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 have a 900 sq ft multi level deck with a long bench, large planter box and a stairway with 14 steps to the ground, all of which needs to be stripped and stained. Because the decking is up to 7 ft off the ground, I plan on applying stripper to the ends of the deck boards and then work my way up the 14 steps to the seating areas. If I can’t finish the stripping and applying brightener in one day is it okay to apply the brightener to the entire deck the second day or so I need to apply brightener to the areas done on the first day?
Best to do it all at once and on the same day as stripping if at all possible.
We love your products. We have repair questions resulting from ice storm damage to our western red cedar deck. A contractor will be replacing some boards this month with new wood. But the 2 year old stain on the undamaged boards was trashed and needs reapplication to protect the deck from Pacific NW spring rains and a hot summer. Since we now need to weather the new boards, I’m unsure of how to balance color matching vs the need to protect the existing deck. Do you recommend we prep (clean, strip, brighten) and re-stain the existing deck now, then merely brighten and single coat stain the new boards after weathering? Or is there another sequence recommended? Thanks in advance!
Do it all at the same time in a few months.
Bought a house (in Florida) with a sweet old barn. We love the weathered look, but the wood looks like it could use some care. Would your product be a good fit for me?
You cannot cover over the weathered look so that will have to come off. Use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and pressure washing to remove. When done, use the Brighener. You can then stain it with our stains.
We used the cleaner and brightener on Cumaru decking that is about a year old and has never had stain. Now that it is drying it looks a bit chaulky. Especially the sections that still hadn’t faded and lost their color. Do we not rinse well enough or is that how it is supposed to look before staining?
Looks like oxidizes wood fibers that were not removed fully during the cleaning. Did you pressure wash after applying the cleaner?
Typically, this does not show when stained. You can do a test board to see how it dries.
We didn’t use pressure washer. Just brushed good and then hosed off.
Try the test board with the stain.
After applying stripper do you need to use a deck brush before pressure washing?
No need for most scenarios to scrub prior to pressure washing. Depends on the difficulty of removal of the old stain.
My deck boards are Evergrain (composite) decking. Can I use the cleaner on the deck boards to get rid of the mildew/algae that is in places on the deck boards?
My deck railings are pressure treated lumber and hogwire fencing (which was primed with rustoleum primer and then painted with rustoleum black paint). Will the cleaner damage the paint on the wire?
Once I have cleaned the lumber part of deck railings I will use your brightener and then your stain.
Thank you.
Peggy
Yes, you can use the cleaner to clean the composite wood. The cleaner should not harm the paint on the wire unless it is peeling.
Hello. As of today, May 5, 2021, are your deck stain products approved by Canada’s standards? Thank you.
Restore A Deck products are compliant for Canada.
What am I doing wrong! I have a 16 x 30 natural wood, pine, deck. It currently has Behr semi transparent stain/sealer on it . We’ve treated roughly 100 square feet twice and it has barely stripped any of the stain. We’re probably just going to rent a sander and attack it that way. Less mess and quicker results! We even used the booster.
Behr goes on the wood like a semi-solid or solid stain in appearance. This is probably why it is not coming off. Feel free to post pictures here.
Can a paint sprayer be used? If so, will water clean it?
Yes but make sure to back brush any drips or runs so it is applied evenly.
Your FAQ above says an additional sealer is required after staining… just confirming this is still true as I’ve seen conflicting info on other deck staining help sites.
No, you cannot add a sealer over the RAD stains. No need.
That is good to hear because it was making me rethink how we were going to restore our deck. I am still confused about this FAQ on the the Deck Cleaning F.A.Q. page however:
Question: I used Restore-A-Deck and it looks great! Now I want to seal in the beauty and protect it from the elements. What do you recommend?
Answer: Allow the wood to dry for three to four days in direct sunlight (75+degrees F) Pick a quality sealer from a reputable dealer. We suggest the Woodrich Timber Oil, Hardwood Wiping Stain or Amstrong Clark.
Why are you recommending using “a quality sealer” but not suggesting any of your stain products?
I was interpreting this question originally as saying that these sealers should be applied over your stain.
