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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    John · 06/09/2019
    I just finished staining the deck. While staining the horizontal planks some stain dripped down the onto the already stained and dried frame and dried before I could rub it off. Now there are large drops of stain on one of the boards. Is there a way to remove the dried up drops of stain? Can I lightly sand the drop to remove it? What is my best course of action?
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    David · 06/07/2019
    I installed a cedar fence 6 weeks ago and cleaned the wood with Rocksold Deck&Patio cleaner 2 weeks ago, before discovering your highly recommended products.

    I’m planning to use RAD semi-transparent cedar, but after reading several posts suspect there is additional prep required? (1) Is the full RAD new wood treatment still needed?
    (2) Is next week too early to stain my cedar fence? 2 months old.
    I live in San Diego and it has rained since I cleaned the fence, but anticipating sunny skies for next several weeks.
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    Mark · 06/03/2019
    Good morning
    we have a 10’x16’ new, covered porch we would like to use your cleaner, brightener, and stain. 14 steps, 3’ high rail, app 33’ of railing
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 06/03/2019
      What are your questions?
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        Mark McGrath · 06/08/2019
        How much product do I need?
        thank you
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          RAD Products · 06/09/2019
          What is the total sq footage when all added up that needs to be cleaned and stained?
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    Nancy · 05/30/2019
    I replaced 3 rotted boards (not in sequence) with pressure treated wood a week ago and plan to strip, brighten, and stain the rest of the deck over the next two weeks. Any tips on how to handle those 3 new boards?
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      RAD Products · 05/30/2019
      Leave them alone for now or plan on applying and prepping another coat to the new wood in 6-12 months since they are not ready for stain yet.
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        Nancy · 06/03/2019
        Thanks for your response. I admire how much attention you folks give to the questions/posts your customers bring to you. Here's another:

        We applied your stripper (with booster and thickener) and brightener to our deck and here's the result. We're contemplating a second round. The vertical surfaces are tough (they had pretty solid coverage whereas the decking was already flaking). Any thoughts on how to proceed? Thank you!
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          RAD Products · 06/03/2019
          You have a solid stain and the stripper is not designed to remove a solid stain even with the additives. While it did remove much of it, you will need a couple more rounds of stripping and some sanding to get it all off.
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    Keith Farquhar · 05/28/2019
    Hi there. I prepped and stained the deck this weekend and looks pretty good. Think I maybe didn't apply the stain evenly or was too hot and i missed a couple or areas and between the boards. Should I touch up now or will this cause an issue with the already stained areas? Thanks for your help.
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    John Sokol · 05/28/2019
    We have a cedar deck that was installed one year ago in June 2018, but has not yet been treated in any way. 1) Do we do the clean, brighten, and stain regimen for this? 2) One or two coats of semi-transparent natural? 3) Do we do the same for the cedar posts and PT horizontal rails? 4) We have vertical black aluminum tubes between the top and bottom rail. Will the cleaner or brightener harm them?
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      RAD Products · 05/29/2019
      1. Yes, that is correct.
      2. One coat of new wood.
      3. Yes.
      4. Shouldn't but always do a test spot first.
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    GailG · 05/27/2019
    I have a PT deck replaced 18 months ago in GA. Plan to wash and brighten but would this deck still be considered ‘new’ after 18 months? Asking if I should follow new deck instructions.
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    HollieJ · 05/25/2019
    I just noticed the following in your instructions: “Only 1 coat should be applied to new wood that is less than 9 months old for the RAD semi-transparent stain.” My unfinished deck was built nearly a year ago. Since I’m past the 9 months do I need another coat. I just ordered enough for 1 coat.
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    Dan · 05/24/2019
    I have a red cedar deck in Western Oregon, with full sun and rain exposure. I replaced some boards last year - they are untreated, clean, and grey from Winter. I just replaced the rest of the boards, so they are brand new. I want to stain transparent or semi-transparent, and want the old and new boards to be uniform in appearance/color after it's done. What's the best approach?
    1) Let the deck rest for 3-6 months, then treat and stain.
    2) Something else?
    Thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 05/24/2019
      1. Yes you do have to weather and prep.
      2. It is impossible to have new wood match older wood exactly with a semi-transparent stain. The new wood will always be lighter in color as it is less absorbent.
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    Steve · 05/21/2019
    I installed a new redwood deck last week and would like a transparent stain to protect the deck from water, sun, and keep it looking new. I want the natural redwood look. I have a few questions:
    1) What product would you recommend?
    2) Can I apply the product immediately?
    3) Do I need to do any special prep work?
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    Terri Sherwood · 05/16/2019
    I want to use RAD semi-transparent stain for a lodge pole pine log cabin we just completed. The logs are untreated and have been exposed to the weather for 3 - 6 months. We have had heavy rains recently. Do I need to wait until the logs are visibly dry to begin the prep? Will adding an insecticide additive such as Bug Juice alter the performance of the stain? The carpenter bees are attacking! Terri Sherwood
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      RAD Products · 05/16/2019
      No, you can prep now. The Bug Juice does not harm the stain.
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    Craig · 05/11/2019
    My deck is pine approx 600sq 2 years old. Verticals posts are cedar. Never been treated. How much stain do you think I need. 1 or two coats. If two, how long after applying should I do the second.
    Apologies as I am sure you have answered this dozens of times.
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    Scott · 05/05/2019
    Hi, new pressure treated wood deck, 850 ft². How much stain, cleaner/brightener will I need to purchase?
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    David ward · 04/26/2019
    I built a new uncovered deck 8 months ago. I used treated pine. The deck has been exposed to the winter weather (snow and ice) and the frequent rain. There are no trees shading the deck and it is exposed to direct sun most of the day. The boards are well seasoned and clean. Do I need to prep with the cleaner and brightener before applying the stain and if so why? I appreciate your help. Thank-you.
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    Mike · 04/25/2019
    I have a 18 x 12 foot new deck with about 16 foot of steps and wood railing with aluminum balusters..how many gallons and prep materials would I need?
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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!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        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?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Sky · 10/18/2018
        Thanks. After sanding, do I just apply stain, or do I need to do the clean/bright process?
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          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...
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 10/16/2018
      Use the brush for best overall results and even appearance.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        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?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          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
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      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.