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!
How do I unsubscribe from reply updates…..I had a question a year ago that got answered, but I’m still receiving emails every time someone posts something.
Click the unsubscribe button on the emails.
Will RAD stripper damage my painted metal railing spindles?
Probably not, but always test spot first.
I’m very interested in your stripper for sure, and maybe your stain.
I have about 1200+ sq ft to do. It looks like your stripper, dissolved into 5 gallons, covers 1000 or less. Do I need two 2 lb bottles or do you have a 1 lb bottle as well (or 3 lb).
Thanks.
John
You would need two containers of both the Stripper and the Brightener.
A few questions….See the pics, what type of wood is this? I believe it’s Cedar (Port Orford). Also I saw in one of the videos that someone powerwashed the entire deck before applying the cleaner. Seems the first step is to use the cleaner and powerwash it off. Based on what you see in the pics, can you confirm the best approach and products: 1) apply the cleaner 2) powerwash it off 3) apply the cedar stain. Glad to share pics when done. Can you confirm thanks
1. Apply cleaner2. Pressure wash off3. Apply brightener4. Stain.
Not sure on wood type.
We purchased stripper, booster and brightener back in March. Due to weather, work etc. we are finally ready to apply. Our deck is 2200 sf. and in full sun. I was wanting to do just small shaded sections at a time so that product would not dry as soon as I applied it. I would work according to the way the sun rises and sets. I know you are suppose to rewet the area if it dries with more of the solution. Because of the reflection of the in ground pool and sun everything dries instantly and would be a waste to have to keep reapplying product to keep it wet. My question is, can I mix a 5 gallon container and cover it and use again the next day. I’m afraid mixing small batches won’t end up being the same concentration each time. I didn’t want to have to keep making 1 gal. containers if at all possible because I don’t know how much will be needed in each section. I think the way the deck is layed out sections can be done without looking weird where you stopped and started since it is all around the pool and a couple different levels. I plan on applying all of this with a pump sprayer.
Lastly, in the directions it says to hose off brightener for 20-30 minutes. Does this mean you literally stand there for 30 min. just hosing area down. I do plan on using a power washer.
Please advise,Thank You.
You can mix all at once and use it as needed. 20-30 minutes total for the entire deck, not just one area.
Thank you so much. This makes the process so much more managable. Can’t wait to get started!
Hi, I’ve never done something like this before so I had some questions. I took out some hostas that were in front of this fence and discovered this darker area. I’m assuming it’s from the previous owner power washing without moving the plants out of the way. Is this required to be power washed again? (because I would have to borrow one). And would you recommend the stripper & brightener or the cleaner & brightener? I was hoping to use a solid white stain on it afterwards. Thanks so much!
That should come off during prep. Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener kit while pressure washing.
Hey guys, overall I am loving what the products have done for our deck. I power washed but the results were good, but not great so we decided to power sand. That did a great job. From there we’ve used the cleaner then brightener then the Cedar Sem-Transparent stain. We have a herringbone pattern on the deck so I did one side yesterday. Let it sit all day and overnight and then the second side today. (had to move stuff from one side to the other hence the wait. However, today the second section seems much lighter than the section yesterday. (pic attached). I’m past the wet on wet second coat stage so wondering if this just darkens in a day. I don’t recall the 1st section being this light yesterday.
It could be how you applied it or drying faster if in hot sun. Hopefully it evens out.
Applied identically to how yesterdays was done. I used the yellow brush you folks sell and it worked very nicely. However, even though I had it airing out, it was a little damp yet this morning so I was wondering if that may have been it. Anyway, it already is darkening so I suspect by tomorrow the difference will hopefully be minimal. Thanks
In 2019 I used RADs products to clean, brighten and stain deck railing but only got 1 coat of natural stain done on pressure treated wood that had never been stained and had been installed for about 1 year. The railing really needs to be redone this year. So I want to make sure I do it correctly. First use the cleaner and then power wash which should remove all the stain. Then use the brightener and rinse (no need to power wash). Let dry for 48 hours. Use a tank sprayer to dampen the railing and apply 1st coat of natural stain within 2 weeks. When should I apply the 2nd coat of stain? Thank you for your time and assistance.
The second coat goes on wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
No, it should be liquid. You can try the wot water to see if that helps. If not, we can send you another. Just reply to your order email.
