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 did not see the 3rd image after posting, so lust uploaded.
We have a 20×30 multi-level deck, the wood is pressure treated and is 4 years old. The first stain applied 4 years ago was Behr semi-solid. Last year it was stained again with Behr solid in the same color. We applied the stain ourself the first year. Last year we hired a company and the job was not done well. Attached are three images, the first shows the poor coverage that was done with the solid, on this post they totally missed the upper part of the post. The top part is the semi-transparent, the bottom is the solid, as you can see the solid is much more orange, which we did not care for. The second picture is current, the color has toned down, but the stain is starting to flake. Based on this information is there anything additional we would need to prep? Everything I read says if you have a solid, you have to stay with solid. The calculator specified 8 galons of solid, 1 jar of stripper and 1 jar of brightner. so would the steps be strip, brighten, apply solid with brush/roller? We do have access to a power washer. We are thinking desert taupe would be the best fit, the third picture shows our house, we perfer to stay away from any stains with red/pink/orange as they bring out pink in the brick, we prefer to stay more neutral. Please let us know your thoughts. We’ve read good reviews and look forward to using your product.
The stripper and pressure washing will prep the wood so that any loose or peeling stain will come off. Neutralize after with the Brightener. You do not have to remove all the current stain when using the RAD Solid as it will cover the old coating as long as it is intact. The Desert Taupe would be a good color choice.
Thanks so much for the quick reply. It would be more cost effective to get the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper and Brightener Kit, correct?
Yes.
Sorry, one last question. Can we spray the solid on and then go over with the roller, or is it best to use a paint tray and roller like traditional painting?
Apply with a roller and paint tray.
I’m having some issues uploading the 3rd pic, trying one last time.
Do you have any pictures of decks restored with your coastal gray solid stain on them. I see a lot of green in the color sample I printed out.
Here is a swatch on wood.
Thanks so much. It definitely looks a lot better!
1) If we strip, brighten, and stain our deck this year, can we just re-apply semi-transparent stain next year, or do we have to repeat the entire stripping and brightening process each time?
2) Can we spray on the stain, and then brush with the RAD brush to achieve a smooth, uniform finish?
1. Clean and recoat next year.
2. Yes but make the stain fully penetrates into the wood.
Thanks for the quick reply!
We live in Denver CO-our redwood deck has a southern exposure and is 575 square feet- about 15 yrs old. I stained it last year (after completely sanding it) with a product that turned out to be awful. Peeled up after 6 months like plastic wrap but is OK on vertical surfaces. Power washing removed most of old stain-then rented a belt sander (80 grit) and sanded entire surface- now have bare wood. We have been getting numerous intermittent storms so need a product I can apply on damp wood and internet search let me to RAD. How many gallons do you think I will need and do you have any tips?
Clean and brighten for final prep. Just one coat of stain to a sanded deck. About 4-5 gallons of the stain.
I stained my new deck after six months of weathering. I’ve got some dark areas and some much lighter. I’m wondering what are the ramifications of second coating some areas. What is the general reason for recommending only one coat on new wood?
New wood is not absorbent enough for a second coat and if you over apply to the point that the stain cannot fully soak in, then it could lead to premature failure. Best to do another coat next Spring.
What home improvement stores carry Restore-A-Deck? Or is your product only available online?
Michigan area and online: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/store-locator.html
I have already purchased Valspar all in one wood prep cleaner and brightener. Can RAD stain still be applied the same day after using this product?
Sorry but no.
Can it be used with other cleaners and brighteners after time to dry? Or will it negatively affect the stain?
It possibly could. Definitely not the same day.
I am refinishing my 1000 sqft. deck and purchased two kits with dark walnut semi transparent stain. Not knowing what was on the deck from the previous owners, but knowing it was beginning to chip and peel, I started with sanding. I rented a floor sander and sanded for 18 straight hours and still had not gotten to any wood. It did take a lot of the top coat off which I have since learned was Deck Over. Which should not be sanded for health reasons, apparently. I’ve also tried some strippers and found that citristrip and a pressure washer actually works to remove Deck Over. You have to use it a little differently than the instructions, but it works.
Under the deck over was a coat of solid stain or paint, I’m not sure which and under that was the original stained wood.
So, now that I’ve been working to get this stuff off from sun up to sun down for 9 days, I now have 80% of the deck ready. It will take me a few more days to get it all, but I am determined to get there! So now I’m wondering about sanding.
