How to Apply Restore-A Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain with wet on wet application
Applying your Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain easily to exterior wood is a reality thanks to advancements in wood stain technology. It should be noted that there is a technique for applying to exterior wood for best results. This is called wet on wet application. Following this wet on wet application guideline is recommended when you wish to apply a second coat of stain on top of your first coat of stain before the first coat has completely dried or cured. This allows for fewer issues to arise over the drying period for a perfect, clean, finished product.
Our recommended guidelines for wet on wet stain application:
- Always properly prep your wood surface first with Restore-A-Deck Cleaner or Restore-A-Deck Stripper followed by Restore-A-Deck Brightener.
- Hot sun application tips: Restore-A-Deck Stain Hot Sun Application
- Start with vertical surfaces first, such as railings. Make sure horizontal and other surfaces are protected from excess paint. After the first coat is complete, apply a light second coat to the top of the railing only between 20 minutes to 1 hour after the first coat has been applied.
- Repeat this process for all benches or vertical structures.
- Once all vertical surfaces are stained, apply one coat of Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain to flooring and horizontal surfaces, ensuring the entire floor is covered.
- Reapply a second light coat 20 minutes to an hour after the first coat has been applied to all flooring and horizontal areas.
- Note that it is ok to walk on the first coat of stain even if it has not dried completely, but take precautions to not step in your second coat of stain to ensure a smooth finish.
Some final tips:
- Only apply 1 coat to new wood. Skip the second coat, you won’t need it. See here for tips on new wood: Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
- Wear shoes and clothes you do not care about getting the stain on. It’s bound to happen.
- Apply the coats quickly to ensure you are not overlapping
- Only apply 1 overall coat to vertical surfaces while horizontal surfaces may require 2
- Avoid excessive application, filming of the stain may occur
- It is recommended to use the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain with the Restore-A-Deck Stain Brush, stain pad applicator, brush, or sprayer. If using the Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain, use a hand brush, roller, or airless sprayer.
If you need Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain application help, feel free to post a comment. If you have any suggestions or tips we are not mentioning, we want to hear from you. Leave a review including pictures of your finished product and indicate how well the project has been holding up over time.
I have the semi-transparent RAD stain. I’ve already bought a roller brush. Can i use that even though its not sold stain?
Rollers do not work very well with our semi-transparent stain. It splatters and is hard to get on evenly. Use a stain pad or brush.
I put 2 coats on wet wood. Can i put a third coat on after the second coat dries?
No. More is not better and the wood will not take a 3rd coat.
I bought to much stain. Is there a shelf life on an unopened container.
3 years. Cannot freeze.
Can I apply a second coat of stain after the first coat has dried completely or must I do it in one shot wet on wet? I’m confused!
It has to be wet on wet if doing a second coat.
How do I actually apply the stain to the long floor boards? Do I stain each board in one long stroke, or can I go back and forth with the strokes?
You can do either, just make sure it is evenly applied.
Thank you for your response! I have a couple additional questions:
1. The deck has not been treated in many years, and the wood has become very dry and starting to splinter. Do you recommend sanding these areas and if so, when in the process should I sand?
2. Some parts of the deck are in the sun. I will keep the deck moist during application per instructions, but after the second coat is applied, is it ok to let it dry in the sun?
Thank you!
1. No need to sand unless you want to lightly hand sand splinters. Do this prior to the brightener.
2. Yes.
I stained my back stairs yesterday and now see there is a milky film in a few spots. Is that excess and if so, should I remove it with a cloth?
Yes, it is most likely excess but if dry, you cannot remove it. Many times it goes away after full cure.
I prepped my deck, then stained my steps and horizontal deck boards. Then a trip interrupted the process, and the verticals didn’t get stained. If I brighten the verticals again, could any splashover damage the finished deck boards and steps?
By the way, the deckboards and steps are beautiful.
Possibly, yes, it could have a reaction. Might be best to just wash them with water only.
If I have a mahogany deck what is the best color choice to keep the mahogany color.
Most use Light Walnut.
Hi. I have some areas where, even after several applications of RAD stripper with both additives and pressure washing, the old stain will not budge. I’m thinking about sanding it down but have read that only one coat of RAD semi-transparent stain is recommended on sanded surfaces. These are trafficked floor boards so I’d like to put down two coats.
Also, I see one coat is recommended for vertical surfaces. Just curious, why not two?
Thanks.
When you sand, you close the wood pores of the wood. Because of this, 2 coats will probably not fully penetrate into the wood grain.
