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!
Is RAD safe to use on a boat dock?
Yes, it is.
I stained my deck with your product. I am very happy with the results. I did get some drips on concrete and flagstone. Nothing I have tried has helped to remove them. Do you have a recommendation?
Try a graffiti remover cleaner from your local hardware store.
What steps/products do you suggest for my deck project? I don’t know much in the way of history, I just know it needs some work. About 850 sq ft. Double deck, top deck is exposed to sun most of day. I do have access to a power washer.
Use the RAD Stripper with both additives and pressure washing to remove. RAD Brightener after. Stain with the Restore A Deck Stain in semi-transparent.
After weathering new wood vertical beams for 8-9 months, I still have sap oozing. I am anxious to use the cleaner/whitener/transparent stain. Can I stain with the sap oozing? If I can stain now, what should I do to remove the sap that is sitting on the beams (some is hardened; some is soft; some is sticky)? Thx.
You can stain with sap oozing and honestly there is no way to prevent sap from oozing later on. You will have to sand or scrape off the hardened or sticky sap.
I have a new fence that I want to clean and brighten before staining. Before starting, are there any techniques to help prevent drips and uneven results?
Apply evenly and look for any drips while working to brush them out.
I am wanting to use this on my exterior patio ceiling which is a pine tongue and groove. Is this a good product for that?
Yes, works great.
I’ve been looking at a lot of deck posts that have been painted or stained white in my neighborhood. About 10% have rust marks seeping down from the bolts, screws or nails. Before I stain my old deck posts and newly made built-in benches solid white, do I need to treat the nails/bolts/screws? The benches have a lot of flat head galvinized nails. I’m just worried about rust stains ruining the crisp white I’m going for. Any advice appreciated.
You cannot treat bolts or screws to prevent rust once installed and if they are galvanized or stainless steel, then they should not rust.
I built a bar for the deck out decking boards and the top is #2 pine non treated. I used semi transparent dark walnut for the handrails and I would like to use it on the bar as well. My question is can it be used on the top and can a clear coat be put over the stain? And the top is a few weeks old so how long do I wait for kiln dried wood to stain if so. Thank you
You cannot clear coat over a deck stain like the RAD Stains. You can use the RAD Stain for bartop after proper weathering and prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Can we squeeze in an old-wood deck staining (semi-transparent) if we get a warmer day (low 60s daytime and 50s at night) that falls between the normal days where temps are low 50s during the day and freezing at night?, We got our deck ready to stain about a month ago but weren’t able to do it before cold temperatures rolled in (50s days/freezing nights). Also it is supposed to rain the next day, if that makes any difference. Thanks.
Temps are fine to stain.
Our deck was refinished with Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Waterborne Exterior Stain (Deck & Siding) Semi Solid a few years ago. Most of it is still somewhat protected, while a small area that is more highly trafficked showing more wear. Is it ok to use RAD Solid Stain over both types of areas? We will be cleaning with an Oxiclean based deck cleaner with Borax added in prior to staining. Any other tips?
You should use the RAD Stripper for prep to remove any peeling stain and then you can cover the rest with the RAD Solid Stain.
Oxiclean is not an adequate prep product.
I applied 2 coats of RAD solid stain to my deck after stripping and brightening. How long before I can put furniture back on the deck and use as normal? Thank you!
24 hours.
If I first use the RAD natural stain and it’s too light, can I go over it with a darker RAD stain?
You would have to remove the current coating first.
How do you keep the semi-transparent stain from running when applying to a vertical surface?
Work your way from top to bottom catching any drips or runs while working. It is easy.
When is the best time to apply a maintenance coat of Semi-Transparent RAD Spring/Fall?Thanks
Either or as needed. Most do in Spring.
I cleaned and brightened the deck and I will be staining next week. I read in another comment that there should be no rain 48 hours after you stain. My question is will the dew or fog hurt after you stain? I live close to the coast here in Texas and the dew and fog has been quite heavy the last few weeks.
The RAD Stain can take rain/fog 4-8 hours after it is applied.
