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!
I used the RAD system last year on my pool deck. The high traffic areas have worn most of the stain off and I need to recoat. What is the process for putting RAD over RAD?
Prep with teh RAD Cleaner and light pressure washing to all floors.
I live in Connecticut. Have a 450 sq ft screen porch with fir t&g floor, which includes a 4’X5′ outdoor landing with one step. I need to sand porch in the spring, but need to protect landing and step immediately. What do you suggest for this, and since the deck gets plenty of rain/snow what do you recommend for a finish. Thanks
It is too cold to do it now. You will have to wait until Spring. Prep correctly first and then use the RAD Stains: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-1-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
Both pictures didn’t show up so resending.
You do not need the cleaner when using the stripper. You would only use the cleaner on the new wood. If you get any stripper on the new wood then rinse it off right away. Strip first old wood and then use cleaner on new wood after. Brighten all when done.
Will the stripper work to remove a coat of transparent PPG Proluxe SRD, formerly known as Sikkens Cetol SRD, exterior wood stain or does the wood have to be sanded before applying Cleaner/Brightener? The wood deck is 5/4 red cedar.
Please send some pictures for prep help on this removal.
The darker is the Sikkens, older boards. The lower, cleaner ones are new wood. We will be staining with Armstrong-Clark semi-transparent stain.
Use the RAD Stripper with both additives and pressure washing and you should remove most if not all. Brightener after:
If I am going to use leftover stain for a pine wood sectional for the porch, do I have to brighten before applying stain? (We have sanded the 2 x 4s; they are not treated.) Also, what is the best way to apply to prevent drips?
If this is new wood, see here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
I put two coats of your white solid stain on my front porch in September, after scraping/sanding all loose stain and cleaning every inch. It looked great in September and October, which were very dry months in the Boston area. That changed in November, when there were several heavy rain storms. Now, I have brown streaks on the railing posts and in many areas where the old stain had been removed, the new stain has changed to a brownish-yellow color. What went wrong?
Hello,
What you have had happened with the yellowing is tannin bleed. Tannin bleed is a tan or brownish discoloration on the paint surface. Tannins exist in all deck woods, most notably pine, cedar, and redwood, and can bleed through to the surface, leaving a yellowish-brown stain on the surface. These stains are more noticeable in lighter paint colors.
Tannin bleed is an underlying wood problem, not a stain failure, and happens when in a very wet climate. Tannic acid can discolor the stain as the wet wood pushes the stains out towards the surface.
To fix we would suggest recoating the spots next Spring after the wood dries out.
What is the shelf life of Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent stain? I have an unopened gallon left over. Can I use it in a year or two or more? Would it have to be stored inside or would it be able to withstand an occasional freeze at night in winter and many 100 degree days in summer (central Texas)?
24 months or so if unopened and it cannot freeze. Has to be stored in a temperature-controlled room.
Do you have any suggestions for a product to buy in order to apply RAD stain on an extension pole? I tried with a painting pad, but the stain is so much more watery than paint that it drips a lot. A regular brush works great for the spots I can reach, but there are some that I can’t get with a ladder and need to use an extension pole with instead. Please let me know if you have any recommendations for an applicator that won’t drip as much. Thank you, Colin
Sorry but noo, you will need a ladder or a lift to reach and use a regular stain pad or brush that is not attached to a pole.
How strict is the minimum 45 degrees for over 24 hours for applying solid wood stain? Following is what our weather looks like for the next couple of clear/sunny days:
I cannot be below 45 when applying and for the 4-6 hours after until fully dried.
I have some twp 1500 series oil based staining to do as well. It seems to dry a lot more slowly. Does the same apply to it?
Yes but the TWP can take longer to dry. 4-12 hours.
Is it better to apply with deck dry or mist it lightly? The stain seems to be thin. What will help it from running as much?
You can do either but we like to apply to damp wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
I have 220 square foot deck with pressure treated wood about 25 yrs old always had some type of protectant on it.The last time stained about 3 yrs ago with Flood solid natural cedar oil based.I have cleaned and pressure washed the deck, the stain in some places next to the house still looks new.I wanted to change colors what would be the course of action to do this.
