Stain and Prep on the Same Day!
Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Wood Stain is an extremely durable synthetic-resin, opaque wood finish that helps protect against the damaging effects of water, fungi, and UV radiation on exterior wood surfaces. This V.O.C. compliant water-based product provides exceptional protection for nearly all exterior wood surfaces in a beautiful matte finish.
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain can be applied the same day as the prep. Make sure that all standing and visible water has dried off the surface after prep. Typically 2-4 hours at 70º F and less than 50% humidity.
Order Solid Stain Samples: RAD Solid Stain Samples
Download RAD Solid Stain Color Chart
Note: We would suggest downloading and printing the color chart by clicking the picture to the left. There is also a full version of the color chart picture below and in the product pictures above.
*Colors will vary based on full sun or shade.
WHERE TO USE
Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Wood Stain can be used on interior or exterior horizontal and vertical wood surfaces including: wood siding, log homes, decks, fences, outdoor wood furniture, pressure-treated and all other natural wood surfaces.
ADVANTAGES
- Both a solid stain and sealer for your wood
- Protects wood from damaging UV rays
- Available in pre-mixed solid color (opaque) finishes
- For use on all softwood types
- Dries to a flat finish
- Water-based, easy cleanup
- Low VOC content (
- For use on all exterior wood types and surfaces, not just decks
- Eco-Safe
- Easy to reapply as needed
- Does not promote mold/mildew growth
- Low VOC content, compliant with all US states and Canada
Restore-A-Deck Solid stain can be applied the same day as the prep. Make sure that all standing water has dried off the surface after prep. Typically 2-4 hours at 70º F and less than 50% humidity.
Note: Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood.
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
Coverage:
RAD Wood and Deck Solid Stain applies at about 200-350 feet per gallon. Actual coverage varies depending on wood porosity.
Restore A Deck Solid Stain Application Tips
- How To Apply RAD Stain to Damp Wood
- Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
- Restore-A-Deck Stain Hot Sun Application
- RAD Two-Toned Wood Decks
Color Chart Below is the RAD Solid Stain on Wood Samples
Available Solid Stain Colors: Espresso, Brown Oak, Classic White, Cypress, Desert Taupe, Coastal Gray
WARNING: This product can expose you to Ethylene oxide, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm, and Cumene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
Do you need stripper/brightener with solid stain? Is that sold in a package?
Is there a previous coating on the deck and if so, is it peeling? Pictures of current condition would help with prep. You can upload them in the comments.
There is a previous solid stain on the deck which you can see is peeling. This was done approximately 3 years ago.
Strip off what you can to remove the loose stain. You can cover the intact not peeling stain with a new coat of the RAD solid stain.
I used this 3-4 years ago on my deck and now it is starting to peel. Is it natural to start peeling over time? What is the best way to re-apply should I spot treat or do I need to repaint the whole deck? Also do I need to sand, or just paint over the peeling parts?
It is normal to redo every 2-3 years. As for prep help, feel free to send some pics in the comments.
Attached are some recent photos (hope you can zoom in and see the details). The last time the deck was cleaned and stained was 2 years ago using your deck cleaner and brightener and the using the light walnut stain. The deck gets full sun during the day along with extreme heat (June -Sept). I was hoping I could clean and brighten along with another coat of light walnut without having to strip and sand? The deck is around 300 square feet.
Yes, you clean and brighten and then apply one coat.
I have a tongue and groove pine deck that I’ve replaced rotted boards on the ends of the deck. The new boards look very different from the original boards. My concern is even with sanding there might be a significant color difference between the two. Will solid RDA stain provide a consistent color and coverage?
Yes, it would give an even color to the wood.
I have an older wooden deck that I’ve used the (now discontinued) Thompson solid stain on it many times. Going forward, I want to use the Restore-A-Deck solid stain. I have removed the loose, peeling stain from the floor and believe I’m ready for the RAD cleaning/stripping products. I will follow with the stain, as shown in your videos. I am wondering what to do with my spindles as the old Thompson stain is intact. Can I use the RAD stain over it?
Also – will any of the RAD products hurt the foliage around the deck as it is washed off the deck?
thank you for you guidance!
Yes, you can use the RAD solid stain over another solid stain as long as the old stain is intact and the surface is clean. If you get any of the prep on foliage, rinse overspray immediately, and it will be okay.
