Restore A Deck Stain Stripper and Brightener Kit
1 RAD Stripper and 1 RAD Brightener
Coverage: 500-1000 sq. feet per kit. Each Kit Makes 5 Gallons of Stain Stripper and 5 Gallons of Wood Brightener
DESCRIPTION
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper is a biodegradable, powdered concentrate that quickly removes worn finishes to restore wood surfaces. Stains and varnishes are removed along with collected dirt, mold, mildew and mill glaze.
Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener is a biodegradable, powdered concentrate that is mixed with water to brighten and restore the natural beauty of all species of exterior wood. This product excels at brightening, removing rust stains, and tannin stains caused by fallen leaves. Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener is a safe, product that will not only brighten but neutralize the surface of the wood, creating an ideal surface that is ready to be stained.
This combo kit includes Step 1 RAD Stripper and Step 2 RAD Wood Brightener.
WHERE TO USE
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper removes most oil and latex based finishes including: clear film-forming varnishes, transparent, and semi-transparent stains.
SURFACE PREPARATION:
Surfaces to be stripped must be above 50°F. Protect adjacent surfaces; cover with plastic sheets and/or tape off any adjacent areas not being stripped. Thoroughly wet and/or cover plants and shrubs. Rinsing residue will not harm plants or roots. Exposure to full strength product will burn foliage.
The Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper needs to be neutralized and this combo kit comes with the Step 2 Restore-a-Deck Wood Brightener.
ADVANTAGES
- #1 Rated Wood Deck Stain Stripper and Wood Brightener
- RAD Stain Stripper removes most clear, transparent, semi-transparent, and semi-solid coatings
- RAD Stain Stripper preps previously stained wood and decks
- RAD Wood Brightener neutralizes stain strippers
- RAD Wood Brightener brightens and restores wood surfaces
- RAD Wood Brightener restore pH balance of wood
- Powdered formulas makes 5 liquid gallons when mixed
- Extremely cost effective. When mixed, the cost is less than $7 a gallon
- Eco-Safe formulas
- Safe to use on all exterior wood surfaces, not just decks
Important Note: Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper may not fully remove Solid Color Wood Stains, Paints, Varnishes, and Excessively Over-Applied Acrylic Semi-Transparent and Semi-Solid Coatings. To remove these deck and wood stain types, use the RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper
Do you Have a Difficult to Remove Coating?
Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Additives
Does the deck cleaner get rid of the ink stamps on new wood?
Probably not. Best to sand those off first, let the wood weather for a month or two after, then clean and brighten.
Hi there, Going to try your product out on a customers deck. I dont see any labels for the ingredients inside this, just want to do my research because there are flower beds around the customers deck. Also, I have a customer that needs a deck cleaned but its a old composite material. Its a 20 year old deck. The rails are like a composite shealth wrapped around a wood railing, would this work for a composite deck?
We do not list all the ingredients due to trade secrets. Yes, it works with composites to cleaner.
Okay, for the composite deck would you clean it and use the brightener after? how would you suggest to seal the deck again after cleaning?
No need to brighten composite wood after the cleaner. Use the RAD Guard after to prevent mildew: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-guard-mildew-algae-cleaner.html
The decking is vintage trex decking. The deck is probably about 20 years old and has moss all over it.
Pressure wash it with the cleaner and then apply the RAD Guard after it dries to help protect it from coming back.
I stained my wood deck with Ready Seal (paraffine and natural oil stain) and it never dried, even after months. The floor was oily and it was tracking inside my house. I cleaned it, sanded it and finally stripped it with another product. The stain is all gone (no more color) but the wood remain oily and still tracks inside my home, but less. I tried to wash the wood with dish soap and warm water. It’s a little better, but the wood is still oily. It seems deep. Do you think Restore-a-deck stripper could work to get the oil out ?
It should if the oil is from the RS Stain. Apply and pressure wash off. Brightener after. Stain then with a fully curing stain like the Restore A Deck: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-5-gallon/flypage.tpl.html
Just to make sure, do I need to get 1 or 2 STRIPPER/BRIGHTENER KIT for a 550 sq. ft. deck? I plan on getting the RESTORE-A-DECK BOOSTER ADDITIVE too. Please let me know, thanks!
1 Stripper/Brightener should work.
Hi,
I used the stripper then the brightner on my deck floor and steps and it went well. Wasn’t on planning on doing the rails and the spindles at first. However, the next day, decided to do the rails and spindles but since I was out of stripper and brightner, I decided to sand them away (which took me a full day!).
