Restore A Deck Staining BrushHow 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.

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  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    isaac · 06/17/2020
    Can i shake the gallon semi-transparent bottle to mix? Or should i pour into 5 gallon bucket and stir first before applying?
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    isaac · 06/17/2020
    So vertical beams and spindles only one coat?
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    paul · 06/15/2020
    It rains a lot here. How soon after rain can I apply solid stain to old and new wood, how many coats, and how much cure time before next rain?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 06/15/2020
      4-6 hours after rain. It can be applied to a damp deck but not soaking wet. No rain for 4-8 hours after. Two coats.
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    Julie · 06/12/2020
    Pressure-treated pine decking installed June 2019. Connecting stairs with three steps installed September 2019. Untreated to date. Have RAD Cleaner, Brightener, and Semi-Transparent Stain.

    1. Okay to apply cleaner (and rinse off) in sections? What about brightener?

    2. Apply two coats stain to decking and stairs now (June 2020) or wait until September when stairs at one-year mark?

    Thanks
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 06/13/2020
      1. Apply cleaner and pressure wash off. You can do this in sections. When done do the brightener all at once.
      2. You can do two light coats wet on wet this Summer or in the Fall.
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    Bill R · 06/12/2020
    If we Clean and Brighten on one day, but cannot stain until the next day, do we have to do anything to the deck before staining (e.g., misting/dampening the deck before applying stain)? There's a small chance of rain the morning of the day we can stain, but the afternoon should be clear with temps in the low 70s and completely clear the day following the day we stain. We're applying the same stain we used 3 years ago. Thanks.
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    Tom · 06/12/2020
    I have a large deck >1500 s/f with railing. Can I strip and brighten one day and then stain the following day?
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    Hackett · 06/10/2020
    Purchased the RAD deck brush. Not going to use a pump sprayer to apply stain to avoid over spray to vertical areas already completed. What is best way to apply stain using brush? Stain in treat then dip deck brush?
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    Michele Jones · 06/08/2020
    I will be applying the solid color stain in the early morning to my deck before it gets hot with full sun. Will be in shade for about 6 hours before it will get full sun, is that enough time for the stain to set up properly before getting full sun??
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    Michael M. · 06/05/2020
    Have horizontal area that did not get applied properly/evenly. Used semi-transparent natural. Pressured treated pine not stained previously. Possible to just sand, clean, stain? Want to avoid stripper getting on vertical areas that are finished properly.
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      RAD Products · 06/06/2020
      Yes, you can do this.
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        Michael M. · 06/06/2020
        Use 60 or 80 coarse sandpaper? Okay to use small orbital sander? Would go faster and more even than by hand.
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    Sandy · 06/02/2020
    I have applied the semi-transparent stain to my floating dock. I think I would like to apply a second coat, but I have waited over 12 hours now. Can I apply the second coat anyway later.
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      RAD Products · 06/02/2020
      Not at this point as it has already cured. You can lightly clean and reapply another coat in 6-9 months.
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    Sk · 06/02/2020
    Do you think I need a stripper or is a cleaner plus brightener sufficient
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      RAD Products · 06/02/2020
      Strip and brighten if switching brands of stain.
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    Jen · 06/01/2020
    Hello. For semi-transparent stain application, do you have a preference between pump sprayer or airless sprayer (with tip specific for stains)? Too much deck to stain by hand (brush/pad/roller). Based on other comments, I assume back brushing is recommend for both spray options. If airless, how much (if any) extra stain do you recommend buying? Thanks in advance.
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      RAD Products · 06/01/2020
      It does not matter which sprayer and they will both waste some stain when applying. About 10%.
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    Gary · 06/01/2020
    Can you apply stain with a pump sprayer?
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      RAD Products · 06/01/2020
      The semi-transparent yes, but you will need to back brush to ensure an even application.
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    Hackett · 05/31/2020
    I applied semi-transparent stain to balusters using pump sprayer. Although tried cover,horizontal flooring and steps have stain spray on flat areas that has dried especially where posts meet floor. Do I have to strip to finish horizontal area? If I have to strip, do I have to clean and brighten again? Deck has never been stained.
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      RAD Products · 05/31/2020
      Stip and then brighten.
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        Hackett · 05/31/2020
        What is result if I just stain the entire area without stripping?
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    Katy · 05/30/2020
    I prepped and stained my deck last year with semi-transparent RAD. It seems like the stain got worn away in many places over the year. Do I need to strip the old stain off my deck before staining again or can I just clean and brighten before applying? How many coats should I apply?
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    Victoria Silveira · 05/30/2020
    I used the RAD cleaner and brightener last Sept and applied semitransparent stain to boards and solid stain to the top and bottom of the railing. (I was trying to do the minimum to protect the wood from the snow only). I am planning to tackle railing posts this weekend but hoping to refinish what I did last fall as well. Some areas are looking a little bit scuffed. Do I need to do the whole process again on boards and top of railing? Also, what is the best way to do cleaner and brightener on posts? Thanks!
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      RAD Products · 05/30/2020
      Spray on cleaner and brightener and then lightly pressure wash off. Rinse the floors down when done and touch up the spots on the floor lightly and blend in.
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    Rebecca · 05/29/2020
    I power washed, stripped. Brightened my 26 year old redwood. Applied TWP100 semi transparent. Worked late into darkness and this morning am seeing areas that I missed in the vertical surface. 1.Can/ should I spot treat this morning?
    2. When it needs to be redone in a few years can I clean and brighten and apply the same stain and color over the top without stripping?
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      RAD Products · 05/29/2020
      1. Yes.
      2. Yes, correct.
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        Rebecca · 05/29/2020
        You guys rock!! Made the DIY project go better than I expected. Thanks for your great advice and quick response. If this Corona thing goes much longer I'll be tackling more projects!!
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    David Kenney · 05/28/2020
    Hi I am getting ready to stain our deck now that we have cleaned and brightened it with RAD products. The stain is semi transparent cedar
    My thought is I would start staining using the stain brush, then have my wife come behind me 20-30 minutes later applying the second coat using a stain pad, is this a good approach or should it be all done using a brush?
    Look forward to hearing back from you soon.

