roller then immediately back brush them. I haven’t used RAD brand before so I’m not sure about streaking. Maybe they can clarify.

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4 years ago

I stained my deck two years ago, using your natural semi-transparent stain. At the time, I put on two coats, and it turned out beautiful. I was very happy with it. It still looks okay, but there are spots where the stain is wearing thin and the deck wood is showing through. I would like to restain it this year, putting on just one additional coat. What do you think? Would that be appropriate to do so now? At the time, I bought 6 gallons to cover about 950 square feet. I only need to restain about 800 square (the remaining 150 square feet is not being hit by the sun and still looks like new). I have about 2 gallons of stain left over (I’m guessing that I may not have put it on as thickly as I could have). Is that 2-year-old stain still usable? And how much if any additional stain do you think I need to recover the 800 square feet with one coat? Also I am assuming that I will need to put on the deck cleaner and brightener before I restain. Am I correct about that. Thank you

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4 years ago

do you color match solid stain if I provide a brand and color code?

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4 years ago

Assuming I follow all instructions, use 2 coats of solid stain how long can I expect the stain etc to last under winter/sun conditions in Vermont

Heather
Heather
4 years ago

1100 sq ft
previously used Valspar semi-trans applied extreme heat July 2019, peeling from flash dry?

1. Use stripper/brightner with power washer?

2. Want to use Solid Stain-Espresso seems closest to pic. Is 2 coats applied by roller with back brush (church- high traffic area) going to peel again?

3. Confused by forum/instructions/answers= wet on wet application is for semi? Solid color, wait till 1st coat is dried completely?

10 gallons?

Heather
Heather
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thank you. Seeing your product page…another water based RAD solid or would you go with AC oil based?

Wayne
Wayne
4 years ago

Re–the solid stains: the white is too bright, coast grey is too dark. Can I mix them and get a shade in between?

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

I have an 8×14 covered deck.. Treated pine. 112 square feet. Elevated off ground. 3 steps with rails. Two side rails all around. 7 foot tall with ceiling covered with galvanized metal roofing. It is one year old Had no prior treatment. Pressure washed once because it is under trees and has started to mildew in several places due to humidity and no sunlight. I have a pressure washer. What do I need to have done to it to stop the mildew and what products to protect it with application do I need? Do you recommend treating the ceiling and if you recommend spraying what effect will it have on the underside of the metal. I am elderly so I will have to hire it done and would appreciate as much info as possible to pass along. Thank you.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Spray or roll? Treating ceiling boards? Effect Galvalume roof and will it come off metal ?

Nicole
Nicole
4 years ago

Deck after stripper and pressure washing

Nicole
Nicole
4 years ago

Just finished using the RAD stripper. Some stain still remains. The stain was sherwin Williams. Do I brighten then sand off rest or let it dry for a day then sand followed by the brighter?

Nicole
Nicole
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I’m going to use Armstrong-Clark semi transparent

Nicole
Nicole
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Ok thanks

Nicole
Nicole
4 years ago
Reply to  Nicole

So I thought I sanded all old stain off. After Brightener I realize some still remains. If I sand it off what steps do I need to take before I can stain? Thanks.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

is it possible to order your wood stain for delivery to Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada? If yes what is the cost for product and shipping? I was amazed by the reviews on your product!

Deb
Deb
4 years ago

How can I remove the stain drippings from my aluminum ladder?

Deb
Deb
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I used your semi transparent wood stain to refinish the siding on my garage. The stain dripped on the aluminum ladder and I need to clean the ladder.

Dab
Dab
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thank you!

Bob Wainwright
Bob Wainwright
4 years ago

Hello:
I previously contacted you regarding refinishing a Mahogany Deck a couple of years ago. The Deck(s) are comprised of three separate areas…two are located on both the East and West facing sky as well as, a covered segment. The East facing Deck should have been refinished a couple of years ago and really needs it now, in fact I’ve noticed the grain is raised. The West side needs it too but the Sun hasn’t done as much damage. The covered portion needs washing/cleaning and then refinishing. All areas are approximately 7 years old…all have been coated with allegedly quality semi-transparent, oil based penetrating stains several times, always pressure washed prior to coating. Photos are attached.
At the time you had recommended a stain that would match the original Honey Brown. Unfortunately all related data had been lost on a compromised memory drive!

Thank you,

Bob Wainwright

Bob Wainwright
Bob Wainwright
4 years ago
Reply to  Bob Wainwright

Thanks for your prompt reply. I was perusing your Web Page and found this page “Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain on Exotic Hardwoods IPE” the color shown on this page is very, very close to that on the interior deck area. I don’t plan on stripping the interior portion and, the exterior that needs refinishing is directly adjacent.Therefore both will need to be very close in finish. Ideally, using the recommended Kit for IPE Hardwood, I’d like to strip, brighten and stain the exterior and just wash and re-coat the interior. As the exterior’s grain is raised would probably have to sand it?
What’s your opinion of the “TWP 1500” material for my application? Which color to achieve my goal of attaining that shown on the aforementioned “Hardwood IPE” page. Please refer to the attached photos.

Thank you for your help.

Bob Wainwright

Pete
Pete
4 years ago

Add to Pete.

Pete
Pete
4 years ago

900 sq feet deck. 30 year old pressure treated pine. underneath red oak forest. Various transparent stains thru the years. No stain in last 10 yrs. How to proceed? The rails are dismal. How long before covering new wood? Thanks.

Larry
Larry
4 years ago

I have a new deck. Pressure treated pine. It has aged 6 months. I have about 920 square feet. I will need Cleaner, Brightner and I’m going to use the solid Coastal Gray stain. How much of each of these products will I need?

Kevin Wittinger
Kevin Wittinger
4 years ago

If I am using your stripper and brightener on a log home and then apply a borate coat to the entire home. What prep is required before using your stain?

RM
RM
4 years ago

Hi,

I used Restore-a-Deck stain (light walnut) on my deck a bit over a year ago and I would like to apply the same stain again in the near future. I’ve read on this website that before doing so, I should first do a light application of the cleaner and brightener. I’m wondering what is meant by a “light application” of the cleaner and brightener. Should I apply a smaller amount of the cleaner and brightener than usual? Should I not power wash to the same degree as usual? Or is there something else I should be aware of?

Thanks very much.

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