If you want to go semi-transparent then you would need to sand this all off to remove. If you want a solid stain again, then just use the RAD Solid Stains: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Will this product remove Thompson’s green label water seal from cedar fencing (3 years old). Specific method or same as any stain removal?
Yes, it will. Make sure to use the RAD Stripper and then the RAD Brightener.
The RAD stains will last about 3-6 years on a vertical fence. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains are advanced, water-based, stain formulations designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity. Recent advancements in water-based wood stain technology have allowed the active ingredients in the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain to offer better UV protection, excellent penetration into the wood grain, and the ability to apply to damp wood. RAD Wood and Deck Stains will increase the life, appearance, and durability of all exterior wood surfaces. With the easy to apply and maintain Eco-Safe formula, you’ll be able to finish faster and enjoy your exterior wood or deck for years.
How long should I wait to stain an outside deck with an overhang …… the wood type is fir…… it’s been about 5 weeks since it was installed and now I’m concerned about the temperature drop as I’m in NY.
See here about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
We stained our deck this past summer and areas are starting to peel. Any suggestions?
That happens from over application and or improper prep. Basically, the stain is designed to fully soak into the wood but when over-applied it can dry on top of the wood and can lead to potential wearing. Best to remove it and apply 1-2 coats making sure the stain fully soaks into the wood.
How do I remove the stain?
Restore A Deck Stripper and then the Brightener. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Stain-Stripper.html
Does Home Depot or Lowes carry your product? I would like to see the colors in person
Our products are not sold in big box stores. You can order samples for testing: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Hello – Hope you all are doing great. Just wanted to find out if there is an outside temperature minimum that you need in order to stain your deck.
50 degrees is the minimum temp. A semi-transparent stain will not cover rust spots.
Thank you for your answers. What is the best way to deal with the rusted nail heads if I am going to use a semi-transparent stain on my deck.
You would have to replace the nails. There is not a way to prevent this from coming back.
Hello! I was reading the information on the packaging and it talks about drying time at a certain temperature. Our temps right now are above the recommended 45 degrees but not as high as the drying time mentioned. Am I going to run into problems? Also our overnight temps are below 45. Thanks!
It needs 4 hours or so to dry and it cannot drop below freezing at night.
What did we do wrong?
I need to apply a second coat of your solid stain. The next 2 days weather forecast is 60’s during the day and 30’s -low 40’s at night. Are these temps adequate to apply 2nd coat ?
Thanks
Day temps are okay. It cannot drop below freezing the first night.
Will any pump sprayer work to apply RAD Deck Cleaner and Brightener?
Any quality pump sprayer should work.
I have a pool near my deck will the cleaner / brightener harm it if some happens to run into it
Not it will not harm it but you should check your pH balance of the pool water when down and modify if needed.
The weather this past weekend really cooperated and I was able to restore my old deck and stairs in three days (Stripper/Brightener/Stain). Unfortunately, some stain splattered on the concrete. How can I clean that up after it has dried?
Try a graffiti remover cleaner and pressure washing.
What is the minimum temperature to apply either the Cleaner or Brightener?
50 degrees.
Power washed the deck, but some previous stain remains. Will the stripper take it off? What should be used?
Also, trying to pick a color. It is a Pine deck, looking at a brown color, but not to dark. Thank you.
Use the RAD Stripper with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Brightener after.
Try Dark Walnut color after prep.
Have 2 pine decks , 7 years old. Just power washed and brightened both decks. Total of 1100 sq feet. What would you suggest I use to prep and how many gallons of stain? Metal balusters on both decks.
Prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kits and then stain with the Restore A Deck Stain in Semi-transparent. About 10 gallons for 2 coats: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-combo-kits.html
Pic
Stripped my deck and had quite a bit of stain left on (bad coat that was sitting on top of wood). I am hand sanding with 80 grit to clean up and get rid of fuzziness. Can I stain immediately after? Any need for cleaner or brightener?
see pic left side is sanded right Is to be sanded. For vertical surfaces I am going to try brushing on stripper and going another round
Clean and brighten for final prep to open up the pores after sanding so the stain soaks in deeper.
