This post was updated on April 25, 2023
Update 2023 Best Deck Stain Strippers
With over 30+ years of restoring decks as contractors, we have done extensive research to find the best deck strippers and put together a comparison of the positives and negatives of each brand and type of stripper. However, if you’re still not sure which deck stripper is best for you, our experts are here for you: Just post a comment or question below and we’ll reply as soon as we can.
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#1 Best Wood Stain Stripper/Remover | #2 Best Wood Stain Stripper/Remover | #3 Best Wood Stain Stripper/Remover |
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What is the Best Deck Stripper?
This is a very popular question that we get here at Deck Stain Help. Those who are familiar with the deck staining process are aware that you must properly prep your deck before staining for beautiful results. In this article, we discuss the best deck strippers on the market.
We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects.
The Top-Rated Wood Deck Stain Strippers
1. Restore-A-Deck Deck Stripper with Booster/Thickening Gel Additives
Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Booster Additive is a special blend of solvents that is added to premixed 5-Gallons of the Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper. The Restore-A-Deck Stripper Booster will raise the effectiveness of the stain stripping up to 300% by helping to break down the surface tension of difficult-to-remove wood stain finishes.
Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Thickening Gel is a special blend that is added to premixed 5-Gallons of the Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper. With a longer dwell time, Restore-A-Deck Stripper Thickening Gel will raise the effectiveness of the stain stripping by adding the ability to cling to vertical and horizontal surfaces for up to 1 hour. Works especially well on improving the performance of the stripping on vertical wood such as wood railings, wood fences, and wood-sided homes.
Manufacturer: Restore-A-Deck
Product Type: Deck Stain Stripper Additives to boost overall effectiveness.
Available Sizes: 16oz. Add these into 5 Liquid Gallons of RAD Stain Stripper.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a Scale of 1-10): 9.8
See Review Article Here: Restore-A-Deck Booster & Gel Additives Review
2. Restore-A-Deck Stripper Rating
Note: This rating is without the Booster and Thickening Gel Additives
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper is a biodegradable, powdered concentrate that quickly removes worn finishes to restore wood surfaces. Stains and varnishes are removed along with collected dirt, mold, mildew and mill glaze.
Manufacturer: Restore-A-Deck
Product Type: Powdered Concentrate Deck Stain Stripper
Available Sizes: 2 Pound Container Makes 5 Liquid Gallons
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a Scale of 1-10): 9.4
See Review Article Here: Restore-A-Deck Stripper Review
3. RAD PaintStrip Stripping Gel Rating
Note: This product is designed to remove solid color deck stains and paints. While it will remove all other stain types, it is not always needed.
R-A-D™ PaintStrip is the right choice for almost any paint or sealer stripping project. R-A-D™ PaintStrip is eco-friendly, works fast (starts working within 5 minutes), and removes up to 5 layers of most paints in 30-45 minutes, and up to 15 layers in 24 hours.
Manufacturer: Restore-A-Deck
Product Type: Solid Color Deck Stain and Paint Stripping Gel
Available Sizes: 1 & 5-Gallons
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a Scale of 1-10): 9.2
See Review Article Here: RAD PaintStrip Review
4. Defy Wood Stain Stripper Rating
Defy Exterior Wood and Deck Stripper is designed to remove transparent and semi-transparent exterior wood and decking stains. Defy Stripper is a biodegradable deck stain remover that restores the wood to a like-new appearance that will work on both water-based and oil-based stains.
Where To Buy: Select Stores and Online Defy Store
Product Type: Liquid Wood Deck Stain Stripper
Available Sizes: 1 Gallon Pre-Mixed Liquid (Not Concentrate)
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.25
See Review Article Here: Defy Stain Stripper Review
Common Questions About Wood Deck Stain Strippers
Do You Have to Strip a Deck?
Prior to staining a wood deck, it is necessary to properly prep the wood for the best results. Removing all the dirt, mold, mildew, and graying will help the new deck stain to penetrate better and last longer.
When dealing with a deck that has an old failing deck stain on it, a simple wood cleaning is not enough. In this case, a deck stain stripper must be used to emulsify and soften the old stain so it can be removed more easily. Wood stain strippers are more aggressive than a typical wood cleaner.