Just to get this mess off the deck, I’ve used a rented floor sander, a 5” orbital sander and a hand held belt sander in addition to the citristrip. Plus underneath all of that was not the best wood. Some needed extra sanding.
I know now that the stain may take differently based on how it was sanded. But once I get all this previous junk off, how is the best way to prep for the cleaner, brightener and stain and finally the stain? Go over all of it one more time with an orbital sander or what? What do you suggest?
Thanks!
Kate
Go over all wood with 80 grit to even out the porosity of the wood. Clean and brighten then stain.
Thank you!
10 year old, 785 sq ft deck, Pine, previously stained with Wolman Raincoat Natural Cedar Tinted in September 2016. I have access to a pressure washer.
Horizontal surfaces are pretty faded (lots of sun). Vertical surfaces still appear stained. Will your stripper remove? Do I need booster/thickening gel?
Yes, the stripper will remove and the booster and gell will help, especially with the verticals.
I took off work to apply the stain because they were calling for showers tomorrow(Saturday). Finished applying the second coat, and viola, the skies opened. What do I do now?
Wait until the rain stops and check to make sure the stain is okay. If an issue, post some pictures.
Hi there,
One year ago I got new treated pine and applied the semi-transparent stain (after cleaning and brightening) – worked great. I read that this summer I should apply a light maintenance coat.
Do I need to clean and brighten before application of this coat? Will I need to clean and brighten with subsequent coats 3ish years down the road?
Thanks!
You will always have to prep when recoating.
When I contacted you earlier..I used your cleaner (not stripper). and then brightener. Followed directions on both packages. After I hosed off the deck yesterday..we did have a downpour of rain. Then this morning we had like powder white stains that appeared. Pictures were included in the earlier post. What can we do now..can we alleviate the white stains..is it safe to stain? Please help..Thanks..
That’s the knots and raised grain from oxidation removal. Knots are normally lighter. You can stain.
Here’s the picture of the dried white stains.. I even went outside for the 2nd time today and scrubbed and hosed off the deck and fascia boards.
I used the stripper and brightener according to the packages yesterday. This morning I had a white film that covered most of the deck. I called your business and they informed me to further scrub and wash off with hose. I did that for an additional 1/2 hour. There still are white spots on the deck and fascia boards..what can I do? Or is it safe to stain 48 hours later.
Post a picture.
I used your natural colored deck stain and it worked great. Unfortunately, we over sprayed on a white vinyl fence and have no clue how to get this off. Help.
Try water-based graffiti remover from your local store. Like goof off.
To strip off old SW oil stain on cedar deck before applying TWP, do we need cleaner AND stripper, or just stripper?
The stripper then brightener. No need for cleaner.
Staining a cedar wood framed smoked glass screen around two sides of a hot tub. The wood is 12 years old and has never been stained (it is now grey). I would like to use your semi-transparent cedar stain. Would you please advise me on the correct steps and products.
For the prep, use the RAD cleaner and then the RAD wood brightener. Once prepped, you can apply the RAD stains.
Few question re: application on a recently stripped pressure treated deck.
1) the site mentions being able to do your whole deck in one day, but the Brightener packaging says to wait 48hrs before staining!?
2) the site mentions applying stain with brush, sprayer and pad. Is one better than the other?
3) would staining all the spindle junctions first, then the rest of it a day or more later, or would this look obvious? (deck is about 700sq ft, and I’ll like to do it in stages. i.e. spindle junctions, then rest of spindle, etc. )
1. That is for other brands of deck stain, not the RAD stains.
2. Yellow stain brush or pad.
3. Do it all at once for best results.
How long does it take to ship to Canada (Toronto, Ontario)?
2-3 business days.
How long after an order will product ship?
Typically the next day.
I used Sikkens Proluxe Cetol SRD 2 years ago and have deeply disappointed with it and want to remove it and start over with a more quality stain product. What product do recommend to clean and strip off the old stain? I noticed on Amazon there was a “Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper, Wood Brightener, Booster, Thickening Gel Combo Pack”. Would this work or is there something more effective?
RAD Stripper with the Booster and Gel. We would prefer you did not buy from Amazon. Brightener after.
Thanks for your reply. I will certainly purchase from you. Will I need to sand at any point and when should I do that? Before the Brightner or after?
No need to sand unless all does not come off. Brightener after if you do.
