Restore-a-Deck Wood Stains can be applied to damp or dry wood but is best applied to damp wood. Easier and will avoid potential Hot Sun Application Issues.
Hot Sun Stain Application Potential Issues
Before you start your wood stain project, ensure your temperature conditions are optimal for best results. The air temperature should be between 45 degrees F and 90 degrees F. Check the weather forecast and do not start the staining process if the temperature is expected to drop below 45 degrees or if rain is a possibility in the next 12 hours.
If applying the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain in full sun we suggest that you apply to a damp deck. Either 1-2 hours after prep or if the wood is already dry, lightly mist the deck with water prior to applying. Make sure all standing water/puddles are gone before applying the RAD stain.
Why do this?
- The surface temperature of wood in full sun can be 20-50 degrees higher than air temperature.
- The Restore-A-Deck Stain will be much easier to apply damp wood.
- Applying to damp wood will help avoid “flash” drying of the stain in full sun. This will allow the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain to properly penetrate the wood grain as it dries and avoiding any potential issues.
- Applying the Restore-A-Deck Stain on overcast days, mornings, or afternoons will also help to avoid potential full sun application issues.
Make sure you mix Restore-A-Deck wood stain well initially and periodically throughout the staining project. Protect all non-target surfaces with cardboard or drop cloths. For equipment, you can use the Restore-A-Deck Stain Brush (if using the RAD Semi-Transparent Stains), hand brushes, or staining pads to apply. Apply the stain to vertical surfaces such as railings or posts first and protect the horizontal surfaces from the excess stain. Apply stain to the full length of the board, making sure to not break in the middle of the board.
Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips
We recommend allowing the surface to dry for 24 hours before walking or placing furniture on the surface.
Have you completed the Restore-A-Deck 3 step process in one day? Any tips we are missing? We want to hear your reviews. Be sure to comment with any photos and let us know how the project is holding up over time.
Can I stain my deck during the day if the temperature will drop below 40 degrees during the night? Thank you
It canot drop below freezing.
How can I get the RAD semi transparent stain off of aluminum railings ( it has dried)?
Try Goof Off.
In my deck the wood in places is damaged , it looks like it could use some wood filler or drill a hole for water drainage , and suggestions and what wood filler is compatibable with RAD semi transparent dark walnut? Should I apply wood filler before or after stain or both?
Sorry but no wood filler will work on exterior decking and semi-transparent stains. It does not “stain” to blend. Best to leave alone or replace the boards.
I have 700 sq ft of old cedar deck ( 40 YRS ) , it was painted last time maybe 20 yrs ago, I have sanded the deck over several weeks.
I would like to avoid 2 coats of stain if possible. Am I understanding correctly that RAD stain recommends two coats while Armstrong Clarke is one coat . It also sounds like the clean and brighten is still required for the sanded deck.
Both AC and the RAD Stain are one coat for sanded decks. Hopefully you remove all the old solid stain as it still shows in the sanded areas in your picture.
Have used RAD stain product on same ipe deck approximately 1.5 years ago. Just finished cleaning and brightening process. Noticed on steps that get full intensity of the sun there are areas where previous stain is gone. Is it ok to proceed with 2 coats of stain or do I need to do additional prep?
Best to use the Stripper and then Brighten all the wood to ensure an even application here. Only 1 coat of stain for IPE wood.
Picture frame deck staining frame darker than rest, which should get stained first the picture frame or the rest?
Whatever is easier for you. Keep the 2 colors separate.
What is the correct prep procedure for our deck. Our deck currently has RAD solid stain in Brown Oak, we plan to stain it the with the same . It was last done 5 years ago, we had some rotted boards that needs replaced so they are new wood. Also some of the previously stained boards have mildew/moss. Do we need to do any cleaning, birightening, and/or doe we need to fully sand the deck to restain?
Pressure wash with the cleaner to remove th mildew an any loose or peeling stain. You can recoat over the top of the stain that is fully intact with the Brown oak.
I just stained my cedar deck with semi transparent RAD cedar color. Some of the picture frame boards came out much darker than the rest of the deck. They are mismatched boards. Therefore , I now want to use a solid stain on the picture frame boards and leave the rest of the deck with the semitransparent cedar. I assume I need to strip then brighten the picture frame boards prior to applying the solid stain, is that correct?
It will not be possible to spot-strip those boards and not harm the other boards. Give them a rough sanding of 60 grit and then you can apply over the semi-transparent with RAD Solid Stain.
