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!
Two questions:
1) Is it ok to use the cleaner and brightner one day and then a day or two later use your stain? (I am reapplying your stain so no stripping is needed). I’m not sure if I can get to everything in one day.
2) Does the cleaner or brightner discolor painted aluminum/steel siding if the power washer gets some of that liquid on the siding?
Thanks.
1. Yes.
2. Typically no but it really depends on the condition of the siding and how old it is.
Thanks.
Applies RAD 3 years ago. Need to apply again. Do I really need to strip first or can i just clean and stain?
Clean and brighten and then restain.
Hi, Do I want to go with semi-transparent or solid on a cedar fence (after properly preparing the surface?) My goal is primarily ease of application with minimal surface prep down the road. Secondary concern is longevity. I would rather reapply a year or 2 early without having to re-prep peeling coating.
Use the semi-transparent stain.
OK, sounds good. How do I prep the fence? Here are photos. I have no idea what product was used and whether it is oil based or water based.
Use this kit for prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
I have older, stained wood with semi transparent stain on handrails and new wood decking/stair treads which I put on last Spring. I used RAD stripper and brightener on all wood a week ago but will not be able to stain until next week. Should I just blow/broom the decking and rinse with pressure washer to clean it after only a couple of weeks before staining or is there another process you suggest?
Yes, just lightly clean and it will be okay.
Hello! I used Restore-A-Deck cleaner, brightener and semi-transparent stain last year (after trying out different products yearly for 3 years and being disappointed every spring). Your product is amazing. I followed the instructions to the letter and I am so impressed with the outcome a year later. All it needs is a clean up and it looks like it will last (And I live in Ontario, Canada where were tons of snow and wetness sits on it for months).
I just want to confirm the maintenance of a deck once applying your semi-transparent stain.
Do I now use the cleaner and brightener yearly?
Thank you kindly.
You only use the prep products if recoating and only recoat if needed.
Here is pictures of deck you requested Friday. Looks like I have about 845 sq feet. Need to stirp deck. Had to replace a few boards due to limb damage. Let me know what products I need to get it ready to seal again.-Thanks Randy
What is the active ingredient in the stripper?
Which stripper?
Can i use restore a deck semi transparent or solid on kitchen cabinets and indoor furniture?
As long as you prep correctly, it should be okay.
👍 👍
We used stripper, brighter and t semi transparent stain on our 3YO deck (2nd time with your products 😊). Deck is large and in direct sun so we did stripper and bright net day 1; stain benches /tables day 2 after misting with hose and then stain deck day 3. No rain in forecast but sadly it started to drizzle during our 2nd coat on deck (clear radar 🙄) – we used the brushes to brush the drops off to try to prevent spotting but I am co cerner it may have take. Some of the stain off. Is this a valid co cern and if so can it be rectified?
I would not worry about it unless there is an issue down the road. Most likely okay.
OK. They are at our lake house. Ill get some pictures of deck over weekend and send Monday-Thanks
I have a deck that has been pressure washed and sealed with Flood CWT Clear stain for the last 6 years. A limb fell on the deck so we will have to replace some boards. I need to strip the Flood CWT off and restrained with the same stain again. The specs say it is an acrylic base. The deck is about 35×45 and has wooden hand rails. Which products do i need to strip the deck and rails and an estimate on how much of each I will need. Thanks Randy
Please post some pics of the deck so we can help properly with prep. Thanks
I have a deck that has been pressure washed and sealed with Flood CWT Clear stain for the last 6 years. A limb fell on the deck so we will have to replace some boards. I need to strip the Flood CWT off and restrained with the same stain again. The specs say it is an acrylic base. The deck is about 875sq ft and has wooden hand rails. Which products do i need to strip the deck and rails and an estimate on how much of each I will need. Attached is photos you asked for-Thanks Randy
If using the same stain and color then just use the RAD Cleaner and pressure washing for prep. If you want to fully strip it, then use the RAD PaintStrip:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-paintstrip-paint-solid-stain-stripping-gel.html
So getting ready to restain my deck with your light walnut semi transparent stain. It’s the only stain I’ve used on my deck since it was built in 2017. Do you recommend your deck cleaner as well as brightner before I reapply the stain? And I’m assuming they both need to power-washed off? And then apply the deck cleaner first, then wait a few hours and apply the brighter? Thanks.
Do both. Pressure wash off the cleaner, rinse, apply brightener right away, and rinse that when done after 15 minutes or so.
