Restore-A-Deck Stain and Prep on the Same Day!
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is an advanced, water-based, semi-transparent stain formulation designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain protects wood from harmful UV rays and damage caused by water penetration. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is safe to use, has a low odor, and is easy to clean up with soap and water. It is ideal for all wood types including pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, or redwood.
Recent advancements in water-based wood stain technology have allowed the active ingredients in the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain to offer better UV protection, excellent penetration into the wood grain, the ability to apply to damp wood, all in 5 beautiful semi-transparent colors that highlight the natural wood grain.
RAD Semi-Transparent Wood and Deck Stain will increase the life, appearance, and durability of all exterior wood surfaces. With the easy-to-apply and maintain Eco-Safe formula, you’ll be able to finish faster and enjoy your exterior wood or deck for years.
WHERE TO USE
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is intended for all wood types of weathered, exterior wood surfaces including decks, fences, siding, outdoor furniture, gazebos, and playsets. You can apply Restore-A-Deck Premium Wood Stain to hardwoods including mahogany, ipe, or other types of exotic hardwoods.
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain can be applied the same day as the prep. Make sure that all standing water has dried off the surface after prep. Typically 2-4 hours at 70º F and less than 50% humidity.
Note: Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood.
New Wood Note: New wood is not the same as “damp” wood and needs to weather and be prepped before staining. Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
Coverage:
RAD Wood Deck Stain applies at about 100-200 feet per gallon. Actual coverage varies depending on wood porosity.
Restore A Deck Stain Application Tips
- Applying RAD Stain Wet on Wet Tips
- How To Apply RAD Stain to Damp Wood
- Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood
- Restore-A-Deck Stain Hot Sun Application
- RAD Two-Toned Wood Decks
ADVANTAGES
- Stain the same day as the prep!
- Utilizing the latest advancements in water-based stain technology
- Cost-effective stain and sealer for your wood
- Deep penetration into the wood grain resulting in less chance of wear and tear
- Protects wood from damaging UV oxidation and graying
- Available in 4 beautiful semi-transparent finishes – Natural, Cedar, Light Walnut, & Dark Walnut
- For use on all exterior wood types and surfaces, not just decks
- Eco-Safe
- Dries to a flat, natural-looking finish
- Water-based, easy cleanup
- Easy to reapply as needed
- Easy to remove if needed
- Does not promote mold/mildew growth
- Low VOC content, compliant with all US states and Canada
AVAILABLE SEMI-TRANSPARENT COLORS:
NATURAL, CEDAR, LIGHT WALNUT, DARK WALNUT, COTTAGE GRAY
WARNING: This product can expose you to Ethylene oxide, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm, and Cumene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
I stripped, brightened, and stained my deck (~750 sq ft) yesterday with the cedar semi-transparent. I forgot to account for the wood railings and stairs in my calculation of area the first time so I had originally planned and bought material for only 500 sq ft (which would be just the deck surface) and ran out of stain after doing the two coats on the railings and one coat on the deck surface. Can I just buy and apply another coat to the deck surface in the next couple of weeks or do I need to do any other sort of prep to apply a second coat?
Second coats, if applied, must go on wet on wet. Since your first coat has already dried, you cannot add another coat at this time. You can lightly clean off any dirt and grime and apply a light coat next Spring/Summer to the floors.
Please correct me of I am wrong. I have a 15-year old teak deck that was previous treated with Penofin oil. It has not weathered well in some areas due to harsh sun and improper cleaning. In other areas under cover, it is in great shape. To switch to your water-based stain, I would have to strip, brighten, and re-stain (one coat). I also have to pick your RAD stain that has a color and not clear for it to have UV protection, correct? Questions: which color would you recommend that would not darken it to much and keep the best natural teak color. I am concerned about getting all of the old oil removed, especially on edges. What will be the reaction of this stain if not? Will this protect this old teak deck as much as an oil-based stain? Please confirm my steps and any advice would be helpful. I have about 1200-1500 sf of deck. I only used 5-6 gal. of Penofin. What would your guess be with this product? Thank you in advance for your help.
-Correct on prep.
-Correct on needing a color for UV protection.
-Try Natural color.
-Penofin is pretty easy to strip, so you should be okay.
-The RAD Stain will hold color longer than Penofin. I would question 6-7 gallons for teak wood.
