Note: The RAD stain can be applied to damp or dry wood but is best applied to damp wood. Easier and will avoid potential Hot Sun Application Issues.
Today we will outline some things you need to know about how to apply Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain to damp wood for best results. Recent advancements in wood stain technology have allowed for a number of benefits, including better UV protection against the sun’s rays, excellent penetration into the wood grain for long-lasting results, and the ability to apply the stain to damp wood the same day as completing the prep steps. Since staining damp wood may be a new concept to some of you, as it has not been a possibility before, we have some tips and things to take into account so you can achieve the best-finished product.
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
Before you start your wood stain project, ensure your temperature conditions are optimal for best results. The surface temperature should be between 45 degrees F and 90 degrees F. Check the weather forecast and do not start the staining process if the temperature is expected to drop below 45 degrees or if rain is a possibility in the next 12 hours.
If the weather is on your side, first, complete steps 1 and 2 of the Restore-a-Deck in a day process by applying either the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner or Restore-A-Deck Stripper depending on whether there is already stain on the wood surface, followed by the Restore-A-Deck Brightener. Allow the wood surface to dry for 2-4 hours before tackling the staining process.
Make sure you mix Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain well initially and periodically throughout the staining project. Protect all non-target surfaces with cardboard or drop cloths. For equipment, you can use the Restore-A-Deck Stain Brush (if using the RAD Semi-Transparent Stains), hand brushes, or staining pads to apply. Apply the stain to vertical surfaces such as railings or posts first, and protect the horizontal surfaces from the excess stain. Apply stain to the full length of the board, making sure to not break in the middle of the board. Apply 2 coats wet on wet for older wood and 1 coat only for newer wood.
Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips
- Applying RAD Stain Wet on Wet Tips
- Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
- Restore-A-Deck Stain Hot Sun Application
And there you have it. We recommend allowing the surface to dry for 24 hours before walking or placing furniture on the surface.
Have you completed the Restore-A-Deck 3 step process in one day? Any tips we are missing? We want to hear your reviews. Be sure to comment with any photos and let us know how the project is holding up over time.
Forgive me if you’ve answered this in the comments below. I have some very old decking that I have stripped and brightened. In addition to the power washing I did, it has rained extensively. I’m pretty sure the boards are quite damp/soaked. I know the technology is different, and you can do same day applications, but is there a moisture meter rating I should aim for? It rained 6 hours ago and I woke up with the wood still damp. Today and tomorrow have no rain. I was planning on using the first day to dry the wood a bit and applying this evening. Does that sound like a sound plan or do I not have to actually wait this long? Or, given the age and moisture, should I wait longer? It’s a huge deck and I’ve been at it for many days so I just want to get it right. Thank you for your help!
Give it a day or two to dry our if it has rained a lot. Moisture % less than 20.
I am planning to stain today. There will be 12 hours between finishing and when it is supposed to rain tomorrow. When it says I should wait 24 hours to walk on the deck, how does rain play into that?
It can take a rain 12 hours after applying.
And I should still be able to walk on it after 24 hours if those 24 hours include rain?
Yes.
Thank you!
Last question (probably not 😉
If we brighten and stain the same day, we should wait 2 hours after brightening, before staining , correct ? We’re using the semi-transparent stain.
Correct.
If we brighten one day, and stain the next day…
1. Is it okay to stain the day after brightening?
2. confirming the stain can go on damp or dry wood, but you recommend damp for better stain application.
1. Yes.
2. Damp or dry.
I just refinished my deck. It was new three years ago, with RAD semi transparent applied. It’s been three weeks, and looks good, however, it seems dry, and looks like it needs a second coat. You say wet, on wet, but can I treat it as a refinish since it’s been three weeks? Thx, “Kritter”
No, you cannot add additional stain now that it has cured and more stain is not better. You want it to fully soak in, not sit on top of the wood.
Hello – just finished pressure washing and sanding 700 sf of my cypress deck. It had been treated with oil based stain and was covered in mildew. I have purchased 4 gallons of your semitransparent RAD and brightener.
I need to know how to proceed…. After using the brightener, can I apply the stain while the deck is still damp , or should I wait a few days until the deck is dry? Also, do I need to apply a 2nd coat. If so how long should I wait before applying the 2nd coat?
Also to let you know, I used 60 grit sander this last time…. This deck is almost 15 years old and has been sanded and treated with oil based stain every 2-3 years. I would think it has weathered long enough!?! That said, since I sanded the deck, do I need to let it weather till spring before I do anything to it?? I am afraid without any stain the deck will be in worse shape if I wait until next spring.
Anthony, we already replied to these questions earlier.
Thanks!
