How to Restore-A-Deck in One Day!
Restore-A-Deck’s three-step process makes it possible to complete a wood staining project in a single day. The stain is safe to apply on damp wood, perfect for those who are busy and want to achieve same-day results for their exterior wood staining projects.
Here’s a rundown of Restore-A-Deck’s three-step process, it’s components, and how they work together to produce an immaculately stained wood surface.
Step 1: Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner or Restore-A-Deck Wood Stripper
Are you working with a wood surface that has not previously been stained? If so, use the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner. The Wood Cleaner works hard to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew better than the competition after one application. It restores the natural beauty of exterior wood to its original appearance without harming wood fibers, pets, grass, and most plants.
Restore-A-Deck Cleaner can also be used for maintenance coats when using the same brand stain as before.
If you are working with a new wood surface that has previously been stained or painted, strip the wood surface using Restore-A-Deck Stripper. The Wood Stripper quickly and efficiently removes most oil and latex based finishes including clear sealers, transparent stains, and semi-transparent stains. On top of removing the stain, the Wood Stripping formula takes off collected dirt, mold, mildew, and mill glaze.
Both come in a concentrated powder form that is convenient to transport and is extremely cost effective. Can be mixed on site with water then applied directly to the wood.
Step 2: Restore-A-Deck Brightener
After you complete step 1, using Restore-A-Deck Cleaner or Stripper depending on your situation, we recommend you follow up with Restore-A-Deck Brightener to neutralize the pH of the surface to allow for proper application of the stain. This formula works hard upon initial application to brighten the wood surface as well as remove stubborn rust stains and tannin stains caused by fallen leaves. Restore-A-Deck brightener will give your deck or wood surface a clean looking finish ideal for applying the stain.
Step 3: Restore-A-Deck Stain
The final step in this three-step process is the Stain. Restore-A-Deck Stain uses the latest in water-based wood staining technology to create a formula that allows for better UV protection, excellent penetration into the wood stain for long lasting beautiful results, and the ability to apply to damp wood for single day project completion or to dry wood the day after prep. The Wood Stain comes in four radiant semi-transparent colors that highlight and enhance the natural wood grain.
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is best applied the same day as prep typically 2-4 hours at 70 degrees F and less than 50% humidity. Make sure that all standing water has dried off the surface prior to application.
See here for: Wet on Wet Application Tips
See here for tips on new wood: Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
See her for hot sun application: Restore-A-Deck Stain Hot Sun Application
If you have used the Restore-A-Deck in one-day system, we want to hear from you. Feel free to leave a review and don’t forget to include pictures.
Do not know the history of this deck. Looking to make it look nicer. Gray right now. Attached is a picture of the result of just a power washer.
Image may be too large. Can be viewed here: https://i.imgur.com/AzBvEuO.jpeg or
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rLJxatcvx8FoEYvR6
Should I clean or strip?
You recommend staining on the same day as step 1 & 2. Will there be a noticeable difference if I apply the stain the next day? Should I dampen the wood first?
How long is too long between steps 2 & 3?
You can apply to damp or dry wood. Stain with two weeks of the prep for best results.
As for the prep, use this kit while pressure washing:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
Thanks for the quick reply! Are you recommending I strip rather than clean?
Thanks
Yes, read the article for how to prep and the goal of removing all the loose or peeling stain.
Used Restore-a-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain about 5 years ago. Used the Stripper twice to remove previous stain. Hasn’t been fully successful. Some areas are exposed. Some areas are part of covered deck. There are still “shiny” areas. Can this be stained or does it need more stripper? Asked about the additive and answer was it wouldn’t be needed. I’ve gone 2 rounds with Step 1. Pics Attached. Advise please.
Are you pressure washing after applying the stripper?
yes –
You may need a little more “pressure” when washing. It cannot just be rinsed off. What is the PSI and GPM of your machine? Is it gas-powered? Electric pressure washers are not efficient enough in most scenarios.
Used stripper twice. Power washed both times. Power washer is electric 2000 psi.
Electric pressure washers are typically inadequate. It is not always about the PSI, but the GPM, and they are just not efficient enough as the PGM is very low, making removal more difficult.
That being said, you could try again or go ahead and stain as you did get most of it off.
I sanded the boards with orbital sander. It took most off. Have now brightened and waiting to stain (rain issues). Lots of stripper and time and water used. The info on the pressure washer would have saved on all three. Plus extended time and labor to sand. Wont’ have enough stripper to finish the third area of the deck and not wild about paying for more.
