How to Apply Restore-A Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain with wet on wet application
Applying your Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain easily to exterior wood is a reality thanks to advancements in wood stain technology. It should be noted that there is a technique for applying to exterior wood for best results. This is called wet on wet application. Following this wet on wet application guideline is recommended when you wish to apply a second coat of stain on top of your first coat of stain before the first coat has completely dried or cured. This allows for fewer issues to arise over the drying period for a perfect, clean, finished product.
Our recommended guidelines for wet on wet stain application:
- Always properly prep your wood surface first with Restore-A-Deck Cleaner or Restore-A-Deck Stripper followed by Restore-A-Deck Brightener.
- Hot sun application tips: Restore-A-Deck Stain Hot Sun Application
- Start with vertical surfaces first, such as railings. Make sure horizontal and other surfaces are protected from excess paint. After the first coat is complete, apply a light second coat to the top of the railing only between 20 minutes to 1 hour after the first coat has been applied.
- Repeat this process for all benches or vertical structures.
- Once all vertical surfaces are stained, apply one coat of Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain to flooring and horizontal surfaces, ensuring the entire floor is covered.
- Reapply a second light coat 20 minutes to an hour after the first coat has been applied to all flooring and horizontal areas.
- Note that it is ok to walk on the first coat of stain even if it has not dried completely, but take precautions to not step in your second coat of stain to ensure a smooth finish.
Some final tips:
- Only apply 1 coat to new wood. Skip the second coat, you won’t need it. See here for tips on new wood: Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
- Wear shoes and clothes you do not care about getting the stain on. It’s bound to happen.
- Apply the coats quickly to ensure you are not overlapping
- Only apply 1 overall coat to vertical surfaces while horizontal surfaces may require 2
- Avoid excessive application, filming of the stain may occur
- It is recommended to use the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain with the Restore-A-Deck Stain Brush, stain pad applicator, brush, or sprayer. If using the Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain, use a hand brush, roller, or airless sprayer.
If you need Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain application help, feel free to post a comment. If you have any suggestions or tips we are not mentioning, we want to hear from you. Leave a review including pictures of your finished product and indicate how well the project has been holding up over time.
We have two separate decks both have been power washed and prepped. The upper deck is maybe ten years old and was previously stained. Should we do one coat or two? Should we use a wet on wet technique? Do you use this wet on wet technique on railings? The lower deck is three years old but has never been stained? How many coats and what technique? Rain is predicted many nights how long should the stain be on before it is ok to be rained on?
Did you remove all previous stain for the upper deck? You will have to if you want to use the RAD semi-transparent stain. Two coats for both decks. Wet on wet application. No rain for 6-8 hours after applying.
I prepped my older deck by sanding it first to remove the fuzzies. While I used 60 and 80 grit in most areas, I used 36, 40, and 50 grit in the more difficult areas before applying the semi-transparent stain. I was reading today that it should only be 60-80 grit. Not sure how I missed this. I only put one coat of semi-transparent stain and it looks okay. I can see some of the sanding marks. Do you think I will need to re-sand it? It’s a huge deck 12 x 36. How soon can I add another coat?
In the process, I sanded some of the fastener screws. And now the wood has become discolored due to the corrosion. Will that be an issue?
Last question, on two other smaller decks, after sanding those, I did the wet on wet application. And again I read today, after sanding only coat once. Is this a matter of wait and see? One deck looks perfect, the other one it was getting dark outside so there is some overlap in a few small areas. Can I spot sand the overlap and re-stain the whole deck with another coat, and if so, how soon?
Thanks so much. At least I’m getting good deck experience! I’ve been very happy with the RAD product.
No need to resand. You may want to replace the screws that you sanded as that will turn into black rust spots. Wait and see on the other decks. You cannot spot fix the overlaps. You cannot add another coat on top once it has dried right now. You can in 9-12 months.
Thank you so much. Unfortunately I already have black rust spots. The deck is quite large. Do I sand the black spots out and then replace the screws? And do I need to strip the deck and start over? Or since there’s only one coat on it, can I spot sand the dark spots and apply wet method in 9-12 months?
