Restore-a-Deck Wood Stains can be applied to damp or dry wood but is best applied to damp wood. Easier and will avoid potential Hot Sun Application Issues.
Hot Sun Stain Application Potential Issues
Before you start your wood stain project, ensure your temperature conditions are optimal for best results. The air temperature should be between 45 degrees F and 90 degrees F. Check the weather forecast and do not start the staining process if the temperature is expected to drop below 45 degrees or if rain is a possibility in the next 12 hours.
If applying the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain in full sun we suggest that you apply to a damp deck. Either 1-2 hours after prep or if the wood is already dry, lightly mist the deck with water prior to applying. Make sure all standing water/puddles are gone before applying the RAD stain.
Why do this?
- The surface temperature of wood in full sun can be 20-50 degrees higher than air temperature.
- The Restore-A-Deck Stain will be much easier to apply damp wood.
- Applying to damp wood will help avoid “flash” drying of the stain in full sun. This will allow the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain to properly penetrate the wood grain as it dries and avoiding any potential issues.
- Applying the Restore-A-Deck Stain on overcast days, mornings, or afternoons will also help to avoid potential full sun application issues.
Make sure you mix Restore-A-Deck wood stain well initially and periodically throughout the staining project. Protect all non-target surfaces with cardboard or drop cloths. For equipment, you can use the Restore-A-Deck Stain Brush (if using the RAD Semi-Transparent Stains), hand brushes, or staining pads to apply. Apply the stain to vertical surfaces such as railings or posts first and protect the horizontal surfaces from the excess stain. Apply stain to the full length of the board, making sure to not break in the middle of the board.
Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips
We recommend allowing the surface to dry for 24 hours before walking or placing furniture on the surface.
Have you completed the Restore-A-Deck 3 step process in one day? Any tips we are missing? We want to hear your reviews. Be sure to comment with any photos and let us know how the project is holding up over time.
Thought one coat would be ok but would like to apply a 2nd coat. Can I go over the 1st coat after a day?
Grey semi tranparent
You cannot. Second coats have to be applied wet on wet. Once it fully dries it will not take a second coat for 61-2 months and after proper prep.
What in the world does” 61-2 months” mean? Does that mean you have to wait 59 months?
6-12.
how long after applying the stain to damp deck does it need to rest before it can be used
6-12 hours typically.
I stripped and brightened a 20 yo ipe deck. Used rad products last yr and this yr. Is 1 wk too long an interval between brightening and semi-trans. stain? I’m in AL.
No. Stain within two weeks of prep.
thank you
I will be using stripper and the two additional additives you recommended for strip my 10 month old cedar. What is my BEST method for application of said stripper an additives? Just spray io on with sprayer? Should I power wash off after it sits prescribed amount of time or is a high pressure nozzle on a hose adequate? THANKS again for your help!
Use a quality pump sprayer to apply. You have to pressure wash off after.
1. How long can a new unopened container of semi-transparent RAD stain be stored?
2. How long can a previously opened container be stored?
1. 2-3 years.
2. 12 months
best practice would be to store left over stain so that container is completely full with no air pocket.
What is the best method for applying the solids stain. Can this be sprayed? Thanks.
Use rollers and brushes for the RAD solid stain. An airless sprayer will work as well.
I have the yellow brush sold I your store is that recommended?
We have had customers use it successfully when applying the solid stain.
I used the restore-a-deck cleaner, brightener and semi-transparent stain last year on IPE. Do I need to use the clear/brightener again before re-staining? or will just a power wash be okay?
You need the prep products when reapplying.
How long can it be between deck prep (clean and brighten) and application of solid stain?Also, what is your preferred method of application of solid stain?
Stain within two weeks of prep. Use rollers and brushes for the RAD Solid Stain.
Hello,
Thank you for all your help so far! After cleaning, prepping and staining how long will it take to cure? It’s going to be in the 60s with moderate low humidity. How long until I can have a bbq and have a bunch of people step on it? Thank you!
24 hours.
I live near Sacramento, where the summer sun can be pretty brutal on a redwood deck. I had a new redwood deck built almost 2 years ago. Unfortunately, I applied a Sherwin Williams deck stain before the deck had fully cured. Before long it turned black. I reached out to you and you suggested your deck Stripper followed by the Brightener and then you recommended a TWP Stain (I chose Natural-1530). Everything turned out great. Now I’m looking at it and wondering if I should use your Cleaner and apply another coat of the stain? It doesn’t look bad but seems to have lightened up quite a bit. Should I just apply another coat of stain directly? Thank you.
