Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain Sample Kit
Test the RAD Semi-Transparent colors before purchase!
Includes all 4 Semi-Transparent Restore-A-Deck Colors. Each sample is roughly 1-2 oz. This is enough to test a small area.
New Cottage Gray Color can be added for $3.
WHERE TO USE
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is intended for all wood types of weathered, exterior wood surfaces including decks, fences, siding, outdoor furniture, gazebos, and playsets. You can apply Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Premium Wood Stain to hardwoods including mahogany, ipe, or other types of exotic hardwoods.
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood stain can be applied the same day as the prep. Make sure that all standing water has dried off the surface after prep. Typically 2-4 hours at 70º F and less than 50% humidity.
Note: Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood.
New Wood Note: New wood is not the same as “damp” wood and needs to weather and be prepped before staining. Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
Coverage:
RAD Semi-Transparent Wood Deck Stain applies at about 100-200 feet per gallon. Actual coverage varies depending on wood porosity.
Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips
- Applying RAD Stain Wet on Wet Tips
- How To Apply RAD Stain to Damp Wood
- Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
ADVANTAGES
- Stain the same day as the prep!
- Utilizing the latest advancements in water-based stain technology
- Cost effective stain and sealer for your wood
- Deep penetration into the wood grain resulting in less chance of wear and tear
- Protects wood from damaging UV oxidation and graying
- Available in 4 beautiful semi-transparent finishes – Natural, Cedar, Light Walnut, & Dark Walnut
- For use on all exterior wood types and surfaces, not just decks
- Eco-Safe
- Dries to a flat, natural-looking finish
- Water-based, easy cleanup
- Easy to reapply as needed
- Easy to remove if needed
- Does not promote mold/mildew growth
- Low VOC content, compliant with all US states and Canada
New deck last spring. Used TWP.
Most of the stain is gone. Had winter of -20* an snow an ice on deck for 3 months . Will use restore a deck stripper. Will restore a deck semi-trans deck stain go on ok.
Make sure to use the Brightener after the Stripper. Yes, the RAD stain will work well.
I applied RAD semi-transparent cedar stain five years ago. I am going to do it again this year. After five years, deck is pretty dirty. But do I need to remove the old stain if I’m using same RAD product again this time?
Or do I just clean and Brighten? And then apply the stain?
Thanks!
Since it has been 5 years it would be easier to strip and brighten: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
Can the transparent stain be used over the solid stain to shift the appearance of the solid stain?
No, that is not possible.
Hi. I am in Ontario, Canada and I am looking for a product that can withstand our winters without peeling. I have an 8 year old cedar deck with a peeling/fading semi-transparent stain (Cabot Australian Timber Oil – Tung, Linseed and Alkyd) and also a section of new cedar deck untreated yet (been through one winter). I have some questions:
Thanks
-Yes.
-Every 2-3 years. Clean and Brighten when reapplying.
-Need to see pics for prep help. You can post them here.
-https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood
-Yes.
Hello. I had a new 200 sq/ft mahogany deck installed last fall and after letting it weather over the winter (and a very wet winter and spring its been here in Portland) I will soon be ready to clean/brighten/stain. I’m trying to figure out which transparent stain color will come closest to retaining the original mahogany color. I don’t mind if it darkens a bit but would prefer the hue remain as unchanged as possible. I’m also weighing UV protection, as my understanding is that a darker stain provides more.Thoughts on color choice?
You will need to test samples to see how it looks on your wood:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-samples.html
My deck is stained with oil base semi transparent stain (Duck Back redwood semi transparent), now that it’s not sold anymore, is there a way to stain over it with out stripping it?
No, you have to strip and brighten for prep.
Nest color and uv protection for redwood
Best color for redwood
Any color you like will work to enhance the grain. This depends on your preference for the final color.
We have a deck of mixed old wood and new wood six months ago. The railings and veriticulars are all old wood, do those need to be stained twice?
Just do one coat on all the wood after prep.
Thank you. For the deck flooring, it’s my understanding that two coats of the stain are needed for the ten year old wood and the six month deck board flooring needs only one coat? Is that correct?
Just do one coat on all wood this time.
Not a second coat of tint on the ten year old deck flooring boards?
1. Which of the Semi-Transparent stains will have the least change in color for a redwood deck? I assume it is the Natural.
2. Which of your Semi-Transparent affords the least U.V. protection?
1. Natural.
2. Natural.
Very pleased with my two toned deck turned out. I went with white solid on the verticals and semi-transparent cedar on the horizontal surfaces. I am very happen with Restore-A-Deck products.