What are Active Ingredients in a Deck Stain Stripper?
Some of the best deck stain strippers that we have found contain a mixture of Sodium Hydroxide and other surfactants and typically come in a concentrated powder formula. Once mixed with water they can be applied using a pump sprayer.
Instruction Tips for Stripping a Deck?
To get the best results using a wood stain stripper you need to let the product dwell for several minutes after applying it to the wood. This allows the stain stripper to penetrate and break down the old stain. The amount of dwell time depends on the type of existing stain. For instance, most semi-transparent oil-based stains will remove more easily than a semi-solid deck stain.
For hard-to-remove stains such as acrylic or silicone-based stains, several applications and longer dwell times may be necessary. In extreme cases when dealing with a solid deck stain or paint, some sanding may be needed to fully remove the existing stain.
Once the failing deck stain seems to have been softened it is best removed with a power washer using light to moderate pressure. The caustic stripper will raise the pH level of the wood during the stripping process causing it to appear very dark.
Do I have to Brighten after using Deck Stain Strippers?
Following the stripping process with an application of a wood deck brightener will restore the pH, brighten the wood, while neutralizing the deck stripper. This brightening process should not be skipped. It is a crucial step to getting optimal results from the new deck stain and a more natural appearance.
Using a quality wood deck stain stripper will give you the best chance of removing the existing deck stain. Once the old stain is gone the new deck stain can fully penetrate the wood for maximum protection and lasting results.
The Best Deck Strippers Video – DeckStainHelp.com
Best Deck Stripper Reviews
Deck Stain Help & Questions
Stain Reviews & Comparisons
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
We just had two decks stained with Cabot Semi Transparent Redwood stain. It seems like the stain was applied very heavily as it is shiny and tacky. It almost looks like paint. It makes the wood very hot and slippery. What is the best solution at this point? One of the decks surrounds a pool.
To fix you would have to power sand this all off.
Oof. Ok, is that what you would recommend given the photos?
If the stickiness does not go away then yes.
And can you explain why sanding vs any kind of stripper or a combination of the two?
Strippers will not work very well with a newly and over-applied stain like this.
If we have a stained deck with a painted coat which is the best stripper ti take care of both to eventually restain?
You will have to power sand to remove this.
I am so glad to finally find your site! I am a single woman with a home in a temperate rainforest climate with a large UNOCOVERED deck. I have only had the home for 2 years and the deck “looked” pristine when I got it. Now it has severely deteriorated – lots of cracks, peeling, lifting, etc. I believe the previous owner went over it with Valspar 1 Coat Exterior Stain and Sealant Opaque Solid (found leftover) without any prep to make it appear good to sell.. I have someone to refinish it for me but they want me to choose the process and materials.
The deck itself is pressure treated wood and approximately 10-12 yrs old.
With information from your site and other research, I think I would like to strip the floor, recondition it and apply a semi transparent stain in a redwood color to coordinate with the pickets and rails. The pickets look perfect and the rails have some splitting and mold but are otherwise in good shape. I would like to refinish just the rails with the Valspar product and leave the pickets alone.
Please help! (in the last pic, we tried a stripper as a test. we also pressure washed) Thank you!
See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-a-solid-color-deck-stain-or-paint/
What stripper will remove behr deckover acrylic based
It is not possible to remove a deck resurface stain with a stripper: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-rust-oleum-deck-restore/
I stripped and redid my deck last year with a lot of great help from this site. I’m very happy because this deck gets a lot of wear and rainy cold winters. What should I do this year. I need to clean it for summer and a few areas did flake. I’d like to fix those. Thoughts for my spring.
See these tips for recoating a solid stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
Looking for recommendations to strip and restain 800sq ft deck. Existing coating is Thompsons semi transparent. Deck is on second level supported by painted structural beams. Is stripper going to damage the painted beams. Will restore a deck do the job. Please advise
What you have on the wood is more of an opaque solid stain. Thompsons lies about their opacity. Problem is that a deck stripper will not remove this fully. You can strip off as much as possible but then you will need to sand to get it all off. You would have to do this if you want to use a proper semi-transparent stain. The other option is to remove what is peeling and then cover the rest with a solid color stain. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
Scott- very recently had a small deck restained with a Sherwin Williams oil-based stain to a cedar color (see 1st picture) that is too orange for my liking. Would like to remove that stain so i can reapply a more clear finish to get closer to the more natural cedar color (see 2nd photo). So 3 questions: (1) Will the restore-a-deck stain stripper and booster products do the trick for this job, or will I need to consider sanding as well? (2) Any recs on a clear stain product and color? (3) Will a clear stain, baked in Minnesota sun, evolve into a color I’m not expecting? So maybe the orange cedar I’m seeing today is not as undesireable as I think? Thank you!
