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.
Can you apply a second cost the next day?
No, it has to be wet on wet.
Why is my deck tacky and what to do about it. Really followed instructions.
That would happen from over application and or improper prep.
We have a 1400 sq. ft. deck that is pressure treated pine that has been down a year now, so we need two coats withing 20 to 40 minutes of each other. My question if my husband starts the first coat and I come behind him with the second coat we will eventually have to walk on it when applying the second coat. Will that damage it or show foot prints?
No, it will not.
I stripped a large 1600 s/f deck about a month ago. We had a death in the family and I had to travel for work. Can I just brighten and use the semi-transparent stain or do I need to clean and brighten again?
Clean and brighten would be best.
Do I need to use a pressure washed again with the cleaner?
Lightly pressure rinse should be okay.
Have RAD Semi-Transparent Stain and RAD Stain Brush. Any tips for applying stain to decking where the RAD brush can’t reach, such as decking tucked under siding and under Trex railing? I am concerned that addressing these places on all four sides of deck is really going to slow me down and mess with the finished look.
Stain pad or small hand brush to reach.
I am in the process of stripping and sanding my deck. Should I fill the old nail holes with exterior caulk before or after I clean and brighten?
No, it will not blend.
I applied the brightener 4 days ago….I am going to wait a full 2 days without rain before applying the stain….is that ok or do I have to brighten again.
That is okay.
I got some fuzzy wood after stripping and brightening, not fibers ripped from power washer but the fuzzy wood that alwasy seems to show up, is it ok to stain over top of it or does it need to be completely sanded?
You can stain over it.
Here are some pictures. Front has the pillars
I stripped, lightly sanded and then use brightener about a week ago. All RAD products. Weather is good to stain now with RAD products. Since easier to apply wet should I lightly mist the deck boards (very light no puddles)?
See this for tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
It says wait 2 hours to dry. This only applies if I brightened same day? So I can mist and stain right away ?
Did you read the second article? It explains to mist if the wood is dry.
Hi – If I am using RAD Brush on deck floor, is back brush by hand still required on 1st or 2nd coat?
Using the RAD brush is back brushing so no need to do anything else. You only back brush after spraying.
Hi. Front deck and pillars look amazing – RAD cedar has deep, rich color. Rear deck not as good. Rear is same wood but more weathered because not under porch. Some parts of same board are not as dark / rich as front or even some in rear. Did I not apply enough? Not wait long enough between coats? Thoughts would be helpful so I can fix in 9 months. Next year can I clean with Oxi clean then RAD brighten and rad restain heavier where it’s too light ?
Post some pictures and not suggested to prep with OxiClean but the RAD Cleaner. Much more effective.
Here is picture of rear
The difference in color for the floor is based on the prep and the wood, not the stain. You have some internal darkening going on. You may need to strip and brighten next year so the color evens out.
What about the far corners. Yes there is some darkening in middle. But same issue in corners or did I apply heavier in those places
Yes, looks like you applied heavier there.
Thanks. Last question for now. Does it matter how long it dries after first coat 15/20 minutes v 1 hour. Will longer dry result in darker 2nd coat wet on wet?
No, that does not matter as long as it is applied evenly.
Also if I decide not to stop again can I just clean next year and apply heavier where it is too light…as if I were doing 2nd coat again?
You cannot spot fix this.
And far corner showing not as dark
Front deck comparing. Looks amazing
Front porch looks great
Hi Joe. I love how your front porch came out. What type of wood is it, what is the age and which stain did you use? Thank you!
Also, does the deck need to be sprayed with water before applying the stain? It’s a porch and so not in full sun. Thanks!
No, it does not have to be damp. The stain can be applied to damp or dry wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
if I am using a staining pad to apply the semi-transparent stain, do I dip the pad into a bucket of the stain and then rub it on the wood? how do I know that I am not over-applying?
Make sure hen applying that it fully soaks into the wood.
If you use Your solid stain Over a semi transparent stain all I have to do is pressure wash and I can’t apply damp? Isn’t this advice the opposite of everything else your website says. Please clarify since you say your product works best with damp wood that has been stripped.
You cannot apply a solid stain over an old coating of the semi-transparent stain while the wood is damp. It would have to be dry. If you strip and brighten all of the semi-transparent off, then yes, you can apply it to damp wood.
I didn’t know of the RADbrush when i ordered. Can a paint roller or other soft broom be used with semi-transparent?
Not a roller or push broom. Use an exterior stain pad or regular handheld brush.
I found the stripper onlyoption. Sorry.
Regarding cedar decking that is weathered (18 months) and will be cleaned and brightened…do we need to apply two stain (semi-transparent) coats wet on wet? The deck is too large to do wet on wet in one day. If we can do one coat, when can we do a second coat?
Two coats wet on wet. It cannot be wet on dry of doing two coats.
Thank you. If the deck is too large to do two coats wet on wet, can we do one coat and do another a few months later?
