This post was updated on January 30, 2023
Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive Review 2023
This review is from a third party. We personally have used the product numerous times throughout the last 4 years. No failures like the other Deck Resurface types. Reading the comments and reviews from consumers below, you will see the results have been excellent.
This review is not an actual outdoor field test but a Freeze/Thaw test.
Deck Revive is a DIY acrylic based polymer deck coating that resurfaces old decks, docks, and other treated lumber — in ANY color you choose. Deck Revive repairs and protects wood structures from the constant expansion and contraction cycle that destroys wood.
Traditional deck stains, deck paints, and deck sealers just put a new color on old splinters, cracks, and nailheads and have to be re-applied annually. Deck Revive actually fills in cracks and knots, locks down splinters and nailheads, and provides a new slip-resistant textured surface that lasts for years.
Unlike other “Deck Resurfacer” type products, Deck revive is breathable, allowing moisture to escape.
DeckRevive Freeze-Thaw Performance Test
Scope: Test comparison of Rust-Oleum Deck Restore, Behr Deck Over, and Gulf Synthetics DeckRevive.
Test Parameters:
- The front panel and edges were coated according to manufacturer-recommended application instructions, leaving the back of the panel untreated.
- The panel was fully submerged in water at room temperature for 24 hours, removed from the water and placed in 15° Fahrenheit freezer for 24 hours, and removed and allowed to recover at room temperature. This process constitutes one cycle.
- As of this published overview of freeze/thaw testing the panel has been exposed to 24 cycles
Test Results:
- Deck Restore was initially soft and somewhat recovered but can be removed from the substrate with little effort and there was no evidence of substrate cracking through the coating.
- Deck Over slightly softened and fully recovered but due to its lack of film build compared to the other coatings displayed substrate cracking through the coating.
- Deck Revive slightly softened but fully recovered within the 24-hour room temperature portion
See Testing Video Here:
Product Information:
Web site: Gulf Synthetics
Cost: $275 per Kit
Stain Type: Solid Color Deck Surfacer, water based
Available Colors: Any Color
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats.
Coverage Per Gallon: 200 sq. ft for 2 coats per kit.
Application Tools: Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2-8 Hours
Cleanup: Water Cleanup
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Gemini Coatings
Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive Photos
*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.
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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.
I used GULF Synthetic in Sept of 2015 on my front porch. Today is 5/1/17. We live in NY with harsh winters. The porch gets a little morning sun but is otherwise shaded. Application of this product is difficult but I did it myself. I followed directions completely and made sure I was totally ready to move quickly when I began the process. The porch still looks great with no pealing or wearing noted. I must note we shovel this porch when it snows. 🙂 I think It is the best product out there to cover that nasty deck situation you might have. The only thing I find to be a very small issue is the “grit” The surface is gritty however it beats splinters. I now plan to do my back deck 1350 sq feet, a huge undertaking. This product is costly but at least it does what it says. I have researched all these products and I think using the Gulf is the way to go.
Thanks for your review!
Does the deck synthetc coating show any wear after you shovel?. We get a lot of snow , therefore lots of shoveling and I am looking for a product that would withstand tht.
It should. Use a shovel with a rubber edge will help. If you dig into it with metal, it will be an issue.
no it held up well.
Do you mean that grit releases continuously? We walk into our house onto hardwood floors. I would be worried that the grit would scratch them. thanks.
The grit is in the product and does not come off.
OK. thanks.
Is it gritty in a good way, that you have firm traction when the surface is wet? We live in western NY. I also want to avoid the bubbling or peeling in the Summer. I am retired and can’t afford to do the job twice. I want to do it right the first time.
Yes it has traction to it so it is not slippery when wet.
i am the original owner and developer of DeckRevive. i am originally from Rochester, NY and can relate to the harsh winters. i have the first batch of DeckRevive on my deck in georgia whuch was applied in 2008. No peeling and still looks like the day i applied it
I have been using the product for 5 years now this will be my 6th year I have no complaints of peeling I love this product and it’s the only one I will use for my business in ct..