1. It should remove all or most. Make sure to pressure wash.
2. Clear sealers = zero UV protection. It has to be tinted.
3. Clear will turn gray in months.
Very helpful. Thank you!
How long is too long? In early July I used Restore-A-Deck stripper and brightener on my 1000 sf redwood deck. (I built it in 1985 and re-finish it every year or so.) Did a good job and all looked great. Then life and vacation and rain and weekends on the river and repairing some soft areas and sanding the railings all got in the way — and I have not refinished it yet — the naked wood looks great when wet – the rest of the time it looks hungry. I have always refinished with transparent or “natural” finishes. Right now I have 5 gal of Cabot Australian Timber Oil finish, Natural, sitting here ready to go when things dry out. My question is: given the 2 months that have passed since the cleaning/brightening — am I still ok to apply the finish, or should I “brighten” it again? Thanks.
Clean and brighten again.
Customer used this thick ‘correct deck stain’. But he stained over top of a clear sealer ,of course it’s bubbling n flaking all over. Whats best stripper for this type job? I got half it off just pressure washing.
You cannot strip that coating type. Sanding is the only way and it is not easy.
Yep sanding my butt off , gottta be better way in life. Lol
Thompsons Deck stripper with sodium hydroxide. will it harm the deck hardware and concrete? and it will be rinsed into into the soil below it which will also down the slope of terraced rocks and plantings, and stream water. Is this OK? We will be using about 3 gallons.
Strippers will not harm concrete or deck hardware. The ground should be fine as well.
I read California states sodium hydroxide causes cancer and birth defects. In our case a stream runs under one of the decks through which the stripper will be rinsed. There is ground under the other deck adjoined to the home, but the stripper will soak into the ground and eventually through to the stream. WE live on an island.
Too much exposure to anything can cause issues. You will be fine when only stripping your deck once but you can always sand the deck if concerned.
I used Sikkens on my deck 4 years ago. There is only one coat on the deck. It’s looking pretty rough so I decided to restain it. I pressure washed it which removed a lot of the colour right down to the wood, but there is still enough colour on there to make the deck look brown as opposed to natural wood colour. After reading your posts, I think I want to switch to the TWP 100, 200 in semi-translucent or semi-solid stain. Do I have to remove all the Sikkens first? If so, is the Restore-a-deck enough to pull all the stain up and off? Or should I sand the deck? If I have to sand the deck, would you recommend an orbital sander (I’ve used before and it was a hassle as the pads kept slipping), or a drum sander? And is it important to sand or get Restore-a-deck in the cracks and along the sides of the boards (the space between the boards)? I live in Victoria, BC, Canada and we get A LOT of rain here. Which one of the TWP products do you recommend for our climate? Thanks! Attaching pictures – it had just started raining so it looks very deceiving and uneven but it’s all I got. Sorry. Also fyi, one deck is cedar and the other is pressure treated wood. Your website is so informative. Much appreciated.
Yes, you have to remove the Sikkens fully and this cannot be stripped. You will have to power sand to get this all off. For Canada, you will need the TWP 200 Series.
I have a deck from Hell…have a 300ft PT lumber deck built 5 weeks ago. The Builder hired a painter who only uses Sherwin Williams products. He told me he was going to us SW Deck stain (gray). He did a horrible job and when he said he would fix it, we said no…
I found another painter who came out to look at the deck. He asked what was put on the deck and I told him…H&C® COLORTOP™ WATER-BASED SOLID COLOR CONCRETE STAIN. The original painter and his Sherwin Williams Representative highly recommended it.
Immediately, the painter said that he didn’t think the stain can be used on wood. Sure enough, the application instructions state it cannot be used on wood surfaces.