The size of the deck does matter when it comes to wet on wet. Just break it down into sections or have someone start applying the second coat 20-45 minutes after the first. If you end up only doing one coat, then wait until the Spring of next year to apply another.
Video of mold.
Hi! I laid a new deck last summer and bought you cleaner/brightened/semi-trans dark walnut stain kit to protect the deck. Everything went smoothly until a flash storm came out of nowhere. My awning covered most of it, tarps the other parts. But some rain (a lot in some places) got through and parts of the deck have somewhat lighter spots today and it’s still tacky/damp on the deck. Is it possible
to do a third coat since it’s still wet? Thanks.
No, you cannot do a third coat after it dries and it will not take. Best to leave as is.
That’s what I figured. So I left it. It looks awful – when can I start the process over? Do I need to strip so that the new stain will be an even coat when I redo it?
Thanks!
You would have to strip it and brighten for prep. You can do this now or later.
Do I need any of the additives?
Both would help to make the stripping easier.
I’m only doing a horizontal surface. Is the gel necessary? Also, I have brightener. Is it possible to just purchase stripper?
The Gel will help.
I have been told that the darker color stains actually protect the wood better from UVs. I plan to use RAD semi-transparent stain on a pressure treated pine deck. I like the natural color but am wondering if the light walnut color would give more protection since it is darker?
Slightly more but not that much. You will still need to redo at the same time.
OK, I’ll go with my first choice, natural. Thank you very much!
We followed the directions to the letter to do a wet-on-wet application of your stain following the Stripper and Brightener, BUT the finish is not beading up when water hits it as I think it should. Our deck is a long-neglected meranti (hardwood) – it looks great, but I’m concerned that the water is still soaking in despite 2 coats of stain. Any suggestions?
It is not supposed to bead water but shed water. The stain is breathable. It is correct.
We did a second coating on a portion of our deck on a hot day. It is now 48 hours since application, and that portion of the deck has a shiny/blotchy appearance. I think this is “filming”/why we weren’t supposed to do this. What is the solution to this? Wait a while and then start from scratch? Sand it down later? Any suggestions are appreciated.
You over-applied. Leave it as is. If it starts to fail in a year or two you will have to remove and start over.
I applied my first coat last evening and it has been drying all night. Is it ok to put a light second coat on this morning?
No, second coats have to go on wet on wet, not after the first coat cures. You can lightly clean and recoat in late Fall or Spring.
After using wooster brush for semi transparent how should i clean it?
Water.
when should i use stain pad and when should i use wooster brush?
Use pad for floors and brush for rails or edges of floors as needed.
Can i shake the gallon semi-transparent bottle to mix? Or should i pour into 5 gallon bucket and stir first before applying?
You can shake to mix.
So vertical beams and spindles only one coat?
Correct.
It rains a lot here. How soon after rain can I apply solid stain to old and new wood, how many coats, and how much cure time before next rain?
4-6 hours after rain. It can be applied to a damp deck but not soaking wet. No rain for 4-8 hours after. Two coats.
Pressure-treated pine decking installed June 2019. Connecting stairs with three steps installed September 2019. Untreated to date. Have RAD Cleaner, Brightener, and Semi-Transparent Stain.
1. Okay to apply cleaner (and rinse off) in sections? What about brightener?
2. Apply two coats stain to decking and stairs now (June 2020) or wait until September when stairs at one-year mark?
Thanks
1. Apply cleaner and pressure wash off. You can do this in sections. When done do the brightener all at once.
2. You can do two light coats wet on wet this Summer or in the Fall.
If we Clean and Brighten on one day, but cannot stain until the next day, do we have to do anything to the deck before staining (e.g., misting/dampening the deck before applying stain)? There’s a small chance of rain the morning of the day we can stain, but the afternoon should be clear with temps in the low 70s and completely clear the day following the day we stain. We’re applying the same stain we used 3 years ago. Thanks.
Which stain brand?
RAD Cedar semi-transparent. All RAD products — cleaner, brightener, stain.
See here for some tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
I have a large deck >1500 s/f with railing. Can I strip and brighten one day and then stain the following day?
Yes. See her for hot sun tips though: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html
Purchased the RAD deck brush. Not going to use a pump sprayer to apply stain to avoid over spray to vertical areas already completed. What is best way to apply stain using brush? Stain in treat then dip deck brush?
Correct.
How does stain need to dry before you can walk on it and put furniture on it?
24 hours.
I will be applying the solid color stain in the early morning to my deck before it gets hot with full sun. Will be in shade for about 6 hours before it will get full sun, is that enough time for the stain to set up properly before getting full sun??
Yes.
Have horizontal area that did not get applied properly/evenly. Used semi-transparent natural. Pressured treated pine not stained previously. Possible to just sand, clean, stain? Want to avoid stripper getting on vertical areas that are finished properly.
Yes, you can do this.
Use 60 or 80 coarse sandpaper? Okay to use small orbital sander? Would go faster and more even than by hand.
Yes, that should be fine. Just do not sand finer than 80.
Thank you!