Or do I not worry about the black spots? Will they harm the finish or wood? Or cause the stain to fail?
I used a Bosch belt sander to sand due to improper stain project previously and then fuzzies.
Thank you so much.
You will not be able to fix the spots unless you strip it all down and then brightens the wood. Might want to wait until next time. I would not worry about them. They will not cause any issues.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I’m going to replace the screws that have not caused an issue yet, and not worry about the rest and see what it looks like next year!
Before I sand a deck the first thing I do is to check the screws for height. They should be below the surface to be sanded. Sanding will lower the overall thickness of the deck board. The screws are galvanized coated and sanding removes the coating and thus the rusty screws you may have.
This is the same deck as above images show. Almost two months later, mold stains are appearing all over the lower deck. I was careful to prep properly. I had sanded and cleaned and used wet application.What can I do?
That is on top of the stain and cannot be prevented. Try “Wet and Forget” cleaner.
I’ve stained my deck using the RAD semi-transparent in natural. Can I change it to light walnut, or must I strip it first?
It would be best to strip it fort to ensure an even coverage.
Do you have to do wet on wet application for both semi-transparent and solid stains? Or can I just do two solid stain coats at my leisure without having to worry about overlap marks?
Not solid stains. The second coat goes on after the first coat fully dries for solid stains.
I have sanded the whole boat house area to get all the old stain off that soaked into the old wood. The stripper did not work and caused the old wood to open up and had to sand it anyway. I am ready to stain. I am using a brush and a staining pad. The old wood, in parts, is very ruff so a pad would catch. I was going to apply with a brush and wipe with the pad. Is this OK.
Just one coat for sanded wood. No need to back wipe, just apply one coat evenly.
Good morning, I bought two glider benches made of pine. It’s not treated. Can I use your stain on this as a protectant? I’d like to use the same volt I put on the deck. They’ll sit on a patio next to the deck and think the colors will go well. Thanks
Yes, but you need to treat it like new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Thanks, I bought them at Christmas so they are not new. They are several months old but they have been stored in a shop. So they are dry and clean. Do they need to be exposed to the elements for 3 months? Thanks
Yes. Then prep.
My deck had some Lowe’s junk applied last time (I will never do that again, used TWP in the past and it was great!). I used the combo stain stripper with booster added and then the brightener. I probably did too much work than needed as I pressure washed it clean first, but anyway. The stuff worked really good but there are some small dots left over on a few boards. While I was waiting for it to dry I sanded a couple spots and that did the trick. So being the perfectionist that I am, I decided to sand the whole thing. I am doing that tomorrow (washed it on Saturday btw). I have a few questions though. After I sand it I have read I just sweep, vac and then use a “tack” cloth. I was going to use a plain microfiber for the tack cloth since I bought the water based stuff. Can I just skip that and rinse it down real good since this stuff is water based and I read on one site that it actually absorbs the this stain better when damp? I plan on using a stain pad to apply. I am kind of nervous about this and I do have a pump sprayer. Will the results from them be the same? I just think spraying might be easier and faster and less room for messing it up. I have spent a lot of time already so I dont mind if that is the best route. Please let me know…..thanks!
Sanding reduces the stain’s ability to soak in. You should let it sit for 1-2 months now and then clean and brighter for final prep. Also only one coat of stain after sanding. Applying to damp wood later is okay and use a stain pad.
I have a few questions. First, I have a solid stain on my 1000 sq ft pressure treated pine that has solid chocolate brown Coronado Maxum stain. I am sanding down to the bare wood. I read that I should treat this as new wood and use only one coat. How long should I wait before staining with your semi transparent. New wood is supposed to weather several months before staining but I also read in one reply to wait one month after wood has sanded to bare wood to stain. I’m not sure which way to go with this. Second, my 700 sq ft deck skirting is solid board with the same solid stain. I want to do a two tone scheme with the verticals stained using your solid white stain. Some of the current stain is flaking and pealing but by and large most of the stain has remained well adhered to the boards. Can I get away with sanding off the lose stain and applying over top of the existing stain? Lastly, some of my railing posts have checked and I want to know if I can use painters caulk to fill the cracks and cover with the solid stain? Thanks!
