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!
Deck is at least 15 years old, previously had multiple coats of Behr solid stain in the past 8 years prior to that I do not know. I have sanded the entire floor however in some spots there are still remnants of solid behind. What do you recommend as far as prep and should I remain with a solid or would a semi transparent work.
Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightern for final prep and then use the RAD Solid Stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
I am about to stain a 12×12 pressure treated wood deck that was built about 13 months ago. No stain or anything has been applied. I have a few questions. 1. How many gallons are needed to do the deck, railings and steps?2. Do you need to stain the bottom/underneath the deck?3. What items should I purchase to apply the stain, get in between the slats, and to clean and brighten the deck prior to staining?4. Do I apply more than 1 coat of the stain?5. Are there any tips you can provide to help. I read a few reviews about a tacky feel and it has me concerned because this is not something I have ever done before.
1. We would need a total sq footage added up that includes all wood, rails, steps, etc.2. No.3. Use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener for prep. Application tools are here.https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
4. Two light coats applied wet on wet. 5. Thre are numerous articles on our website that explain prep and application. There is also a calculator on this page for amounts needed.
It is sometimes tacky until it fully cures. This is normal for any stain.
What is meant by wet on wet? Also, are there specific application tools that you could recommend. I will be cleaning, brightening and staining using your products. Thanks.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
The tools are on the link we sent in the previous reply. Most use the floor brush and stain pads.
Thank you. See picture. 1. Do I use a pad to apply stain to the top rail and the brush for the floor. 2. Do I use only 1 coat of stain? 3. Also, I want to keep the natural color. Is this possible to do and the wood not gray?
1. Yess.2. Two coats wet on wet.3. No, the stain must be tinted to prevent graying.
Oh. I thought you apply 1 coat if the deck was new. Per the.builder, I had to let wood dry 1 year and then apply stain. 1 year is up, so is 2 coats still needed?
It is not new at 13 months. 2 coats applied wet on wet.
We applied our first coat of stain last fall on new cedar. Do we have to use cleaner and brightened before second application or just wash off?
You need to clean and brighten when reapplying.
Even when it is just the second coat on new wood?
Yes.
Does the deck need to be wet or dry before the stain stripper is applied? Also, is it recommended to apply with a sprayer or something like an old mop? Deck is 36 feet by 16 1/2 feet so it seems like I need to work pretty quickly before things start to dry. My hope is to apply the stripper, rinse, and then do the brightener in the same day, shooting for an early start since I’m in Texas and after noon or so the temps are excessive. Thank you!
Wet is best. Spray on and then pressure wash off. You cannot just rinse off the stripper. The Brightener can be rinsed.
I have been using the TP 101 Cedertone on my deck for years. I have about 2 gallons of this left in a 5 gallon can that appears to be usable, bought in 2019. I would like to use this along with 2 gallons of the Restore-A-Deck stain. Can I mix these together and use them? Should I keep them separate and do different (not adjacent) areas of my deck ?Thank you.
No you cannot mix them.
2 questions. I stripped part of my deck last weekend and will finish this weekend. I had both the stripper and whitener left over so left them in their spray bottles. How long will both products stay good already mixed? I didn’t know if I needed to dump them both and start over 1 week later.
2nd question. I have stainless steel cable railing. Will the stripper or whitener harm the stainless steel?
The Stripper and Brightener will last a few months after being mixed. It should not harm the stainless steel.
Thank you for your quick reply!
Do you have a product that will fix power washer laps?
There is no such thing. The only way to fix pressure wash marks is to power sand the entire deck to remove them.
I have a 9 month old PTP fence (never stained)…can I apply your cleaner, brightner and semi transparent stain with a 1 gallon hand pump sprayer?
Yes, but you will need to pressure wash off the cleaner.
I just realized I purchased way too much stain for my deck. What is the shelf life after a bucket of stain has been opened? I’m hoping I can use to redo the deck in a few years.
Unopened about 36 months. Opened about 12 months, maybe a little longer. Cannot freeze.
Would I be able to tell visually if it has gone bad?
Thick, clumpy, does not mix evenly are signs it has gone bad.
