Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain works very well for exotic hardwoods such as IPE, Mahogany, Tigerwood, etc. Restore-A-Deck wood stain’s long-lasting composition works hard to absorb quickly and penetrate deep into the hardwood grain to withstand the elements and stay true to its beautiful finish. Even with Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain, yearly maintenance is still necessary for exotic hardwoods. That’s just the nature of the beast when dealing with an Ipe/Hardwood decks. Maintenance can be done by lightly washing the deck with the Restore-A-Deck deck cleaner and allowing it to dry. A thin maintenance coat of the same color RAD deck stain can then be applied.
Before beginning the staining process, it is recommended that wood surfaces be prepped and staining. To prep wood surfaces that do not have a previous coating or doing a maintenance coat of the RAD Stain, use Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener. It’s concentrated powder formula is especially good at removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that is prone to showing up on wood surfaces. If a previous semi-transparent coating is on the wood of a different brand, use the RAD Stain Stripper and Wood Brightener. Note, the RAD stripper will not remove solid stains, over applied acrylics, etc. Sanding would be needed for these scenarios.
Note for New Hardwood: New IPE and other Exotic Hardwood needs to weather after install. About 3+ months. Prep with the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kits
After the new wood has been cleaned or stripped, the wood will appear slightly darker. To restore the wood and neutralize the pH, use Restore-A-Deck brightener to lighten it to its original appearance. The RAD Wood Brightener further opens the wood pores for an ideal surface to apply Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent wood stain.
Following Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener, continue with Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. Unlike other brands of wood stain, Restore-A-Deck’s formula can be applied to wood surfaces following the Brightener on the same day on damp wood or can be applied to dry wood on the following days. If applying to damp wood, it is recommended to allow the wood to dry 2-4 hours after prep is complete.
Only 1 coat should be applied to exotic hardwoods and IPE. A light maintenance coat of stain should be applied 12 months after the first coat was applied. Every year after is normal for exotic hardwoods.
Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips
If you have any questions, please comment below.
Any preference between R-A-D stain versus Armstrong Clark? I’ve used Armstrong Clark (amber) every year on my IPE deck and am wondering if there’s another product that maintains the finish longer.
Try the RAD stain in Light Walnut. We have seen better UV protection. Strip and brighten for prep.
We did the full treatment (with RAD stain) last year to our IPE deck. It came out a little blotchy in spots, and is ready for a new coat. what prep do we need to do before applying another coat of RAD stain?
Use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and pressure washing and then the Brightener after.
I have a remote off grid cabin with a 500 sq.ft deck. I have to pump water from a creek via a pump with no ability to use a power washer. Do you think I would be OK using a hose with a nozzle to rinse?
Yes, but it will take more time and effort when you cannot use a pressure washer.
What products would you use to restore teak rocking chairs
Does it have a prior coating? Post some pics.
I originally put teak oil on the raw wood when I first got them. Last year, after 10years from purchasing them, I powered washed them and used some kind of deck wash but I never neutralized it with brightener. Very little improvement noted.
You still have some remnants of old stain so best to strip ad brighten while pressure washing:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
Stain with the Restore A Deck Stain in Light Walnut for a nice rich look when done. Just one coat:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-on-exotic-hardwoods-ipe
I did this decking about a year ago with “Black Locust”. I put down some boiled Linseed Oil. It now looks like in the pic like it’s been up for 10 years!
I want to restore & stain but I’m not sure if I just get the cleaner/brightener, or the stripper?
I’m in New York. Also, what’s typical delivery times?
Thanks.
Strip and brighten this. Delivery is 2-3 busienss days to NY.
I have a 4 year old IPE deck. Was oil stained just after installation by the contractor. Haven’t been done since. As it’s now grey and in need of some maintenance could you confirm if the Cleaner/Brightener Kit should be used before staining or Stripper/Brightener Kit? Also, can a deck brush be used to scrub IPE or us Power sprayer or Garden hose. Don’t want to damage the IPE. Thanks.