Looks great! Don’t forget to enter our contest.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-prep-stain-contest-2022.html
Our contractor says there is already a light seal on our new mahogany deck and not to use a latex product – must use oil based. He suggests linseed oil followed by Thompsons’ water seal.
Does that sound correct?
Thanks
No, he is wrong on pretty much all except we have no idea if your wood is already sealed. Typically it does not come pre-sealed.
I have a new mahogany deck that I would like to stain after waiting for it to weather. What would be the closest RAD semi-transparent color to mahogany’s natural color?
We would suggest some samples to test to see what color you will like: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Most use Light Walnut color.
I stripped and brightened. I ended up with some furring in areas. Hopefully you can see in the pictures. Is my deck ready to apply semi transparent stain or would you recommend sanding and rebrightening. Thank you for your time.
You should be okay to stain but if you want to sand, use a floor buffer and sanding pad. Very easy. The pads look like the attached. You can rent a buffer at Home Depot.
That doesn’t quite look like sand paper. Is that just a buffing pad? And If I buff will I need to brighten again?
It is a buffing pad that removes loose wood fibers. Very easy to do. No need to brighten again
Old deck with stain what is the prep before your solid or semi trans stain?
Need to remove the current stain. Post pics for help with that.
What are reapply procedures
Clean and brighten for prep when reapplying.
I have used your stripper and whitener, but not your stain. I have had issues with black mold with Sikkens SRD stain in my cedar ceiling in my outdoor living area. I ended up using a mildewcide additive in the Sikkens stain after I stripped and re-applied the stain. While it was much better, I still had some black mold come back and had to strip it again. I am now ready to re-stain it and am trying to decide which brand of stain to use.
Would it be good for me to add a mildewcide additive with your stain, or since it is water based, is it not necessary? I want this to be my last time I have to strip and re-apply stain to the ceiling due to black mold.
I plan to use your products to strip my deck. In a few years after re-staining, I assume I would need to re-stain the deck again. Would I need to strip the RAD semi-transparent stain, or can I just clean and re-stain over it if the stain isn’t peeling? Some stains I have read about say you can just clean and re-apply over and not strip.
No need for a mildewcide. Just clean and recoat as needed.
Is the natural stain tinted? Will it prevent the wood on the deck from graying?
Yes, it is tinted and prevents UV graying.
Hello, I am trying to find a transparent deck stain with no yellow or orange hue. Any advice? Can the semitransparent stains be mixed? I would rather prefer a light white oak or grayish color. Any advice on this is greatly appreciated. The deck is currently cleaned, it’s a 10 year old pine deck. Thanks a lot.
We have a cottage gray color but you cannot make it white or lighter in color.
Can your colors be mixed?
You can mix colors together on your own.
We offer samples for testing on your wood here. It will give the most accurate results.: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Are there any pictures examples of the cottage gray on a deck? Thank you so much for your help
What type of wood are the samples on?
Samples are small liquid bottles to test on your wood.
I have pressure washed my deck to get rid of the old stain and have also applied Behr all-in-one cleaner/brightener. At this point it looks decent. Should I still use the RAD cleaner & brightener for the 3 step process or can I go ahead and stain with RAD semi transparent?
Use the RAD prep to make sure there are not any issues.
I have a 5-year-old deck, direct Florida sunlight. I have applied Behr stain and it started peeling after one season. Pressure washing hasn’t helped. Do I need to sand it off or can I apply a solid color on top of what is there? It’s a mess I need directions on how to proceed. Thank You
Use the RAD Stripper to remove a much as possible. Brightener after. You can then cover the non peeling Behr with the RAD solid stain.
Can I use one of your semi-transparent stains?
No, you would have to remove 100% and that would require power sanding.
Do all the colors come in the sample solid stain for 10.00 or do I have to pick one color?
$10 per color.
Can’t you use the RAD Painstrip in this scenario without power sanding?
Yes! We did not have the RAD PaintStrip yet when we replied to this comment last year.
We have a beautiful Ontario Cedar deck 5 years old, never stained or sealed. It is very grey now, which we like. Do we need to stain or seal it? if so with what , to keep the same look?Thank you.
Our products are all stains which will enhance the grain. You also have to prep and that will remove the current gray/oxidation.
just received RAD semi-trans samples .mixed all stains well . it seems to me that the ceder and light walnut are almost the same . i used the same piece of decking for both samples and applied 2 coats to each in liquid form they look very different but dried to almost the same ‘will the same be true same be true when i purchase larder qtys. ?
Colors vary based on your wood type and age. The Light Walnut does have more pigment and has a little more red tone than the Cedar. The larger quantities will be the exact same colors as the samples.