Post a picture of the current condition and we can let you know if you need to do another coat this year or next year.
Some of the darker areas on the deck are from furniture & umbrella stands
Looks fine for now. Prep and redo all in 2023.
Would I prep with the cleaner or back to stripper and brightener?
Cleaner and Brightener.
Lattice was stained also.
Can I use a roller application for the semi transparent stain– I have a large pier and dock to stain (2500 sq ft) and using a brush seems labor intensive
Use a stain pad or brush, not a roller. Rollers splatter and are hard to get on evenly with the semi-transparent stain.https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
We’ve done one coat of solid stain but ran out and are waiting for a second gallon to ship. Will it be ok to apply the second coat after a few days? If not, is one coat sufficient? The container says to let first coat dry before second coat.
Yes, you can do this with the solid stain.
regarding the instructions “Check the weather forecast and do not start the staining process if the temperature is expected to drop below 45 degrees or if rain is a possibility in the next 12 hours.”
confirmation does this mean 45 degrees during the staining process or next 12 hours just like rain possibility ? asked another way – I plan to do the actually staining when it is over 45 degrees however it is forecasted to fall below 45 degrees tonight which is less than 12 hours. is it ok to stain under these conditions? thank you
It can drop below 45 but not freezing the first night after applying.
I have a 200 sq ft deck that has been sanded using 80 grit sandpaper. I am ready to prep and do rad solid stain. I have a few questions.
1 How many ounces of the cleaner and brightener do I dissolve per gallon.2 Do I use warm water to help it dissolve3 Do I need to rinse the cleaner off with a pressure washer or just a garden hose. The deck appears clean.4. It looks like I can use a garden hose to rinse off the brightener5 I have a 2000psi electric pressure washer. What color tip should I use to rinse off the deck to prevent damaging my deck
6. how far away from the deck floor should I hold the wand to not cause damage.
I want to thank you for answering all my questions. This is the first time I am doing the deck so I have had a lot of questions. Attached is a picture of the deck after I sanded.
1. 8 oz per gallon. 2. Do not need warm water.3. Pressure washer is best4. Pressure washer is easier for rinsing.5. Green or white6. 8-12 inches
Only one coat of the stain.
Just placed my second order for 5 gallons of semi transparent stain in a weeks time, but with this 5 gallon oder I also ordered 3 replace application pads. I was charged 16.90 shipping on a Charge. I read that if you order deck tools with a 5 gallon order you are not charged shipping, so why was I charged shipping charges
Hello,
Where did you see that the replacement pads ship free with a 5-gallon purchase?
First sentence, restore a deck products, are products offered on your restore a deck purchase site. If you are offering these products on your site under deck tools, and they are ordered with your restore a deck stain and cleaning products as listed, then they should ship free. How is the public suppose to know any different, unless of course, it is a stain manfactured by someone else.
Ground Shipping
-Free shipping 5 Gallon Pails & Restore-A-Deck Products. RAD Booster & Thickening Gel ships free if RAD Stripper is in same cart. RAD Staining Brush ships free if RAD Stain is in cart.
-Other products will be charged shipping if not a 5-gallon pail or RAD Product.
-No Free Shipping to Canada. Brokerage is included in shipping costs to Canada.
$0.00 $16.90 $0.00 $0.00 Total $0.00 $0.00 $231.89
Thank you for purchasing at Restore A Deck
Restore A Deck
Restore A Deck
VAT-ID: XYZ-DEMOReg.Nr: DEMONUMBER
Hello,
Restore-A Deck Products have the “Restore-A-Deck” name in the item name. “Padco” the name of the pad and is not a Restore A Deck product. It does state this as well prior to checking out “Other products will be charged shipping if not a 5-gallon pail or RAD Product”. Shipping charges are also on the cart page with this full description about what is free shipping or not prior to paying for anything.
We will be using the Restore A Deck Stain Brush (semi-transparent RAD stain). With how much stain should the brush be loaded? And since the deck surface is very large, can we reload the brush to finish each board length? How do we avoid overlap? Do we sweep back/forth or only in one direction? The deck has been stripped, brightened. We are using hot sun application.
Just dip into the stain and spread evenly. It is not that complicated and you will get the hang of it in a few minutes. Go with the grain of the wood.