I have RAD semi-transparent cottage gray on my deck. It’s 2 years old and needs to be reapplied. I want to switch to the solid stain. Do I need to strip the semi-transparent or just do a RAD cleaning step?
Stripping will allow the RAD Solid Stain to adhere and penetrate better. You do not have to remove all, just what is loose or peeling of the semi-transparent.
nothing is loose or peeling – so I should be good with just the cleaner?
Stripper is still better and easier for prep.
How can I get just a sample to try?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-samples.html
I’ve always use AC Mahogany for the Massaranduba deck. A couple of questions.
1) If I clean and powerwash, can I use this water based stain directly?
2) What color would you recommend instead of the Mahogany? My guess would be Light ar dark Walnut
How long to arrive with standard shipping? Illinois.
1-2 business days.
Pressure washing older deck that had a terrible stain that wore off. Replacing rotten planks with new ones. Do I need to use stripper, or just brightener? Will the color difference between old planks and new planks be striking? 360 sq.ft. How many gallens? Thanks!
Pictures? Add them in the comments for prep help. New wood will need to weather and be prepped:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood
Photo added
I added a photo but I’m not sure if it showed up
Use this kit while pressure washing:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
I only need half of what that provides. Isn’t there a way to buy it by the gallon?
The kit only comes in the one size.
Does the whole product have to be used or can half of it be used and resealed?
The shelf life of an opened gallon is about 12 months.
we are not sure what type of deck wood we have. which semitransparent stain color is likely to be least yellow/orange regardless of wood species?
Dark Walnut.
thanks… of the lighter color options which one would be the least yellow
None. They all have some yellowing or reddish colors.
Hello, Can i recoat a year later with the semi transparent cedar stain I used last year with just restore a deck cleaner applied with a deck brush and well rinsed off first? Wait how long after cleaning to recoat?
You may have to scrub with the deck cleaner some. You can apply the stain to damp or dry wood.
I just tried the sample of Semi transparent Natural. The wood is 25 years old and I sanded off the previous finish. Does this hue look correct given what I said above? Thanks
Make sure you shake the samples as the pigment can settle. It does look a little light.
Ok, I should have mentioned to look specifically at the upper left hand corner of the deck by the post, to the right of the stairs. Might need to zoom in. And I did shake the bottle quite a bit until whatever ingredient that was stuck to the inside of the bottle dissolved before using. I didn’t use any brighter before checking the sample. Would that change the equation much?
If you oversanded (sanded too fine), it would reduce stain penetration and lighten the color. Brightener may help a little, but not that much.
See here for some pics:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-and-deck-stain-photo-album
It’s pretty close, just a bit light.
Ok thanks very much. No the last sandpaper I left off with was 40 grit. I’m good with lighter!! Had Behr semi transparent natural on for the duration, had too many layers (my own fault) and it looked horrible and turned really dark. That stuff was the worst, didn’t know. I am using your paint stripper now on the railings. Great product! Great website and customer service. I am ordering your stain now. This is a hard job, but can’t wait to see the finished product. Here is a “before” shot so you can see what I had to deal with. Yikes. Thanks again. PS the Behr stripper in the picture obviously did not work lol
Yes, that does not look easy to strip! Glad the RAD PaintStrip is working well for you! Post some finished pics when done.
Just want to verify: Did not see this anywhere else, but on the product directions for your semi transparent natural, it says only one coat for power sanded surfaces. Is that crucial? Everywhere else I thought it said 2 coats on horizontal surfaces and 1 on vertical.
If you power sand for prep, only apply one coat.
Ok
One more question before I apply the stain tomorrow: I have done a combination of RAD Paint Stripper, power washing and power sanding. I read that if you use the Paint Stripper, that you don’t need to use the brightener. Is this correct? Also, there are sections that I did not use the Paint Stripper, I just sanded (40 then 80 grit), nothing else. Do I need to apply the brightener there? I don’t want a 2 toned finish where I’ve used brightener some places and not in others. I’d love to be able to skip the step. I am down to pretty much new looking wood, evenly everywhere. Please advise. Thanks
In your case, brighten all to even it out. It is an easy step.
BTW, if you spot sanded the floors, you could have uneven staining as where you sanded will tend to stain lighter in color. If you sanded all flooring at same grit, you will be okay.
Ok will do.
I should be totally good. It’s the decking I just sanded with nothing else. I just finished now with 80 grit over the entire deck surface. It was the posts and the railings and balusters that I used both the paint stripper and sanding to remove what I thought would be impossible to lol. Thanks. Looking forward to sending pictures of the finished product.
