Do-It-Yourself Wood Restoration Made Simple!

Restore-a-deck.com

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.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
7.8K Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
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.

Avatar photo
5 years ago

I used the Woodrich Timber Oil on my deck 3 years ago. Should I start out with the Cleaner or Stripper first? There is some mold but not much.

Karen
Karen
5 years ago

I have approximately 800 square feet of deck and rails to stain. Decks were built last year and this is my first time prepping and staining myself. Could you tell me if the package of cleaner, brightener, and 2 containers of stain will be enough? Or if not, how much of what do I need? Thank you.

Karen
Karen
5 years ago
Reply to  Karen

Thanks. I received my order and have read the instructions. What I’m not clear on is the stain comes in a jug. If I apply it with a brush, should I pour some in a paint tray?

Avatar photo
5 years ago

I am about to purchase and install new 1 x 12 cedar boards and strips from Lowes and do board and batten siding (apx. 8’x30′ for now, then do that again in couple months on another wall). It states the wood is cedar wood, am not sure if it is “technically” western cedar or? Anyhow, the boards appear to have a slightly rough texture to them, not rough sawn perhaps, but not smooth either. Anyhow, I would like to have a nearly clear finish with a little darkening color to it however. A few questions. What product(s) do you recommend? And when can I apply it? I’m thinking it would be easier to apply before installing OR should I install and let it set for a period of time??? Would it need a cleaner – brightener? Logically I’m “thinking” since they are new boards I shouldn’t I would think? Seems like I “should” be able to apply the sealer to the wood directly ASAP, before installing, BUT maybe I’m wrong. I guess, long story short I need full directions for this scenario, lol… Located in Southern Tennessee

ALSO, there is a section of old board and batten siding that needs cleaned and sealed and would like for it to look as similar to the new as I can. It is about half that size, what do I do-use there. I know, a lot of questions, sorry…

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

So I can’t (or don’t need to) apply the Natural color now on the new semi-rough wood?

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

OK, how much product should I get for old and new wood combined? Old wood will be about 120 sq. ft., new wood will be about 240 sq. ft. Should old wood have 1 or 2 coats? Is there an instructional application video(s) somewhere perhaps as well?

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Do you think RAD or TWP sealer is best for this scenario?

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I notice in your directions online: Note: Depending on the level of care your deck needs, heavily grayed wood may need brushing especially if you are not using a pressure washer to rinse My question is, do you sell such a brush? I assume you don’t need to use your “Restore A Deck Wood Staining Brush” OR can you?

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

OK, but you don’t sell a scrub brush?

Avatar photo
5 years ago

I am working on restoring my deck and I am seeking advice on which products I need to use.
My deck is 438 sq ft. Pressure treated pine wood. most of the wood is 35 years old. Boards have been replaced as needed. For the last application, I used Cabot Tintable Neutral Base Solid Exterior Stain and Sealer, tinted light gray. The wood was stained at least five years ago. I do have a pressure washer.

Bea
Bea
5 years ago

I just had the full top of my 16×20 PTW deck replaced last month. The contractor sprayed it with a clear sealant and said to stain next year. However, my deck is in full sun all day and the boards developing running cracks which greatly concerns me for water penetration. In this case, would it be better to stain sooner? If so, would I also need to clean and brighten before using your product or would cleaning alone be sufficient since there is no graying yet of the wood?

Rick
Rick
5 years ago

Hi there is there a way to add an additional product to my order. I am shipping to Canada and wanted to add one more product before the items are shipped.

Avatar photo
5 years ago

I used your cleaner, brightener, and some stain last summer….Overall the deck looks good. I noticed some mold mostly on the edges of the steps. How should I address this? thank you

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

thank you

Avatar photo
5 years ago

Hi there, I have another question, I am same customer that ask about peeling, it seems I’ve over applied the RAD stain. I am going to strip and brighten this spring. My question is whether to use the oil based stain that you sell on this site (AC) this time instead of the RAD. My deck seems to soak up rain and water and not bead up and has new cracks this spring, so I’m thinking the oil based stain will better prevent the rain and snow from soaking in to my redwood. I will include a picture, we got a couple inches of snow last night and this is how my deck looks this morning, and I applied RAD stain last spring.