    Thank you.

    Dave
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    Tom Marshall · 05/28/2020
    I put your semi-transparent stain on a few years ago and now time to do it again. Do I need to use the cleaner or the stripper to remove it before the brightener?
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      RAD Products · 05/28/2020
      Do you want to remove it down to the bare wood? If so, use the stripper and then brightener.
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        Tom Marshall · 05/28/2020
        My deck is about 1400 s/f plus wood rails. How much of each product - stripper, brightener, stain should I order?My deck is about 1400 s/f plus wood rails. How much of each product - stripper, brightener, stain should I order?
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          RAD Products · 05/28/2020
          2 Stripper and Brighteners and about 15 gallons of stain.
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    robert otteni · 05/22/2020
    I am a deck service provider but I have never used this product. I am planning on using this on a cedar deck. We sand the deck to prep it. Can I apply on to the sanded deck without using any other chemical treatments.
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      RAD Products · 05/22/2020
      No, it should be cleaned and brightened after so the stain can soak in better.
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        robert Otteni · 05/22/2020
        When I sand the deck area it is very clean and bright already. We sand with a 20 then 40 then 60 grit sand paper.I then vacuum and blow off any dust. I then apply the stain to a clean deck. Are you saying that I then need to apply a chemical treatment before I apply the stain even after all this sanding
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    Crystal · 05/21/2020
    This is light walnut. Sorry I left that out. That was so important when I was searching photos and trying to choose
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    Crystal · 05/21/2020
    I am in love with this stain. The color is gorgeous on our pressure treated deck that’s 7 years old. We have been staining a deck since 1993 and have only had one stain we liked as well, and it’s discontinued. Other than the fact that I have a tiny portion of a board that didn’t take the stain, and I ordered way too much, the whole experience was a pleasant one and we are so glad we went with this brand. I hope I can say the same in a couple of years when it has had a chance to wear. I have some trim inside the pool yet to do when the water warms.
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    Joe · 05/17/2020
    When applying to a pine wood decking that is 4 years old and has never been stained, does the wood have to be dry after washing it or can the 1st coat of stain be applied with the wood still wet from being washed and brightened?
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    Joe · 05/17/2020
    Can a roller be used for the semi-transparent stain? If yes, what type of knap?
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      RAD Products · 05/17/2020
      No, use a stain pad or brush. Rollers do not work very well.
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    Bill · 05/16/2020
    If I just stained my deck 3 and a half hours ago and looks pretty dry but I think it needs a second coat is it to late at this point ?
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    Jenny · 05/15/2020
    We have two separate decks both have been power washed and prepped. The upper deck is maybe ten years old and was previously stained. Should we do one coat or two? Should we use a wet on wet technique? Do you use this wet on wet technique on railings? The lower deck is three years old but has never been stained? How many coats and what technique? Rain is predicted many nights how long should the stain be on before it is ok to be rained on?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 05/16/2020
      Did you remove all previous stain for the upper deck? You will have to if you want to use the RAD semi-transparent stain. Two coats for both decks. Wet on wet application. No rain for 6-8 hours after applying.
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    B Taylor · 05/13/2020
    I prepped my older deck by sanding it first to remove the fuzzies. While I used 60 and 80 grit in most areas, I used 36, 40, and 50 grit in the more difficult areas before applying the semi-transparent stain. I was reading today that it should only be 60-80 grit. Not sure how I missed this. I only put one coat of semi-transparent stain and it looks okay. I can see some of the sanding marks. Do you think I will need to re-sand it? It’s a huge deck 12 x 36. How soon can I add another coat?

