Do-It-Yourself Wood Restoration Made Simple!

Restore-a-deck.com

Restore-A-Deck Help with Your Project?

by RAD Products

Restore A Deck Prep and Staining Steps

We understand that everyone needs help with their wood/deck restoration and that not all projects are the same. Different species of wood, the age of wood, and types and brands of previous coatings make it difficult for homeowners to determine what is needed to restore their exterior wood or deck correctly.

We will ask some specific questions and reply to what you will need to do in your restoration process and the appropriate products and amounts to purchase, so it receives the proper prep and treatment required.

In the comment section below, you must include:

  • Square Footage of Area to be Restored:

-For Decks, use the calculator in the right column (scroll down) for desktop or below this article/comments on mobile

-Fences: Length x Height x 2 (for both sides) = Total square footage

-Homes: Do each side Lenght x Height, then add up all sides.

  • Type of wood if known:
  • Approximate Age of Wood:
  • If Applicable, Previous Stain Brand Used and Type (Examples of Type: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Solid Stain, Oil-Based, Water-Based):
  • If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained:
  • Wood Type to be Stained (Deck, House, Fence, etc.):
  • Do you have access to a pressure washer:
  • Miscellaneous Info:
  • *Must Include 1-3 Photos of Restoration Project. There is a link to upload photos in the bottom right corner of the comment area.

Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
7.4K Comments
Newest
Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Peter
Peter
11 months ago

I’m just a regular home owner with a 35 year old deck and I got to tell everyone I did my testing on my deck with about 1/2 dozen stains and deck cleaners— I TRYED THEM ALL but hands down RESTORE A DECK STAINS, stripper,cleaner, and brighter are the best no question about it so for all you people out there who r going to do your deck this is it.

Walter Wilson
Walter Wilson
11 hours ago

I have 2.5 gallons of semi transparent stain that’s 2 and a half years old. Is it still good to use. I need to by more as well but I only need another 2.5 gallons if what I have is still good to use.

Michael
Michael
5 days ago

Mathis is my third time doing maintenance coat for a semi transparent cedar. I forgot if it’s one coat or two coats for wet on wet?

Richard Faubion
Richard Faubion
5 days ago

How do I safely and responsibly dispose of leftover materials? I have cleaner that is hard as a rock, brightener solution that is old and a half gallon of semi-transparent stain that is too old to use.

Richard Faubion
Richard Faubion
5 days ago
Reply to  RAD Products

The product containers say to get Safety Data Sheets from the website. How can I locate them? A half-hour search failed to turn up anything.

Karen Piotrowicz
Karen Piotrowicz
9 days ago

500 square foot deck we used your Solid Stain = Brown Oak in 2021. It’s faded in some places and needs to be refreshed. It’s not peeling or anything like that — which was my greatest fear when we pained vs. stained. So, how do I go about refreshing? Do I have to strip it? or can I clean, brighten and paint again? Thank you.

Jack Shilson
Jack Shilson
9 days ago

Is this available in ontario canada
Cost of shipping?
Price in american dollars?
Can I pick up in michigan if not available in canada?

Nick
Nick
12 days ago

~243 SQFT to be restored

Most of the deck is pressure treated lumber. The lighter part is 2.5 years old. The rest is ~8 years or older. If the deck was previously stained, it was over 4 years ago, though I cannot detect evidence of previous stain. I do not have ready access to a pressure washer. More details upon request. Appreciate the advice!

IMG_20240306_170918692_HDR.jpg
IMG_20240306_170932977.jpg
IMG_20240306_170959696.jpg
Richard
Richard
4 months ago

I have aged dried larch 3/4 T&G flooring. Does it need to be weathered before applying RAD stain?

Chuck
Chuck
4 months ago

Hi, I got some unforecast rain after staining. I had semi dark walnut stain, but it looks very light now. Wondering what I should do.

deck stain project.jpg
Bill
Bill
4 months ago

I have 800 sf of deck previously stained 3 yrs ago with TWP Semi-solid stain. It is faded/worn in the sunny places but still intact in the shade. There is no peeling or chipping. I want to apply your Solid stain. Do I need to strip or just clean the deck? Also, must I brighten after cleaning or stripping? Finially, how much stain should I buy?