Now the weather is crappy for the next week- lots of raining. I know I can wait around 2 weeks for my deck floor after the brightner but what should I do for the part of the deck (rails and spindles) that haven’t been prepped but only sanded?
1-) Clean and brighten it?
2-) if so How much time can I wait before cleaning it and brightning it? Is it okay if I wait 1 week (the time to receive your kit)?
3-) Also, should I cover the rails and spindles from rain with a tarp??
Thanks
1. Give it a good cleaning and or brightening.
2. 2 weeks is okay.
3. No.
rickyray….tackiness issue
So after a few shipping issues I went ahead and applied stain remover and then brightener and then stain. It was very easy to apply and looked great afterwards. I came back to the house this week and notice a tackiness when I walk on it. It’s more of a sound than anything else (i.e. I don’t stick to the deck nor does it mark up). Is there any way to remedy this and what was the cause? Thanks.
Over application is the reason. Give it more time to fully cure.
Last year had a new deck installed. Pressure treated pine. Followed instructions for Sikkens Stain. After just 1.5 years peeled. My son aggressively power washed last week trying to surprise me by helping. going forward: do I need to sand? or just use RAD stripper? then brighter either way , then stain?
Strip and brighten and then stain.
Moved into house about 4 years ago. My deck is about 20 years old. I used a Behr semi transparent cedar tone stain about 2 years ago. (deck had been re-stained previously of course) It seemed to stick to old wood but not new wood….. used on some replacement hand rails, etc
I will have to replace some stair treads this time around. Because of all the old and new woods. and different stains, I thought would use your solid coating to help cover all the mix of stuff.
Which cleaner and/or stripper? Need a brightener with a solid stain ?
Strip and then brighten for prep while pressure washing.
After the stripper and brightener, can I use a Kilz primer material as a crack filler before the new solid stain ?
Can you tell me how long to leave the stripper on the deck to get rid of the old stain? Will the stripper harm the pool in anyway?
10-20 minutes. Pressure wash off after, minimizing the stripper, old stain, and grime getting into the pool. Check water balance of pool when done.
My deck was “professionally” stained this past weekend with a Sherwin Williams semi-solid product. The “pros” did not strip the previous stain so we are left with multiple uneven colors on a subpar job. I’m considering stripping the stain and redoing the entire project. I’m already out $1300 so I’m willing to try anything at this point to make it right. Will this product make any impact on removing new stain?
It is very hard to strip a newly applied stain, especially when it was not prepped correctly prior. Do you know what brand and base type they used of stain?
I know Sherwin Williams and I believe it’s the Superdeck Exterior Waterborne. I requested the semi-solid but I’m not 100% sure based on the coverage.
I do not think you will be able to fully strip this based on the pics and info you sent. It is too thick, almost like a solid opaque stain. You can try to see how much you can remove. Best bet is to use the RAD Stripper with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Apply and let dwell for 45-60 minutes and then pressure wash off. RAD Brightener after.
I cleaned by deck by using a home depot deck cleaner (Olympic) 2 days ago. I was planning to lightly sand some rough areas and stain it but then I came across your website and it seems like I need to use brightner as well. My deck is cleaned pretty decent (I think) with most of previous stain gone (not much was there anyways) and algae stains removed. I have few questions:
1) Can I use your brightener 6-7 days after cleaning with another product? Its been 2 days and I am assuming 4-5 more days until I get your brightener. I don’t wan to repeat the cleaning process if possible since my deck is huge.
2) If I use brightener, do I still need to do sanding for better absorption?
1. Yes, you can.
2. No need.
Thank you! Does my prepwork look to simply apply the brightener and then stain?
Correct. Make sure to rinse the brighener well when done.
I meant does my prepwork look OK based on the photo?
Are you able to tell if this is paint or stain and whether your product will be able to help me restore my deck?
You will not be able to strip this paint off the deck so you will need to sand it off to fix it properly.
Are you able to tell if this is a paint or stain? If it’s paint is my only option to sand along with the stripper/brighterner if I want to use a semi-transparent stain?
Looks like a semi-solid acrylic-based stain. Best to strip as much as possible with the stripper and both additives.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
If needed sand any stubborn stain that is not stripped after and then Brightener last.
Based on picture, should I strip, brighten and stain? Or can I just do either strip or brighten and stain? I had someone stain it last year but didn’t do a great job and they tried to power wash it and didn’t help. It’s mahogany. Thank you
Strip, brighten, and then stain.
Hello!
First timer here.
I bought this kit. Spent today cleaning the shrubbery around the deck as well as getting used to doing the pressure washing.
I see some scratches I think from people moving furniture.