If you have cleaned your cedar pergola with oxi clean to remove the gray and mold from a year of weathering do you recommend using your cleaner also or moving onto the brightener step and then stain?
Best to do both for max results.
What stain color do you recommend for an ipe deck. I like a deep red finish like the attached photo
Light Walnut. See this for tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-on-exotic-hardwoods-ipe.html
I have a 5 year old stained cedar deck. I purchased stripper, brightener, and semi transparent natural cedar stain kit. The stripper did not work (I did not know what the previous stain was but it must have been the type you disclose the stripper will not work on). So I went through the process of sanding the entire deck surface (looks marvelous). I understand my next step is to still use the brightener, after that step is complete wait 2 – 4 hours (I understand I can wait longer if necessary) and then apply one coat of semi transparent stain. I wanted to clarify does sanding the wood qualify it as new wood and therefore one coat max or may I apply a second coat wet on wet? Thank you
Just one coat of stain when you sanded.
I understand this….but can it hold up for 2 seasons?
Not when chlorine/bleach is involved. Chlorine will damage all stains in months.
How does this stain hold up to a deck around a pool with Chlorine?
All deck stains will get damaged eventually by excessive splashing of water with chlorine/bleach. No way to prevent or be immune to this.
What would be the best semi-transparent stain “finish” for new redwood
See here about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Any of the RAD semi-transparent colors will work one the wood is weathered and prepped.
I am reading a lot of good things about your product on independent testing websites. I want to see if I understand what I am reading correctly. I have a 10’x14′ with a gable roof, built and delivered to my house in December 2015. It is starting to change in color and the company I bought it from suggests that it is a good time to stain it. The siding is T1-11 and it is a moderately rough looking finish, not real smooth. It has held up good but I think it is time to stain and seal it. It is still in delivery condition. I have not applied stain or sealant yet. I’m thinking semi-transparent, dark walnut. Does this require two coats of your product or one? I read vertical surfaces should only be given one coat. I want to make sure that is correct. Thank you much for your insight on this one. Your prices are reasonable and with free shipping, that makes it look even better. Ray
Please post some pictures.
What type of wood are your semi-transparent stain samples on. I will be applying to western cedar.
PTP wood but colors will always vary based on just wood type but the age of the wood.
I sanded my deck to get rid of the Sikkens that was coming off. Originally I was going to put on solid stain. After seeing the deck after it has been sanded, is there a way to preserve the look of the deck as it is now with your natural semi transparent stain or will it cover it up? How long will it last on a covered porch?
You would have to remove 100% of the Sikkens to be able to go with the semi-transparent.
I have a newly installed(3 months ago) deck and pergala made of pressure treated pine. It has the typical pressure treated look which is not bad but I want to get closer to the natural pine look, especially highlighting the red grain in the pine. But I don’t want it to look like cedar or redwood.
If this is possible, what should I do? Should I use a brightener before staining?
Thanks,
Gary Ward, Lincolnton, Georgia
See here for new wood tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
As for color, you would need to test samples to see what appeals to you on your wood.
What color did you end up using? I am looking for a similar result.
Thanks.
Ali
DO YOU NEED TO ADD A SEALANT TO THIS STAIN?
No need and you can never add a sealer to a deck stain.
Where to buy?
Directly from our website.
Can I use an airless paint sprayer to apply your water-based semi-transparent stains?
Yes.
I am staining an older deck that has never been stained in previous years. I got a sample of the Cedar Semi-Transparent and tried it on a section of the deck that had been removed and it was fine. When I opened the can I ordered the Cedar had a poop green tinge to it. I put it on a section of the deck and in the shade it looks fine but in the sun it has that poop green tinge. Am I doing something wrong or what?
Did you shake or stir it? There is nothing in the stain that has a “green” tint to the cedar color.
We shook it but it’s the 5 gallon container. No way to stir as far as I can tell. I didn’t think there would be a green tinge but it’s definitely green. I tried to take a pic but it shows more brownish than green. It actually clashes with the cedar stain on my fence.
What can I do about the color? It’s definitely not what is shown in the pic or the color of the sample.
It is correct and we do not see any “green”. Colors will vary based on the wood type and age of the wood. The Cedar does not have any “green” in it so if you are seeing that then the wood itself would be the cause, not the stain.
Shouldn’t the color be redder rather than poopy brown.
Cedar is not a red color but a cedar brown.
Another pic of stubborn stain. Need help!
No, not over the Deckover. No stain can be applied over it. You will need to power sand it all off before using the RAD Solid stain.