Hi, we have that deck over paint, last year we sanded most of it off and now are trying to get into all the sides to get it off. Long story short, we are almost ready for the next steps. Do we need to sand again or just start with the prep? If we can start with prep what products do we use? I received the paint samples and the Espresso looks really great, but I need to prep it first, yes?
Use the cleaner and the brightener for prep.
where can this product be purchased?
Directly on our website.
stained wood deck last year. Edge of steps show wear. Can you touch up?
Yes.
I accidentally ordered natural colored stain instead of light walnut. Can I purchase a tint to add to my 2.5 gallon containers?
Sorry but we do not sell tint and you cannot custom tint it to match.
I recently applied RAD stripper and wood brightener to my deck, and applied RAD semi-transparent stain. I applied (yesterday) even more than one coat, wet over wet, some places 3-4 coats since it just wasn’t covering the deck. In any event, now I look at the deck and there are a few places that look like it needs more stain. Reading from this forum, it sounds like I should wait 6-8 months, clean the deck, and then apply more stain. Can I do this in a couple of weeks? Please see my deck photo attached, and please advise. Thank you.
No, you cannot apply now and you also over-applied. The RAD is a fully penetrating stain, not a filming stain. It is not supposed to lay on top of the wood and have a shine.
What’s my next steps, if any? Can I repair in the spring by applying another coat to sections that don’t quite match, or are the over applied sections going to be an issue? Will the over applied sections just not dry properly? Thanks.
Leave as is until time to redo. Prep and recoat. Could be 1-2 years or longer. Over-applied areas may fail faster but most likley will be fine.
I will be redoing two decks with RAD products in the next few weeks and have a question. On the first deck I will be using your Cypress solid stain (two coats with 4-6 hours between coats). On the second deck I will be using one of your semitransparent stains – one coat only after pressure washing, sanding, rinsing, then your cleaner and brightner.
I have many spindles on both decks and wanted to know how you feel about using a Painter’s Mitt for the spindles either on the solid stain or the semitransparent? I’ve seen some good reviews for using these on spindles and the one I’ve ordered is lamb’s skin and highley rated. Recommendations for either or both decks?Mhanks much
You cannot use a mitt for the solid stain. Brushes or rollers are best. They work okay for the semi-transparent but can be messy.
Can you use a paint sprayer for the semi-transparent stain and the solid stain? If not, how would you recommend staining wooden latices?
Yes.
I tried spraying Restore A Deck’s solid stain with this paint sprayer and it didn’t go so well. Intermittent spray and what did come out was very textured. Same results with the 1.8mm and 3mm opening. Is that expected, or is there another type of sprayer better suited to the job?
Also, what would be the next best alternative for applying solid stain to a latice? Thanks!
You can only spray the solid stain with an airless paint sprayer. The one you used is not that type.
My deck is white cedar, 3 years old. I power sand it, used the rad stipper and brightner and a pressure washer to rince and a brush to scrub ligho. Look at the pictures, there is some wood pieces peeling off. It does not look good to stain. What do you think?
That is furring. It can be buffed or sanded off and it typically does not show when stained if you do not sand or buff.
Use the RAD Stripper with both additives and then Brighten the wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Post some pictures so we can offer tips as to what went wrong.
Great website with really quick responses to questions. Well done.
I have to replace a single board in my deck (pressure treated pine) with new wood. My plan was to install the new board, then pressure wash the entire deck and sand where necessary (60-80), then use your cleaner, followed by your brightner and finally two coats of your semi transparent stain. Do I need to do anything different for the one board of new wood?
Only one coat if you sand. The new board technically need to weather for 3 months or longer. Since it is just one board, we would suggest doing all now and touching up that board next spring.
Hello,
What sizestyle of roller is recommended to apply the Restore-a-deck solid stain? I assume a rather thick roller but hoping to know if a specific thickness is recommended…
Thanks in advance,Scott
1/2″ to 5/8″ roller cover for the solid stain works well.
Great, thanks!
Something would have had to fall on it as it dried. Maybe dew, something in the air, etc. You will probably need to recoat that area.
No, it will not blend if you spot apply.
So is there nothing to do to fix mistakes?
You cannot spot fix as it will not blend. You can remove and start over but you would have to do all.