I have a 195 sq ft deck that gets sun most of the day. The deck was peeling bad in some sections. The previous owner had 2 coats of solid stain on it. I do not know what brand the bottom layer is. The top layer was done in a cobalt solid oil stain. I sanded the deck with 80 grit. I got most of it off but could not sand the sides of the boards. I swept it and blew off all of the sand dust and that hosed it off.
1] Can I use rad semi-transparent on it or will it not adhere to the areas that still show some stain2] can I apply stain now or do I need to do more prep work, if so what needs to be done3] I cannot use a stripper because I have wood shingles that go down and meet the deck boards.4] If I have to use the solid stain will it soak in to where some stain is showing.5] will moving chairs around on the deck scrap up the stain and leave marksattached is a picture of the sanded deck. If you enlarge it you can see some of the old gray stain that would not come off. I would appreciate any other tips you can give me. Thank You
1. Probably not. 2. Clean and brightener for final prep as this will help the stain to penetrate better. Easy to do at this point.4. Solid stain is best for you. It will cover any old stain.5. it should not unless you have very heavy metal chairs. We would not drag those types if possible.
I am not sure if you got my picture so I will try sending now.
Use the solid stain.
1]For the deck that as been sanded and prepped how many gallons of the RAD water base solid stain will I need for 195 sq ft2]What type of roller cover will I need3] what type of brush will I need4]do I apply a thin 1st coat, wait 24hours and apply 2nd thin coat5] do I brush the sides in between the boards first and than roll the top of the boards with the stain6] I it looks like rain within 24 hours of doing the 1st coat can I wait a few days to do the 2nd coat
Any other advise you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks you for all of the advice above you have given me.
1. About 2 gallons.2. Any roller will work.3. Any paint brush will work.4. Apply the second coat the same day as the first coat, as soon as it is dry.5. You can do this.6. No, same day is best.
Directions are on the containers for more tips.
I am confused after reading the instructions for applying Rad solid stain. You said to apply 2nd coat the same day as soon as 1st coat is dry. It says solid stain will be DRY TO TOUCH in 1-2 hours, but says “complete cure on walk on surfaces takes 24-48 hours.” If I walk on top of first coat after 2 hours to apply 2nd coat won’t it mark up where I walk or possibly peel up the first coat since it is so fresh. Should I be safe and wait 24 hours before doing 2nd coat. I do not want to mess it up after all the work I did in sanding & prepping. Please explain and advise. Thanks
No, walking on it not going to harm it after it is dry to touch. Do not wait 24 hours, do the same day before full cure for best results.
I have read the instructions on Rad water base solid stain. It does not state how much stain to apply for each coat. 1] Should I apply a thin 1st coat, meaning it would show some of the wood . Than after it dries apply another thin coat 2] Also if using a roller do I go over the same area with a brush? 3] Is a roller or stain pad better?
1. One coat covers about 200 Sq feet per gallon. Cover it fully with the first coat. Let dry and repeat.2. No need to back brush.3. Roller and brush for the solid stain.
I have no luck in using a garden sprayer. I have 2 and neither will spray right. Can I use the cleaner and brightener mixed in a bucket and use a deck brush to apply.
Yes, but it will take a longer this way. Pressure wash after using the cleaner.
I sanded the deck on 4/10/21. Due to the weather and other issues I will not be able to prep and stain my deck for another two weeks. I hope this will be ok and hope I do not have to sand again. Will I have any problems waiting so long?
No need to sand again.
You answer s a little confusing. does your answer to my question mean i do not have to sand again.
Yes, that is what we said.
Hi. I notice that you recommend a brush to apply semi-transparent stains. Is this not recommended for solid stains? If not, what is?
You can use a hand brush and roller for applying the solid stain.
What are the best applicator tools for a pergola?
Stain pads or brushes.
Which color nozzle on the Chapin Sprayer is best for applying the RAD Stripper and Brightener? This is a cedar deck that was installed a year ago and was given one coat of Penofin at that time.
Yellow or red.
I read in other sections of this site that if using the cleaner and brightener that you should allow your deck to dry before applying stain. Other tips in the restore in a day and wet on wet, and even hot sun, sections indicate I can clean, brighten, and stain all in the same day. What is the best approach? I have a 5 year old deck and it has been completely sanded and is ready for cleaner.
If using the RAD Stains you can do the same day. Any other brand of stain you will need to wait 48 hours after prep.
I have a cedar-tone pine treated pier that is now 5 months weathered, what do you recommend for the staining process.