    In the process, I sanded some of the fastener screws. And now the wood has become discolored due to the corrosion. Will that be an issue?

    Last question, on two other smaller decks, after sanding those, I did the wet on wet application. And again I read today, after sanding only coat once. Is this a matter of wait and see? One deck looks perfect, the other one it was getting dark outside so there is some overlap in a few small areas. Can I spot sand the overlap and re-stain the whole deck with another coat, and if so, how soon?

    Thanks so much. At least I’m getting good deck experience! I’ve been very happy with the RAD product.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 05/14/2020
      No need to resand. You may want to replace the screws that you sanded as that will turn into black rust spots. Wait and see on the other decks. You cannot spot fix the overlaps. You cannot add another coat on top once it has dried right now. You can in 9-12 months.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        B Taylor · 05/14/2020
        Thank you so much. Unfortunately I already have black rust spots. The deck is quite large. Do I sand the black spots out and then replace the screws? And do I need to strip the deck and start over? Or since there’s only one coat on it, can I spot sand the dark spots and apply wet method in 9-12 months?

        Or do I not worry about the black spots? Will they harm the finish or wood? Or cause the stain to fail?

        I used a Bosch belt sander to sand due to improper stain project previously and then fuzzies.

        Thank you so much.
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          RAD Products · 05/14/2020
          You will not be able to fix the spots unless you strip it all down and then brightens the wood. Might want to wait until next time. I would not worry about them. They will not cause any issues.
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            B Taylor · 05/14/2020
            Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I’m going to replace the screws that have not caused an issue yet, and not worry about the rest and see what it looks like next year!
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              robert otteni · 05/22/2020
              Before I sand a deck the first thing I do is to check the screws for height. They should be below the surface to be sanded. Sanding will lower the overall thickness of the deck board. The screws are galvanized coated and sanding removes the coating and thus the rusty screws you may have.
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    B Taylor · 05/13/2020
    I’ve stained my deck using the RAD semi-transparent in natural. Can I change it to light walnut, or must I strip it first?
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      RAD Products · 05/14/2020
      It would be best to strip it fort to ensure an even coverage.
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    Matt · 05/12/2020
    Do you have to do wet on wet application for both semi-transparent and solid stains? Or can I just do two solid stain coats at my leisure without having to worry about overlap marks?
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      RAD Products · 05/13/2020
      Not solid stains. The second coat goes on after the first coat fully dries for solid stains.
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    Sandy S · 05/12/2020
    I have sanded the whole boat house area to get all the old stain off that soaked into the old wood. The stripper did not work and caused the old wood to open up and had to sand it anyway. I am ready to stain. I am using a brush and a staining pad. The old wood, in parts, is very ruff so a pad would catch. I was going to apply with a brush and wipe with the pad. Is this OK.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      RAD Products · 05/12/2020
      Just one coat for sanded wood. No need to back wipe, just apply one coat evenly.