Restore A Deck Stain Stripper Instructions and How To Help
Maintaining a wood deck will ensure you get the longest lifespan and most use out of the extra outdoor living space. To maintain the appearance of a deck it should be cleaned and recoated every couple of years on average.
When preparing a deck for refinishing it is vital that it be cleaned properly. It is important to remove any old stain or sealer remnants that may be on the deck that would block the new stain or sealer from penetrating the wood properly.
Restore A Deck Stain Stripper is a specially designed two-step system for stripping old transparent and semi-transparent deck stains from wood prior to refinishing. There are some basic step-by-step instructions for stripping a deck with the RAD Stain Stripper system.
Restore A Deck Stripper Steps
1. Be sure air temperatures are within 45-90 degrees before starting.
2. Remove all furniture and décor from the deck and the surrounding area. Move at least 20 feet away and downwind from overspray.
3. Although RAD products are Eco-Friendly it is still recommended to cover any sensitive landscaping, shrubbery, and/or plants or pre-wet with water. Make sure to rinse well any overspray that may get on plants.
4. Cover any windows, doors, and other areas of the house with plastic or pre-wet with water.
5. Be sure to wear personal protection equipment such as eyewear, gloves, and clothing.
6. Mix Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper by following the suggested instructions. Mix until all the crystals are fully dissolved. If using a pump sprayer to apply, mix in a separate bucket first and transfer to sprayer to avoid clogging of sprayer inlet tube.
7. Option 1: Mist fresh water onto the deck then apply RAD Stain Stripper using a pump sprayer or scrub brush. This is the most effective way.
8. Allow RAD Stain Stripper to sit on wood for 10-15 minutes or until the surface becomes slippery. Keep misting deck with water so is not allowed to dry.
9. Gently pressure wash at 1500-2000 PSI or hand scrub vigorously the deck until all dirt, grime, and gray fibers are removed. Rinse deck, shrubbery, and surrounding area with fresh water. Pressure washing is more effective.
10. Reapply RAD Stain Stripper to any stubborn areas repeating steps 7 & 8 to remove old stain or sealer as much as possible.
11. While wood is still wet apply Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener following the mixing instructions and using a pump sprayer. The RAD Wood Brightener does not need to be washed or scrubbed, simply rinse off after 10 minutes of dwell time. Make sure to rinse the RAD Brightener thoroughly for 20 minutes until all soap suds are removed after the 10 minutes dwell time.
Important Note: Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper may not fully remove Solid Color Wood Stains, Paints, Varnishes, and Excessively Over-Applied Acrylic Semi-Transparent and Semi-Solid Coatings. To remove these deck and wood stain types, use the RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper
Need Help Stripping an Old Stain? Ask Below!
Do you Have a Difficult to Remove Coating?
Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Additives
[quote name=”mofarmerchick”]Can I strip my covered deck on a rainy day?[/quote]
Not in a pouring rain. A light rain should be fine.
Can I strip my covered deck on a rainy day?
[quote name=”mofarmerchick”]I’m getting ready to start my deck stripping project and have a couple more questions. I have a large deck so the stripping will be done over several days. What is an acceptable gap between stripping and brightening? What is the shelf life of the stripper after it has been mixed? You mentioned in another post that the stripper should be mixed in a bucket then transferred to the sprayer. Is there a reason why it can’t be mixed in the sprayer? I think that’s all for now – thank you very much for your attentiveness in answering questions about your product. Support like that is truly appreciated![/quote]
Best to brighten the same day as stripping and all the wood at the same time. If you cannot do it the same day then just do all at once. Stripper and brightener do not have a shelf life when mixed. Do not mix in the sprayer as you may not get all the powder to dissolve and that would create a possible clogging issue in the sprayer tip.
