RAD STAIN 1gal MenuWhen 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.

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    Todd Syrell · 05/07/2021
    I have a new deck (installed 8 months ago). It is Western Red Cedar. The decking has a design (Celtic Knot) which I plan on staining a darker stain than the rest of the decking. I plan on using the semi-transparent in the Natural for the bulk of the deck and a darker semi-transparent stain for the design. I plan on using the cleaner and brightener before applying the stain. Do you recommend 1 or 2 coats of the stain for my application?
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    Shannon Thornton · 05/01/2021
    We want to do the “light maintenance coat” of semi transparent stain this year. Do we have to prep the deck with anything  or just go straight to the stain?
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      RAD Products · 05/02/2021
      You always have to prep when re-coating. Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener.
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    ray · 05/01/2021
    how long to weather cedar fencing before using restore-a-deckstain semi-transparent
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    Joyce · 05/01/2021
    I have an entrance ramp that needs to be cleaned and stained. I just had the railing top piece of wood replaced.
    Question: Should I cover those new railing top pieces of wood before I use your cleaner and brighter on the rest of the ramp wood? After cleaning I intend to use your Natural semi transparent stain on the ramp. Question: Am I to do 1 or 2 coats of stain on the older ramp wood after cleaning?
    Many thanks.
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      RAD Products · 05/02/2021
      -No reason to cover the new wood. 2 Coats wet on wet for the older wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
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        joyce · 05/03/2021
        Great news, thank you.How much of your semi transparent stain do I need if I am covering the ramp that is: 3" x 30" with 2 coats?Also a deck that is:13'x 27' with 4 steps and a walkway that is: 4'x 30'Many thanks again.
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          RAD Products · 05/03/2021
          About 5-7 gallons should cover all wood.
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            Joyce · 05/04/2021
            I am getting ready to use the stripper and brighter. I have an outside shower that has a composite wood floor and a painted door, do I need to protect these from the Stripper touching them?What about stainless steel handles, do they need to be protected as well from the stripper and or brighter?Many thanks.
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              RAD Products · 05/04/2021
              They all should be fine. Just rinse well when done.
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    craig · 04/30/2021
    we are installing a rough sawn hemlock pavilion (up to 8X8 timber) and were wondering if RAD is the right product for this application?  can this be applied prior to install or should it weather first for some time? thanks.
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      RAD Products · 04/30/2021
      The RAD stains would work very well for this! Since it is rough sawn wood, you can stain now.
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    bobby bramble jr · 04/28/2021
    I have a very large deck that is 12 years old we just power washed it and replaced a couple boards. It was previously treated with oil base amber tint. Since I put the new boards on can I use your stain now
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 04/29/2021
      No, you will need to weather and prep the new boards.
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    Michelle · 04/28/2021
    We have a new pressure treated pine roof deck that was installed last summer (Chicago). It has been weathering approx. 9 months now. Should we apply 1 or 2 coats of stain?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 04/28/2021
      One coat. Make sure to prep with the RAD Cleaner and Brightener.
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    Beth · 04/21/2021
    We used the diamabrush tool to remove old stain on our seven year old deck. Do I need to wait to clean, brighten and stain? Thank you!
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    Nataliya · 04/20/2021
    Hi! So my painter started prepping the redwood deck that was installed about 6 months ago and before I knew it had it completely sanded. Do we now need to let it weather again?! Do we still use the cleaner and brightner? Please advise! 
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      RAD Products · 04/20/2021
      Yes, for 1-2 months and then clean and brighten for prep.
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    GrahamJ · 04/20/2021
    I just purchased a custom made table for our deck.  The top is untreated new pine.  I plan to stain the top with semi transparent Dark Walnut.  Should I let the table weather for several months then follow the clean/brighten/1 coat of stain process for new wood?  With untreated pine, is one coat of semi transparent sufficient to both stain and properly seal the table?
    Thanks.
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      RAD Products · 04/20/2021
      Yes, weather and then prep before applying the 1 coat. Additional coats will not penetrate new wood. You can clean and re-coat annually for this table.
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        GrahamJ · 04/20/2021
        Thanks for the quick reply.  I just checked the moisture content of the pine and it is ~7%.  Any need to weather additionally or should that be dry enough to stain now?
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          RAD Products · 04/20/2021
          It has nothing to do with moisture % but porosity of the new wood. You still have to weather and prep.
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            GrahamJ · 04/20/2021
            Got it.  Thanks.  Given the wood is untreated, will the semi transparent stain work as a sufficient sealer or do I need to seal separately after staining?
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              RAD Products · 04/20/2021
              You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain, it will peel. No need.
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    John Lang · 04/20/2021
    I just purchased a complete kit for a 11 month new deck. Four questions...
    1 - do I clean and brighten the spindles?2 - how long in between do I wait between cleaning, brightening and then staining( I purchased the natural semitransparent stain)3 - how long do I have to wait before putting back the furniture and grill?4 - does it matter if the night temperature drops to 45 degrees the day I stain?
    Thank you in advance John
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    Kevin C. · 04/18/2021
    We purchased a house last fall, 2020. The owner built a new deck in the summer of 2020. They did not stain it, unfortunately. And we didn’t get to it in the fall. I believe the wood is either pine or cedar. So, it’s been weathering for about 9-10 months. I’m going to stain in ASAP. The wood is still smooth but it has grayed. Can I use this specific product (the one advertised for ‘new wood’)? What should I do for pretreatment? Is pressure wash sufficient? Thanks. 
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    Scott · 04/18/2021
    I built some furniture using pressure treated wood. After it was built it has been stored in a garage for about 10 months. Does this need to be weathered before applying restore a deck?
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    Steve · 04/07/2021
    We have a cedar deck and just sanded it. It’s like new. What the process for semi transparent protection
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      RAD Products · 04/07/2021
      Use both the RAD cleaner and then the brightener for final prep.
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    Steve Reed · 04/06/2021
    We installed a new cedar deck last August getting ready to order your kit. The wood has grayed what’s the best way to take it off. We have 800 square feet of wood to cover will one kit be enough. We will be using the dark walnut semi transparent stain. 
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      RAD Products · 04/07/2021
      Both the RAD cleaner and then the brightener. 800 sq feet will be close when using one kit.
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        Steve Reed · 04/07/2021
        Thanks I’ll get extra. Should a power washer be used  or scrub the deck and rinse. Will the cleaners be ok getting on aluminum deck post and glass. 
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    Erin · 04/06/2021
    pressure treated deck aged 11 months-do i need to apply deck cleaner to the vertical rungs or only the brightener
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    Kathy · 04/04/2021
    Last year I cleaned, brightened and stained a new (1 1/2 year old deck)  I used the semi-transparent stain and noticed after it dried it was uneven.  Can I apply a second coat this year?  Do I need to start over and reclean and brighten again before I restain?
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      RAD Products · 04/04/2021
      You will always have to prep when reapplying. Prep first.
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    Tom · 03/20/2021
    I installed a new cedar deck last spring, and mistakenly thought that it would need to be stained right away. I stained with an oil-based clear stain and now it has turned gray. From what I've read, I would need to use RAD Stripper, then let it weather for 3 months before staining again. Do I use the brightener right after the stripper and let it weather? Or will I need to use Stripper, let it weather, and then Cleaner and Brightener after weathering?