Would stripper work instead of cleaner? Have a little bit of stain in spots
Stripper might be too aggressive. If you water it down 1 part to 5 parts water and then rinse after 5 minutes, it will probably be okay.
My deck is on the 2nd story. Do I need to stain underneath also? This is on the coast
No need.
Thanks what about a fence. Should i do both sides
Most people stain both sides.
I have the opportunity to stain a platform deck over the Thanksgiving holiday, weather dependent. What is the overnight minimum temperature following a one day application? I understand the daytime temperature is 40 degrees – is this accurate. Humidity in our area is typically low (<30%). Most of the project is in the shade.
50-90 when applying. Cannot drop below freezing at night.
Would a pressure treated deck installed 05/20 left unstained/unsealed until 04/21, sustain damage or just discoloring that would be removed with your cleaner and brighter?
No issues if waiting until Spring.
I feel that I may have not rinsed the brightener enough, my wood now is spotty. Do I just rinse again?
Send a picture.
I ended up pressure washing it again and then staining.
If we have a solid stain on our deck that we’re going to sand off, what do you recommend we do after sanding, but before staining the deck with a new stain? Are we supposed to use a cleaner and brightener? We’re reading mixed things online saying to make sure the deck doesn’t get wet at all after sanding and before staining, but we’ve also read that we should brighten and clean the deck before staining? Those seem contradicting as brightening and cleaning the deck will obviously get the wood wet after sanding.
Yes you have to clean and brighten after sanding to open up the wood pores. Whoever told you not to get the wood wet after sanding does not understand how exterior wood stains work and the need to open up the wood grain.
How long after we sand it should we wait to clean and brighten? How long after using the brightener should we wait to apply the stain? We’re using the ready seal pecan color stain.
whay type of sand paper do you recommend using to sand off the current solid stain? We have the sprayer you sell, as well as the yellow bristle stain brush and a pressure washer. What do we use to apply and remove cleaner? What do we use to apply and remove brightener? Which do you recommend we use to re-stain the deck?
60-80 grit to sand. You can use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener whenever you want after. You would have to ask Ready Seal for help with their product as we do not sell it or suggest it due to issues they have with drying and curing.
For Cleaner and Brightener instructions, please see the product data sheets on the product pages:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Brightener-Only.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Cleaner-Only.html
Can I apply a second coat of semi-transparent RAD stain 2 weeks after the first coat?
No. Once it has curred a second coat will not be able to adhere and soak in. You can lightly prep and recoat in the Spring
Hello – I accidentally mixed the brightner with the booster and sprayed some of it on my old redwood deck before realizing my mistake. I sanded that area heavily afterward. Two questions: 1. could that damage the wood?, 2. Do I need to re-spray that area with the brightner or can I proceed with the stain? Thanks.
Doubt it would damage the wood but best to redo with the brightener.
Thanks for the quick reply. After applying the whitener, how long do I need to wait before staining? Temperature currently is 70-75 day high and 44 night low. Elevation is 3,500 feet.
When using the RAD stain you can stain the same day or the next day: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-in-one-day.html
I just used a clear semi transparent on my carport’s pressure treated wood and it now looks really orangish which is not what I’m going for. I want to redo it with the walnut semi transparent— since the walnut is darker, can I just restrain over the clear semi transparent without stripping the clear semitransparent? If so, do I need to wait a certain amount of time to do so or can I do it now? Thanks!
No, you have to remove the first coat first.
Hi…. Can we find your stain products nearby or are you an online order only company?
Online only.
I’ve just ordered some stain. when can I expect delivery
3-5 business days to TX.
I am struggling to make a decision and hope you can guide me. All summer we have worked on repairing and sanding our deck—it had Behr deckover on it. We have removed about 98% of the paint from the decking and replaced a few board with new kiln dried wood about 2-3 months ago. However, the railings are taking a lot of time to sand and prep. My question is: do I clean and brighten the floor decking and then stain the floor decking (with a solid stain) and wait to do the hand railings in the spring? Or do I just wait and do all of it next spring after we can prep the railings. We have about 2 more weeks of highs in the 68-70s and lows in the 25-30, then winter will hit with chances of moisture and cold. Thanks for any advice. Also I haven’t ordered product yet so we would have to wait the week or so to get that.