Cheryl MacKinnon
Cheryl MacKinnon
5 years ago

Where can I purchase RAD products in Toronto GTA or Durham Region?

Avatar photo
5 years ago

So I cleaned and brightened a small front deck that is quite old and had another stain (semi-transparent) on it. Most everything came out amazing; however, there are still areas that need attention (see photo). I just ordered the stripper and will redo those areas which, hopefully, will work this time. After I put on the RAD stain, how do I care for the deck going forward? Will I just use the cleaner and re-stain or will I need to strip and re-stain again?

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thank you. I did order the additive.

Avatar photo
5 years ago

I stripped, brightened and stained my deck approximately one year ago this month with RAD. I now have a lot of peeling of stain on my deck. I have about a 4 yr old redwood deck that I had put a coat of superdeck transparent stain on, so I knew I needed to strip my deck to apply the RAD…I thought I had followed the directions exactly and had read all instructions and a lot of comments on your site. I did this in May in Colorado where the weather is not really hot, under the temperature at which you recommend. I am at a loss now as to what I need to do. Do I need to start over and sand my deck?….Should i strip again? Should I switch products yet again? I will include pictures. PLEASE HELP!!!!

Avatar photo
5 years ago

I have an IPE deck and I live in San Diego where there is a lot of sun and not much rain. It is several years old and I want to refinish it. Previously I would sand the deck and then apply an oil based product such as Penfoil each year where I brushed on the stain and let it sit for about 20 min and then wiped off the excess. This year I am considering your product. What should I do to the deck before applying your product? How do I best apply your product? What is clean up like? I have dogs and keeping them off the deck is tricky, how long do I need to let it dry before they can safely walk on it?

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thanks. I am thinking to use the Natural semi transparent version to highlight the natural color of the IPE deck. What do you recommend?

Sarah
Sarah
5 years ago

I am almost done stripping the semi-transparent stain off the deck. I will need to sand a few spots (I may or may not have gotten a bit aggressive with the pressure washer in some stubborn areas)
Any suggestions for sanding? Do I brighten before or after sanding?

Betsy
Betsy
5 years ago

Will the stripper take paint off of adjoining parts of house that will get run off or splatter? Also if oil based product is on there and plan to redcoat with same product can rad cleaner and Brightener be used to prep?

Brittaney Ross
Brittaney Ross
5 years ago

I am in need of stain suggestions for 10 year old deck, direct sunlight in Texas. I have already purchased RAD stripper and brightener. The stain from previous owner is Thompson water seal solid. Before discovering it was a solid stain, I was wanting TWP 1503 (dark oak), but it seems like I may need a different transparency from what I am reading. Do you have any recommendations for brand/transparency in this similar color? Thanks in advance!

Leslie
Leslie
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thank you. I had not thought Of That!

Avatar photo
5 years ago

We have an 18 x 16 deck, with a 5 foot wide set of 6 steps, and 45 feet of 38 inch tall railing. The deck is made of pressure treated pine, and was built in 2009. The deck has never been stained or sealed, and I’m considering using your brightener and Natural stain.

I cleaned the deck two weeks ago with Zep concentrated wood deck and fence pressure wash solution, but used a deck cleaning brush and a lot of elbow grease instead of a pressure washer.

We received a huge amount of rain after I’d cleaned and rinsed the deck.

The folks who built the deck used the wrong type of screws for the decking, and many of the screws have corroded and are either popping up or breaking off. I’m in the process of replacing all 1,040 of the screws, after which I anticipate giving the decking a light sanding any place there’s wood sticking up.

