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
Will the RAD Stripper hurt my screens on the covered deck area? I am not removing them as they are still in great shape.
[quote name=”Bruce Ray”]I purchase a kit with RAD #1 and 2, plus Restore a Deck stripper. I was thinking that I should first clean the deck to remove the organics growing on the deck, the grey aging, and then strip it to remove any old stain. Reading this instructions, I’m not sure what order I should do things. It appears I should use RAD #1 first, then strip, and then brighten with #2? Can you help me?
True[/quote]
You do not need the Step 1 Cleaner if using the Stripper. Go right to the stripper and then the Brightener. Save the cleaner for maintenance coats down the road.
I purchase a kit with RAD #1 and 2, plus Restore a Deck stripper. I was thinking that I should first clean the deck to remove the organics growing on the deck, the grey aging, and then strip it to remove any old stain. Reading this instructions, I’m not sure what order I should do things. It appears I should use RAD #1 first, then strip, and then brighten with #2? Can you help me?
True
[quote name=”Robert Messelheiser”]When I strip the wooden deck
will RAD stripper take the paint
off my metal railings/columns?[/quote]
The RAD stripper does not strip off paint, unless the paint is alreadt peeling.
When I strip the wooden deck
will RAD stripper take the paint
off my metal railings/columns?
[quote name=”G”]I am planning on staining a 1 year old Brazilian hardwood deck that I sanded and sealed with Ipe Oil last year and again in May of this year since it has faded and worn and shows some small signs of dark mold. I would like to switch to Armstrong Clark, this time. Do I really need to use the stripper and brightener? Can I not just use the cleaner and brightener to switch oils?[/quote]
You do need to remove the IPE oil first so the stripper would be best. Stripping is no harder than cleaning, just apply and pressure wash off.
I am planning on staining a 1 year old Brazilian hardwood deck that I sanded and sealed with Ipe Oil last year and again in May of this year since it has faded and worn and shows some small signs of dark mold. I would like to switch to Armstrong Clark, this time. Do I really need to use the stripper and brightener? Can I not just use the cleaner and brightener to switch oils?
1. Once dissolved the stripper is at full strength
2. No shelf life for the brightener or stain stripper
3. You would need the cleaner for this area. The cleaner does have a shelf life of a few hours at most. Brightener does not clean wood, it neutralizes the cleaner or stain stripper while lightening the wood.
4. Yes
1. Once the stripper is mixed, is there a suggested wait time before using? Or, once the crystals are dissolved, is the stripper immediately at 100% strength?
2. I want to confirm that, once the brightner and stripper are mixed, they have no shelf-life. So anything left over at the end of the day will be just as effective the following day?
3. I have a covered deck and the underside of the roof has never been stained. It’s 20 years old and very dirty looking. I presume I’ll need to use the Cleaner agent first, then the brightner? Or will the brightner also clean this wood?
4. I replaced some old deck boards several months ago. I read that I should not use the stripper on that wood. Should I use the Cleaner to remove the mill glaze, then use brightner?
Thank you
Dave
[quote name=”Andy B”]Will the RAD stripper or brightener affect a colored and sealed concrete patio adjacent to my cedar deck?[/quote]
No it will not.
Will the RAD stripper or brightener affect a colored and sealed concrete patio adjacent to my cedar deck?
[quote name=”janet nelson”]I am doing a ceder sided house, is there any harm in stripping the whole house then coming back to re wet and apply the brightener or should it be done immediately after stripping. Is there any advantage or harm either way?[/quote]
Strip one side, brighten, and move to next side would be best.
I am doing a ceder sided house, is there any harm in stripping the whole house then coming back to re wet and apply the brightener or should it be done immediately after stripping. Is there any advantage or harm either way?
[quote name=”humafewtunes”]I just stripped and brightened a front deck. Now am finding out that I will not be able to stain this deck until 2.5 weeks from now, and it will be impossible to avoid using it in the meantime (i.e. construction crew walking back and forth over it).
What would you recommend I do before staining–cleaning/brightening? Thanks.[/quote]
Yes a light cleaning and brightening should be done.
[quote name=”Louise14845″]I have tried three products and NOTHING is working on the semi transparent stain that is 4 years old on a 22 year old deck.
I want to prep then stain the deck in a similar color.
I have recieved many conflicting reports; sand, never sand, just clean then stain, to remove all stain.