I’m getting ready to start my deck stripping project and have a couple more questions. I have a large deck so the stripping will be done over several days. What is an acceptable gap between stripping and brightening? What is the shelf life of the stripper after it has been mixed? You mentioned in another post that the stripper should be mixed in a bucket then transferred to the sprayer. Is there a reason why it can’t be mixed in the sprayer? I think that’s all for now – thank you very much for your attentiveness in answering questions about your product. Support like that is truly appreciated!
Thank you. I’m getting ready to start my deck stripping project and have a couple more questions. I have a large deck so the stripping will be done over several days. What is an acceptable gap between stripping and brightening? What is the shelf life of the stripper after it has been mixed? You mentioned in another post that the stripper should be mixed in a bucket then transferred to the sprayer. Is there a reason why it can’t be mixed in the sprayer? I think that’s all for now – thank you very much for your attentiveness in answering questions about your product. Support like that is truly appreciated!
[quote name=”mofarmerchick”]Good morning,
The instructions on the package say to test on a small area before using. Since I don’t want to mix up an entire gallon before I’m ready to use it what ratio of stripper to water would you recommend to mix a small amount for testing? I want to make sure I’m testing with a proper proportion to get an accurate test of whether it will work to strip off the current stain.
Thanks in advance.[/quote]
1 oz of powder to 2 cups of water would be the same ratio as 8oz to 1 Gallon.
Good morning,
The instructions on the package say to test on a small area before using. Since I don’t want to mix up an entire gallon before I’m ready to use it what ratio of stripper to water would you recommend to mix a small amount for testing? I want to make sure I’m testing with a proper proportion to get an accurate test of whether it will work to strip off the current stain.
Thanks in advance.
[quote name=”loose51″]I applied Olympic semi-transparent stain on my new 100 sq ft porch floor made of pressure-treated pine. I didn’t stir often enough AND I did more than one board at a time.Now I have very dark lap marks. Is using your stripper & re-staining (correctly!)the best option for me?
Thank you![/quote]
You would need to strip, pressure wash and then brighten for prep. You may need to strip and pressure wash more then once as well it is hard to remove a newly applied stain.
I applied Olympic semi-transparent stain on my new 100 sq ft porch floor made of pressure-treated pine. I didn’t stir often enough AND I did more than one board at a time.Now I have very dark lap marks. Is using your stripper & re-staining (correctly!)the best option for me?
Thank you!
[quote name=”JIM BORDEN”]Hey folks, if you have a gap in time, say months, between striping and applying stain, should you apply the brightner right after staining or wait until your ready to stain? JIm[/quote]
If you wait months between the stripping and staining, you will need to clean then brighten for prep.
Hey folks, if you have a gap in time, say months, between striping and applying stain, should you apply the brightner right after staining or wait until your ready to stain? JIm
[quote name=”Sam”]I am looking for something to effectively strip “Sikkens Cetol Siding Rails Decks Semi-Transparent Stain” from a deck in preparation for refinishing.
Currently, some parts of the deck has checking, peeling and weathering. I have removed the looser checks through power washing (set on wash, then strip), but in many places the stain remains(between checks). Appears to be time for a stripper and a different stain.
Your RAD Injectable Stain Stripper has great reviews, but your product description says is is not intended to use for removal of solid deck stains or paints. Do you think it will work on the Sikkens?
Also, is it correct that after using the stripper, the the cleaner is not needed before using the brightener? Is the cleaner needed at all?
Thank you.[/quote]
As long as it is not the “shiny” varnish looking Sikkens version, then yes the RAD stripper should work. Best to pump spray on the stripper then pressure wash off. No need for cleaner if you use a stripper first.
I am looking for something to effectively strip “Sikkens Cetol Siding Rails Decks Semi-Transparent Stain” from a deck in preparation for refinishing.
Currently, some parts of the deck has checking, peeling and weathering. I have removed the looser checks through power washing (set on wash, then strip), but in many places the stain remains(between checks). Appears to be time for a stripper and a different stain.
Your RAD Injectable Stain Stripper has great reviews, but your product description says is is not intended to use for removal of solid deck stains or paints. Do you think it will work on the Sikkens?