Will the stripper/brightener be enough or should I get a sander to try to hand sand away the scratches a bit?
You cannot remove scratches with the prep if they are deep. Do not spot sand as then the stain will not apply evenly. Best to just leave as is.
Okay.
This is after 2 rounds of the stripper. Should I do a 3rd?
Send a picture when the wood is dry. Hard to tell now.
Several years ago I used Dalys Seafin Ship’n Shore Penetrating Waterproofing Sealer on otherwise untreated railings. It’s a petroleum based product, which they say is compatible with urethane varnishes. I want to use your products. Should I strip the railings first, or is cleaning and brightening enough? Thanks
You will have to remove the Dalys and it may not be strippable if similar to a urethane. Post some pictures.
I powerwashed my cedar deck & we are sanding down to the bare wood. Do I need to use stripper and brightener? If so, should I use it before or after sanding? Thank you.
No need to strip but you should clean and brighten after sanding to open up the wood grain.
I have a porch that was stained with Cabots Australian Timber Oil which has faded on the east side in the Florida sun. Do I needed to strip and brighten or clean and brighten prior to reapplying timber oil?
Strip and brighten.
Hello! I want to restore my 22 year old deck. The deck was stained with Sherwin Williams DeckScapes semi-transparent stain. I will replace my deck boards, but the vertical surfaces are ok. I want to stain them with a solid stain. What is the process of preparation? And what products will I need? I have a pressure washer (2000 PSI) and I have a pump sprayer HDX that I use to spray for ants around the house. Thanks.
Use the RAD stripper and pressure washing to remove as much as possible of the SW stain. Brightener after. After the prep is done, apply two coats of the RAD Solid stain.
Thank you for the reply! With further inspection, I will need to replace some of the wood. How long do I need to wait before I can apply stain to the new wood? Shall I assume I will use stripper and brightener on the new wood as I would the old weathered wood?
See here for new wood tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
Used stripper with thickening agent, then brightened. Streaks have appeared on some sections of untreated pine, not the treated wood sections. Pics attached. Any suggestions to remove these? Sanding does not do the trick, I’ve tried. These pics have been sanded. I have many untreated pine boards to go but a little hesitant until I get your ideas. Thanks.
Brighten all the wood again.
If I have an herbicide sprayer, can I clean that out and use it to spray the stripper and brightener?
If it is a quality pump sprayer, then yes.
Is it okay to use stripper on a recently sanded deck?
Yes, but why would you if you sanded off the old stain?
We built a pressure treated pine deck in 2019, stained using Pittsburg Paramount semi-transparent in 2020. It’s peeling and looks awful now. What do I need to do to replace with TWP 100?
Product on deck.
Please send pics of the deck and its current condition.
My pictures are below. When stripping do I need to protect metal screened in porch frame with tape or plastic?
When stripping you will need to rinse through the spindles so best to take the screens off. If that is not feasible, then you will need to continue to sand all until there is no more stain left.
When using the stripper, do I need to cover vinyl siding on my porch walls? Am stripping porch ceiling, floor, and railings. Thanks.
Cover or rinse very well prior to and during if any stripper gets on the vinyl.
What is the maximum number of days I have to use the brightener after I strip and sand off any semi solid stain that still exists?
14 days.
First pic didn’t post. Here is the before…
We had a contractor apply Cabot Gold stain to a year old non prepped floor. They put way too much on and it was really tacky. We have tried mineral spirits and when that didn’t work we belt sanded everything. First pic is before and 2nd and 3rd is after sanding. Do I need to just strip and brighten to put new stain on? Do i really need additives? Also, do I need to protect the metal screened in porch next to the wood floor? Thanks for any information!
Strip and then brighten to get it all off using the additives as well.
Two summers ago (7/2019) I RAD cleaned and brightened my grayed Ipe deck. Used Armstrong-Clark Mahogany oil based stain. It has how faded and I want to re-stain. Do I strip-then-brighten or clean-then-brighten?
Thanks!
Clean and brighten.
Will the RAD stripper remove Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi transparent stain from pressure treated deck boards?
Yes but use both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Than you. Can Cabot Semi transparent stain be used after the RAD products?
Yes.
Hello, I have a 5 year old deck that measures 38 x 15 and was stained/waterproofed (Olympic semi transparent Cedar Naturaltone) too early so it looks terrible. Recently I replaced several boards due to cupping/curling. The deck needs to be either sanded or stripped and brightened, then treated later. What are your recommendations?? Also, if stripping, will one stripper – brightener kit do the job for it and the railings. Thanks in advance
Strip using both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Brightener after. 1-2 two kits. Hard to say how much with a total sq footage of all wood that is being stripped.