Is it best to remove all old stain with the sander and then apply only one coat? Or to apply two coats over areas where old stain remains?
Do I brighten just after sanding? The wood will be dry. Dampen the wood maybe?
Again, only one coat for vertical surfaces? Just curious as to why.
Thanks.
Best to remove the old stain fully. Yes, brighten after sanding.
Verticals last twice as long as flooring so 1 coat is sufficient in most cases.
I’m looking to stain pressure treated pine that will be ~16 months old. Nothing has been applied previously. There is a dock and another area is a deck with railings, stairs, etc. all totaling about 1600 sqft.
Thanks!
1. Yes.
2. Two light coats applied wet on wet.
3. 2 each of the Cleaners and Brighteners. 12-16 Gallons of stain.
4. Stain pads and brushes for applying Stain. Pump sprayer for the prep. Pressure washer.
I ran out of stain so did not do a second coat of semi transparent stain. Looks like I can’t do another coat a week from now when I get my new stain- right?
You do a second coat a week after the first coat cures and dries. Second coats must be applied wet on wet.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application
You will now need to wait 9-12 months and lighty prep before applying another coat.
Sept 2023. Stripped and brightened my deck ,lobrightened? However it looks like I might have missed a spot when stripping. Can I spot strip and brighten?
You can spot strip but you will need to brighten all wood to make sure it is even when done.
You mention using leftover cleaner for other uses. Ie. Concrete siding etc. My question is
1. Can I us it on Bricks and surfaces that are not specifically Concrete like Cement blocks and pebbled stone blocks or asphalt
2. When you say siding and lawn furniture are you specifically meaning if they are made of wood or can it be used on vinyl or aluminum products.
1. Sure.
2. You can use it on all furniture.
Hi all,
I followed the process of stripping, brightening, and staining however during the first coat, a rogue storm popped up and rained on the new stain when I was finishing the first coat. It wasn’t much rain, but enough to worry me about another one popping up so I stopped there and waited for better weather. After a few days, I applied a second coat and the deck has remained quite tacky for over a week after the last application. What can I do to fix it at this point? Thanks in advance!
Hi, 2nd coats have to be wet on wet, not wet on dry. Give it a time to cure and dry. Hopefully it will in a week or so. If it does not, you would have to remove all and start over.
I am applying this over a sanded redwood deck that is 25 years old. How many coats do I need and how much darker will the natural make the wood? I am trying to keep the deck as light colored as possible
After sanding, you need to clean and brighten for final prep:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-package-300.html
Only one coat for sanded wood. Final color is based on the color you choose. You can test samples:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-package-300.html
Hello- you mention “test samples”. However the link under that is for cleaning and brightening. Where do I get samples?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-samples.html
Hello, I have a 240sf western red cedar deck that I will stain with RAD semi-transparent after stripping off old stain and brightening. I plan to do 2 coats wet on wet. I have two gallons of stain. Will that be enough stain?
Hard to say as typcally you will need 2-3 gallons. You could just do the one coat if you are running short.
We are going to be applying to a floor on a boat dock which is IPE Brazilian hardwood. One side has a swim platform and is 10 ft wide. What is the best way to apply the light walnut semi transparent stain? I m not sure how to cover the 10 Ft board without a break.
Very simple. Just go end to end (you can dip more than once) until moving on to the next boards. Use this: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-staining-brush.html
We have just a small area of new wood. Can we go ahead and stain it after 2 weeks of weather?
No. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood
Is there a maximum recommended period of time between applying a second coat of stain?
60 minutes with the semi-transparent stain.
Good day!!
I am going to stain my fence this weekend, 2-coats wet-on-wet.
I did read on your site somewhere that you recommend a 2–4-hour dry time between Brightener process and 1st coat of Semi-Trans stain application.
Is that dry time correct or can I immediately start with staining once fence is all prepped?
I don’t see any indication of a mandated dry time in the info above.
If the 2-4 hours is correct, do I need to mist the fence for the wet-on-wet application?
Thank you.
When using the RAD Wood Stains as same day as prep, you can apply it to damp wood. Not visibly soaking wet wood. Basically no standing water on top of the wood.
Great…thank you.
I just finished stripping and brightening my large deck. The majority of my deck cleaning issue is algae! This has been so much work because of the algae and I was wondering what you would recommend to prevent regrowth after staining. I am reading several places to spray periodically with a mild bleach solution to stop growth but I don’t want to damage my stain after I have worked so hard to get it done. I am loving how the deck is turning out, but I don’t want to do this again next year. I would like to go two or 3 years between if possible.