Ok, thanks for your guidance
Hi! I used the cleaning, brightener and semi-transparent stain. I followed all directions to a tee and love the way it turned out. I walked out on it today and both my son and I notice it’s sticky feeling. I am heartbroken, as it was not humid or anything when applying. What can I do?? I worked so hard on this project and love the way it looks, but having that tacky feeling when walking on it is driving me nuts.
Continue to let it cure fully. It may take a few days or longer. There is not anything you can do in the meantime. BTW, this typically happens when it is over-applied. The RAD semi-transparent has to fully soak into the wood grain.
How long until I should be worried? I only did two coats… Should we not be walking on it or using it?
Hard to say. Stay off it for the week.
Thanks for the reply. I only applied two coats, I guess that’s why I’m so surprised. Is it OK for us to be walking on it and using the deck in the meantime?
Yes.
I power washed my 800 sf dock last week, but the last area I did about 100 sf is darker than the rest. What is the best products to use on the dark area vs the remainder of the dock prior to staining? The dock is cumaru.
Post some pics.
Here are some pictures!
Here is pic
and some more pics
Your best option is to apply a wood brightener to all wood. That should help even it out.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-brightener-only.html
Thx!
Attached is picture of the area.
Attached is a blow-up of the area
One more
Is it ok to strip and then brighten the following day? I ran out of time today to complete step 1 and 2.
Yes.
My forecast predicted nice cloud cover all day and clear skies the next 10 days. Of course as it turned out, there hasn’t seemed to be a cloud in the sky today. I already did the cleaner and brightener steps. Your instructions say to apply stain 2-4 hours after prep. My question is how long can I wait before I apply stain? My deck is south facing and all sun, and it’s about 80 degrees today and will only get warmer as the days to come. I want to avoid hot sun application and have already read your article about it.
You can apply stain to damp or dry wood. Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
Hello, is RAD OK to use in high altitude? I have ~1,000 sq ft of deck to restore and stain with limited time to do so, so the RAD product looks intriguing being able to stain while damp. 9,200′ elevation with direct sun in summer and snow in winter. Thank you!
Yes, it works without issues at high altitudes.
I purchased your deck stripper because I previously had a stain on my deck. My dad power washed me deck for me in attempt top be helpful, but did it much too aggressively and I need to sand it down to start over. Apparently if you’re sanding, it’s better to do clean-brighten-stain instead of strip but I bought the strip package already. Am I wrong in assuming that deck stripper will do everything deck cleaner does and more? Thanks!
Yes, the stripper will do what the cleaner does and more but it cannot take into account over pressure washing.
Ah yeah I didn’t communicate that well. The guidance I got from deckstainhelp.com forum was to power wash, deck clean (They seemed to think you can’t use deck stripper but only deck cleaner), then power wash, then sand, then brighten, then stain.
questions:
1) are you sure I can use deck stripper? I had purchased some RAD stripper, RAD brightener, and RAD stain previously before my dad over-pressure washed it and therefore requiring sanding, so I’d rather use the supplies on hand and return the extra I just bought (the extra cleaner that is)
2) is the order correct: power wash, strip or clean, sand, brighten, stain?
3) is there any minimum time that must pass between phases assuming dry conditions?
4) if it rains, which of those steps must be redone? For example, if I get the deck sanded but not brightened before it rains do I have to re-sand? Same question if it rains after cleaning or after brightening.
5) My understanding of the deck cleaner/stripper is that it should also be scrubbed as I go. If it doesn’t appear to be clean enough after first strip or cleaning, I DO have supplies to do it again but is that bad for the deck or must it be brightened before doing second coat of cleaning or stripping?
Apologies for all the questions but I have dogs that use the dog to get to potty area all day while we both work full time. When you add the sheer amount of time all these steps will take plus keeping them off it in between AND trying to align 3-4 sunny days (but NOT direct sunlight) in a row it is quite the endeavor. Thanks!
Upload some pics so we can properly offer advice.
I had issues with original post so I’ll attach pic with my comments but forgot to mention I DO have a 12 x12 gazebo but wouldn’t want it to leave marks in freshly-applied stain
We would suggest the Cleaner and Brightener for this as there is not any stain on the wood.
Steps.
Apply cleaner, pressure wash off, rinse, apply brightener, rinse well. Do ti all on the same day.
No need to sand this but if you do, do it after cleaning and when the deck dries out. Rain does not harm prep.
All your questions about the stripper are N/A at this point.