Is it in the sun?? I have sunny areas and they don’t do well with Deckover
what about Olympic Rescue It Max , resurfacer+Primer+Sealant
Garbage and they have a class action lawsuit against them as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/olympic-rescue-it-review-2014/
I have a large deck and am replacing the boards you walk on. The rest is still okay but painted. Can I use the deck restore on both the new pressure treated and the painted older surfaces? Also, should I paint the crossbeams under the wood I’m replacing?
New wood needs to weather for 3+ months. The only reason to paint the crossbeams would be for aesthetic purposes.
I am preparing to restore a lumber (pressure treated) deck using one of the deck restore products. I am looking to choose between the Cabot deck correct and Pittsburgh revitalize for heavy to moderate needs. Prices are similar for 5 gallon containers and my deck looks similar to pictures shown in their respective brochures. Cleaning and large crack filling look to be similar for both, and they both require 2 coats to complete the restoration. I have approximately 1000 sq ft of deck to restore. I have ruled out other recovery products for various reasons. after reading your reviews, it looks like you recommend the Gulf Synthetic Deck Revive product, which I will look into.
I would be interested in a recommendation amongst the 3 products mentioned above. I know nothing lasts forever, but if I can get another 5 – 10 years out of this deck, I would be happy. It appears that once you use one of these types of restorative products, nothing more can be done to the deck besides sanding all off. Looks like they cannot be patched or recoated with another coat of same product.
Thoughts or comments?
We would not use any other brand but the Gulf. Cabot and Pittsburgh brands have the same issues as Behr Deckover and Rust-Oleum’s Deck Revive/Rock Solid.
Why is Perma Bond not sold with deck revive “Full kit”?
Can I purchase a similar product (Perma Bond) in a store?
You would have to ask the manufacturer.
Should I fill in large cracks in deck boards along with large knots with wood filler before hand?
No need. Cracks are normal in wood decking.
I’m replacing the floor in a boat. I’m using new 3/4″ marine plywood. Will this product (Gemini Deck Revive) do what I’m hoping for on new material? It is a fishing boat so color, grittiness and protection (breathability) are very important. There won’t be carpet or vinyl going over it. Plus, I’m old and don’t want to do this again. My assumption is to apply the entire kit. Thank you
Yes, it will work for this.
Hello,
Do you have any knowledge / experience with ArmorRenew Deck & Concrete Patio Re-surfacer from ArmorProxy? Or PRO RENEW WOOD AND CONCRETE RESURFACERfrom Epoxy Central?
Thanks
Sorry but never used it or seen it.
Thank God I found your site and product reviews. You prevented me from going with Rustoleum RockSolid and the similar Behr product for my back deck re-furb project. My deck is 12×24 so I’m thinking I’d need 2 kits for a proper 2 coat application. I’ve pressure washed the surface and sanded the hand rails. Spraying mildew/mold cleaner on it today. I’m not sure of the original paint, but I’ve been in the house for 5 years and now I need to do something. Based on the pictures, can I just apply the Perma Bond, then paint directly over existing paint with the Deck Revive?
As long as your previous paint is not peeling, you can cover it.
I’m thinking of using this on our wooden Adirondack chairs. Would the grit be uncomfortable to sit on and rest your arms on? We bought these inexpensive hand made Adirondacks and they guy who made them did not seal them properly with polyurethane, so there are spots where there is none. They look terrible now and I was thinking this product might improve the look and also help them last longer. Would I need to remove all the old poly first?
Yes, you will have to remove the poly. Not sure if the grit will be too uncomfortable but it should not be that bad.
Can I use a spray gun with this product?
No, too thick.
Thanks…I guess it’s the old fashion way!
I have a 25year old deck, just power washed and cleaned with deck wash solution. It has some minor surface cracks, can I use a solid stain or product like the Gulf Deck Revive is only option?
Cracks in a deck are normal and are not an issue. You can use any stain type that you want.
Im in south Florida and im putting in a bid on a 2300sf dock to clean prep and seal and it is badly weathered and may need a couple areas filled with wood filler or putty or something but my question is will the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparentbe ok to use or should i look at something solid color maybe Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive
Wood filler and semi-transparent stains will not blend. Solid stains will. Use the RAD Solid Stain.