1-2 months is okay and then clean and brighten for prep. Just one coat. Yes on sanding the loose stain and then applying the solid stain. As long as the caulk is paintable, you should be okay.
What about using painters caulk to fill some cracks in the vertical posts before staining with our white solid stain? I didn’t get a reply to that question. Can I use that?
Yes, we replied to that. See above.
“As long as the caulk is paintable, you should be okay.”
Thanks.
Looks like only one pic came through. Trying to send more here.
Hello, okay, sending some pics. All wood you see is old. I power washed all wood you see over the past few days. I plan on using your semi transparent stain on all wood you see, even what is up under the roofing. Do you think this will work out, be okay, to stain all of it? Secondly, your brush sounds good for the flooring, but could I use a roller or regular paint brush on the non flooring pieces as it seems like that might give me better control? Thanks a lot for your time and feedback.
You should clean and brighten the wood for final prep. You can stain all wood. Do not use a roller. Stain pads and brushes are best.
I have a 20×10 foot floating dock. I will be staining it in the hot sun. I live in Florida, so it gets hot. If I mist the whole dock, it might be dry before I get to the rest of it. Can I use a spray bottle mister to re-wet the area that might dry. Is it alright to apply with a large paint brush?
You cannot stain this in hot sun: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
You also cannot spray bottle it just prior to applying. Use a stain pad for applying. Much faster than a brush and soaks in better.
In regards to my sanding question: I will be staining with RAD light walnut stain.
I used RAD stripper and brightener today. There are a few rough railing/fence areas that I want to lightly sand with 60 grit. Is it OK to lightly sand and then stain without stripping/brightening again?
Hand sand to remove splinters, not power sanding as they could lead to uneven application.
Can I strip just the six boards and restain them now?
It is not possible to spot strip boards. You could sand it off. Use 60 grit.
I did the wet on wet application and accidentally second coated only half the length of six adjacent boards. Naturally this is right in the middle of the deck and is very noticeable. What can I do to correct this?
You cannot spot fx this after it has dried. Sorry.
I have a floating dock 10X20 ft. I have stained it before and the stain peeled or faded. I have pressure washed the wood and sanded, but some stain still remains. I like the semi-transparent stain. My dock is 300 ft out in the water. I have a lot of work. What do you suggest?
You will need to strip and brighten the wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/order-restore-a-deck/rad-kits-best-price/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/flypage.tpl.html
Once done, you can use the RAD stains.
What kind of hand brush is recommended for applying semi-transparent stain to horizontal deck boards? Thank you! (I forgot to order the deck stain brush when I placed my order, and I don’t want to wait on shipping.)
Use a stain pad not a brush. Any brand will do.
My 8 yr old redwood deck previously had a solid stain on it that was badly flaking, so I completely sanded the deck down to bare wood. I do not see it anywhere in your tips about sanded wood whether I should I treat sanded wood as new wood. Should I do 1 or 2 coats for semi-transparent stain on this deck?
One coat. Make sure to use the RAD Cleaner and the RAD Brightener for the final prep.
Can you use an airless sprayer to apply the Semi-Transparent Stain?
Yes.
Just some clarification needed with respect to number of coats on vertical surfaces.
In your recommended guidelines it says:
“Start with vertical surfaces first, such as railings. Make sure horizontal and other surfaces are protected from excess paint. After the first coat is complete, apply a light second coat to the top of the railing only between 20 minutes to 1 hour after the first coat has been applied.”
Then in Final Tips it says:
“Only apply 1 overall coat to vertical surfaces while horizontal surfaces may require 2.”
So is 1 coat on vertical surfaces typically enough (after cleaning and brightening of course)? Thanks!
Yes, one coat is okay for vertical parts.
I stained my deck using the Restore-A Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain with wet on wet application.
I finished staining 3pm with temperature of 68 -70 degrees F. I live in Toronto Canada and unfortunately the weather forecast was not accurate and by 7pm it started to rain. I was heartbroken.