Jae
Jae
4 months ago

Hi,
Completed RAD steps for new PT railing and posts. Started staining with RAD natural but would like to change the color. I would need to strip the current stain off and brighten before using new stain (Natural to Cedar)?
Also how long before stain is rainproof? I read somewhere it was 12 hours?
Thank you

Perry
Perry
4 months ago

Hi I cleaned and brighten our dock yesterday. This morning, the dry and not yet dried parts look different. That’s understandable. Is it ok the apply the semi transparent stain as it is or will the stain look different because some parts of the dock is still wet?

IMG_6650.jpeg
DSingh
DSingh
4 months ago

Hi,

I have this deck which i want to restore (please see attached photographs). I dont know the age of this deck…it was stained almost 5years ago.have couple of question…would appreciate if you could answer:

  1. Total size of the deck is 300 sq ft. It was stained before (see second photo). Do i need to apply double coat if we go with semi transparent stain? how many gallons of stains do i need in total?
  2. I can see few cracks in the wood and should i fill it with wood filler and sand it before applying stains?
  3. Few decks are peeling off? any suggestion to prevent them from peeling off. See the third photo.
  4. Do you have pictures decks which were stained with light walnut and dark walnut semi transparent stains? That would help me to decide the color.
IMG_6318.jpg
IMG_6319.jpg
Marsha Nelson
Marsha Nelson
5 months ago

I will be stripping spindles and hand rails on my deck and stairs (floor boards were replaced). The spindles have a lot of old Thompsons stain on them. I bought RAD Wood & Stain Stripper along with RAD Stain Stripper & Thickening Gel and RAD Stain Stripper Booster. Is this all I need to do this? Also, do I mix the 5 gal of water with the stripper AND the gel & booster (all 3 together)? Since it’s going to make 5 gallons I’m getting a lid to put on the bucket – but how long will it last after mixed? I doubt I’ll be able to do it all in one day.

Bill
Bill
5 months ago

I have white cedar siding on my home in New England that is about 8 years old. About 5 years ago I applied TWP 1500 (clear/natural), but I am disappointed in the amount of mildew. What product would you recommend? I want to keep it natural looking with no color, but would like to protect the wood.

Bill
Bill
5 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thanks. Is your “Natural Semi Transparent” a color or is it “clear”. I don’t mind it turning gray, just want to reduce the amount of mold/mildew.

Robert
Robert
5 months ago

This afternoon I applied 2 coats of Dark Walnut Semi Transparent to half of the deck. However, the weather is suddenly turning “iffy”. Maybe a light shower late tonight. Am I in trouble?

IMG_0110.jpeg
IMG_3180.jpeg
Liz
Liz
5 months ago

I’m building a gate with new wood (got weather treated 2x4s and 2x2s a couple weeks ago at the hardware store) to add to a 30-year old deck that we stained with the RAD solid stain a few years ago. I ordered another jug of the same color so that it will match. I’m gonna be honest, this deck shows its age so I’m not concerned about a pristine finish on the gate (because the deck def doesn’t look pristine!), just want the gate to match the deck. What would happen if I just stained it today? What would be bad about it?

Liz
Liz
5 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thanks for your reply. I read that page earlier today and posted a comment because it didn’t really answer my question. What type of failure is it, and how premature are we talking? I’m weighing costs and benefits of two less than ideal approaches. (Stain it now v. in a few months when I also have a newborn and, realistically, am gonna have basically no bandwidth to do it.)

Liz
Liz
5 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Ok that is very helpful to know. I’ll find someone to help me out after it is weathered and prepped!

Robert
Robert
5 months ago

A friend stripped and brightened my deck and steps yesterday. He clearly did a great job and rinsed the deck thoroughly. However, I am not sure that he rinsed the steps. Can I proceed to stain after giving the steps a thorough rinsing.? It has been 24 hours. Thank you.

