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 stained my redwood deck with your products (SEMI-TRANSPARENT STAIN if I remember right) late summer 2019. My deck gets all day hot California sun, and constant foot traffic. The vertical railings are just now starting to show slight stain deterioration on the sun exposed side; however, the deck and steps have large areas where stain has worn off. Per your calculator I need product for 509 SQ FT. What would be the best process to re-stain?
Use the RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kit for the prep. One kit will be enough.
Do I need a sealer on top of the restore a deck semi-transparent stain?
No, and should never top coat a stain with a sealer as that leads to peeling.
My deck is 6 years old and a hot mess. Stained with Behr and peeling in some spots and won’t come up in other spots. I live in Florida and need to know what to do to get my deck looking great again for the summer.
Post some pics of the current condition for help.
Photos attached
Use the RAD Stripper with both additives to remove: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Then the RAD Brightener after. Stain with the RAD semi-transparent stain when done: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-5-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
Last question (maybe). So I don’t need to sand before using these products and semi-transparent will work, I have been told in the past that I need to sand and use a solid stain. Thank You
Only spot sand if you cannot get it all off with the stripping. Once it is removed, you can use the semi-transparent stain.
I had a Behr coating on mine and I ended up using a powerful commercial pressure washer get it all off and start again with a semi transparent stain and I love it. I clean it and spray on new stain. It’s easy to do and I have a LARGE deck
Best way to spring clean (dirt, mildew, etc.) semi-transparent stained deck?
When recoating use the Cleaner and Brightener for prep.
Hello I just got the cleaner/brightener and solid stain for the new wood we have in a basically stained fence (see pic). Before I read the instructions for the cleaner and brightener for that small area I was going to use a paint brush to put both products on and use a hose to rinse them off before staining. Would that work?
We don’t have a sprayer of any kind and at our age don’t really want to buy more tools. We could borrow a power washer to do the horizontal surface of the deck which needs stripping and staining but using that on the new fence lattice would likely take off the stain on the boards below.
Thanks
Apply the prep products with a pump sprayer and then lightly pressure wash off is the correct way. You cannot apply the prep products with a paintbrush.
25 year old 1600SF Cedar deck fully sanded, new vinyl railings. A few boards replaced with new Cedar. Do I need stripper, or just cleaner/brightener? For this big deck, which combo products would be best choice ? Thanks.
Cleaner and Brightener. 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
Last year I sanded, cleaned and brightened my deck using RAD products which included your solid stain, with great results. Now I need to work on the side rails, which unfortunately were previously done with a benjamin moore solid stain. I can easily sand the top rail, but there is no way that I can reach in between the balusters to remove the old stain. Can I go over the old stain in those areas using your solid stain? If so, do I again use the cleaner and brightner, or do I need to use the stripper on those areas which are stained?
You can go over the old stain as long as it is fully intact and not peeling. Strip off as much as you can first is the best way.
Last summer I sanded approx. 300 sq.ft. of deck and then used Restore-a-Deck stripper and cleaner and after a day or 2 used your Light Walnut Stain. Held up great last summer. I have attached a few recent photos and was hoping I could use a cleaner and then put another coat of the stain over the existing stain? Please advise…..Hopefully you can zoom in on the photos?
Yes, you can do this. Use the cleaner and 1/2 normal strength. Lightly pressure rinse after.
Hello,
I recently purchased a new home about a year ago and I’m finally ready to stain the deck. The deck is 20+ years old and I think it’s redwood. The deck is weathered with some of the boards splintering and I’ll need to replace a few boards but overall the deck is in decent shape other than being old. the deck is approximately 500 sf see attached photos.
1. I plan on power washing the deck with a cleaner. Do you think a brightener is also needed? Also do you recommend I sand the deck after power washing as well?
2. I would like to use a semi transparent semi if possible to preserve a wood look but I’m not sure if the wood is too weathered and I should use a solid color instead. I’d like to go with a darker stain if possible to help camouflage the weathered wood and imperfections. Do you have a recommendation?
3. Do you recommend any certain tools to apply stain to an older deck like mine?
thanks!
Sean
1. Yes you have to brighten. No need to sand.
2. Semi-transparent will work.
3. Use a stain pad or floor brush to apply: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
Ok thank you. Do you recommend one or two coats of stain? Also I need to replace a handful of redwood boards. Can I stain those after I install them or do they need weather for a bit even though it’s just a few boards?