I just had my deck and porch professionally power washed. They were able to lift most of the old stain except for areas that are less exposed to weather which isn’t much. The areas to stain are about 25 years old and are pressure treated wood. Being older I am looking to make this job as simple as possible. Do I need to lift the rest of the stain with your brightener stripper products if I were to use semi transparent? Would it be necessary to lift it if I were to use a solid stain? If using solid stain is it still two coats with wet to wet application?
Yes, all previous stain will need to be removed if you want to use a semi-transparent color. No need to remove all if using the solid stain. Two coats but not wet on wet with the solid stain.
Do you recommend lightly sanding the areas that still have old stain or will the solid stain adhere?
No need to sand as long as the wood is clean and the current stain is not peeling.
The deck is fully exposed to weather elements. How long is usual between re-staining?
2-3 years.
I’m planning my deck refinishing for the next few weekends. Will the stripper or the brightener affect the stucco on my house? The stucco is a beige color. It will be quite difficult to not get any on the house at all.
It should be fine but always test first to make sure there is not a reaction.
Furry is not from the cleaner but from removing oxidation/graying. You can buff/sand if needed to remove this. You should use our cleaner and then our brightener so they are compatible.
Can you do power washing in lieu of cleaning than do the brightener?
If not very dirty since you cleaned last, then yes.
Square Footage of Area to be Restored: It comes to 292 sq ft using your calculator; however, the spindles are metal and the cocktail counter is not wood so they don’t need staining.
Type of wood if known: cedar
Approximate Age of Wood: 10 years
If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type: Behr semi-transparent water-based
If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained: 6 years ago
Wood Type to be Stained (Deck, House, Fence, etc.): deck
Do you have access to a pressure washer: yes
Miscellaneous Info: We’d rather not use a solid stain unless we have to because we like to see the wood grain and don’t like it when the peeling is obvious. The Behr semi-transparent ended up looking more solid than we expected. We are wondering if your products will be able to strip off this stain. What advice do you have as far as products or procedures (is a lot of sanding likely to be needed? what type of sander? what grit?) to remove the remaining stain and, assuming that it can be removed, what stain might be best for our conditions and desire to see the wood grain and not have a product that peels off as it degrades? The deck is partially shaded by an oak tree and the deck (and deck furniture) gets a black coating of something fairly quickly—fungus?—and there was also lichen growing on part of the railing. We’ve power washed the stairs and part of the main deck, as you can see in these photos. Thank you.
You will need to sand to get this Behr off and if you want to use a semi-transparent color. Stripping will not remove it fully as it is a solid stain in appearance.
Hello-I have a lot of ipe at my home-on decking, fencing, accent walls and steps. Decking is 10 years old and we recently added a new fence and gate. I have spent a lot of time researching the product to use on all of it. I like the idea of the Restore a Deck in gray but wonder if it actually looks gray on the ipe. I am just as concerned with longevity of the product as looks. I don’t want to use something that has to be sanded off in the next 1-2 years. I have made samples of Pennofin and Armstrong Clark. I am super confused about what to use. Right now it is all stripped and sanded and ready to stain. I just need to choose the product and color.
We would not use the gray on IPE wood. Use the Light Walnut. Clean and recoat as needed.
I prepped the deck pressure washing, stripping, sanding (a lot) and the brightener. It looks like new wood!! I am doing the entire porch area including the decorative beams. Balusters are removed and will be completed once deck work is done. My problem; it took me 4 hours to stain the trim and railing. I really would like to put a light second coat but I’ve read that if it’s longer than 40 minutes you shouldn’t. How long do I have to wait to apply 2nd coat. The prep took over a week and I’d hate to have to do it again. Thanks. Attached pic shows deck boards after prep and initial area in progress. Photo’s from the MAC are not supported? “File not supported”. Anyway, question is the same
You cannot apply another coat once the first coat has fully dried for 6-12 months and you will need to prep again.
Thank you for responding so quickly. Can you define “prep”. I’m assuming prep means a wash prior to applying, not stripping, brightening and then re-stain. I just want to be sure I’m using the product correctly.
Clean and brighten for prep whenever ever you recoat.
Thank you! Deck looks great. The two tone (trim with one coat and deck with 2) looks pretty good too!