The Deck Cleaning FAQs have nothing to do with staining, just the cleaning steps.
As for that comment, that is from a very old post prior to us developing and selling our RAD stain.
Then I suspect you would now recommend your own stain over those products?
Yes.
How much stain, stripper and brightener are needed for a 500 square feet?
One kit of stripper and brightener and about 5 gallons of stain.
1400 sq ftPressure treated spruce fir or pine8 yrsNo stain ever or anything elseDeck and fenceOwn pressure washerLocation is Hamilton Ontario Canada. Full sun exposure
Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener kits for prep and then stain with the RAD Semi-transparent stains.
I am looking to try your natural stain. I have 400 sq ft of cumaru decking. I have used Armstrong Clark stain in the past with good results. Unfortunately the Amber stain darkens the deck more than I desire. I have used RAD products with good results regarding cleaning and brightening. Two questions: One gallon of AC stain does my deck, do I need two gallons using your product and will your Natural Stain color bring the blond wood colors back instead of darkening them?
All stain will enhance/darken the grain. How much depends on the tint. There is no way to say what it will look like on your wood until you test it. 2 gallons would be correct.
I have a 2 year old covered redwood deck approximately 20′ X 30′ with 8 stairs and a landing about 30 square feet. I am planning on 2 coats of stain after cleaning and brightening. Will I need 10 gallons of stain?
Use the calculator to determine amount needed. It is to the right side on desktop or below on mobile.
Need to clean and prep 20-yr old deck tot re-stain with solid color acrylic deck stain. 3-yr old coating is peeling in chunks — about half can easily be removed with scraper — other half has good adhesion. What cleaner is recommended?
Strip with this and pressure washing to remove all as much as you can: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Stain-Stripper.html
Let dry and spot sand any loose or peeling . You can then cover all fully intact stain that is not peeling with the RAD Solid stain.
Striped power washed–going to sand and then brighten–? how long after brighter can i stain (usng radsemi and am I correct to use just one coat after sanding
Just one coat after sanding. Brighten after the sanding. You can stain to dry or damp wood.
Hello. Last year I applied the dark walnut semi-transparent stain. I need to reapply on a walkway that receives full sun. I have read in the Q&A for the same thing that I need to do is to use just the cleaner and in other place to use both the cleaner and the brightener which is correct? Thanks in advance for your answer and time.
Best to use both as the brightener neutralizes the cleaner.
I have a 25′ x 25′ Yellow Cedar deck and a 10′ x 14′ Yellow Cedar deck with 3 steps. The deck is about 4 years old and has been previously stained with Ultra Premium Red Label Penofin Transparent Western Red Cedar. It was last stained 2 years ago, I’m not happy with the Penofin and I am looking for a new product.
The RAD sounds exactly what I am looking for, Do you think this stain would work for this kind of wood? If so, is there a color you would suggest to use on it? I really like the reddish color in the Light Walnut, but I am worried it will look too natural and void of color on this kind of wood. The dark Walnut is ok, but it does not have any red in it, but i would rather have brown than a natural looking color. What would you suggest?
Prep first to remove the Penofin. Use the RAD stripper and then the brightener. The stain will work well for you. Colors will always vary based on wood type and the age so no way to say for certain the final color on your wood. The Light Walnut is not “natural” or light in color.
I need 2 bags of Restore a deck cleaner and 1 bag of Restore a deck brightener. I live in Canada. What is the least expensive way to ship this. I have purchased these products previously.
We only ship one way, and that is UPS. For cost you can add to cart and enter your shipping info.
I’m looking to use your solid stain on my kid’s cedar playset. The original stain was worn down across most of the playset. Could I get away with just power washing it and applying your solid stain or do I have to use the stripper? Thanks
Using the stripper while pressure washing will help to remove as much as possible of the old stain that is failing.
HI, great product. Restained my deck and got some of the transparent natural stain on the vinyl siding and the aluminum frame of my sliders. Tried to remove some immediately with water and a rag but not much success. What is the best cleanser to remove?ThanksJim
A water based graffiti remover cleaner from your local paint store.
Is it possible to use your products (stripper, cleaner, brightener) with an ordinary garden hose?