Put this on after the stain dries and cures: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon.html
How long does it take to cure? We live in the south with 80%+ humidity
2-7 days.
Hello…..
Return user.
I have ~ 150 linear feet of 6′ tall Shadowbox style fence and will do both sides (300 linear feet?)
Questions: After I do the Stripper/Brightener routine, do I let the fence dry before I start the wet-on-wet staining work? If yes, how long to dry? If no to drying, should I keep fence sections moist with mist until I get to them?
Can I use a Graco Power Airless sprayer to apply the stain on fence and get good results?
Thank you!
Youc an apply the RAD Stain to wet or dampe wood. Up to you.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood
You can spray the stain. You may have to back wipe drips and runs.
Excellent…thank you!
Hi. I just put down two coats of RAD light walnut, prepping per instructions and navigating around rain days that generally worked well. My question is I had to stop about 2/3 through (applying two coats to the first section) as it was a large deck, and for the remaining section, I applied it when it was a little damper and cooler, so the same two coats came out a little darker. My question is can I put another coat on the first section (without re-prepping, brightening, etc.) to darken it a bit and get a closer match. It’s been about a week since that first section was done. Thanks!
Sorry but no, it will not take now once cured and you cannot apply more than 2 coats. You can lightly clean and apply a coat in 6-12 months.
We started with using your RAD Stripper to strip the latex original paint but it was not taking all the old latex paint, so we sanded the deck. There are still a few spots where the paint can be seen. Should I brighten the deck first, and then use the solid stain? If so, can we do the wet on wet technique with the solid stain after the brightener?
Yes, brighen and then use the RAD Solid Stain. The solid tain is not a wet-on-wet application.
I have a bunch of stain left over from 2 years ago when I did my deck. They have been stored closed and a cool dry place. Are they still good.
Probably. The shelf life is 3 years in unopened.
So from the store they have duct tape over the top. That counts as sealed right? I never opened them but maybe they were opened to add dye?
The duct tape is used to protect the top from coming off during shipment.
Okay. My deck has some stain on the horizontal boards. The vertical
Boards are fully covered. I plan on putting the same stain down again. Should I strip the old stain or just clean the deck.
Post a couple of pics in the comments so we can help with the prep.
Here they are.
Clean and Brighten while using a pressure washer.
I stained my deck with light walnut last year. Great job. I have enough stain for second coat. Can I put another coat this year because I fear that if stain is not used, it will go bad
Yes. Clean first.
I prepped and applied Restore-A-Deck Wood & Deck Stain last year. I would like to apply a second coat this season. Can I just wash the deck with a hose nozzle, let dry, and apply stain?
You always need to use the prep products when reapplying.
Hello! I’m in Southern California and the weather has been perfect for staining. I stripped, brightened and stained with two coats of the semi-transparent stain (about 30min between coats) with the cedar color two days ago. Two things: the deck is still sticky. Is that normal? It’s not tacky where color is coming off, but it’s sticky. Should I refrain from putting anything on it, like furniture or plants?
Secondly, dust from my shoes are printing the patio. Is that normal? How do I get that off with the deck being a bit sticky still? Will that always be a thing or am I ruining the wood?
Please let me know and thanks in advance!
Sticky typically means it was over-applied. Let it fully cure out before using. It could take a week or longer.
oh, ok! and if we are already using it? 😅
Hello,
Can I clean my deck and then stain later? If so, how long can you wait to stain. Also can you apply stain with sprayer, or which method would be best to apply and do I need to wet it down to apply.
Yes, stain within 2 weeks of prep for best results. You can apply it to damp or dry wood. If you spray, back brush to ensure an even application.
How would you handle the cracks/vertical surfaces between boards? Brush first then pad on the flat surface?
The stain will get into the cracks when using the brush or pads.
Going to strip, brighten and stain with semi transparent. Had a few deck boards replaced 1-2 years ago – they are bare wood. Can I follow the same prep/stain procedure for the older, stained wood on the newer boards?
Is the thickening gel required for the deck floor or is that just used for vertical surfaces?
You should be fine with the new wood. As for prep products, what stain brand are you stripping?
Sikkens SRD semi transparent. A lot of it has worn off.
Post some pics, please.
here you go
The RAD Stripper without the additives should work for this. Brighten all wood after.
Thanks so much!!!
oops. more questions:
I used the calculator. 275 sq ft. Says I need 3 gallons for 2 coats? Seems like a lot of stain.
Also, how long will unused stain keep?
You are between 2-3 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet. Unopened stain will last a few years.