I stained my deck several years ago using TWP 1501-1 Cedartone. Will your Stripper remove that stain?
Yes.
The directions on the package of RAD Cleaner say that the mixed solution must be used within 4 hours. Are these directions outdated? Also, how long can mixed solutions of the Brightener and Stripper be stored?
No, not outdated. The cleaner has a shelf life once mixed with water. The active ingredient will dissipate its effectiveness after 4 hours.
Stripper and brightener do not have a shelf life once mixed.
200 sqft deck plus about 20 sqft of stairs, about 50ft of 4ft railing spaced 5.5 inches
Cedar wood – 32 years old (Yup – a “senior”)
Previous stain – Sikkens Cetol 1 Natural (078) semi-transparent oil stain applied every 2-3 years, last applied 3 years ago
do NOT have a pressure washer, but could rent if needed
Questions:
1. With 10-15 stain applications over the years, will Restore A Deck stripper, perhaps with Booster Additive and Thickening Gel, work?
2. Do you recommend sanding after stripping? Is Brightener applied after any sanding done?
3. Rails are still in decent shape. Do you have suggestions on what to do, what not to do, with them?
4. My plan at this time, after restoration, is to use Sikkens ProLuxe deck semi-transparent stain. Do you have any comments/concerns on this?
1, No, that is appearing to be a solid stain in appearance. The Booster and Gel additives with the stripper will remove much but you will need to sand as well.
2. Yes to remove all. Brightener after.
3. Not a fan of Sikkens since they changed the formula.
HI, can I put the Restore A Deck brightener on a wet deck
Yes.
Does the Restore-a-deck cleaner strength decay once you open the packet? I am cleaning my never stained Ipe wood deck in sections, starting about a week ago. The very first section I cleaned and brightened (about 40 ft sq) looked beautiful. But since then, each section I have cleaned and brightened looks worse (darker overall with dark spots and song boards that are darker) than the one before. I’m mixing is small batches (1-3 quarts at a time) and not letting it sit more than 4 hours as recommended. I keep refining my technique and getting closer and closer to the ideal conditions described but each section comes out darker than the one before. The only thing I can figure is that the opened bag is decaying as it is exposed to air, but that doesn’t make sense because the bag has a vent built into it. The only other variable I know of is delay between clean and brighten. I have been doing all of my cleaning for the day, then waiting a few hours to brighten, but still the same day. I the last two days I have brightened and rinsed late in the day so that it dries overnight.
It does not decay but the cleaner will raise the pH balance, darkening the wood. That is why you need the brighter to neutralize it back and lighten the wood. Brighten as soon as you can to neutralize.
Will your stripper remove multiple layers including stain and paint?
No, it will not remove a paint.
I have an approximately 950 sq ft deck, don’t know type or how old wood is and what it was finished with. I pressure washed all the old solid stain (maybe paint, I don’t know) off as best I could. Previous owner did not paint spindles, but I pressured washed those as well. I then sanded using a combination of 60 and 40 grit using a belt sander, standing orbital for the floor and hand orbital for small areas. Was able to get a lot off but can still see old stain/paint in some spots.
Do I have to use a cleaner and a brightener before applying your solid stain? I did not use any chemical stripper, so I assume I do not need a brightener. Would a wood deck cleaner be helpful before applying your stain? Do you have just a cleaner if not can you recommend? I used a blower to get rid of dust, should I lightly pressure wash again?
Going to paint railings in white, but some spots are dark from previous stain but has been sanded. Will your white solid cover? Will be doing floor in your gray solid stain.
Do a light pressure rinse for final prep to remove sand dust. The solid stain will cover the rest of the old stain. Post some pictures when done!
OK thanks, so no need for a cleaner or brightener? I guess I could use your cleaner and then pressure wash that off along with any dust? Is the cleaner overkill at this point? I am thinking 8 gallons of gray (floor area is around 950 sq ft and 1 gallon of white for railings. Going to do the flat top part of railing in the gray, then all vertical railing parts in white and of course the floor in gray.
You can use the cleaner but you will not need the brightener since you are using the solid stain. Maybe 2-gallons of white but hard to say. I assume two coats of the gray? It will look great!
Thanks, I will post pics when done. Using solid stain because you can still see old finish even though I sanded. What is the best way to apply the solid stain? Wet on wet? Wet on dry or just dry on dry? I see the instructions for the semi is wet on wet but didn’t notice the solid instructions.
