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.
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.
Insurance company had Benjamin Moore solid cedar put on old deck and house 3 years ago. (Hail damage) It’s peeling in spots. I had semi-transparent previously. House built in 1989 and I’m 74. What can I get away with?
You will need a solid stain again: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Which application product do you recommend? I’m unsure of the difference between the speed mop, the wood staining brush and the stain pads? I have a 700 sq. ft. deck to clean and stain, as well as a long wooden fence. My in-laws are also interested in using your RAD products for a cottage dock. I’m just not sure which brush/pad to purchase. Thanks for your help!
Speed mop is no longer available. Use the RAD brush for floors and stain pads for vertical wood.
I have completed the prep work and applied one coat of stain on my one year old pressure treated deck. I am now too tired and it is too late to apply a second coat. Can I wait a day or two before the second application? Are there any special instructions I need to follow? Thank you!
No, second coats have to be applied wet on wet. You can wait until late Fall or Early Spring to apply another coat. Light clean first.
So when I reapply in the fall or spring, can I clean and brighten on one day and stain the next day?
Yes.
My question is how many coats of semi-transparent stain. Here’re the details:
Deck is 6 year-old pressure-treated pine and has never been stained
Last weekend I powerwashed, sanded with 60 grit, cleaned with RAD cleaner and powerwashed off, and then brightened with RAD brightener. Wood looks like new.
Do I use one or two coats of the semi-transparent stain?
Thanks!
One coat since you sanded.
I was going to do my deck today, but now i hear that we may get spotty showers starting around 5am tomorrow. Will there be a problem if rain gets on my deck within 12 hours of staining?
It needs 4-8 hours of drying before any rain.
can light walnut and dark walnut be mixed?
Have cats how long to keep them off decck after staining?
Use you can mix. Keep animals off for 4-6 hours.
After a lot of spring rain my deck is pretty water logged. How long does it need to dry out before I can use the solid stain?
A week or so in dry warmer weather is okay.
Purchased the complete stripping and stain kit along with the stripper booster and thickening gel. For assurance, all 3 items (stripper, booster, & gel) can be mixed together for better results? Thx
That is correct.
I want to apply a very light coat of stain to a fence. I am going to use the dark walnut semi transparent. Can I use the sprayer you sell?
Yes.
I successfully applied your stain last year. Now, I have some bare areas from snow shovelling and such. I need to reapply this year again. So, cleaner, brightner, stain? Any need for pressure washing or anything like that?
Correct. Use the pressure washer to wash off the Cleaner.
which color semi-transparant is closer to a reddish color?
2nd Application process, do you spray on cleaner and then scrub or apply the let sit for awhile? 20 yr old non-stained deck, or
Light Walnut is a reddish color with a hint of brown. You apply the cleaner, let dwell for 10-15 minutes, and then pressure wash off for best results.
I’m going to apply 2 coats of classic white solid stain to the 20 year old 6 x 6 posts that support my decks. I also want to apply the solid white stain to two benches built January 2021. I’m planning to clean and brighten both first. I’d appreciate any advice on keeping the cleaner/brightener on the vertical posts. I also want to know how long I should wait between applying the 2 coats of stain.
Just spray on prep products to vertical and then pressure wash off after 10-15 minutes. The second coat of solid stain goes on as soon as the first coat is fully dry.
The overnight temps are getting down into the 40’s. What is the minimum temp we can start applying the stain in the morning?
50.
I have a 2nd floor deck that is surrounded by painted railing and support structure, will the stripper damage the latex paint in these areas?
It does not remove paint unless the paint is already failing/peeling.
What size/type nozzle should I use on the pressure washer for rinsing the stripper and then the brightener?
You pressure wash off the stripper, not rinse. Rinse the brightener. The green or white tip.
Hi, We found out that the house we purchased has a non-PT wood deck, heat-treated only (pine). What can we do to preserve it/maintain it? Location: SC mountains, partial shade, surrounded by deciduous forest.
Prep and stain with the Restore A Deck products.
Hi. My older redwood deck is 205 sq feet. I have just sanded it completely. I would like to use RAD semi transparent stain. How much should I purchase?
One coat for sanded wood. 1-2 gallons as varies on how porous it is.
If you stain, the same day as your strip/brighten how long should you wait before applying the stain? Part of my deck is covered, concerned the wood in the uncovered portion will be dryer than the wood that is covered.
See here for some tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
It took the entire day for me to strip and pressure wash. I didn’t have time to brighten before it was dark. The deck has some areas where the old stain did not come up. Should I strip again or go ahead and brighten. I will have to order more stripper, if I need to strip those areas a second time.