Rob
Rob
5 months ago

I have a deck with a combination of previously stained and new wood. The stained wood was done with a water based solid stain. I have the RAD Cleaner, Stripper and Brightener, and also have the Espresso Solid Stain. To prepare the new wood (which has aged for about six months), I’m planning to use the Cleaner and Brightener to prepare it. For the previously stained wood, I’m cleaning up any chips of old stain and sanding rough spots. Do I need to use the Cleaner on the previously stained wood, or is the Stripper and Brightener sufficient to prepare for the new stain? Thanks!

Rob
Rob
5 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thanks for the quick and helpful response!

Cyndie
Cyndie
5 months ago

I have some dark spots in my deck. A clear cedar oil was applied about 10 years ago. The picture attached is after RAD Stripper was applied and power washed. This part of the deck was under pine tree shade for 25 years on the east side of the south facing deck.
deck is pressure treated pine at least 30 years old, whole deck is 30′ x 6′ plus a set of 13 stairs.I do have a pressure washer.
Thank you

IMG_0878 (1).jpg
Robert
Robert
5 months ago

Deck: 240 sq Ft. Pine. 4 years old wood.
Project: Strip RAD Light Walnut (two years old), Brighten and apply 2 coats of RAD Dark Walnut.
*** How many gallons of RAD Dark Walnut will be required? ****

Robert
Robert
5 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I am a bit time constrained and need to plan.
About How much time should I allow for Stripping and Brightening?
Thank you.

Patricia
Patricia
5 months ago

What is the best soap to use to remove dust and dirt from vinyl siding and wood porch before using the clean and brighter kit?

Travis
Travis
5 months ago

I would like some guidance on what to do with my deck! I did purchase last year the following RAD products: stripper/brightener kit, booster additive and thickening gel additive. I have a pressure washer and this is how it looks after I’ve pressure washed it. I’m not sure what kind of stain or what is on here. Will I need to be sanding this all or will the products I bought work for this?

IMG_6442.JPG
IMG_6443.JPG
IMG_6444.JPG
IMG_6445.JPG
Travis
Travis
5 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thanks, I’m crossing my fingers! Been putting this off for too long! It almost seems like the previous owners used a varnish. This was likely applied in 2018 before we bought it.

Tami
Tami
5 months ago

I stained my deck boards with RAD 3 steps. Thought I could get by without
doing the railings. The railings have Marine Seal Once clear from last year..
I stained my deck 3 weeks ago. What would happen if some cleaner/brightner was to
get on the stained wood? also since the stain on the deck was applied we had our patio doors replaced. How soon after staining can you clean your deck?

Jim - Omaha
Jim - Omaha
5 months ago

I just stripped and brightened my deck today. Unfortunately, I missed the instruction which said to apply the stripper to a moist deck. I did get alot of the fiber off with a deck brush before brightening. I am assuming there were still be significant fiber when the deck totally dries. Is there anything I can do short of sanding before staining. if I do sand, do I need to re clean and brighten?
Thank you

Jim - Omaha
Jim - Omaha
5 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Here are some pics.

IMG_1078.jpeg
IMG_1077.jpeg
IMG_1076.jpeg
IMG_1075 (2).jpeg
Jim - Omaha
Jim - Omaha
5 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Buffing was not enough. I sanded the deck. Do I need to clean and brighten or since it was stripped and brightened earlier this week, can i just rinse with water and apply the stain after 4 hours?

Greg
Greg
5 months ago

Hello,

I recently purchased RAD Cleaner, Brightener, and Solid stain for my deck. I was under the impression that I did not need to strip the stain that is currently on my deck, but now I am having second thoughts and would like to get your opinion.

Can you provide input on how critical it is to use a stain stripper for my new stain application? I am only concerned about how much of a difference for this will make for the new stain to adhere to my deck.

Thanks,
Greg

  • Square Footage of Area to be Restored: 400
  • Approximate Age of Wood: 20 years, about half replaced 10 years ago
  • Previous Stain Brand Used and Type: Armstrong Clark, Oil-Based, Semi-Solid – very similar color to my new RAD stain
  • When was the last time wood was stained: 4 years ago
  • Wood Type to be Stained: Deck
  • Do you have access to a pressure washer: Yes
PXL_20230921_125330909.jpg
Greg
Greg
5 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Great, thank you for the quick response!

