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Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain on Exotic Hardwoods IPE

by RAD Products

Restore A Deck Light Walnut Stain on IPE

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.

RAD Stain Steps

 

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.

 

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Joel
Joel
4 months ago

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?

Sue M
Sue M
5 months ago

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?

George
George
7 months ago

What products would you use to restore teak rocking chairs

George
George
7 months ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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.

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Lou
Lou
8 months ago

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.

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Sharon
Sharon
9 months ago

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.

Dean Moshofsky
Dean Moshofsky
10 months ago

I have new IPE stairs, and older teak furniture. Can I use the Restore A Deck products on both?

JMS
JMS
1 year ago

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? 

Celeste Warner
Celeste Warner
1 year ago

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.

Celeste Warner
Celeste Warner
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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!!!

Rick
Rick
1 year ago

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? 

Larry
Larry
1 year ago

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.

Larry
Larry
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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.

Rick
Rick
1 year ago

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. 

steve
steve
1 year ago

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?

Steve
Steve
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Cleaned, Brightened, Waited a week for rain, Stained.

Julie
Julie
1 year ago

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?

Julie
Julie
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

I still have Penofin brightener leftover. Any issues if I use RAD stripper and Penofin brightener?

Doug
Doug
1 year ago

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

BillAP
BillAP
1 year ago

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?

BillAP
BillAP
1 year ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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.)

Josh
Josh
2 years ago

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.

Christina
Christina
2 years ago

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!

Christina
Christina
2 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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. 

Christina
Christina
2 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

Thank you!!!

Christina
Christina
8 months ago
Reply to  Christina

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.

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Pat
Pat
2 years ago

I stripped and sanded my IPE deck. Do I realy need to use cleaner before the brightner or a good rinse would be enough ?

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2 years ago

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!

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2 years ago

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?

Pat
Pat
2 years ago

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 ? 

David Spuria
David Spuria
2 years ago

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. 

Chris
Chris
2 years ago

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!

Bill Goodwin
Bill Goodwin
2 years ago

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?

Brad
Brad
2 years ago

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 !

Brad Hammacher
Brad Hammacher
2 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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?

Amanda
Amanda
2 years ago

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.

Amanda
Amanda
2 years ago

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!

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2 years ago

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 

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2 years ago

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   

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3 years ago

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

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3 years ago

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?

Tom
Tom
3 years ago

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.

Paul
Paul
3 years ago

Follow up question, would you stain all sides or just the top?

Paul
Paul
3 years ago

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?

Sarah
Sarah
3 years ago

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?

Sarah
Sarah
3 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

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?

Larry
Larry
3 years ago

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?

Paul
Paul
3 years ago

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

Rick
Rick
4 years ago

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?

Mark
Mark
4 years ago

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?

Barbara
Barbara
4 years ago

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

Barbara
Barbara
4 years ago
Reply to  RAD Products

How many years experience do you have so far with this product?

Pat
Pat
4 years ago

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

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