I have applied the semi-transparent stain to my floating dock. I think I would like to apply a second coat, but I have waited over 12 hours now. Can I apply the second coat anyway later.
Not at this point as it has already cured. You can lightly clean and reapply another coat in 6-9 months.
Do you think I need a stripper or is a cleaner plus brightener sufficient
Strip and brighten if switching brands of stain.
Hello. For semi-transparent stain application, do you have a preference between pump sprayer or airless sprayer (with tip specific for stains)? Too much deck to stain by hand (brush/pad/roller). Based on other comments, I assume back brushing is recommend for both spray options. If airless, how much (if any) extra stain do you recommend buying? Thanks in advance.
It does not matter which sprayer and they will both waste some stain when applying. About 10%.
Can you apply stain with a pump sprayer?
The semi-transparent yes, but you will need to back brush to ensure an even application.
I applied semi-transparent stain to balusters using pump sprayer. Although tried cover,horizontal flooring and steps have stain spray on flat areas that has dried especially where posts meet floor. Do I have to strip to finish horizontal area? If I have to strip, do I have to clean and brighten again? Deck has never been stained.
Stip and then brighten.
What is result if I just stain the entire area without stripping?
It will not blend.
So it will cover but just look uneven or blotchy?
You may also have an adhesion issue as well.
I prepped and stained my deck last year with semi-transparent RAD. It seems like the stain got worn away in many places over the year. Do I need to strip the old stain off my deck before staining again or can I just clean and brighten before applying? How many coats should I apply?
Clean and brighten.
I used the RAD cleaner and brightener last Sept and applied semitransparent stain to boards and solid stain to the top and bottom of the railing. (I was trying to do the minimum to protect the wood from the snow only). I am planning to tackle railing posts this weekend but hoping to refinish what I did last fall as well. Some areas are looking a little bit scuffed. Do I need to do the whole process again on boards and top of railing? Also, what is the best way to do cleaner and brightener on posts? Thanks!
Spray on cleaner and brightener and then lightly pressure wash off. Rinse the floors down when done and touch up the spots on the floor lightly and blend in.
I power washed, stripped. Brightened my 26 year old redwood. Applied TWP100 semi transparent. Worked late into darkness and this morning am seeing areas that I missed in the vertical surface. 1.Can/ should I spot treat this morning?
2. When it needs to be redone in a few years can I clean and brighten and apply the same stain and color over the top without stripping?
1. Yes.
2. Yes, correct.
You guys rock!! Made the DIY project go better than I expected. Thanks for your great advice and quick response. If this Corona thing goes much longer I’ll be tackling more projects!!
Hi I am getting ready to stain our deck now that we have cleaned and brightened it with RAD products. The stain is semi transparent cedar
My thought is I would start staining using the stain brush, then have my wife come behind me 20-30 minutes later applying the second coat using a stain pad, is this a good approach or should it be all done using a brush?
Look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you.
Dave
Pads or brushes are good.
I put your semi-transparent stain on a few years ago and now time to do it again. Do I need to use the cleaner or the stripper to remove it before the brightener?
Do you want to remove it down to the bare wood? If so, use the stripper and then brightener.
My deck is about 1400 s/f plus wood rails. How much of each product – stripper, brightener, stain should I order?My deck is about 1400 s/f plus wood rails. How much of each product – stripper, brightener, stain should I order?
2 Stripper and Brighteners and about 15 gallons of stain.
I am a deck service provider but I have never used this product. I am planning on using this on a cedar deck. We sand the deck to prep it. Can I apply on to the sanded deck without using any other chemical treatments.
No, it should be cleaned and brightened after so the stain can soak in better.
When I sand the deck area it is very clean and bright already. We sand with a 20 then 40 then 60 grit sand paper.I then vacuum and blow off any dust. I then apply the stain to a clean deck. Are you saying that I then need to apply a chemical treatment before I apply the stain even after all this sanding
Yes.
This is light walnut. Sorry I left that out. That was so important when I was searching photos and trying to choose
I am in love with this stain. The color is gorgeous on our pressure treated deck that’s 7 years old. We have been staining a deck since 1993 and have only had one stain we liked as well, and it’s discontinued. Other than the fact that I have a tiny portion of a board that didn’t take the stain, and I ordered way too much, the whole experience was a pleasant one and we are so glad we went with this brand. I hope I can say the same in a couple of years when it has had a chance to wear. I have some trim inside the pool yet to do when the water warms.
Looks great! Don’t forget to enter our contest: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-prep-and-stain-contest-2020.html
When applying to a pine wood decking that is 4 years old and has never been stained, does the wood have to be dry after washing it or can the 1st coat of stain be applied with the wood still wet from being washed and brightened?
Damp or dry: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
Can a roller be used for the semi-transparent stain? If yes, what type of knap?
No, use a stain pad or brush. Rollers do not work very well.
If I just stained my deck 3 and a half hours ago and looks pretty dry but I think it needs a second coat is it to late at this point ?
More it not better so just leave as is.