Cleaner and Brightener. You use them while pressure washing lightly.
I have new IPE stairs, and older teak furniture. Can I use the Restore A Deck products on both?
Yes, you can.
I have a 50 sq. ft. covered mahogany porch (facing north so no sun) that was last sealed with Cabot Australian Timber Oil about 18 years ago. It is dirty and has a dark gray appearance. I started sanding parts of it before learning about your prep products and plan to use the RAD Semi-Transparent Wood Stain.
1. Should I sand the rest of it before continuing?
2. Should I Strip or Clean before Brightening?
3. I liked the rich brownish/reddish mahogany color that I originally had. Will the Natural color stain give me the color I want or should I go with Cedar?
4. It is late October and I am in northern NJ and daytime temperatures highs are now in the mid/upper 60s with overnight lows dipping into the low 50s. Given that I have only a small area to stain, would it be advisable to work on this project now?
1. Sand it evenly.
2. Cleaner and Brigtener.
3. Try Light Walnut.
4. You can do it in those temps.
Hello, we are hoping to stain our Ipe deck, but are so busy with all this prep work first! In the course of power washing and cleaning and brightening, we ended up with splinters – and so have now sanded some of the deck. Do we have to clean and brighten all over again? How do we get the sanded dust particles off – can I use a damp cloth? And then how long do we need to wait to then use the stain? Many thanks for your help here! We are in northern California, the deck has been in for about a year, and we are hoping to stain since we didn’t like the gray color the deck had gone. Celeste Oh, the photo shows where the deck had been cleaned and the lower right gray area shows what it looked like before cleaning.
Redo the prep after sanding as you will need to remove sand dust. As for when to stain after, that depends on the stain being used.
So just to be clear, we go through applying the cleaner, rinsing, then applying the brightener, then rinsing, then wait 3 days to dry, then apply the stain. Thank you again!!!
Yes.
I have stripped and brightened my ipe deck I’m ready to apply the Armstrong ipe oil in amber Color. Are there any particular things I should know about Armstrong Clark application. How long should I let it penetrate before wiping the excess away. Can it be rolled on?
Use a stain pad or brush for best results. Rollers can splatter. Just one coat for IPE. Back wipe any excess that does not absorb after 60 minutes and only if needed.
See photo below. I applied a single coat of stain originally. I recall that when I stripped/brightened prior to that, the entire deck looked uniformly bleached. The test area in the photo is after using nearly a cup of stripper, brushing for quite a while with a stiff bristle, repeating. Then doing the same with the brightener.
It does look over-applied as it has a slight shine (it is not supposed to be shiny) to it. Did you apply more than 1 coat? Are you pressure washing after applying the stripper?
I originally applied 1 coat of RAD stain (after surface prep). I don’t think it went on very thick. The area in the photo has been under a large grill, so protected from sunlight and weather.
After applying stripper, I waited suggested time, scrubbed, power washed, repeated. Then did the same with the brightener.
Anything that is covered and not exposed to the elements will be much harder to remove. Use the Stripper with both additives:https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Let dwell for 30-45 minutes and power wash off.
No, it is fairly easy to remove unless you over-applied. Do you have pics?
Hi there. Just power washed the deck. The deck builder used ipe oil from deck wise the power washing removed some of the oils but it is very uneven as shown in the pics. Any idea how to make it even again before I stain with your ipe stain.
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/order-restore-a-deck/rad-kits-best-price/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/flypage.tpl.html
Last year, I bought RAD Cleaned, Brightener, And Stain. Of course, I did not get around to the project. Nothing opened. Shelf life says up to 36 Months. All seems good but Brightener seems to have hardened up in the bag. Going to start tomorrow any tips for using year old products?
They will still be good and the brightener will dissolve. Shake the stain.
Cleaned, Brightened, Waited a week for rain, Stained.
What color did you use?