I have a new pressured treated fence. The square footage is 996 square feet. This is total for both sides 498 square feet/side but does not include post and mounting boards. Fence has been cleaned with mold and mildewcide about 2 weeks ago. What is the square feet coverage for a gallon of RAD and do you recommend one or 2 coats for this project.
2 coats if rough cut wood. About 10 gallons.
Is you deck prep materials/process required or can a good pressure wash suffice?
Pressure ashing alone is not going to get you the best results and could cause damage to the wood if excess pressure is used.
We got the first coat on our railings, but it is projected to rain in 2 days. Can it be rained on, and then put the second coat on after the rain stops?
Yes, but it has to be fully dry for the second coat
Hi there! Thanks to your expert help we have made it through most of our restaining project. We need to finish the spindles but temps are starting to drop in MN. If the daytime temp is above 45 but it falls below 45 at night, are we ok to stain? It isn’t too cold yet but nights are getting chilly! Thx in advance!
You are okay as long as it does not drop below freezing the first night.
Yes, correct. Bleach will kill the stains. 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. let sit on there until gone.
Hi, I am applying solid stain but having difficulty applying it between boards because gap is too small. Any suggestions?
No reason to stain between gaps. If you want to get it down a little bit, then use a narrow brush.
Hi! My prior comment seems to have disappeared. I just got my deck repaired (replaced some boards), sanded down to the wood (there was a solid paint on it) and then stained with Arborcoat in white for the railing and Cliffside Grey (very light grey) for the boards. Unfortunately, the maple tree leaves and seed pods falling on the deck have left permanent orange/brown stains within the first few days (deck was finished 9/11, stains started 9/12). I am unable to get the stains washed off. They seem to have stained the paint. Can I strip this with restore a deck stripper and apply solid restore a deck wood stain in white to the railings and grey to the floor boards? Or does this need to be sanded down to the wood again? This has been an expensive project and I am super disappointed. The deck company chose the stain, I only chose the color, and I trusted them and did not expect this result. Any advice much appreciated!
No solid stain will be immune to leaf stains. You cannot strip a solid stain so you would have to sand it all off if you want to remove it.
Is it possible to paint over this with a darker color without having to sand it all off again?
Yes, just clean it for prep.
I just finished my deck and stairs using the RAD Semi-Transparent Dark Walnut. I had some stubborn patches of the old stain that I couldn’t easily remove on the stair risers. I don’t like the final results. I’d like to use a Solid White on the risers and the facia boards, which I haven’t stained yet.
Do I need to wait until the Spring to apply the Solid White to the risers? Deck was finished 3 days ago. Thanks!
Yes, wait until Spring.
When do you expect to get the brown solid stain back in stock?
Friday or Monday.
Thanks
What is the coverage for 1 gallon of solid stain?
RAD Wood and Deck Solid Stain applies at about 200-350 feet per gallon. Actual coverage varies depending on wood porosity.
can this be placed over Sherwin willams SD deck paint
Cannot be used over paint. It can be used over a solid color deck stain.
I moved into a house where the front deck/stairs were previously either painted or solid-color stained. I’d like to apply an additional coat of finish, but I do not know what the previous product used was — paint or solid stain. Is there a way to tell? Photos attached.
If it’s stain, would I apply stripper, then brightener, then solid stain? Thanks!
Solid stain. Strip and brighen to remove peeling stain. Cover the intact stain that does not strip off with the RAD Solid Stains: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
I would like to use a Coastal Gray Solid Stain for my 30 year old deck and railing. All previous coatings were removed (sanded to bare wood). The deck is 30′ x 10′ and the railing is 30′ x 3′. How many gallons of RAD Solid Stain would I need?
What is the total sq footage of all wood when added up? Guessing it should be around 4-5 gallons for the two coats.
I have re-measured it and the actual dimensions are 24′ x 8′ (deck) and 23′ x 3′ (railing). When I use this calculator I get 261 square feet in total. So, how many gallons of RAD Solid Stain would I need for two coats?
About 3 gallons.
Had a new deck built in May 2022 with pressure treated pine and the boards were sanded. The deck also gets full sun/ What deck stain should I use? TWP, Armstrong Clark, Restore -A-Deck. I would like to apply it in September. Are darker colors better?
New wood tips here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Use the Restore A Deck Stains.