This year, I plan to sand our 720 sq ft deck to bare wood to remove old stain/sealer (TWP and Restore-A-Deck) that were not properly stripped in previous years. Since Restore-A-Deck semi-transparent stain is recommended to be applied over damp (not wet) wood, I’m assuming that a rain shower between sanding and staining would not be a problem. Please let me know if I’m mistaken and provide any tips for using your products over bare wood. Thank you.
No, rain does not hinder stain application. Sanding is not the best way to prep. Stripping leaves the wood more porous and is easier.
regarding the cleaner:
-what is the pH?
-can it be applied to windows to clean them?
-how does it do removing mold mildew dirt on concrete?
pH of cleaner is around a 9-10. We would not suggest it in glass. It will help to remove mildew and dirt from concrete.
I accidentally bought 5 gallons too much last July (2022)
The deck looks great, but I don’t just want the stain to expire.
Here’s what I’ve done in the past.
July 2020 – Sanded, cleaned, brightened and applied one coat in July
June 2021 – cleaned at 1/2 strength, and applied one coat in June
September 2022 – cleaned, brightened and applied 2 coats
Can you ever apply too much? Can I clean at 1/2 strength this spring?
Thank you!!
John
Yes, you can over-apply the semi-transparent and more is not better. Too much stain and it cannot absorb fully could create issues.
Not normal. Could be an application issue or hot sun when applying. Just lightly wash the floor to remove dirt and then apply one coat to the floors.
I’ve used the RAD stripper and brightener before and they work great. I have a boathouse project where the deck boards are composite and the vertical supports for the roof and upper deck and railing is stained. The vertical surfaces have a water-based transparent stain on them (several coats). I need to change the stain to a semi-solid or solid stain. The wood and stain are in generally good shape but need to be prepped before new stain application. If I use any product (clean, stain, etc) on the vertical surfaces, there will be overspray onto the composite as well as runoff when I wash the surface. Which of the products can I safely use and is there any special preparation required?
Post some pics of the stain that is being removed. As for the composite, the strippers should not harm it but always test spot first. Pre-wet and rinse as you work.
Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener if switching brands of stain.
So what if I used the solid espresso in RAD, just clean, brighten and no stripping?
Yes, that would work.
I had my handyman do my deck, and it looks pretty darn good. The only problem is he sprayed the semi trans stain, and got it all over my house… siding, doors, railings. What is the best way for him to clean this up?
Try a graffiti remover cleaner from your local paint store. Test spot first to see if it works.
I have the same issue from last year and didn’t find anything that works. Please let me know if you are successful.
Les
Howdy, my deck was stained with Defy extreme about 3 years ago. The verticals look pretty good while the deck floor is very dirty much of the stain worn off and has some minor cracking. Is your cleaner/brightener kit the correct choice? Should I have gotten the stripper?
My second question is – since I had already ordered more of the Defy semi-transparent cedar stain (only this time I chose their Ultra version) before I watched video on your products. Would you be able to say if I should apply the stain while the deck is still wet from using your cleaner/brightener or should I let it dry?
Looking forward to trying your products for the first time.
Thanks a lot!
You need to strip and brighten when switching stain brands. If sticking with the same brand and color, then clean and brighten. As for applying Defy stain products, you need to follow their directions and Defy Ultra cannot be applied to damp wood.
RAD: Can you provide a chip of your Cottage Gray color?
Our deck needs a recoat and you are our first choice.
Kindly send to A. Williams, 1389 E. Gartner Road, Naperville, IL 60540
We offer samples for testing on your wood here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Good morning, we stain our deck with the semi transparent wood stain and it is great but it is starting to lighten up in places so I think it needs another coat. What i need to know is do I need to strip it and clean or just clean and re apply new stain?
Just clean and recoat.
I want to apply Restore a Deck over Rock Solid applied last year, the Rock Solid is in good condition just stained and looks bad, but the adhesion is fine.
We plan to clean with pressure washer and apply Restore A Deck solid stain the following day.
Please advise your recommendations.
Rock Solid as in the Deck Resurfacer coating with grit or their solid stain version?
Rock Solide 6X
Sorry but you cannot apply any solid stain over a deck resurfacer-type coating. You would need to power sand off the RockSolid first.
Are your products designed for cedar shake siding?
if so, how would you prep and purchase for an area the size of 8 squares?
Install, weather for 3 or more months, clean with RAD cleaner and stain exposed wood only. Coverage is based on sq footage.
Hello, we used RAD300 and applied RAD solid stain on vertical railings and RAD semitransparent on horizontal deck boards (2 Tone) in summer of 2020. Time to restain. Do we use the RAD 300 again and just re stain the horizontals? Does the railing need to be re stained? They don’t look too faded. Just want to be sure to get the right products and proper procedure. Thank you
You can just do horizontals if verticals are okay. Prep with cleaner first.
