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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    Erica · 07/30/2021
    Oh how I wish I had found this website about a week ago! I think I screwed up my new deck… I have a 6 month old cedar deck, we let weather, and then I started to prep it for sealing. However, I treated it like an old deck (only experience I had) by pressure washing and then sanding the whole thing. Oops! I’ve now learned that is not good for new decks… so now should I either just use brightened to open pores and then 1 coat semi-transparent stain or do I need to wait a month and use the cleaner, brightened, and then 1 coat of semi-transparent stain?? I really want to stain to work well and not mess it up! Thanks! 
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      RAD Products · 07/30/2021
      How fine of a grit did you sand and was it power sanded or hand-sanded?
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        Erica · 07/30/2021
        It was power sanded with 150… I know, way too fine! 😳😔
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          RAD Products · 07/30/2021
          Give it a month or two and then clean and brighten for prep.
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            Erica · 07/30/2021
            Okay, will do. Thanks for the prompt replies! Your advice to everyone’s comments are super helpful to read! 
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    Greg · 07/29/2021
    Just sanded entire deck. Had Behr stain on it but was too difficult to strip so sanded. The deck is 3 years old. Since I sanded do I have to wait like it is new wood or can I proceed with brightener and stain? 1 coat only right?
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      RAD Products · 07/29/2021
      As long as you did not sand finer than 80 grit, you can then prep and stain with 1 coat.
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        Greg · 07/29/2021
        Ok I used 80 grit but now I am kind of nervous if I should wait a little while. You think it will be fine though? What could happen? No penetration?
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          RAD Products · 07/29/2021
          You can wait a month or two and do it in the late Sumemr or Fall. No issues.
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    Sheila · 07/27/2021
    We have a 15 yr old redwood deck that we replaced half the boards on last summer.  We have just cleaned, brightened and sanded.  Do we now apply one or two coats of semi-transparent stain? Also, do we need to wipe off any excess stain that isn't absorbed and if so, how long do we wait to do that.  Thank you.
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      RAD Products · 07/28/2021
      Just do one coat on this newer wood. You do not back wipe excess, just apply evenly and make sure to not puddle it or over apply.
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        Sheila · 07/28/2021
        Because we've sanded you're considering the entire deck new, so only one coat? Just making sure. Thanks for the info on "back wiping," didn't realize that was what you called it.
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    Scott B · 07/20/2021
    I have a 15 year old deck that had previously had the Rustoleum Restore product on it.  I had to use a heat gun and belt sander to remove.  So I have completely sanded deck which I've also cleaned and brightened.  

    I purchased your RAD Semi-Transparent Stain in Cottage Gray and applied a single coat today.  It seems very light after application; I'm guessing I need a second coat but surprised given your instructions where I should treat sanded wood as new wood and only a single coat required.
    Did I do something wrong?
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      RAD Products · 07/20/2021
      Could be how fine of a grit you sanded. The smoother you sand, the lass the stain will absorb and that will result in lighter colors. Only one coat for sanded wood is correct.
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        Scott B · 07/20/2021
        I started with 40 and finished with 80.  What would you suggest I do now?  Would a second coat help or hurt?
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          RAD Products · 07/20/2021
          You cannot add another coat now, it will not take and it would not darken it up much or at all. Best to lightly clean off dirt and apply another coat next Spring.
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    Raymond H · 07/18/2021
    Do I need to use the stripper or cleaner for prep?  Deck was last stained with One Time Wood clear stain about 10 years ago. Deck was stripped prior to applying One Time Wood product. The One Time Wood product is no longer visible. Thanks.
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    Jeremy Johnson · 07/12/2021
    I’m getting ready to start sanding a deck, and want to know what product  I should use after to prep wood before solid staining.  
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 07/12/2021
      Use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kits.
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    Brianne · 07/11/2021
    Hello - I have a new deck with tiger wood railings - the top surface of the railing has black spots all over it - it’s been pretty dry here so I don’t think it’s mildew - maybe tannin stains from pollen? How do I treat this? Will your cleaner remove these stains? I’m spot testing with oxyclean which also has percarbonate. Also - for the red in tiger wood, is the natural semi transparent stain the way to go or do you recommend something else? Planning to stain early fall to give the wood the weathering time it needs. I don’t want to change the color at all, just keep the natural red. Thanks in advance!!
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      RAD Products · 07/12/2021
      Send some pictures. Most use the Light Walnut color but you can use any. You must use a stain for UV protection from graying and that means the color will be enhanced. It is impossible to have a clear (no color at all) and protect the wood from graying.
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        Brianne · 07/18/2021
        Photo 3/3 (sorry for the multiple posts, tried to attach all three to my reply and only one showed up)
        This photo is near a rose bush and and the spots are worse here vs other places on the railing
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        Brianne · 07/18/2021
        Photo 2/3
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        Brianne · 07/18/2021
        Sounds good re: stain/UV protection and see attached photos for the black spots. The areas where the railing is covered by something (porch, umbrella) the black spots are non-existent, which makes me think it’s a reaction in the wood to something floating around in the air. I spot tested with oxyclean and a different spot test with bleach, and neither made any difference in removing the spots. Sigh. Our deckers don’t know why this happened either. Thanks for your help.
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          RAD Products · 07/18/2021
          Looks like rust spots form some kind of metal that got in the wood. Prep with the cleaner first and then the brightener. If it is indeed rust, then the brightener will remove it.
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    Allen Monsarrat · 06/30/2021
    I have used the RAD system for a new deck built in 2020. First application of TWP 1500 stain done last summer, second application using cleaner and brightener this Spring. I have mildew developing on the deck surface. ( I can take it off with a scrubby pad, so I know it is on the surface.) What should I use to clean the mildew/mold off with? Your cleaner diluted 2-3 oz. per gallon? Does it have an ingredient to prevent mildew/mold growth? If not is there a product you would recommend to prevent mildew mold growth? 