1)- What’s the damage done?
2)- What do I next.
Please help.
It is probably okay but best to address the situation after the rain stops and dries off the wood.
Thx. Do I need to apply another light coat after it dries off?
No.
I have a 20×20 foot cedar deck which we just pressure washed the prior Cabot stain (deck is 1 year old) how much stain would I need to purchase? We just had two days of hard rain and are due to get more in two days or so. How wet can the boards be in order to apply, the reviews I’ve read said your product can be applied to damp wood?
See here about damp wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
For amount needed, use the calculator to the right of this page (desktop) or at the bottom if on mobile.
I only need to do the deck railing – The floor is Trex. I measured 320 square feet (160 on each side). The deck is at least 15 years old and I need to strip semi transparent stain. From the explanation above, I only need one coat for the rails, but 2 for the top of the railing? how many gallons do I need?
Also the top of the railing has no stain left. Can I use the stripper there too to make it easier or do I need to have cleaner for the top and stripper for the rails?
Strip all is fine. About 2-3 gallons should work.
What is the best product to remove dried stain from vinyl siding?
Try Goof off.
What, not why. Thanks
Second coats need to be applied wet on wet, not wet on dry. The first coat once cured will not allow another coat to soak in if only 48 hours later.
Good morning, I had a crew prep and stain my deck yesterday. It does not look like they did a a good job of applying the stain equally and appears to be drying with splotches. Can I put another coat on tomorrow? It will be within 48 hours or do you think that’s too long? Also, I see some spots where they let the stain drip and puddle. Can those spots be sanded out and stained over? Really disappointed in their work but having to deal with it. Thanks
No, you cannot add another coat if the first coat has already dried. You would have to weather for 6-12 months, prep and then apply another coat. You could try to spot sand the spots sand then reapply but you would have to take it down to the bare wood and it may not blend after.
Why would the prep steps be at the 6 month timeframe? Cleaner only? Thanks
Correct.
Ok, and only one coat at that time? Will that be enough to even out the application? Thanks
Yes, one coat and should help to even out.
I finished step 1 (clean) and step 2 (brightener) 3 days ago on my deck. When starting the staining do I need to dampen the wood at all? Or can I apply the stain to the dry wood?
Either dry or damp. See here about hot sun tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
I’m new to staining and had a concern with overlapping and best application practices.
I’m going to order a cedar stain 5gal kit for the white cedar fence on the front of my house (84′ x 4′ x 2) just to see how it looks before I fully commit with the rest.
1.) My plan is to tackle the front on one day and the back for another day. Will I have any issues on the 2nd day using the cleaner and brightener on the side opposite of a finished and stained side?
2.) This is new wood (10 months old) and vertical so I think only one application is recommended? Would I need to get a wood moisture meter. The wood seems sufficiently dry.
3.) Will I only get visual overlapping if I accidentally hit an area that has already been stained and is outside the 20min-1hr window?
4.) Since I plan on doing one side in the same day, could I use the cleaner and brightener on the whole section and then move onto staining? I saw under step 3 that the stain was best applied same day as prep 2-4 hours at 70F and 50% RH.
5.) What is the process I would go in? I saw a video someone was power washing, but I don’t see that mentioned anywhere in the steps.
Sorry for all the questions. I’m trying to be thorough in my prep.
1. Do all the cleaning/brightening first before doing any staining.
2. Depends on if the wood is smooth or dry. Most likley you will need two coats for the fence.
3. Probably. Best to do back and front sides on the same day to avoid this.
4. See #1.
5. All steps are on these links:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-cleaner-instructions.html
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
So if I do all the brightening and cleaning day 1 and then come back the 2nd day for staining will I need to dampen the wood again? I’m going to wait for an overcast day so I don’t need the full sun application which says to dampen wood.
Yes, you can lightly dampen the wood.
Fence is smooth and dry. If I use a sprayer do I need to do any back brushing? My plan is to cover as much as I can in 30 minutes left to right and then going back over with a second coat for the next 30 minutes. And then moving onto next section. Provided I can keep the same pace this will allow the first coat to set for 30minutes before a second is applied.