Also, is it correct that after using the stripper, the the cleaner is not needed before using the brightener? Is the cleaner needed at all?
Thank you.
[quote name=”nsprincing”]We have a deck that is 19 years old. It was stained early on but in recent years has only been power washed with water/bleach.
We have your RAD cleaner & brightener and today started to clean a small portion of the deck (14X12). It is a hard job & we have been at it for 5 hours.
Should we first have used the RAD stripper to help do the job? We have 3/4 of the deck to finish and running out of energy.
How can we make it easier?
We live in Northern Michigan on Lake Huron with lots of trees, and ice and snow off the Lake in the winter.[/quote]
If you have an older stain still then yes you would need the stripper to remove.
We have a deck that is 19 years old. It was stained early on but in recent years has only been power washed with water/bleach.
We have your RAD cleaner & brightener and today started to clean a small portion of the deck (14X12). It is a hard job & we have been at it for 5 hours.
Should we first have used the RAD stripper to help do the job? We have 3/4 of the deck to finish and running out of energy.
How can we make it easier?
We live in Northern Michigan on Lake Huron with lots of trees, and ice and snow off the Lake in the winter.
[quote name=”rocketmanpj”]There are several hinges and pieces of other hardware bolted to the wood on our deck/siding. Do these need to be removed prior to using the stripper/brightener.[/quote]
There should be no need but it always best to test to make sure there is no reaction between the products and the hardware.
There are several hinges and pieces of other hardware bolted to the wood on our deck/siding. Do these need to be removed prior to using the stripper/brightener.
[quote name=”Robert Pickett”]In step 7, it mentions either using a pump sprayer or chemical injector from a pressure washer.
Is option 1 saying that a pump sprayer is more effective than the pressure washer for this?
Thanks![/quote]
Yes a pump sprayer will be more effective for most scenarios.
In step 7, it mentions either using a pump sprayer or chemical injector from a pressure washer.
Is option 1 saying that a pump sprayer is more effective than the pressure washer for this?
Thanks!
[quote name=”Mike Schwarz”]I have a 7 year old 200 sq ft cedar deck stained with Behr Premium Natural Transparent Weatherproofing Wood Finish. We re-stained the deck two years ago and decided on stripping and re-staining this year. I used the Behr stripper product (4 times over) and only got about half the stain off. Just applied a coating of Restore A Deck stripper in a test area using a scrub brush per the instructions but still don’t seem to be making any progress after leaving the product on (and keeping moist) for 30+ minutes. Any advice on what we are doing wrong? Do I need to use a stronger mix of stripper (having done the 1 cup stripper + 1 gallon of water)? Or do I just need to get a sander and finish the job that way?[/quote]
Sounds to me you have buildup of the Behr stain to the point that is is filming on top of the wood like a solid deck stain. Deck Stain strippers will trouble removing when a excessively thick acrylic filming stain like the Behr. Can you reply to your email (not here as it is hard to do) with a picture so we can determine the best course of action?
I have a 7 year old 200 sq ft cedar deck stained with Behr Premium Natural Transparent Weatherproofing Wood Finish. We re-stained the deck two years ago and decided on stripping and re-staining this year. I used the Behr stripper product (4 times over) and only got about half the stain off. Just applied a coating of Restore A Deck stripper in a test area using a scrub brush per the instructions but still don’t seem to be making any progress after leaving the product on (and keeping moist) for 30+ minutes. Any advice on what we are doing wrong? Do I need to use a stronger mix of stripper (having done the 1 cup stripper + 1 gallon of water)? Or do I just need to get a sander and finish the job that way?
[quote name=”Dwayne S”]I have a 400 sq ft Mahogany deck that was sanded and stained with BM Arborcoat semi-transparent stain. I’m looking to strip, sand, brighten and apply TWP 1500 stain. My plan was to strip with RAD, sand, and then use the RAD brightener prior to staining. Will this work? Is the stripper a waste of time if I’ll be sanding, or will I even need to sand after using the stripper?