Partil cleanup on some boards after clean and brighten process what do i need to do to correct this?
Looks like old stain. It should blend if using the same color and stain brand.
Question on second deck. This is in our front and has no roof so the sun beats on it. I’ve done the same maintenance as the deck I posted earlier (rad 2018 steps 1-3, maintenance 2019. Now 2021 and need to apply) . What would you recommend this time around from this picture? Clean, brighten, and one coat?
Pic
Yes, that is correct.
Thank you!
One more question (hopefully) if the front deck looks worn pretty quickly after each maintenance should I try a solid stain instead? I guess I’m asking if the solid would hold up better or longer than the semi transparent ?
The solid stain does hold color longer.
Okay, which steps would I go through in this instance? As you can see from the previous pic the vertical still has some semi transparent but all the walking surfaces are “bare” looking.
Pressure wash with the Cleaner and the Brightener and then you can cover the rest.
I’m sorry. It’s not wanting to upload the image. It is lower than 3mb and shows that it’s uploaded successfully and then doesn’t show the picture.
I used RAD cedar semi transparent in 2018 using the directions for cleaner, brighter,stain. I applied a maintenance coat in 2019, using maintenance steps. It needed another maintenance coat on the high traffics areas or areas where the Oklahoma sun really took its toll this year. So I cleaned and brightened all of the deck and applied. Usually it’s just one coat for maintenance (I believe) but I was curious if from this image you would recommend applying a second coat, and if so have I messed it up by not doing it when it was still within the 3 hour window or the first coat?!
I’m not sure why the picture is not showing. I’ll try posting it again.
Files for photos have to be smaller than 3 mb.
Okay thank you for your quick response. Here is the image in lower resolution.
Only one coat and you cannot apply another 3 hours after the first coat has dried. You can clean and apply another coat 6-12 months later.
Would I clean and brighten in 6 months? Or just clean and apply
Just the cleaner would work.
Thank you, sorry for image issues.
Well I have researched so many deck sealers, restorers and so on for our poor old deck and can say I am 100 % sold on your product. Now to my question, may I ask about how long do you think shipping will take once I place my order ( RAD Kit ) say in the morning hours ? Shipping to North Carolina, US. We are going to be out of town the next week and thus my question.Thank-you
2-4 business days is the normal to NC.
I have two gallons of TWP 1500 left over from a five gallon can. If I fill two 1 gallon paint cans will that keep the left over stain useable for a year or two or should I just try to pass it along to someone who could use it. Last year I had left over stain and it thickened in the 5 gal bucket pretty quickly with all the air in the bucket.
Opened stain will last about 12 months. It will probably not last longer but it is possible.
planning on retaining staining deck with your product. Presently there is paint / stain on it, what is the sequence. Strip, clean, brighten?
We would need to see pictures of the deck posted here for proper prep help.
I am planning to refinish a cedar deck that was previously finished with Sherwin Williams SuperDeck solid stain. The deck area (including stairs) is about 950 square feet. The original deck is about 30 years old and also has areas where we have replaced old boards.
I’d also like to change the color from brown to gray and assume that I should plan on using another solid stain (possibly Coastal Gray).
I tried to remove the existing stain with Behr Wood Stain & Finish Stripper (with minimal effect) and am wondering if Restore-A-Deck stripper would work, or if my only recourse is sanding.
My questions:1. Should I use a solid stain?2. What surface preparation do you recommend? Do I need to completely remove the old stain if I am using your solid stain?3. How much material do I need to buy?
Attached are photos of the deck, including one showing where boards were replaced.
You will need a solid stain again unless you want to power sand this off. Stripping will not remove a solid stain fully. You can use the stripper to remove what is loose and then you can stain over any old stain that is not peeling.
8-10 gallons of stain for two coats of solid stain.
Do I need to use stripper/brightener or cleaner/brightener to get the new stain to adhere properly to the old stain and new wood areas?
Stripper for old stain and cleaner for new. Brighten all after.
what is the coverage for 1 gal of your solid stain? Waht is the best way to apply?
About 200 sq feet per gallon per coat. Use rollers and brushes.