So I had planned on sanding just because I don’t want to do all this work to get dirt and mold/mildew off just to find out that I do in fact still need to sand. I know the stripper isn’t necessary but since I have it on hand and can’t get a refund on it, will it work just as well as the cleaner? The cleaner I ordered from you guys is arriving at some point tomorrow and I was hoping to strip (or clean of product comes early enough in AM), maybe sand tomorrow, finish sand on Sunday and Stain on Sunday.
Do not use the stripper in place of the cleaner for this.
So to clarify: I do believe sanding is important for it and want it done right and not to have to do it again.
My plan is to apply cleaner tonight, rinse thoroughly, go get sander tomorrow, sand, the. Brighten and stain. The instructions for the cleaner package say specifically that you need to brighten quickly after rinsing while still wet…. since I plan on sanding and it may be one to three days after I apply the cleaner, is it okay to have a 1-3 day gap after cleaning before sanding and/or brightening?
Before brightening I’ll be sure ti make wood damp.
The reason I may have to wait a few days is based off of possible rain forecast.
Yes, if sanding, brighten after.
Got it.What I think I will do today is clean it, rinse it well and then wait to see after it dries if it looks uniform (understand it might be darker or more gray than desired without brightener). Depending on timeline today, I may not get to the brightening step for 1 to 3 days. As long as I wet the deck before applying to brightener is that OK?
It should be fine.
Comments in pic.
Last 2 pics
I used your RAD stripper followed by the RAD brightener on my deck. It’s worked really well before but this time I noticed after the RAD brightener was applied / rinsed / dried that I got some stain streaks coming off of the deck screws. Please see attached photo. How should I get this cleaned up and the streaks removed near the deck screws?
That is rust from your screws/nails. Tt is not from the prep products. The wood brighener helps to remove this but you should replace them first.
My project came out pretty good, but there are obvious areas of lighter and darker stain. I used the RAD brush to apply the stain to the boards. Is this caused by applying the stain in the sun or poor technique? Any tips would help for next time or if touching up would help?
It looks like you applied a little heavy in areas. Maybe where you stopped with the brush. It will probably even out over the next month.
Thank you, so next time apply lighter coats is what you’d recommend?
Yes and little more evenly.
Thought one coat would be ok but would like to apply a 2nd coat. Can I go over the 1st coat after a day?
Grey semi tranparent
You cannot. Second coats have to be applied wet on wet. Once it fully dries it will not take a second coat for 61-2 months and after proper prep.
What in the world does” 61-2 months” mean? Does that mean you have to wait 59 months?
6-12.
how long after applying the stain to damp deck does it need to rest before it can be used
6-12 hours typically.
I stripped and brightened a 20 yo ipe deck. Used rad products last yr and this yr. Is 1 wk too long an interval between brightening and semi-trans. stain? I’m in AL.
No. Stain within two weeks of prep.
thank you
I will be using stripper and the two additional additives you recommended for strip my 10 month old cedar. What is my BEST method for application of said stripper an additives? Just spray io on with sprayer? Should I power wash off after it sits prescribed amount of time or is a high pressure nozzle on a hose adequate? THANKS again for your help!
Use a quality pump sprayer to apply. You have to pressure wash off after.
1. How long can a new unopened container of semi-transparent RAD stain be stored?
2. How long can a previously opened container be stored?
1. 2-3 years.
2. 12 months
best practice would be to store left over stain so that container is completely full with no air pocket.
What is the best method for applying the solids stain. Can this be sprayed? Thanks.
Use rollers and brushes for the RAD solid stain. An airless sprayer will work as well.
I have the yellow brush sold I your store is that recommended?
We have had customers use it successfully when applying the solid stain.
I used the restore-a-deck cleaner, brightener and semi-transparent stain last year on IPE. Do I need to use the clear/brightener again before re-staining? or will just a power wash be okay?
You need the prep products when reapplying.
How long can it be between deck prep (clean and brighten) and application of solid stain?Also, what is your preferred method of application of solid stain?
Stain within two weeks of prep. Use rollers and brushes for the RAD Solid Stain.
Hello,
Thank you for all your help so far! After cleaning, prepping and staining how long will it take to cure? It’s going to be in the 60s with moderate low humidity. How long until I can have a bbq and have a bunch of people step on it? Thank you!
24 hours.
I live near Sacramento, where the summer sun can be pretty brutal on a redwood deck. I had a new redwood deck built almost 2 years ago. Unfortunately, I applied a Sherwin Williams deck stain before the deck had fully cured. Before long it turned black. I reached out to you and you suggested your deck Stripper followed by the Brightener and then you recommended a TWP Stain (I chose Natural-1530). Everything turned out great. Now I’m looking at it and wondering if I should use your Cleaner and apply another coat of the stain? It doesn’t look bad but seems to have lightened up quite a bit. Should I just apply another coat of stain directly? Thank you.