👍
Here’s the finished product along side a couple before pics for context. We are very happy with the result. Loads of compliments from the neighbors. Love the color and quality of your products. A+. But oh man that was an incredible amount of work. There had to be over 16 layers of stain on the deckboards and railing tops and half as much on the railings. I spent almost 4 full days on the railings alone, one for each: applying stripper, powerwashing, sanding and staining. And it’s not a big deck!
I have 2 questions:
1. How much would this have cost me for someone to do it professionally? I live in NJ
2. Obviously it was my mistake to neglect my deck for so long and load too much stain on over the years. What would my proper maintenance plan be for the next 5-10 years? So I don’t repeat the same mistake.
Thanks!
Getting ready to clean, brighten and stain our older deck – rain expected tonight (Monday) so planning to clean & brighten Tuesday and stain on Wed morning. Temps are 65-70 during the day but may get down to 40-44 degrees for 4 or so hours on Wed night. Will the deck be too wet after rain Mon and cleaning on Tue to stain on Wed or not wet enough and I should rewet again Wed morning? And will the couple hours of cooler temps be ok if I get the stain done early Wed morning?
RAD stains can be applied to visibly damp or dry wood, not soaking wet. See here for more tips:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood
You should be fine with staining on Wednesday, whether the wood is damp or dry.
Thank you! Assuming I should be good to go even though the temps dip a bit at night?
Yes.
How much will one gallon cover
Coverage Per Gallon:100-200 sq. ft per coat.
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I have a cedar deck with TWP 1530 stain. To renew the deck will i need to do anything to switch to the new Restore a Deck stain? Which color is the best match for 1530?
Use this kit for prep: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
Cedar color would be the closest color.
can I use RAD over sherwin williams super deck?
No. No matter what, when switching brands of semi-transparent stains, you need to remove the prior coating first. If you upload some pics in the comments, we can offer tips on removing the Super Deck.
Hi, I used your restore-a-deck for my new cedar deck 2021 with a cedar transparent stain. Do I just need the cleaner and brightener or do I also need the stripper for this time?
Also, I have some stain and brightener from 2021 that are unopened. Do you think it’s still good?
The Brightener is still good to use. It’s hard to say with the stain, as the shelf life is around 2-3 years. Post some pics in the comments to see if you should use the Cleaner or the Stripper.
Added a picture from the original stain in 2021 and what the deck looks like now. Excited to get it back to the original color!
Typically, we would say clean and brighten, but since you have that rug spot, it would be best to strip and brighten all.
We have a ~200 sqft. Cedar deck. We’ve sanded off the old finish with 60 grit paper. We are planning to use the Restore-a-Deck Cleaner and Brightener one day, then apply the semi-transparent dark walnut the next afternoon. I have seen recommendations for both air temp and surface temp. 1) Which should be used? (Or am I overthinking this?).
The weather forecast over the days we plan to Prep and Stain are around 90 highs and 62 lows.
For the stain application, we plan to complete this in the afternoon when the deck is mostly covered by shade. 2) Would application to a dry deck be fine or would it be recommended to lightly mist (dampen) the deck before application?
We have 2 gallons (we don’t expect to need all of this since one 1 coat is expected) and plan to apply using the Deck staining brush from your site. We only have horizontal surfaces.
The chances of rain are low. But as a precautionary measure we may still put a tarp covering the deck and leave it for 24-48 hours. 3) Should a covering be placed immediately, or should we wait some time before covering?
1. Air and surface temp is 50-90 F. 2. Damp decks are easier to apply to. 3. Do not cover the deck. It needs to cure properly. It can take a rain 3-4 hours after you are done.
Ok. If I dampen, can I apply the stain immediately as long as there is no standing water?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood
I have cleaned and brightened. Thoroughly rinsed. I have seen some wood fuzz. Can I stain over that?
Yes.
Is there an SDS for the semi-transparent wood stain light walnut?
Which color will look the least orange on 1 year old cedar that has not previously been sealed?
Darl Walnut. See photos: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-and-deck-stain-photo-album
I’ve used your semi transparent stain on my older deck for year and have been happy. We have built a deck table with cedar fencing (the glass insert shattered) and want to finish with the same stain we use on deck. What is best way to do this? One coat or two?
Just one coat.
