When working with newly installed wood and decking surfaces, the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is ideal after 3-6 months of natural weathering. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain’s long-lasting composition works hard to absorb quickly and penetrate deep into the wood grain to withstand the elements and stay true to its beautiful finish long after the staining project is complete.
Before beginning the staining process, it is recommended that new wood surfaces be installed 3-6 months before prepping and staining. To prep new wood surfaces after the waiting period, use Restore-A-Deck Cleaner. It’s concentrated powder formula is cost-effective, easy to transport, and especially good at removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that is prone to showing up on new wood surfaces.
Note: Kiln dried and KDAT wood still needs to weather after install. About 1-2 months. Rough sawn cut wood does not need to weather.
After the new wood has been cleaned, the wood will appear slightly darker. To restore the wood and neutralize the pH, use Restore-A-Deck Brightener to lighten it to its original appearance. The RAD Wood Brightener further opens the wood pores for an ideal surface to apply Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain.
Following Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener, continue with Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain. Unlike other brands of wood stain, Restore-A-Deck’s formula can be applied to wood surfaces following the Brightener on the same day on damp wood or can be applied to dry wood on following days. If applying to damp wood, it is recommended to allow the wood to dry 2-4 hours after prep is complete.
Only 1 coat should be applied to new wood that is less than 9 months old for the RAD semi-transparent stain. A light maintenance coat of the RAD semi-transparent stain should be applied 12-18 months after the first coat was applied. Every 2-3 years after that is normal.
For the RAD Solid Color Stain, apply 2 coats. Reapply as needed down the road.
Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips
If you have any questions, please comment below.
I used restore a deck on rough sawn redwood, but the results seem to be mixed.
Based on my research of comments and site suggestions it sounds like I can just do the 1-2-3 steps right away without weathering, but I also applied a bora care treatment prior to staining with 1 coat of stain. Now I’m seeing some spots where the bora care salts have become more visible on the surface.
1) can I just re-apply the stain onto the wood that looks dry/salty?
In general if the 1 coat of stain seems like it’s not really absorbing or looks light, is it okay to do an additional coat several weeks/months later?
Second coats need to be applied on wet. You cannot lightly wash and recoat in 6-9 months.
Hi, I am in the process of a multi-year project where I’ve been replacing the deck boards on my pressure treated deck with composite decking. I use your solid color stain on the pressure treated portions of the deck to not only protect and refresh the look but also for a nice contrast to the dark brown color of the composite decking boards. I love your product so far.
My question regards application to new areas of the deck that I’m rebuilding. I know 3-6 months is the wait time, however there are some areas I’d like to “seal” that I can’t get to 3-6 months from now- for example the stringers underneath the stair treads.
Although these areas won’t be visible i think I’d like to “seal” them with a couple of coats of the stain with only 1 or 2 weeks of weathering on the stringers.
What are your thoughts on this?
It won’t take, and there’s no need or advantage to stain or coat the undersides. Only the exposed wood that is exposed to the elements needs a coating.
Do you spray the stain on and then have someone else brushing it? I don’t understand how to use the brush and the sprayer.
You do not have to spray the stain, you can use stain pads and brushes. If you do spray, you would lightly spray on the first coat and back-brush in a second coat, wet on wet.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application
Using the RAD products on our screen porch (so far so good, with only a few minor overlap issues staining). Our screen porch is elevated a full 10’ up, with about a 2“ wood border outside the screening. Because of timing and ladder issues, we could not clean/brighten the exterior 2” wood section that is outside the screening framing and we’ve already stained inside the screening. If we CAREFULLY apply the cleaner and brightener with a small squirt bottle and then rinse both carefully, is it ok? We are working with new, 9 month old yellow pine decking so it is not very weathered or dirty. Will we mess up the newly stained boards inside the screen framing somehow?
Thanks for the help!
The issue is the splashing inside with the cleaner onto the newly stained floor. You should avoid that.
We applied RAD light walnut to our new deck, one coat, followed instructions for letting the new wood age for a few months, then cleaning with RAD cleaner, then brightening with RAD brightener, then one coat of stain. It looks rather orange compared to the stock color. Where did we go wrong?
Final wood color varies based on the wood type, age of the wood, etc. In general, the Light Walnut color can have a brownish/carmel/orangy color based on your wood type.
Pics: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-and-deck-stain-photo-album
Right on. For what it’s worth, in hindsight I would have skipped the brightener step for my new wood deck. A deeper brown color would be preferable and more like the main image color provided on the stain product page.