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      RAD Products · 03/20/2021
      Strip and brighten now and then you can apply one light coat. You do not have to weather since it is a year old.
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    David · 03/15/2021
    As part of my deck renewal and solid staining project, I have to replace a couple of deck boards and a railing board with new weathered treated wood. Do I have to leave those pieces of wood un-stained until a period of time? Or can I apply the solid stain then apply again over those pieces a few months later? It will look odd with a few bare boards.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 03/15/2021
      Wait a few months and then do all prep and stain then.
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    kevin broderick · 03/15/2021
    I just had a deck 10X 16 with railings installed how many gallons of stain will i need. also exactly how long should I wait before staining the first time. I have been told to satin after 30 days your write up says 3 months
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 03/15/2021
      Above article is correct on wait and prep. We would need a total sq footage of all wood to help with amount of products needed.
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        kevin broderick · 03/16/2021
        the deck is 10 X 16 with a stair


        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          RAD Products · 03/16/2021
          Please add up all wood to be stained into one sq footage. This includes floors, rails, steps, outside edges, etc.
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    Duncan Fung · 03/14/2021
    We are installing kiln dried with rough sawn cut batten siding. Do I need to weather after install? Which product would you recommend in light color similar to honey?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 03/14/2021
      You do not need to weather Rough Sawn wood. Try the Restore A Deck Stain in Natural color.
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        Duncan Fung · 03/14/2021
        Thank you for your quick answers. My siding is about 4000 sqft. How many gallon do I need and do you offer discount for high quantity purchases?
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          RAD Products · 03/14/2021
          30-40 gallons applied wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html