I have used Valspar One coat stain and sealer transparent Canyon brown color on my deck and railing maybe 4 years ago. I want to redo the decking and I cleaned and brightened. Turned out pretty wwell. I was going to use the same stain to match the railing that doesn’t need to be redone but got into reviews more and would like to use more quality stain. Our deck is in Colorado mountains at 9000 ft and south facing. Gets beat up by sun.
Your stain came up highly recomended. I still want to use transparent or semi transparent to see the wood grain. What tint would you recomment to match the canyon brown?
Any other recommendations for the elevation/extereme sun and snow?
thanks
If you want to use the RAD stain, you must remove the Valspar first. For help with this, post some pics in the comments. As for color, we are not familiar with their colors, but maybe Dark Walnut would work well for you as it is a medium to dark brown. See photos of colors here:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-and-deck-stain-photo-album
if i cleaned redwood deck a month ago with mold armor should i clean again with rad before i brighten and stain
Yes. 😀
I purchased Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain 1 Gallon in cedar to use on my ipe deck. The application was easy and the color was perfect for me. I will definitely use again.
The RAD products let me clean and strip it down my redwood deck. But, I had horrible luck with the newer Sherwin Williams stain on it here in CA because has to meet VOC requirements that made it pretty useless. The stain lasted less than a year in the San Diego sun. So, I was just going to go clean and prep again with the RAD products and then apply just a penetrating stain that is still allowed – specifically Penofin Redwood. Is your semi-transparent stain allowed in CA? I’m guessing it is better, but can you explain why? Thanks in advance for your help!
Penofin will darken or turn black on you over time. Many online reviews discuss this issue. Our semi-transparent stain is fully penetrating when you prep and apply it correctly. It will not peel like the SW stain, and it will not darken in color like Penofin.
We cleaned and brightened the deck last night. Do we need to wet the deck this morning prior to applying stain? It’s currently 60 degrees outside and the deck is in the shade.
Our stain can be applied to damp or dry wood: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood
Hi, we purchased RAD in 2020 and bought excess amounts. Is it ok to use a container that is still sealed ?
As long as it was stored where it could not freeze, it should be good. The pigment will settle, so shake containers vigorously for 1-2 minutes.
We applied Armstrong Clark Natural Oak last December to 4 Adirondack chairs. Pressure treated wood, weathered 8 months and then cleaned. We wiped the stain off after an hour as per instructions . The stain rubs off every time they are touched, even though we have scrubbed them with Dawn dish soap on 3 separate occasions.
I was wondering what kind of stripper we need to remove the oil stain. And would RAD deck stain water based work well on these chairs? We live in Florida, high humidity.
Thanks!
AC stains are not supposed to be back wiped. When you do that, you remove the curing oils from sealing it in properly. This is what you are having issues.
It can easily be removed with this kit:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
RAD Stains will work great and will not rub off.
I have previously stained my deck with RAD semi transparent dark walnut. Is it ok just to clean and re-stain the heavy traffic and worn areas ? Or do I have to strip it down again?
You cannot “spot” prep and apply. It will not blend. Do all the wood by cleaning or stripping and the Brightener last.
I applied 2 coats of the semi-transparent Cedar tone stain to my deck and had a pop-up storm yesterday about 60 minutes after application. It wasn’t a significant amount of rainfall, but enough to cause some pooling in spots. I used a leaf blower to remove any standing water, but noticed a milky residue left behind. The residue has dried, the deck looks great, are there any additional steps I need to take to correct this? Has the durability of the application been sacrificed?
You should be okay as long as it looks good and it fully cured without the residue.
If I apply rad semi transparent stain to my fence what’s the long term maintenance plan? Is it a matter of just cleaning, brightening and recoating every 3-5 years? I won’t have to re-strip it if I keep using the same color and brand of stain will I?
You can clean and brighten as needed when recoating. It also can be easily stripped if ever needed. FYI, stripping is the same process as cleaning. Not any harder.
Stripping requires using a pressure washer to remove the old coat. Cleaning just a good wash right?
It would be best to have a pressure washer when cleaning or stripping. You cannot just water rinse with a cleaner.