The Brightener has to be used to neutralize and would not have made much or any difference in the final color if not used.
My deck is 1 year old. Should I use 1 or 2 coats of stain?
Two light coats applied wet on wet.
How long do I need to wait between coat 1 and 2? Can I walk on coat 1 while still wet?
See here for more info: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application
New construction double deck with KDAT lumber, looking for a dark gray or charcoal dark color all I seen or sampled are a blueish gray. Not wanting a rustic look, anyone suggestions?
Dark Walnut color would be your best option.
For a new Cedar and Redwood fence, how long must we wait for it to weather? Need to convince the HOA to let us age the wood. Is fencing usually considered rough-sawn?
It varies if the wood is smooth or rough sawn cut. Fences can be either. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood
I have a new pressure treated wood deck that we allowed to weather for 6 months. After doing the cleaning and neutralizing process we applied one coat of RAD dark walnut stain. The color looks cedar toned and much lighter than expected. We’d like to apply a 2nd coat to darken the color, but I see that you recommend only one coat of stain on new wood. Why is that? What will happen if we apply a 2nd coat?
New wood is not absorbent enough to accept 2 coats. Wait until next year. Clean first and then apply another coat.
We have installed new pressure treated pine. Very pretty boards, no knots. We are leaning toward the Natural stain. But we are concerned about UV damage. Should we go with more color?
No need. Natural is tinted and has UV protection.
So I just had steps to back door replaced? I should wait 3-6 months to stain?
Yes.
How long can I wait after applying the brightener to stain? I can’t get everything done in one weekend and would like to do the brightener one weekend and stain the next.
Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
I have all the cleaner/brightener/stain ready to go on my deck, just curious if I need one or two coats of semi-transparent cedar stain… deck was installed early November 2023, so a bit over the 9 months you recommended. and if 2 coats are needed how long between each coat is recommended?
One coat.
I have your yellow RAD staining brush to apply RAD stain. But…I do not have a power sprayer. What is the best way to apply stripper and brightener.
Pump sprayer. You can get them at any hardware store.
We are hoping to use your RAD semi-transparent stain on our new deck (pressure treated pine boards, installed 6 weeks ago). I’ve ordered your sample semi-transparent stain pack to determine color of stain we want. I have leftover deck board scraps we will use as my test boards for color choices. We know we need to wait at least 3 months before applying the RAD semi-transparent stain to our new Pine decking.
Questions:
1. Yes, they will. Our yellow flooring brush is by far the easiest and best way to apply to flooring. We like stain pads for the vertical/railings. Any quality brush should work.
2. Best to protect house from splatter and spills.
3. They should not.
4. Best to brighten the same day as cleaning, while wood is wet from the cleaning.
I have a deck with old boards covered in peeling Ben Moore arbor coat. I have replaced many boards with new pressure treated pine. I want to coat with a solid color stain. I think I need to strip because the current stain is failing. Which products do I use in which order? Do I need brightener after stripping? Do I wait three to six months to start the process or strip and brighten now?
Wait 3 months and then strip off what is loose and peeling. You do not need to remove 100% of the old coating as you can cover the intact coating that is not failing. Brighten all when done.
I want to make sure I’m doing everything correctly this time with the new 5/4 treated decking I installed.
Northern Michigan – Deck gets LOTS of Sun; I used hidden fasteners- which makes it very barefoot friendly!
Here’s my plan and I would appreciate any advice or feedback on where I might have gone wrong:
1. Wait three months after the new 5/4 treated installation (it was Installed in early June; plan to stain in August).
2. Sand the entire deck by hand with 80 grit orbital sander.
3. Spray the deck with water, then apply RAD cleaner, wait 15 min, scrub, and rinse well.
4. Apply RAD brightener, wait 15 min, then rinse well (same day as cleaner).
5. Wait 2-4 hours and then use RAD Semi Stain, making sure the wood is slightly wet as I stain using a water sprayer.
6. Stain boards against the house – the full length with a brush.
7. Work on only two boards at a time, completing the entire length before moving to the next two boards, ensuring to run the stain out of the brush and then backbrush the entire length.
I have ordered semi and solid RAD stain samples as well as the RAD cleaner and brightener.
I plan to test out my samples. Should I sand, clean, and brighten these small boards to get the true ending color?
Thank you for all the help on this site!
Will post pics when I am done!
See below.
2. We would not suggest the sanding. You want the wood porous and slightly rough, not smooth like a hardwood floor. When you sand, you close the pores which reduces stain absorption.