Why can’t the products be exposed to freezing if they’re in powder form?
The stains are liquid. They cannot freeze.
Hello. I’m planning to stain a new (~8 months old) rough-sawn PT fence with RAD semi-transparent. I’ve washed the fence with Oxy-Clean to remove any residual dirt. Questions:
1. Since it’s new, do I need to do any more prep?
2. If no, should I still dampen the wood before applying stain?
3. Do you recommend one or two coats of stain?
4. Does an airless sprayer work well, provided I back brush?
Thanks.
1. Clean and brighten for proper prep:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/best-restore-a-deck-prep-products/restore-a-deck-package-300/flypage.tpl.html
2. It is easier to apply to damp wood:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
3. One coat if less than 1 year.
4. Apply with brushes and stain pads for best results.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
The online calculator asked for deck length, width, railing length, railing height, number of steps and width of steps. After entering all the info it calculated 689 sq. ft equalling 7 gallons/2 coats of Restore A Deck solid stain. Will this be enough to cover the support posts and deck fascia boards that run around the boarder of the deck as well?
No, that would be additional sq footage if you want to do the beams and support.
Food grease spilled on one year old deck. What can I do?
You cannot spot-fix this. You would have to strip off the stain and then if needed, sand those spots. Brighten all after and restain.
Hi, I have had Olympic maximum 4 year stain and sealant on my pool deck. Ready for a good product to use. My deck 15′ wide and 22′ long and the Olympic color is a redwood natural tone. What color can come close to that and how much stain would I need and other products like brightner, stripper, and how much to get this deck right? Thanks,Glenn
You need to remove the Olympic first. We would need to see some pics of the stain on the deck for prep help. Please post them here. Also, for the amount needed, please send a total sq footage with all wood added up.
330 square feet
Hi, for prep, use the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kit:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
with both additives:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
One of each should work.
Cedartone color would be the closest. About 3-4 gallons for the two coats.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-1-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
Thanks so much.
Hello RAD, I’ve previously stained my treated pine deck twice, the last time, two year’s ago, with Olympic oil base semi -transparent stain. I would like to use your RAD deck cleaner and then your RAD brightener before staining with the same product as before. Would this process be compatible and durable? Thank you, John ( Indiana )
If using the same stain and color as prior, then yes.
My stain has been sitting in the garage for several years…unopened. Do I shake or stir to make it useable.
Shake it but hard to say of still good. Shelf life is 3 years if unopened and it cannot freeze.
I used a cold rolled steel flashing on my unstained siding thinking it would match the roof but didn’t think about rust stains on the siding. Will the brightener take the stain off? Do i need to use cleaner?
You should clean and brighten but hard to say if it will all come off as it depends on how deep the rust is. Also, it will continue to rust unless you replace the flashing.
My deck is 1.5 years old and had lots of black mold. I have been slowly cleaning it with Mr. Clean and diluted bleach. I want to restain with a solid color in April. What should I do to do this right? Thanks for your help.
Prep with this kit: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/best-restore-a-deck-prep-products/restore-a-deck-package-300/flypage.tpl.html
and stain with the RAD Solid Stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
That’s helpful. Thanks. Should I continue to clean the mold or forget about it until April?
Just wait until Spring.
OK, that’s good. Last question, I did stain the deck. Do I also need to use the Stripper or is just Cleaner enough?
Cleaner and then Brightener.
These links aren’t working. Can you provide new links? Planning to purchase in April.
They work now. Thanks for letting us know.
How long will the stripper be effective after it is mixed?
The RAD Stripper does not have an active shelf life once mixed with water. It would last many months or longer as long as it does not freeze or evaporate. Same with the Brightener.
FYI, the RAD Cleaner does have an active shelf life of 4-6 hours after mixing.
I had a ground contact pressure treated foundation installed for a 16×24 shed. The perimeter is p/t filled with stone over geotek over dirt. My intention is to waterproof the p/t lumber as best I can for longevity. I can access the exterior and the top, but it will be a challenge to cover all of the inside p/t lumber. What product do you recommend to seal the p/t lumber to maximize its longevity? Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain?
Solid stain or the semi-transparent stan will work for this.
I have leftover stripper and brightener mixed up. How do I best dispose of them?
Best to contact your local municipality for disposal help. Many have specific days to dispose of paints and chemicals. FYI, mixing the stripper and brightener does restore to a neutral pH balance.
Hi,
I need your help, i applied RAD on my deck, it is a tropical wood named “cumaru”.
