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!
what is your shipping time? How long does ground shipping take from your location to Silver Spring, Maryland 20910? Do you ship express?
Shipping takes 2-4 days normally. We ship ground.
Last year, we used the RAD products to prep our deck for staining. It turned out beautifully by the way, but my question is about the tempered glass that surrounds our deck instead of spindles. At the time, I thought I had washed the glass off thoroughly but now in the sun I can see a film/drip marks on several of the panes. I’ve tried Windex but that didn’t do the trick. Any suggestions?
Try a water-based graffiti remover cleaner from your local paint store. Goof off is one brand.
30 year old, 800 sq’, redwood deck has been stripped and powerwashed, removing all old stain (Thompsons – powerwashed and stained every year). I bought 6 gals of solid cyprus. Will that be enough for 2 coats? How long should I wait between coats? Next spring, can I just apply another coat after cleaning, or do I need to again strip and powerwash?
It will be close on the coverage for the 6 gallons. Apply the second coat as soon as the first is fully dry. Only apply another coat next Spring if needed. Just clean when you reapply.
I need to strip the stain off my deck which is about 3 years old. It is a solid color stain. What product will strip it?
You cannot strip a solid stain effectively. You will need to sand. You can get a head start by stripping some or most, but you will still need to sand to get it all off.
I stripped the old solid stain off my deck with your stripper and both additives, sanded off as much as I could that wasn’t removed by the stripper, used the brightener, and applied a single coat of the light walnut stain. The stain bottle says to only apply a single coat for power sanded wood, but this is the first time the deck has been stained in probably 20+ years. Is it really ok to just apply a single coat? It’s usually completely shaded by 12-1pm. Here’s a pic of the deck as of last night when I applied the first coat of stain.
Yes, just one coat and you cannot another now anyhow since the first coat has cured. Second coats have to go on wet on wet. You can clean and reapply another light coat in the Fall or Spring.
can you use a airless sprayer to apply restore-a-deck stain ,if so what do you clean it with just water?
Yes. Clean with water.
Hey Guys,
I am refinishing the light gray cedar floor boards on a 625 sq ft deck. I have sanded down to bare wood and replaced 1/3 of the boards which had deteriorated. I would like to mix the white solid stain with the gray solid stain 1/1. The Coastal Gray is darker than our current deck and since the deck is in full sun we would like to minimize the heating up of the deck that occurs with darker stains. Is it ok, any thoughts based on your experience with the product?
Yes, you can mix the two colors together with no issues.
How can I get a solid stain chart, since you don’t mail samples?
See here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/pdf/Color-Chart-FLYER-8.5X11-RAD-Solid-Stains-FINAL.pdf
You can download and print it.
My printer is old, and I don’t trust the color. Is there a sample color chart you can send? I don’t want to order a gallon as a sample, and this gray had to be close to my siding color. Thanks!
Hi,
A mailed color chart would look exactly the same as the link we sent above if you view it on the computer. No different as it is a solid, not transparent color. Having a physical copy would be no advantage. It would be the exact same thing.
Feel free to post a picture of your siding color and we can reply back with a comparison if you like.
I printed out RAD Coastal Gray, and it is a dark charcoal compared to my iPad screen when shows a greenish gray. The color of my siding is Revere Storm, which is more of a gray-green. I tried a sample of TWP Cape Cod Gray (too light blue), and have on order AC Driftwood Gray. Any other suggestions?
Yes, the RAD Gray will be darker than this. I do not know of any stain colors that will match what you have.
can I clean & stain the same day? the instructions on the packet says I have to wait 48 hours between
If using the RAD Stain yes. Any other brand, no.
Hi Restore-A-Deck, I will be using both the cleaner and brightner on a cedar rooftop Cupola. Is the cleaner and brightner safe to if it drips on a metal roof. (I.e. overspray and runoff from applying it to the cupola) or should I cover the roof?
It should not have any issues but do make sure to prewet and rinse while you are working.
My Deck is PT lumber and was built in 1991 and is 490 sq ft. this is the original wood. Three years ago I applied Behr Premium solid stain and as you can see it has not held up well. The railings look like new and I used the same stain on them.
I’ve sanded some areas with 60 grit using a handheld orbital sander. Even after sanding I can use my finger nail and scrape more satin off. Doesn’t give me much confidence that now matter what I apply will adhere.
I do have a power washer (actually used it before the Behr stain was applied)
Do you think my wood decking boards are just to far gone for any product to work.
Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. I am 66 years old, retired and dependent of
Social Security, so man-power and finances are limited
I anxiously await your reply
It would be best to remove all of the solid stain off the floors. Strip off as much as you can and then sand the rest off. When bare and free of Behr, you can apply a new solid stain like this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
What kind of stripper do I suggest I use. I thought I saw that your website stated that no stripper will be effective on a solid stain.
A stripper will not remove all but it will remove some, making your sanding easier. Use the RAD Stripper with the additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
does it make any difference in effectiveness whether the water used to mix the cleaner is chlorinated (municipal) or non- (well)?
No.
My deck and railings are stained with Behr solid stain which is pealing. I have pressure washed the deck and removed the loose stain. Can restore-a-deck solid stain be applied over the existing remaining stain?
As long as the Behr that is left on the wood is fully intact and not peeling.
I have 900 sf of multi-level deck surface to strip, brighten and stain. I have used the TWO CA Redwood stain in the past and intend to use again. Can you advise on the number of gallons of stripper and brightener I would need for the job?
2 RAD Stripper and 2 RAD Brighteners.
Has anyone used the solid stain in Taupe? Curious what it looks like donw on a whole deck?
Can I wait 2-3 days after brightner to apply stain?
Yes.
We bought a house with a deck that’s maybe 2-3 years old and has never been stained. I’ve been told the wood is maybe pressure treated pine. The deck is about 580 sq ft and we want to use your Dark Walnut stain. I’m assuming from what I’ve read we’ll need to do two coats? We plan to pressure wash and then clean/brighten the deck.
1. Do we need to sand? I’ve gotten mixed answers to that question.
2. If we replace some of the rails, should we do that after washing and cleaning? Do we need to prep that wood differently?
3. Will wood filler stain the same way as wood? If not, we’ll probably just replace those pieces that have holes.
4. Amazon sells a 2.5 gallon of your product. Is there any benefit to buying directly from your site instead of through Amazon?
Thanks for your time!
Do you have a gray stain on the floors? That will determine question #1
2. See this about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
3. You cannot use wood filler on a deck. Will not work or blend the stain.
4. Buy from us over Amazon.
There is no stain on the deck. It was wet when I took the picture.
1. Clean and brighten the deck with this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Restore-A-Deck-Packages/Restore-A-Deck-Package-300/flypage.tpl.html
I stained a pressure treated yellow pine deck with Armstrong Clark cedar semi-transparent stain about 3 years ago. It is now time for a refresh. Parts of this deck get a lot of shade, and I have had issues with mildew and green algae growing in these areas. Considering that the AC is vegetable oil based, I am wondering if this is contributing to the problem. I really liked the color and performance aside from this, and I have a trellis and lattice work that are vertical surfaces that I would like to avoid stripping because they still look pretty good. Is there another product that would work better for my conditions, but that will still be close enough in color to the AC cedar that it won’t stand out like a sore thumb?
AC is oil based but not vegetable oils. It also carries a lot of mildewcide in it to prevent the growth of mildew/algae in the stain but no stain can stop the growth on top of it. Best to stick with it.
Hi, I have ordered the stripper (with booster additive), brightener and stain for our 18’x25′ pressure-treated deck (450 sq feet). I just want to make sure that I understand the order and timing of everything:
1. Pressure wash deck clean, and let dry.
2. Deck has to be dry for two days before starting the stripping/cleaning process.
3. Mix and spray on stripper solution. Allow to sit for the allotted time. Then pressure wash off.
4. Sand off any trouble spots?
5. I presume we clean out our sprayer, then mix our brightener solution. Apply to deck before the deck dries from the stripper solution.
6. Can we sand any rough spots after the brightener solution is washed off? Do you recommend sanding the entire deck? (I only have a sand belt with 60-80 grit paper).
I know that we can stain immediately after, but we do not have the stain yet. How long can we wait in-between brightening and staining?
7. Spray stain onto deck, and back brush in afterwards? Two coats recommended?
My main question is whether we can do each step on the entire deck, or should we do it in smaller sections at a time?
Thanks in advance for answering these questions!
1. No need to pressure wash first.
2. No
3. Start here.
4. Only if needed, if not, go straight to sanding.
5. Yes
6. No need to sand all wood and do not sand after brightener.
7. Best to do two coats wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
Thanks for your response. Just to clarify- can I do this size of deck in its entirety all at once, or should I complete it 2 or 3 sections?
All at once.
More photos.