Thanks[/quote]
You will definitely need to sand to remove the Arborcoat but you will remove some with the stripper so it will be an easier sand.
I have a 400 sq ft Mahogany deck that was sanded and stained with BM Arborcoat semi-transparent stain. I’m looking to strip, sand, brighten and apply TWP 1500 stain. My plan was to strip with RAD, sand, and then use the RAD brightener prior to staining. Will this work? Is the stripper a waste of time if I’ll be sanding, or will I even need to sand after using the stripper?
Thanks
[quote name=”Susan M”]I used your product two summers ago and my deck still looks beautiful. Wondering if I should re-stain just deck floor this spring to keep it looking beautiful. Do I need to re-clean and brighten before reapplying Armstrong Clark oil or can that wait another year as long as deck looks fine?[/quote]
If you reapply then you will need to prep with the RAD products.
[quote name=”Lance Nethery”]I have a transparent oil based Superdeck stain on my decking.It needs to be redone and my queston is should I strip it or can simply use the cleaner and brightner.
Thanks.[/quote]
Strip and brighten it.
I used your product two summers ago and my deck still looks beautiful. Wondering if I should re-stain just deck floor this spring to keep it looking beautiful. Do I need to re-clean and brighten before reapplying Armstrong Clark oil or can that wait another year as long as deck looks fine?
I have a transparent oil based Superdeck stain on my decking.It needs to be redone and my queston is should I strip it or can simply use the cleaner and brightner.
Thanks.
[quote name=”Jugs”]Can I use the same sprayer for both the Stripper and Brightener[/quote]
Yes you can.
Can I use the same sprayer for both the Stripper and Brightener
[quote name=”Kevin A.”]Hi. If I am using the stripper first but also want to sand for a smooth finish to an older deck, what order am I going in? Strip, sand and brighten? Or strip, brighten and sand? Or does it matter? Thanks![/quote]
Strip first, light sand when dry, and brighten and rinse well when done.
Hi. If I am using the stripper first but also want to sand for a smooth finish to an older deck, what order am I going in? Strip, sand and brighten? Or strip, brighten and sand? Or does it matter? Thanks!
[quote name=”Mike S.”]I am interested in purchasing and trying your Restore-a-Deck until I read that is is not recommended for solid stains. I have a 15yr. old deck with peeling/weathered solid stain that is in need of a refresh. Do you have any products that you could recommend to remove solid stain?
Thanks,
Mike[/quote]
Mike, it is not possible to strip a solid stain effectively with a deck stain stripper. No stripper will do it. It will get off some but you will still need to sand ti get it all off.
I am interested in purchasing and trying your Restore-a-Deck until I read that is is not recommended for solid stains. I have a 15yr. old deck with peeling/weathered solid stain that is in need of a refresh. Do you have any products that you could recommend to remove solid stain?
Thanks,
Mike
[quote name=”Dan Maker”]Hello, Is the RAD stripper save to use around aluminum. I have aluminum stiles between the rails on my deck.[/quote]
Depends if the spindles are clear coated and the type they are. Rarely an issue but some of the older spindles where not made well and you could get a reaction from the RAD brightener.
Hello, Is the RAD stripper save to use around aluminum. I have aluminum stiles between the rails on my deck.
[quote name=”Cameron Brister”]Good morning, I used an Armstrong Clark semi transparent stain on a cedar deck three years ago. Underneath, I sanded all I could but there are still remnants of an old coat of Behr premium stain, particularly in hard to reach places. I’m looking for reccomendations for a chemical stripper to take that stuff off.[/quote]
Try the RAD Stain stripper and pressure wash off. Make sure to use the brightener when removed.
Good morning, I used an Armstrong Clark semi transparent stain on a cedar deck three years ago. Underneath, I sanded all I could but there are still remnants of an old coat of Behr premium stain, particularly in hard to reach places. I’m looking for reccomendations for a chemical stripper to take that stuff off.