Would you recommend RAD solid over Deck Revive ?
Both would work well, just depends on the look you want. The gulf will have a more “textured” look to it.
I have a deck that was painted with behr restore about 10 years ago. No peeling, but now I can see the deck beneath starting to bleed through. I power washed it, and I want to repaint just to give me one more year before tearing it off. Can I use the behr replacement product over it?
Not sure, you would have to ask Behr as we stopped using all their products due to very poor performance.
I would like to use Deck Revive on my deck floor. I hear that the surface is coarse. I have benches and prefer not to have rough seats. Is there another product that I can use on my benches that will complement the DeckRevive on the floor? I prefer that it is not a stain since I would like to have a paint color to match the DeckRevive floor. Thanks in Advance
You can use a solid color stain that matches the deck revive paint.
Any recommended products?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Will this product work on a composite deck?
It should.
I have been doing trex decking for three years now i also sent my samples with untreated samples to gemini lab and they verified my research that it will work i also put a coating for concrete on it after that gives it a wet look makes concrete revive look wet on a sunny day does not fail the product after 4 years proven to work
10×16 pressure treated wood deck, 50 years old, central NY, 1-2 coats of old deck paint mostly intact under eaves, mostly peeled off in sun, some splintering there too. I’ve washed it with a stiff scrub brush and deck cleaner w/mildew remover (strong bleach smell). No pressure washer on hand, so used the garden hose. Then I found this site! Will Gulf Synthetic work on this varying surface, and do I still need to pressure wash – wouldn’t that further tear up the aging wood? If the mildewcide wash is a problem, how long before it’s not? Many thanks.
Yes, you will have to pressure wash and it will not tear up the wood. The Gulf will work great.
I am considering deck revive for refinishing my deck. I have sanded most of the deck with a belt sander to remove the old coating I believe it was paint over the top of a solid stain. Can you tell me if deck revive would work for my deck based on the attached photos and can you also advise if I need to do any more prep work before applying deck revive? Also if there is a better option than deck revive please let me know so I can consider that too. Thanks!
Yes, it would work very well. Give it a good pressure wash as this will open up the pores.
how do i tell how old deck revive is, as there are no batch numbers or date on materials
Not sure, you would have to ask them.
Can I use DeckRevive over old textured deck paint? There are areas on our deck where the old paint will not come up.
It should work.
Does this product work for a concrete dock?
Yes.
To all deck revive users this our 7th year over 150 decks nobody is suing us or Gemini because it’s the only deck product when applied correctly and maintained correctly last for many many years I want to share something we have been putting a concrete sealer over our deck revive the next day it gives It a wet look does not hurt the product I feel it helps it even more stays cleaner to we also proved it on trex decking with the sealer and concrete with the sealer it works this is our trademark product all we will use
does this Deck Revive come with any kind of warrantee? It’s a lot of money for this kind of product, however I haven’t seen a negative review yet…
Not sure. Ask them.
I give a 3 year warranty on all my decks
I used an Olympic semi transparent stain on my new deck three years ago. After just two years it started to look awful. The deck it attached to an above ground pool, hence subjected to the chlorine. Any recommendations? Thanks
Pressure wash for prep and then use the Gulf Deck Revive.
Thank you. Where may I obtain that product? Color choices?
Post some pictures here in comment area for prep help.
Would DeckRevive be a good product for an old power washed composite deck?
Not sure, best to ask them.
Hello, is this deck worth restoring? It splinters in spots and has areas of deeper crevices and is rough. The spindles are ok but the top rail needs done as well. Opinions on what you think may be best? I don’t know that we’ve ever sanded it but with ots roughness not sure it’d matter in most areas. Appreciate your insight 🙂
Yes, it is worth it. Strip and then brighen for prep. You do not need a coating like the Gulf on it but you can if that is the look you want. We would look at a penetrating semi-solid like TWP or Armstrong Clark.
Thank you so much for your reply. So how do I fill in those thinner crevices? (probably from sun drying it out with no protection) which will likely splinter out in someone’s foot? We have lots of barefoot kids here and for the past 5 years of doing nothing because I thought I was going to have to replace it $$$, I’d tell everyone WEAR YOUR SHOES and don’t hold the side too hard as you walk down the stairs!!