Years ago we made a mistake by applying Thompson’s Water Seal to our deck. Earlier this spring I stripped the whole deck and refinished the deck boards with TWP 1500 (it looks great!). I held off on the railings because I wasn’t sure what to do with them – the stripper didn’t remove the Thompson’s from all the nooks and crannies of the balusters and even sanding can’t get it all. Can I do the RAD solid stain over the remnants of the Thompson’s, or will that cause the stain to peel? Or is it better to use more TWP 1500 on the railings because it’s oil based?
You can use the RAD Solid stain over another stain as long as that old stain is not peeling.
Even if it’s Thompson’s, which I think has wax in it?
Yes, it will work and it does not have wax in it.
I stained my new wood deck, after waiting 8-9 mos. to cure, with your Cedar semi transparent stain about 15mos. ago. It still looks good, is in full sun. When should I plan to recoat?
Next year.
One more question from the PNW –
Have my stripper and brightener, paint (15 gallons!!!) will be here shortly, and wondering what to do about the rust stains that formerly bled through the Arborcoat. I cannot remove all the rusty nails.
1. Will they bleed through the RAD solid stain?
2. Can I paint over them with Rustoleum?
3. If I can use Rustoleum, at what point in the painting process? Before first coat, between first and second, or after second and then touch up with RAD?
4. If I cannot use Rustoleum, what do you recommend?
Thank you – you folks and this forum have been a huge help.
1. Yes, possibly can bleed.
2. No and that would not stop the rust.
3. N/A
4. Remove/replace the rusting nails otherwise it will not ever stop.
Correction: Cypress color for a deck that is exposed to 80% daylight
I have a 12 ft x 12 ft new deck that has been weathering for almost 6 months. Installed beginning of March 2022. Plan is to stain Labor Day weekend (weather pending). My question is… do you think the deck has weather long enough for the solid stain cedar color product AND since it is a new deck (no mildew or mold) do I need to buy the cleaner pre stain products?
Weathering is correct for prep and staining now. Use both the RAD Cleaner and then the Brightener for prep.
Greetings from the PNW. I sanded, cleaned, prepped my 30+ year old Fir/Hemlock (I think) deck 2 yrs ago and painted with Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat. Followed instructions, let dry thoroughly before painting. Wood porous as it had not been treated in nearly 25-30 years, got approx 100-150 sq ft/gallon. Tired, end of summer, decided to put second coat on next spring. Over winter it bubbled and peeled. RAD getting top ratings on DeckStainHelp.com. Arborcoat – not. I know loose product must be removed but plan to use a power washer on the 1300 sq ft deck, sanding in some spots. Want to switch to RAD solid stain. Question – can I use another deck cleaner (Zep deck or Universal wash) or RAD cleaner? Thank you – I have learned a lot from all these Q& A.
Us the RAD Stripper and pressure washing to remove all the loose solid stain that you have and then you can cover the intact stain with the RAD Solid Stain.
With the stripper do I also have to use brightener? I live on the water and am very careful to use chemicals that are environmentally safe for fish and wildlife.
You should use the brightener after to neutralize.
I finished stripping my deck using your stripper and booster while leaving the stain on the railings as they are in good condition. I will be restraining the deck with your cypress solid stain. Can I also use this to put a top coat on the railing? And if so, how do I prep?
Just pressure wash to remove dirt and mildew and you can cover the intact stain with the RAD Solid Stain.
I have a 30 year old porch deck made with pressure treated wood. It was initially stained then painted with a latex paint. I have stripped it to bare wood with a combination of pressure washing, angle grinding with a Diamabrush and sanding. There is no stain or paint remaining. Can I now apply RAD solid stain or do I need to any other prep work?
Looks good to stain!
What application device do you recommend for the solid stain, brush or roller? Is it best to apply to a wet or dry deck?
Both. Brush and rollers.
Our deck is covered with Sherwin-Williams solid stain and has mold/mildew black stains that we have not been able to remove with power washing, bleaching, various wood cleaners, oxalic acid, or OxiClean. We’ve painted over the S-W 2 or 3 times (with S-W) to cover the staining but the mold keeps coming back. I’ve since learned that fungi can become encapsulated when painted over and continue to grow.
Attached are two photos of the stains.
What process do we need to follow to get rid of the mold (e.g. sand and strip the old stain before applying a new solid stain)? We will likely try Desert Taupe since it is the closest match to our house color.
What maintenance routine would then be needed to keep mold/mildew at bay?
Thanks.