That is most likely due to over application. When it fully soaks into the wood grain it would not do this. It should go away over time.
how can i see a picture of natural or cedar on pre treated pine?
Since colors will vary based on wood type and age, we offer samples so you can test on your wood to get a true color: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Both are excellent just depends on what appearance that you like. All stains eventually fail so you will need to redo in 2-3 years.
Are the Armstrong, TWP and RAD, the same quality?
Yes.
Okay? Not enough info though. If they are the same how do I choose and why offer 3 brands if they are the same? It’s confusing.
Colors, what stain looks appealing to you, etc? There is not one that is better than the others.
I have a deck with Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol STD Translucent Matte Wood Finish. I have cleaned it off with mold and mildew cleaners over the years and then applied over top of old stain when it needed it. Will your stripper remove this stain?
It is on there very thick so you will need both additives and let dwell for 45-60 minutes before pressure washing off. Brightener after.https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
My deck is approximately 20 years old. It had Behr solid color deck stain put on initially. All I’ve done so far is just power wash the deck. Does all of the previous stain have to be removed to apply RAD solid stain. I’m going to go through your other steps that is recommended before applying RAD solid stain.
You do not have to remove all the previous solid stain if you are using the RAD Solid Stain. Just remove all the dirt and peeling stain and then you can coat over the intact solid stain.
I’m planning to apply two coats of the RAD solid color and if I do a deep pressure washing cleaning followed by sanding and rinsing, do I still need to apply your cleaner and brightner? Secondly, do I need to mist between first and second coat? thanks muchMichael
No, you should be fine and do not have to use the cleaner and brightener in this case. 60-80 grit sanding at most. Do not mist between coats with the solid stain.
Hello,I have used your deck stains before on previously stained old wood; but have biggest and most difficult project ahead of me,Location: Sunset Beach, NC marsh environment. Wood: 10o feet new pressure treated lumber. Completed end of July.primary walkway boards 4 feet long, sitting platform 10 x 10 ft with 2 benches. Handrails 2x 4” both sides of walkway with support posts approx every 6 feet.* the contractor said it could be stained before 6 month aging process, since it is exposed full sun in hot temps – thought speeds up process? Do you agree with this?
I read 1 coat of semi-transparent usually for new wood, but really do not want to repeat this job in 1 year? Can you use 2 coats of semi- trans on first application? Or would I need to use the opaques that allow 2.( but would like some grain showing is first preference)Are the RAD products up for this harsh enviro? Want to use a water-base due to location. Or do you recommend a different product entirely?Have vertical, and horizontal surfaces,Would appreciate your input. Thank you
Hello,
No, you cannot stain this yet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Only 1 coat for new wood. Adding more will not work to penetrate and will not make it last longer. The RAD stains would work fine for this but you do need to follow the proper steps for new wood.
i have an old deck and a tree fell so i had to replace 5 boards, the contractor said to stain them in 2 weeks but everything I read said to wait 3 months for new wood. It will be 3 weeks on Monday can I stain it with restore a deck semi transparent and just use the brightener first or do I need to clean and then brighten before staining? Do I wait 3 months ?
You have to wait and prep. See here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Hello, I’m stripping & brightening this week with the products I bought from you. I need help deciding between the twp 100 & the Armstrong Clark in the semi transparent gray, is there any advantage to the Armstrong Clark, trying to decide why it would be worth the extra cost ie if it only takes one coat while the other takes two etc? I am in Montana? Also how many gallons would I need for 1400 sq ft of deck & that doesn’t exclude the side posts?
Both are excellent and will last about the same. As for how much, we would need to know the total sq footage that includes the side posts, railings, steps, etc to give an accurate amount needed.
Thanks, are both one or two coat? 1650 sq ft total. If I go with twp which product should I get 100, 1500 etc (I’m in Mt)?
About 15 gallons for two coats. Use the 100 series.
Thanks, would Armstrong Clark require 2 coats as well, it’s an older weathered deck that definitely needs stain? Is there any advantage to using a sprayer vs roller?
Most likley you will need two coats with either brand. A pump sprayer will not work with the AC Stains but will with TWP. Do not use rollers. Stain pads or brushes are best. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
is your natcerl a clear treatment
Natural is tinted.
