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

 

 

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  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Wendy · 12/01/2021
    I am wanting to use this on my exterior patio ceiling which is a pine tongue and groove. Is this a good product for that?
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    Ann · 11/29/2021
    I've been looking at a lot of deck posts that have been painted or stained white in my neighborhood. About 10% have rust marks seeping down from the bolts, screws or nails. Before I stain my old deck posts and newly made built-in benches solid white, do I need to treat the nails/bolts/screws? The benches have a lot of flat head galvinized nails. I'm just worried about rust stains ruining the crisp white I'm going for. Any advice appreciated.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 11/29/2021
      You cannot treat bolts or screws to prevent rust once installed and if they are galvanized or stainless steel, then they should not rust.
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    Walter Wilson · 11/15/2021
    I built a bar for the deck out decking boards and the top is #2 pine non treated. I used semi transparent dark walnut for the handrails and I would like to use it on the bar as well. My question is can it be used on the top and can a clear coat be put over the stain? And the top is a few weeks old so how long do I wait for kiln dried wood to stain if so. Thank you
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    Goodran · 11/08/2021
    Can we squeeze in an old-wood deck staining (semi-transparent) if we get a warmer day (low 60s daytime and 50s at night) that falls between the normal days where temps are low 50s during the day and freezing at night?, We got our deck ready to stain about a month ago but weren't able to do it before cold temperatures rolled in (50s days/freezing nights). Also it is supposed to rain the next day, if that makes any difference.  Thanks.
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    Andy&Wendy · 11/07/2021
    Our deck was refinished with Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Waterborne Exterior Stain (Deck & Siding) Semi Solid a few years ago. Most of it is still somewhat protected, while a small area that is more highly trafficked showing more wear. Is it ok to use RAD Solid Stain over both types of areas? We will be cleaning with an Oxiclean based deck cleaner with Borax added in prior to staining. Any other tips?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 11/07/2021
      You should use the RAD Stripper for prep to remove any peeling stain and then you can cover the rest with the RAD Solid Stain.
      Oxiclean is not an adequate prep product.
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    Mark · 11/02/2021
    I applied 2 coats of RAD solid stain to my deck after stripping and brightening. How long before I can put furniture back on the deck and use as normal? Thank you! 
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    Mary · 10/31/2021
    If I first use the RAD natural stain and it's too light, can I go over it with a darker RAD stain?
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      RAD Products · 10/31/2021
      You would have to remove the current coating first.
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    jcb37310 · 10/29/2021
    How do you keep the semi-transparent stain from running when applying to a vertical surface?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/29/2021
      Work your way from top to bottom catching any drips or runs while working. It is easy.
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    Jay · 10/28/2021
    When is the best time to apply a maintenance coat of Semi-Transparent RAD Spring/Fall?Thanks
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/28/2021
      Either or as needed. Most do in Spring. 
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    Walter Wilson · 10/24/2021
    I cleaned and brightened the deck and I will be staining next week. I read in another comment that there should be no rain 48 hours after you stain. My question is will the dew or fog hurt after you stain? I live close to the coast here in Texas and the dew and fog has been quite heavy the last few weeks. 
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/24/2021
      The RAD Stain can take rain/fog 4-8 hours after it is applied. 
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    Julie M. · 10/24/2021
    I plan to strip and brighten my deck tomorrow.  Can I clean the deck with RAD cleaner left over from a project 4 years ago today.  I can power wash off the cleaner, but will not have enough brightener to apply after the cleaner and the stripper.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/24/2021
      Thre is no point in cleaning the deck prior to stripping the deck. 
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    Julie M. · 10/24/2021
    I stripped and brighten my deck.  The railings especially have more old stain left.  It is harmful to apply the the stripper and brighten twice in one week and before staining with semi transparent RAD stain?
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    Rod · 10/23/2021
    I have a very large deck to strip and brighten.  I was plan to strip in sections.  instructions say to brighten immediately after stripping.    What is the maximium amount of time that I can brighten after I strip?  Is it OK to brighten the next day or few days after stripping?  If so, do I just need to wet it before brightening?   Or must I brighten immediately after stripping?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/23/2021
      For best results, brighten/neutralize as soon as possible or same day. 
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    Walter Wilson · 10/23/2021
    After cleaning and prepping your deck how long can you go before applying the stain.(days) And which method is the best wet or dry application
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/23/2021
      Stain within two weeks of prep. Dry or damp wood application will work.
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    Terry · 10/22/2021
    I have a redwood deck constructed in 2019. It is 28 X 12 (feet) rantwith a 42 inch railing. Two coats of Behr transparent (clear 500N) sealer were applied two weeks ago. The finish remains tacky and some locations are already pealing. What Restore-A-Deck products and procedures do you recommend to resolve this problem?
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    JAMES BUYSSE · 10/19/2021
    When I put the second coat of stain on the deck in the Spring, what cleaner do I use?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/19/2021
      The RAD Cleaner and then lightly rinse.
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    JAMES BUYSSE · 10/19/2021