5. You only apply 1 coat to new wood with the semi-transparent stain. Use stain brushes or pads, not spraying when doing only one coat. Solid stain needs two coats and that should be applied with rollers and brushes.
Thank you so much — will post pics and let everyone know… FINALLY I feel like I found the right products…. after many years…..
You are welcome!
First time staining our pool deck, I have all the supplies but am a bit nervous if chlorine will transform and discolor the stain over use this summer? Any tips on pool deck staining to avoid this (I have semi-transparent cedar)?
It is impossible to prevent chlorine (bleach) from “discoloring” any deck stain brand. Only way to prevent, is to not get the chlorinated water on the stain.
Hello:)
We applied RAD one coat of semi-transparent stain last summer to a new pool deck and looking to apply our second coat this week. Just to be sure i am following the stated directions..
Only 1 coat should be applied to new wood that is less than 9 months old for the RAD semi-transparent stain. A light maintenance coat of the RAD semi-transparent stain should be applied 12-18 months after the first coat was applied.
Even though it does not say it we use cleaner, brightener, then stain correct? And with the Wet on Wet application i can do this all in one day?
thanks !
Clean and brighten and then apply one coat. You can do this all on the same day.
thanks much!
We installed a new cedar deck and privacy wall in Sept 2023. Planning on cleaning, brightening and staining with the semi transparent stain. Due to weathering there is some wood fuzz on the deck boards – also some scratch marks from our dogs nails. I was planning on sanding both of these off to improve the surface.
Where in the process would you recommend sanding? After cleaning and let dry prior to sanding?
Which grit of sand paper would you recommend?
It’s a rather large deck so I’m trying to figure out if it is wise to do it with a hand sander or rent a sander.
The privacy fence boards are slotted in and can easily be removed. Would you recommend prepping and staining them in place or taking them down and laying horizontal to do so? (we are going to treat/stain both sides but worried that the cleaner and brightener may affect our neighours deck on the other side of this privacy wall. Thanks!
We would just go ahead and clean and brighten and then stain. If you sand, sand after cleaning before brightening with 60-80 grit paper. Only 1 coat of the stain.
For the fence, prep and stain in place.
Im applying a tongue and groove pine plank ceiling to my outdoor porch. By reading this sounds like I should let it sit for 3-6 months after installation. My question is do I need to do the brightener step or can you jump from cleaning straight to the stain if I’m ok with the darker look. My next question is are there any tips to applying to a ceiling as I will have fans and recessed lighting installed so seems like pressure washer cleaning would be difficult. Thanks.
No, you have to brighten to neutralize. Very easy step. No easy way to prep or stain ceilings. Plan on a lot of dripping and mess so cover below well.
I applied 1 coat to new wood,but the color is light.How long do i wait to recoat mith a darker color.
Once it has cured you cannot add another coat for about 9 months and you will need to use the Cleaner first.
My 250 sq ft deck had pressure treated wood floorboards replaced 2 years ago. After 6 months I cleaned, brightened, and stained Cedar with your products. I have 5 steps but no rails (they are white). It took less than a gallon to stain. I think I did one coat.
It is starting to look spotty but only in the busy path. Planning to clean, brighten and stain one coat. Does that sound right? Will i need two because of the wearing off? Will it take more stain this time? Should I restain next time in a year to avoid the wearing off??
Thanks.
Tara
Just one coat. Clean and recoat as needed.
I completed the cleaning/staining process and everything went well. I have a question about cleaning the stained deck. We have three dogs and we get a lot of muddy paw prints after a rain. What is the best way to keep the deck clean? We used the semi-transparent stain dark walnut–Thanks from Louisville, KY
Warm water and some dish soap and then use a very soft brush like the ones you use to wash a car.
thank you so much
I wanted to use R.A.D stain on a Pergola with 6×6 post, that has been weathered for 6 months. What would be the best application for this process. Thx.
Stain pads and brushes: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
Make sure to prep first.
How much Cleaner, Brightener and Solid Stain do I need for 582 sq ft
One Cleaner and Brightener and 4-6 Gallons of Solid Stain for the 2 coats.
i want to apply new wood before installation? do I have to wait for 3 to 6 month of natural weathering?
Yes. You cannot avoid this nor can you prestain new wood.
Since I apply dark walnut Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is going to be dark, I don’t have to apply Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener to my new wood after Restore-A-Deck Cleaner?
Yes, you need to neutralize with the Brightener after the Cleaner.
I have used the solid stain on my deck and it is holding up well. Now I need to replace the risers on my stairs. Can solid stain be placed over wood that has previously been treated with linseed oil or mineral spirits?