You could, but it would be a lot of work with scrubbing and rinsing. Much easier to use a pressure washer with them.
I am looking at your site here in Canada. Are the prices I am seeing $US? For example, the $240 kit would be $300 canadian?
Pricing is in USD.
I am building a new deck with rough sawn lumber. Can I apply a coating immediately after build and what do you recommend?
If rough sawn yes, if smooth no. See here for more new wood tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
We did respond to you last week via email. Might want to check your spam folder?
So used stripper, brightener and followed the 2 coat direction for Cedar semi-transparent. Really pleased with overall results but have a few spots ( operator error ) that are overcoated ( slightly sticky ).Any remedy for this ??
Sorry but no. It will dry but you cannot remove just overcoat without affecting all the stain.
We have a two-story deck with no stair access. I used the stripper and brightener yesterday and it took hours longer than I thought it would (the stripper just didn’t want to rinse out… I think I spent a solid hour rinsing before I no longer saw white foam… the knots in the boards really seemed to hold the product in). ANYWAY… I worked all the way until dark and ran out of time and energy and didn’t do the staining yet. I also did not do the uprights because there isn’t any (good) way to reach them on the outside. SO including before/after pix and wondering if I should go ahead with the stain today on the horizontal boards only, and do you think that will look okay when I’m done (or should I now repeat yesterday’s process (strip/brighten) on the uprights and if so, what’s your recommendation for the side we cannot see? There are four planes to every single one of these posts and it will take potentially hours to do them all plus I can’t see climbing a two-story ladder with a hose or powerwasher wand in my hand. Ugh). On the plus side, the horizontal boards look awesome. What is recommendation about what to do at this point?
If you are asking about the railings, then yes, you need to strip and brighten them as well prior to staining.
Sept 2019 I re-stained my deck with this product. Did the cleaner & brightener followed by some semi-transparent stain.. The top image was the deck before and bottom was after. Loved how it turned out!
But, today the stain is basically gone. Flaking off. Is this normal? And how do I go about re-staining it?
It is normal to redo every 2-3 years. Use the RAD Cleaner and then the Brightener for prep.
how long does the cleaner and brightener last once opened (but not mixed)? need to clean again this year and put on the second year one coat (did first double coat last year). assume i should use the RAD cleaner again? it’s maybe 3 years old, opened a year ago. there are quite a few spots (smaller, mixed in) where the stain seems worn off this spring. is that normal? thanks! love RAD
Teh cleaner and the brightener are good for many years if in powder form. Normal to redo every 2-3 years.
What is the best way to mix/stir 5 gallons of RAD semi-transparent stain?
Just shake it for 30-60 seconds, it does not settle that much.
Do any precautions need to be taken when my house is power washed? I’m concerned about the area where the deck meets the siding.
Depends on what the house siding is? Pictures would help.
Hardie Plank.
Just pre wet and rinse when done and you will be okay.
Is your deck brush an effective tool for applying stain where the end of the deck boards go under the hardie plank siding or should I use a stain pad or paint brush? See photo above.
Use a smaller brush or pad to edge out the house.
Do you need to stain right after using the brighter or can we wait four days?
Either is okay.
We started restoring our deck in 2019. We replaced several boards on our 10×20 deck. After that we pressure washed the entire deck, however that left the boards fuzzy. We sanded the entire deck and waited till summer of 2020 to prep with RAD stripper and brightener. We stained the deck with Dark Walnut semi transparent RAD stain. We were very pleased with the results. Previously the deck was stained with Behr semi transparent stain about 10 years ago. Following the winter of 2020 our deck now has white spots on several boards. What should we do to remedy this problem? Also, we are now working on our lower deck. We have replaced all necessary boards, how should we proceed from here to avoid the problem with our first deck?
Lightly clean and recoat all wood is the best option. If just a few spots, then you can touch up this year and do the full recoat next year.
What product should I use to clean with, if any? Should I use just water to hose it off?
If touch up spots only just lightly clean and with water.
In my original post I asked what to do with the second deck we’re now working on to avoid a recurrence of what happened with the first deck.