You cannot strip a solid stain so if you need to remove you will have to power sand it all off. Mildew cannot be 100% prevented. If mildew grows on top of a stain then try a mild solution of bleach to kill the mildew.
Can you clarify process for restoring this deck with a solid stain? Do I just pressure wash and sand all peeling solid stain, and then apply solid stain on top, or do I need another product? Thanks!
Correct steps. You can cover the old solid stain that is not peeling with the RAD Solid stain.
I am thinking of using TWP Cedar Mulch Semi-Solid on my deck floor. But I think I would prefer the RAD for the uprights and railings. What Restore-A-Deck solid color on the railings and uprights would coordinate well with that TWP color for a two-tone deck. Restore-A-Deck doesn’t offer enough colors. I cannot use white or gray tones. Would Brown Oak work well with the TWP Cedar Mulch?
Probably brown oak or espresso.
Would light walnut semi-transparent for the floor pair well will Brown Oak solid (verticals and railings) for a two-tone deck. If not, what other color combo would you recommend
Sure, any combo you like will work. Color preferences are really up to you!
I have a dock that is 20 years old and will need to be replaced in the next few years. It has been coated several times over the years with oil-based semi-transparent stains, Cabot I believe. Can RAD solid stain be applied over the other finishes?
Yes as long as you prep to remove dirt, mildew, and any old stain that is peeling.
Just purchased some of your RAD solid stain for my deck. Going to be using a large 6″ brush and some of those pole mounted stain pads. What is the best way to clean them after use?
Water and you should roll on the solid stain, not a pad.
Any quality roller will do? Particular nap recommended?
1/2″ to 5/8″ nap.
Going to be using a large 6″ brush and some of those pole mounted stain pads. What is the best way to clean them after use?
I have a solid stain before. Sanding as much as I can. After that, can I put the solid stain in? Do I need anything else? If I do, can you give me link to buy? Thanks
You can cover the current solid stain as long as you remove the peeling solid stain.
The buy link to purchase is above on this page. Just pick your your color and add to cart.
I bought the espresso solid. Do I need a cleaner to apply after sanding?
Not with the solid stain.
My deck is 1200 SF with no rails/balusters. The coverage is 200-350SF/Gallon. Is that for one coat or two coats application? i.e. should I need 4 gallons total or 8 gallons (assuming 300SF coverage/gallon/coat)?
That is for one coat. You will need about 8-12 gallons for the two coats.
How long between coats do i need to wait to apply the solid stain?
Once the first coat is fully dry you can apply the second coat with the solid stain.
Can this be put over an existing solid stain that has been cleaned and prepped?
Yes.
Can this be applied over an older solid stain that is intact and been washed/prepped?
Yes.
Will this create a slippery finish? Toddlers running amuck here!
It will not.
I have used Armstrong Clark semi-transparent on 25 year old deck. I had terrible tracking issues with AC. What prep do I need to use RAD solid color deck stain now?
Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener Kit for prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/order-restore-a-deck/rad-kits-best-price/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/flypage.tpl.html
Can RAD work to stain/seal pressure treated wood fence? It’s never been stained before, what type is recommended, semi-transparent?
Do we need to stain both sides of the fence? Any other prep work, it’s been pressure washed already, 2 days ago so it’s dry, should we wet it before applying?
lastly is it better to roll on or spray on for a fence and a deck job? Not sure fence and deck get treated the same. Thank you!!
Yes, RAD stains work great on fences. Most use the semi-transparent but you can also use the solid stain. We would have to see pics for prep advice. How to apply depends on which stain you are using. Directions are on the website and are the same as applying to a deck.
Hello…in Canada.We have an 11 yr old cedar deck and have used Cabot’s Australian timber oil to finish it – last time 2 years ago when we completely sanded and refinished. Really needs some TLC but are getting past the point (seniors) to do this every other year. Will your solid stain work and your products/process allow to refinish without sanding? Approx 400 sq ft
Strip and Brighten for 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
Then you can use the RAD Solid Stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Need a little advice. We have an old deck that had never been stained. 2 years ago, we started to stain, but then along came a daughter. I used semi transparent DEFY after cleaning the deck on the one rail pictured. With the old weathered deck, I’m wondering if maybe going to a solid stain is a better option. What are your thoughts? What would the proper prep process be for both the stained and unstained portions? The DEFY seems to be pretty well soaked into the section we started. Thank you in advance!