Ok. After finishing stripping all the stain off my fence if it’s possible to not ever have to strip again please tell me what to do? After I apply the dark walnut to the fence what advice do you have going forward for maintenance? Was hoping with the cleaner I’ll take a brush to rough up the fence with the cleaner on it then either soft pressure wash/hose off then brighten before a recoat with the semi dark walnut. The stripper step is brutal with all the fumes, taking care to drape properly,mess from the old stain removal, etc. To me if it’s possible just cleaning vs stripping will seem A LOT easier. Is it realistic to never have to strip again if I use the same rad dark walnut semi? If so what’s
Advice/strategy for upkeep once I stain my fence? Itl be nice to know so I don’t overdo or underdo anything?
As we mentioned, the RAD Stain allows you to clean and recoat as needed. You do not have to strip, but it is easy if you need to.
Thanks. Really hope I never have to strip again. My fence is big on a corner lot and close to two houses.
The rad products worked amazingly in stripping the old dark stain but it was a BRUTAL job. Mixing the stripper with additives, making sure to drape properly so the stripper doesn’t affect any siding, windows, etc. the old stain on the ground from the pressure washer, etc. Id almost consider painting over the stain if faced with the dilemma down the road. I will say though the rad stripper, additives and brightener get a A+grade. Few neighbors asked me what I used and I sent them your website. I’m waiting for the rad dark walnut to arrive so I can stain, even though there’s a voice in my head that says just let it turn weathered gray and skip the stain so you never have the maintenance again…
Post some pics throughout and enter the contest when done:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-prep-stain-contest-2024
Let’s go. Step 3 the Stain was delivered today
I’m confused by this answer. The semi-transparent stain instruction pdf says that you can rinse the cleaner with a garden hose. But, here you say you “cannot just water rinse with a cleaner”. The pdf stats in the prep instructions: “● Step 1: Clean wood with Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner and rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer (max. 2000 PSI).” We used garden hose rinse thoroughly the last two times we used your stain and getting ready to do it again. Why does the above response contradict the product instructions?
It is substantially easier to use a pressure washer. If you are just using a garden hose, you will need to heavy scrub it first, and then rinsing will take a very long time as the hose rinsing does not have much pressure. In theory, it can be done this way, but we are trying to save you time and give better results when using a pressure washer.
I have two very small deck areas — one 6×6 foot and the other 3×6 foot. I am going to sand them with 60-80 grit and then I want COLOR. But the colors that I want are green, blue, yellow and red! I’ve found aniline wood stain powder (KEDA Dye) online in these colors. Can I put this on first and then cover it with the clear semi-transparent stain?
No, you cannot apply our coatings over a different brand of stain.
I picked up acacia wood flooring overlay for my old porch from ikea. They no longer offer any of their own stains and I was looking for a replacement for the floor before I install the pieces. I’m not sure what prep ( maybe a light sanding) I would need to do before applying the step 4 natural.
Are you talking about prepping and staining the old decking underneath the acacia or the acacia itself?
Is Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Oil-based? If so, is it available in California?
RAD Stains are water-based. Yes, we can ship it to CA.
The section is divided my deck is divided into four squares can I just do 1 square this is in reference to my first comment
Just stained my deck with semi transparent rad stain ran out 5 feet from the end but it is
lightly coated can I strip and Brighten 2 weeks from now just that section
As long as the stripper does not get on the other sections, then yes you can remove and redo.
Do you need to use a sealer after you stain? I stained my deck this weekend but can’t find anything about needing to seal it.
No need. Thanks
We just had our previously painted screened in porch deck sanded, would I need to do additional prep prior to applying the stain?
What grit did they use for the paper when sanding?
Progressive larger to smaller finished with 220 I believe
If you ever sand a deck, you can never sand finer than 60-80 grit. Sanding to 220 basically will prevent the stain from soaking in. You cannot stain this now. You need to weather the wood for 3-4 months and then clean and brighten the deck or redo the sanding with 60 grit paper and then clean and brighen for final prep. Only one coat the the stain.
What is the best application method for Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain ? Spray/Roll or both?
Please read the PDS: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/pdf/Restore-A-Deck-wood-stain-data-sheet.pdf
Is the natural stain color tinted or clear ?
Tinted. Stains must be tinted for UV protection.
Hello, it’s been 24 hours since we finished applying 2 coats (wet on wet) of the light walnut semi transparent stain to dry, stripped, cleaned & brightened wood.
Is there anyway to get these spots off? I did my best to remove excess stain with the staining pad before we moved on / let it dry.
No, there is no way to spot remove the excess stain without damaging the rest of the stain.
Hello, I just finished the brightener step. How long do I need to wait before I can use the semi-transparent RAD stain?