I am refinishing a large deck and pergola this summer – deck is 6 years old – has only had one application of a water based clear sealer 2 years ago. shows a lot of algae in high shade areas otherwise the Sienna pressure treated wood has lost much of it’s original tan/brown colour in areas of high sun and also shows darkened areas (mildew) – What steps do i need to follow to remove the mildew, the green algae, clean and prepare the entire deck (horizontal and vertical surfaces) for staining using the RAD semi transparent stain – cedar colour.
Can you send pictures of the current condition in the comment area?
Here are pictures of deck and pergola – total sq ft of surface area (deck, skirts, pergola boards, postss, beams and stairs = 2,000 sq/ft Pics of algae areas, deck and railings weathering and greying, pics of pergola greying etc.
Sorry for delay, we did not see your response until now. For prep, use the RAD Stripper and then the Brightener. It will be an easy strip for you.
I am installing brand new Western Red Cedar siding and want to put the correct finish on all 6 sides before installing on the walls. The siding will be smooth (smoother side out – rougher sawn side in) It is a 6 inch channel cut V groove siding. Do I need to sand the wood before applying any finish? Does this new Western Red Cedar siding need to be cleaned / brightened before using Restore A Deck semi transparent stain (cedar colour)?
You should not stain all sides (wood needs to breathe) and you cannot prestain smooth wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Just install, weather, prep and stain the exposed wood only.
Planning on refreshing after a difficult winter. Stain applied last year. I believe the process is clean, brighten, stain. Apply 1 coat or the usual 2?
Thanks!
1 coat.
Last summer I had new stairs, top of railing, and baseboards installed with treated pine. I left all vertical aspects of deck intact (railing and support beam. I bought some RAD stain for the bottom of stairs, top of railing and baseboards. I also bought some RAD stripper and brightener.
#1. Should I be using the stripper only on the vertical aspects of the deck which currently have a solid paint of them? We plan on using a white solid paint for a two tone look. Is it OK if the stripper gets on the new pine? #2. Should I bother applying the brightener to the vertical aspects of the deck that won’t be stained and will be painted? #3. I’m also assuming I should be applying the stain before I paint the vertical aspects?
1. Just pressure wash off the verticals while using the RAD cleaner. Let dry and spot sand any loose solid stain.2. No need. 3. Does not matter.
Clean and brighten the flooring for prep.
After 2-3 years of applying this, what will need to be done to reapply the product. Will you need to stripoff the old and replace or just reapply the stain?
Thank-you
Clean and brighten is normal.
We are interested in this product to restore a 30 year old deck that has been sealed over the years. The wood is beginning to splinter in a few areas but all in all is in good shape. How long does this stain restoreproject last before having to repeat this process.
Every 2-3 years is normal.
I’m seeking your advice to restore close to 200 square feet of 25 year old Philippine mahogany deck. It was never stained but instead an oil baed preservative was used many years ago.As you can see in the photo attached it’s in oxidized/moldy condition with some lichens(?) growing in one area. I own a Ryobi 2300 psi electric pressure sprayer and could benefit from your advice on how to best use it with your products. Please recommend which of your products I should use and in what order. Thank you for your help.
For this, you would want the RAD Cleaner and Brightener Kit. The Cleaner goes on first and is pressure washed off. Brightener after. Stain with RAD Stain in Light Walnut color for best results with your wood type.
Hi , I live in Ontario Canada and I’m getting ready to re-stain my 4 year old IPE 800 sqft deck, I need to clean first , should I use your stripper or cleaner ? half the deck is expose to sunlight so its gone considerably gray with signs of mildew and algae and the other covered half still maintains most of its original oil finish – thanks for your help and do ship to canada ?
rob
You will need to strip and then brighten. Yes, we ship to Canada.
Can I mix the dark walnut and the light walnut to make. a medium walnut colour?Thanks
Yes.
Have used Rustoleum Restore for my deck about 8 years ago – the decking is fine but has been coming off the 2 x 4 rails – now need to redo the deck – what can I used to go over the Restore – power washed it and sanded it with 60 grit palm sander – pressure washed again – did this twice – no more comes off – but about 60-70% still on – what can I use to seal over this restore? What would be the best recommended product that will last.
Sorry but you cannot apply any stain over the Rust-Oleum product. It has to fully come off first.
Is there any product beside stain than that could be used? Perhaps a paint??
No, they will all peel. The issue is the Rust-Oleum. You cannot fix its issues by adding more on top. The new coating will peel as well.