Just do all in Spring would be the easiest for you.
I have RAD solid stain on my deck in Desert Taupe applied this summer. what do I use to just clean it when it looks dirty and not prepping for staining?
Warm water with a little it of dish soap. Use a soft car wash brush to clean and then rinse.
Are Defy Extreme and Restore-a-Deck stains for damp application basically identical products? I ask this only because they have different color palettes and for me to check out the possibilities I had to order samples from both brands.
No, they are not the same in any way. You also cannot apply Defy Extreme to damp wood.
Order D9MH022797
I restored my IPE deck last June with the products shipped.
I would like to keep up with the needed treatment, so, I would like to know what’s
next.
Thanks,
Tom Dreher
Next Summer, use the RAD Cleaner for prep and then apply another 1 coat of the same RAD color.
Received my order and got the restore a deck stripper instead of cleaner. I need to have a bag of cleaner sent to me and I need to return the stripper . Please advise. Thanks!
Reply back from your order email confirmation as we do not know who you are via comments.
Our home in NC we use Armstrong Clark; however, our new home at the beach I am leaning towards RAD semi-trans for floor and solid for railings. Which product is better for beach environment
Both are excellent but if doing two-toned, go with the RAD.
Ok the deck is about 9 months old and fence 4 months old pressure treated wood. Do I need to clean and brighten it before staining?
Yes.
Can RAD be used on wood floors in a 4-seasons sunroom? I worry about adverse health consequences (fumes?) given the lack of ventilation in hot and cold months.
Yes, it can. No odor once cured and dry.
It’s late October here in northern Illinois so it’s probably not a great time to stain due to the cooler temps, but I would still like to clean my deck. Should I use both the cleaner and brightener or just the cleaner. The plan will be to stain in the spring… will I go through the clean and brighten steps again then?
If you prep now you will have to prep again in the Spring.
Tomorrow is my big day to stain! I was curious about weather. We have been warm (60-70s) here but have had VERY heavy fog for the last few days until the afternoons… this has left the deck “mist covered” for much of the day. Is that the type of condition that would be okay for doing the stain? We have no rain, but it’s definitely been damp in for a while. And then, when it clears, the deck is fully exposed to sun all day, so I was thinking that early morning mist and clouds *might* be better than full sun that will dry things out quickly? Just wanted to check your opinion on that so I can plan how early to get to work. Thank you!
You cannot apply in a visible mist but you can apply to a damp deck and early am would be better before full sun.
Hi,
I’m about to spray paint my fence with RAD semi-transparent stain with Graco X5 airless sprayer.
What kind of tip should I use? Can I use the one for paint? Any special instructions for airless sprayer use? Fence is 7 years old pressure treated pine so it will need two coats and I did buy the brush.
Thanks a lot!!
We are not familiar with their tips. Just use a wide fan tip and then back brush your second coat.
Hello. We hired a man to clean, brighten, and stain our deck using your semi-transparent natural stain. He used your cleaner and brightener. One or more of the products splashed on our front windows and the front of the home which has painted hardy board siding. The paint on the siding is acrylic latex paint. So we have spots all over the front of the home. I have been first trying to get the spots off the windows – household cleaners don’t work, scrubby sponges and other scrubby tools that won’t scratch don’t work, and a razor blade doesn’t work. Is there a particular solvent that would work to remove the spots? And, would that same solvent be safe to use on the painted siding surface? Thank you.
The prep products would not harm anything so I assume it is the stain. The only way to remove the stain from glass is with a graffiti remover cleaner. That would not work on the paint though. Best to touch up the paint with another coat.
I stained a new/year old redwood deck 12 months ago with your cedar semi-transparent stain following cleaning and brightener procedures. As you can see from the attached pictures it has worn off in areas that are more heavily trafficked. I thought it would of held up better. Anyway I have an extra unopened 2 1/2 gallon of stain. Can I reapply another coat after using the cleaner or do I have to use the brightener also.
Clean and brighten. Do in Spring.
What about a maintenance coat, I live in northern California and the weather is still quite mild.
Clean, brighten, and stain in the Spring would be best.