Several of the 8×8 support posts have fairly significant vertical cracks.

1) Do you have any suggestions for treating or filling the vertical cracks in the support posts?

2) At least 3 weeks, and possibly 4, will have elapsed between the time I cleaned the deck and when I’ll be able to apply your brightener. Will that length of time be an issue?

3) Because I’m removing the old deck screws and installing new ones, there are places where the deck screws are further below the surface of the wood than I might like. Do you have any suggestions on how I should treat the screws?

Thanks!

Lanny
Lanny
5 years ago

Is it okay to apply the brightener with a paint brush? Does the brightener need a dwell time as the cleaner does?

Avatar photo
5 years ago

Can you mix stain colors, example light walnut and dark walnut. I have a cedar deck but dark walnut stained oak floors inside. I would like to attempt a color close to what us inside. Any suggestions? Or natural with dark walnut for a lighter color.
what is involved in restraining for future reference?
Our deck is cleaned, no stain and brightened.

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

By clean and redcoat I’m assuming you mean to use the cleaner and brightener again before restraining. Hopefully you are not referring to a stripper product? What is the average life expectancy..example Georgia, cedar, full sun?

John
John
5 years ago

I ordered the Rad Stain Remover, Brightener, and Satin for my covered cedar deck. I noticed since then that the ceiling boards are weathered near the edges where they get some dampness from rain so I’ve decided to clean and stain the ceiling boards also. I’m not sure if the ceiling boards were treated with a stain or not. It’s evident that the floor boards were stained because I can see the wear on them. Will the Stain Remover clean the ceiling boards ok even though I don’t know if the boards were treated with a stain?

John
John
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I ordered the Rad Stain Remover, Brightener, and Semi Transparent Cedar Stain for my covered cedar deck. I noticed since then that the ceiling boards are weathered near the edges where they receive some dampness from rain so I’ve decided to refinish the ceiling boards also. It’s evident that the floor boards were stained because I can see the wear on them. I’d like to use the Stain Remover to clean the ceiling boards before staining them although I’m not sure if they were stained after the deck was built about 6 years ago. Is it ok to use the stain remover to clean the ceiling (even though I’m not sure if there is a stain on it), followed by the brightener? I plan to cover the deck floor with a tarp to protect it during this process and then begin working on the floor of the deck after I finish the ceiling. Thanks

Craig
Craig
5 years ago

My deck is 2 years old – pressure treated pine and cedar posts. Never stained. I planning on staining it this spring. Would one coat of stain be adequate?

Craig
Craig
5 years ago

Would it be okay/recommended to apply the stain with a paint roller?

Sarah
Sarah
5 years ago

I used the stripper last night and this morning, followed by the pressure washer. There are remnants/splashes of stain on the siding that I absolutely cannot scrub off! HELP! It must be from the stripper solution and the stain? I haven’t stained anything…only stripper. How can I get this off??? I’ve tried Soft scrub, magic eraser sponge and just spraying the stripper directly onto the siding and then pressure washing it off….it won’t budge.

Avatar photo
5 years ago

where do I obtain a coupon code for my purchase?

Avatar photo
5 years ago

Are single 2.5 Gallon containers of stain available? Cost?

Avatar photo
5 years ago

Let me see if I got this right, after I strip, then brighten, I then have to sand,(my choice) after sanding do I need to brighten again or can I hose it off & stain?

Sarah
Sarah
5 years ago

I plan to strip at least once Friday night. Brush and pressure wash Saturday and do a strip again on stubborn parts. Then sand what is left….do I need to brighten this same weekend or is it ok to wait to brighten/stain until next weekend. Possibly a weeknight might work but no guarantees! Just wondering if I have to follow a certain timeline.

Sarah
Sarah
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

If I brighten this weekend can I wait a week or so to stain? The wood will be ok for that long? Or do I need to brighten again soon before staining? How long after using the brightener do I have to wiat to stain? I plan to use an oil based Ready Seal stain.