How to tackle the spaces between the boards? I cleaned, brightened and stained with semi transparent dark walnut on a 6 month weathered new pine board deck. Now we are ready to redo the process. The boards have shrunk and you can see the unstained board edges. I want to be sure to get those, can I do all the between board edges first then stain the surface? Or is is better to do the opposite, and do the between board edges after staining the surface?
Best to apply to the surface only and then let the stain run down the sides. If you try to do the edges only before or after the floor staining, it will be very blotchy with the overlapped areas.
If I am doing a fence application do I follow the recommendation of only 1 transparent stain coat since it’s all vertical? The fence has been installed for 1 year at this point.
Fences typically need two coats as they are very absorbent wood.
What is the goal of preparation? I.e. in what condition should the wood be prior to Re staining? Should it be bare wood? Can new stain be applied on top of old stain that has been cleaned and brightened
That would depend on what brand and type the previous stain is. If a different brand of semi-transparent stain and you are using the RAD semi-transparent, then the old coating needs to be removed. If using the RAD solid stain, then you do not have to remove the old coating fully.
This is for an ipe deck.
RAD semi transparent stain is the current stain
Clean and brighten for prep if using the same stain and color.
What is the minimum outside temp the air can be?
50.
🙁 what if it is like 48..what happens to the stain? It has been such a quest to get it stripped and brightened and finally ready and then it got cold.
It could dry sticky if it is too cold and cannot cure correctly.
We are FINALLY getting around to staining our deck. Had to wait for temps to go below 90 in TN and not raining.
We bought the yellow brush, but can we use a paint sprayer to apply the stain? Or what is usually the best approach for the spindles on the railing? Also, is the benefit to sanding in between the stripper and brightener just for the personal preference or does it benefit the wood? Thank you.
Brushes are better but if you spray, you will have to back brush to ensure an even application. No need to sand unless you have some fuzzies from prep that you want to remove: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
Recommendations, please. About 50% of the exposed portion of the deck is new, replacement PT wood installed in June 2022. The other half of the exposed wood and two sections of covered decking is wood that was last stained in 2017. How should I proceed?
Post some pics and what stain brand and type were used last time.
Stain:Olympic Elite Semi-Transparent. Pics attached. Many thanks
The railings look like a solid stain?
As we recall, the railings were done with the cabin stain, not the deck stain.
So you are just doing the floors?
That’s correct, just the floors
Wait until Spring for the new wood to weather better. Strip and brighten all wood using the Stripper/Brightener Kits and both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Many thanks. You’ve been most helpful – Great customer service!
Is it ok to use my garden hose sprayer to mist dry wood or will that be to heavy of a mist? I plan on wiping the wood to get rid of any puddles. Also, how long do I need to wait after misting? Thanks!
See tips here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
I’m about to strip my 3 year old cedar deck that has some stain left, some bare wood, then brighten before the stain. I read earlier that I should only sand when wood is dry. When should I sand, before or after the brightener? If I sand dry, then I will need to wet down the wood before staining, won’t I?
Brighten after sanding. You can stain to a dry or damp deck.
If using RAD semi-transparent, will a pump-up sprayer aid in application on rails?
You can spray it but you will need to watch overspray and back-wipe any drips to ensure it is applied evenly.
I have cleaned and brighten my cedar gazebo floor. I will stain again with TWP semi transparent cedar stain. Can I do wet on wet for a 2 coat stain with TWP? If not, can I add a second coat later??
As long as the wood is bare and not new you should be able to do the 2 coats wet on wet.
is wet on wet ok for solid color stain or is one coat recommended
You cannot do a wet on wet coat with the solid stain. It needs two coats and the first coat must be fully dry before applying the second coat.
Got.. so to confirm. Use stripper, immediately use brighter, wait until dry to the touch, apply 1st coat of solid stain, wait 48 hours, apply 2nd coat of stain, wait 24 hours before foot traffic or furniture.
You can apply your second coat of solid stain as soon as the first is dry. Best to do it all same day. 1-4 hours after the first coat.
Ok.. that makes it easier. I was going by cure time, not dry time. Makes sense.
Can I strip and clean while it’s raining?
Light rain, not pouring.
I’m about to stain my deck with your product for a second time. It’s been three years since initial staining. I know I will need to use the cleaner. Do I also need to use brightener for this time? Also, should I do two coats (which I did last time) or will one be enough this time? Thanks in advance.
Clean and brighten is the correct way. Two light coats.
freezing
I’ve ordered your stripper, additive, brightener, yellow brush & 5 gals. of semi-transparent dark walnut stain. All should arrive today.