I used Berh Deckover on my 15 year old deck and it started peeling. I have tried to strip, power wash and sand this deck to get the paint off. Countless man hours doing this and I still can’t fully get this paint off the deck boards. I’m completely exhausted and defeated! I’d like to use a solid stain on the deck but wondered if I can apply your product on top of the remaining stain?
Yours looks like mine did! I used a 36 grit sand paper in my palm and belt sander. The 36 grit is only found at the tool rental equipment shops and sold for the large drum sanders. Huge sheets can be cut into 6-8 quarter sheets. Trust me, it does the job! Mikita sells the 36 grit belt sanders.
Any pictures of cottage grey on standard pressure treated wood, trying to decide be the solid grey
Sorry but we do not. We do have samples for testing.
I am thinking two tone white railing and spindles with a grey deck, I can use the soild for both right. Given its only standard Pressure Treated Wood, I assume solid/solid should be good?
Yes, looks very good this way.
Our deck is a little over 10 years old, never been stained. We have newer boards from where a hot tub was removed 3 years ago. Would you recommend a semi-transparent stain or a solid stain to get a cohesive look overall? We would like the stain to be light-medium in color – possibly cedar. Would that blend it well? We recently cleaned it but would you recommend the brightener to even wood tones as well?
When were the new boards installed?
2 years ago
Yesterday, we used the wood cleaner and brightner on a 3 year old, weathered deck (has never been treated). We ran out of time to apply the stain and plan on doing it next weekend. Is there anything special we need to do before applying the stain? (i.e., dampen it or apply to dry deck) We’re using the semi-transparent cedar (RAD). Thanks.
Nothing special is needed. You can apply to dry or damp wood.
Can I use an airless sprayer with your stain? Graco xpro 19? Is your stain flammable?
Yes, you can spray it. No, it is not flammable.
Big deck with weathered rails. Will also need to do the cabin. Plan to use professional airless sprayer. Can stripper be used with pressure washer? Sprayer cleanup? Is stripper needed? Light walnut or dark walnut? Don’t want to use solid.
You would want the stripper and brightener kits with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Apply with pump prayer and then pressure wash off. Either RAD color that you like will work.
Why do you advertise “Prep and Stain in One Day” when your Brightener Product directs the user to wait
48 hours before applying stain? Makes no sense.
That is for other brands of deck stains after using the Brightener. Per the instructions of the RAD Stains, it can be done on the same day.
I have a raised, rooftop Ipe deck in the Washington DC area. The deck gets intense, full sun exposure during summer days. I have been using oil-based Armstrong-Clark Semi-transparent Mahogany Stain over the past several years, reapplying each spring after cleaning and brightening with Restore-a-Deck products. The results have been good, but I’d like feedback about the advantages and disadvantages of stripping the oil-based stain and switching to water-based Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. The main reasons for my interest are reduced odor and greater flexibility in applying the water-based stain if the wood is slightly damp. I currently rent out the house with the deck and scheduling the time to clean the deck—and then wait for two days of dry weather before I can apply the oil stain—is inconvenient for the tenants and myself. My questions: 1. How does the appearance of the water stain compare with the oil stain after a summer and then a year of wear? 2. Is the yearly cleaning and reapplication for the water-based stain harder or easier than for the oil stain? 3. If I do use the water-based Restore-a-Deck stain, how much coverage can I expect from each gallon? Currently, I need just about 3/4 of a gallon of Armstrong-Clark stain to cover 300 sq feet of the densely grained Ipe deck.
The AC and the RAD will last about the same for the IPE meaning it will require an annual application. The advantages for the RAD would be less odor, quicker drying, and the ability to apply to damp wood.
1. Same wearing
2. Not harder but the same.
3. About 200-300 sq feet per gallon for one coat on IPE.
I have the color samples in my cart, I am using on a pine deck about 2 years old and cedar fence about 9 months old. Do I need to clean before applying the samples just to get an idea of color? Wasn’t sure if I needed to order the cleaner and brightener now with the samples. Thanks!
If the wood has oxidized/grayed, then yes, prepping first would hep show a better example for the colors.
So an existing deck which has been stripped, brightened and sanded requires one coat of semitransparent stain while a new deck which has been brightened requires 2 coats
Only one coat for new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
We have a cedar deck that is 3 years old. We put Cabot Gold in sunlit walnut down as our stain. It has been awful. It is now peeling. Will your stripper work to remove this product?
Post a picture of current condition and was the Cabot oil or water-based version?
It was oil based. It never lasted more than 6 months in the area that receives sun. The area that is shaded doesn’t look bad. The deck is on the east side of the house.
In the picture, it shows a buildup of multiple coatings over the years. The stripper with pressure washing should remove this but you will need both additives as well: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Thank you!
Here is another pic