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See independent customer how-to videos for the Restore-A-Deck Wood Prepping and Stain Products. All videos have been made in the field without any compensation from Restore-A-Deck, by actual consumers.
If you have a question, please ask below in our comment area.
How to Prepare A Deck for Staining with Restore-A-Deck Products
Products Used
- Restore-A-Deck Cleaner
- Restore-A-Deck Brightener
How to restore a 30-year-old deck with Restore-A-Deck Products
Products Used
- Restore-A-Deck Stripper
- Restore-A-Deck Booster Additive for Stripper
- Restore-A-Deck Brightener
- Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain
How to prep and apply a maintenance coat of stain with Restore-A-Deck Products
Products Used
- Restore-A-Deck Cleaner
- Restore-A-Deck Brightener
How to clean and stain Decks and Retaining Wall In One Day with Restore-A-Deck Products
Products Used
- Restore-A-Deck Stripper
- Restore-A-Deck Brightener
- Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain
My deck is a year old. I plan to clean, brighten and then use the semi transparent stain. Do I need to clean and brighten the spindles and lattice on my deck? If so, what is the most efficient way to do that? Again, deck is only a year old so they don’t look terrible.
You have to prep all the wood that will be stained. Use a pump sprayer to apply the prep products and then pressure wash rinse off. It’s the same as the flooring.
Hi My name is Sandra. I am trying to restore my deck using your products. Yesterday, I completed Steps 1 and 2 using the striper, booster, and brightener. I found some “spots” ( refer to Pic 1) on the wood this morning. I am not sure what it is, and how to proceed. Could you please advise on the next steps to fix it so I can proceed with Step 3? Thanks in advance for your help.
Pic 1 – Spot
Pic 2- Deck today
Pic 3- Deck yesterday after washing off the brightener.
That is furring of the wood and can happen when you “over” strip. See this articles for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
I have stripped and power washed my older green treated pine deck. There is considerable furring of the wood that I want to sand off. Should I sand before brightening?
Yes. The easiest is to use a floor buffer with sanding pad. It will knock down the raised wood fibers.
I used restore a deck on new wood last year. I am planning to do another application. Should I use cleaner or stripper? Thank you.
Cleaner.
Hello,
I am in the process of replacing some of the worn cedar deck boards on my deck with new boards (that were stored outside at a local store where I purchased them. I lightly sanded them to clean them up a bit.) I also have existing deck areas that were previous finished with restore a deck about two years ago. I would like to recoat the existing deck boards and also stain the new boards. How do I time doing this? Do it all at once? I have ordered and recieved 5 gallons of restore a deck semi transparent stain, so I am just waiting to replace a few more older boards. Thank you!
Do it all at once but you have to weather the new boards first for at least 3 months.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood
When time, strip and brigthen the stained wood and clean and brighten the new wood. This will help to get the wood to blend better.
I meant RAD solid
I know fillers are a dirty word; however can fillers be used if I am going with super deck solid?
Our RAD Solid stain will cover wood fillers.
Do you shake or stir the stain before applying? Or just apply without doing either? We cannot find any mention of this on the stain bottle or the website. We’ve finished cleaning/brightening and want to start staining right now.
Yes, you must shake the RAD stain for 30-60 seconds before using.
We’ve stained the cedar railings on our deck with RAD stain within the past couple of years. It’s an area without a lot of sun so in the past year or so some of the stained railing are accumulating moss, showing a green tinge. What is the best way to clean the railings without stripping, cleaning and applying stain again. Thanks in advance.
Warm water and a little bit of dish soap. You can also use this to prevent:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon.html
We used RAD for the first time to strip previous stain, clean and stain our deck last year. Anything we should do this year? Please advise.
No need. Wait another year or two to prep and recoat.
Great! Thanks for the quick response!
Here’s a picture from a section that restore step 1 was done twice. Scrubbed by hand with a scrub brush the second time. Frustrated and thinking of just sanding it and then staining. And suggestions appreciated.
It looks like you may have an old stain or clear coat sealer on the wood. Do you happend to know if you do? Alos, what is going on in the top left? Looks like a solid stain or paint there, but soemthing was coverring it.
No stain or sealer ever. There was an outside rug on that section and it looked good before cleaning.
It looks like a clear sealer was applied prior, are you the original owners? Options are if a clear sealer then you need to strip instead of clean. If 100% certain there is no sealer, then you are not getting close enough to the wood when pressure washing after applying the stripper. Still pretty certain that a sealer was used prior though. See pic of a clear sealer that has turned white and after stripping pic. Similar to your pic.
We have used the step one after power washing but it doesn’t look good enough to stain. We are redoing step one now. Should power wash after scrubbing? And what is the purpose of the brightener? We already have Valspar semi transparent stain and we’re planning to do that after step 1.