Would it be wise to use a brush on the last board and then the first board of the next section to minimize any overlapping with the sprayer?
Is it ok to apply a darker stain over a cedar stain color and make the deck a little darker
Depends on the brand/type of stain and when the cedar stain was applied.
The current deck is stained Red, solid. Is it necessary to sand all old stain from deck when using gray Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain?
No, you do not have to remove all of the current solid stain if applying the RAD solid stain. Make sure to remove what is loose or not intact to the wood. You can cover the rest.
Is a 20 year cedar deck that’s been sanded , cleaned and brightened considered new wood? One or two coats?
Once coat since it was sanded is best.
I have flipped and sanded most of my 300 sq ft redwood deck and replaced about 15 percent with replacement boards. The entire deck has been finished sanded with 80 grit. I plan on staining entire deck in 3 months. One coat for old and new boards ok and then restrain as needed in a year or two. For best even results is there better method?
Yes, but make sure to clean and brighten after the 3 months before applying stain.
Note the deck proper is being done using Dark Walnut semi transparent stain.
My deck is fairly large and I am fairly old. I would like to take 3 days to do the staining is the following schedule ok?
Day 1) Clean and brighten entire deck. Then apply white solid to rails.
Day 2) Moisten deck then stain 1/2 of deck by doing entire lengths of board runs for half of the deck
Day 3) Moisten deck and finish the rest of the deck again doing entire lengths of board runs for remainder of the deck.
As long as you have a clear straight edge between the deck boards between day 2 and 3, you should be okay with this.
I ordered Dark Walnut semi transparent and white solid for our decks but so far we are having a very wet and cool summer. It has basically been raining almost every day and while usually not hard some days it is.
a hard rain. How dry does the deck need to be in order to do the cleaning and staining? We do occasionally get two rain free days in row.
You can prep while wet. For staining to a damp deck, see this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
I ordered restoreadeck dark walnut stain to use on a treated pine pool deck which is six years old.i used defy cleaner & defy brightener & was curious about the wet on wet application.you say to apply a light second coat to all hortizonal surfaces between 20 minutes to 1 hour after the 1st coat has been applied.the weather is hot & humid,so the stain is going to dry fairly quickly.you don’t want to apply 2nd coat after 1st coat has appeared to dry,correct?
Correct. Needs to be wet on wet.
I’m going to try to get to some of the vertical surfaces today. It shouldn’t be in direct sun, but it’ll be in the 80’s and the wood is probably pretty dry ( last water was Sunday). Should I dampen first?
Lightly misting with water will help make it easier to apply.
I was told Restore-A-Deck comes in a Cape Cod Gray kind of color. Is that true? I don’t see it on the website.
In the solid stain it comes in a gray.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
We have used the restore a deck stripper and will use the brightened before staining. Attached are a couple pic of the boards after stripping and power washing. It is a 20+ year old deck. It had paint stain on it. I don’t know brand. I worked hours to get it all off. Please tell me I could use your semi transparent stain on it now!
Hello,
The pictures do show that it can be stained as the previous coating has been removed.
Yesterday we stripped, brightened and stained our deck, but ran out of stain before we finished the first coat. I must have miscalculated the amount of stain that we needed. I ordered another and we plan to complete next weekend. Any pointers to make it go smoothly? Is it necessary to apply 2 coats on the verticals?
You can get away with one coat on the rails. Best to finish the deck with one coat on all. Do a second maintenance coat in late Fall or Speing to the floors. It will be better this way since half is done and dried.
My hubby really would like to finish this project. Is there any harm to stain a second coat a week after the first coat??? If we wait til Fall, what prep is necessary? Btw love your fast shipping!!!!!
It will not take if you do it a week later as the first coat will have cured and will repel the next coat. A light pressure wash and rinse should be enough to apply a coat in Fall. If you wait until Spring, use the Cleaner while pressure washing.