Two coats of stain, New wood needs to weather and be prepped: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Have about 574 ft of probably treated southern yellow pine for my deck.
Some of the wood is about 33 yo and was stained in the past with Behr stain. It was sanded/stripped the best I could and then treated with RAD semitransparent cedar stain about 5 years ago. This is mainly the heavier wood railing and poles now.
The floor of the deck is about 5 years old and treated W RAD semitransparent cedar stain and is mildewed/has algae in the shadier areas.
The thinner spindles of the railing and replaced stairs/railing are 9 months old and unstained.
Obviously, I have a multicolored desk now. I got a sample of your solid color cypress stain and it evens out the coloring pretty nicely.
Questions.
1. I have left over step 1 (3/4 full) and step 2 (1/2 full) from about 5 years ago that was stored in the garage. They look fine. Can I use them to prepare my deck?
2. Is it correct that they will remove the green algae?
3. Must I power wash my deck? I would rather not if not necessary, esp. as I will be using the solid cypress stain and not really worried if the base wood looks all pretty or not.
4. Is it 1 coat on the older wood and 2 coats on the untreated wood?
6. your calculator suggests 6 gallons. Would I need that much as most has been stained in the past?
5. Any other advice? I am a 65 yo woman and any hints on easier/less muscle needed ways to do this is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
1. Yes.
2. It should be as long as it is not deep into th wood grain.
3. Yes, use a pressure washer while using the prep as a high-pressure rinsing tool.
4. 2 coats on older wood and 1 on new wood.
5. Have some relatives help!
Hi,
My deck is 26 by 16 with a 16 L by 6 H lattice top privacy fence, about 60 feet of wooden railing and a 17 stair staircase with two 3 by 3 landings. 20 year old treated pine. The last stain was 5 or more years ago and was Behr Solid Deck Stain. My questions:
1. Can I strip/brighten and use semi-transparent or do I need to use solid?
2. How much product will I need?
Hello,
You cannot fully strip off a solid stain so you will need to reapply the RAD Solid Stain. As for amount needed, what is the total square footage added up that will be stained?
Fence, decking and fascia comes to about 600 square feet but I don’t know how calculate the railing which is about 80 linear feet of railing.
Height x Length so about 240. Total about 840. You will need about 7-9 gallons for two coats of the RAD solid stain.
Also, looking back at my records, it appears as though I used Behr semi-transparent stain, not solid. Can you recommend from my pictures if I can use your semi?
It looks solid/opaque in many areas and that can be due to overapplying. You can only use the RAD semi-transparent if it can be fully stripped and I am not sure it can be fully stripped. Best to do the prep first and see before buying the stain. Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener kit with both additives for prep:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Two scenarios I am doing this Spring in Rochester N.Y.:
1 – I will be cleaning, brightening and staining a deck that I re-built last summer. For stain, I will do the two tone using Water based semi Transparent stain on the horizontal decking and Solid on the rails and stairs.
2 – Fence – 1.5 years old, want to keep the wood looking natural light and bright.
Used Thompson Water Seal (Didn’t know of RAD then) on it 1.5 years ago. Will be using nothing but RAD products from now on. I will be using Water Based Semi-Transparent Stain.
I have ~ 150 linear feet of 6′ tall Shadowbox style fence and will do both sides (300 linear feet?)
Questions: For the Fence – Do I use the Stripper/Brightener routine or Cleaner/Brightener routine?
How much product of each including stain will I need for the fence?
Can I use a Graco Power Airless sprayer to apply the stain on fence and get good results?
Can I use a Graco Power Airless sprayer to apply the stain on decking and rails and get good results or is stain pad better?
Would like to order all product at once and have enough without over buying.
Thank you so much.
Fence: Strip and Brighten. You have 1800 total sq feet. Probably 2-3 kits of the Stripper/Brightener for prep and about 15-18 gallons of stain for two coats applied wet on wet.
You can spray the RAD Semi-Transparent stain on the fence but back wipe any drips. We would not suggest spraying the deck since you are doing two different stain types. Too messy with over spray.
Thank you so much for the information.
Can you clarify what is meant by ‘….two coats applied wet on wet’?
Does that mean I would do the complete fence once and then immediately do the 2nd coat?
Do I need two coats due to absorption of the stain or is two the norm?
