This post was updated on March 3, 2024
Restore A Deck Solid Color Stain Review
Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain Review 2024
This is our initial Review of the Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Wood and Deck Stain. This review will be updated over the years. As deck restoration contractors, Restore A Deck Solid Color Stain will be our go-to Solid Color Stain for 2024 due to its ease of use, 5 pre-mixed solid colors (the only solid stain on the market that comes pre-mixed), and the ability to prep and stain on the same day.
Note: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains are the only stain we have tested that can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you the ability to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time.
Restore A Deck Solid Color Wood Stain Review
Summary: Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Wood Stain is an extremely durable synthetic-resin, opaque wood finish that helps protect against the damaging effects of water, fungi, and UV radiation on exterior wood surfaces. This V.O.C. compliant water-based product provides exceptional protection for nearly all exterior wood surfaces in a beautiful matte finish.
Restore-A-Deck 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.
Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Wood Stain can be used on interior or exterior horizontal and vertical wood surfaces including wood siding, log homes, decks, fences, outdoor wood furniture, pressure-treated, and all other natural wood surfaces.
Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 10
Note: We used a two-toned deck stain approach for this Restore A Deck Solid Stain Review. This review is for the White Solid color stain that was applied to all verticals. To see our review or the RAD Semi-Transparent Stain, Click Restore A Deck Wood Stain
– The Restore-A-Deck wood stain color we used was the Solid Classic Color in White for the Railings and Semi-transparent Dark Walnut for the Floor. The two coats applied to our PTP wood covered nicely and did not show any wood grain which is expected with a solid stain. Even application and no overlap lines.
Restore A Deck Solid Color Stain Review
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 10
–At the 1-year mark, there was no wearing or peeling anywhere on the white verticals.
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
– We applied two coats to our 350 sq. feet of verticals that included all railings and steps. 2 Gallons were used at a cost of $50 per gallon.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
– Similar to other water-based solid color deck stains, the Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Stain will not promote the growth of mold or mildew. This is one of the main advantages of using a water-based coating. At the 1-year mark, the deck showed no signs of any mold or mildew.
Ease of Application: 8
– Our favorite aspect of the Restore-A-Deck Wood Solid Color Stain is the ability to stain and prep on the same day. We tested this by cleaning and brightening the wood with the Step 1 and Step 2 Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kit and then applying the RAD stain 1 hour after the prep. The Restore-A-Deck actually applies easier to damp wood than dry wood. We also found that the coverage was better when applied to damp wood.
We applied both coats of the White RAD Stain with a roller and brush to the wood, waiting about 30 minutes between coats. The second coat goes on very easily and covers twice as far as the first coat. Overall application with the Restore-A-Deck solid stain is very easy. Spreads excellently and is easy to work with.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8
– Clean and reapply as needed using their Step 1 Deck Cleaner and a light pressure washing.
Overall Score Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Stain at 1 Year Period: 8.88
– The Restore-A-Deck is a great Solid Color Stain. It is the only solid stain on the market that comes pre-mixed, making it much easier to choose a color. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains have allowed the ability to Prep and Stain on the Same Day, giving it a huge advantage over other brands that perform just as well. If you are looking for the future of exterior wood and deck stains, then you should consider the Restore A Deck Solid Color Wood Stain and its prepping systems.
Product Information
More Info: Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Stain
Cost: $59.99 per Gallon. Products ship free on their website.
Stain Type: Solid Color (Opaque) Wood Stain – Water Based
Available in Pre-Mixed Solid Colors: Classic White, Coastal Gray, Desert Taupe, Cypress, Brown Oak
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 200-400 sq. ft. Coverage varies on wood age and type of wood.
Application Tools: Airless Sprayer, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2-4 Hours
Cleanup: Water
VOC Compliant: 50 VOC Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: Restore-A-Deck
Test Deck Stats
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 350 Square feet
UV Exposure: Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 1 Year
Stain Color Used: White
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain Photos
How To Restore Your Deck All in One Day – DeckStainHelp.com
Deck Stain Help & Questions
How does the solid espresso look after applying to a fence? More black than brown? How does it look in the full sun? Full sun photo on their website looks gray.
It looks dark brown in shade and slightly less brown in the sun.
Thanks. Sounds like no gray tones. What would you suggest for this fence after strip with both additives and brighten?
Varies based on how well it strips. Post pics after this is done.
Will do. In the meantime what’s the pros and cons between semi and solid stains. What are some pros for choosing a solid stain besides covering up imperfections
Varies based on the brand. This may help explain the differences in stain types:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stains/
Your review is based on the railings which usually hold up much better and longer than the floor. What is your rating on the floor.
Just as good. We have used it on many 100s of decks with no issues.
You did not use the solid stain on the deck floor, correct? How do you know that it will hold up as well as on the railing?
I have had 4 deck refinishers tell me to go with SW SuperDeck Exterior Waterborne Solid Color Deck Stain, they have heard of, but have no experience with Restore-a-Deck. Why are they wrong? Did SW change it’s product recently? Also, one said that synthetic resin in RAD would sit on top, not soak into checkering cracks. Can they get a discount on this product? Is it available locally in MIchigan or only online? Thanks.
