When working with newly installed wood and decking surfaces, the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is ideal after 3-6 months of natural weathering. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain’s long-lasting composition works hard to absorb quickly and penetrate deep into the wood grain to withstand the elements and stay true to its beautiful finish long after the staining project is complete.
Before beginning the staining process, it is recommended that new wood surfaces be installed 3-6 months before prepping and staining. To prep new wood surfaces after the waiting period, use Restore-A-Deck Cleaner. It’s concentrated powder formula is cost-effective, easy to transport, and especially good at removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that is prone to showing up on new wood surfaces.
Note: Kiln dried and KDAT wood still needs to weather after install. About 1-2 months. Rough sawn cut wood does not need to weather.
After the new wood has been cleaned, the wood will appear slightly darker. To restore the wood and neutralize the pH, use Restore-A-Deck Brightener to lighten it to its original appearance. The RAD Wood Brightener further opens the wood pores for an ideal surface to apply Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain.
Following Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener, continue with Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain. Unlike other brands of wood stain, Restore-A-Deck’s formula can be applied to wood surfaces following the Brightener on the same day on damp wood or can be applied to dry wood on following days. If applying to damp wood, it is recommended to allow the wood to dry 2-4 hours after prep is complete.
Only 1 coat should be applied to new wood that is less than 9 months old for the RAD semi-transparent stain. A light maintenance coat of the RAD semi-transparent stain should be applied 12-18 months after the first coat was applied. Every 2-3 years after that is normal.
For the RAD Solid Color Stain, apply 2 coats. Reapply as needed down the road.
Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips
If you have any questions, please comment below.
After prepping pressure treated lumber with Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener, how long can I delay the application of the semi-transparent stain? Rain storms are always an issue!
About 2 weeks.
Getting ready to stain a new pt deck (8 months old) with your semi-trans. Since the install, some splintering and such has occurred that needs sanding. Can I sand with 80 grit then clean and brighten and still expect even stain penetration? Thanks
We would not suggest power sanding. If you want to smooth splinters, then hand sand with 60-80 grit paper.
If a cedar fence is stained on both sides with RAD stain, can one side be a RAD solid color and the other side be a RAD semi-transparent color?
No, the stain will bleed through to the other side and look unsightly if you have two different colors.
Ready to order! 20 year old deck, I flipped all the boards last year to expose the “good” side and replaced 35 of them. Floating dock is 21 x 36 including 2- 2.5 c 36 sides. How much cleaner, brightener and natural stain do I need to make it happen?
About 8-10 gallons of stain and 1-2 Cleaner/Brightener kit.
I thought you might enjoy these before, during and after photos of the job, did it in a day with a pressure washer for cleaning and rinsing. The after shots are next day.
https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/OXMI654cQkWnUX6DQIrcXw.J68nEtL2BmR1JQ4xAE6Tmx
1-If we replace some of the old decking with untreated cedar boards, should we still wait 3-6 months of weathering before staining?
2-What is the best tool to use to apply the solid stain to the deck?
1. Yes.
2. Rollers and brushes.
Thanks!
On Saturday I did a maintenance of Cleaner/Brightner/Semi-transparent stain on my covered deck when it was Mid 80’s. 24 hours later, temp has dropped to 60, with rain forecasted for Monday, then temps are back up to mid 70’s.
#1 Will the weather affect my work?
#2 I want to put a mat under my BBQ to protect the deck. How long should I wait?
Thanks, JL
1. No.
2. 24 hours.
I have some of the light semi walnut transparent stain left over. It has not been opened. How long Is it good for? Also I want to use it in a glider bench than is built out of non grated wood. Can I apply it to that? Wood is 6 months old but has been stored inside. I’m sure it’s dry. Thanks
The glider should weather outside and then prepped before staining. The stain if stored correctly is good for a few years.
Would 3 months, then prepped by cleaning be enough?
Clean and then brighten. Yes.
We installed a new pressure treated pine deck in June 2019. We are now ready to stain using your semitransparent stain. Should we use 1 coat or the 2 coat wet on wet application?
2 light coats applied wet on wet.