We have eight 10′ smooth peeled cedar porch posts,. They are approximately 18 years old, refinished several times, none satisfactory. The last product used was Olympic Maximum Tinted Waterproofing Sealant, alkyd oil formula – didn’t care for it. It was last stained about 8 years ago, past due for refinishing. They are dry and grey on the sunny side, look good where the sun does not shine on them. Have a good pressure washer. Location is hot and humid south Texas. What do you recommend to prep and use for these posts? Thank you.
Strip and brighten the wood for the prep. Use the additives as well: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Stain with the Restore A Deck Semi-Transparent Stain.
Will the cleaner or the brightener discolor or harm composite decking in any way if I am using the products on the adjacent wood railings and banisters?
No, it will not discolor the composite but it may “clean” it if dirty.
Not even the brightener?
It will not harm it.
The back of the Neutralizer / Brightner bag says to wait 48hrs after use to stain. Other comments in the Q+A say you can stain after 2-4 hrs of using the brightner. Is it best to wait the 48hrs?
48 hours if using a different brand (not RAD) of stain. If using RAD Stain, then you can do a damp application if you want. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
I have a “fence” around my deck that has glass panels. Before I stain the vertical and horizontal wood members do I need to mask off the glass edges or should I just be careful with the paint brush and then later use a single edge razor blade to clean off any boo boos?
Tape the glass would be best.
Hello – I am in the prepping stages and have sanded a portion of my deck. If it rains before I get to the cleaning and brightening stages, do I need to sand again before I proceed with the cleaner? Also, I have read a few articles about sand grit. Currently, it is fuzzy wood and I have used 50 grit followed by 80 grit. Will this suffice process to receive the cleaner, brightener and eventually stain?
No, water does not harm the sanding in any way. It actually helps. 50 and 80 are good.
I applied RAD semi-transparent this evening and it looks great. The trouble is that I ran out of the product as I was doing the deck surface before I could get a second coat on. If I order another gallon should it go on fine in a couple of days when it arrives or should I do something else here?
You cannot apply a second coat once the first has cured. it needs to be applied wet on wet when doing a second coat. Best to lightly clean and reapply another coat if needed in 6-12 months.
I have a new redwood deck that has weathered about 6 months. I used the cleaner and brightener and then noticed sap coming out of the cleaned wood surface in a few locations. Does this mean the wood needs to weather more before staining? thanks
No, that is a natural occurrence for some wood types. No way to stop or prevent this from happening.
Would you say that the cedar or light walnut is less orange?
Cedar but it does vary based on your wood type, age, etc.
I have a 6-year-old cedar fence that was covered with cedar WaterSeal. I removed some of the boards, powerwashed, stripped, sanded, and stripped//brightened. I am staining with cedar and these are my first results. Is this what I should expect?
Looks correct. A little light but that may be due to the sanding.
Hello,
Is the RAD stripper (with thickening and booster additive) and brightener harmful to interlocking, and pavers. Will it cause damage or streaking and discoloration if it comes in contact with it?
Thank you
No, it will not harm pavers.
If I use a solid stain,in 3 or 4 years when it needs touched up,can I paint over what’s already there or will I have to strip it all off. thanks
You can paint over but you will need to pressure clean for prep.
I only applied one coat and now I think it needs another. How long before I can apply another coat since the first coat was put on 24 hours ago?
Second coats need to be applied wet on wet. You will need to wait now, 6-12 months, lightly wash and then add a coat. Next Spring would be best.
I have a 700 sq foot cedar deck and last year I used the stripper to remove 20 years of Penofin stain. I got a little too aggressive with the pressure washer and needed to sand some rough spots, but I was never able to get around to it. Now I am looking to finish and stain. Should I sand first and then apply the brightener or should I apply the brightener first and then sand? Thanks.
Sand and then clean and brighten.
Have a 1.5 year old deck that was over-saturate with another semi-transparent stain to the point it was a dark grey color. Used RAD’s stripper, additive, brightener and clear stain and now have a ‘new’ deck again.
Looks great!
I installed a pressure treated pine boat dock about 90 days ago. I then ordered Restore a deck brightener from you and applied it this last week. My stain instructions state that I should wait 3 days after washing or rain prior to application. Within those 3 days, it rained and now I am seeing black spotting on several areas of the dock. Can you help me determine what is happening and how to correct it?
You are supposed to clean and brighten the wood for prep, not just brighten. Hopefully, that will remove the spots as well.
The spots weren’t there until I used the brightener. The wood was completely clean and looked great both before and after the brightener. It wasn’t until after it rained that spots appeared.
The brightener does not create spots like this. It looks like the oxidation of the wood that has not come off yet since you did not clean first. As I mentioned, brightener alone is not the correct prep. It has to be cleaned first and then brightened.