We have used the RAD Solid stain on 100’s of decks now and it holds up better than any other solid stain we have used. Your contractors are only visiting SW stores, they are not doing their research and trying better brands. Solid stains do not fully soak into wood, they all film slightly on top.
You can buy it locally in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
The Sealer Store
2388 Franklin Rd
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Thanks very much
Can you use solid restore a deck on a previously solid stained deck?
Yes, but see here about prep:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
I have a new fence that is rough cut pressure treated pine with 3 1×6 rails per section. I would like to stain it white or something to keep it light in color like new wood. Since it is rough wood, should I spray the stain? What would be the easiest way to apply the stain and which stain would work the best?
You will need a solid color stain for a white color. You can roll/brush this on or use an airless sprayer if you have one. Look at the Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain in their white color.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-solid-stain-1-gallon.html
In the photos shown on this page for the Restore-A-Deck stain, what is the stain used for photos on page 1, 2, 3, and 6? The stain colors aren’t listed for these photos. I previously bought the Cypress solid stain color and it is too red for my liking. Can a new Restore-A-Deck color stain color be painted directly over the old color? The Cypress stain was painted on part of the deck and rails a few weeks ago. Thank you!
The colors for each photo are below the photo if clicked and on the photo when in a thumbnail. Yes, you can apply over it the Cypress.
Also, see this link:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-and-deck-stain-photo-album
Hello,
I’ve been looking for the best solid stain to use on my year old (never been stained yet) privacy fence. I was contemplating using BM Arborcoat. I was told to use only one coat as it contains a sealer and once it’s absorbed into the wood and sealed it will not allow another coat to be absorbed but will sit on top and peel. This makes sense to me unless it’s a wet on wet double coat. Also, the wood needs to be very dry as the sealer would seal in the water and then it would cause the stain to peel later. Do solid stains actually absorb into wood?
I just found your site and see that you recommend Restore-a-Deck as your go-to solid stain. I like the coverage that you got with two coats of the white since that is the color I will be using. I’m a bit confused though as to why it can be used on damp wood. Does it not contain a sealer to protect the wood? I don’t see that it’s water resistant or waterproof either. Is it really more beneficial to not seal the wood nor have water resistance? Aren’t these some of the reasons to stain wood?
I also know I need to pressure wash it before staining with RAD but do I need to use a special cleaning product also?It still looks very clean as it is. I’d like to get it done soon as we are having great weather this week.
Thank you so much.
Solid stains do not fully absorb into the wood. All deck stains are sealers. You cannot add a sealer over the top of a deck stain as it will peel. Beading water is a myth. You want the stain to be able to breathe, not be 100% sealed as that can lead to dry rot.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-is-my-deck-stain-not-beading-water
Yes, you must prep with a deck cleaner and wood brightener.
I have two decks that are 28 years old at my home. They were never stained, just pressure washed. Are there some boards that I should change before I stain the deck? Or should I just change all the decking surface since the deck is so old? I would use the Restore-A-Deck. I attached some snapshots of the worst looking boards.
I want to extend the life of two 28 year old decks at my home using Restore-A-Deck stain, I am wondering what existing boards should be changed before I stain it. Or should all the decking be replaced (reuse everything else). Decks were never stained, but were pressure washed. Attached are photo examples of deck.
We would just prep with the RAD Cleaner and Brightener Kits and then address the handful of checking boards after if needed to replaced. Most will cleanup just fine.
Would you recommend pressure washing before doing the cleaner and brightener kits? Thank you!
No, you pressure wash while using the kits.
We just moved into a new house with a 10-12 year old 690sqft deck that has seen better days. I have lightly sanded and cleaned with Olympic deck wash. I was planning to paint with Behr advance deck over but thank God I checked reviews and found this site.
The deck area with the stairs was fixed with new wood and Sherwin Williams super deck solid deck stain. I am looking to cover the entire deck with a grey solid stain from RAD. The deck has some slight splintering but still solid. Looking for some advice on how to proceed.
1. Do I need to remove all the SW stain from the old and new wood before I stain with the RAD grey?
2. What about wash and brighten?
Hi,.
See here for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
I’m just finishing stripping a semi solid stain off of my deck with a stripper solution do I need to use a brightener I’m planning on bleaching it to kill the mold etc. Also what kind/brand of stain is the easiest to reapply later so I want have to strip it again I’ve got roughly 1000sq ft of deck and I don’t want to go through this again it’s been a pain
Do you want solid stain or semi-transparent stain.
I’m thinking semi transparent
I’m thinking semi transparent but whatever will last longest and not have to be stripped again
Look at the Restore A Deck Semi-transparent stain then. Other options on this link:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
one year aged treated wood dock in salt water 400 feet long. what would you recommend?
Restore A Deck Stains or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Would you recommend Restore-a-deck solid stain or gulf synthetics deck revive for a old deck with splinters and cracks? Will gulf synthetics deck revive last longer than a restore-a-deck solid stain?
Both are excellent and should last about the same. Comes down to cost and the appearance you want. Gulf will have a gritty feel to it.