How long after stripper is applied can you wait to apply the brighter? Large deck with stairs and balusters. Woukd like to strip all areas then com back and apply brightner so could be 2 hours between steps.
That’s fine.
I used rad two to three years ago on a new deck. Just pressure washed it and some areas are bare and some are stained. What do I need to do to restain this deck?
Use this kit for prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
Thanks. One more question. Your instructions say to complete steps 1 & 2, then wait two to four hours before applying stain. You also say that stain should be applied to wet wood. After two to four hours, my deck will have dried. Do I put it on a dry deck or mist it down when I’m ready to stain?
Our stains can be applied to damp or dry wood.
I happen to have a Graco X7 Airless Sprayer. Can I use it for all 3 steps: cleaner, brightener and stain? I’m staining 120′ of pine fence both sides.
You can use it for the stain but not the prep products. You would need as pump sprayer to apply those.
Thank you. Follow up question. I read there that a few folks have dripping lines if first steps are over applied. Do you recommend “back brushing” these steps to help alleviate this potential issue? Perhaps you recommend back brushing all 3 steps?
You only need to back-brush the stain to catch any drips or runs. The prep products, you pressure wash off.
I forgot to wash the brightener off after cleaning. It’s been 2 days. Can I apply RAD semitransparent stain without washing the brightener off?
It would be best to give a good rinse of the brightener before staininig. FYI, you can apply the RAD stain to damp wood if you do this.
Thanks. I’ll rinse the deck first.
I’m have a 3 year old treated pine deck. We cleaned, brightened and applied 1 coat of semi transparent stain. Ran out of time and won’t be able to apply a 2nd coat for a few days. Will that help some of the uneven areas? Should I wet the wood first?
Hi. Seconds coats if applied must be applied wet on wet. They cannot be applied wet on dry or days later. Best to wait until next year. Lightly clean off any dirt and apply a light coat then.
Spray off or repeat steps 1 & 2?
Repeat Step 1 but use the powder at 2-3 oz per gallon. Apply and give a good pressure wash rinse.
Last question! How much time should pass before we do this? Could we repeat step 1 and restain in a few weeks?
2 weeks at most.
Here doesn’t seem to be a combo package for there solid stain – looks like an error in the webpage – is it possible to get the solid stains combo?
Sorry but no, we do not offer the solid stain in a combo package.
Are there any issues or special considerations for humidity greater than 50%? Living in the South this time of year, the humidity is generally higher than that all of the time.
There is not.
Deck was stained last on 2021 – (Natural according to previous home owner’s notes).
Railing seems like a darker / more solid color than the rest of the deck. Area under the grill also looks darker, not sure what type of product was used before.
Do you recommend i start with the stain stripper or paint strip with the darker areas? – i already powerwashed
Post pics.
My first time refinishing a deck as a homeowner.
I powerwashed just on sept 17 and sep18. Left side looks brighter as is it still wet. Right side in my opinion looks gray-ish.
Showing a few pics of the railing also with the darker color not sure if just better preserved.
I was able to strip one of the posts with the powerwash, but doesnt seem to be working with others.
Finally, included a pic of that area under the grill
Our regular deck stain stripper with both additives should remove this. Brighten all wood after.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
I don’t think my deck was ever stained but all the wood grain is raised. Should I sand before or after using RAD cleaner and brightener?
If you sand, sand after cleaning and then brightener would be last.
We cleaned and brightened our new deck, and there seems to be a white residue appearing as it dries. Any input on what that is? Do we just need to sweep it off? Thanks.
Post pics.
Attached
That is a little bit of furring of the wood. Not really an issue but you could light sand if you want.
Howdy, Just bought cabin with neglected deck (I believe cedar). I used a cleaner to knock down some of the lichen/moss. Wondering your recommendation for paint stripper vs stain stripper?… and semitransparent stain vs solid stain? Thanks!
You have a solid stain. Easiest is to remove what is loose and peeling and recoat over the intact stain with our solid stain.
If you wanted our semi-transparent stain, you would need to remove your solid stain fully with our RAD Paint Strip.
I used restore a deck on new wood last year. I am planning to do another application. Do you recommend using cleaner or brightener or just stain this time?
Clean and brighten.
On day one i cleaned and brightened the whole deck. I was also able to apply semitransparent stain to the railings and posts. On the morning of day 2, the deck floor has patches of white that cannot be removed with a deck brush.
