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. A light maintenance coat of stain should be applied 12-18 months after the first coat was applied. Every 2-3 years after that is normal.

Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips

If you have any questions, please comment below.

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    Jennifer · 04/07/2019
    Can RAD stain be used on black locust lumber?
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    Jenny · 03/19/2019
    I am in south Alabama. I have a new deck that was installed in July 18. I did the cleaner/brightener combo one day and stained the deck the next day. I used RAD light walnut. One coat on everything. My vertical surfaces are darker than the floor. It’s been almost a week since I’ve stained. Would it be okay for me to do another coat on the floor? I used a paint brush and back brushed everything so there wasn’t extra stain sitting on top. I don’t want it to peel.
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    Ricardo · 12/04/2018
    I'm in Northwest Georgia...

    I really need to stain my deck and I've waited a bit into the winter here. What are the downsides if it gets too cold?

    Will it mess it up completely? Will it just not take?


    The daytime highs run into the mid 40 to 50s, most overnights it doesn't freeze.


    Can I do it on a weekend where the weather is cooperative?


    Thanks!
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      RAD Products · 12/04/2018
      It needs to be 50-55 during the day. Cannot freeze at night. No rain for 12-24 hours after application at these temps. As long as it soaks into the wood, you will be okay.
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    Barnes · 10/29/2018
    I live in North Florida and have a pine deck that was replaced in March 2018 that is roughly 60x16 feet with a total of 14 stairs and a 5x9 landing - see attached pictures. How much cleaner/brightener and stain would I need to prep and stain the deck? Should I apply one or 2 coats, and will the cleaner and brightener harm the stainless steel cable system? Lastly, do you offer a clear stain?

    Thanks for your help.
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      RAD Products · 10/29/2018
      About 8-10 Gallons for the one coat that is needed since the wood is newer. 2 Kits of the Cleaner/Brightener prep. Prep products will not harm the cables. No on the clear and clear sealers will not prevent UV graying.
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        Barnes · 10/29/2018
        Thanks for the quick reply.
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    Nancy · 10/22/2018
    New deck of pressure treated pine put down in June. Live just outside of Atlanta, GA. Temperature around 50-60s during the day. Temperatures fluctuate a lot this time of year. Can I stain now or have to wait until spring?
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      RAD Products · 10/22/2018
      You could do now or in Spring. Up to you and if the weather cooperates or not.
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    Sky · 10/18/2018
    We built our deck in April using pressure treated pine, and this past weekend we stained it using the cleaner, brightener and stain. There is a small section on the deck where we apparently didn't prep the surface well enough because the stain is peeling off. Is there a way that we can patch this small portion?
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      RAD Products · 10/18/2018
      You can try and sand it off but you will need to do the entire board that is affected. Use 60 grit paper.
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        Sky · 10/18/2018
        Thanks. After sanding, do I just apply stain, or do I need to do the clean/bright process?
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          RAD Products · 10/18/2018
          Since it is just one board, sand only with 60 grit, no finer.
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    bill · 10/15/2018
    Generally speaking, is the RAD stain recommended application to pump spray on, then back brush with your stain brush (I bought your stain brush)? Or apply directly with the brush? Doing the horizontal decking only at this time...
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      RAD Products · 10/16/2018
      Use the brush for best overall results and even appearance.
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        bill · 10/16/2018
        Thanks for responding. Not to seem dense but you're saying put the stain on directly with the brush, rather than spraying on and then back brushing?
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    Bruce Carwardine · 10/14/2018
    Can you apply your natural stain product over new Western Red Cedar that has been treated with EcoWood ( disodium octoborate tetrahydrate / boron / boric acid system similar to Timbor or Board Defense)?
    And can I get one 2.5 gallon?
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      RAD Products · 10/14/2018
      As long as the surface is porous, you can. We do not offer the 2.5 gallon for sale on this site.
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    Rick Nickels · 10/09/2018
    I just finished work on this deck. I flipped all the old boards and replaced 38 that weren’t saveable. After that I pressure washed and chlorinated everything to even out the color. As you can see it went pretty well. I would like to next apply your product to further even out the color and protect the job but am thinking that the difference of absorption between the old and new wood might mean that I should use your natural for the initial application and do a color in the spring. Does this make sense to you? If not, what is your recommendation?
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      RAD Products · 10/09/2018
      Per the article above, the new wood cannot be stained now. You will have to wait the 3-6 months for natural weathering and then prep all with the Cleaner and Brightener kit. Spring would be best to do this.