We had our Ipe deck stained with Penofin and they put on too much, we also have stains. We had stripped and brightened before but with Penofin products. Can we use the stripper on overstained Ipe? Do you recommend sanding after stripping?
Strip and brighten to remove the Penofin with the RAD Stripper and Brightener. No need to sand.
I still have Penofin brightener leftover. Any issues if I use RAD stripper and Penofin brightener?
It may not work as well as their brightener is not as effective.
I totally sanded the deck then used Restore A Deck cleaner, stripper, and brightener last yr prior to using the Armstrong and Clarke stain on my Red Bhatu Mahogany deck. The system worked beautifully. Cleans and brightened the deck to a point where it looked new without the stain. The stain is the best I have used in the decks 10 yr history. It seems to have survived our harsh Canadian winter still beading the water. The deck looks great, should I be applying the cleaner, brightener and stain again this year to keep it looking this way or should I wait a yr or two until things dull a bit? Doug
Wait until next year or after.
I have 20 yr. old mahogany deck. For years I applied Ben Moore Australian stain. Two yrs ago I used RAD stripper and then Brightner/ Neutralizer and applied Armstrong Clark semi transparent. Just now applied RAD cleaner then Brightner. Deck is in great shape, there is some residual stain (oil) left on deck. Would like to apply RAD semi transparent light walnut stain on said deck. Can I do it? Will it adhere and be durable?
You would have to use the RAD Stripper and then the Brightener to switch to the RAD Stain.
Thanks for reply. What is longest lasting oil based semitransparent stain. I’d like to skip a year or two before using RAD system. I’m getting to old to do each year! (Mass.)
Use the AC stain again.
Trying to decide on color for a new tigerwood deck – natural? light walnut? not looking to change the color much, just preserve the natural look.
Any color you like will work. It must be tinted if you want to prevent UV graying and all RAD colors are tinted.
Hi there. Preparing to re-finishing an ipe deck that was treated with Penofin oil 5 years ago. Should I STRIP, brighten and stain, or should I CLEAN, brighten and stain? The shady areas are almost black in colour now – possibly due to mildew – while the sunny areas are more grey and weathered looking. And if I refinish with Armstrong Clark oil, then next year, will I be best to re-strip, brighten and re-stain, or should I re-clean, brighten and re-stain? Thank-you!
Please post pictures of the deck for proper prep help.
You bet. One picture of the darker area (with a bit of water puddled at the right side of the photo, pls ignore that), and one of the greying area.
Strip brighen and stain for prep with this year. Clean and brighten when recoating down the road.
Thank you!!!
Hi again! Its been a year and I’ve done another clean and brighten and then coated again with Armstrong Clark Oil – Semi Transparent Mahogany tint. It looks fantastic, but the ipe deck boards have soaked up a LOT of the oil and still look very dry. Should I do a second coat? And if so, can I do it with clear AC oil over top of the Semi Transparent Mahogany AC oil this time? It seems the wood wants more product, but I don’t really want the final tint to become any darker.
No, you cannot apply a second coat to IPE. It looks correct.
I stripped and sanded my IPE deck. Do I realy need to use cleaner before the brightner or a good rinse would be enough ?
Both would be best so the IPE is absorbent as possible for the stain.
I am getting ready to apply a maintenance coat on my IPE dock and all I have right now is the stripper. CAn I use that before I put on the maintenance cot instead of the cleaner? or should I order cleaner before I apply the stain? In other words, can I use stripper in lieu of cleaner before I appl maintennace coat of stain. I also pressure washed it. Thank you!
Yes, you can use the Stripper. Brightener after to neutralize.
I will do my deck with Jatoba. The place I am buying from wants to include IPE oil, which I guess they recommend. I believe it is a linseed based product. My understanding is that water based products “sit on the surface” like a film, while oil base sink into the wood. Is that true with the Restore hardwood product…from the description is sounds like it penetrates…there is no danger of peeling of a film?
The Restore A Deck Semi-transparent stain is a fully penetrating water-based stain.