See here for new wood stips on prep and staining: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
I had washed the deck about 4-5 weeks ago and used a brightened about a week ago. I am planning to do the staining in 2-3 days. Would that be OK? Or Am I gonna need to do the whole chemical cleaning process and the apply the brightened again? It rained a few times in the meantime.
Also, can I apply the RAD semi-transparent stain with a Deck&Home Universal Sprayer (or an HDX sprayer )?
or can I use a Quickie outdoor brush to apply it?
Thanks
It should be okay to stain. You can spray but you will need to back brush to ensure it is applied evenly.
I can go with a brush instead of a sprayer, then. But would this Quickie Heavy Duty Jobsite Deck Scrub Brush be OK?
That will not work to apply. Bristles are too stiff. You need a brush like this. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/deck-tools/restore-a-deck-wood-staining-brush/flypage.tpl.html
I see but I don’t have time to order the brush. Please recommend another one that I can buy at Home Depot or Lowe’s. i need to do the staining as soon as possible. Please advise. Thanks.
Lowes or HD will not carry a deck stain brush like this. Just regular hand brushes.
Should I try a pad then ? Wouldthat be betterthan a sprayer?
Stain pads are much better than hand brushes. Any quality one should work.
Got it. Thanks
If I’ve RAD stripped, light sanded, and just finished RAD brightener, by just got a surprise weather warning for a storm tonight, can I stain (RAD semi) in a couple days? Any additional prep needed before I stain assuming it is within a couple days?
No other prep is needed. Just stain when you can.
Thanks
Okay I see on another comment that I need 4-8 hrs dry time before any rain and I’m not going to make it. So now my question is how many days can I wait between strip/sand/brighten and RAD semi stain? And do I have to do any additional prep if I have a couple days gap between prep and staining?
The instructions say the surface temp should be under 90 degree when applying…. but is it ok if the temp goes above 90 later in the day after the staining is complete? Also my deck was stripped, cleaned and brightened about 4-5 weeks ago but we didn’t get to the staining. What do I need to do now to prepare it for staining hopefully tomorrow?
It can go higher later in the day. Lightly clean and brighten again for prep.
I have 8×8 rough cut cedar on my front that has turned gray, will this restore the natural color? If I use the natural stain do I need to deal it with a water sealer after staining?
Use the RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kits first for pre and then stain and it will look like new. You do not apply a sealer over the RAD Stain.
I only have one access door into the house we live in. What is the minimum time veggie you can walk on the treated surface as I also have a dog that will have to go out to go to the bathroom..
4-6 hours after applying.
I just installed (6/27) some new 4″x6″ pressure treated lumber with ground contact on one edge at the bottom of a steep bank. When can I apply your semi-transparent stain and do I have do any special prep work before using other than cleaning?
See here about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
I am trying to find an optimal day to stain my deck. I live in SW Missouri, and the humidity tends to get very high in the summer. Next week there is a sunny day with high temperatures forecasted to be 90 but with high humidity too. Should I wait for a day where temps andor humidity are lower? I’m most concerned about effects of humidity.
Humidity is not so much an issue as the temps. Do not apply above 90.
the temperature will peak at 90 deg, is that fine i’m staining. If not what should i do
Just follow the directions above.
ok i misted the deck until it looked a little damp, and less than 2 min later the wood looked like it hadn’t had any mist on but i continued anyways to stain, and the stain color doesn’t look as strong as the other days i stained when it wasn’t this sunny or hot. Today it’s full sun and 90, any recommendations?
The color would not change based on the temps. Just continue doing what you are doing.
ok should i remist other areas that dried up right before staining them?
That would make it apply easier.
ok how much of a mist? and shouldi wait beforeapplying stain?
Wait before applying.
Finished and looks great. We live in a snowy area is there any problem with putting down some heavy duty rubber mats on the porch to provide some traction?
It should be fine but make sure the stain is fully cured. Takes a few days.
We have applied a single coat of stain to the floor of the deck and plan to wait a few days before applying the second coat. Should this cause any problems?
No, you cannot do this. Second coats need to be applied wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
You can clean and recoat in 6-9 months but not now, it will not take.
What will happen if we apply the 2nd coat? When you say clean, do you mean strip off and start over?
I have stainless steel cables for balusters. Is it okay if I get the cleaner or brightener on the metal?
Yes, it will be fine.
Applied today with no rain in the forecast and a surprise rain hit us 4 hours after I applied. Will it be okay?
You should be fine.
I went with one coat on my 10 month old new deck. It looks like I should have went with two. Can I apply a second coat now since it’s not a wet on wet coat?