I plan to strip and brighten my deck tomorrow. Can I clean the deck with RAD cleaner left over from a project 4 years ago today. I can power wash off the cleaner, but will not have enough brightener to apply after the cleaner and the stripper.
Thre is no point in cleaning the deck prior to stripping the deck.
I stripped and brighten my deck. The railings especially have more old stain left. It is harmful to apply the the stripper and brighten twice in one week and before staining with semi transparent RAD stain?
No harm.
I have a very large deck to strip and brighten. I was plan to strip in sections. instructions say to brighten immediately after stripping. What is the maximium amount of time that I can brighten after I strip? Is it OK to brighten the next day or few days after stripping? If so, do I just need to wet it before brightening? Or must I brighten immediately after stripping?
For best results, brighten/neutralize as soon as possible or same day.
After cleaning and prepping your deck how long can you go before applying the stain.(days) And which method is the best wet or dry application
Stain within two weeks of prep. Dry or damp wood application will work.
I have a redwood deck constructed in 2019. It is 28 X 12 (feet) rantwith a 42 inch railing. Two coats of Behr transparent (clear 500N) sealer were applied two weeks ago. The finish remains tacky and some locations are already pealing. What Restore-A-Deck products and procedures do you recommend to resolve this problem?
Post some pictures.
When I put the second coat of stain on the deck in the Spring, what cleaner do I use?
The RAD Cleaner and then lightly rinse.
I completed my deck job and found I didn’t have enough Restore A Deck stain to complete the job. I had used your calculator, and the result was 4 gallons. I will likely need another 2 gallons to put the second coat on the decking. Is it too late to do that after it is dry. Can I wait and do it in the spring. I live in Troy, Michigan.
Second coats have to be applied wet on wet. Wait until Spring. Clean lightly for prep and then apply a coat then.
I cleaned my brushes with water this morning and they are still very damp. Can I use them when still wet to apply the semi-transparent stain?
Yes, you should be okay. Shake them out as much as possible first.
I am planning on staining my new, cedar, deck and railing for the first time. Can I clean/brighten one day and then stain within the next 3 days? Or does it all need to be done in one day? Thanks!
Dry or damp wood is fine. It does not have to be done on the same day.
Thank you. If I apply the stain in the morning and there is a chance of rain in the afternoon/evening, will that affect it? Should I wait to apply if there is rain in the forecast?
It cannot rain on newly applied stain for about 6-12 hours.
Can this product be used on a old redwood deck? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I have never done this before.
Yes.
Hi, we recently had our Douglas fir front porch sanded down to the original wood. It is about 25 years old and has only been sealed once, when it was built. It was not stained and I dont know what it was sealed with. The total square footage is 300, including the steps. We may be able to borrow a power washer. We want to keep it as natural looking as possible. Since it was just sanded do we have to wait to stain it? What products do you reccomend we use on it? I really want to protect it correctly. Thank you.
Wait 1-2 months and then clean and brighten for prep. This will make the wood porous for the stain. Natural color is the lightest tint.
Is the natural tint orange at all?
Colors vary based on your wood type, age, etc. There is no way to say how it will look on your wood without testing samples: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Hello, I applied Ready Seal natural Cedar stain to my cedar fence 1 week ago, now the wife doesn’t like the “orange” tint. Do I need the additives with the RAD stripper to remove this, and then the brightener?
Work!! But worth it!Before/after of cedar posts. Stained with light walnut.
Finally got finished with our cedar posts! It was work, but it worked, and it was worth it!!!
I have a tree hanging over a play set I am planning to restrain. Would that be an issue with some leaves/acorns falling? Can I still get it done or do you recommend waiting?
Not an issue.
can I stain today if it gets into the 40s tonight
Yes.
We stained our new deck (wood was approximately 1yr old). Followed the recommended 3 step process; cleaner, brightener, semi-transparent stain. We had our first rain and I noticed the boards aren’t beading. Is this normal? We were going to wait 6 months before putting the second application on.
It is not supposed to bead water. RAD stains are breathable and shed water, not bead water. 100% sealing your wood can create rot issues.
Thank you for your quick response, it’s very much appreciated.