      The Natural is a tinted stain, not clear and cannot be done until Spring as well.
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    tom · 10/08/2018
    I just put one coat on new mahogany aged about 4 months. For second application in 12-18 months do I need to use cleaner and brightener, or just one of them, and should this second application be a wet on wet application.
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      RAD Products · 10/08/2018
      Cleaner only. Just one coat for Mahogany wood. Post a picture of your newly stained deck if you have time.
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    Susan · 10/04/2018
    2yr old fir T&G porch, stripper for previous oil Storm 1 product, & then brightener & rinsed with hose. After 2 days- it rained- floor has a lot of fuzzy areas- should I hand sand 80 grit the entire surface or just the fuzzy areas? Porch is 13' x 6'. Can I stain when finished sanding? Thank you
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      RAD Products · 10/04/2018
      Post a picture of the wood.
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        Susan · 10/04/2018
        I received your email to send pictures & sent 3 pictures showing the fuzzy, the entire porch & a new water stain after the rain. Thanks
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          RAD Products · 10/04/2018
          Hello, no pictures are attached to your comment above.
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    Jeannine · 09/30/2018
    we had new deck wood replaced/installed last October 2017 and have had a very rainy summer so have not stained the deck yet. We are fearful we will not get the deck dried to ever stain it before winter. Should we treat the deck before winter and pray next spring we find a dry time to finally stain the deck. I am afraid we are damaging the deck with waiting. HELP PLEASE
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      RAD Products · 09/30/2018
      You should prep and stain in the same season. Do it all now if the weather cooperates or next Spring if it does not.
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    Janet · 09/24/2018
    I have a deck that is 4 yrs old but was in bad condition. It is in full sun all day. The man I hired has sanded the 2 coats of solid stain, applied RAD Brightener and light walnut semitransparent stain. It looks good but he is suggesting a 2nd coat of stain. I prefer to do another coat summer of next year. Would you advise a second coat now? Thank you
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    Lisa · 09/20/2018
    Just installed a new cedar deck. Cedar experts differ on when to apply the stain. Do you still recommend a 3 to 6 month waiting period even for cedar?
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    Terri · 09/18/2018
    I sanded some scratches on a new untreated deck. I’m getting ready to use the cleaner, brighter and the stain. Do I need to sand the entire deck since you can see where I sanded?
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      RAD Products · 09/18/2018
      Probably as the stain may dry unevenly. Do not sand with grit higher than 60 or 80. Clean and brighten after.
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    Tom · 09/14/2018
    Do you recommend the stain pad or the stain brush for application on new mahogany, aged for 3 months.
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    TY · 09/13/2018
    Are you saying there is no need to stain underneath the deck or stairs? No real benefit unless appearance?
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    Kirk · 09/11/2018
    I have replaced some old deck boards with new pressure treated white pine. I had already cleaned and brightened the old boards before replacing with new ones. (tree fell on deck and busted boards) I am assuming it is acceptable to stain the old boards and wait to stain the new boards early next Spring?
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      RAD Products · 09/12/2018
      Best to wait and prep/stain all in the Spring. It will be easier and look better as well.
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    Patricia · 09/09/2018
    We have a long wooden wheelchair ramp that was built with new wood 14 months ago and we will be prepping and staining it for the first time. Given its age, do you recommend one coat or two coats of RAD stain? I will be purchasing your products; just need to calculate how much I will need to purchase based on how many coats we should apply.
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    Ruth · 09/09/2018
    What is the best working temperture for outside staining for the RAD products to dry and set up?
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    John Sokol · 09/01/2018
    We have a new cedar deck, installed in mid June, in northern Indiana. It is beginning to have a slight gray look to it, but looks like new when rained on. We will be having many people trafficking over the deck dur ing September, and we are concerned about any food/drinks that could get spilled on the unprotected wood. Would it be OK to clean and seal now? If not, will the brightener remove any food/drink stains months later, so not to worry?