          We do not offer discounts at that volume.
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            Duncan Fung · 03/14/2021
            Apply only one coat for 40 gallon?
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              RAD Products · 03/14/2021
              No, two coats wet on wet for rough sawn wood. See the link we sent prior.
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                Duncan Fung · 03/14/2021
                Can you verify that 40 gallons are enough to cover a 4000sqft with 2 coats? Do I need to treat the wood first and with what if I do?
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                  RAD Products · 03/14/2021
                  It should be. No need to prepthis if rough wood is clean and dry.
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                    Duncan Fung · 03/14/2021
                    Thank you! I have Ajay purchased some samples and determine what color later.
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    Taylor · 02/18/2021
    I am planning to stain a 11 month old pressure treated pine fence for the first time. It appears that the cleaner, brightener and stain can all be applied with a pump sprayer. Please confirm. After the cleaner is applied and the scrubbing is done, will a hose on full strength remove and rinse everything sufficiently since i do not have a pressure washer?

    Regarding the directions for the Brightener, it says to "Mminutes in sections will take hours - is this full
    Is the recommended drying time between the Brightener and spraying the stain on, 2 hours?
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    Ming W · 01/24/2021
    Questions:
    -Do I need to apply Restore A Deck sealer to the exposed cedar deck cover wood surfaces?
    - The cedar deck cover is constructed of exposed raw/rough cut cedar posts (number of vertical posts 6”x4” and 6”x6”, and number of horizontal posts 12”x6”), exposed kiln dried untreated cedar joists (2”x4” and 2”x6”), and cedar railing. The deck roofing construction includes exposed (underside only) tongue and groove cedar planking. The topside of the cedar deck cover is covered entirely with usual plywood decking/roofing fabric/asphalt singles.
    Thank you in advance for your assistance and guidance.
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      RAD Products · 01/24/2021
      Apply to all the wood is correct.
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        Ming W · 01/24/2021
        Thank you for the quick followup. A few more questions:
        Do I need to wait the 3 months of weathering before applying a RAD sealer?
        Do you ship to TX?
        Do you offer a military discount?
        Thank you again.
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          RAD Products · 01/24/2021
          Yes, you need to wait and prep. We ship to all States and Canada. We do not offer discounts.
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    Dave Kat · 12/12/2020
    Hi. I plan to use Restore-A-Deck stain on an open flat trailer I have. I will replace the flooring with 3/4" pressure treated plywood. 1) Is this stain correct to use? 2) Do I need to wait approx. 3 months for weathering or is this considered rough wood (no need to wait)? Thanks.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 12/13/2020
      Yes you can use the RAD stain. Wait and prep wood.
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    David Van Winkle · 11/19/2020
    2nd pic
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    David Van Winkle · 11/19/2020
    I will be putting up a new cedar fence and plan to use RAD Solid Color Stain. You advise allowing the wood to weather before staining unless the wood is rough cut. Does cedar fencing qualify as rough cut? I would like to stain the fencing before I put it up.
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    Kathi Sanders · 10/28/2020
    We have completed the cleaning, brightening and staining process with your semi-transparent stain on a new KD cedar deck (weathered for one month). Is your stain also a sealer? If not, what product should we use to seal the deck and is it best to wait after the 2nd, maintenance coat is applied or seal it now?
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      RAD Products · 10/28/2020
      All RAD stains are sealers as well and you cannot ever apply a sealer over the top.
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        Kathi Sanders · 10/28/2020
        One more question. When we apply the maintenance coat in 12-18 months, do we use the cleaner, brightener before the stain again?
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        Kathi Sanders · 10/28/2020
        That's good to hear. I thought I saw a comment on here where someone asked about applying a sealer on top of the stain.
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    Mark Bardou · 10/22/2020
    If I use the semitransparent stain as a single coat on new KDAT which has weathered for two months, can the solid stain be applied over the semitransparent in 12-18 months if we choose to do so.
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      Mark Bardou · 10/23/2020
      In regard to the question I posted dated 10/22/2020, I should also have asked if applying the solid stain over the semitransparent stain would require two coats or would one coat suffice?
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      RAD Products · 10/22/2020
      As long as you prep, yes.
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    louis stevens · 10/20/2020
    this is the second year I'm using TWP 1500 and I used the RAD cleaner and Rad brightener and stained the deck 2 coats (wet on wet). The weather was supposed to be dry for days, however I awoke the next day to rain. It only had 15- 16 hours dry before it rained and I blew it off with a leaf blower. Will this coating be ok, or do I recoat ?
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    Heather · 10/14/2020
    Can I use the stripper instead of cleaner on a new (6 mo weathered) deck? I bought stripper, brightener, and stain that was originally intended for an old deck.