Lee
Lee
6 months ago

Approx 467 square foot deck
Probably treated wood
Age of wood = 23 years
Previously stained with Flood Pro Series Solid Color 100% Acrylic Stain – FLD820
Last stained in 2015
I don’t own a pressure washer but can rent one if necessary

I would like to know which products and how much of each that you recommend.

Thanks!

Stephan
Stephan
6 months ago

Roughly 250 sq foot deck to be restored. Unknown wood. I believe prior stain was Cabot Solid stain based on old can from previous owners. Unknown the last time deck was stained. I do have access to a pressure washer. Due to the prior condition of the deck I felt the need to sand it down with 40 grit. The idea was to remove the solid stain and restain with a semi-transparent. I think I did a pretty good job getting most of the old stain removed but have attached pictures for your judgement. The real problem areas are the ballisters and the outer base of the deck. It’s extremely difficult to get the sander into those spots to remove the old stain. Would you suggest the rad paint stripper for the the ballisters and outer base? What would you suggest for next steps for the rest of the deck?

IMG_9405.jpg
IMG_9406.jpg
IMG_9407.jpg
IMG_9408.jpg
IMG_9410.jpg
IMG_9412.jpg
Stephan
Stephan
6 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thanks so much for the quick response. Great to know I can spot treat as needed. A couple of follow up questions. Does the wood need to be completely dry to apply the Rad paint stripper? How long after the paint stripper do I need to let deck dry before applying stain? Finally, If I wanted to sand the horizontal part of deck down again with 80 grit would I do it before brightening?

Stephan
Stephan
6 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Hi. I completed all the prep and applied the brightener this afternoon. Was all set to stain tomorrow but forecast changed and now it looks like rain. I would not be able to let dry for 12 hours before the rain is scheduled to arrive. After Monday it looks clear for the rest of the week. Do I need to clean and brighten again or can I just apply the stain to damp wood Tuesday. Thanks!

Wendell
Wendell
6 months ago
  • Square Footage of Area to be Restored: 216
  • Type of wood if known: treated
  • Approximate Age of Wood: 5yrs
  • Previous Stain Brand Used and Type: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Water-Based
  • If Applicable, When was the last time wood was stained: 5yrs
  • Wood Type to be Stained (Deck, House, Fence, etc.):
  • Do you have access to a pressure washer: yes
  • used 30seconds cleaner (applied with sprayer); power washed removed scum,dirt,much of the stain, etc); replaced bad boards)
  • No have mix of old and new boards
  • please advise – in North Carolina piedmont area – hot humid summers – many thanks!
deck1.jpg
deck2.jpg
Tami
Tami
6 months ago

I have an old large deck. Finished stripping and brightening. The section I did a few weeks ago I red did with the 2 steps. Now that section looks worse than before I went over it. Looking at other comments it must of oxidized between striping and brightening .. what do I go know ? Sand it?

Bob
Bob
6 months ago

My 250 sq Ft pine deck was stained 2 years ago with the Restore a Deck Light Walnut stain. The deck is definitely in need of re-staining.

I plan to use Dark Walnut stain. So the steps would be 1. Clean 2. Brighten 3. Stain. Is that correct?

Would a second coat be appropriate, as well.?

Richard
Richard
6 months ago

I have a one year old ipe deck that has not been stained or cleaned. Planning to let it weather rather than stain so i don’t have to do so much maintenance.
Two questions:
1) with what and how often should i clean it
2) will it decrease the life of the deck to care for it this way rather than staining

thanks for your help!

Richard
Richard
6 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

thank you. what should i use to clean?

Richard
Richard
6 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

since i won’t be staining, any need to apply brightner after cleaning?

Bob
Bob
6 months ago

My 250 sq Ft pine deck was stained 2 years ago with the Restore a Deck Light Walnut stain. The wood is 4 years old. The deck is definitely in need of re-staining. I need a stain that will last longer. Should I go with the solid stain?