Hi
Do you have any good ideas on how to apply the stripper on a 9 foot high pergola that’s over my deck? I’ve use this product before and I remember, if you splash it on skin it causes chemical burns. It’s also slicker than snot before you wash it off. I’m not looking forward to this deck restore. It’s in 100% direct sun and I would rather not use a raincoat while applying the stripper.
Strip the deck first, rinse well and then apply the stripper with a pump sprayer to the pergola. Be careful to not have the stripper fall on you when applying and wear protective clothing. Brightener on all wood lastly
No, this is not a normal result, and not sure what went wrong outside of your wood having very uneven porosity. The easiest thing to do is clean and recoat in the Spring. No immediate concerns as it is protected.
Start over or wait until next Spring to clean/brighten and recoat.
I have a 3200 SF dock in South Florida to re-stain Im interested in the RAD solid and i understand that these have to be bought in 1 gal size only? How many gallons do i need to do 2 coats ? the wood is poor condition around 20 years and its pressure treated
One gallon only. For your amount, you would need about 25-30 gallons for two coats. I would suggest maybe starting with 16 or so and you will have a better idea after a day or two as to how much you need and then could order more.
Hello, I just went through a process of staining my deck with valspar Dutch licorice semi transparent stain, we did not like the color after I applied it. I used valspar stain stripper and then sanded the entire deck and still can not get the blue out of the entire deck, what would be your recommendation, would you recommend your stripper and restore. The deck is 12×20 and we would like to go back to either a transparent or semi transparent stain, but have seen the blue bleed through on some test spots
More pictures
You may need to sand as well as some looks very thick like a solid stain.
More pictures
You could try the RAD stripper with both additives and then a good pressure wash to see if that will get more of the blue out of the wood. Brightener after.
Hello. We went through your whole process last summer with our deck and it went well. We live in a shaded/damp area and there is a lot of dirt on our deck now. We tried power washing, but it didn’t get a lot of the dirt off. What would you recommend as a way to keep our deck clean on an annual basis?
Warm water with some dish soap and a very light cleaning brush like the ones you use to wash cars.
Hi,
I have a deck that’s approx 10 years old; wood is pressure-treated spruce. The deck was stained 2 years ago with a Rez semi-transparent product that started peeling off almost right away. I’ve ordered your cleaner/brightener products as well as 2 gallons of solid stain (desert taupe). Due to “cupping” of some of the boards, I am unable to get all of the Rez stain off with sanding. I’ve attached a photo of the best I could do with some boards. There is no loose stain and I will be pressure washing the deck after cleaning/brightening. Will this work? Thanks.
Yes, as loon as the stain you are covering is intact and not peeling.
Using the cleaner, brightener and solid stain (Desert Taupe), old stain completely covered. Thanks!
Looks great!
Hello,
It is normal to have to recoat new wood the second year after the first year. This is due to the new wood and lack of absorption with new wood. You can see this for more info as well:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Clean and recoat just the horizontals.
Added picture from Tom Z
I have a weathered cedar fence that I’d like to restore to original color. This year I have carpenter bees attracted to the fence digging a few small channels.What can I do to restore and protect?
Prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaner and then the Brightener. Stain with the RAD stain in a semi-transparent color of your choice.
Hello. I also have carpenter bee channels in wood joists (part of a balcony and trellis) and old screw holes that I need to fill prior to staining. I am planning to use a dark color RAD stain. Can you recommend a filler that will stain well? Thanks.
Wood fillers will not work well and they will not stain to blend with a deck stain. Find a caulk that is close in color is your best option.
I am refinishing an older cedar deck that has four coats of paint on it. I power sanded it to bare wood and want to stain it. The decking is in good shape, but the problem is that it many small cracks (less than 1/32 inch) that are too deep to sand out and contain white paint from the first coat. I read that RAD Stains cannot be used over a primer. Is my only option to repaint the deck, which I really don’t want to do?
You should be fine since you only have a small amount of paint. Just use the RAD solid stain as is. No primer.
Thanks for the quick reply.
Reply to your order email confirmation with pictures of the damage, not post here in the comment area. This is for product help.