Solid stain cannot be applied wet on wet. It is wet on dry. Apply first coat to damp or dry wood. Wait 1-3 hours to fully dry and apply another coat.
Should I apply 2 coats on a fence built in Feb 2018. Or is 1 enough?
What tool do you recommend for applying semi-transparent stain to a fence?
Want to order enough and correct supplies to be able to start job and finish it. Thank you.
Apply two coats wet on wet. The first coat can be sprayed on followed by a second coat 20-60 minutes later with a brush or stain pad.
Sprayed on with what? Not brushed at all on first coat?
I was going to purchase the Restore A Deck Wood Staining Brush with yellow bristles, is this the recommended one or something different?
I have 200 LF of 6′ tall fence. It has a top cap and bottom rails. Never been stained. Planned to purchase cleaner, brightener, and cedar semi-transparent stain. You recommended 2 coats. How much do I need?
Thank you!
Spray on with a pump sprayer or you can apply the first coat with a brush as well. The yellow brush should work well.
Are you doing both sides of the fence? If so you have 2400 sq feet and that will require 20-25 gallons for two coats of stain.
~705 sq ft
unknown wood, unknown age, unknown stain
have access to pressure washer
plan is to sand the areas where stain still remains, strip, brighten and then stain with semi-transparent cedar.
Do i need two coats of stain? Should I plan on doing the railings at the same time? Handrail needs minimal sanding, but the posts and balusters would need a lot of sanding/scraping. If I choose not to do them, what precautions should I take with the stripper to protect the railings?
You should do all so the color is the same and it matches. Two light coats applied wet on wet is normal: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
How long will it take to ship products? I want to order a sample kit then be able to receive the supplies I choose after that by 3rd of July. Located in Alabama.
My fence was installed in Feb 2018. Will it need 2 coats or 1?
Thank you!
Samples take 2-4 days to arrive. Thanks
What are your thoughts on the Bug Juice additive to stain?
It should work to help with bees, etc.
Thank you. I was thinking mainly of ants. I like the bees ?!
Can you help me with how much to order? Do you recommend 2 coats for this project? Was thinking of getting the 5 gallon combination kit with the cleaner/brightener.
3 decks, each 4×26 ft
2 decks, each 4×15 ft
1 deck, 8×26 ft
no railings
Type of wood if known: pressure treated pine
Approximate Age of Wood: installed Aug 2017 (almost 2 yrs) except the 8×26 deck which is new (will allow to weather before finishing)
If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type (Examples of Type: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Solid Stain, Oil-Based, Water-Based): n/a
If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained:n/a
Wood Type to be Stained (Deck, House, Fence, etc.):deck
Do you have access to a pressure washer: yes
Added up you have about 650 feet. If doing one coat to all wood, the 5-gallon with prep kit should be enough. The 2-year-old wood may need 2 coats and that means you would need another 2 gallons or so.
I live in Atlanta Ga and just built a new deck 48′ X 12′. The deck is Pressure treated lumber from Lowe’s with Pressure treated Railings but I installed black powder coated aluminum balusters. I will let the deck weather about 3 months. I was planning on using RAD wood cleaner followed by RAD wood brightener with Armstrong Clark as a stain. My question is will the RAD prep products (Cleaner and Brightener) harm the finish on the powder coated aluminum balusters?
It should not but you should always test first. There are 100s of different types of metal spindles and they are not all manufactured the same way.
Is it necessary to tape off areas where my deck meets the house when using the cleaner & brightener? Our exterior walls are covered with LP Smartside and I don’t want chemicals to affect the color.
You can tape but the cleaner and brightener should not have any effect.
I have an old, 800 sq’ deck. I originally ordered 6 gal of solid, and after contacting RSS, I ordered 2 more, being told 8 gal should cover 2 coats. We finished 3/4 of the deck, with only 1 coat. Hopefully I I can apply to the remainder of the deck next weekend, so I’ve ordered ANOTHER 4 gal. I know I will no longer be able to apply another coat until next spring. I just hope 1 coat will be enough, and that’s there will not be a problem where the partly finished deck meets the new coating net week.
Coverage varies based on wood age and porosity. Looks great so far and the 1 coat should be enough since it is covering well.
Can this product be used in a paint sprayer? I have a lot of deck railing to paint and don’t want to do it by hand with a brush!
Yes, it can be applied with a sprayer.