So do you feel your stripper would work to remove what is left on that I cannot get off? Or is there any product you know of that can help to get this stuff off? And…if I cannot get it off -would your restore-a-deck cleaner, stripper work?
Strippers will not get this off. You will have to power sand.
My container says to apply a 2nd coat after the 1st coat in 20 to 40 minutes. Does that mean I can spend 2 hours putting on the 1st coat and then wait 20 to 40 minutes to apply the 2nd coat or start the timer after I start putting on my 1st coat to come back after 20 to 40 minutes and apply the 2nd coat?
Second has to go on within 20-40 minutes of first coat, not 2 hours later.
I am having trouble finding examples of the dark walnut on a deck. Can you please post some? thanks
Look through our stain contests:https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-prep-and-stain-contest-2020.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-prep-stain-contest-2019.html
FYI……I mixed a small sprayer full of stripper, booster, and gel in early February but extreme weather changes required me to delay application. With an extended period of cold weather and rain I gave up on application and with other delays did not apply until this past week, May 28, 2021, at least 2 1/2 months after mixing. I had stored the sprayer mix under the house in 55-65 degree temps.I agitated the mix for about 5 minutes and sprayed it on the area to be stripped, let it stand 1 hour keeping it moist with a light water spray, and then pressure washed. The old semi RAD stain washed off beautifully.
I have completed using RAD stripper on my cedar pergola and railings. 1) is it ok to use Brightener the next week and then stain with RAD a few days later? 2) I just sanded my pressure treated deck surface to remove some old coating, can I use Brightener and then stain with RAD solid?
1. Brighten as soon as possible. Same day is the best.2. Yes.
Hi, 3 yrs ago I prepped my un-stained pine deck using your cleaner & brightner then stained using Pittsburgh Paints Ultra cedar naturetone, water clean up. Decking exposed to sun & rain have dark mildew and some flaking, covered porch deck is in good shape. I have 944 Sq./ft plus log spindle railing!! Looks like you recommend your same cleaner & brightner prior to re-coating…Question is, I want to use your cedar stain for second coating but is it wiser to re-coat with the same failing brand I used for the first coating?? I already ordered your stain sample kit to test and, I own a pressure washer. Thanks, Joe M.
You cannot apply the RAD Stain over the Pittsburgh stain. That would have to be fully removed first by stripping and sanding.
I applied stripper and brighter today and one coat of Semi- Transparent stain. That was all I got done today but it looks like the deck could use a second coat. Can I apply another coat within the next day or two?
No. Second coats have to be applied wet on wet. You can prep and recoat in 6-12 months for another coat if needed.
If I use the gel additive with the RAD stripper, will it still work with a pump sprayer?
A quality pump sprayer, yes.
May we use a paint sprayer to apply color stain to railings and lattice?
Thanks
Yes.
I need some guidance as to how to prep my pressure-treated wood deck for (semi-transparent) stain please. The deck has been pressure washed and sanded to remove the remnants of the old semi-transparent stain. Is it now necessary to use the stripper or cleaner or brightener? If so, how much time am I leaving in between steps before applying the semi-transparent stain? The deck is just under 200 square feet. What application tool would you recommend I use? Thanks in advance!
Final prep with the RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kit. It can all be done the same day. Use a stain pad or brush for applying. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
Thank you.
I have a 40+ yr old 12′ X 16′ Redwood deck that has had nothing done to it for yearsss. It is completely covered by a metal roof and screened in. I am 75 yrs old so my daughter offered to pressure wash the deck for me. I didn’t have a chance to research on what and how to recondition this type of wood deck before she started. Because the pressure washer roughed up the wood and some boards had a really course texture, I decided to sand the floor and the railings. I also patched knot holes and deep cracks with epoxy wood putty. I plan to pre-stain these areas before I apply the finish. I have sent away for your semi-transparent stain samples and hope to decide what finish would look best. My wife and I would prefer a clear finish, no color, just the natural redwood look. I am hoping that your natural finish stain /sealer will maybe work for what we want. My question now is do I need to still pre-clean the deck even though I pressure washed and sanded? After reading all the positive reviews, I have high hopes for a great looking deck with your product but also want to ” Do it right the first time”! Thank you for your time in reading this, hope to hear back soon.