Hello, I have a 600 sq. ft ipe deck that I have stripped. On the picture, I used the light walnut (4th spot from left) and cedar (last spot) colors samples you provided me. After one week with a thunder storm, cedar color would be my best color option. Does it provide the same UV protection as cedar ? And do I need a brightner before staining ?
They all provide the same UV protection. You are supposed to brighten after stripping to neutralize.
I have a 2 year old IPE diving board that is turning gray. I have power washed it (see attached photo). No need to strip it, and I was not planning on sanding. I was thinking of using RAD brightener followed by RAD stain, but not sure whether I should get Natural stain or a colored stain. If I use Natural, will it stay gray or will the brightener bring back the color? Thanks.
Use the Light Walnut color for IPE for best results. Natural is tinted, not clear so it will enhance the grain as well.
Hi, I have a 20 year old farmer’s porch-deck, stairs and railings are mahogany. Should I use the Booster additive and thickening gel to the stripper for best results with the mahogany?Thanks for your help!
We would need to see pictures of the deck and know the brand and type of stain you are removing.
Is it absolutely necessary to use stripper on an ipe deck previously stained with Floods Hardwoods Semi transparent water based stain? We Are at the beach and beach sand -sands the stain off. I had to strip the deck prior to using the Floods product to remove oil based stain used by builder- it was a tough time consuming messy job that I could do without. I have two large decks and three one story staircases! Sort of like applying a light annual maintenance coat?
Yes, you have to strip.
I have a hardwood deck (either Mangaris Diamond or Gold wood) that is raised above the ground 10 feet and wraps all the way around my house. Do I need to lay down plastic to protect the ground and house walls below (concrete, garage door, light fixtures, front door, plants, etc.)? If so, would I need to provide protection during all stages/steps? I plan to do the following steps: stripper/brightener/light walnut stain. Also, do my aluminum railings need to be taped off or can they be wiped clean afterwards? One last question: is one coat sufficient? Thank you in advance !
Yes, cover to protect all when staining. During prep you do not have to but make sure to rinse well to remove all dirt, etc.
Do not get the stain on the aluminum railings. Just one coat for hardwoods.
Thank you for the quick reply. I forgot to ask one additional question – Is it better to apply the stain when the hardwood is wet or dry?
Either is okay: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
I forgot to mention that in my previous question that the furniture is 5 years old, and two years ago we sanded them and applied a water based stain and protectant. So, we will use the stripping product first, of course.
I see below that you recommended applying stain to Ironwood, an exotic wood, when dry. Is this what you recommend for all exotic woods? I will be using the stripping product, clean and brighten, and then stain on exterior wood loungers made of Tzalam wood (an “exotic” Mexican wood similar to mahogany or Ipe). Is it ok to apply stain on this furniture when damp, or better to let dry for several days? Thank you!
If using the RAD Stains, you can apply to dry or damp wood, just not visibly soaking wet wood.
This summer I am planning to use black locust for a horizontal fence here in Chicago, can I use the RAD semi-transparent stain? How long do I wait to stain after installation of the new wood, and do i use the cleaner/brighten system first? Thank you for any help you can offer
See here about new wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
The RAD Stain will work for this wood type.
Here 14 year old ipe stripped and coated with dark walnut in case anyone was torn on color choice. Nothing lasts more than one season on ipe. I’ve tried em all and nothing makes it look like it did when new
An addition to my earlier post. The wood is dry, not having been recoated for a couple of years. My original reason for a wet-on-wet coat.
Thanks, Bob W
Hello:
Setting up to start my one day deck restoration. I planned on doing a wet-on-wet procedure. First strip, then brighten and finally stain…two coats.
The Deck is Mahogany. After looking over your procedure for Mahogany (IPE & Exotic Hardwoods)…you folks suggest just one coat of stain? I’m confused, what is the proper procedure?
Only one coat for hardwood decks like yours.