No, not at this point. You can next Spring.
Here’s a photo.
Looks great, does not need more.
I have the light walnut restoreadeck.
I used another cleaner couple days ago but want to switch to RAD cleaner and Brightener. Can I do that or will there be a difference? Becki from Erie PA
Just redo all the prep and you should be okay.
Thing is what I did already is a lot but our deck is 2100 sq feet just horizontal so I prefer not to redo what I just did. The wrap around to our garage is cleaned and 3/4 of the whole deck still needs cleaned. I’d like to use Rad for that job. The wrap around to garage done cleaned butts up to rest if deck by 2 steps. Do you think it still would show the two cleaning projects at a disadvantage? Because our deck is huge, I need to really ask and be sure.
It is possible that the end results turn out differently due to the current prep materials. There is no way to say for certain that it will or will not have a different appearance.
The walk way was cleaned with another cleaner. The rest I’d like to use rad.
The walkway looks like you have an old stain on the wood and that means you need to strip it and then brighten.
I have completed stripping and brightening my 3 year old redwood deck. It appears I missed a couple of spots. Can I go back and just treat as I would have done at the start? Have not applied the TWP 1500 yet. Live in warm Sacramento area.
Just spot strip and then brighten again.
One other question. Is it possible to “over brighten” and get a bleached look? Maybe it is such a stark contrast to the problem I had which was a blackening from the Sherwin Williams Deck product. I suppose 2 coats of stain might be warranted? I selected the TWP 1530 Natural. Thank you for your quick reply, by the way.
No, you really cannot over brighten the wood. 2 coats.
I have power washed and drum standed my pressure treated deck and still have some deck boards that are not down to bare wood. As a new home owner, I am not sure how the deck was coated, solid stain or possibly paint. If I use RAD stripper with additives and still have not been able to remove the remaining coating, can I still apply RAD solid stain? If not, how should I proceed?
You do not have to remove 100% of the current stain to be able to use the RAD Solid Stain.
Applied semi-solid oil base stain last year. Can I apply restore-a-deck solid this year?
As long as you use the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kits for prep, you should be okay.
Just installed a new redwood deck. There are a few of the cuts we need to sand. Any suggestions on deck prep and a transparent stain for Colorado. Thank you
See here about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Any color that you like will work after the wait and prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain.html
I have a 20 year old treated wood deck that had a solid stain. Last year year we power washed, scraped and sanded the deck and rails and got most of the stain off but due to Chicago weather ran out of time to stain.
A few weeks ago we went over the deck with a hand sander using 60 grit paper. I have RAD solid stain and am ready to stain tomorrow. I have your cleaner and brightner but need clarification on next steps.
I clean then brighten. Then wait 2 hours to stain? I’ll start with the rails but the floor will be dry by the time I start. Do I need to moisten the floor first?
How long do I wait between coats?
Is is better to put on 2 coats on the rails on day 1, then 2 coats on the floor day 2? Can I apply to dry wood?
Or 1 coat on rails and deck day 1 and 2nd coat on both day 2?
thanks.
No need to moisten the floor again. Just continue staining until done. Recoat as soon as the first coat is fully dry. Do it all the same day if you can.
I have cleaned, stripped, neutralized and sanded with 100 grit a solid stain cedar deck. I didn’t have time to do the staining. It then rained for a week. I thought I’d wait until there was no rain for a full day and no rain predicted for a full day after staining. Would you advise waiting until no rain for 2 days? It’s a bit confusing how wet the deck can be for successful staining. Since I had to wait for a week of rain to stop will I need to do any further prep when I begin to stain?
No more prep is needed. You can stain 1 day after the rain stops.
BTW, you sanded too fine. 60-80 is the finest.
I just applied 1 coat of RAD cedar stain after meticulous prep per directions (cleaner,stripper, brightener.). Ran out of stain for second coat. Upon drying many blotchy light/dark areas. 2 questions- What happened? and will application of a second coat a week after 1st correct the blotchy appearance? Thank you for your prompt response. A bit disappointed in the result of using RAD so far.
The only reason it would dry blotchy would be due to uneven application, not applying the second coat wet on wet as instructions say, or you applied in the hot sun. Unfortunately, second coasts have to applied wet on wet, not wet on dry. Applying another coat a week later after the first coat has dried could result in the second coat not properly adhering or penetrating into the wood. It would be best to leave as is for now and in the Spring, do a light wash to remove dirt only and apply a coat then to even it out. This way it will soak in better.