Post some pics. You must neutralzie with the step 2 after using the Cleaner.
I ordered the restore-a-deck package of cleaner and brightener. I ordered 3 more of the cleaner less than 1 week ago and have not received a confirmation other than payment. Your phones are disconnected and I am unable to get information
Hi, Our phones are not disconnected. Are you dialing the correct #? 866-856-3325 As for your last order, it was on June 2nd and it shipped out and was delivered on June 3rd.
Tracking Number: 0 1ZE380550397006546
Shipment Reference: 0 ORDER # 213700
Service: 0 UPS Ground
Weight: 0 12.00 LBS.
Shipped or Billed On: 0 Jun 03, 2023
Delivered on: 0 Jun 06, 2023 1:58 PM
Delivered to: 0 12626 MERLAU AVE
PLAINWELL, MI, US 49080
Location: 0 Met Customer
What type brushes and what type and length nap roller covers are recommended for your solid stain application?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/pdf/Restore-A-Deck-wood-stain-data-sheet-SOLID-COLOR.pdf
I have just ordered your brown walnut solid stain for my 23 year old pressure treated wood deck that has previously been coated with only semi-transparent coatings. I previously ordered and received your prep kit and as soon as the stain arrives want to start with my restoration process. I have read and watched videos of the two step prep process and think I understand that well, but not sure what is the best method to apply the actual solid stain. I was going to buy one of your wide deck brushes, but it said these are only to be used for semi-transparent coatings. What should I use to best apply the solid stain?
For solid stains, you will need rollers and brushes to apply. The yellow brush will not work for solid stains.
Stripper looks like a good product. We have a 23 year old covered deck that is in good shape that has original redwood stain. Through the years we have restrained it maybe three times with Behr Wood Finish water based. Just wanting to start over since we are installing new decking to exposed connecting deck. Has anyone had a similar situation and did stripper do a good job. Thanks!
Post some pics for prep helpt and tips.
Here are the pictures you requested. Thanks.
You have a solid opaque stain in appearance. Do you want to remove it fully or what is loose and then recoat with our solid stain?
Thanks for responding. I want to remove it completely and start over.
Want to restain with a transparent stain.
Sorry to bother you again but haven’t seen a response from my last message. Thanks.
Hi,
Sorry for the late response. You will need to fully remove it to use a proper semi-transparent stain. Strip and or sand to fully get off the opaque stain.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-paintstrip-paint-solid-stain-stripping-gel.html
I have a pressure treated deck with what I believe is a solid stain over over a semi-transparent stain. If I’m planning to use one of your solid stain products, would the prep consist of cleaning and stripping? Thanks.
when recoating with a solid stain, you want to remove all the peeling and loose stain as much as possible. You can then cover the solid stain that is not peeling with the RAD Solid Stain.
Can you extend a complete deck stain renovation over a month if weekends are all you have?
You should stain withing 2 weeks of prep.
Thank you
How do I unsubscribe from email notices?
There is an unsubscribe at bottom of the emails.
Just placed an order. How long till it arrives to Massachusetts?
3-4 business days.
We finished railings on our huge pool deck, within the two week deadline after prep, but floor boards and outside fascia were not. Can we still stain now? I don’t know how we’d repeat steps 1 and 2 without getting product on railings, and have no desire to go through that again anyway, even though floor was easiest by far. What will consequences be if we just stain floor anyway, at day 16-18 after prep? Thanks.
Give it a light pressure wash to remove any direct and then stain.
Thank you!
I used TWP 1500 oil based series stain on my deck 3 years ago. Do I need to strip and brighten before applying restore a deck stain?
Yes, that is correct.
what is the recommended wood moisture content before staining.
The RAD Stains can be applied to damp or dry wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
We had 2 pine decks (more than 1 y.o., but never stained/treated before) cleaned and brightened yesterday. We need to pause the work due to an emergency (today, tomorrow). Tomorrow there is rain in the forecast, and for the following 2 days showers.
Can we restart on the last day of showers, i.e. if they occur in the morning? We would have needed to re-wet anyway…
Independent of the answer to the previous question, when re-wetting, is hosing ok or should it be with a power washer? Do we need to use brightener again after the pause and/or rain?
Thanks in advance for the help.
If you have already cleaned and brightened all the wood, then proceed to staining.
Just finished my front deck (new seasoned pine) using cleaner, brightener and semi transparent dark walnut. Beautiful color!!! I purchased the brush and used it as well. I followed the prescribed method up till the end when I noticed an area that appeared lighter so I “touched it up” using a paint brush. It became much darker and put a sheen on the area that I touched up. Am I able to put a second coat on the whole deck to have a more even application and a darker finish? I will post a picture tomorrow morning when it’s light outside.