Best to spot strip and then brighten all when done.
I used both additives with the stripper the first time. Should I use the additives for spot stripping as well?
It would help.
Once the wood is wet it is hard to see the spots that need stripped a second time. Is it ok to apply the stripper to dry wood when spot stripping or would it be best to strip the entire deck a second time?
Do I need to remove all of the Behr semi-transparent stain before using Restore a Deck? It’s nearly gone on horizontal surfaces, but still pretty firmly attached to many vertical surfaces. Will your stripper remove it readily?
You will have to remove all. Post some pictures here in the comments.
Here are some photos. The deck itself has just bits of stain left. Many of the verticals are still pretty well covered.
Use the RAD Stripper with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Let dwell for 45-60 minutes (mist if needed to keep from drying out), pressure wash off, repeat if needed, brightener last.
I already submitted my order earlier today. Can I update it to include the additive?
You need both additives and best to call and do this over the phone as we do not store credit cards for security reasons.
Also, can you tell me what the coverage of the additives are? I ordered the 5 gallon set of stain/stripper/brightener. The horizontal part of my deck (which will not need additive) is about 600 sq ft. How much of the additive will I need?
One of each additive per 5-gallon kit.
Is the stripper and/or brightener harmful to plants? If so, is it harmful to getting on the leaves as well as getting in the ground? What is the best way to protect garden plants?
Cover the leaves while so they are not “burned” from the prep products. It will not harm the ground or roots.
1 year old semi transparent Restore A Deck stained deck. process to apply another coat now.
Use the RAD Cleaner and then Brightener.
I came here to ask this question. :). Just to confirm, if I want to reapply RestoreADeck , I need to go through the full Clean/Brightener steps again this year. (approaching my 1 year anniversary)
Yes, that is correct.
Thank you!
Can I use bug juice with the rad solid stain?Thanks
Yes.
I applied thompsons semi transparent last summer. Everything in the sun about 50% of the deck is peeling. Do i strip and brighten before restaining? Thanks
Yes, and use both additives with the stripper: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
I’ve searched this site for the answer to this question but haven’t found anyone with my unique situation: I have a concrete patio under our deck… do we need to protect it with plastic sheeting prior to using your products? If so, just for the staining portion or for the whole thing (i.e. will stripping/cleaning/brightening runoff stain our concrete)? Because of the forecast for this weekend, I have to do our project in two days (strip/clean/brighten on first day; stain on third day with one day of rain in between). Many thanks!
Cover during staining only.
I applied the Restore-a-Deck semi-transparent stain-2 coats- last summer after sanding carefully, using the RAD cleaner and brightener, but this Spring I noticed lots of white spots (see pictures), amplified when I power-washed the deck. Question: normally you restain every two-three years but it looks like I’ll need to do it now. If so, do I have to use a brightener again? And why the white spots?Thanks.
You removed the stain while pressure washing to close to the wood. You can see your pressure washer marks. Best to to a full prep and recoat. Use the Restore A Deck Kits.
I applied the Restore-a-Deck semi-transparent stain last fall. How do I know when it is time to re-stain? Just by visible wear or is there a water absorption test that should be done periodically? Also, it is possible to re-stain too frequently, like annual, and end up with a film buildup?
More is not always better. Every 2-3 years is normal.
I already got the cleaner, brightened, and the semitransparent stain. Ready to restore my 2 cedar decks (never stained before). Now, I want to sand the decks a bit as well (they are old and have been power washed quite aggressively in the past. And it shows). I am not 100% when should I do that, considering that the decks would have to fully dry before sanding. Either:1. Clean->power wash->brighten->rinse->let it dry->sand->wash->stainOR2. Clean->power wash->let it dry->sand->brighten->rinse->stain
Thanks
Clean->power wash->let it dry->sand->brighten->rinse->stain
Ok, Time to re-stain. last stained 2 seasons ago. Used Restore-A-Deck Clear stain before. Do I need to remove the previous application before re-staining? Plan was was to clean and brighten, then apply the new stain. ThanksDan C.
I assume you mean Natural as it does not come in Clear. Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener kits while pressure washing for prep.
Can I use a roller to apply RAD semitransparent to horizontal surfaces? Thanks
Use a stain pad or brush. Rollers splatter and do not apply the semi-transparent stain evenly.https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
Another picture from hot tub sat.
We would strip off as much as you can and then sand the rest off. Under the tub was a solid stain. Use both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.htmlhttps://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Brightener last.