Hi, We have a deck that is a mixture of old and new wood. Didn’t notice the bit about weathering new wood for 3-6 mths before staining. (Lumberyard recommended staining immediately upon installation.) We have cleaned and brightened the deck already. Will we need to clean and brighten again in 3 months? Thanks
Yes.
Hi– a few questions.
We have two rotted boards in our deck (not sure what type of wood the deck is, but I’d assume pressure treated pine) that need to be replaced, and the rest of the deck needs to be stripped, brightened, and stained. Should we:
1. Replace the boards, let the whole deck sit for 3 months, and then do the 3-step process, or
2. Do the 3-step process, then replace the boards, and treat the whole deck together for the maintenance coat 12-18 months later
Also, we recently power washed the whole deck, which resulted in some rough patches. Should we sand these before the 3-step process, or will the process help smooth those areas?
Finally, how many days of clear weather in a row do you recommend for finishing the whole process? Can the deck get rained on between the brightening and staining steps? How long after applying stain does it need to dry before the risk of rain?
Thanks!
Either 1 or 2 is fine. Sand know if needed, 60-80 grit paper. Rain does not harm the prep before staining. The stain can take a rain 4-8 hours after application.
Great, thanks. We want to use a decking oil after cleaning and brightening, but one that is clear/transparent so it will bring out the natural color in the wood, as opposed to tinting it. We think our deck is pressure treated pine. What would you recommend?
You have to have a tinted stain if you want UV protection. Try the RAD Stain in Natural.
sorry, accidentally posted to the wrong page, please feel free to delete comment and I will post on correct page!
Hi if I just want to do a color test on an inconspicuous spot, will it be enough to power-wash off a small section of whatever is on the deck now (prior owner indicated power wash will take it off) and test stain? Will the test spots for colors we don’t choose come off with the cleaner or a power wash when I come back later to do the full deck or would I need to strip it? Thanks!
If the wood is bare then yes you can test spot. As for later one, you should strip so it all blends.
I applied the RAD semi-transparent natural color stain to a new pressure treated pine deck last summer, now I plan on doing a maintenance coat in next few months. I plan to only do the horizontal surfaces this time. Should I use stripper/brightener or cleaner/brightener before staining this time?
cleaner/brightener
We stained our one year old pressure treated deck yesterday. There seems to be some lighter spots. ca we touch up these spots today, or do we need to wait.
It will probably not take if you try to spot apply and will not even out.
After cleaning and brightening with RAD, the grain on the cedar railing raised making them rough to the touch. What method do you recommend for smoothing the railings?
You can lightly sand with 60 grit to remove splinters, etc if needed but do not heavy sand as you want the wood porous for the stain.
Hi, we just got a new deck installed. The deck rails are cedar and the floor is pressure treated. When would you recommend we begin the cleaning/brightening/staining process? Should we do the cedar now and do the pressure treated next spring? If at all possible we’d like to do it all at once but we are concerned about the cedar cracking if it gets too dry.
Do it all at once either late Fall or Spring of next year.
I have a full container of your deck cleaner. Would it be safe to use Olympic 52120/01 Deck Brightener & Wash following use your deck cleaner?
No, that is not a true wood brightener and will not neutralize. Their product is bleach-based and is bad for wood.
I just cleaned and brightened yesterday, planning to stain today when the shade is on the deck. Deck is 1 year old.
Once this is done, I should re-apply the stain same time next year? Do I ever have to clean and brighten again in the future?
Reapply as needed and always prep the same kit.
I got some pulpy substance on my brush while scrubbing during the step 1 cleaner. Is that just the layer of old grey wood getting taken off?
Correct.
I have added a set of stairs using pressure treated pine to my deck. I plan on waiting the 3 the 6 month time period to clean, brighten then stain them. The wood next to the new stairs has been recently stained, will the cleaner and brighten deteriorate the stain next to the stairs so that I would have to restain it as well.
It may.
So do I just retain the wood next to the area that I will clean and brighten?