Thanks again….you all are the best!
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
Thank you……Hopefully last question.
Will the semi transparent stain wipe off the hardware on fence gates? Will a wet cloth remove any stain that sprays on the hardware? Suggestions?
It would be best to tape or cover these.
Lastly……I will be using the solid stain on railing and balusters.
I know I will need 2 coats. I have seen 2-4 hours dry time and also 24 hr for total dry time.
How long do I wait between coats of the solid stain? I suspect 2-4 hours.
Thank you. Big order coming your way real soon!
2-4 hours between coats. Thanks! 24 hours after for full cure.
My current cedar deck has Benjamin Moore ArborCoat Transparent Stain and it is bubbles when it rains. Some of the bubbles have “burst” and are now peeling (see pic). Wanted to get the same finish with a natural translucent color. Will the stripper remove the current Arborcoat stain? Assuming 1) presssure wash 2) strip 3)brighten 4) stain. Hoping I don’t have to sand both decks. Thank you!
You have a filming stain and that is the hardest to remove. Use the Stripper with both additives and let dwell for 30-45 minutes (keep from drying out by misting) and then pressure wash off. Sand if needed the stain that cannot be stripped. Brighten last.
Hello,
it’s time to do a maintenance re-stain on my deck. So my question is: Should I use my power washer with the RAD’s cleaner, brighter then stain, or just my garden hose and no power washer.
Look forward to hearing back from you.
Use the pressure washer with the RAD prep products.
Regarding my recent question, the word remix should be semi!
A brightener does not damage/harm stain but it can “clean” if dirty. Make sure to prewet and rinse any over spray while working.
Can the brightner be used just to clean? Have dirt, greenish color and want to clean.
No, it is not designed to clean dirt and algae.
Will brightener overspray harm adjacent boards which have been recently stained , but dry, with RAD remix transparent stain?
Interested in the Semi-Transparent stains. Your wet of wet application instructions note to avoid overapplication. I’ve used oil based stains like TWP and it’s easy to tell when you got more stain down than will penetrate into the wood. When this happens you just wipe up the excess with a rag. How’s this work with a water based stains like Restore-A-Deck? How can you tell it’s been over applied? What do you do if it has been over applied?
It is easy, just make sure that when applying that the stain is fully soaking into the wood in 20-30 minutes. Do not puddle the stain on or over apply to the point that it is just laying on top of the wood and not soaking in. Thicker is not better when applying a deck stain like this.
Ok… But part of the question is what to do in the event of overapplication. If you apply the second coat and it does not fully penetrate in 20-30 minutes, then what? Wipe off excess?
Yes, wipe off any excess before it fully dries if it is not soaking in completely.
Stained new wood deck in Spring 2020. Still looks good but needs to be cleaned. Do I use the RAD Cleaner – apply then power wash? Or does that hurt the existing stain?
The RAD Prep products should only be used when prepping for recoating. Do not pressure wash as well as that can remove the stain.
What do you recommend for a cleaning product? If I can’t use a power washer, just clean with brush and regular garden hose?
Try warm water with a little bit of dish soap and lightly agitate with a car wash brush.
I have seen several comments regarding staining a deck a second time 18 months after the original application. I stained my deck in July 2021, but don’t remember seeing anything regarding staining again in 18 months.
That is for new wood only and only if needed: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
I’m located in Canada, and looking to do my front porch. Including skirting, it would be about 225 square feet. It’s all pressure treated wood, 14 years old, and it’s never had any kind of finish applied. It does not get much direct sunlight (north-facing and roofed), so the wood is actually still in good condition.
I was thinking of using RAD semi-transparent on the flat surfaces and the skirting, and RAD solid stain in white for the railings, posts, and a few trim areas. I would clean and brighten first. So…
– Can the semi-transparent and solid stains both be shipped to Canada (considering VOC rules)?
– Can the solid stain be redone easily in several years time (or whenever it starts to degrade)?
– Is there anything inherently wrong with my plan that I’m not seeing?
Thanks
-Yes thay can be shipped to Canada.
-Yes.
-No issues with your plan.
I sanded, cleaned and brightened my treated wood deck, then 2 coats of RAD solid stain in October 2019. still looks great. When do I need to apply another coat and what steps do I follow?
Clean and brighten for prep and then recoat.
Should I do this now?