Thanks very much – I appreciate it 38 x 15 = 570, so I’ll go with your recommendation.. Thanks so much
You have more sq footage than that as you have to add in the railings, steps, outside edges, etc.
Hello is this stain or paint on my deck? What products should I use to restore my deck? Thanks
That is a solid color deck stain and a stripper cannot remove this effectively. You will have to sand it all off if you want to remove fully. The other option is to strip off what you can, brighten, then use the RAD in a solid stain color over it: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
I have a small orbital sander and a pressure washer. Should I still use the stripper or a cleaner?
Stripper.
Last question, is it a problem if I use the semi transparent stain and not the solid color?
The only way for you to use a semi-transparent color is to power sand off your current solid stain fully.
My deck was last stained maybe 3-4 years ago with a Sherwin Williams SuperDeck solid stain.
I understand I need to use a stripper and then brightener, and then a solid stain.
Do I need any additives to the stripper?
Do I need to sand off any solid stain that does not come off with the stripper?
Can I stain with a solid stain that is a lighter and different color or does it need to be darker than the current color, especially if it doesn’t all come off with the stripper?
Thanks.
-The additives would help to remove mover but they are not needed for this situation.-Only sand after stripping if needed to remove any loose or peeling up stain.-Any color of the RAD Solid stain will work to cover:https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Hi — will this remove STORM Category 2 Oil finish?
Post some pictures in the comment area of the deck.
Here are some photos – two coats of storm on floor boards.
Best to use the RAD stripper with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Brightener after. It is not an easy strip due to the excessive coatings so you may need to strip a couple of times to get it all off.
I have already tried two other strippers and sanded so I am hoping yours will take the rest of it off.
Are there any locations that I can locally purchase this product rather than ordering it online? I am in Eden Prairie, MN. Any idea how long shipping takes? What is your refund policy if it does not work?
I have about 1800 sq ft of deck/handrails. Previous owner used decks capes solid stain on 2×6 boards. I’m not sure what is on the handrails? I would like to stain the decking with a semi-transparent oil penetrating stain. I realizes I have to sand it all. How should I prep deck boards vs handrail?
Strip off as much as possible using the RAD Stripper and both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Sand the rest off and then brighten the wood.
This product sounds great. I have a couple of questions. – do I need to strip my deck first? I have used Storm #2 for the last couple of applications. Or can I just clean and brighten? – if I have to strip, do I need to cover everything- the railings, house and trees? I am worried about all of the mess. I have plants all around the base of the porch.
You cannot apply over this and from the look in the picture, you have a film forming stain on there like a varnish that looks shiny. These coatings types cannot be stripped fully so you may need to sand after stripping to get it all off. Brightener is last. Use both additives with the stripper.
Dont know where to begin..? Do I sand, power wash or both? When do I use this product?
You have a solid stain which means you will need the RAD Solid stain after prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
For prep, pressure wash all wood with RAD Stain Stripper to remove as much loose stain as possible. Let dry and spot sand any more peeling stain. You can cover the intact solid stain that is not peeling with the RAD Solid stain.
This is an old deck that had stain powerwashed off of it years ago. It’s been cleaned with a generic cleaner and substantially sanded 80 grit. I will be using semi transparent.
1. Is there any way I could do cleaner instead of stripper or is that just asking for trouble?
2. If there has been a lot of sanding, should I only do one coat of semi?
3. If I do one coat of semi and do the second maintenance coat in next fall, does it need to be cleaned with your product and brightened before that second coat?
Thanks so much! I’ve been to scared to do this project for years but all your answers are helping me feel confident I can do it.
1. Looks like you still have some old stain so you should strip and brighten for prep.
2. Yes.
3. Yes, you have to prep when recoating.
I was wondering if we can get our fence any lighter. I applied one coat of stripper and throuhly power washed (over an hour because I may have applied too much stripper). Would another application of stripper lighten it before applying the brightener?
No, but the brightener will lighten it.
Hi, I cleaned a 3 month old cedar deck with oxy clean/water/scrub brush & rinsed. Then applied Thompson’s clear water sealer. Wood fuzzies came through & sealer didn’t stick everywhere. How do I re-do this/fix it?
Strip it all off and then brighten the wood. Lightly buff the fuzzies, then use our semi-transparent stain.
How long do I wait in between brightening and staining? The standard 3 days of drying before staining?
Depends on the stain brand you are using? If RAD Stains, you can apply the same day to damp wood or next day to dry.