If compromised, yes. if not, leave alone. You will be able to tell
I have finished staining and have a couple of questions i hope you can help me with. After the brightening step i had 1/2 dozen boards that developed the black spots shown in the attached photos. The boards were randomly spaced out across the whole 850sqft. Also, now that the deck is dry i have a couple of very obvious spots that i missed (attached) can i go in with a small brush and blend those in? i only put on a single coat as i had sanded down to bare wood. Lastly, i got significantly better coverage than expected (<2.5 gals for 850 sqft) I have 3 unopened jugs of semi-transparent and 1 bag each of cleaner and brightener. How long will each last if stored in a cool dry basement? Great product, love the color! Thank you for the on-line support and for patiently answering many of the same questions over and over again 🙂
That looks to be mold that was not cleaned out prior with the prep. Not much you can do about it now. You can try and touch up your missed stain posts but be careful so it blends. A few years when storing.
My kids splashed minwax stain on my porch. Will semi transparent cover this? What would I need to do to get it to the point that I could use the cedar color or light walnut.
No, it will not cover this. Sand it off.
I just ordered the sample stains and plan to order the cleaner, brightener and stain. We have a new deck (roughly 6 months old) that is untreated. We just finished painting the ceiling of our overhang and a lot of paint sprayed and fell onto the wood. I’m trying to understand the process we need to follow before staining this deck. We planned to pressure wash and then sand to remove dirt and paint and also because some areas just need sanding. Then we’d follow with the cleaner, brightener and stain. Do we need to use the cleaner and brightener before pressure washing and sanding too? Or what would you suggest for this process?
Sand off the paint first and then clean and brighten while pressure washing.
I have a 3 year old pressure treated deck that has never been cleaned or stained. Looking to use your product, what is the recommendation? Cleaner, brightener and stain? I’m assuming I can skip the stripper since nothing has been applied before? Also, with it being 3 years old should I go with 2 coats wet on wet? Any other recommendations for cleaning/prepping? Is a pressure washer needed? Thanks!
Yes, clean and brighten for prep. No need to strip. 2 coats wet on wet for this.
Thanks! What is best applicator for cleaner, brightener? And for the stain?
Use a pump sprayer to apply the prep products. Stain brush for stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
I just finished building a small deck and playfort with swingset with pressure treated wood for my kids. If I read correctly I need to wait 3-6 months before I clean it, use the brightener and stain?
Correct.
Thanks!
I am really struggling with which color to go with. It’s between Cedar & Light Walnut. I’ve looked at every picture on your website and sometimes the 2 colors look the same on the pictures. I think though that the Light Walnut seems redder and the Cedar has more yellow & brown in it. Would you say that’s true?
Can I buy both colors and mix them to get a blended color??
Colors will vary based on your wood type and age. Best to test samples to see who it will look on your wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Yo can mix colors.
If I use the RAD Stripper, can I go straight to the Brightener after or do I still need to use the Cleaner between the two? Also, how much of the RAD stain do I need for a 300 sq.ft deck?
No need for the cleaner. About 3 gallons.
My deck is a year old. Can I apply 2 coats of stain?IIf so, how long to wait between coats?
Yes. See this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
Yes, I read this before asking. It says do not apply 2 coats to new wood. My year old deck hasn’t been stained yet. Is that new wood and I need to wait or is it ok to put a second coat now?
Thanks
am
A deck that is a year old is not new anymore. Apply two light coats wet on wet.
After applying one coat of RAD semi-transparent stain to new pressure treated decking and then waiting 12-18 months, do I need to clean, strip, or brighten before applying a light maintenance coat.
What are the steps for reapplication?
Clean and brighten.
Same question; stained new deck for 1st time last year with RAD semi-transparent. To clarify for this year, we should clean and brighten and then just ONE light maintenance coat?
Correct.
We had sand our whole deck after a cleaner we used last year ruined our deck leaving work wood pulp. We just finished doing this and would rather just go straight for staining of it’s possible since we’re afraid the products would undo our sanding.
FYI, cleaners do not ruin wood with pulp, that is a result of oxidation (graying of the wood) that has to come off. Your wood does need to be porous after sanding so you will need to do a final cleaning and brightening to open the wood grain for the stain.
It was all over the deck and it was a one year old deck so I was concerned. Since we already sanded it, do we still need to do the cleaner or the brightner should just do?