I`m going to stain the handrails with dark walnut and the deck with light walnut Transparent stain. What would you recommend to apply the stain with? I was going to use a pump sprayer but I want to know what way would be best using for the first time. My deck is approx. 600sqft and new would 6 or 7 months old.
See here for new wood tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Use stain pads for the railings and floor brush for floors: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
Want to lightly clean my deck before winter. It was stripped [of TWP redwood oil based]/sanded/cleaned/brightened and stained with Defy water based light walnut this past summer……and looks great……It just needs a little TLC for pollen/dust/traffic, etc.Would a simple light pressure wash with diluted clorox do the job without having to go thru the entire normal process of RAD cleaner/brightener since I plan to do the whole process next Spring due to this year’s conversion from oil to water base.
Just clean with water if trying to remove dirt, etc. Out prep products are only to be used when reapplying. Never use bleach.
Hi RAD – planning to restore my cedar swingset within the next 2 weeks and really need some guidance before I place an order (pictures attached). I am planning to use the stripper/brightener kit, spot sand extremely rough/splintered areas with 80 grit, and then follow up with 2 coats of your RAD or TWP semi-transparent stain using a FinishMax sprayer + back brush given so many vertical surfaces. Can you please confirm this is the right process and application approach for my needs based on the pictures? Any idea whether I would need 1 gallon or 5 gallons of stain? Would you recommend the RAD vs. TWP stain? I also have some damage from a woodpecker and would like any recommendation on how to fill these holes. This project seems quite overwhelming so really appreciate your input. Thank you!
Wood filler will not work and will “stain” to blend. Leave as is or sand too smooth. Strip and brighten for prep. 2 coats of RAD stain applied wet on wet. 3-4 gallons should be more than enough.
Ok, great. Are the booster and gel additives also required for my application? I’m attaching 2 more pictures of the woodpecker holes and stain for reference. I can’t tell if the existing stain is semitransparent or solid, but hoping it comes off!
Use a tinted caulk after staining that is close to the stain color so it blends to fill the holes. The booster and gell will aid in the stripping.
Thanks RAD! One more question – will the stripper and brightened impact any of the plastic and metal parts on my playset?
No, they should not.
2 more follow up questions as I prepare to complete this job – 1) can I strip and brighten one day, and then apply the first and second coat a few days later after the wood dries? Is it OK if it rains in between strip/brighten and the 2 coats? And 2) what is the shelf life of your products unopened if I had to wait till Spring? Thanks again!
1. No. Second coat has to go on wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.htmlRain does not harm prep.2. Opened for the stain is about 12 months. Prep products are longer.
Please tell me process for second coat semi stain. Did first coat on sanded wood treating like new wood. How long to wait? Cleaner? Brightner? Or just apply.
Wait 6+ months after the first coat and lightly prep with the RAD Cleaner and Brightener.
i have read on various sites that newly installed cedar should be stained and sealed right away as it begins to weather more quickly than other woods. If I want it to retain its new look, should I follow that advice, or wait months as you indicate on your site? I do not want it to grey, and I live in a fairly wet Mid Atlantic area. Thanks.
You cannot stain new cedar right away. It has to weather and be prepped so the stain can properly penetrate into the wood.
Which oil stain (3rd step product name and color) should I use to bring out all the natural red and brown colors of my Tigerwood hardwood deck? Hoping to restore the vibrancy after cleaning and brightening old stain.
Look at the Restore A Deck stain in Light Walnut color.
I stained my steps and we had a hard rain. Is there anything I can do for the horizontal surfaces or do I need to wait til the spring?
Clean and restain.
Will be using stripper product and then cleaner. Do I need to cover vinyl siding, composite decking, or windows?
Typically no. Make sure to pre-wet and rinse any overspray as soon as you can.
What is the shelf life of the gallons of solid stain as I have 2 leftover after my deck project.
1-3 years. Store where it cannot freeze.
Can the product be used in a sprayer?
Yes.
I am use RAD stripper and then RAD Cleaner/Neutralize on my screened in deck. Will either of these products damage the new Super Screen I just had re-done? Thanks
It should not but always test first.
