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Restore-a-deck.com

Restore-A-Deck Safe Product Usage

by The Sealer Store

PLEASE READ THIS PAGE THOROUGHLY

The product you are about to order is not highly caustic and is biodegradable. Nonetheless, there are hazards in using any type of chemical, even household bleach. The main cleaning compound in Restore-A-Deck deck cleaner is sodium percarbonate, better known to most by a brand name called OxyClean™. In addition to the sodium percarbonate, there are other proprietary chemicals that assist in cleaning, killing mold growth and lightly removing existing finish.

The following are true of Restore-A-Deck Cleaner.

  1. It has a slightly caustic pH balance
  2. It is a mild stripper suitable for use when an existing deck finish has been on for over a year. If your finish is newer (water will still bead on it) please see the F.A.Q section
  3. Protective gear should be worn. This includes hand and eye protection. Long pants and a shirt with sleeves are added precautions.
  4. It is mildly irritating if left on the skin. Skin should be flushed and/or neutralized with water or lemon juice if skin contact is encountered. An eye wash is also recommended to have on hand.
  5. Some darkening of wood may occur if the cleaner is not followed and neutralized with Step-2 BRIGHTENER.

The following is true of Restore-A-Deck Brightener

  1. It has an acidic pH balance and is a blend of citric and oxalic acids.
  2. By itself, it can be used as a maintenance cleaner if wood is not going to be sealed.
  3. Protective gear should be worn.This includes hand and eye protection. Long pants and a shirt with sleeves are added precautions.
  4. It is irritating to some when breathed. The blend used in Restore-A-Deck Brightener is safer than straight oxalic acid and also less harsh to the wood.

Do not allow Restore-A-Deck Cleaner or Brightener to dry on plants, glass, siding or furniture.

Restore-A-Deck Cleaner contains NO sodium hypochlorite (bleach)

Deck surface may become slippery from melting mold or finish. Exercise caution when walking.

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Xu
Xu
5 months ago

Hello, I have leftover deck stain. Can I use it for my indoor stairs? Are there any specific precautions I should be aware of?

RAD Products
Admin
5 months ago
Reply to  Xu

It is not designed for interior wood floors.

Kelly
Kelly
7 months ago

The instructions mention using bleach for mold. Do I need to use the bleach before or after RAD?

RAD Products
Admin
7 months ago
Reply to  Kelly

Don’t use bleach. The RAD Cleaner will remove the mold and mildew.

Kelly
Kelly
7 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I already cleaned twice with the RAD cleaner and still have mold and mildew… the bottle instructions say to use one part bleach and one part water if still present. Do I do this before the brightener

RAD Products
Admin
7 months ago
Reply to  Kelly

Yes.

Micki
Micki
8 months ago

I have a pressure treated deck that has had multiple layers of solid stain over the years. My husband sanded it as best he could with a large rented machine sander but we were unable to get it all off. The boards have a zebra type appearance now. I do not want to put on more solid stain as I hate how it wears. What are my options now? Can I use the RAD stripper for solid stain or will that not be good for the sanded portion of the wood ( we were able to remove about 75% of the solid stain with sanding)? What’s your opinion on using a transparent or semitransparent at this point, realizing it will not be perfect but may age/wear better ?

RAD Products
Admin
8 months ago
Reply to  Micki

Post some pics in the comments.

Micki
Micki
8 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Here are pics of deck after sanding

90447E2B-6100-45F0-A5D2-8A64B1261079.jpeg
3D1456FF-5C9B-48DF-93AA-4986B7A72C82.jpeg
RAD Products
Admin
8 months ago
Reply to  Micki

You might want to consider a two-toned approach. Solid stain for the rails/verticals and a semi-transparent for the floor.

https://www.restore-a-deck.com/two-toned-decks-with-restore-a-deck-wood-stains

Use the RAD PaintStrip and pressure washing to get the rest of the solid stain off the flooring.

Eric
Eric
9 months ago

I have an older (15yr) pressure treated deck that was previously stained with a solid stain. I have sanded the stain off completely and unfortunately it is now going to rain for the next week. Once I have dry weather again, do I need to clean the wood again before staining or can I just brighten to open up the pores/pH balance the wood before staining with a semi-transparent stain? Also will the brightener affect adjacent surfaces that have solid stain applied (railings)? Thanks!

RAD Products
Admin
9 months ago
Reply to  Eric

Just brighen should be sufficient. It will not harm paint.

Clint
Clint
10 months ago

Will the cleaner and or brightener harm composite decking ?

RAD Products
Admin
10 months ago
Reply to  Clint

They will not.

C. Murray
C. Murray
1 year ago

Will try Rad brightener n keep you posted. Can’t understand what caused black. Not there last time we stripped deck. Very frustrated. Will let u know if ur product helped. Cause for new internal?