Do both. Just lightly apply and lightly pressure rinse. No heavy washing is needed.
We don’t have a power washer. Would a hose nozzle set to jet suffice to get the product off?
In your case, yes.
How much and for how long should we leave the applications? I haven’t gotten the products yet so I’m not sure if they include light application instructions.
10 minutes and then rinse off well.
I did the same thing last summer. It happened after I over-cleaned it and had to sand it before I could stain it. Next time I won’t wash it so aggressively in terms of water pressure, perhaps too much cleaner and too much scrubbing with a hard brush.
Deck was installed 12 months ago using Home Depot siena brown PT wood. It has not been stained yet. Bought semi transparent and solid stain today with cleaner and brightener. Do I follow the instructions for new wood?
Yes, correct. Two coats for the solid and one for semi-trans.
I am cleaning/brightening/staining an eight month old pine deck for the first time. Will the cleaner harm the finish on our black aluminum railings? Should I apply two coats of stain? Thank you.
It shouldn’t but always do a test spot first.
Will be first time staining a year old redwood deck. There are some knots in wood. Should I fill any of the knots and small holes with wood filler, or do anything else? Should this be done before or after I clean and brighten, the deck? First time staining does it need 1 or 2 coats? Will be using pressure washer and The RAD cleaner, brightener, and semi transparent stain. Thank you.
No. Wood filler will not work. Just leave as is. One coat should be good.
I have a deck that I put in two years ago, pressure treated pine, and I’ve never stained it. Going to stain it with semi-transparent RAD, water based (after cleaner and brightener). One coat or two? It’s more than 9 months old, so wondering. Thanks!
2 coats wet on wet.
I have an 11 year old cedar deck, 12 x 20 ft., that was previously covered in 3 coats of water based acrylic stain. Our cold winters in Spokane, WA finally caused the previous stain to blister and flake. Removal is almost impossible, so we decided to simply unscrew the deck boards and turn them over with the unfinished side up. This allows us to start over. Unfortunately I have had to sand the entire surface with 60 grit paper to remove old stain drips from the other side, as well as mildew and other minor discolorations. See photo of sanded boards (a day after rain).
1) We are looking at re-staining now with your semi-transparent product. This is at least 11 year old lumber, but will the sanding still require weathering before staining with your product as if it were new lumber? For what period would we need to weather? How many gallons would be needed to stain this 240 sq. ft. deck?
2) Should we decide to use a solid stain, will this type of stain crack and peel like the acrylic products do? Is there a limit to how many times it can be recoated before it fails and needs to be stripped?
Thanks for your assistance!
Weather for 1-2 months and then clean and brighten for prep. About 3 gallons. The stains do not crack and peel.
Any suggestions for semi transparent color for redwood deck, first time staining, has been 9 + months since installation.
Any color that you like. That is your preference.
hi, i am about to assemble a new ’10x’10 outside shade structure. all lumber is new clear unfinished blond toned cedar. this was a kit where all lumber is precut, drilled and ready to assemble. the four 6×6 post are made of four “1 inch thick pcs. with opening at bottom. {meaning not a solid column}. the rest of the wood is solid. most of column is solid just not the bottom. the wood is pretty smooth so i doubt you would consider it to be rough sawn. my question is do i still need to use a cleaner and brightner on it and should it be left to weather first because i would love to stain it before putting it outside. thank you
You will need to weather and the prep it.
I just purchased a indoor plant stand that I want to use outside on an uncovered porch. It is constructed of some sort of soft wood, made in China. Will your product work to make it weather safe? And if yes, do I follow the new wood process? Seems like weathering it outside will cause it to fall apart before the weathing time is up.
Pic
It will work but you will have to weather and prep it first.
Not sure if it will work on this. Post a picture.
Pic posted
I have a 250 sqft area of pressure treated deck incl stairs – 1 yr old- never been stained. Wish to use your cedar semi transparent stain. After cleaning and staining do you recommend a sealer? If so do you have one or do you have a recommendation?
No sealer is needed nor can you apply a sealer over a deck stain.