I want to purchase a hardwood deck stain for my ipe deck. Your product is highly recommended, but I have spent twenty minutes trying to find a way to order it, without success. Do you still make Hardwood Deck Stain? If so, why can’t I find it on your website?
You can use our semi-transparent stain on your IPE: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-1-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
Most use the Light Walnut color.
There has never been a RAD stain that has “hardwood” in the label name. No need for that.
In 1996, I used Sikkens Butternut Cetol 1 and Cetol 23-Plus on sanded cedar siding. I never put another coat on since. Now I must remove what’s left of this one-time translucent stain. The stain was designed to penetrate into the wood. Will the RAD also penetrate and dissolve the stain in the wood so that i can stain anew with TWP? Should I use TSP, bleach and water before using the RAD to kill any mold or mildew?
Post some pictures in the comments.
Picture attached.
Just strip and then brighten. It will come off. No need to clean first.
For clarity, the Cetol 1 & 23 formed a film (alk. resins married cryst. polymers). This question is in case I should (1) strip with a higher ratio of stripper? because (2) the shining sun on the Sikkens siding for 20 years metamorphosed the film to be removed, for better or worse, that I should’ve been maintaining? I’d like to get it stripped in one step and avoid residual sanding if possible. Picture and post above this one.
1, No but you can use both booster and gell to add with this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html2. Maintain by cleaning and reapplying every 3-5 years.
If I boost and gel, would I be able to use the single-stream hose attachment instead of thousands of p.s.i power wash? I’d rather rinse it over and over with the hose if that works. (2) Also if the stripper boost & gel gets on my white siding, can I just rinse if off immediately and not have to cover the siding? The siding is going is going to be painted next anyway.
Not sure what you mean. The stripper has to be applied with a pump sprayer. Not a hose attachment.
Prewet and rinse siding right away and while washing is okay.
Yes, pump-spray to apply, sorry. I was only asking if rinsing over and over with the hose attachment to get the stripper & stuff off would work instead of power washing. Glad to know I can rinse off the siding, thank you.
No, you need the pressure washer.
Would I need the pressure washer if I did not add the booster and gel to the stripper?
You need the pressure washer no matter what.
What would be the lowest p.s.i. on the pressure washer to get the stripper, gel and booster off? What would it be without the additives?
Same PSI with or without additves. About 1200-1600 PSI.
i cleaned and did one coat yesterday of the solid stain on my deck. however it never dried as i finished late in the day and decided to wait until today to put on the 2nd coat. This morning because the humidity was high, 90+%, it was still quite wet. It continues to be wet to the touch this afternoon. There were even small piddles of water this morning, i suspect because of the high humidity? Do i need to wait until it is dry to the touch which may end up being tomorrow given our weather to put on a 2nd coat?
Needs to be fully dry before applying another coat of the solid stain.
I have some leftover deck stain and would like to use it for a couple boards for a plant shelf indoors, since it’s already waterproof. Is it safe? Will stain the boards outside and let them dry. Thanks
As long as the wood is clan and free of any coatings, you can.
I recently strip my seven year old red cedar deck and will wait until the spring to apply to apply the cleaner, brightened and stain. I have noticed that when it rains the color of the unstained wood looks very appealing. Will the natural semi transparent stain have a similar look?
Yes.
I bought the cleaner, brightener and stain and have gotten started. The deck is 8 yrs old, about 180 sq ft. I cleaned it twice, because it really needed it, it might even have needed a third time, but I scrubbed with a stiff brush on my hands and knees and I am a 66 year old woman so decided that was enough. Then I used the brightener and rinsed for half an hour. See picture. I left it overnight. It’s still quite damp this morning. Temp is hovering around 16C/60F and it’s overcast.I will start applying the stain soon. Question – just want to confirm that two coats will be needed, about 30 minutes apart? P. S. I bought the 14″ brush – didn’t have a big enough tray, bought a wallpaper tray, that should work.
2 light coats applied wet on wet is correct.
A pic after 2nd coat.
I posted a message yesterday about my Ipe deck along with three pictures but it is now gone. It was up for several hours. Do I need to repost it?