I’m not sure how to proceed. Can i stain over it? Can i power wash it off? I don’t feel i can re-clean and re-brighten because that will cause a problem with the sections I’ve already stained.
You should be able to just stain. If it looks good when wet with water it will look good when stained.
I used Cabot Solid Acrylic Deck Stain about three years ago on my then 6 month old deck. Which was constructed with pressure treated lumber. What a mess. Should I use paint stripper rather than stain stripper? Then brightener and stain? Is it okay to sand and use a wood filler because it needs both. If so, at which point in the process?
Do you plan to use our solid stain after the prep?
Yes, solid stain.
No need to fully strip if reapplying the solid stain. Just remove what is loose. Do not use wood filler on exterior decking. They do not work well and easily fail.
Hey there! Used your system 3 years ago, loved it on new wood. Haven’t treated it since, did a pressure wash 2 years ago (busy with little kids, what can I say). Pressure washed this week and the stain started to strip off, and generally the boards are looking grimier/dirtier. We live under trees in the PNW, too.
Asking which parts of the RAD system I should use to get a quick restain done and handle the stripping old RAD stain and the remaining algae/grime (I’m guessing that’s what it is). Planks only; railing is fine for at least this season. Pics attached!
You can use our stripper/brightener kit for this.
I have an ipe deck, fence, and wooden walkway that were stained with Sansin Dec 0 stain, with NANO-14 Monterey Red coloring, a few years ago. The fence is still in good shape, but the deck and walkway need to be refinished. However, I haven’t been able to find the same stain, and I don’t want the deck and walkway to be a different color than the fence. Do you have a stain that would be approximately the same color? Thanks!
We are not familiar with their colors. Post some pics in the comments.
here is an image taken in 2023 (everything was refinished in 2020). As you can see, the vertical surfaces on the fence are still looking pretty good, but the horizontal surfaces are darkened and discolored. So I guess in a sense they’re already not the same color, but I’d like to match the color if possible.
Try Cedar or Light Walnut colors.
thanks!
actually, one more question: it’s a little unclear to me when the booster and thickener are needed. For the horizontal surfaces here, which are pretty dirty, will I need them?
It’s hard to say with not being a close-up, but it does not look like you will need to use them.
Ok, thanks again!
I prepped and cleaned my deck two weeks ago but have been unable to stain due to weather and work. I’m planning on staining tomorrow, but now the green pressure treat seems to be seeping through the wood. Does this need to be cleaned again?
Yes, we would clean that again but honestly it may just seep out later. Nothing you can do to prevent this as it is part of the wood internally.
What if I can’t prep and stain in one day? How many days will the prep “last” before staining?
2 Weeks.
I had a contractor stain my new wood deck while I was on vacation. I have since returned and the job completed by the contractor has some issues that I need to know how to possibly solve or in some way remediate as best I can.
First some background ….. new wood (seasoned for over 6 months and washed with restore-a-deck cleaner/brightener under 2 weeks prior to staining with restore-a-deck stain) application with only one coat, deck is 1000 sq. ft., climate is south Georgia, I believe that the stain was applied when the ambient air temperature was about 90 degrees.
I would like to know the cause and remedy for the following:
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Jim
Add some pics in the comments, please.
FYI …. I am not blaming anyone for this outcome, I just want to know how best to handle it. As to the various colors, some of it is due to unequal seasoning times, if a second coat of stain would help that would be fine. If the pictures attached are not adequate resolution, let me know and I will send others.
Can you send a close-up? It kind of looks like it rained on it while it was wet. Where it is light, it washed it away, and where it is darker, it half-cured on top of the wood.
To fix, you would need to strip the flooring, and if needed to remove fuzzies, and then recoat.
You cannot add a coat on top once the first coat has cured.
I have a pressure treated wood deck with older (10 years?) rails and1.5 year horizontal surfaces. None of the wood has ever been stained or sanded. I am planning to clean and brighten all surfaces, and apply stain the same day. Should everything receive two coats of stain? If so, to clarify– a second coat of the semi-transparent stain is applied wet on wet 20 min-1 hr apart, but a second coat of solid stain is applied 2-4 hours after when the first coat is dry?
Yes, 2 coats applied wet on wet for the semi-transparent stain. Solid stain second coat goes on after the first coat is fully dry.
After stripping and brightening there was no rain in forecast for 12 hours so applied 2 coats of semi-transparent RAD stain to deck. 4-8 hours later we got a total of 1/2” of rain. Will I need to start over?