Ended up speaking to the SW District Manager and was told that they would fix it.
So, can you tell me what needs to be done to get the stain off? Do you recommend sanding or a Solvent? If a Solvant, is there anything you recommend? I’m thinking they will use a SW product…
I’m going to eventually have it painted. If a Solvent is used, do you recommend a light sanding before the Primer?
Really appreciate any help you can give me.
You will have to sand it all off. A solvent will not do anything. You do not use a primer before using a solid color deck stain and never use a paint on a deck.
Thank you for your reply. I know a Primer would never be used before applying a solid stain. I was referring to it when using paint on the deck. After this experience and the fact that the deck looks horrible with the “stain” that was used, we are leaning towards paint. I understand and appreciate your point of view on paint though.
Paint peels on decks and should never be used.
I have years of solid stains applied to my deck. Time to remove but most strippers don’t strip solid stains. Help!!!
Sanding is the only effective way to remove a solid stain.
i have a customer with a deck that is in fairly good condition. The previous person applied Thompson Waterseal Penetrating Timber Oil Cedar transparent stain. It is flaking off in places and is bonded well in others. I do not plan to use this product again, so i want to remove it. Will Restore A Deck stripper remove the Thompsons? Please advise
It should but use both RAD Stripper additives as well.
Deck is about 12 years old. Have used Sherwin Williams stain products all this time. I think Original stain was oil base because the water based stain never lasted. Nephew power washed deck and now a big mess! Should I try a stripper and then try sanding???
Post some pics fr prep help.
Hi I have decking that needs the old ronseal stain removed as it’s started to peel. Could you recommend the best stripper and then what steps you would then follow. The decking is next to some artificial turf so I want something that isn’t going to affect that at all.
Thanks
Post some pics for prep help.
Here you go
Use the RAD Stripper with both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Let dwell for 30+ minutes and then pressure wash off. RAD Brightener is last.
I found your site and I am thrilled! I hope you can help me. I stained my deck 2 years ago using Valspar semi transparent stain. I prepped the deck the same way I have for the last 20 years. Now it is peeling! Never happened before. The deck is right next to a pool so I have a problem with the location. 1. Do I sand or strip! 2. do you have any recommendations for me? 3. Once it is prepped, do you recommend I use a semi transparent stain again? I am a 69 year old woman. Is it time for me to hire this to be done by an expert? Thank you so much.
Strip off what you can and then sand the rest off. Brightener would be last. Once prepped, use a penetrating semi-transparent stain so this does not happen again.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hi- I made a porch swing out of red oak. We put it into service May of 2021 (Original Photo). Photos Example 1,2 & 3 show the deterioration of the finish and mold spots that have developed. I used 1 coat of Cabot Semi-Transparent Deck Stain as the finish. The label on the product can recommended only a single coat. Because the finish dried a little rough, I then waxed the surface with a paste wax which smoothed the final finish.
I am hoping that you can give me some direction on what to do next.
There is nothing you can do next at this point. You cannot top coat as it will peel.
Hi I like the info on your website! Very helpful.
Can I use RAD on the siding of my home? I have a Pan Abode cedar home. I have areas where black spot mold has developed on the wood. I coated one side of my home in Sikkens SRD about 8 years ago, but I need to redo that side due to weather and spot mold areas. I would rather not sand it off, if RAD will work. Thanks in advance for your input.
Post some pictures for prep help.
Thanks for the response.
The wood is a combination of Pan Abode Cedar wood and then 6’x1.5″
I look forward to your input.
I’m thinking First-RAD Stripper/Brightener.
In addition both RAD additives for vertical siding, and to penetrate the mold and former oil base stain sheen coat from older reapplication coats.
I don’t see the using the cleaner if I’m just going to use Stripper on this removal. I’m thinking of going with a water base stain for the next round of stain. Suggestions?
This will not be an easy strip as removing a coating that has a shine, can be difficult. The RAD Stripper with both additives is your best option. It should dwell for 45-60 minutes before you pressure wash off. Brightener is last. No need for the cleaner. The RAD Semi-transparent stain would work very well after.