2 days later this “dirt” or “fluff” i don’t know who to call it, but it started to came off the wood, do you know what this is? or what did i did wrong?
Thanks
That is furring and can happen for many reasons. You may need another light coat. Try a test board and let sit for a week to see how it looks.
Thanks, i’ll do that… just for knowledge, what will be the reasons this furring can happen?
Thanks
Article on the subject: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
It seems my deck stain failed. Deck is 2 years old. I put 2 coats of Olympic semi transparent cedar stain on. Now I am getting black stains. Will the stripper + additive remove this ? Also, can I use my leftover Olympic semi trans stain to restain after using brightener ? I stained deck initially too soon, not letting wood weather. Thanks… see picture.
Which version of Olympic did you use? Also, why do you have lines in the stain?
Olympic Maximum Stain Sealant semi transparent natural cedartone. Those lines appear to be the wood grain.. Thats where it mostly turned black. Really more noticible when it rains. Wood picture supplied is with rain on wood.
Oil or water-based?
Acrylic / oil formula according to website
That means it is water-based. This also means it is much harder to strip plus it looks over-applied. You may need to strip it a few times to get it all off. You will need both stripper additives and a long dwell time to get the stripper to properly activate.
Yeah, I did over apply… My deck is 200 sq ft. Just doing the deck boards, Will 1 2lb. pack be enough to apply a couple times ? If after 2 or 3 applications I can sand whatever needs it. I really screwed up a new deck !
It is not all your fault. This Olympic stain is not a true penetrating stain and dries thick or on top of the wood. Using it again may repeat the same issues.
FYI, we are coming out with a new stripper that is designed to remove paint or excessively over-applied coatings this Spring. You apply and let dwell overnight. You may want to use this.
Is it absolutely necessary to use your RAD stain after using your stripping and brightener ? I have 2 gallons of Olympic semi transparent stain that I would like to use. I plan on using your stripper and brightener this spring but want to use my stain I already have. Thanks
You can use any brand of stain after our prep products but of course, our stains are much better.
My deck was stained with Flood SWF solid stain in redwood color. Can I clean it and apply RAD solid stain? Would 2 coats of white cover it or should I use a darker color?
With a solid stain, prep to remove all the loose stain, dirt, mildew, and then you can apply over it. When going from a dark color to a white color, you will need 2-3 coats to cover fully.
About 7 years ago we got a new wood deck but never stained it. Last summer I used deck cleaner and brightener on it and it looked great/ready for stain in July 2022. I bought RAD semi-transparent wood stain but didn’t get it stained. Now (Nov 7, 2022) I want to stain it. Do I have to redo the prep (cleaner and brightener)? It still looks good so I’m hoping I can just rinse it off and stain it. Advice?
Yes, lightly redo the prep.
Applied first coat of RAD light walnut semi-transparent stain on 11/4/22 after stripping and brightening. All wood has weathered at least 3-6 mos. Some older wood had been previously stained. How soon should I apply second coat and what prep is needed, if any?
No. Only 1 coat for new wood and you cannot apply a second coat once the first has cured. It has to be wet on wet.
Clean and brighten for prep in spring and then apply one light coat to even it out.
Could be hot sun issues: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
Im ready to order
You can order directly on our website.
It looks like you did not properly brighten the wood after the stripping. You should redo that with the Restore a Deck Wood Brightener. Never use bleach.
This is strange. I used RAD brightener as usual, and the wood looked white the next morning. After I stained it the deck looked great. If I need to do another brightening stage, can I do that on top of the stain?
Post a picture when the wood is dry, not wet.
You cannot brighten after the wood is stained.
Here is the same area dry (mostly). What do I need to do?
It looks fine dry so I would just leave it alone.
Is there any harm if the brightener sits LONGER than the recommended time before starting the rinsing? We are working up high on a pergola so that makes things a bit harder.
It is easy to do the brightener so always best to do it right after cleaning. Not doing it right away can lead to potential furring issues.
How much lag can there be between cleaning and brightening? Must they be done the same day? We are working on a very high pergola and any hints to make the process easier would be appreciated.
Best to do the same day for optimal results.
Getting ready to strip with booster additive, brighten and then stain. Because of my schedule and the weather, I may not be able to get it all done in 1-2 days. How long can I wait after stripping and brightening before I have to start staining?
Stain within two weeks.
Cracks are fine and normal in wood so not sure what you are asking. Do not seal the undersides.
I am just trying to determine why my planks are rotting. and to fix that problem.
It is rotting from the bottom up. There is no way to prevent this.