Post a picture of the current condition and we can let you know if you need to do another coat this year or next year.
Some of the darker areas on the deck are from furniture & umbrella stands
Looks fine for now. Prep and redo all in 2023.
Would I prep with the cleaner or back to stripper and brightener?
Cleaner and Brightener.
Lattice was stained also.
Can I use a roller application for the semi transparent stain– I have a large pier and dock to stain (2500 sq ft) and using a brush seems labor intensive
Use a stain pad or brush, not a roller. Rollers splatter and are hard to get on evenly with the semi-transparent stain.https://www.restore-a-deck.com/decktools.html
We’ve done one coat of solid stain but ran out and are waiting for a second gallon to ship. Will it be ok to apply the second coat after a few days? If not, is one coat sufficient? The container says to let first coat dry before second coat.
Yes, you can do this with the solid stain.
regarding the instructions “Check the weather forecast and do not start the staining process if the temperature is expected to drop below 45 degrees or if rain is a possibility in the next 12 hours.”
confirmation does this mean 45 degrees during the staining process or next 12 hours just like rain possibility ? asked another way – I plan to do the actually staining when it is over 45 degrees however it is forecasted to fall below 45 degrees tonight which is less than 12 hours. is it ok to stain under these conditions? thank you
It can drop below 45 but not freezing the first night after applying.
I have a 200 sq ft deck that has been sanded using 80 grit sandpaper. I am ready to prep and do rad solid stain. I have a few questions.
1 How many ounces of the cleaner and brightener do I dissolve per gallon.2 Do I use warm water to help it dissolve3 Do I need to rinse the cleaner off with a pressure washer or just a garden hose. The deck appears clean.4. It looks like I can use a garden hose to rinse off the brightener5 I have a 2000psi electric pressure washer. What color tip should I use to rinse off the deck to prevent damaging my deck
6. how far away from the deck floor should I hold the wand to not cause damage.
I want to thank you for answering all my questions. This is the first time I am doing the deck so I have had a lot of questions. Attached is a picture of the deck after I sanded.
1. 8 oz per gallon. 2. Do not need warm water.3. Pressure washer is best4. Pressure washer is easier for rinsing.5. Green or white6. 8-12 inches
Only one coat of the stain.
Just placed my second order for 5 gallons of semi transparent stain in a weeks time, but with this 5 gallon oder I also ordered 3 replace application pads. I was charged 16.90 shipping on a Charge. I read that if you order deck tools with a 5 gallon order you are not charged shipping, so why was I charged shipping charges
Hello,
Where did you see that the replacement pads ship free with a 5-gallon purchase?
First sentence, restore a deck products, are products offered on your restore a deck purchase site. If you are offering these products on your site under deck tools, and they are ordered with your restore a deck stain and cleaning products as listed, then they should ship free. How is the public suppose to know any different, unless of course, it is a stain manfactured by someone else.
Ground Shipping
-Free shipping 5 Gallon Pails & Restore-A-Deck Products. RAD Booster & Thickening Gel ships free if RAD Stripper is in same cart. RAD Staining Brush ships free if RAD Stain is in cart.
-Other products will be charged shipping if not a 5-gallon pail or RAD Product.
-No Free Shipping to Canada. Brokerage is included in shipping costs to Canada.
$0.00 $16.90 $0.00 $0.00 Total $0.00 $0.00 $231.89
Thank you for purchasing at Restore A Deck
Restore A Deck
Restore A Deck
VAT-ID: XYZ-DEMOReg.Nr: DEMONUMBER
Hello,
Restore-A Deck Products have the “Restore-A-Deck” name in the item name. “Padco” the name of the pad and is not a Restore A Deck product. It does state this as well prior to checking out “Other products will be charged shipping if not a 5-gallon pail or RAD Product”. Shipping charges are also on the cart page with this full description about what is free shipping or not prior to paying for anything.
We will be using the Restore A Deck Stain Brush (semi-transparent RAD stain). With how much stain should the brush be loaded? And since the deck surface is very large, can we reload the brush to finish each board length? How do we avoid overlap? Do we sweep back/forth or only in one direction? The deck has been stripped, brightened. We are using hot sun application.
Just dip into the stain and spread evenly. It is not that complicated and you will get the hang of it in a few minutes. Go with the grain of the wood.