C. Murray
C. Murray
1 year ago

Responding to your reply. I have stripped this deck before n didn’t have this issue. I’m in the painting business. After stripping we did brighten with Cabts brightener n powdered oxalic acid. Needless to say didn’t help. Not sure what you mean by internal. What do you think caused this? I’m stumped. I did order ur cleaner/brightener kit. Worth a try. Is ur brightener more than just oxalic acid? Power sanded n only lightens. Whatever caused this it is deeply embedded. Hopefully you can help.

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  C. Murray

The darkening is internal. Cleaners will not remove it. The only hope is to brighten again to see if that fixes it. 

C. Murray
C. Murray
1 year ago

Stripped & brightened a mahogany deck. Finish is off but have a lot of black staining in grain. Mostly where deck finish had failed. Nothing is removing it. Will your cleaner n brightener do the trick? im hoping sodium percarbonate will lift/remove the problem?

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  C. Murray

That is internal. A cleaner would not help but if anything will, it would be the RAD brightener.

Stephen
Stephen
1 year ago

I am using the cleaner and brightener next to a pool. I have seen the answers in response to lakes. There will be runoff into the pool. Will this cause a problem with chlorine or any other chemicals in the pool? Thank you. 

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Stephen

Just check your pool pH balance when done and if needed, adjust accordingly.

Mickie
Mickie
1 year ago

How long should I wait before pets can walk on it? 

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Mickie

24 hours.

Alissa
Alissa
1 year ago

Is RAD cleaner and also the Brightener safe to use on docks (safe for marine life)?

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Alissa

Yes.

Avatar photo
1 year ago

As much as I tried to cover up the white vinyl siding on my house with plastic, I still managed to get a few splatters of the semi transparent stain on it. What would be the best way to clean it up? It’s been over a week. Thanks. 

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to 

Try a water-based graffit remover cleaner like Goof Off.

Sandra Storer
Sandra Storer
1 year ago

Will the RAD kit damage pvc decking (Wolf Serenity)? I am treating a new cedar railing on a deck with new PVC decking. Do I need to cover the decking?

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Sandra Storer

No, it should not harm the decking.

Sandra Storer
Sandra Storer
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thank you. I now have found iron marks (small like tiny flakes of pepper, but as if bleeding in the wood) on all of the new cedar. It has been 2 weeks since installation. Will the RAD kit work to remove the marks? Is it suggested I do this ASAP even though the cedar won’t be ready to stain for weeks to months from now? Thanks.

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Sandra Storer

The brightener will remove the rust spots. You can do it later.

Andy
Andy
1 year ago

Are the Restore-A-Deck Stripper, Brightener and Water Based Stains safe on a dock over a lake?

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Andy

Yes but try not to drip the stain into the water as it will look “messy”.

JIP
JIP
2 years ago

I have 2 containers of extra cleaner and brightener.. what is the best way to dispose of them? I don’t have much concrete or other things to use it on. thanks.

RAD Products
Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  JIP

You can store them and use them again when you need to redo in 2-3 years. If you do not want to do that then check with your local government about disposing of chemicals. Many times they have a day or two a year for this.

JIP
JIP
2 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I should have said these are both diluted up.. sorry-I’m thinking they don’t last that long when diluted up?

RAD Products
Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  JIP

Sorry but no, they will not last that long when mixed with water.

John Kutz
John Kutz
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

How should we dispose of stripper and brightener that are mixed with water? Should we consider it a hazardous waste? Thanks.

RAD Products
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  John Kutz

Dispose of like you would a paint can. FYI, mixing the two actually cancels them out.

Jenny
Jenny
2 years ago

Our landscaper used Step 1 and Step 2 on our deck before staining. He rinsed out the leftover product and both buckets on our decomposed granite with stabilizer in it (no plants) and it formed some white crystals on top and looks wet all the time there now-won’t dry. I rinsed the area off but I’m sure it absorbed a bit into the DG. I’m concerned about baby/small kids playing on it now. Should I have any concern? 

RAD Products
Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Jenny

No concern.

Rachel Burlingame
Rachel Burlingame
2 years ago

Hello,I plan to use RAD cleaner & brightener kit on my deck. Will either product damage/harm galvanized steel poles (like used for chain link fences)?  Thanks!

RAD Products
Admin
2 years ago

No, they should not.

Michelle Gallant
Michelle Gallant
2 years ago

We had some RAD Cleaner and brightness end up on our glass door is there anyway to get it off now?

RAD Products
Admin
2 years ago

Try soapy water and a green scrubby to remove soap residue. Rinse well with water when done. 

Richard Dew
Richard Dew
2 years ago

Is it necessary to protect painted wood siding adjacent to the deck that is being stripped and brightened?

RAD Products
Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Richard Dew

It does not remove pain so you should be okay as long as you pre-wet and rinse any over spray right away,

Paul
Paul
2 years ago

Does the deck cleaner have any issues with vinyl posts or aluminum rails?  Will it cause any damage and shoud the posts be covered?  Thanks

RAD Products
Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Paul

It should be fine but always test spot first.

Jon H
Jon H
3 years ago

What is the proper way to dispose of unused stripper and brightener?