Sarah
Sarah
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

So……first layer is up! I am beyond impressed with how well this has worked. I was ready to light a match to the whole deck but my hope has been restored! Planning on doing it again tomorrow and try and get up more.

Miles
Miles
5 years ago

I will be staining my deck tomorrow afternoon as there is no rain in the news.
My deck is all prepped for staining

Any tips and stuff to know before staining?
How long in between coats?
How can I clean my vinyl siding if some gets in it?
Thank you!

Jim
Jim
5 years ago

The wood I believe is redwood. It is probably 25 years old or more. Not sure. Measured square footage to be 868 square feet with no excess not including the posts and rails. Probably should make it 900 square feet to be safe.
Looking for you’re recommendations to make this a good as possible.

Jim
Jim
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Stripper? It does not appear to me it was ever stained. What color stain, since it is redwood? Natural?

Christina
Christina
5 years ago

Hi, first time deck owners here. What do we do?!?

Calculator tells me the size is 557 SQ ft (including rails)
25×16.5 ft deck
Deck is approximately 29 years old (I don’t believe it’s been redone since it was built)
Previous stain is one of these two cans I found in the garage from previous owners: Thompson’s WaterSeal Deck & House Semi-Transparent Oil Stain OR Woodsman 100% Acrylic Solid Color House & Trim Stain
Not sure when it was last stained/sealed.
No pressure washer available.

Mildew in some areas, deck is on North side of the house, full sun, a few boards were replaced without being stained before we purchased.

Avatar photo
5 years ago

Sorry these are the pictures

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Ok thanks! But will I still need to do the deck cleaner and stain stripper? And approximately how much solid stain should I use/need?

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Awesome thanks so much!

Avatar photo
5 years ago

I have a large deck on my trailer. It’s 10X35 feet, so about 350 sq feet. We will be taking the railings and steps off and replacing them BUT we want to refinish the actual deck. I believe the deck is about 15 years old. I don’t know what kind of paint/stain the previous owners used but I believe it was done within the last 5 years (before we bought the trailer). I just want to know the exact steps we need to get this deck done. Attached is 2 pictures, one pic shows the size of the deck and the 2nd shows how bad it’s peeling. We can get a hold of a pressure washer if needed. Please help me restore my deck!!!!!

David
David
5 years ago

I have a large severely worn, but structurally sound, deck which has been previously stained with a solid stain, and it has cracks, some slightly raised nails and plenty of splinters. To return the deck back, as close as possible, to its original shape and color, I’ve planned to have the deck power washed, raised nails tamped-down, and sanded before re-staining with a transparent or semi-transparent stain. Is it necessary to have the deck power washed if I’m going to have it sanded?

Avatar photo
5 years ago

I have black aluminum round pole balusters on my deck – will the Cleaner or Brightener affect them in any way?

Tom Swinney
Tom Swinney
5 years ago

I have seriously weathered pressure treated deck. Will Restore-A-Deck work well for this? I prefer the semi-transparent but may have to go with a solid stain. Which holds up the best?

Mani
Mani
5 years ago

Thanks for your quick response to my earlier questions. What is the best way to apply the stain, the brush or the pad? I have a 1200 sqft deck. Also, do I need 1 or 2 coats & how much stain would I need after prepping? My deck is about 10 years old, and has oil based semi transparent stain thats 2 years old (Armstrong Clarke)

Mani
Mani
5 years ago

DO you have any pictures or reviews on Ipe (or similar hardwood) deck using Restore-a-deck semi transparent stains?

mani
mani
5 years ago

Is Restore-a-deck cleaner safe for plants?

Mani
Mani
5 years ago

can you use Restore-a-deck stain on Ipe wood?

Doug
Doug
5 years ago

Porch pictures related to post from Doug

Doug
Doug
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thank you. Can you let me know how much of these items for 500 sq ft?