My deck is about 25 yrs. old. It is 400 sq. ft. I would like to do 2 coats wet-on-wet, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to apply the stain quickly enough to finish the 1st coat & be ready to do the 2nd coat in the 20 mins. to an hour time frame.
I’m thinking that if it doesn’t look as though I’m moving fast enough to do the whole deck & then start the 2nd wet-on-wet, maybe I should do half of the deck 1st coat & then 2nd coat wet-on-wet and then repeat with the second half of deck? Not sure if that’s a good idea? I’d hate to run out of stain although I should have enough?
Or maybe if the timing doesn’t work out after the 1st coat, I should just wait until Spring to do the 2nd coat.
Many thanks for your advice.
Do all and then recoat all. If the timing does not work then do another coat in spring. Lightly clean first.
Thanks!
I just used the same stain on my deck (new wood). I cleaned and brightened it first and I do love the product and the color. The directions tell you not to apply it in direct sun and within certain temperatures. Hard to find an overcast day with no rain expected for 12 hours but I think that is important. The stain took darker where the boards were in the sun and took lighter where the boards were in the shade so I ended up with what looks like a line like I stopped in the middle of the boards but I didn’t. I’m hoping it will even out next year when I do the second coat. It took me all day to do the prep and one coat on a 250 sq ft deck. A lot of work, but worth it.
1) My old deck boards were run through a planer so it is now fresh wood with no existing stain remaining. I plan to clean and brighten before I use the RAD dark walnut stain on it. Do you suggest two coats now, or do only one coat now and reapply a second coat next year?
2) If the second coat goes is to go on next year, do I need to clean and brighten again before applying?
thank you!
1. One coat now. Another as needed in 1-2 years.
2. Yes.
Rolled semi-transparent stain on ipe deck and ended up with uneven finish. Can I put on second coat a week later with brush or pad? Do I need to do anything to prep the deck for the second coat?
Stain pads and or brushes are best for applying. Post some pictures here for reapplying advice.
I had my old deck removed and replaced with a Trex deck in late October of 2021. Since cold weather was approaching, I had not used any product on the underneath pressure treated structure and posts yet. I plan on using your dark walnut semi-transparent stain. –My first question is, as you can see in the picture, do I have to pull away the gravel and dirt at the base of the 3 support posts to protect that part of the pressure treated wood as well and if so, how far down do I need to go, if at all? The picture shows one that I had pulled away gravel and dirt 5 inches down. These posts are set in closer to the house and are not exposed as much to weather as my old deck posts were. You can see a bit of a vertical post from my previous deck. –My second question is do I also need to stain the underneath structure? Thank you!!
Just do the exposed wood. No need to go down farther. No need to stain the underneath structure.
Oh boy, that’s a big relief and thank you for responding so quickly!
Couple more questions:
1 Should I use the RAD cleaner followed by the RAD brightener and semi-transparent stain “wet on wet”? (The deck was installed 8 months ago and is in very clean condition.) Or should I treat it as “new wood” and just use the RAD brightener prior to a coat of the semi-transparent stain and followed by a maintenance coat a year later?
2 Would you recommend sanding the corners and the surface lightly to get rid of any roughness and sharp edges prior to doing whatever treatment is recommended?
ps..I can’t tell you how happy I am to come across your company and products!! After reading a lot of questions submitted and reviews, I was very impressed with your customer service! I will definitely place an order as soon as I receive your response to my two additional questions!!
1. Yes on prep. Just one coat.
2. No need.
There’s one other thing that I’m a little concerned about. My contractor mentioned in the contract’s “scope of work” that he does not warranty treated lumber that is not sealed withing 3 months of project completion. I’m guessing that your product is a stain and not a sealer, and would only a stain be sufficient to prolong the life of the pressure treated wood? I did mention to him when he finished the deck that I could not seal due to the colder weather approaching soon after. Like I’ve mentioned before, I had done no kind of treatment yet.
Thank you again!!
Deck Stains are sealers as well.
I’m ready to stain an 8 yr old cedar deck. The stain has been removed and I used Brightener. Since I had to sand different areas of the deck does that mean I can only apply one coat I wanted to do the wet on wet method with the first coat being light walnut and the second cedar. Now that I sanded some of the deck can I mix the 2 stains and apply one coat . We live in Maine
You can mix stain colors prior to applying but you would never want to apply one coat of one color and the second coat of another color. Do the one coat now to be safe. You can lightly clean and recoat if needed next year to the floors.