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      RAD Products · 09/02/2018
      It is a little too early to do it now. Best to wait for another month or two. The prep will help with the spills but it depends on what the spill is. Red wine, for example, will not come out.
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    Craig Ewoldt · 08/31/2018
    We were planning to stain all sides of our new cedar decking before installing it, but you recommend waiting for a few months. Is it important to stain the undersides and sides of the board, as we can't do that after it is installed?
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      RAD Products · 09/01/2018
      There is no reason to stain all sides and it is actually discouraged. Best to install, wait, prep, and stain the wood that is exposed to the elements.
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    Rita · 08/29/2018
    Are RAD products sold anywhere in Jacksonville, FL? If so, where can I purchase them
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      RAD Products · 08/29/2018
      They are not. Shipping takes a few business days to arrive in FL.
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    Norman · 08/26/2018
    I built the deck two years ago but is shaded well and was in good condition. No mold or mildew, only slightly graying. Have cleaned and brightened and orbitally sanded wood fuzzies. Lightly washed down. Use one coat or two of stain? Bought enough for two.
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      RAD Products · 08/26/2018
      How fine of a grit did you sand the wood? That would determine if it will take one or two coats.
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    Jennifer · 08/14/2018
    I live in Texas. The temperatures have been between 95-110 degree F most of the summer with the exception of the past rainy week. This week is set to be in the 90-96F. With this kind of heat, is it OK to only wait 2 months to stain new wood (vs the suggested 3 months). What differences/problems, etc should I expect if I stain at 2 months (have the time now and may not in another month).
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      RAD Products · 08/15/2018
      No, you still need to weather the 3 months or more. Heat will not accelerate this process.
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    Thad · 08/09/2018
    When to wipe off stain. Is there a min to max time allowed before wiping off stain after application?
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      RAD Products · 08/09/2018
      The RAD stain is not back wiped. Just apply evenly without any over application and let dry.
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        Thad · 08/09/2018
        Thanks! Just something else I was doing wrong. Recommend a frequently asked questions list or things not recommended for newbies!
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    Thad · 08/08/2018
    Also, went ahead and started resanding the rest of the deck. Do I need to redo the brightner or use some sort of wood conditioner to keep the stain from splotching? Trying to sand off some of the boards with excessive splotching.
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      RAD Products · 08/09/2018
      I believe your unevenness is caused be the spot sanding Sand all evenly with no finer than 80 grit. Lightly wash with water and brighten the wood when done.
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    Thad · 08/08/2018
    Help. Splotching!. I must have done something wrong in wood prep. I have a new yellow cedar deck/railings/posts/balusters. Kiln dried wood, 2-3 months of weathering. Minimal sanding except worst spots with 8 grit orbital sander. Used RAD cleaner and brightener before applying stain, about 2 days before stain. Used garden hose to wash off RAD cleaner/brightener, but a lot of white residue remained. Using brush and taking forever on vertical surfaces. I am new to staining. Seems like I need to wipe stain a few seconds after application for less splotching, is this correct? Any recommendations on whether brush, pad or sprayer would help? Should I start over before doing deck surface since only about half done with vertical surfaces?
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    suzanne · 08/08/2018
    What equipment (application tools, etc.)? Is a power washer needed? The deck appears to just have surface dust.

    Thank you, Suzanne
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    suzanne · 08/08/2018
    I live in the Pacific NW and have a cedar deck applied new one year ago. I guess I have to protect it now with first the Cleaner and then the Brightener? Then the stain. I will be doing this myself (67 - female) and would like to know the steps and materials needed before I order. Can you outline for me? Thank you, Suzanne
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 08/08/2018
      Prep with the cleaner and the brightener kits and stain with the RAD wood stains after.