I have vertical metal rungs in my wood railing. Will the stripper or brightener mar the paint/surface of these or can i leave them exposed?
Not sure. Best to do a test spot first to see if there is any reaction or not.
I plan to strip and sand. If I’m following the conversations here, you recommend, stripping, them sand, then brighten? Is this correct?
Correct.
I prepped my mahogany deck with RAD stripper plus additive, and then applied & rinsed brightener as instructed. While rinsing the deck for nearly an hour, I had to roll my gas grille from one side of deck to another, as I was unable to remove it from the deck. Now that the deck has dried, there are roll marks across the newly brightened deck. Can they be safely removed by sanding before I begin staining? Will I have to re apply brightener to the sanded areas? Also, on one section of mahogany seating (same as decking) I powerwashed a bit too close and roughed up the wood a bit. Can I smooth it by sanding, and will the seat have to also be re-brightened prior to staining? Thanx!
No, you cannot spot sand the wheel dents. It will only make it worse as the sanded areas will stand out and be lighter in color when you stain. Same with the areas of the Mahogany seating.
OK, then if I sand several missed spots on the deck, can I then re-brighten the entire deck and achieve more uniform results?
No, you would have to sand all evenly and then brighten to have a uniform appearance.
I’m wanting to redo this deck and am wondering what are your recommendations? It appears the stain has been previously over applied.
Prep with the RAD Stripper/Brightener kits with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
We have boards with solid stain and some new boards we replaced last fall. What do we need to do before we stain again? Do we need to use stripper on the boards with stain and cleaner on the new boards? If we use stripper, should we use the additives to get as much off as possible? Thanks for your help.
You cannot remove the solid stain fully so you will need to use the RAD Solid Stain after the prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Strip and brighten all for prep to remove the loose again and it will also prep the new wood. Apply 2 coats of solid stain after.
Thank you! A few follow-up questions:
Do I need to add the additives to the stripper?
How do I clean the Chaplin sprayer between using the stripper and brightener?
Summary to make sure I have the steps right:
1. Apply stripper using pump sprayer, rinse off with power washer
2. Apply brightener using pump sprayer, rinse off with hose or power washer
3. Apply Stain – I read on the website to do 1 coat on vertical surfaces and 2 coats on horizontal surfaces (waiting 20-60 min between coats) — is this correct? Or do I need 2 coats on all surfaces since I am changing stain color? (We are covering current color with brown oak)
No need for additives. Clean sprayer with water. Pressure wash off stripper, not rinse. Solid stain needs two coats everywhere and is not applied wet on wet. Second coat goes on after the first coat is fully dry.
Hello, I have an Ipe deck that was constructed in the fall of 2018. I let the deck weather over the winter and in the summer of 2019 I used the RAD cleaner and brightener at full strength (1 cup/gal) with a stiff brush. I thought I rinsed the deck thoroughly in between steps but ended up with a blotchy looking surface and noticed that the wood was somewhat frayed. I believe the cleaner strength may have been too high for a new deck, the brush was too stiff (it tended to scratch the surface), and did not rinse thoroughly in between steps. I applied Ipe Oil after the deck dried and the blotchy look (patches of white) still remained. I am now preparing to refinish the deck again this summer. The blotchy look has somewhat faded due to weathering from snow/rain (I live in northern Illinois). What did I do wrong last year? What do you recommend I do this year? Do I use the RAD stripper and brightener or just the cleaner and brightener? Should I use at full strength or slightly less than full strength? I plan to use a less stiff brush and use a flow-through brush connected to a hose to ensure all the products are removed. I plan to use Ipe Oil to finish the deck. Thanks!
Strip and brighten and pressure was off. Full strength.
i’ve read great reviews on your products and i’m not sure if i need stripper, brightener and cleaner or just stripper and brightener. To me my wood looks in pretty bad shape and this is my first time trying to do something about my deck and i’m not sure what products i need in my cart.
Stripper and brightener with both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Can you guide me how to remove my deck previous stain so I can repaint new color shade.
What your product require to remove and what stain I can use for good look
Thanks
You have a solid stain, this cannot be stripped off fully. Use the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kits and pressure washing to remove the peeling stain and then cover the intact stain that does not stripper with a new coat of solid stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
Hello! Do we need to use the stripper, cleaner, and brightener on a deck with solid stain? Or do we sand completely and just clean and brighten? We had to replace boards due to dry rot so have a mix or new and old boards… added pictures of previous owners stain choice and the deck. We are planning on purchasing the solid stain… not sure what color yet. Thanks!
Sand what you can off and then clean and brighten the wood. See here about the new wood. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html