My deck is huge with 5 stairways and this is getting really expensive trying to prepare the deck for staining
Can you help?[/quote]
What brand of stain are you trying to remove?
I have tried three products and NOTHING is working on the semi transparent stain that is 4 years old on a 22 year old deck.
I want to prep then stain the deck in a similar color.
I have recieved many conflicting reports; sand, never sand, just clean then stain, to remove all stain.
My deck is huge with 5 stairways and this is getting really expensive trying to prepare the deck for staining
Can you help?
[quote name=”ShonB”]We have a large deck that was stained in 2011 with Flood semi transparent. This past year we have added a pool and extended the deck as well. I have purchased the stripper/brightener for the stained portions and cleaner/ brightener for my newer portion.
Should I work on stripping all rails / balusters before working on stripping the floor?
Also, will any of the products cause issues with pool (outside wall, , resin top rail, etc)?
Finally, do you recommend a stain type that will not get as hot in the sun? We have thought about trying to locate a gray one. Looking forward to getting this done.
Thanks in advance[/quote]
Strip the rails first then the floor. It should not harm the pool, but rinse well any over spray. Lighter color tend to have less heat. Not sure about the gray. Try Armstrong Clark in Amber tint.
We have a large deck that was stained in 2011 with Flood semi transparent. This past year we have added a pool and extended the deck as well. I have purchased the stripper/brightener for the stained portions and cleaner/ brightener for my newer portion.
Should I work on stripping all rails / balusters before working on stripping the floor?
Also, will any of the products cause issues with pool (outside wall, , resin top rail, etc)?
Finally, do you recommend a stain type that will not get as hot in the sun? We have thought about trying to locate a gray one. Looking forward to getting this done.
Thanks in advance
[quote name=”Tony Ritchie”]I have a new deck made with pressure treated wood. It has never been stained. I mistakenly purchased the Stain stripper instead of the deck cleaner. Can I still use the stain stripper to clean my deck or will it cause damage?[/quote]
We would not suggest this. Best to use a cleaner.
I have a new deck made with pressure treated wood. It has never been stained. I mistakenly purchased the Stain stripper instead of the deck cleaner. Can I still use the stain stripper to clean my deck or will it cause damage?
[quote name=”judd”]we use armstrong transparent redwood stain each fall for our redwood deck. couldnt fo the deck last fall. so its time now. the verticals are looking good but the horizontal deck surface needs stripping and staining. do we need to strip the verticals too? we normally clean and recoat without brightener or stripper.[/quote]
It would be best to strip all and brighten so it is even.
we use armstrong transparent redwood stain each fall for our redwood deck. couldnt fo the deck last fall. so its time now. the verticals are looking good but the horizontal deck surface needs stripping and staining. do we need to strip the verticals too? we normally clean and recoat without brightener or stripper.
[quote name=”Jeff Harris”]Hi. I am at a point where I need to stain my deck. The only problem is I don’t remember if I used a semi-transparent or solid stain previously. The retailer I bought it from doesn’t sell it anymore. Instead of buying a whole $29.99 product, would there be a way that I could buy a “small” sample from you from which to try out on a very small portion of my deck to see if it will strip the old stain? If it does successfully, then I will place another order afterwards to complete the whole deck. If it doesn’t, then I will have saved money and prevented wasting your product. I again only need a small enough sample to try stripping old stain from a “very small” section of wood. Please advise.
Best regards,
Jeff Harris
[/quote]
I am sorry but we do not have samples of our stripper. A solid stain looks like a paint and does not show the grain of the wood while a semi-transparent does show the grain of the wood.
Hi. I am at a point where I need to stain my deck. The only problem is I don’t remember if I used a semi-transparent or solid stain previously. The retailer I bought it from doesn’t sell it anymore. Instead of buying a whole $29.99 product, would there be a way that I could buy a “small” sample from you from which to try out on a very small portion of my deck to see if it will strip the old stain? If it does successfully, then I will place another order afterwards to complete the whole deck. If it doesn’t, then I will have saved money and prevented wasting your product. I again only need a small enough sample to try stripping old stain from a “very small” section of wood. Please advise.
Best regards,
Jeff Harris
[quote name=”diane dulude”]Does the temp need to be above 45 degrees all day and night or only during daytime[/quote]
For applying the Stain Stripper, best to be above the 45 while using the product. Does not matter what temp it drops to at night.