You did not do anything wrong besides maybe not understand that new wood will need maintenance after the first year: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Also sanding is not the best way to prep as it closed the pores of the wood, reducing stain penetration.
I have areas of pressure treated decking where there is no remaining stain, and areas where the stain application overlapped and some coating material remains on the wood. Can the stripper be used locally where needed or just on the boards that require stripping, or will there be enough of a difference that the entire deck will need to be treated with stripper?
Best to strip and brighten all to make sure it is even.
We built a large pool deck about ten months ago out of pine from Menards. We were told to wait until this spring to stain (we live in WI so really couldn’t do anything before this time anyway).Last summer we had grandchildren get splinters in their feet. I’ve read not to sand the new wood, just clean and brighten prior to staining, but will that help with the splintering problem?Any advice would be appreciated!
Clean and brighten first. If needed, you can lightly pole or hand sand after to remove splinters.
Are all of the products (cleaner, stripper or brightener) acceptable to get on adjoining glass surfaces? I have glass panels surrounded by pressure treated wood framing that has been coated in the past with semi-transparent stain. I want to remove what’s left of the the previous coating and treat the wood with the Restore A Deck products, but I don’t want to etch, fog or affect the glass surfaces. Will getting any of the products on the glass be a problem, or is there a way to deal with that happening? Thanks.
We have never had any issues with etching glass. Make sure to rinse well when done to remove soap residue and grime. Easier to clean this way before it dries.
I have a question about the 2021 Deck Restoration Contest,,, I sanded my deck and am now going to use RAD solid stain. I do not need to use the RAS stripper or whitener. So,,, my question is: Am I eligible to enter the contest? Your rules star you must use the 3 step process, but I don’t need to strip or whiten
Yes, you can still enter.
One last one.. not sure why it won’t accept them all at once.
Here are a couple other pics that didn’t make it…
Just bought a house with a deck and don’t have really any information on it. I’m estimating based on your calculator that it’s about 600 sq ft. I do have a pressure washer and just recently pressure washed the deck. I was hoping to be able to use a semi-transparent stain, but I’m thinking a solid stain may be best. Based on the pictures I’ve attached, what are my options for this deck? And what do you recommend I use for prepping and staining? Thank you!
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Brightener after. If you can remove all of the previous coating, then use the Restore A Deck Stain in semi-transparent. If you cannot, use the Restore A Deck Solid Stain.
Our deck is made of redwood with Baer redwood colored semi-transparent stain. I regret using redwood and definitely unhappy with the stain (which looks like paint).
What color of RAD stain can we use to “neutralize” the redwood hue (after stripping, brightening etc) and tilt it toward more of a brown or tan? Do you ever recommend painting a deck?
You cannot use paint on a deck but you can use a solid stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Or you can use the RAD in a semi-transparent color like Dark Walnut. BTW, you may not be able to fully strip off the Behr if it looks like a paint. Sanding may be needed to get it all off.
I just saw you have a solid stain, great! Would I have to strip the current stain to apply the RAD solid?
Strip to remove as much as possible. Then cover the rest.
Strip only or also use brighten product?
Brightener to neutralize.
Once we have applied the 2 coats of RAD solid stain, how long will it last typically (in the Pacific Northwest)? And when it comes time to redo, what is required: stripping again? or just simple cleaning and re-staining with the RAD solid stain?
2-3 years. Just clean and recoat when needed.
I am looking forward to giving this 15 years old deck new life. I neglected it for the last 3 years. I used 30 second outdoor cleaner and power washed it which got most of the mildew and algae off. I am going to use solid white on the rails and your semi transparent light walnut on the floors and wood above the railing.
1.) Should I order your stripper and brightener?2.) I am working with about 600 square feet (rails and stairs included). How much of each stain should I order?3.) (Deck was never stained in a solid color) Do I need to strip the railings if I am going with a solid white? 4.) How many coats of white stain should I put on the rails and how many transparent coats on the floor?
Thanks!
(The last two pics is the look I’m going for)
1. Strip and brighten all. 2. One prep kit will work. We would need to know the breakdown for each stain area for the amount to buy. About 100 Sq feet per gallon for two coats.3. Yes, it will help.4. Two coats.