    I completed my deck job and found I didn't have enough Restore A Deck stain to complete the job. I had used your calculator, and the result was 4 gallons. I will likely need another 2 gallons to put the second coat on the decking. Is it too late to do that after it is dry. Can I wait and do it in the spring.  I live in Troy, Michigan.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/19/2021
      Second coats have to be applied wet on wet. Wait until Spring. Clean lightly for prep and then apply a coat then.
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    JT · 10/19/2021
    I cleaned my brushes with water this morning and they are still very damp. Can I use them when still wet to apply the semi-transparent stain?
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      RAD Products · 10/19/2021
      Yes, you should be okay. Shake them out as much as possible first.
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    Tim T · 10/18/2021
    I am planning on staining my new, cedar, deck and railing for the first time.  Can I clean/brighten one day and then stain within the next 3 days?  Or does it all need to be done in one day?  Thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/18/2021
      Dry or damp wood is fine. It does not have to be done on the same day.
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        Tim T · 10/20/2021
        Thank you.  If I apply the stain in the morning and there is a chance of rain in the afternoon/evening, will that affect it?  Should I wait to apply if there is rain in the forecast?
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          RAD Products · 10/20/2021
          It cannot rain on newly applied stain for about 6-12 hours.
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    Dean Yuba · 10/17/2021
    Can this product be used on a old redwood deck? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I have never done this before.
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    Mary Braley · 10/17/2021
    Hi, we recently had our Douglas fir front porch sanded down to the original wood. It is about 25 years old and has only been sealed once, when it was built. It was not stained and I dont know what it was sealed with. The total square footage is 300, including the steps. We may be able to borrow a power washer. We want to keep it as natural looking as possible. Since it was just sanded do we have to wait to stain it? What products do you reccomend we use on it? I really want to protect it correctly. Thank you.
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    Danny Cheng · 10/17/2021
    Hello, I applied Ready Seal natural Cedar stain to my cedar fence 1 week ago, now the wife doesn't like the "orange" tint. Do I need the additives with the RAD stripper to remove this, and then the brightener?
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    Carissa Johnson · 10/17/2021
    Work!! But worth it!Before/after of cedar posts. Stained with light walnut. 
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    Carissa Johnson · 10/17/2021
    Finally got finished with our cedar posts!  It was work, but it worked, and it was worth it!!!
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    Frank · 10/16/2021
    I have a tree hanging over a play set I am planning to restrain. Would that be an issue with some leaves/acorns falling? Can I still get it done or do you recommend waiting? 
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    Eileen Filler · 10/16/2021
    can I stain today if it gets into the 40s tonight
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    Lora Weckenbrock Saylor · 10/16/2021
    We stained our new deck (wood was approximately 1yr old). Followed the recommended 3 step process; cleaner, brightener, semi-transparent stain. We had our first rain and I noticed the boards aren't beading. Is this normal? We were going to wait 6 months before putting the second application on. 
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/16/2021
      It is not supposed to bead water. RAD stains are breathable and shed water, not bead water. 100% sealing your wood can create rot issues.
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    Walter Wilson · 10/15/2021
    I`m going to stain the handrails with dark walnut and the deck with light walnut Transparent stain. What would you recommend to apply the stain with? I was going to use a pump sprayer but I want to know what way would be best using for the first time. My deck is approx. 600sqft and new would 6 or 7 months old.
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    phil · 10/14/2021
    Want to lightly clean my deck before winter.  It was stripped [of TWP redwood oil based]/sanded/cleaned/brightened and stained with Defy water based light walnut this past summer......and looks great......It just needs a little TLC for pollen/dust/traffic, etc.Would a simple light pressure wash with diluted clorox do the job without having to go thru the entire normal process of RAD cleaner/brightener since I plan to do the whole process next Spring due to this year's conversion from oil to water base. 
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      RAD Products · 10/14/2021
      Just clean with water if trying to remove dirt, etc. Out prep products are only to be used when reapplying. Never use bleach.
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    Cicc · 10/14/2021
    Hi RAD - planning to restore my cedar swingset within the next 2 weeks and really need some guidance before I place an order (pictures attached). I am planning to use the stripper/brightener kit, spot sand extremely rough/splintered areas with 80 grit, and then follow up with 2 coats of your RAD or TWP semi-transparent stain using a FinishMax sprayer + back brush given so many vertical surfaces. Can you please confirm this is the right process and application approach for my needs based on the pictures? Any idea whether I would need 1 gallon or 5 gallons of stain? Would you recommend the RAD vs. TWP stain? I also have some damage from a woodpecker and would like any recommendation on how to fill these holes. This project seems quite overwhelming so really appreciate your input. Thank you!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/14/2021
      Wood filler will not work and will "stain" to blend. Leave as is or sand too smooth. Strip and brighten for prep. 2 coats of RAD stain applied wet on wet. 3-4 gallons should be more than enough.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Cicc · 10/14/2021
        Ok, great. Are the booster and gel additives also required for my application? I'm attaching 2 more pictures of the woodpecker holes and stain for reference. I can't tell if the existing stain is semitransparent or solid, but hoping it comes off! 
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          RAD Products · 10/14/2021
          Use a tinted caulk after staining that is close to the stain color so it blends to fill the holes. The booster and gell will aid in the stripping.
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            Cicc · 10/14/2021
            Thanks RAD! One more question - will the stripper and brightened impact any of the plastic and metal parts on my playset?