Does the temp need to be above 45 degrees all day and night or only during daytime
[quote name=”Dee Jay Donlin”]Hello,
We recently moved to a home that has a cedar deck covered with Cabot semi-solid deck and siding stain (sandstone color). It is worn (some places have bare wood showing and other places are still completely covered). It is ready for restoring. We are wondering if your stripper would remove the semi-solid stain? It looks like we may need to go with the stripper and brightener rather than the cleaner and brightener.
Please advise.
Sincerely,
Dee Jay Donlin[/quote]
It depends on if this old Cabot is a water based or oil based stain. I assume it is water based since it is custom color. This means it is a filming stain like a solid stain where it dries on top of the wood. These type of stains are the hardest to remove with a stripper as you are almost removing a paint. The RAD stripper and pressure washing will remove much but possibly not all. In this case sanding the rest will be required. FYI, RAD strippers will not remove a paint or solid stain. Your water based semi-solid is one step below a solid stain when it comes to difficulty of removal.
Hello,
We recently moved to a home that has a cedar deck covered with Cabot semi-solid deck and siding stain (sandstone color). It is worn (some places have bare wood showing and other places are still completely covered). It is ready for restoring. We are wondering if your stripper would remove the semi-solid stain? It looks like we may need to go with the stripper and brightener rather than the cleaner and brightener.
Please advise.
Sincerely,
Dee Jay Donlin
[quote name=”DanB”]I used the Restore-A-Deck stripper today on my deck. It did a great job even though I may have to go back and re-do a few spots. I had intended on applying the Brightener when I completed the stripper, but discovered the brightener was in my wife’s car. So, after stripping, the deck has dried out completely. So, should I apply the brightener as a stand-alone step, or, since I have a few spots to touch up with stripped, just do the stripper again and then apply brightener?[/quote]
Spot strip what you need to then brighten all at the same time. Let the brightener sit on the wood for at least 20 minutes before rinsing.
I used the Restore-A-Deck stripper today on my deck. It did a great job even though I may have to go back and re-do a few spots. I had intended on applying the Brightener when I completed the stripper, but discovered the brightener was in my wife’s car. So, after stripping, the deck has dried out completely. So, should I apply the brightener as a stand-alone step, or, since I have a few spots to touch up with stripped, just do the stripper again and then apply brightener?
[quote name=”dale fraser”]do any of the 3 RAD products have a shelf life once mixed where they are no longer effective
Thanks[/quote]
The Cleaner becomes inactive after an hour or two. The Stripper and Brightener do not have a shelf life.
do any of the 3 RAD products have a shelf life once mixed where they are no longer effective
Thanks
[quote name=”Bruce Kapp”]do you know if anyone has been successful in removing Penofin with your RAD stripper.
Thanks[/quote]
Penofin can be removed with the RAD stripper.
do you know if anyone has been successful in removing Penofin with your RAD stripper.
Thanks
[quote name=”Dan Beke”]Do I have to use the brightener immediately following the stripper? Could I strip the deck this week and then use brightener a few weeks later when ready to re-stain? If I do use the brightener immediately after the stripper, how long do I have before I have to apply the new stain?[/quote]
Yes you need to neutralize with the brightener as soon as possible after the stripping, while the wood is still wet. Let dry for 2-3 days after the prep to apply the stain.
Do I have to use the brightener immediately following the stripper? Could I strip the deck this week and then use brightener a few weeks later when ready to re-stain? If I do use the brightener immediately after the stripper, how long do I have before I have to apply the new stain?
[quote name=”Jane”]I have olympic maximum cedar naturaltone semi-transparent exterior stain on my 8 year old deck that gets full sun in North Carolina. What would you suggest as a means of stripping and then restaining?[/quote]
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and a pressure washer to remove. Neutralize with the Restore A deck Brightener when done.
I have olympic maximum cedar naturaltone semi-transparent exterior stain on my 8 year old deck that gets full sun in North Carolina. What would you suggest as a means of stripping and then restaining?
[quote name=”jen fournet”]Two questions:
1) Is this and appropriate produce for redwood screened porch walls?
2) Do walls need to be scrubbed clean before using this product?
Thanks,
Jen Fournet[/quote]
You do not need to clean before stripping. It can be used on redwood.
Two questions:
1) Is this and appropriate produce for redwood screened porch walls?
2) Do walls need to be scrubbed clean before using this product?
Thanks,
Jen Fournet
[quote name=”Rob”][quote name=”TheSealerStore”][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.[/quote]You should brighten after the stripping now to neutralize.