RAD Products
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Jon H

The same as you would with any paint container and what your local government suggests.

Jon H
Jon H
3 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

We have different requirements depending on the kind of paint. Are you suggesting that it can be treated as ordinary water based paint rather than hazardous waste despite the precautions for using it?

RAD Products
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Jon H

It is not a Hazardous material in a limited quantity like this. Dispose the same as you would latex paint.

Scott
Scott
3 years ago

My next door neighbor used restore a deck on his deck. He sprayed it off into my garden beds. Is the produce safe to eat or is it lost? What about the soil? Would it be safe to replant or should I abandon the beds and use the area for non edibles?

RAD Products
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Scott

The products are eco-safe.

Carolyn
Carolyn
3 years ago

How much sodium percabonate is to be effective? Is there more in restore-a-deck product then in oxyclean powder for clothes? What is best to use after to treat the wood? Can I stain afterwards?

RAD Products
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Carolyn

The RAD is a much different product than and Oxyclean for clothes. Not even close to the same performance and is designed to work on wood and outside as well. Prep and brighten with the RAD products and then you can stain with the RAD stains.

Joan Christie
Joan Christie
3 years ago

We used the restore a deck on Ipe last year and were very happy with the results. The temperature is forecasted to be 34 at night to a high of 50 during the day when we want to do the process again this year. Do we need to wait until it is warmer? If so, what is your recommendation?

RAD Products
Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Joan Christie

You can apply it in the 50’s. Just make sure it has 2-4 hours of drying before night.

Avatar photo
4 years ago

Can both the RAD cleaner & Brightener be used on a pier over a pond as well as your semi-transparent stain?

RAD Products
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to 

Yes.

Salal
Salal
4 years ago

Will Restore-A-Deck Brightener damage stucco?

RAD Products
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Salal

It should not.

michelle
michelle
4 years ago

Hi, I am thinking of ordering the semi transparent stain in cedar for my new pressure treated fence- its from Menards (AC2)- they recommend sealing right away instead of waiting for the usual few months of weathering. I believe the wood is kiln dried already… And its rough cut wood. Would this product work for me? Also, do I REALLY have to clean the fence, its a week old. Thank you!! Oh, do you sell this in Indiana near Lafayette or do I have to order online? Thank you!

RAD Products
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  michelle

If rough cut, you can do it right away. No need to clean if new and rough cut. Order online: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain.html

Dick
Dick
4 years ago

I need to restore a second-story deck that has numerous plants growing beneath it. Will RAD overspray harm the plants?

RAD Products
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Dick

Cover plants while doing the work and you should be fine. They are Eco Friendly but you do not want a bunch of dirt, grime or soap residue stuck to the plants.

Tim Hicks
Tim Hicks
4 years ago

when applying restore how long should I wait for my dog to go outside?

RAD Products
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Tim Hicks

4-6 hours. Just make sure it is dry.

Jodi
Jodi
4 years ago

Will this work to remove rust-oleum restore. What if it gets on my fake grass or plants will it dis color or kill plants, I have 2 dogs as well ?

RAD Products
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Jodi

No stain stripper will remove the Rust-Oleum Restore. You will have to power sand to remove.

Travis
Travis
5 years ago

I have stained cedar shutters on a painted brick house. I also have stained cedar pillars where the base of them is a faux brick finish (some type of compressed foam composite). Is there any concern in using this product knowing it will make contact with those surfaces?

RAD Products
Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  Travis

The prep products should not be an issue.

Lisa
Lisa
5 years ago

Does the RAD stripper or RAD brighter contain any Methylene Chloride?

RAD Products
Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  Lisa

No, it does not.

Adam
Adam
5 years ago

I may have screwed up a bit, I had some overspray from my cleaning/brightening that made contact with my siding… although diluted what would occur if it drys?

RAD Products
Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  Adam

Should be fine as long as you rinse well.

Adam
Adam
5 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

One last question. You guys have been awesome by the way with the help to my questions. How long is the sealed stain good for and if the containers been opened how long?

RAD Products
Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  Adam

Unopened, a few years. Opened is 12 months. It does need to be stored where it cannot freeze.

Connie
Connie
5 years ago

Does the product contain Methylene chloride?

RAD Products
Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  Connie

No.

Tom Coniker
Tom Coniker
5 years ago

I have a gazebo with metal posts mounted to my deck. Are there any precautions when using restore-a-deck around these painted metal posts?

RAD Products
Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  Tom Coniker

Most likely there will not be issues but always do a test spot first to be certain.

Jon
Jon
6 years ago

I have a roof top deck in Boston that I am preparing for restoration. I would like to use your restore a deck step 1 and step 2 products. However, my roofing material is rubber, will the chemicals in products harm the rubber roof?

RAD Products
Admin
6 years ago
Reply to  Jon

No, they will not.

jon
jon
6 years ago
Reply to  Jon

Thank you Scott, that is good to know.

RAD Products
Admin
6 years ago
Reply to  jon

Welcome!

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