I have a 195 sq ft deck that gets sun most of the day. The deck was peeling bad in some sections. The previous owner had 2 coats of solid stain on it. I do not know what brand the bottom layer is. The top layer was done in a cobalt solid oil stain. I sanded the deck with 80 grit. I got most of it off but could not sand the sides of the boards. I swept it and blew off all of the sand dust and that hosed it off.
1] Can I use rad semi-transparent on it or will it not adhere to the areas that still show some stain2] can I apply stain now or do I need to do more prep work, if so what needs to be done3] I cannot use a stripper because I have wood shingles that go down and meet the deck boards.4] If I have to use the solid stain will it soak in to where some stain is showing.5] will moving chairs around on the deck scrap up the stain and leave marksattached is a picture of the sanded deck. If you enlarge it you can see some of the old gray stain that would not come off. I would appreciate any other tips you can give me. Thank You
1. Probably not. 2. Clean and brightener for final prep as this will help the stain to penetrate better. Easy to do at this point.4. Solid stain is best for you. It will cover any old stain.5. it should not unless you have very heavy metal chairs. We would not drag those types if possible.
I am not sure if you got my picture so I will try sending now.
Use the solid stain.
1]For the deck that as been sanded and prepped how many gallons of the RAD water base solid stain will I need for 195 sq ft2]What type of roller cover will I need3] what type of brush will I need4]do I apply a thin 1st coat, wait 24hours and apply 2nd thin coat5] do I brush the sides in between the boards first and than roll the top of the boards with the stain6] I it looks like rain within 24 hours of doing the 1st coat can I wait a few days to do the 2nd coat
Any other advise you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks you for all of the advice above you have given me.
1. About 2 gallons.2. Any roller will work.3. Any paint brush will work.4. Apply the second coat the same day as the first coat, as soon as it is dry.5. You can do this.6. No, same day is best.
Directions are on the containers for more tips.
I am confused after reading the instructions for applying Rad solid stain. You said to apply 2nd coat the same day as soon as 1st coat is dry. It says solid stain will be DRY TO TOUCH in 1-2 hours, but says “complete cure on walk on surfaces takes 24-48 hours.” If I walk on top of first coat after 2 hours to apply 2nd coat won’t it mark up where I walk or possibly peel up the first coat since it is so fresh. Should I be safe and wait 24 hours before doing 2nd coat. I do not want to mess it up after all the work I did in sanding & prepping. Please explain and advise. Thanks
No, walking on it not going to harm it after it is dry to touch. Do not wait 24 hours, do the same day before full cure for best results.
I have read the instructions on Rad water base solid stain. It does not state how much stain to apply for each coat. 1] Should I apply a thin 1st coat, meaning it would show some of the wood . Than after it dries apply another thin coat 2] Also if using a roller do I go over the same area with a brush? 3] Is a roller or stain pad better?
1. One coat covers about 200 Sq feet per gallon. Cover it fully with the first coat. Let dry and repeat.2. No need to back brush.3. Roller and brush for the solid stain.
I have no luck in using a garden sprayer. I have 2 and neither will spray right. Can I use the cleaner and brightener mixed in a bucket and use a deck brush to apply.
Yes, but it will take a longer this way. Pressure wash after using the cleaner.
I sanded the deck on 4/10/21. Due to the weather and other issues I will not be able to prep and stain my deck for another two weeks. I hope this will be ok and hope I do not have to sand again. Will I have any problems waiting so long?
No need to sand again.
You answer s a little confusing. does your answer to my question mean i do not have to sand again.
Yes, that is what we said.
Hi. I notice that you recommend a brush to apply semi-transparent stains. Is this not recommended for solid stains? If not, what is?
You can use a hand brush and roller for applying the solid stain.
What are the best applicator tools for a pergola?
Stain pads or brushes.
Which color nozzle on the Chapin Sprayer is best for applying the RAD Stripper and Brightener? This is a cedar deck that was installed a year ago and was given one coat of Penofin at that time.
Yellow or red.
I read in other sections of this site that if using the cleaner and brightener that you should allow your deck to dry before applying stain. Other tips in the restore in a day and wet on wet, and even hot sun, sections indicate I can clean, brighten, and stain all in the same day. What is the best approach? I have a 5 year old deck and it has been completely sanded and is ready for cleaner.
If using the RAD Stains you can do the same day. Any other brand of stain you will need to wait 48 hours after prep.
I have a cedar-tone pine treated pier that is now 5 months weathered, what do you recommend for the staining process.