I just finished all three steps including semi transparent cedar stain.
within an hour had a pop up thunderstorm. I realize I have to strip /brighten
again Question is should I let it completely dry first and can I start stripping?
Assess the situation after the rain dries off. Send some pics. It may be fine.
The weather in the northeast has been challenging for staining this summer, I live close to Lake Ontario and it’s been raining quite frequently. I have two projects I need to complete. I will be using semi transparent on both, first is a deck second is a new fence that was installed in April and has to be stained by late September or the installer won’t honor the warranty. What would be an acceptable moisture content level for both projects? I have a moisture meter, thank you
It is not about moisture % but porosity. Are both new? Is the fence smooth wood or rough cut?
The deck is not new, been stained 2 times previously, last time failed within 5 months, bad product because it was properly prepped and stained in a nice dry spell. I realize I will have to strip the remaining stain in order to use Restore A Deck. The fence is brand new and rough cut.
The fence you can stain now as long as it is clean. Make sure to remove any old stain for the deck as prep. For prep tips on the deck, post some pics in the comments.
I have a 20+ year old deck, and I believe it’s never been stained before. I would like to use a RAD semi-transparent stain on it. Please let me know if this is the correct sequence, thank you!
RAD Cleaner and Brightener for prep. You do not need the stripper. Staining is correct.
Thanks! In your opinion, how many gallons of semi-transparent stain would I need to go over my 12×12′ deck twice?
2-3 gallons.
I have one area of my deck that gets heavy traffic from my dogs. Would a solid stain hold up better in this area?
Possibly but no deck stain is 100% immune to heavy traffic from dogs.
just checked my brightener instruction, it says “wait at least 48 hours before staining”, but RAD website says I can do it all in the same day. Which one is correct?
That varies if using the RAD stains or another brand of deck stain. Only the RAD stains can be used the same day as prep.
I used RAD semi about 4 years ago and will do it again. It’s in a shaded area and temperature around 60 degree. Is it still better to apply stain the same day?
Either way is okay.
I will be using stripper and brightner on one day and solid stain applied the next day. Should wood be re-moistened before applying stain? How long to wait between first and second coat of stain?
You can apply the solid stain to dry wood or damp wood for the first coat. The second coat goes on as soon as the first coat is dry. 1-3 hours.
So if I use your stain irrespective of semi transparent or solid, how long will it last before having to do the prep n stain? Which stain has the highest UV protection?
Normal to recoat every 2-3 years. Solid stain will have better UV protection.
Based on reading your forum though frequently you state if we use a solid stain it won’t come off. I’m confused…what’s the difference between your solid stain product and others on the market? I don’t want to buy solid stain if I’m never going to be able to remove it…
You can remove a solid stain if you want down the road. It is more work than removing a semi-transparent but it can be done.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-a-solid-color-deck-stain-or-paint/
OK. So why would you sell a solid stain product knowing it’s going to be harder on your customers to remove? From everything in your posts you advise against the solid stains.
Many people prefer the appearance of a solid stain or they already have a solid stain on their deck. You do not have to fully remove it when you recoat it.
We sell the semi-transparent stain 10:1 to the solid stain.
OHHHH. OK thanks I knew I was intrinsically missing something lol. Appreciate the response, wasn’t trying to be snarky just made no sense logicallu!
I stripped, cleaned, sanded and stained my deck last year. I did one coat with advice that because I sanded the deck I should treat it like new wood. I need to apply another coat now-should I use wet on wet technique to reapply the second coat for the best adherence after pressure washing?
Use our prep products while pressure washing and then apply one coat since you will already have a base coat.
Thank you. We on wet technique still?
One coat.
Do I apply the stain with the deck dry or damp? Not sure as it’s the second coat.
Either way works.
After reading the articles i have a clarification question .. new wood; weathered (8 months) and prepped ..
It is mentioned the stain is best applied to damp wood in this article; but another article says new wood either damp after cleaning or dry next day. Hot sun application mentions misting prior to staining..
What is the best method for the above?
thanks!
d
We like damp wood for ease of application.
I’m looking to repaint my deck with a solid stain over an older solid stain that is cracking/peeling. I was looking over the prep steps and have a question on prepping the deck. Do I need to remove 100% of the older paint with RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper? Or can I remove most of the loose paint before I repaint the deck?
Remove all the peeling solid stain and then you can cover the intact stain that is not peeling with the RAD solid stain.
After reading through all of the advice on your website I see that for solid stain it should be applied with a hand brush, roller or airless sprayer.
If using a roller what nap should be used.
Thank you
1/2″ to 5/8″ nap.
Going to stain our deck this weekend with semi transparent stain. We have a stain sprayer- should I use this or a pad? What would be best for the railings? Thanks!
Pads work best. If you spray, back brush to ensure an even application.