Thank You. So with the concept- difficulty of the shine, in mind would it be better if I did a reasonable pass with an orbital sander 60-80 grit to knock down the shine and then did the stripping? Or just longer dwell time and no sanding? Or will I have to scrub after I applying the Stripper to get into the mold? I do appreciate your input!
I do not think sanding first would help at all. The mold is not the issue, the shine is. The stripper needs to get through that to break the bond between the stain and the wood.
Good advice thanks! I ordered up on the RAD stripper, additives and stain. I’ll post my findings.
I have to spot treat with the RAD stripper. Some drip marks from a previous attempt to strip won’t come off with either cleaning or sanding. The areas needing treatment are vertical and really aren’t large enough to spray. Can I brush the product on? Thank you.
Post some pictures.
thanks
You can brush or spray it on. The brightener after stripping should help even this out as well.
An update….I ordered and received the RAD Stripper and Gel.
Wanting only to treat a small area, I mixed 1/2 cup of stripper into
1/2 gal of water and then 4 oz of gel. After two applications, and brushing,
my ‘drip’ stains remain. Can you offer any advice? I can send pictures once the wood dries. Thanks.
Did you try the brightener as the discoloration from the drips may be internal?
My boyfriend and I bought a house and don’t know what stain was used on our porch. Is it a solid stain? The elements have nearly gotten it off, and we would like to restain it to help us sell it. We’ve never done anything like this before and are not sure what product would work best to get the remainder of the old stain off with minimal sanding. Any advice??
Yes, it is a solid stain. You will need to apply another solid stain over it unless you want to power sand it all off.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
We stained our deck 2 years ago and after reading all these comments realize that it probably looks as bad as it does because of improper prep. That being said…time to redo it. We originally used Cabots Australian Timber oil and are leaning towards using a solid stain this time. I started power washing and there’s still a lot of stain left behind..do I need to strip, use a cleaner, sand or just finish power washing and proceed with solid stain? Pictures sent..1st pic is pre power wash!
Thanks
Strip off what you can, brighten and then cover the intact stain with a new solid stain is okay: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Purchased a home with a HUGE wraparound deck ( 30×18, 10×21, 4×21) and would love to replace- but am hoping we can squeeze a few more years out of this one. Currently, the largest deck has multiple layers ( atleast 3) of badly cracking, Peeling, lifting Sun Proof Acrylic latex solid stain from previous owners. We have tried pressure washing, scraping using CitriStrip- and nothing will penetrate to bare wood. Unsure what to do. Suggestions?
Not much you can do but sand off the loose/peeling stain and then cover the rest with a new solid stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Will Restore-A-Deck stain stripper work on old film-firming stain and remove completely? Thank you.
Depends on the brand and type of stain? Pictures would help as well.
I am looking to strip and then stain my deck. I think it has an acrylic type stain on it now, not sure as we bought the house like this. What type of stripper should I use? I see the Restore-A-Deck does not work on acrylics. Once the stripper is done, then I will use a brightener correct? Lastly, what is the best stain to use going forward… do I need to stick with an acrylic since that is what was originally used?
Restore-A-Deck works on semi-transparent acrylics, but no deck stain will remove this solid stain effectively. You will have to sand it to get it all off. Once removed fully, you can use any brand you want: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What can safely remove flood cwf exterior stain off pine log home?
That would depend on which version you had of the CWF and how many coats have been applied? Pictures would help as well.
Yep Two coats flood cwf clear
Pictures of stain on home?
Two coats cwf clear
Looks very thick. Not sure you will be able to strip it all off. Try the Restore A Deck Stripper with both additives and RAD Brightener after. Sand if needed to get the rest off: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Do you know where I can purchase Stripex L deck stripper, I have been told its very good
That was discontinued over 10 years ago. It was very good. Using the Restore-A-Deck Stripper with both additives would work better though.
Thanks, could you tell me exactly which products I need to strip old stain from my pine decking then please, thanks
We would need to see some pictures of the deck and know the type and brand of stain that is being removed.
Hi tried to attach pics but not sure it’s working, the product I used was ronseal decking stain
Picture size has to be below 3mb, and then they will upload.
Will the deck wood stripper barn vynal rails
It should not.