It should be fine.
My deck pictured below. I have stripped both sides but put a lot more effort and elbow grease into the left side. If I leave the deck as is, will your solid stain cover both sides equally?
Yes, it will!
I have a new treated wood deck built 1 yr ago. It has not been cleaned, brightened or stained yet. I would like to avoid the re staining process every couple of years. Can I just clean & brighten every couple of years and forego the staining step?
No. If you do not stain then the wood will not be protected from UV and water damage.
how to stir/mix deck stain in a jug? – would shaking it produce bubbles/foam?
Shake it for 1-2 minutes. Minor bubbles will not matter.
I am going to stain my back deck that was replaced last summer. I’ve got your cleaning and brightening products, and the solid stain. I don’t have a sprayer, is it okay to just use a brush? I bought a deck cleaning brush and thought I could just dip it in the solution for cleaning, and then just gently apply the brightened? Also, since it’s “new” (never stained) wood, can I clean and brighten one day and stain the next? Temps are expected to be in the high 50’s and low 60’s during the day, but dip down in the 30’s at night. Will that be a problem?
Best to apply the cleaner and the brightener with a pump sprayer and then lightly pressure wash off. While you could dip and scrub, it will take much longer.
You can prep one day and stain the next day or later. It should not drop below freezing the first night after staining.
I have an older deck that was stained with semi-transparent Restore-A-Deck several years ago. Do I need to strip it before freshening up the stain?
Can you post some pics of the current condition of the deck in the comments?
The wood is in good shape. However, it’s in need of a good power washing and probably brightening. It was stained with the Cedar color the last time around.
Since you have a variance in wearing, we suggest stripping and brightening for prep. It is not any harder than cleaning but still will give the wood a more uniform appearance when done.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
Hi. I used the RAD stripper brightener and stain about 2 years ago. It’s a little faded but still good. Do I just need to use RAD cleaner and re stain or the brightener too ? Also I have a gallon left over from 2 years ago is it still useable never opened ?
Clean and brighten. Shake your stain well and then you can use it.
Good afternoon, I purchased restored deck in the solid color two-tone white and coastal gray about 2 years ago. It was towards the end of the summer so the contractor only did one coat and that was it.
My question is, is that I would like to possibly use the same color scheme to cover the decks. What are your suggestions and what should I use? As far as stripper versus cleaner versus brightener?
Can you send us some pics of the current condition? Post in the comments.
This is what it looks like after one power wash. (It only had one coat to begin with because the contractor did not understand that he had to apply the second coat before the first coat fully dried, so I didn’t allow him to do a second coat). Right now its still semi damp as the weather is damp this morning.
We would suggest to strip and brighten the floor to ensure a more even application for the stain.
Good morning, have an old deck, needed stripping. Applied stripper and brightened. Would you recommend a second application with the additive? It didn’t do as well as other decks but this one in bad shape. Thanks
That is an easy strip. Are you pressure washing after applying the stripper?
Yes sir, that’s after stripper, brightener and power wash. It had multiple coats of unknown and 6-7 years after.
We would suggest you go over it again with the stripper and the booster. When pressure washing, get a little closer to the wood.
Ok, ordered the additive yesterday. Will be in touch.
I have a two tiered deck system. Pool deck a few steps up extending from regular deck. When cleaning and brightening, should I be concerned about cleaner and brightener dripping down. For example, if I clean and brighten my railing and spindles, it will likely drip down to my deck floor. Then when I clean and brighten the deck floor that area may have been cleaned and brightened more than other areas. Just trying to figure out if this is something to be careful about.
It should not be an issue.
Also how long is typical shipping to NY. Ordered yesterday.
2-3 business days.
How long after you apply Restore a deck natural stain should the deck be rain free
It can take a rain once fully dry. About 2-4 hours later but that varies based on the weather.
I have stripped and pressure washed my deck. I will not have time to stain it today (pressure washing took longer than I thought it would). Should I apply the brightener now or wait until tomorrow?
Now.
My massarenuba deck is a disaster with a number of stains on it. I can’t pressure wash it on. Can your restore system get it out?? It really bad.
We would need to see some pics. You can post them in the comments.
My deck is a trex/composite surface with wooden rails that I’ll be stripping/re-staining. Is it necessary to protect/cover the trex/composite surface when applying the stripper to the rails? Will the stripper or brightener affect the trex surface if any gets on there.