When doing a maintenance coat on 2 year old mahogany deck (did not do maintenance coat last year) should I plan on using your cleaner and brightener, and then one coat semi-transparent stain. Can I apply stain on damp wood or let dry overnight. If some of the deck is in the sun, should I light mist part in the sun to dampen it, or apply dry. I plan to do this in September when sun is not the hottest.
Use the prep products when recoating. You can apply to dry or damp wood.
Follow up question, would you stain all sides or just the top?
Just the exposed 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
Installing a new kayu batu covered porch. Do you have a special product for exotic woods or does the normal stain work? As for color, we want to highlight the natural red tones it has, would you recommend your natural semi transparent over the walnut or other colors?
The RAD semi-transparent stain in any color will work. Most use the Light Walnut color.
I applied stain to my ipe deck last year using your cleaning and brightening system. Yesterday I started prepping for my maintenance coat by using the cleaning solution, however, it appears to be taking off the stain from last year. Is this normal?
Yes.
Thank you. So since it took it off, do I do a wet on wet application again? Or just one coat? Everything has made it seem like this would be a “quick” process for a maintenance coat, but it’s like starting all over!
Second- in the picture you can see that it didn’t take it all of. Does it need to be completely off for a consistent finish? Or since I’m using the same color, will it be ok?
Only one coat for IPE wood. It is good to stain, it will blend if the same color.
I have taken ownership of a garapa deck that’s in good physical condition. Previous owner used a Flood “Pro Series CWF Hardwoods” penetrating finish for exotic hardwoods. What prep should I use for your product and what semi-transparent stain color would you recommend?
You will need to remove it. Strip it off using both additives: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Brightener after. Try the RAD Stain in Light Walnut.
I just cleaned, used the Brightener and stained my mahogany deck. I noticed the grain of the wood is now raised. I first thought it was due to the cleaner but I stained a hand rail that was brand new and it has the same rough surface after staining only.
Any thoughts
Oxidation removal during the prep can cause this.
Hello. I used the natural color last year on my ipe deck, but turned out looking a little orange colored. Can I apply a different color for my maintenance coat this year to darken it, or make it more brown?
Best to use the RAD Stripper Kit and remove it down to the bare wood. Try the RAD stain in Light Walnut or Dark Walnut.
I have a 2 year old Ipe deck that I have not previously stained. I used RAD cleaner and brighter last year (using brush instead of power wash) and was very happy with the result. I am planning on doing the same again this week (but with power wash instead of brush clean…), and then following up with a RAD stain. What stain variant should I use?
Most use the Light Walnut color for IPE.
I have a 22 year old ironwood deck that was stained once after installation and allowed to gray naturally after that. The vertical elements of the deck at pressure-treated. After cleaning, it all looks very good for its age but there is some minor cracking and softening and even slight cupping in places so I’m planning to apply a penetrating semi-transparent stain after using the RAD brightener. Because I’m fine with the natural graying of the wood, this is really just for maintaining the wood itself and I hope not to have to reapply every year. Which stain do you think is best for my purposes? I have not found much about the RAD stain online – it is not reviewed by Consumer Reports, I suppose because it is new. How many years do you have experience with this formulation? If I use the RAD product, is it better to apply after the ironwood has dried for a couple of days instead of applying wet? I’m more interested in doing what is best for the wood than convenience.
Thanks,
Barbara
Ironwood being an exotic hardwood will require an annual cleaning and reapplication. This is normal for all hardwoods and exterior deck stains. For Ironwood, it would be best to let the wood dry before applying. the RAD Stain. Use the RAD Stain in Light Walnut semi-transparent. Just one coat.
How many years experience do you have so far with this product?
3-4 years in real-time. 5-6 in test environments.
I have 2 mahogany decks that were last treated approximately 5 years ago. Most likely have an oil based stain which is pretty much nonexistent.. which products should I use ? Thanks
Prep with the Cleaner/Brightener Kits and pressure washing. Apply the RAD semi-transparent stain in Light Walnut.