Hello,
A few things. A clear will not offer UV protection from graying. It must be tinted/have color to do this. Natural is not clear, it is tinted. You should not have filled the cracks with the putty. It will not work on outside wood (it fails) and will not “stain” or blend with your coating. You will still need to use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener for prep.
Do you need to use brightener if applying the solid stain? Also, does solid stain have texture so people don’t slip when there is water?
You brighten after to neutralize. No texture to solid stains.
Which is better for a 24mo old PT wood deck never finished before, TWP 100 or Woodrich? I like the color of woodrich but I read the TWP is the best. In reality are they the same
TWP is a better stain when it comes to longevity.
Square Footage of Area to be Restored: The calculator said about 900 sq ft.
Type of wood if known: Unknown
Approximate Age of Wood: Unknown as we bought the house 4 years ago.
If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type (Examples of Type: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Solid Stain, Oil-Based, Water-Based): Unknown as we bought the house 4 years ago.
If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained: We have not stained it since we bought it and it looks like they didn’t as well.
Wood Type to be Stained (Deck, House, Fence, etc.): Deck, Rails, Lattice
Do you have access to a pressure washer: Yes
Also, would it be better for us to go with the semi-transparent stain or the solid color stain? We’re looking at more like the Dark Walnut semi-transparent stain.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Not sure if you have an old stain but it does not look like it. Prep with the RAD Cleaner and brightener kit. 2 of each. About 8-10 gallons of the RAD Stain. You can go with the Dark Walnut color.
Parts of it does have some stain still on it but 80-90% of it doesn’t. Still the cleaner or the stripper? Will be ordering today. Thanks!
Is the white in the pciture old stain or just gray wood?
Grey wood the partially stained parts are brown in color. I’ve attached another picture.
Okay, strip and brighten would be best.
Also can we use a Graco Magnum X7 Airless Paint Sprayer to spray the deck spindles and lattice? Or would be be better advised to just use it on the lattice and spindles only, then handbrush the deck? Thanks so much!
You can spray the verticals but a deck brush is better for the floors:https://www.restore-a-deck.com/deck-tools/restore-a-deck-wood-staining-brush/flypage.tpl.html
I used your strip, brighten, restrain products last summer. Came out great. I also replaced some decking boards with new pt pine. How do I now prep and stain the new boards?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Hi, I’ve done the cleaner on my deck; it’s in need of a lot of sanding. Do I do that after the brightener?
Sand and then brighten. 60-80 grit sand paper.
How long after prepping do I have to apply stain? If it rains after prepping do I have to do prepping again before staining?
Best to stain withing 2 weeks of prep. Rain would not harm the prep.
I placed an order but I need to know when it can be delivered… I have a client with a tight window and the weather is not looking great. I called but no one answers. I left a message but I haven’t heard back…
Help?
Reply back from your order email for assistance. In addition, when items ship, a UPS tracking email is sent. The only reason we would not answer is due to all lines being busy assisting other customers. Just wait on hold until we have a free line to help.
The box contains the stain – nothing else. I opened the box when it arrived. I thought that the other items would be delivered separately and that is the reason I waited. I do not have my original purchase email.
We just emailed it to you.
The stain went on thicker in spots and tacky. What can I use to remove the excess?
Sorry but it is not possible to spot fix this. Any attempt would probably make it worse. The tackiness will go away.
I ordered 5 gallons of semi transparent, cleaners, booster And brush on April 2. I received the stain 3 to 4 days later but I have not received the rest of my order. Is this unusual or should I remain patient.
It is shipped in the same box as the stain. Please reply back from your original order email if you are missing items.
Hi, in 2020 I purchased five gallons of stain, I finally got around to staining my fence this weekend. Looks amazing. I overestimated and only used one container. The other container is still sealed. How long will it last? Will I be able to use it next year?
2-3 years. Cannot freeze.
So here’s a picture of when I first stained my pressure treated deck with the cedar semi-transparent 2 years ago. I missed the one year maintenance coat and now it’s been 2 years.Should I sand before cleaning? And how many coats should I apply?
No need to sand. Just prep and stain.
One or two coats? If 2 how do I apply second coat?
Two: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
Hello. Is your Semi-Transparent Wood Stain appropriate for hardwood decks such as Batu?Thank you
Yes, works great: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-on-exotic-hardwoods-ipe.html