We would suggest the RAD Stripper for the stained area and the RAD Cleaner for the rest. RAD Brightener last. Once prepped, use the RAD Semi-Transparent Stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-5-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
Thank you for the quick reply! So you would suggest sticking with semi transparent…I figured I’d need to move on to solid with the age/weathering.
I also forgot to ask, there a couple holes I’d like to fill before doing everything. Can I use a wood filler prior to doing this? At what step should that be done, before stripping/cleaning?
Lastly, do you have any retailers in the Livingston County area?
A semi-transparent will work just fine after the prep. Wood fillers will not work on exterior decking and will not stain to blend. Don’t bother.
We sell online only or you can pick it up at our location in Bloomfield Hills.
I cant decide between solid stain vs semi transparent. Current deck has Cabot semi solid but it is faded quite a bit. I plan on using your cleaner, stripper, brightener with additives to remove the current product. Any reason i should go for solid stain vs semi transparent? Thanks
The only reason is for some reason you cannot remove the Cabot fully with the stripping. BTW, you do not need the Cleaner if you are using the Stripper.
Hello, I have a 8’ x 26.5’ porch and a 9.5’ x 24.5’ deck that I’d like to stain with the solid stain. I also have handrails and balusters on the porch and deck, 15 stairs (41” x 11.5” each), and the siding of the house inside the porch (8’ tall and 26.5’ wide) that need to be stained. How many gallons of solid stain would you recommend, and how many packages of stripper and brightener? Thanks!
Hi,
What is the total sq footage added up for all wood, steps, and rails?
Thanks for the quick reply. My best guess is 550 total sq footage for the wood and steps (not including the rail and balusters).
The rail and balusters run about 100 feet in total length (includes the rails across the edge of the deck and porch and down the stairs). I’m not sure how to determine their total sq footage. Any chance you can give a best estimate, based on the above?
Typically with railings, it is length x height. 100 x 3 + 300, so about 850 total it sounds like.
-One stripper and brightener kit should be enough.
-7-8 gallons of Solid Stain for 2 coats.
Are you experiencing any stain product/material shortages this year?
Not currently but that could change throughout the year. Many issues with raw materials.
Can this product be apply over previous coating decks with solid stain like super deck flood Behr product if the previous deck coating is pressure washed/cleaned prior to application?
Yes but all peeling old stain has to be removed first. It will only work over prior solid stain that is not peeling and intact to the wood.
Thanks.
Would you recommend using the restore a deck cleaner on the previous solid coating would it help with adhesion of the restore a deck solid to the previous solid coating
Hi! I’m trying to figure out the correct prep / stain required to re-stain my deck. See attached for photos and thank you! Can I use a solid stain on top without completely sanding the entire deck?
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper 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
You do not have to sand.
Thank you! Can I use a semi-transparent then in lieu of the solid if desired?
If you are able to fully remove the current stain, then yes.
Thanks for your help and quick answers. I’ll be replacing a few of the deck boards in the worst shape with new treated lumber. Is it safe to assume I should do that first and strip / brighten with the new boards installed before staining? I just want to make sure the prep of the new treated boards is the same.
You cannot stain need wood right away: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Thank you! For the solid stain on the existing deck, I assume 1 coat is sufficient since it’s a solid stain?
No. You need two coats.
I just power washed off all/most the previous solid stain (Olympic). It was massively peeling from less than a year ago, from the previous owner of our home. I have scrubbed off all the loose paint. I see the prep steps that are recommended above. But can you help me with tips on next steps based on where I am at with my deck? It is currently gray in color, which I like, so I was going to choose the Gray Solid stain and do two coats on top.
Post some pics, please for product help.
I am trying to decide between solid and semi transparent. The deck had a solid which I completely sanded off. Will semi transparent work now or do I need to stay with solid. Also how hard is reapplying solid in future years as it gets worn down. I live in Washington and we get a lot of rain and the deck is wet and very dirty every spring.
Post pictures here in the comments of your prep so far. What grit sandpaper did you use?
80 grit sand paper looks like this so far.
Looks good to use the RAD Semi-transparent stain. Just one coat for sanded wood.
Before I decide if I go solid again what is the maintenance to recoat when needed later. I really don’t want to clean the deck this much ever again if I can avoid it.
RAD Cleaner with pressure washing and recoat. You always have to prep when recoating.