[quote name=”Sue”][quote name=”TheSealerStore”][quote name=”Sue”]The chemical injector on my pressure washer mixes detergent at a ratio of 1:20 with water. How much powder per gallon of water should I use to make the stripper solution? Thank you[/quote]
Not sure if that ratio will work well or not. It is really watering down the stripper at 1:20. Do you know what stain brand and type you are removing?[/quote]
Unfortunately, don’t know the stain brand but there is not much of it left on the deck. Make stripper solution twice as concentrated? Also, what kind of pressure would you recommend for injecting the stripper? 100 psi? 500 psi?[/quote]
You would be best to get a pump sprayer and apply the stripper that way. Injectors work well for certain types of stain removal but since we do not know the type, it is possible it might not work as well as you would like. Pressure does not matter when injecting the stripper but you must use a black soap tip when injecting.
[quote name=”TheSealerStore”][quote name=”Sue”]The chemical injector on my pressure washer mixes detergent at a ratio of 1:20 with water. How much powder per gallon of water should I use to make the stripper solution? Thank you[/quote]
Not sure if that ratio will work well or not. It is really watering down the stripper at 1:20. Do you know what stain brand and type you are removing?[/quote]
Unfortunately, don’t know the stain brand but there is not much of it left on the deck. Make stripper solution twice as concentrated? Also, what kind of pressure would you recommend for injecting the stripper? 100 psi? 500 psi?
[quote name=”Sue”]The chemical injector on my pressure washer mixes detergent at a ratio of 1:20 with water. How much powder per gallon of water should I use to make the stripper solution? Thank you[/quote]
Not sure if that ratio will work well or not. It is really watering down the stripper at 1:20. Do you know what stain brand and type you are removing?
[quote name=”Sue”]How long do I have to use the stripper after mixing?[/quote]
It does not go bad or have a shelf life.
The chemical injector on my pressure washer mixes detergent at a ratio of 1:20 with water. How much powder per gallon of water should I use to make the stripper solution? Thank you
How long do I have to use the stripper after mixing?
[quote name=”Brandee Black”]Hello,
My question is, if I use a stripper on our deck do I sill need to use a cleaner or just the brightener. Sorry if this was answered somewhere in your webpage.
Also if I am sanding the deck do I still need to Stripper or a Cleaner?
Thank You
Brandee[/quote]
If you use a stripper you do not need a cleaner but will need a brightener. If you sand you should use the cleaner and brightener after the sanding.
Hello,
My question is, if I use a stripper on our deck do I sill need to use a cleaner or just the brightener. Sorry if this was answered somewhere in your webpage.
Also if I am sanding the deck do I still need to Stripper or a Cleaner?
Thank You
Brandee
[quote name=”Mike Tokoly”]What kind of coverage can I expect using the pump type sprayer?
Will the stripper kill any mildew that might be present?
Thanks[/quote]
It does kill mildew and coverage varies on stain you are removing as some are more difficult then others. 750 sq. feet is about average.
What kind of coverage can I expect using the pump type sprayer?
Will the stripper kill any mildew that might be present?
Thanks
[quote name=”Bob Ishibashi”]What do you mean by chemical injector? Is it the soap applicator in my pressure washer?[/quote]
That is an injector hose that comes with some pressure washers. You also would need the soap tip.
What do you mean by chemical injector? Is it the soap applicator in my pressure washer?
[quote name=”JIM BORDEN”]Hi there, just bought a house that the PO had applied Super Deck semi transparent which has tung oil and other oils. It has turned black/brown and a few parts wearing thin..
The weather here in central Oregon is turning cool.
Should I use your stripper or should I use your cleaner to clean this mess up?
Should I sand first or wait for the cleaner or stripper to do their thing?
Should I wait for warmer weather?
Thanks Jim[/quote]
Stripper then brightener. No need to sand as the stripper and a light pressure wash will remove.