No need to do it now if still looks great. You can wait another year.
it’s dirty from the Chicago winter. how do I clean it if not prepping for stain?
Try warm water with a little bit of dish soap and lightly agitate with a car wash brush.
I am looking to restore and restained the natural surface of my back deck. Looking for the best guidance and products to purchase? I have a power washer (2300 PSI) but looking for help to complete the project myself. Unsure on actual wood and the last time the deck was restained. The deck is 27 feet long and 17 feet wide. Attached are pictures. Thank you for your help.
Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener kit for prep. Stain with the RAD Stain in Light walnut color for your hardwood deck.
It should not harm the Trex or paint but if the paint is failing/peeling, then it will remove some of it.
Hello, We applied our first coat (semi transparent) in Mid August 2021. If I read correctly we could apply a maintenance coat this year in may-June after ONLY use the cleaner and power washing the deck. Correct? No brightener? Thank you
Pascale & Chris
Use the Brightener to neutralize after using the Cleaner is best.
ok Thank you. You guys think ONE coat should be enough? When I clean and brighten I will not “lose” my 2 coats from last year?
thanks again
It will remove some of the current stain when you prep and this is normal. One coat should be enough.
I have a 30 year old deck – pressure treated lumber which has been regularly stained/protected. The previous 2 times Behr semi transparent water based cedar stain/protector was used, the last treatment was early 2021.Several years ago I may have tried solid stain but I cannot recall. I have a 3200 psi pressure washer. Could you please advise what you think it would take to completely clean and brighten the deck based on the photos. I will be replacing the handrail and balusters. – Thank you
You would want to use the RAD Stripper with both additives to remove as much as possible. Sand if needed to remove any stain that can be stripped after. Brightener would be last.
Hi. Can the stripper remove Benjamin Moore arborcoat semi solid? I have a deck that has been stained ~5 times. Admittedly some areas overapplied as I didn’t do well/know what I was doing. There’s significant peeling, raised grain and rough spots. Thoughts?
Post some pictures here.
As requested. Depending on the answer I’m going to have some followup questions. I’m amazed at the responsiveness of your company to engage individually with customers on specific questions. I hope your products will work for my use case. This engagement alone makes me want to buy your products.
This is on there now like a solid stain or 100% opaque. It cannot be stripped. You would have to power sand if you want to remove it.
Got it. So my steps would be power sand, the cleaner/brightener/stain
Correct
As requested
The few new boards you see were installed a couple years ago to allow weathering for a renovation project. 2022 is the year of the renovation project. I hope you have a 2022 deck contest…
Does the stripper and brightened stain colored concrete?
It does not.
What is the best semi transparent stain for a natural look for ipe?
The Natural color is the lightest tint but most use Light Walnut color for IPE wood.
We recently replaced quite a few deck boards. Not sure exactly what finish was used last time, but almost positive it was water-based (Cordovan color). We now plan to strip, brighten, then stain the deck using RAD semi-transparent stain. Should we apply several coats of stain to the new wood first, then stain the whole deck? Otherwise seems unlikely they will match.
See here about new wood:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
New wood will not match older wood with a semi-transparent stain the first time staining. Adding additional coats will not make it blend and will lead to prematue failure due to over applying.
Did initial stain application memorial day 2021. Thought I recall reading that second application should be done around 18 months later. In so doing, should all steps be repeated, i.e., cleaner…brightener…and then stain. Thank you
Yes, that is the correct steps.
Added a section to deck. Existing deck stained with Restore-A-Deck. Will clean an brighten new deck section. For existing deck, do I need to strip and re-stain to better match the 2 sections? Or can I just clean the existing then brighten? If I have to stip, do I need to use cleaner after stipping then brightner or just use brightner?
Strip and brighten older wood. See here about the new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
No need for cleaner on older wood after using the stripper.
How long can the stain be stored before using?
2-3 years as long as it does not freeze.
800SF Cedar deck w/vinyl railing/ballisters just sanded it for a fresh surface. Should I utilize the RAD cleaner/brightener before RAD staining ? Thanks
Yes, you must use the prep after sanding.
Will RAD Stripper or Brightener and/or Cleaner harm vinyl railing systems? Cedar deck with Vinyl railing system. Thanks.
No.