I’ve read a few different things and want to be sure I don’t mess it up! Thanks!
It can be damp or dry: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood
I have a deck which i want to restore (please see attached photographs). have couple of question…would appreciate if you could answer:
Thanks.
We already responded to your prior (same) questions. Here you go again.
1. Two light coats applied wet on wet. About 3 gallons.
2. No, never use wood filler on a deck.
3. No third picture.
4. Visit our contest pages:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-prep-stain-contest-2023
The first step is to remove the old coating. You will need our stripper and brightener kit.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
Thanks for responding..attaching the third pic and highlighting chipped area in red circle.
That is checking from your wood. Cannot fix it or fill it. Not that big of a deal.
Hi,
I have a 25year old cedar deck. I stripped the old paint with diamabrush then pressure washed and finally sand it with 80 grit. Since you guys stated that I need to apply one coat (because of the sanding process), I did so.
I used one of your semi transparent stain and applied to slightly wet wood. Application was ok.
We had a light rain after 26 hours and it seems like the boards absorbs the water and looks wet. I was expecting the water beads up.. am I missing something?
now I have two questions;
-I know it’s a wet to wet application but should I go ahead and apply a light second coat since the water does not beads up? what if I do so?
-I still need to apply the stain to different area which had the same process. Should I go with two coats instead of one?
The need for beading water is a myth. Deck stains are supposed to be able to breathe, not 100% seal the wood. 100% sealing of the wood can cause rotting.
-One coat for all wood.
Hi there, looking for some advice as I asked my husband to buff out some areas that had raised wood fibers from power washing and instead he used a sander so now the deck looks like this. How should we proceed? Should i have him sand the entire deck now so its the same color? If so, what grit number? We will be staining with RAD light walnut. Thanks!
Yes, you will need to sand all wood evenly with 60-80 grit and then final prep with the wood brightener to open the wood pores after sanding. Only 1 coat of the stain when you sand.
I cleaned, brightened, and started to to stain my deck. Now it is raining and I won’t be able to finish it for 2 days. Is there any recommendation about dealing with the “line” between the stain I initially applied and the stain I am going to apply now?
You will not be able to blend if you stopped in the middle of any boards. If you stopped at exactly the edge of one deck board, you should be fine to proceed as long as you do not overlap.
Last year, I power sanded the entire deck, applied the cleaner, then the brightener, and finally applied your RAD semi-transparent stain product. Followed directions and only did 1 coat. The deck looks great but I’m noticing a bit of a lighter hue on the ends of the deck that get pelted by rain. I’m assuming the proper process of applying a 2nd coat is to clean the deck with restore-a-deck cleaner, and then apply a coat of semi-transparent stain. I read in one of the posts that you had recommended using the brightener, but in other posts it was recommended to only clean and then apply the stain. What is the proper process? Thank you! Love your products!
Using the Brightener is typically needed to neutralize after using the Cleaner.
hello! we have stripped our deck to remove a previous dark stain color that was damaged. The wood coloring beneath is uneven. Some areas are bright and some areas are much darker and uneven in texture. What can i do to even the color of the wood prior to staining?
Also, do you think the light walnut semi transparent color would look well here? I believe the wood is pine. Ty!
Did you brighten the deck after stripping? Light Walnut would work here.
We did not brighten. We power-washed it and then used a stain stripping solution. There is still some stubborn stain left. How would you recommend removing it? Using more stripping solution or power-washing or both? Or sanding ?
Once all of the prior stain is gone, this it sounds like I should use a brightener. We also have raised attached fibers in some areas and i read from a previous post that those should be sanded-buffed out. Thanks for the guidance
You must brighten after stripping to neutralize and restore the pH balance. To redo, use this kit:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
thank you. how many gallons of stain do I need to purchase for a space that is 8.5 feet by 19 feet? 2 coats of light walnut
2 gallons.
Thank you will do. Can you advise on how much semi-transparent stain I will need to buy? 19×8 feet deck
Cottage Gray Semi Transparent stain applied to tongue & groove beetle kill/blue stain pine patio ceiling. Truly sheer, truly one coat with easy cleanup & adequately water-proofed. Is this likely to quickly sun fade in window skylights? A second test coat became much more opaque…
It will be fine and do not add more after the first coat has cured.
Does this deck need to have the stripper applied to it.
Yes, strip and brighten for prep.
Does this deck need the stain stripper applied to it.