I have a deck in bad shape. I have replaced bad boards and sealed it.
I just need to paint it a color as a bandaid until I can replace it in a year or two.
what are your recommendations?
I was not aware of the class action suit against rock solid. I used it last fall on a small porch.
it is a vacation cottage so it’s fine that it looks a little rough. Now we will see how it holds up.
Use the Restore A Deck Solid stain. Best solid stain out there.
Thanks. Where do I buy it. I see company website and Amazon. Is it available locally?
Buy from their website, less than Amazon.
Will RAD adhere to other solid stains such as SuperDeck, or Behr, or Arborcoat? Or do you need to strip the previous stain off?
RAD Solid can be applied over another solid stain but some prep is involved. See for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
Thank you.
Hi – have a customer in NC looking for a very specific mixed color to match pre existing stained trim that none of the premixed solids would match. Ideas for best solid stain for a deck with the ability to color match?
See here for other options: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Im in upsate NY. MY tongue and grrove deck has peeling paint or solid stain cant tell which, that I am going to wirebrush, sand, and clean but I dont expect to get all the paint /solid stain off the deck. There is minor splintering of wood but the surface of the deck is solid.
Which RESTORE product is best for this application
Do you have some pics you can add here?
Hi Scott,
Thanks for all you do to provide this very helpful resource.
We have a covered porch with 6×6 cedar posts and 4×8 cedar beam facing south, taking direct sun throughout the day. This work was done 10 years ago when we moved into the home. The stain has held up nicely for areas not exposed to the sun, but peeling in areas that do have direct exposure to the sun. I’ve pressure washed most of the stain off of the posts (please see photo below). I plan on sanding them today.
For the beam, the stain is on there good. I won’t be able tp pressure wash the beam to strip it down to bare wood like I did the posts without damaging the wood. Can I just clean the beam with deck cleaner, lightly pressure wash to remove any loose stain, and apply RAD over both posts and beam? If so, which product would you recommend?
It looks like a solid stain on the beam so you will need to use a solid stain again. Use the RAD Solid Stain. See this for prep: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
Can I use a RAD solid water based stain over a previous oil based stain on my deck? The current stain is OneTime wood, which did not last anywhere near 7 yrs as advertised. It is very weathered, but no pealing, and has now been power washed. Thanks
No, you should strip and brighten to remove the One Time. Then you can apply a new stain.
Thanks!
I have a small wood deck that was painted before I bought my house. It peeled but the spots that didn’t peel where hard to strip. So I sanded, pressure washed, let dry and applied a peel stop primer from zinsser. Painted with Behr porch and patio. After a year it’s held up to weather and traffic, but my plastic chairs stick and peel off little spots whenever they’re moved. I live in Florida. The deck gets sun half of the day. Any recommendations on a more durable paint that can be applied to already painted surfaces?
We never us a “paint” on a deck as they peel. Solid stains are the correct way to go if you want an opaque look. Unfortunately you cannot use a solid stain over a paint so we do not have any advice to offer.
Where can I find the sample colors of the restore-a-deck solid stain?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
I spent a fair amount of monies on a deck product named Wood rx, was suppose to be a good product.
I bought a airless sprayer and 10 gallons of this stuff did an 85 ft deck and ramp and my back deck 28 ft by 16 dec. after seven or eight months it is peeling I am very disappointed can I use your product to spray over this or how do I go about re-doing these decks. They were All treated lumber which I was told had to be weathered for 8 months which I did, my question is can I use your product over my peeling deck as is?
To fix you will need to remove all the peeling stain first by stripping and sanding.
I went to your website and I drove the 8 miles each way to this store that you list is selling your product, I got there and they do not sell your product. I’m asking if you could tell me for sure where in this area sells your product. Thank you
This is not a Restore A Deck Website. Ask from their website for help.
On your website you list a paint company called North Cromwell paint on Haggerty Road in Michigan, Walled Lake area that sells your product. I went there today and they do not sell your product. I live in the town of Farmington Hills Michigan can you direct me to someone that sells your product locally that I can drive to and talk to about Restore a deck products and purchase it from them? I understand that you’ll ship for free etc., but I’d really like to talk to somebody that’s handled your sproduct here in Michigan. Can you please Provide me with a paint store that handles your product, Thank you John
FYI, we do not have a list of companies that sell products on this website, so not sure what you mean?
I understand the basic difference between opaque and semi-permanent stain, but I am not clear how you decide which one to use. I live in an HOA and we are required to use cedar color on our decks but the type of stain is not designated. I have cleaned and brightened the deck but I’m not sure where to go from here. I don’t know if what was originally used was semi-transparent or opaque. And does it make a difference if I put semi-transparent over opaque?
Post some pics for help.
Had to wait until the deck dried out after the rain. Thanks in advance.
You have a solid/opaque stain. This means you will need a solid stain again. Try the RAD Solid Stain.
You need to redo your prep. Use a pressure washer with a deck stripper to help remove the peeling stain. Let dry and spot sand any more peeling stain before applying your new solid stain.
Thank you! Appreciate the help!