No, you should remove the linseed oil with the RAD Stripper/Brightener kit.
I’ve used this stain on my decks for years and am more than pleased. I am having a new fence installed this week and wonder if I can use this on new cedar fence pickets or if I need to let it weather first. I’m not sure if fence pickets are considered, “rough sawn cut wood.” Please advise. Thanks!
Post some pics so we can help with this.
I have stained the deck with your product and I am very pleased with results. Now I need to stain support posts. What kind of roller is recommended for this application?
Use a stain pad or brush, not a roller for the semi-transparent stain.
I just completed replacing the boards on my 35yr old cedar deck. The railing is original and was stained with an oil base stain last year. I know I will need to strip the railing, can I use this same stripper as a cleaner on the new decking instead of purchasing a separate cleaner?
No. Use the Cleaner.
Hey, I’ve never used an exterior stain before. I am making a play set for my children out of old scrap/recycled wood. None of the wood has been stained before, but it all has been installed for multiple years on other exterior structures before I got it.
I used my old hand planes to straighten the wood and remove all mildew and oxidized wood layers, so the boards now all have a glistening/shimmering smooth surface on them. (It was quite a workout!) I am concerned that this ultra-smooth surface will not absorb your stain well.
Should I let this new surface weather for multiple months before I apply your stain even though the boards themselves are old and much dryer than new stock? Also, do you think I still need to use chemical prep even though I have planed the boards down past any mildew or dirt concerns? Thanks!
Hi Daniel, the issue is it is not supposed to be smooth/shiny, so no, it is not ready to be stained. Weather and prep in the Spring.
Hi,
I need to stain only the posts and top and bottom rails of my new composite/wood hybrid deck. The wood has seasoned about 2.5 months.
Will I be able to stain earlier than 3 months or is it recommended I wait the minimum 3 months.
Also, will I be able to use only the cleaner and apply the stain or will I need to use the Brightener as well.
Thank you
Best to wait at least 3 months. You must use both the Cleaner and the Brightener for prep.
I have a new PT deck that has been seasoning for 7 months. The total square feet is 1300. How much cleaner/brightner and how much sei-transparent stain will I need. I am considering the cedar color.
2 Cleaners and 2 Brighteners. About 7-9 gallons of stain for the 1 coat.
We have 15 steps of treated pine stairs that are one year old. I need to stain not only the top, but the bottom of all the stairs and the under structure for the stairs since it is exposed. Spraying the understructure with cleaner and brightener may be pretty difficult
without raingear. Any suggestions or tips for how to best handle this part of the job? Also do I need to apply a sealer after the RAD semi-transparent stain is applied or is the sealer part of the RAD stain?
You do not need to stain the undersides unless it is for appearance only. There is no “easy” way to do the undersides as it will get dirty and messy, so best to wear protective clothing. Never apply a sealer over a deck stain. It will peel if you do and no reason to as well.
My deck was put in almost 3 years ago. I finally got around to putting RAD on, 2 coats. It soaked up a LOT of product. The second coat was put on 2 days. Currently it is raining and the water is only kind of beading up. I would have expected the water to completely bead up. Does it need a third coat?
No, and it is not supposed to bead water like a car wax. That is a myth. You want the wood to breathe and not be 100% sealed. It “sheds” water instead.
Why only one coat of semi-transparent stain if new wood is less than 9 months old? What would happen if I gave it a second coat?
Kevin
New wood is not very absorbent so over applying can lead to the stain not fully penetrating into the wood grain as intended.
I just installed a new rough hewn pine privacy fence. The wood is quite green with splotches and streaks of green, especially around knots. The wood also feels slightly damp although we a haven’t had any rain for over a week. Should I wait for the wood to weather and age before applying RAD stain or can I apply now? If wait, how long?
You cannot apply if still internally damp. Let it dry out longer. Maybe 1-2 months.
I have a ton of spindles on my deck. Is a contour applicator a good method for these spindles?
We prefer brushes or stain pads. You can also spray and then back brush. That is the fastest.
Hey just exploring the option of a two toned deck. I’m sold on the light walnut semi for the deck boards and horizontal boards. I have a darker gazebo built on the deck. Do you think two toned would look nice? If so what solid color do you recommend? Also, is the lattice better off light walnut in semi transparent or a solid color if I go two tone?
Do you want a darker brown solid to blend with the gazebo or white to blend with the house trim? Lattice should be the solid color.