No they should not but pre-wet and rinse whle working to avoid residue that is being stripped drying on the Trex.
Last year we sanded deck rails and applied 1 coat of your walnut stain. Can I just lightly sand and apply another coat?
Best to use our Cleaner and then the Brightener for prep when recoating.
Step 1 Wood and Deck Stain Stripper (was 2 lbs. now just under 1/2 lb.)
What is your question?
How much stripper will it take to do a 70 sq. front porch? I have some left from my big deck in back.
Which stripper?
I have some left over Geeni cleaner and brightener from old deck. If I use their product to prepare my new pine deck, can I still use your product for wet wood application?
Yes.
I cleaned and brightened today but wasn’t able to stain. I know I need to stain within 2 weeks. If it rains in the meantime, do I have to reclean and/or rebrighten? I’m using RAD semi transparent
Rain will not harm the prep.
I used your product about 3 years ago. Deck looked great. Now it’s kind of wearing off and some of the wood grain is showing. Deck needs to be done again. What steps should I take? Please advise. Thanks
Pics please for prep help.
Stained our deck with RAD products (cleanser and stain) 2 years ago. Time to restain. Do we need to repeat prep steps? Thanks.
Yes, that is correct. Clean and Brighten.
Hi I have a 20year old Epi wood Deck, 400sq ft Deck. The last time I stained my deck was in 2021 I used an oil-based product. I have access to a power washer. The railings are very dark in color almost black I think from all the oil used in the past.If you could please advise me on what I can do to bring this deck back to life.
Thank you
Hi Dan,
Strip and brighten for prep with this kit: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
Stain with the Restore a Deck Stain in Light Walnut. See IPE tips here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-on-exotic-hardwoods-ipe
I completed the first 2 steps on my fence yesterday and was left with some vertical stripes. I followed all of the instructions as stated and am a little worried about the result. Can you advise me on what to do next?
It looks like you unevenly applied one of the two products and where it was heavier, it did a deeper cleaning or brightening of the wood. Best to redo both steps. Saturate the wood heavily with both steps and let them each sit on the wood for 20+ minutes before rising. Hopefully that even out the wood color.
Wow, I really don’t see how that is possible. I used a sprayer and went board by board in each section. It took an entire day to complete about 60 feet of fencing. I timed each application and kept everything moistened as per the instructions. It is really disappointing and I’m hesitant to repeat the process and get even worse results. Not too mention I will have to rebuy cleaner and brightener. Would the recommended 2 coats of stain bond properly if I just leave the current results?
It is not a product issue but a dripping issue when you applied too heavily in areas. You could try to spot-apply some watered-down bleach or brightener to a test board to see if that evens out the wood color.
The stain will take with no issues but the drip discoloration will probably show through with the semi-transparent colors.
I have stained my deck with RAD semitransparent light walnut stain 1 year after it was built. Followed with second coat the following year (2 years ago). Last year I have noticed chipping of the horizontal surfaces. Was told it happened most likely due to too high temperature when stain was applied. This year I purchased RAD products to prep the deck for restraining. The deck has been already power washed without using any cleaning/stripping RAD products. It doesn’t look bad. Should I still use stripping followed by brightening or just use the brightener only. Also should I apply 1 coat vs 2? How soon can I apply the stain after brightening? For the staining what would be the best tool for RAD semi- transparent stain. Roller or applicator pad?
Can you send a picture of the wood when dry, not wet?
Unfortunately I have a picture before power washing. It does not look now after when it’s dry. Looks clean.
Hi. Looking for a picture after pressure washing to answer if you need to use a stripper or not.
Was able to take a pic as deck is dry
Looks good to stain. Two light coats applied wet on wet for the floors.
We’re getting ready to strip and brighten vertical cedar siding trim that is above standing seam siding on our house. Will either product (including gel and booster) damage the metal siding or window trim? Is plastic sheeting necessary around the whole house?
I can have my sidekick present with a power present to rinse as the need arises if that helps.
Hard to say if it will create any issues so best to test spot first.
How long does it take to ship to Illinois?
1-2 business days.
Shipping time
I have 2 small decks with a 2-3 year old Behr acrylic stain that is starting to peel/wear in a few spots, but not much. They are fairly clean and stain free, the colour is very much like it was to begin with, just less shine & the few small areas of peeling. What is the minimum number of steps/products required to use RAD stain in this situation?
You will need to fully remove the Behr stain. For help with this, post some pictures.