No, do not do this. It cannot be shiny. That means it was over-applied and can create issues down the road.
I am not happy with the result. How do I fix?
It cannot be spot fixed so you would have to remove all and start over. Use the Stripper with both additives and pressure washing. Brightener last.
If I use a semi-transparent stain on an outdoor Douglas Fir Table, should I put a sealant over the stain?
No, you cannot top coat a deck stain with a sealer. No need.
Our old deck really soaked up the stain so I ran out, only able to apply the first coat to most of the deck but not all. Would I have any issue finishing the first coat and doing the second days later? Do you have any tips when applying the second coat a few days later?
You cannot apply a second coat after the first coat has cured. Second coats have to be applied wet on wet. You can wait 6-12 months and then lightly clean to remove dirt and apply a coat then.
My deck was stained with a SW solid stain which peeled and bubbles in months of staining due to improper prep. The painter is removing that stain and is willing to use Restore A Deck semi transparent stain. I choose cedar for the color. He did use your stripper but didn’t get the booster. He is willing to sand off what was not removed but showed me there is some stain remaining in small cracks in the deck boards which a sander can’t reach. Should I ask the painter to strip again with the booster? sandblast the deck to get in the cracks?
Thank you,
Pam
All the old solid stain will need to be removed if switching to a semi-transparent color.
If I use cleaner and brightened on my deck which was finished with SICO translucent oak coloured stain, can I apply restore a deck semi transparent light walnut stain
When switching stain brands, you have to remove the prior coating. Strip and or sand and then brighten.
Are these products safe to use on a boat dock? Safe for the lake, it’s inhabitants, environment? If not, what products would be recommended?
Yes, they are.
Best finish for a redwood table? It has imperfections but has been sanded down, and all weathered fibers removed.
Try the RAD Stain in Light Walnut color: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-1-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
Hi,
We are only seeing one order of stain from you and that was in 2019. Are you using the same batch for each staining? The stain does have a shelf life.
At this point you should strip and brighten for prep and reapply the stain on a bare wood. You may also want to go with a richer color as that will give better UV protection.
Ok. I will make sure to order new product and go with semi transparent cedar color rather than the semi transparent natural used in the past and also use the stripper and brightener rather than cleaner and brightener. My last question is with the fuzzies after power washing. I recall seeing something about using an orbital sander with a scotch brite like pad rather than a sanding pad. If I use a machine to remove the raised wood fibers do I do that in between stripping and brightening?
Yes, that would be correct. See this article about it: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
How long after a single coat of semi transparent stain is it safe to walk on and how long till furniture and outdoor rugs can be put back?
Thank you
6-8 for walking. 24 for furniture.
Hi John,
Can you post some pics in the comments?
This does the good and faded areas (sorry, it is a little dusty).
Best to strip and brighten all so it dries evenly. Use the stripper additives as well.
Uh-oh. This is very discouraging… I just spent a chunk of money ordering products this week gor 1st time, quite shocked to see such a difference in barely a year… 😮
Dont be discouraged. Most of my deck looks great. A few areas faded. I’m going to refinish those areas again and if I remember I’ll update this comment.
Faded and good.
Does the deck stain calculator include the spindles and the deck post?
If you add it into the railings section, then yes. It does not count for any framing posts under the deck.
I will be using the opaque white on posts, railings and lath. Would the thickening gel be indicated?
Not sure what you mean? The gel is an additive for the stripper.
Didn’t realize it was specific to the stripper. I thought it would help prevent running on vertical surfaces. Also, does the solid stain adhere to metal, like paint?
The solid stain cannot be applied to metal.
Sorry, did not phrase that well; the deck has metal mesh (hog panel) in the framing and I was asking how difficult it is to get the stain off of metal
Don’t get it on the metal. Paint around it.
Do you ship to Canada
Yes.
Does this stuff remove Cabot Australian timber oil or Pro Luxe/sikkens
Post a picture of what you are trying to remove.
Sorry but no deck stain stripper will remove a varnish effectively.
I don’t think its a varnish, Just feels that way. Have you ever heard of those products? It’s like a hard film on top the way that it dries but it is a deck stain
When a coating is filming on top and has a shine, strippers have a hard time getting it off as they cannot penetrate through it. Even more so when it is vertical wood.
Somebody told me if you had RV antifreeze there’s butol and it that will heat it up more does that sound right
No, that will not work. You can use our additives with our stripper but you still will not get it off fully.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
We would not use any chemicals to avoid harming the new floor. Maybe just pressure wash with water for the verticals.
As I’m reading some of the Q&As below, it seems as though the advice is that after a couple-3 years, when deck is due for a touch up with the same product as original, that a full prep is required with a stripper, instead of cleaner, and then brighter. Is that so?