Thanks for the quick response. Do I need any additives for the stripping?
No need for this one.
Is it possible to two tone my deck with all semi transparent staining or is it better to go solid on the rails?
You can do it with semi-transparent but it will stand out less depending on the colors.
can I order just the gray semi-transparent sample
Sorry but no.
Yesterday we stripped and brightened our huge pool deck. Then, while I was staining the lower parts and stair rails, my husband stained the floor and upper level rails-using a pump sprayer……carelessly and copiously. He even went over areas I’d finished. Then ran out of stain before the floor was finished. I don’t know whether to scream, cry, or run away after selling the place as-is. Is there any remedy other than to start all over from square 1? We will soon have afternoon temps of 90-100.
Only way to fix is to start over by removing all. You will need both additives for the stripper: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
I ran out of stain before completing the second coat. Any options when I get more stain?
Sorry no. Second coats have to be applied wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
Adding a second coat to freshly stained wood after it fully cures/dries can lead to product issues. It would be best to leave as is for now. Next Spring you can clean and recoat all.
I am planning to stain my deck and fence this summer, the deck is about 350 sq feet, and the fence is 1560 sq feet. I got know that 100-200 sq feet for 1 gallon stain, my deck and fence was built 4 years ago, so what’s your suggestion how much cleaner, brightener and stain I should buy? The deck and fence seems not porous. Thanks.
About 3 each of the Restore A Deck Cleaner and 3 of the brightener. 15-20 gallons of stain for two coats applied wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
Thanks. Do you think it’s necessary to do 2 coats since this is the first time do coating?
Since it is 4 years old, most likely you will need two coats.
1. Removed some solid oil stain with Restore-A-Deck/Pressure wash. Applying another lighter color Reatore-A-Deck SOLID stain. Do I need to remove ALL of the old stain if it’s not peeling?
2. Can you spray RAD solid stain with an airless sprayer and/or is brush/roller better?
3. Is the coverage of the solid RAD stain 200-350sf per gallon at two coats? In other words, 1/2 gallon for 200-350sf single coat?
4. Deck floor has a little more stain on it. Was harder to remove as I think the stain was thicker. Can I put DeckRevive right over it as is it should I strip and sand all the solid off? Pressure washed and does not appear to be peeling anywhere after the pressure wash.
1. No.2. Roll and brush is best but it can be sprayed with an airless sprayer as well.3. No, one coat for 200-350.4. It can go over it.
I just finished our deck using your semitransparent light walnut stain. What do you recommend for keeping the deck clean now that it’s completed and dried?
Just rinse with water if it gets dirty.
Two-tiered deck of different ages, finishes in Ontario, Canada.
Top tier is at least 10yrs old and was stained by previous owners (I’m unsure of what was used). Bottom tier was new PT added by us 6 summers ago and has been left completely untreated. All is looking pretty bad. Ideally, planning to clean and stain everything new & old the same colour – RAD semi-transparent Light Walnut.
Back of the house faces south so most of the lower deck gets beat by the sun all day – no shade. Only shade is under gazebo when it’s up.
Planning to use RAD Cleaner/Brightener on unfinished wood. Hoping that the RAD Stripper with thickening gel and booster will remove the old stain. Can you tell by the pictures if the RAD stripper would remove enough of the existing stain?
For vertical boards should I apply stripper with garden pump sprayer then pressure wash off? Or apply with sprayer then scrub with deck brush before pressure washer?
For horizontal boards should I apply cleaner and let sit, then pressure wash off, or will it need to be scrubbed first?
I have about 570sq ft of horizontal boards, 325sq ft of vertical stained and about the same amount of vertical unstained. Do you think I’m covered with 1 kit RAD Clean/Bright, 1 kit RAD Strip/Bright, 1 bottle each of thickening gel & booster? I was figuring 10 gallons of semi-transparent stain, based on square footage. Do you think this will be enough stain? I plan to buy & use your yellow stain brush.
I’ve seen all kinds of great advice here on this site and also over on deckstainhelp.com – hoping to get a little guidance for my project so I can get product ordered from you and get rolling! It’s going to be a big job.