I will also complete the clean and brighten steps first. I am hesitant to use oil based because the stairs have heavy traffic.
Deck was completed 6/14/19
235 square feet
Can I stain in mid July or early August? Climate is Midwest harsh winters and harsh summers.
See this about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
You have a lot more than 235 sq feet by the time you add up the floor, railings, steps, outside, trim. etc. Try using our deck stain calculator on this page.
Can Valspar non slip be added to your solid stain?
No, you cannot add a non-slip into a solid stain.
I did the full strip, brighten, stain process (wet on wet) a year ago. The deck needs restaining now. Can I just pressure wash and stain or do I have to do it all over. The vertical services still look great. The horizontals are absorbing water. Part is in shade most of the day and part gets a lot of sun.
Use the RAD Cleaner while pressure washing for prep.
Looking at using a solid stain, covering ~705 sq. Ft. Estimating deck was stained 3 years ago with unknown brand of product. Can solid stain be applied with a roller? Also, what’s your estimate for quantity of stripper, brightener and stain to purchase? BTW, I have a pressure washer. Photos attached.
Yes, you roll on the solid stain. One Stripper, One Brightener, 4-5 gallons of the RAD Solid Stain.
FYI, you do not have to remove all of the current stain when applying the RAD Solid Stain.
Thanks for the reply!
Can Valspar anti-skid be added to the solid paint to make is less slippery?
RAD does not come in a paint. I anti-skid would not work well with a solid stain.
I will be sanding my 1000 sqft, two-tier deck this weekend and plan to clean, brighten and stain later this week. I plan to order the semi-transparent kit with cleaner, brightener and 5 gallons of stain. How much more stain should I order? I’m working with old wood, but I don’t know how old. We’ve only owned the home about a year. Do I need two coats because it is old wood or one because I am sanding it down to fresh wood, cleaning and brightening? Please advise.
Thanks!
Kate
You will need about 10 gallons for the 2 coats and 1000 sq feet. Most likely 2 cleaners and 2 brighteners as well.
Thank you. I’ll order two kits and a brush. I was looking at the speed mop kit. Can I use that instead of the brush or would you just stick with the brush?
Thanks again!
Kate
Either is fine for applying.
extra picture
Hi, I just bought my home in October, so I do not know much of the history of the deck. However, I did find these products in the previous owners shed.
– Thompson’s clear wood protector.
– MinWax Polyurethane clear semi gloss
– Olympic Maximum clear water proofing sealant.
Deck and hot tub furniture is around 2500 square feet total. (My deck sits really high so I have to stain/clean underneath the deck)
I own a pressure washer.
How much stain, stripper, and brighter, would I need to complete my deck?
What tools should I use and for what purpose?
Do I need any other additive for effectiveness?
Thank you.
FYI, doing the underneath is for appearance only. Does not have to be done.
Top part assuming 1250 sq feet:
-2 Stain Strippers and 2 Additives of each
-2 Stain Brighteners
-10-12 Gallons of stain for 2 coats.
Underneath assuming 1250 sq feet:
-2 Cleaners
-2 Brighteners
-Only need one coat of stain here. 7-8 gallons
Here are more questions before I make my purchase:
What tools do you recommend to apply the stain on deck, rails, etc.?
What tools to use for stripper and brightener?
What semi transparent stain would you recommend to keep the deck looking similar to what it looks now?
Use the Yellow Brush and Stain Pads: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
Use a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off.
Any color you like and it has to be tinted (not clear) for UV protection. Natural is the lightest color and looks similar to a clean “wet” look.
One last question; If I decide not to stain the bottom of the deck should I still clean and brighten it or leave it as is? Thank you.
Leave as is.
Hi
just wondering how many days shipping to Kingston , Ontario Canada would be?
Thanks
2-3 business days.
Hello
Have a Deck that is approx 3 years old ,has stain on it from another brand -that has all but come off -do you still recommend stripping deck or just cleaner.
Also what tools do you recommend for the entire process-
Bought,cleaner,stripper,brightener and Stain, sprayer –
Thanks
EG
Yes, all current stain needs to come off. Reply with a picture and when then help with the best way to do this.
I have stained my deck with Sherwin Williams superdeck semi transparent stain and it keeps peeling off. I have had to spend hours each year removing peeling stain and restaining. How can I completely remove the stain?
Reply with a picture of the current condition. Also, was the Super Deck the oil or water=based version?