I’m in a similar situation. I am getting new PT deck boards now on a multilevel deck, but the original risers between levels will stay in place and they need to be stripped. I probably will not stain until spring. If I strip the old wood before the new deck boards are in place, do I have to brighten them now as well, or can I wait to until the new boards are in place and then apply cleaner to both new boards and stripped wood in the spring and then use brightener on both and then stain it all at once? This would avoid having to apply stripper to the risers after the new boards are in place.[/quote]
[quote name=”TheSealerStore”][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.[/quote]
I’m in a similar situation. I am getting new PT deck boards now on a multilevel deck, but the original risers between levels will stay in place and they need to be stripped. I probably will not stain until spring. If I strip the old wood before the new deck boards are in place, do I have to brighten them now as well, or can I wait to until the new boards are in place and then apply cleaner to both new boards and stripped wood in the spring and then use brightener on both and then stain it all at once? This would avoid having to apply stripper to the risers after the new boards are in place.
[quote name=”Chad”]I’ve replaced a number of the horizontal boards on my deck with new pressure treated pine. I intend to strip the remaining old boards and stain the whole deck.
When stripping stain from the old boards, should I try to avoid getting the stripper on the new wood?[/quote]
That wil not be possible to avoid. Also you cannot stain brand new wood right away. Best to wait until spring to do the deck. Make sure to brighten after the stripping. Minimize the dwell time of the stripper on the new wood as much as possible.
I’ve replaced a number of the horizontal boards on my deck with new pressure treated pine. I intend to strip the remaining old boards and stain the whole deck.
When stripping stain from the old boards, should I try to avoid getting the stripper on the new wood?
[quote name=”RedBarn”]If I use RAD’s stain stripper to remove existing stain, am I still supposed to use RAD’s cleaner prior to brightening and staining? Or does the stain stripper already clean the surface?[/quote]
No need to use the cleaner of you use the stripper. Use the brightener after the stripping.
If I use RAD’s stain stripper to remove existing stain, am I still supposed to use RAD’s cleaner prior to brightening and staining? Or does the stain stripper already clean the surface?
[quote name=”mofarmerchick”]Just a huge THANK YOU for getting rid of my orange deck! Your product is great – still a lot of work mostly due to the 100+ spindles placed every 6 inches on my 10 x 40 deck but I can honestly say that stripping them all would not have been possible for me without your wonderful product. Still have a bit of touch-up to do on a few orange spots still left on the floor that I didn’t notice until the floor dried completely (I think I rushed those sections and didn’t leave the stripper on long enough as it was getting late and I was getting very tired) but I am SO very pleased with the results. But I do have one question – my wood no longer looks like treated wood – is it possible I did something wrong and stripped out the chemical used to treat it? Thank you thank you thank you for helping me love my deck again. :-)[/quote]
You cannot strip out the chemicals. Did you apply the brightener?
Just a huge THANK YOU for getting rid of my orange deck! Your product is great – still a lot of work mostly due to the 100+ spindles placed every 6 inches on my 10 x 40 deck but I can honestly say that stripping them all would not have been possible for me without your wonderful product. Still have a bit of touch-up to do on a few orange spots still left on the floor that I didn’t notice until the floor dried completely (I think I rushed those sections and didn’t leave the stripper on long enough as it was getting late and I was getting very tired) but I am SO very pleased with the results. But I do have one question – my wood no longer looks like treated wood – is it possible I did something wrong and stripped out the chemical used to treat it? Thank you thank you thank you for helping me love my deck again. 🙂
[quote name=”Christine”]I’m a bit confused, and can’t tell from the instructions. I have a deck I’m refinishing, which still has areas that have a previously applied solid deck stain that I want to remove before refinishing. Seems I need to use the stripper, but if I use the stripper, do I still need to use the cleaner/brightener? If I don’t use the cleaner, do I use the brightener after the stipper?[/quote]
Restore A Deck Stripper does not remove solid stain. You will have to sand the solid stain off. Once removed you would use the cleaner and brightener kits for the prep.
I’m a bit confused, and can’t tell from the instructions. I have a deck I’m refinishing, which still has areas that have a previously applied solid deck stain that I want to remove before refinishing. Seems I need to use the stripper, but if I use the stripper, do I still need to use the cleaner/brightener? If I don’t use the cleaner, do I use the brightener after the stipper?