I think that’s what I’m struggling with. If I go white to match the trim of the house, I’d have 3 colors (with the white, the darker gazebo, and the light walnut. Do you think it would look better matching the trim of the house or the gazebo being that the gazebo is integrated into the deck. I’m thinking I go the darkest solid stain on my lattice and spindles. If I do that, is there anywhere else I should put the solid stain? Also, should the vertical posts behind the lattice also be solid or would they be light walnut?
Blend with the Gazebo with Solid Stain Espresso. Floor and stair treads (tops of rails can be as well) only with the semi-transparent. All verticals solid.
Looking for some advice on good color options for this deck. It has not been stained yet. I’m also thinking I want to utilize a stain at least close to our shed (which is Sikkens Butternut 072 stain). Doesn’t have to be a perfect match but close enough. Check out my pics and I’d love some professional advice on a good stain color from RAD for the deck.
Light Walnut would be the closest to the shed color. Make sure to prep well first.
With the deck being a few years old but never stained, should I do one or two coats of semi-transparent RAD stain?
2 light coats applied wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application
Even if I do a light sand throughout the whole deck before brightener?
If you power sand then only 1 coat. It really comes down to how absorbent the wood is. The stain needs to fully penetrate.
Sorry for all the questions but your responses are helping us big time. The deck is 3 years old but never stained. I will be using RAD cleaner and brightener. In your experience, would I get better results with a full power sand and one coat or skip the sand and apply 2 coats wet on wet? We are excited to use RAD for our deck but just want to make the best decision for our first time prepping and staining
No need to sand in most cases.
New deck is 3 years old and is pressure treated pine. I’m thinking it needs a good pressure wash with RAD cleaning product. I’d like to sand. Should the brightener be used after I sand or before?
Brighten last.
I bought a house that has a cedar deck, which is clearly many years old. It had some remnants of solid stain left on it in spots, was otherwise weathered and chipped free of it. I pressure washed, then sanded thoroughly with 80 grit, so I’m down to good wood, with only a few signs of gray in deeper ruts. I want to apply RAD solid stain to freshen it up and protect it, is the brightener required at this point?
Yes. After sanding, the brightener will help to “open” up the wood pores, creating better adhesion for the solid stain.
I have a 12×30 pressure treated pine deck. We do not know if it was previously stained with a water or oil based stain. It was a cedar tone. We have had to replace some of the wood – so there is a mixture of old and new. We have partially sanded about a 3rd of it and have stopped before moving on to the remainder after doing some research. We are not as concerned about it looking homogenous as we like the different tones. We are more concerned about getting good protection. 1) Do we need to strip the remaining pevious stain (left after sanding) to ensure good adhesion. 2) Since we have new wood mixed in, should we wait until it has been in for 3 months before sanding or striping the remaining deck? 3) Once prepped what would you recomend for stain?
1. Yes. Post pics for advice on prep.
2. Correct.
3. Depends on condition. Pics are needed.
I cannot seem to find how long do I need to wait before walking on newly stained fresh wood dock? (It looks beautiful!!)
24 hours.
I built adirondack chairs out of red western cedar wood bought from a local big box store. The wood is kiln dried and surfaced on one side (the side that will mostly be exposed to sunlight). Do I need to let the chairs age before staining? If so, do I also need to clean and brighten before staining?
Yes, with kiln dried, you should waether outside for 1-2 months and then use the prep to remove the mill glaze. One coat of the stain.
New ramp two years ago. Do you have to get the gray color all off before staining?
Yes, use this kit for prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-package-300.html
I have a new pressure treated deck , that has been weathered for 6 months . I’m ready to clean and brighten. Then I will apply the stain . In the following years to come , will I just stain directly on top ? What prep, if any, will I take as I need to re apply more stain. Thanks
You always have to prep when recoating. Clean and then stain. No need to strip.
Is restore a deck water or oil based ?
Penetrating water-based stain.
OK I need to add on to this question. I had a new PT deck about 5 years ago. I have used all RAD products and now its time for another coat of the Light Walnut stain. You state above “you always have to PREP when recoating”, does the mean you should user the cleaner, brightner then stain. Sorry, I just need to know the specific products to purchase as part of the PREP for a deck that will be restained with the same product from RAD
Clean, brighten and then stain is the correct way.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-package-300.html
Hi,I have an 18 year old deck I’ve cleaned and pressure washed this past week. I have some sanding to do to the old wood and have replaced a couple of the boards with new pressure treated wood. How long should I wait for the pressure treated wood to age before applying stain and do I apply the stain to the old boards in a different way than the new boards?
3 months and then prep. Apply the same to both new and old wood.