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      RAD Products · 06/30/2021
      Try a product called Wet and Forget. Spray on and let dry. Supposed to help clean and prevent mildew.
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    Greg D · 06/27/2021
    I am building a pergola using rough cut Douglas fir, structural select grade. I prefer to stain it before assembly. I also intend to use a hvlp sprayer for the staining. It sounds like your product would be suitable for this project. Do you have any comments? How much product will I need to cover approximately 1700 square feet of surface area? Thank you.
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    Ed Carrell · 06/25/2021
    Your advice seems to be the most consistent and timely. I also like the idea of - and hope to order - the sample stains.I am planning to build a pergola/ "veranda" type porch cover. Cedar wood I got is rough-sawn and appears to have been stored (poorly) for a time. It has dark, "purpleish" stripes and blotches (Photo Cedar 1) as well as dark, dirty areas which I thought might be mold (Photo Cedar 2).I tried a Valspar cleaner (oxalic acid) which seemed to lighten some stains but not entirely, even with repeat cleaner and some scrubbing. Most of it seems to be in the top 1/8 inch or so of the surface, but some spots deeper. I also tried a mold-remover which made little if any difference.I sanded out some of the lighter stain spots with 80grit, but most of it all would likely show through the semi-transparent stain I would like to use, especially since some are patterns of other boards or straps.Then, I came across RAD and your Q&A.I suppose I could deep sand the lumber to clean wood, and go through the long process of weathering etc. I prefer of course some way of removing the stains if any possible.I could consider solid stain to cover it up as a last resort.I will appreciate your suggestions for a good, effective way to proceed.Thanks,Ed
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      RAD Products · 06/26/2021
      You will probably not be able to clean or brighten out the strap marks as they are deep in the rough sawn wood grain. Sanding would be hard as well to remove all and if spot sanded, it would leave the wood blotchy. RAD Solid stain would work to cover it and give an even appearance.
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    William · 06/18/2021
    I have a new deck with pressure treated railings and Trex horizontal surfaces. I will be using solid white on the vertical surfaces. Do I have to protect the Trex from the Cleaner and Brightener during prep?
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    L Wallgren · 06/12/2021
    Do I still have to strip and brighten if I sanded down to bare wood?
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      RAD Products · 06/12/2021
      Clean and then brighten after sanding. One coat of stain on sanded wood.
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        Lucille Wallgren · 06/30/2021
        My son stained my deck and applied 2 coats. Will this cause it to peel? 
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          RAD Products · 06/30/2021
          Probably not as long as the stain fully soaked into the wood grain.
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    Tim F · 06/02/2021
    I stained the deck railings last year. I followed your instuctions by waiting 8 months to treat new wood then followed the remainder of you instruction for staining new wood. As you can see by the attached pictures I'm seeing peeling in a number of areas. how do I go about re applying the stain?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 06/02/2021
      Prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener kit and apply one coat of the RAD Stain.
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    Cathy · 05/31/2021
    I have hired someone to powerwash and then sand our 25 yr old cedar screened porch floor.  After he's done, will it work to brighten, rinse well with a hose and then apply 1 coat of semi-transparent stain? Or do I need two coats?  I'm not sure of products that will be used for washing.  Does that matter if it is being sanded afterward anyway?
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      RAD Products · 06/01/2021
      Just one coat and best to use both the Cleaner and the Brightener to open up the pores.
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    Jason · 05/28/2021
    Looking to install an ipe dock. Can I finish the boards prior to install so that the underside has a coating and hopefully leases a the chance of cupping?
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      RAD Products · 05/29/2021
      No, you cannot pre-stain. New wood has to weather and be prepped and only stain the exposed side. Staining the undersides would not prevent cupping anyhow. 
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    Patrick · 05/26/2021
    I've got a pressure treated deck. Its new construction and its weathered for 1 year. I've already pressure washed it and plan to sand it down as it was rougher than I'd like to begin with. I'd planned to buy stain from the local hardware store and just stumbled on your site. I see you recommend your cleaner and brightener. Considering mine has been cleaned and sanded, would it be acceptable to skip the cleaner and brightener and just do the stain?
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      RAD Products · 05/26/2021
      No, you should prep to be certain that the RAD stain fully soaks in. Make sure to never sand too fine. 60 grit is best. You would do the final prep after with the Cleaner and Brightener.
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    Cindy Morse · 05/24/2021
    I am staining a fence of pressure treated wood that is approximately 3 years old but has never been stained or sealed.  How many coats of your semi transparent stain should be applied?  
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    Kevin · 05/24/2021
    I have a 3-month old deck. Are you saying that there is no need to sand it if I am using Restore-a-Deck?
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      RAD Products · 05/25/2021
      Correct. The RAD prep kit will remove the oxidation and mill glaze.
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        Kevin · 05/25/2021
        Thanks. Most of my deck is covered. It's never going to get full exposure to sun/rain. Should I wait longer than 3 - 6 months for weathering?
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    Jim · 05/19/2021
    how to stain with a combination of old and new cedar and new pressure treated wood on the steps?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 05/20/2021
      Weather the new wood and then prep all at the same time before staining. 
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    Kevin · 05/14/2021
    I recently redid my deck (last fall) using Western red Cedar with aluminum a ballister's. I normally clean with our RAD. However I noticed a warning  that the product can damage metal. If this is indeed the case is there a work around? I cannot remove and reinstall every time I clean the deck.
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    Maria · 05/12/2021
    I have a new pressure treated deck installed June last year and will stain it this month, should I apply 1 or 2 coats of semi transparent stain? I will be using your cleaner, brightener and stain. 
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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
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      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.