Hi, I stripped, brightened, and stained my porch (front and back). I finished the front porch 2 weeks ago, and the back porch just within the past few days. The front porch has some areas that are flaking on the walkway (See photo with red arrows) and my back porch the top of the railings look very similar (yellow box). We were very careful to follow the instructions precisely, we did two coats on the horizontal surfaces (one coat on vertical surfaces). The wood was damp, and we put on the second coat 20-40 minutes after the first coat even going so far as to use a timer to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the back porch looks vastly different, color wise, than the front porch (comparison photo). The decks were built at different times but neither are “new wood” and we stripped/brightened both of them. I would expect wood to accept stain differently, but the back porch looks like nothing was done to it after two coats.
A) What is causing this peeling and cracking and can we fix it since it doesn’t look great…
B) Why would the back porch look like it hasn’t been stained even after stripping, brightening, and two coats? And is there anything we can do?
Thanks!
1. That is over application or the wood was too “wet” in those areas as the stain was not able to soak in fully in those areas. Best to touch them up for now. In the first pic, just spot touch up. On the railing, lightly pressure wash the entire top board and apply another light coat to all of the board. Lets see if that makes it better.
2. The wood is taking the stain “differently” on the back deck and is not related to the stain color since you are using the exact same. This could be due to the “density” of the wood being different. If much harder or denser, it would stain much lighter in color. Did you notice if the stain covered much better (you used less) on the back porch? Another possibility was that you did not rinse the brightener well. Do you recall if you rinsed the brightener for 20 minutes or more after it sat?
Hi, thank you for the advice. We will spot fix the first two issues. RE: your last questions, no, the back porch took about the same as the front porch, slightly less because it’s slightly smaller. Very sure we rinsed off all the Brightener, we used two hoses and rinsed until no foam, took us quite a bit to do the whole thing.
I just finished applying the stripper and cleaner. The wood is drying pretty fast but I’m sure the boards are soaked from all the water from the pressure washer.
I’m not sure if it’s safe to apply the stain yet. Is there a rule of thumb for the timing to apply stain after finishing with the cleaner?
2-4 hours after prep/rain is the earliest.
Hello! These might be silly questions but I am new to all this. When does wood change from “new” wood to “old” wood? I have a deck that is at least 1 year old (Maybe a few months more? Not sure when previous home owners built it) and has never been stained. Should we apply 1 or 2 coats? Also, is it necessary to purchase something to “seal” over the stain once it has dried?
If a year old, it is not new anymore. Apply 2 light coats wet on wet. You cannot use a sealer over a deck stain.
My deck is 3 1/2 yrs old. Do I need to apply two coats of stain?
Yes.
total area needs
White solid 156 sq.ft.
-and
If all in Dark Walnut 2180 Sq. Ft.
-or
IF fence in Natural
Dark Walnut 372 sq.ft.
Natural 1808 sq.ft.
White solid= 1-2 gallons
Semi-transparent equates to 100 sq feet per gallon for the 2 coats applied wet on wet so about 20-22 total gallons for 2180.
How much prep material will be needed. None of the wood has been treated; the main deck was built last summer, the fence varies between 2 and 3 years old. The small deck is about 5 years old..
Note I do have a power washer and hope to use my garden pump sprayer for the Semi-transparent.
3 of each Cleaner and Wood Brightener should work.
We live in Alberta, Canada. Will the RAD products pass customs inspection?
Yes, no issues.
Two years ago I applied Rust-Oleum Restore 10X to my deck. I haven’t had much luck with it since my deck is now peeling like crazy. I have scraped off as much 10X as I can but the rest isn’t peeling and would require much more work to remove. I have purchased R-A-D solid stain and need to know if I can cover the existing 10X or if I need to sand down to the bare wood.
Thanks
TomD
Sand to bare wood.
Hi! We’re currently redoing our front porch. I stripped it, brightened it, everything is great. I’m doing it in sections since I’m by myself, usually 4 planks at a time (as far as I can reach since I have to do a second coat) after work and it’s going fine. I did my 4 planks last night, and despite it being a 0% chance of rain, it looks like it rained last night (minimum 6 hours after I did the work). It looked symmetrical and perfect when I went to bed, but when I woke up there are light splotches all throughout the 4 boards I did (a couple are indicated in the picture). Is this because of the water? Is there anything I can do, or will it just be like this until the next time I stain? It looks so bad compared to my other boards 🙁
That is the grain of the wood and the way it is taking the stai. More dense there. Not much you can do about it right now.