IMG_1240.jpeg
bob
bob
6 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

How often does the solid normally need to be restained.

Bob
Bob
6 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

My thinking is to go with Dark Walnut. Can I just Clean and Brighten first or do I have to Strip the old Light Walnut? Thank you.

Spencer
Spencer
6 months ago

I have solid stain on my deck and railings. Should I just use the cleaner to prep for applying SuperDeck Exterior Deck & Dock elastomeric Coating? I saw that the stripper doesn’t remove solid stains so can I just skip that and use the cleaner? Is there anything else I should do to prepare for the new stain? The last time it was stained was probably at least 7 years ago with probably home Depot or Lowe’s stain. I have access to a power washer.
Thanks

Julie Suehl
Julie Suehl
6 months ago

We stripped the coating off of the floor only on our front porch decks on a triplex and left the coating on the ballisters/rails because it is too hard to remove. We also put a new cap on the top of the rails. From the photo below you can see the difference between the floor and the rails. We are going to use RAD stain on the floor. I am trying to decide what color would blend with the rails. I am thinking either cedar in the semi transparent or cypress in the solid. Can you tell me which you think would be a better match for the existing rail color, or if you have a better suggestion for color? Thanks!

818 deck.jpeg
814 deck.jpeg
Julie Suehl
Julie Suehl
6 months ago

I was wondering if the RAD “natural” color semi-transparent stain has a color to it like the others or if it is just more transparent with no color to allow the natural color to show?

Julie Suehl
Julie Suehl
6 months ago

We just removed a solid coating from three front porch decks on a triplex in Golden Colorado. I believe the original wood may be redwood, build in the 1980s. They are about 100 sf each so 300 sf total. We are just refinishing the horizontal surfaces. I have included a photo after we removed the solid coating by sanding.

These decks are the only entrance to the home and on the south side, so they get lots of sun and foot traffic. It is a big pain every time they need to be redone due being the only entrance to the homes, so we want whichever product will be the most durable and last the longest.

I have two questions:

1, Since they were just sanded, do we still need to clean and brighten the wood before applying the stain?
2.Which would be more durable – the semi-transparent or solid stain?

Deck After.jpg
Loralyn Wagner
Loralyn Wagner
6 months ago

Can I apply a second coat the day after the first or does it have to be within one hour?

Josh
Josh
6 months ago

I built a cedar deck 3 years ago that has not been stained or treated. It is 100 sq. feet. What/how much do you recommend?

Jon Sundell
Jon Sundell
6 months ago

We have a very small deck, such that the supplies in a stripper and brightener pack should cover three different applications. I want to know how many years the contents should stay good for. Will I be able to use them in two years’ and four years’ time? Can the same be said for the additives that are supposed to boost the effectiveness of the stripper?

Diane
Diane
6 months ago

Sorry….I’m want a BLACK solid stain…is there something I can add to espresso or another color to get black?

Doug
Doug
6 months ago

I have started staining my deck with your semi transparent stain and it looks gorgeous! Curious though why you reccomend NOT applying a second coat if the deck has been power sanded?

Jenny
Jenny
6 months ago

Can you spray on the solid stain color? It seems awfully thick.

Tom w
Tom w
6 months ago
  • this is a new house to us but it has a 20 yr old composite deck of unknown type. Can I use your semitransparent stain on it? I have restored the old wood portion of the deck with your products and it turned out very well.I tried the stain on a small piece of the composite material and to seemed to absorb ok..pix show old deck and small piece of composite used as a railing cap, which I stained using your semitransparent stain. Sorry for the typing errors, reposted with corrections
image.jpg
image.jpg
Rick VD
Rick VD
6 months ago

I cleaned my ipe deck with a mix of oxy clean and dish soap using a pressure washer. I then applied the restore a deck brightener and let the deck dry. I applied a restore a deck light walnut semitransparent stain and it came out blotchy with darker areas where my application pad overlapped previously stained areas. How can I get a more consistent finish? Apply a second coat? Just let it weather? Strip and reapply? Thanks.

