Do-It-Yourself Wood Restoration Made Simple!

Restore-a-deck.com

How to Restore-A-Deck in One Day

by RAD Products

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.

RAD Stain Steps

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.

author avatar
RAD Products Owner
Scott only carries wood deck stains and wood restoration products that perform best based on his experience using the products and his 30+ years of helping others. Scott has been approached about selling numerous restoration products through the years but selects only the products he has used and trusts to perform.
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Danielle Wecksler
Danielle Wecksler
1 month ago

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.

Jaime Velazquez
Jaime Velazquez
1 month ago

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

Jaime Velazquez
Jaime Velazquez
1 month ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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

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Brent
Brent
1 month ago

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?

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Joe Thacker
2 months ago

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.

Joe Thacker
2 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Attached

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Matthew
Matthew
2 months ago

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!

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Kevin
Kevin
2 months ago

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?

Toby
Toby
3 months ago

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.

Cathy Luff
Cathy Luff
4 months ago

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?

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Cathy Luff
Cathy Luff
3 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Yes, solid stain.

Aaron Thayer
Aaron Thayer
4 months ago

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!

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Luke
Luke
4 months ago

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!

Luke
Luke
4 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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.

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Luke
Luke
4 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

thanks!

Luke
Luke
4 months ago
Reply to  Luke

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?

Luke
Luke
4 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Ok, thanks again!

Alyssa
Alyssa
4 months ago

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?

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Beth
Beth
4 months ago

What if I can’t prep and stain in one day? How many days will the prep “last” before staining?

Jim
Jim
4 months ago

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:

  1. 1. Color of stained wood is rather sporadic. This is understandable for the most part but it would be nice if it was better than it is now.
  2. 2. Fuzzy’s on some portions of the decking. The contractor use a pressure washer, could this be that he got too close to the substrate when washing/brightening? Will sanding help and do I need to restrain afterward?
  3. 3. Some areas on the deck are somewhat tacky and slightly darker. Is this because of inadequate back brushing? What can be done to lessen the tacky feel?

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Jim

Jim
Jim
4 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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.

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Julie
Julie
5 months ago

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?

Mary
Mary
5 months ago

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?

John
John
5 months ago

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?

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Glenn
Glenn
5 months ago

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?

Kimberly Cope
Kimberly Cope
5 months ago

how to stir/mix deck stain in a jug? – would shaking it produce bubbles/foam?

Carolyn
Carolyn
7 months ago

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?

Matthew
Matthew
7 months ago

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?

Matthew
Matthew
7 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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.

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Lance Vasquez
Lance Vasquez
8 months ago

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 ?

Olgie
Olgie
1 year ago

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?

Olgie
Olgie
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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.

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LJones
LJones
1 year ago

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

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Ljones
Ljones
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Yes sir, that’s after stripper, brightener and power wash. It had multiple coats of unknown and 6-7 years after.

LJones
LJones
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Ok, ordered the additive yesterday. Will be in touch.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

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.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Also how long is typical shipping to NY. Ordered yesterday.

Scott
Scott
1 year ago

How long after you apply Restore a deck natural stain should the deck be rain free

Susan
Susan
1 year ago

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?

Kevin
Kevin
1 year ago

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.

Justin Hankins
Justin Hankins
1 year ago

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.

Mike Coleman
Mike Coleman
1 year ago

Last year we sanded deck rails and applied 1 coat of your walnut stain. Can I just lightly sand and apply another coat?

Mike Coleman
Mike Coleman
1 year ago

Step 1 Wood and Deck Stain Stripper (was 2 lbs. now just under 1/2 lb.)

Mike Coleman
Mike Coleman
1 year ago

How much stripper will it take to do a 70 sq. front porch? I have some left from my big deck in back.

jill richards
jill richards
1 year ago

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?

Joni Gonzales
Joni Gonzales
1 year ago

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

steve
steve
1 year ago

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

Sharon
Sharon
1 year ago

Stained our deck with RAD products (cleanser and stain) 2 years ago. Time to restain. Do we need to repeat prep steps? Thanks.

Dan Kennedy
Dan Kennedy
1 year ago

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

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P.k.
P.k.
1 year ago

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?

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P.k.
P.k.
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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?

Barbara S.
Barbara S.
1 year ago

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?

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Barbara Anna Savoy
Barbara Anna Savoy
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Unfortunately I have a picture before power washing. It does not look now after when it’s dry. Looks clean.

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Barbara Anna Savoy
Barbara Anna Savoy
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Was able to take a pic as deck is dry

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Jay
Jay
1 year ago

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.

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Buzz
Buzz
2 years ago

How long does it take to ship to Illinois?

Buzz
Buzz
2 years ago

Shipping time

Lyriclyd
Lyriclyd
2 years ago

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?

susan weckbaugh
susan weckbaugh
2 years ago

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?

Julie
Julie
2 years ago

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!

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2 years ago

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!

Avatar photo
2 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

So when I reapply in the fall or spring, can I clean and brighten on one day and stain the next day?

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2 years ago

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!

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2 years ago

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? 

Patty T.
Patty T.
2 years ago

can light walnut and dark walnut be mixed?
Have cats how long to keep them off decck after staining?

M.Lebo
M.Lebo
2 years ago

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?

Xxx
Xxx
2 years ago

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