It seems very coincidental that these 4 boards have this issue and no others (including a whole walkway ramp not pictured). If you look at the photo, you can see the same open grain by the stairway that does not have this issue either….
We need some help in determining what we need to order as well as any tips.
I hope to apply the stain using my garden pump sprayer for thr fence.
We live in norther Alberta, Canada
All the lumber is CCA Preasure treated no ground contact, probable spruce as that is the most common wood used up here.
The 6×6 coloums are rough cut everything else is milled.
I have a power washer
We have 2 decks a large one in front I built last summer and a small one in back unknown age at least 5 years as we moved in 4 years ago.
The back deck will be one color dark walnut
We plan on doing the front deck deck in 2 tone with the railings white and the deck and skirting in dark walnut.
We will also be treating our fence in either dark walnut or natural coat. The fence is 2 & 3 years old.
Below are the results from using your calculator.
————————————-
Front Deck (U shape)
Front Portion
25×6
Sides
6×4.5 x2
Total
34×6
Steps
3@6.17
FRONT DECK Decking
For 223 sq. ft. of surface area, you will need approximately:
1 – Kit(s) of Restore-A-Deck (Both Cleaner and Brightener)
OR
1 jars(s) of Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper
1and jars(s) of Restore-A-Deck Brightener
AND
3 gallon(s) of Wood Deck Stain (assuming 2 coats. Use 2/3 amount for 1 coat)
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FRONT DECK Railing
For 156 sq. ft. of surface area, you will need approximately:
1 – Kit(s) of Restore-A-Deck (Both Cleaner and Brightener)
OR
1 jars(s) of Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper
1and jars(s) of Restore-A-Deck Brightener
AND
2 gallon(s) of Wood Deck Stain (assuming 2 coats. Use 2/3 amount for 1 coat)
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Back Deck
5×8
Railing
9×3.5
Steps
5@5.5
For 99 sq. ft. of surface area, you will need approximately:
1 – Kit(s) of Restore-A-Deck (Both Cleaner and Brightener)
OR
1 jars(s) of Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper
1and jars(s) of Restore-A-Deck Brightener
AND
1 gallon(s) of Wood Deck Stain (assuming 2 coats. Use 2/3 amount for 1 coat)
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Fence Dark Walnut or Natural
Most of the fence is ours and will done on both sides the rest is our neiighbors and we will only be doing our side.
Doing length times height we get
Our fence is 662 sq. ft. per side (2 years old)
Rest is 484 sq. ft. (3 years old)
total surface to treat is:
1808 Sq. Ft
What is the total sq footage in that will be treated in the Dark Walnut? Same with Natural if you use that? Lastly, the sq footage of the white railings?
We do not need all the other info, just total sq footage for each area.
Front railing 156 sq.ft.
Front Decking 223 sq.ft.
Front skirting 50 sq.ft.
Rear Deck 99 sq.ft.
Fence 1808 sq.ft.
thus
White Solid 156 sq.ft.
If only Dark Walnut 2180 sq.ft.
If both colors
Dark Walnut 372 sq.ft.
Natural 1808 sq.ft.
Dave’s pictures
Looks great. Do not add more.
What color stain is this? Dark walnut?
Looks like Light Walnut.
I just finished stripping, brightening and staining the top portion of my deck – it measures 16 x 12 feet and is about 2.5 years old.
I was surprised how thin the stain is. I brushed 2 coats on, one with a paint brush and the other using the brush that was sent with the stain. What mystifies me is I only needed 1 1/4 gallons of stain for the 2 coats.
I’m sending some pics to show you the condition of the deck before I worked on it and in it’s finished state with 2 coats. I still need to do the bottom portion of the deck – I haven’t started on it yet. Should I spray on a 3rd coat to the top portion or does it look OK to you? Thanks!
No on the third coat. No pictures.