Hi there,
I am desperate. After reading so much and wanting to do a good job on my brand new 500sqft cedar deck, I hate the stain I applied. Daly’s DechStain clear with a golden oak tint. It is supposed to be transparent to semi-transparent and the color is awful.
Long story short, I want to start anew if possible. Would you recommend a deck stain stripper such as RAD? Anything to keep in mind as I go thru the process?
Yes, I prepped the seasoned (2 months) KLDA New wood with cleaner and brightener. The results look like a solid stain rather than a transparent (see pic). I LOVE the natural look of the wood and just wanted a slight tone for protection. I screwed up.
Thanks for any advice.
Silvia
You will need the RAD Stripper with both additives to remove this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Brightener after.
Thank you!!
Where in Holland, Mi can I buy Boosts deck stripper?
Strip with the RAD Stripper and both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Brightener after.
Where can I buy Boosts Rad Stripper in Holland, Mi or any where near?
No idea. Check with their website.
stained our deck with a semi-transparent stain and realized when we were practically done we forgot to wipe the stain off!!!! Looks almost like paint!! Can this be fixed? What should we do?
You would have to power sand this off to fix it.
I used behr stain on my new deck and it is niw turning grey in some sections
Pergola (12yr-old kit, ‘Sonoma Arched Wood Pergola Kit’) needs drastic attention: help! we don’t even know where to start with this project. I believe the wood species is Douglas Fir. Should we apply the stain stripper first? Multiple applications? Do we need to sand? If so, is there a recommended mechanical sander/sanding method/grit you might suggest? I have a 2400psi pressure washer at my disposal. Would sandblasting help? See pics. Thanks in advance
You probably will not be able to fully strip this as you have multiple layers. Strip what you can and then sand off the rest. Brightener last. Sanding tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
My deck is flaking bad and I need to remove what’s on there. Would a stripper work or do I need to sand? Let me know what approach is best! Thanks.
A stripper will not remove this fully. You can strip some off then it will make your sanding easier. Brighten the wood after.
Stained our deck with Sikkens Dek stain four years ago. This the result. Will strip and sand. What do you recommend to strip the deck and what stain would you recommend to finish? Also have a green treated rough plywood enclosure around the bottom of the deck. Would like to restain that also. What do you recommend to clean the deck enclosure?
No pictures.
Hi, I have a 12′ x 4′ ft bridge (built like a deck ) over a small creek that was previously stained with a Sashco product recommended by a builder. I now want to strip, sand, brighten and then re-stain the bridge with TWP or Armstrong. I’ve read that Restore a Deck Stipper/Gels/Additives and Brightener are all ECO friendly, but would you recommend anything special in the typical stripping and pressure washing process? (I can obviously use some plastic to provide some protection, but with pressure washing, etc, there’s a good probability that there will be some spillage). Thanks in advance.
I see no issue with some of it getting in the water during prep. Try to tarp when staining though. The AC and TWP are oil-based stains.
I plan to use RAD Deck Stripper, Brightener & semi-transparent stain to update cedar flooring (35 yr) of screened in porch. The current stain is Cabot semi-transparent applied 9yr ago.
1) Is my small power sprayer (pic) sufficient to power wash rinse after stripper?
2) What duration of dwell time do you recommend for the RAD Stripper (no additives)?
3) any recommendations on preventing discoloration of screens during this process?
Thanks
1. It will work but will take you a while to get it all off with that smaller sized pressure washer.
2. 10-20 minutes.
3. Not much you can do outside of removing them first.
Hi, one more question to go with my previous post. Reading another of your answers to someone else , you said use brighter “after” sanding. On our new deck I have brightened before sanding. Am I supposed to brighten after Sanding too? New and old? Or just with old? Thanks again!
Brighten all after any sanding.
Hi! I have a year and one half old huge 2000 square foot redwood deck we need to stain now. Th tannins turned it very gray. We have pressure washed it and applied Preserva “Renewer & Cleaner” wood cleaner and brightener. It did bring back nice clean color. Next we will sand it and then stain. Also we have two much older redwood decks, but still ok, adjacent to the new one, that have been stained several times over the years with semitransparent stain, either Superdeck or Cabots. Questions: 1.) what is best stripper to use to try to get old decks looking like the new? (We plan to pressure wash, use Preserva Renewer and Cleaner, a