I will be laying down new 5/4″ cedar deck boards on a ground level deck with only 8″ or 10″ below joists to the ground. Your product says to wait several months before putting the stain on new boards, but I have to install the boards in the next couple of weeks. I would prefer to have protection on all 4 sides of the board, but installing them before finish would only allow me to protect 3 sides. What would you suggest in this situation?
No need to stain all sides and no advantage if you do. Install, wait, prep, then stain the exposed wood only.
Are you still shipping during this pandemic if we order through your website? Is shipping delayed?
Would any of your advice change for a new pine fence instead of a deck (waiting time, cleaning then stain, application type such as brush or pad, etc)
Yes, we are shipping and yes we are delayed. Use the above tips for a new wood fence.
When. Performing maintenance on a redwood deck, should I use cleaner and brightner before stain?
Yes.
We just received our materials for cleaning, brightening and staining our new barn (shiplap siding).The instructions on the back of the cleaner package say that the brightener gets applied right after the cleaner (while wood is still wet). Instructions then say to wait 48 hours but not more than 2 weeks before staining. This seems to conflict with information I have read on your website (indicating that stain can be applied a few hours after prep?). Can you clarify whether we need to wait 48 hours after prep before we stain? Thanks.
That’s if using a different brand of stain. If using the RAD Stain, then you can apply the same day as stated not the stains label.
I applied the semi-transparent cedar stain to a new pine deck last summer, now I plan on doing a maintenance coat in next few months. Do I need to use both cleaner and brightner again?
Also I have an outdoor sauna made from cedar, that I am building, the wood has been sitting inside all winter, do I do the same process of cleaner/brightner for this also
Yes, clean and brighten. Same for new wood as well.
Is there a step by step process (including tools to use) for how to apply the stain? I’m seeing paint brushes, mops, foam pads, bristle brushes, etc. and I’m confused on how to apply it properly.
All of these articles will help:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
Any of those tools will work but the yellow brush for the floors and paintbrushes for railings are best
About 8 months again I had a new deck installed. It’s southern yellow pine, KD, HT, RED. I’m looking to stain it but I heard yellow pine can be tricky. Can you recommend a color? After I get that here’s my plan:
1. Wait for a dry weekend and apply cleaner and brightener on Saturday
2. If it’s 70 and low humility(unlikely in Georgia) i’ll wait 2-4 hours and then stain, otherwise I’ll stain on Sunday
Does that sound right? Thanks for your help
Any of the colors would work. Best to try some samples and test to see which you would prefer. Your plan is correct as far as prep and staining.
I have some rough sawn timbers I plan to use a RAD stain on. They were just delivered today and are stored in a covered area. Will they need to be cleaned and brightened etc prior to staining?
If rough sawn wood, you can stain right after install. No need to prep unless dirty.
Hello, we stained our cedar deck in Oct 2019 with your semi transparent restore a deck in cedar. The color seems very orange looking to me, is there any way to tone down the color if we reapply this coming fall?
Thanks for any suggestions,
Linda
You could brown the cedar color some by adding some Dark Walnut into it. It is not possible to lighten it up.
I am staining some dog eared cedar fencing that I got from the home-improvement store. Is this considered new wood? Dose it have to be weathered or is it considered rough sawn and can immediately stain? Almost all of the fencing seems to be damp .
Post a picture to help determine if rough sawn or not.
I have an old redwood deck (~20+ years) that had a solid stain. I gave it a power wash to get some of the dirt up, but some of the old stain is still there. I am planning to sand it to get a nicer surface.
I have 2 questions:
1) If I sand any bits of the old stain off is that sufficient or do I need to use a product to get into the wood and remove it too?
2) After sanding can I clean/brighten/stain with RAD right away (after vacuuming) or should I wait for the new surface to weather a couple of months first?
1. You can use the RAD solid stain over the current solid stain but you cannot use the RAD semi-transparent stain unless you remove 100% of your current solid stain.
2. Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit. Pressure clean with the RAD products, let dry and then you can apply the solid stain.
What about the interior facing wood on these barn doors? They wont be exposed to exterior weathering during the wait period so how will stain penetrate?
It should be fine with no issues.