I had thought that a maintenance coat of the same product would just require cleaning and brightening.
also, does RAD solid stain require the same exact prep as RAD semi-transparent under all circumstances?
Depends on the condition and how many years between. If you have even wear and just fading, then clean and brighten for prep. If uneven wear/fading, then strip and brighten.
Stripping is no harder than cleaning, just removing the prior coating. Solid stain is typically just clean and brighten for recoat.
I have a 25-year-old pressure-treated deck that has been semi-transparent stained before. This was about 5 years ago. I bought some of your cleaner and semi-transparent stain. It looks great, but we put it down by wetting it lightly because S Florida sun is pretty hot. Anyway, after a week, it is still a tiny bit tacky. Will it ever dry out completely or do I need to do something else.
It should fully cure out over time.
I put restore a deck down 3 years ago and the stain is starting to fade on my deck boards. However, my deck posts are in perfect condition. I’m assuming the fade / flaking is because the actual deck boards are very old (even though I sanded them down to good wood before I did my first application 3 summers ago). If I was to reapply with my left over stain, what are the steps for using a stripper, but also trying to make sure i don’t doutch my deck rails and posts.
I know a stripper is available, but I don’t want to strip the posts. What are the steps I need to follow for my situation.
Just apply stripper to the deck, while avoiding the posts and then rinsing the posts from any over spray while you work. You may just have to touch up a few spots on posts when done.
Do I also need to apply a brightener? And if so, what are the steps? Stripper? Brightener? Apply original semi transparent stain?
Yes, you need the brightener. Steps are correct.
I just installed new stair with the Veranda (PVC) trim & kicker boards. Will any of the RAD cleaning and brightening products chemically attack the PVC?
No.
First two years I applied two light coats. This year the color is fading.(semi transparent) . Can I just clean with cleaner and apply an additional coat of stain. Or do I have to strip stain first.
Thanks Dan Sethner
We would strip and brighen to get it to a nice even surface.
Hello, I am going to be redoing my quite old deck this year and wondered if you had recommendations for your products. The stain that is currently on the deck is Timber Pro which is a water based stain. I would like to have this deck looking decent again and protect it. Thanks.
Prep with this kit: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/order-restore-a-deck/rad-kits-best-price/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/flypage.tpl.html
and both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Stain with this after: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-5-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
I have an Ipe deck and want to keep the natural color of the wood which is a mahogany with some lighter areas. What is the best color semi transparent stain to use to achieve this?
Most use Light Walnut for IPE. 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
If I add the thickening gel additive to the stain remover, principally to handle the vertical components of our deck, can I still apply the combined solution using a typical hand pressurized garden sprayer? Will the longer dwell time with the thickener improve the removal strength so that 2 coats of 3 year old Behr Semi-Transparent Acrylic Stain (which is already shedding both coats on much of the deck, except for the 4×4 posts and the upper and lower horizontal railing lumber, which have not shed at all)? Your many very positive customer comments, speaking to the quality and performance of your RAD products, is reassuring. Unfortunately, as we live in Ontario, we face both the US exchange rate and shipping costs. I’m hoping to find the most affordable and, yet, successful solution. I am aware of the booster additive, but I’m unclear if our budget can include such. Any suggestions, regarding our deck challenge, will be greatly appreciated!! Thank you, in advance, for your time, effort, and kindness in providing us your guidance.
Yes, it can be sprayed with a quality pump sprayer. The longer it dwells, the better it will work. You need both booster and gel to remove Behr. Behr can be a very difficult strip.
Feel free to post some pictures of the deck for prep help.
2 year old pressure treated pine deck. Had it “soft washed” 3 mo this ago. Wood is lighter with few areas of fuzziness so I guess cleaner had bleach substance. How do I now proceed to stain? Going with semi-transparent natural.
Fuzzies happen from oxidation removal, not the cleaners. Redo the prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit. If needed, lightly hand sand after and prior to staining with the Restore A Deck Stains: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain.html
I have a twenty year old deck that’s been stained several times through the years with Olympic semi-solid mahogany stains. It hasn’t held up well. Others in my family have used your product and been very satisfied. Questions – can I use your dark walnut semi-solid on this, and which prep steps/products are recommended? Same questions if you recommend your solid stain. Thanks in advance for your guidance!
You cannot use the semi-transparent dark walnut over this but you can use the Restore A Deck Solid stains. Clean and brighen for prep.
Last year I did the whole thing…..stripped, sanded, cleaned, pressure washed, brightened, and stained with Defy water-based light walnut. It looks great except for dust/pollen accumulation on horizontal surface. I want to clean it and re-coat with Defy in May. Two Q’s;
If I just clean for a re-coat why would brightening be necessary since last year’s stain will still be on the wood?
Should re-coat be one coat or two wet on wet?
Just use the Defy Cleaner for prep and apply one coat.