Doug
Doug
5 years ago
Reply to  Doug

picture 2 of 3

Doug
Doug
5 years ago

I would like to clean and brighten a front porch. It is approximately 500 sq ft or Ipe wood. It is about 20 years old. In the past, it has been treated pressure washed and treated with Penofin hardwood oil. The last treatment was 3 years ago. I will post pictures later today. I also have a pressure washer.

Noah
Noah
5 years ago

Previous homeowner painted the deck and it was peeling everywhere. Went through with a pressure washer and knocked off all the paint peeling up. What should be the next steps? Do I need to sand to remove more of the paint? Can I apply a solid stain over the paint that is left? Thanks!

Square Footage of Area to be Restored: ~550sqft
Type of wood if known: Unknown
Approximate Age of Wood: Also Unkown
If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type: Paint
If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained:5/6 years ago
Wood Type to be Stained (Deck, House, Fence, etc.): Deck
Do you have access to a pressure washer: Yes

Noah
Noah
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

There are a lot of paint chips in the photo from powerwashing, but I think most of the paint still attached to the deck is intact. As long as I can get all the loose paint off the deck and only leave the intact paint, I would be ok to use the solid stain?

Avatar photo
5 years ago

Can I do the stripper/brightener on one weekend and the RAD stain the next weekend? If so, what (if any) prep do I need to do prior to the staining work if it’s been a week since the stripping/brightener work? I’m concerned that since this is my first deck rehab I may run out of time this weekend and not be able to complete all 3 steps. Also, do you offer a military discount? Thanks!

Mark Grabow
Mark Grabow
5 years ago

Time for a new finish on a mukulungu [African Redwood] deck. Originally it was sealed with 2 coats of untinted transparent Penafin. Do I need to use the Stripper for prepping to apply a RAD stain or can I go with just the Cleaner? It’s only 1.5 yrs old so there is virtually no graying of the wood at this point, I don’t see the need for a Brightener unless that will help with the Stain soaking in better and binding.

Avatar photo
5 years ago

Yesterday I ordered two stripper and brightener kits (RADStr/BrighKit ). I’m trying to decide which stain to use. Do you have a recommendation (pros & cons) between the RAD Semi-Transparent and TWP 1500?

Square Footage of Area to be Restored: Deck, 800 sq ft horizontal (deck, steps, tops of railings, bench area) plus 75 linear feet of railing (3 feet high with spindles).
Type of wood if known: Pressure treated pine (?)
Approximate Age of Wood: 8 years
If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type: Semi-Transparent, not sure if oil or water based
If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained: 5-6 years ago
Wood Type to be Stained: Deck
Do you have access to a pressure washer: Yes
Miscellaneous Info:
Photos attached.
Do you offer a military discount?
Thank you!

Tom hartye
Tom hartye
5 years ago

Can I get my order shipped faster? I’m in the middle of strtipping

Katy Milholland
Katy Milholland
5 years ago

It didn’t take my second picture. Trying again.

Katy Milholland
Katy Milholland
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thanks for the fast reply. Will do.

Katy Milholland
Katy Milholland
5 years ago

Hello. I did steps 1 & 2 this morning, but the wood looks uneven. On the floor, there are some spots of old stain and on the vertical surfaces, there appears to be a significant color difference compared to the floor. Should I strip and brighten AGAIN before staining or will staining mask these inconsistencies?

al linde
al linde
5 years ago

Just had pressure treated pine wood deck power washed. WillRAD semi trasparent “natural” change color. Deck is 800sq ft, how many gallons do I need. Can I use a roller to apply or any thing else.

steve
steve
5 years ago

i want a white stain and protector

Avatar photo
5 years ago

In general, what is the recommended procedure/timetable for periodic maintenance of an RAD stained deck?

Avatar photo
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

What about procedure? Use cleaner then stain damp surface? Dry surface? Thanks.

7.8K
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x