See here for new wood stips on prep and staining: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
I had washed the deck about 4-5 weeks ago and used a brightened about a week ago. I am planning to do the staining in 2-3 days. Would that be OK? Or Am I gonna need to do the whole chemical cleaning process and the apply the brightened again? It rained a few times in the meantime.
Also, can I apply the RAD semi-transparent stain with a Deck&Home Universal Sprayer (or an HDX sprayer )?
or can I use a Quickie outdoor brush to apply it?
Thanks
It should be okay to stain. You can spray but you will need to back brush to ensure it is applied evenly.
I can go with a brush instead of a sprayer, then. But would this Quickie Heavy Duty Jobsite Deck Scrub Brush be OK?
That will not work to apply. Bristles are too stiff. You need a brush like this. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/deck-tools/restore-a-deck-wood-staining-brush/flypage.tpl.html
I see but I don’t have time to order the brush. Please recommend another one that I can buy at Home Depot or Lowe’s. i need to do the staining as soon as possible. Please advise. Thanks.
Lowes or HD will not carry a deck stain brush like this. Just regular hand brushes.
Should I try a pad then ? Wouldthat be betterthan a sprayer?
Stain pads are much better than hand brushes. Any quality one should work.
Got it. Thanks
If I’ve RAD stripped, light sanded, and just finished RAD brightener, by just got a surprise weather warning for a storm tonight, can I stain (RAD semi) in a couple days? Any additional prep needed before I stain assuming it is within a couple days?
No other prep is needed. Just stain when you can.
Thanks
Okay I see on another comment that I need 4-8 hrs dry time before any rain and I’m not going to make it. So now my question is how many days can I wait between strip/sand/brighten and RAD semi stain? And do I have to do any additional prep if I have a couple days gap between prep and staining?
The instructions say the surface temp should be under 90 degree when applying…. but is it ok if the temp goes above 90 later in the day after the staining is complete? Also my deck was stripped, cleaned and brightened about 4-5 weeks ago but we didn’t get to the staining. What do I need to do now to prepare it for staining hopefully tomorrow?
It can go higher later in the day. Lightly clean and brighten again for prep.
I have 8×8 rough cut cedar on my front that has turned gray, will this restore the natural color? If I use the natural stain do I need to deal it with a water sealer after staining?
Use the RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kits first for pre and then stain and it will look like new. You do not apply a sealer over the RAD Stain.
I only have one access door into the house we live in. What is the minimum time veggie you can walk on the treated surface as I also have a dog that will have to go out to go to the bathroom..
4-6 hours after applying.
I just installed (6/27) some new 4″x6″ pressure treated lumber with ground contact on one edge at the bottom of a steep bank. When can I apply your semi-transparent stain and do I have do any special prep work before using other than cleaning?
See here about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
I am trying to find an optimal day to stain my deck. I live in SW Missouri, and the humidity tends to get very high in the summer. Next week there is a sunny day with high temperatures forecasted to be 90 but with high humidity too. Should I wait for a day where temps andor humidity are lower? I’m most concerned about effects of humidity.
Humidity is not so much an issue as the temps. Do not apply above 90.
the temperature will peak at 90 deg, is that fine i’m staining. If not what should i do
Just follow the directions above.
ok i misted the deck until it looked a little damp, and less than 2 min later the wood looked like it hadn’t had any mist on but i continued anyways to stain, and the stain color doesn’t look as strong as the other days i stained when it wasn’t this sunny or hot. Today it’s full sun and 90, any recommendations?
The color would not change based on the temps. Just continue doing what you are doing.
ok should i remist other areas that dried up right before staining them?
That would make it apply easier.
ok how much of a mist? and shouldi wait beforeapplying stain?
Wait before applying.
Finished and looks great. We live in a snowy area is there any problem with putting down some heavy duty rubber mats on the porch to provide some traction?
It should be fine but make sure the stain is fully cured. Takes a few days.
We have applied a single coat of stain to the floor of the deck and plan to wait a few days before applying the second coat. Should this cause any problems?
No, you cannot do this. Second coats need to be applied wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
You can clean and recoat in 6-9 months but not now, it will not take.
What will happen if we apply the 2nd coat? When you say clean, do you mean strip off and start over?
I have stainless steel cables for balusters. Is it okay if I get the cleaner or brightener on the metal?
Yes, it will be fine.
Applied today with no rain in the forecast and a surprise rain hit us 4 hours after I applied. Will it be okay?
You should be fine.