Thanks in advance!
You should be able to remove this with the strippper, additives, and pressure washing. Apply and pressure wash off. What is the total sq footage of all wood added up?
Awesome, thanks for the reply. Looking at a total of 1500sq ft (rounding up; 600 horizontal, 600 stained vertical, 250 unstained vertical and 50 for steps). I want to make sure I order enough, or even a little extra of each product as I’m shipping to Canada. Assuming I should apply 2 coats of stain (wet/wet). I’m adding a few more pics that I couldn’t upload earlier. This deck leads to a chlorine pool, which I realize chlorine will prematurely ruin a finish. This is one of the reasons I’ve left untreated thus far. I’m planning to place order tonight if I know right amounts of everything.
For two coats applied wet on wet, you will need about 12-15 gallons. For the Stripper, Brightener, and additives, you will need two of each.
Thanks. I’ll get product ordered this morning. Do you see any concerns now that I’ve been able to upload the additional photos?
Not really.
The package suggests to use the brightener right away after cleaner/stripper. I’m doing the bulk of the work myself and will have to do in pieces. Can’t do everything in the same day. Any harm in doing the clean/strip first, then in a few days when all of that is complete, then move onto the brightener stage?
Also, do I need to mask-off vinyl siding when using stripper/booster right next to it?
Good morning RAD… was hoping for feedback on this post. Today is my “get-to-work” day. Want to make sure I’m doing things right.
You have to brighten the same day as the cleaner or stripper. Very easy to do. Just spray on and rinse after 20 minutes.
No need to mask vinyl. Rinse well with water when done.
Sanding is going well. Hoping to finish this coming weekend (weather permitting) and use Brightener/rinse after sanding. Can I still do 2 coats wet-on-wet of RAD semi-transparent stain? I read on another newer post “only 1 coat after sanding”.
Only one coat after sanding.
Might I ask why only 1 coat after sanding? Just need to understand. Will it still look as nice when finished? Bought enough stain to do 2 coats wet/wet. Guess I save that for next year freshen-up?
Sanding closes the pores of the wood, reducing how much stain can soak in and the RAD must fully soak into the wood grain for proper results.
And now I know. Thanks.
Alright… stripping/cleaning/sanding all complete! Got very frustrated with the Brightener step… mixed and applied as directed. Didn’t see many soap suds when applying. That’s fine. Following the directions on the package to rinse 20-30 minutes or until all soap suds are gone. I rinsed each section of vertical boards for over 45 minutes and still saw suds! Not a lot, but still some. Was rinsing with a garden hose (tried several settings, same results). At this rate I’m going to be a whole day rinsing the brightener for the rest of this large deck project. I can’t spend that much time on this step – it seems totally nuts! However, I need to make sure your semi-transparent stain works it’s best (and I don’t waste all of the hard work put into the project thus far), so can’t leave suds. Would using a pressure washer to rinse Brightener be OK (will keep far away from wood)? Any other suggestions (like so many minutes of rinsing per section, then move on even if a few soap bubbles come up when rinsing? Going crazy over here – please help! I look forward to your input.
We always suggest to rinse the brightener with a pressure washer. Just rinse as well as you can for 30 minutes, you will be fine if you have a few bubbles.
Pics of completed project. Used either Stripper with both additives or Cleaner. Had to sand all wood because got rough with pressure washer. Brightener, then 1 coat of RAD Semi-Gloss Light Walnut. Very happy with how this turned out!
I used cleaner on railing on Sunday and did not use brightener. Should I re-apply cleaner, let sit and power wash off before using brightener?
Rinse well with water and then apply the brightener. Using the cleaner again will not do anything.
I had to get a little aggressive with pressure washer to remove old graying etc. This deck is pretty bad. Wood burred up a little and should probably be hit with light pole sand. I’m expecting the same in other areas as well. In this case, do I let dry so that I can sand before brightener. OR, do I hit with brightener today after stip/clean, let dry then lightly sand then rinse away dust with water before staining? Sorry for all the questions. I want to get this right.
Sand first would be best and then the brightener. Rinse well after.
Additional pics
Additional pics