See here for Hot sun and Wet on Wet tips:
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/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
See my post below. The photos I added were taken this morning. Now, in full sun, the deck looks pretty different–more stripped than I had thought. It’s even a little paler than these updated photos show. Am I close to having it stripped, or should I give up? If I do continue stripping, could I use a different brand, to avoid having to wait for shipping?
You are pretty close. Some of the areas that look darker may not even be old stain but the wood color after the stripper raises the pH, darkening the wood. Have you applied the brightener yet to see if it lightens evenly?
Well no, since it’s clear that not all of it is stripped. I have ordered more RAD stripper, plus the additive to increase the time I have to work on it, and this time I’ll do it in sections. Thank you for your help!
I forgot to mention that the wood is pressure-treated pine.
I purchased your stripper and brightener in order to remove the very orange stain that had been applied previously (Woodrich Timber Oil, last applied 3 years ago). I so regret that decision.
Yesterday I applied the stripper to my entire deck–12′ x 16′ plus steps and minimal railings. I tried to keep it misted, but it dried so quickly that I couldn’t keep up. What a fiasco! It was definitely a 2-person job, but I was on my own. Apparently the stripper should have applied and removed in sections, not the entire deck. I spent HOURS trying to remove the stain with a pressure washer.
Now what I have is a mess, and I’m not even sure what kind of mess. The deck is partially stripped, much of the deck has a fuzzy texture, and I have serious doubts that all of the stain will be removed with another application of the stripper (which is gone anyway). At this point, I’m willing to go back to the orangy Timber Oil instead of switching to a different stain (TWP 100). But can I, considering how splotchy it is?
I need to do something ASAP!
Best to strip again and then brighten so it all evens out. The TimberOil is very easy to strip and the wood will be fine until you get more stripper.
Can I stain the deck in the early morning while the temperatures are in the 70’s if the temps will reach low 90’s by the afternoon? Or will the stain need temps between 45 and 90 for at least 24 hours?
You can do stain in the 70s and have the temps rise into the 90s later after you are done.
I have an older Ipe deck that I need to prep for restaining. I bought the RAD stripper and brightner products and tested them out on three boards. I was disappointed with 2 of the boards but the middle one was good. I am writing to find out what might be different for the two that didn’t strip well – note the slight brown streaks going along the grains. I applied the stripper for 15 minutes, mixed at 1/3 cup for 1/2 gal, completely dissolved. The stripper actually dried on the boards during the 15 minutes and all three boards looked black while the stripper was on them but then they assumed their normal color after the brigthner/rinse and they had completely dried. I can sand out the brown flecks but I think the stripper is working well, see the middle board, and I want to get that performance on the rest of the deck. I’ve attached a picture of the boards dry and wet to show the details better. Suggestions? Finally, any tips for how to strip/brighten a whole deck? It is about 20 feet long by 15 feet deep. I was thinking to do 3 boards all the way across at one time and then rinse and brighten so the stripper is not on the boards too long. But that seems like a hassle to keep the stripper/brightner off the boards yet to be stripped. Looking forward to advice.
This should be an easy strip. Apply to all wood. Wait 15 minutes and then start to pressure wash off, Mist the areas that you have not worked on yet periodically with water to keep the boards wet. This will keep it from drying out. When done with all wood, rinse and apply the brightener right away.
It should be an easy strip – so WHY did two of the boards not strip easily?
Try dwelling longer and use a pressure washer to remove. It also mixes at 8oz per gallon of water.
What color stain are you using?
Applied initial coat of RAD semi transparent stain fall of 2018 and now ready to apply maintenance coat. Forecast for this memorial Day weekend here in Alabama is dry and very hot, highs upper 90’s and lows in the 70’s. Should I use RAD cleaner, pressure wash, and apply stain first thing in the morning allowing stain to dry throughout heat of day? Or should I clean and apply stain close to dusk allowing to dry overnight?
Do in am.
I have just used the RAD step 1 and 2 on a 1 yr old cedar deck. The results, while very labor intensive w/o a pressure washer, turned out great. There was not enough time left in the day though for me to begin applying your Natural semi-transparent stain. I would like to try and get the rails stained after work tomorrow, and then the deck boards stained after work the following day. Since the wood will likely be dry, do you recommend I lightly dampen the wood again with a hose first on each day of stain application?
A light mist of water to dampen the wood will make it so it is less hot and easier to apply.