IMG_5747.jpeg
Rick VD
Rick VD
6 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

How do I avoid this from happening again?

Joe
Joe
7 months ago

Hi,

I’m in the process of trying to restore my deck, which was likely never prepped/stained properly. The deck pre-dates my time in the house, so it’s at least 10+ years old. The surface is pine 2×6 boards (not actual deck boards) and I’m guessing whoever originally build the deck did not properly prep/stain the surface. A Behr solid water based stain was used and it was likely applied way too thick.

I noticed it wasn’t properly adhered to the wood in several places, so I got to work on trying to strip the deck. I’ve sanded it down, and it’s MOSTLY free of old stain, however, there still are cracks/grooves many of the boards holding a little bit of stain.

I just stumbled upon the restore-a-deck product line and I think it seems like the right set of products to meet my needs and properly restore this deck. My question is, should I use the cleaner or the stripper as step 1? Like I said (and hopefully the pictures illustrate) the deck is MOSTLY bare at this point, and I’m a little concerned about overdoing it with a stripper if the deck is already mostly bare. Should I opt for just cleaning, brighting and staining?

Thank you,

20230818_144558.jpg
20230818_144605.jpg
20230818_144611.jpg
Joe
Joe
7 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I’d prefer to use a semi-transparent if I can get away with it. And the verticals are in good enough shape that I’m just going to leave those alone.

Joe
Joe
7 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

80 grit

Molly
Molly
7 months ago

Hi!

I have a large 15+ year-old cedar deck. I power-washed, then used RAD stripper, then brightner. I then sanded it. It’s basically down to the bare wood. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to stain it yet. It’s been about 4 weeks since all the prep work. What’s the recommendation at this point? Can I do a quick powerwash, dry then stain? I have the RAD SemiTransparent in light walnut ready to go, just wondering if I need to re-brighten again. Thanks!

IMG_0281.JPG
IMG_0283.JPG
Molly
Molly
7 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thank you!

N. Johnson
N. Johnson
7 months ago

I used the stripper and brightener then got sick so it’s been a couple of weeks should I brighten again?

Also I need a paint or solid stain for another project, what brand is best?

Don
Don
7 months ago

I have begun stripping my 3 year old deck that had Behr semi transparent stain that I don’t like the color of. I’ve applied the rad stripper and kept it wet for approximately 30 minutes and the pressure washer still struggled to remove. Is this just how it goes? Any other suggestions? It’s pressure treated pine. Thanks

Don Land
Don Land
7 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I’m trying to find this link to upload photos. I’m not seeing it.

Last edited 7 months ago by Don Land
Susan
Susan
7 months ago

I just spent 6 days restoring a small deck, the floor/decking of a balcony and putting the 2nd coat of stain on a large deck I restored a year ago. All are about 25 yrs old. Restore-a-Deck is the best! Throughout the years we’ve used many different products on these decks–nothing compares to RAD! The 3-step process (following RAD’s instructions) is a lot of work–but so very worth it! Our decks look like new. I’m so glad that in doing research on restoring old wood decks I came upon Restore-a-Deck!
Thank you for such terrific products and your customer service is excellent!
My next project–restoring a 20 yr. old wood fence. I need to make a few repairs (small). I’ll be using PC Woody epoxy. I did read that it is stainable–to a point. Do you think RAD’s dark walnut stain will cover it–at least somewhat?
Before I start the fence project I have to let the new posts age a while, but then you’ll hear from me with questions concerning that project. Thanks for that advice in advance!
Susan

Jane
Jane
7 months ago

We just stained our deck for the 2nd time in 5 years with your semi/transparent stain. Restore-A-Deck makes the absolute best deck stains! We waited a few days before we moved the furniture back onto the deck & that was fine. My husband laid a rubber backed doormat down on it & a week later when I moved it I realized that it had made an imprint on the deck with a little bit of white water marks. I want to repair this. Can I lightly sand the area to clean it up & apply a light coat if the stain? It’s only a small area about 15” x 20”.

7.4K
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x