I have a 12′ x 16′ wood deck. I believe it’s PT pine. Not sure about its history as I just purchased the home last November. If it was previously stained, it’s pretty well worn off.
My yard is quite shady and a bit damp. Protection from moisture (not sun) is my primary concern.
I’m interested in using a transparent or semi-transparent product that is relatively easy to re-apply in the future with out a lot of prep. What product you recommend? Based on the pictures, what prep do you think is needed? I can borrow a pressure washer from family, but don’t have experience using one and understand it could damage the deck.
For prep, use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and the Wood Brightener Kits. Stain with the Restore A Deck Semi-Transparent stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-1-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
How long is shipping to Massachusetts?
Typically about 3 business days.
Do I need to use all your prep items if I already cleaned and power washed my deck?
Depends on the current condition. Feel free to post a picture.
Deck had a thick rustoleum coating two years ago. Removed all loose cover by power-washing. New steps and replaced 5 boards.
Nothing can go over this Rustoleum. It will have to be removed 100% first by power sanding as strippers will not remove it.
Can the solid stain be applied over it? I was hoping to go with gray.
Nope, nothing can go over that product. Sorry.
I have cleaned and brightened my decks. Have been waiting for it to stop raining long enough to stain. FINALLY tomorrow and Tuesday are supposed to be rain free. Tomorrow morning the decks will be damp from either rain or dew. Can I apply stain onto damp wood or do I have to wait for it to be totally dry?
If using the RAD stain, it can be applied to damp wood but not soaking wet wood.
Cannot be applied to damp wood or CAN be applied to damp wood?
Typo. Can.
Thank you very much. Have a nice evening.
We have a decorative cedar gate that was purchased about two years ago. I was told there wasn’t a stain on it; however, after using RAD cleaner and brightener, I think it was stained. Can I use the stripper on it right after I’ve used the cleaner/brightener or should I wait a while? I’m concerned because some of the wood seems ‘fuzzy’.
You should use the Stripper with the additives for this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
There is a fairly thick coating on the wood.
Thanks, I have both the stripper and the additive. Just wasn’t sure whether I could use it so quickly after using the cleaner.
Yes, you can. Apply and let dwell until the coating starts to dissolve.
I have an older deck made if pressure treated wood that has a semi transparent stain in a grey on the rails, seats and upper small area. The main flooring however seems to have been painted over with a deck over type product or a solid stain. The floor is peeling badly and has been pressure washed but some areas won’t come off so I believe I need the stripper. The total area is about 500 sq feet. I’m thinking the small kit would suffice with the stripper and brightener. Does your stain come in a light grey color. If so I would purchase that too. Any help would be great thanks.
Strippers will not remove a solid stain. You will need to power sand to remove all if you want a semi-transparent stain. Another option is to use the RAD Solid Stain to cover the current coating.
and best way to apply solid,with roller,what nap,or with brush
Roller and brush. 1/2 inch nap will work.
Can unopened recently purchased cleaners and brighteners be returned? Ordered too much
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Store-Policies/refund.html
can you order 5 gal. pails of solid , I need 10 gallons according to your calculator,thanks
Only single gallons.
Hi,
can your stripper/Brightener/stain be used on cedar house shingles? Thanks!
Yes.
I want a 5 gallon pail of the solid stain, why is that not available…and i have to buy 5 one gallon pails?
Would it be less if I ordered in 5 gallon qty?
It only comes in singles gallons. No, it would not be less if had come in larger quantities.
is there anyone in Grand Rapids MI that sells this?
No there is not.
can i apply over Behr solid stain that has been power washed and loose stuff scraped?
Yes
using your solid stain product do I really have to get it wet to go over old solid stain (per above) and what is the warranty? I don’t want to do this again for a while its a massive deck system.
When applying over another solid stain, you do not have to wet the deck. It can be applied to dry wood. Warranty is on the label. Warranties against product defects, etc. We do not warranty in years.
Good afternoon
10’x16′ covered porch
will cover floor with IO carpet
14 steps
36″ high railing, app 36′ of railing
8 months old
How much product will I need
thank you, Mark
What is the sq footage that will be covered?
Is there any additive I an can add to the stain to make it a no-slip surface? This deck I am redoing is next to our pool. Worried about the grandkids falling on a slippery surface:)
No that is not possible or needed.
Can you use a roller to put on the sealer and if so what type of roller or do you recommend a stain brush.
No, do not use a roller. Use a stain brush or stain pad: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
Will the stripper harm metal balusters
It shouldn’t but always do a test spot first.