Can I get samples of colors?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
We have a wrap around large wood deck that we used an oil based stain (Ready Seal) on two years ago. It’s faded and now needs to be redone. We don’t want to use the Ready Seal again because it really did not last as long as expected. Would we be able to use Restore a Deck stain over this without having to sand down the entire deck?
You have to remove the RS first. No need to sand. Use this Stripper/Brightener Kit: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/order-restore-a-deck/rad-kits-best-price/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/flypage.tpl.html
Do a light pressure wash first and then you can cover over it.
You will have to fully remove the Behr if you do not want to use the solid stain and that will require power sanding to get off 100%. if you cannot get it off then you will need to use the RAD Solid Stain.
What would it look like if I put two coats of dark walnut over ? would the red look like dark ish black spots?
You cannot do it. It has to come off fully first.
We have an old deck and surrounding fence which has been stained with a Cabot Oil based semi transparent stain, on the new deck boards we used the new low VOC Cabot and it didn’t really take well but the fence stain now many years old and with the no longer available high VOC product still look pretty good. So we have this mix of some areas needing restaining (deck boards and new wood in repaired areas – see photos) and i am wondering what the steps using RAD products would be (the new wood railing is now over a year old but the new top layer of the fence was just done.). Thanks for any help.
The only way to get this all to blend would be to use the RAD Solid Stain:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Prep with the RAD Stripper and the Brightener kits:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/order-restore-a-deck/rad-kits-best-price/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/flypage.tpl.html
Please ship my order with UPS. Fed Ex takes 4 weeks to get an order!!
We only ship UPS.
Also I have a bleach spot on my IPE wood deck. Any ideas how to make it disappear ?
You cannot “undo” a bleach spot. It should go away over time.
I cleaned my IPE wood deck with Restore a deck cleaner and brightener and I noticed that my Chicago red bricks, in my yard, looked a lot better just from the run off water. Is it safe for my plants to use those two products on my bricks ?
Should be fine.
I haven’t added a shed with barn door to my existing garage. On both the new and old, the siding is pine lap and gap and the trim is cedar. The garage has not been stained in over 25 years. I believe the old stain was semi-transparent and shows signs of greying as much as the stain. So I am wondering whether to use the cleaner or the stripper before or both before restraining the old and new together. New stain will be semi-transparent.
Stripper and Brightener.
Please post a picture of the prep here in comments.
This is the only photo I have. I’m not currently at the deck location. I can take additional photos if this doesn’t provide the detail required.
Looks good to stain.
Thanks!
thank you. I will try your suggestion – but it’s been brightened twice now. I’ll give it a go with a higher concentration
I am going to try Dawn and a scrub brush to see if this oily stuff will lift. I didn’t want to hand scrub, but I guess I will..oh I wish I were at the awesome RAD staining step!
It does not look like oil is in the wood and if it were oil, it would have shown prior to starting the project. It looks like uneven brightener application.
so, just wanted your professional opinion on what I could safely use to remove, I guess some kind of oil – Please know everything is super with the RAD products! Very easy to use and excellent response. In fact, I can’t wait to use my light walnut RAD stain, but this stupid area will hold me up a bit and if I don’t do something else, I worry about the new stain penetrating properly. Maybe someone had a bbq pit out there before I got the place?
Photos from Chris per request – I wetted the deck, stripped, rinsed, brightened, rinse and repeated (all steps) for second time actually on those areas. The other parts of the deck came out wonderful, it’s this one oily looking section that I’m not sure what to do with.
It looks like you did not brighten evenly. Mix that stronger at 10 oz per gallon. Apply evenly to all floors and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse well when done.
Hello. Love the RAD products. Q: there is a section in the middle of my deck that I suspect oil based stain had been used. After using the stripper, the prior stain came off, but theone section of deck boards look as if there is oil on them. Is dishwashing soap enough to scrub and try removing? Is it safe to use mineral spirits? I’m at a loss, I didn’t expect to see this and I am thinking it could be residue from someone using a prior oil based stain – but I just don’t know. Everything else is ready to use the RAD stain, but I need to address this section….thank you for your advice!
Did you brighten when done? Post a picture in the comments.
Project: New Deck
PT 5/4 pine- all boards run through a planner to clean and resurface then installed.
Using your solid stain. ? Do I need the 6 months weathering cycle before coating. ? Do I need the “brightening” step prior to coating.
Thanks, Dave Fuller
See this about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html