Fillers will not work on decks. Just leave as is and you can lightly hand sand or pol sand to remove splinters before staining.
Thanks…can’t wait to see how this goes…nervous though 🙂
Does your product revive an old, power washed composite deck?
I’m torn between using this and Defy. I have almost all of the SW solid sanded of the deck and revisiting the wood cracks has me leaning toward Deck Revive.
With the Deck Revive product…
1) Do I still need to do finish sanding with a 80 grit (I used 60 to start)?
2) Should I still the RAD cleaner and brightener after sanding?
3) If 2 is “yes”, should I do so immediately even if it may be a week or so before I can stain it?
4) Do I still need to wait 1-2 months before staining new KDAT wood?
5) How much product would you recommend for 850 sq. ft.?
6) Is $240 per kit and $90 for the perma bond normal pricing or are the prices for this crazy high (like lumber) right now?
Thanks!
-60 is fine.
-No need, just pressure wash.
-Whenever
-Yes
-4-5 of their Deck Revive full kits and 2-3 Permabonds
-Normal pricing.
I’m trying to better understand the texture that this product creates. Can anyone comment on how rough it is? Is it comfortable to walk on with bare feet? I have young kids and I want to make sure they aren’t going to be bothered by it. Thank you.
It has a decent amount of grip or texture, but walking on it should not be an issue.
Thanks for the review! Your review as well as others in the comments convinced me to use Deck Revive.
My deck has some minor wear and cracks that will require Perma Fill. However, it looks like recently, Perma Fill has been discontinued and the site suggested using Quikrete Quick Setting Filler.
https://www.gulfsynthetics.com/perma-fill-perma-caulk.html
I am not sure about using cement on wood. Do you have any thoughts on this or any alternatives? I really want to use Deck Revive, but this may be a game-changer.
Thanks.
No issues with using what they suggest.
If you power wash a wooden deck, you must allow 7 to 10 days for the cells in the wood to dry out. Forcing water onto wood makes it swell. If you don’t allow sufficient drying time, the paint will surely fail in a short period of time.
Sorry but that is not true. 48 hours is sufficient for this product.
Is this good for new decks, also?
Yes.
5 years ago I researched how to revive an old cracked splintering deck. I found Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive and was impressed by reviews and testing. My husband and I purchased it and a friend helped us prep and apply according to directions. It is now five years later and it’s finally starting to lift and peel in many areas. I live in Pennsylvania and my deck is exposed to heavy snow, hot sun, dampness, and occasional mold in shaded areas. This product exceeded our expectations and we would use it again.
Chemically, what is the difference between DeckRevive and Rustoleum Deck Restore? Wasn’t DeckRestore also an acrylic latex polymer emulsion? Like many here, my deck was ruined by Rustoleum and I am replacing it. If you had to choose, is it better to use a paint like this or a stain like TWP 100?
We do not know the chemical difference between the two.
Thanks for answering questions. I read in one of your comments that y IU cannot use the Gemini Deck Revive over an old coating, that it needs to be sanded off. And I read the same on the green building supply website.
But on Gemini Gulf Synthetics website instructions they say that you can go over a previously painted surface, but that the old coating just needs to be sanded and dulled some for the primer to adhere. Do you know which is it?
Like maybe it can go over previously solid stain/ painted surfaces if dulled with a light sanding, but sealed surfaces like a sealer or semi trans oil need to be sanded completely off? Thanks
You can use the Gulf over old coatings such as solid stains and deck stains but it cannot go over the old coatings that are failing deck resurface coatings such as Rust-oleum Deck Restore or Behr DeckOver.
What if you don’t really know what the coating is? And it could be a standard solid stain or an elastomeric coating?
And the instructions for Deck Revive are interesting in that they specify not using any mold cleaner. Just pressure wash alone. What if there is obvious mold/ mildew?
I read in one of their people in. FAQ section that they don’t want a degreaser to be used, I take it because it might affect adhesion. So if that’s the case, could use a cleaner if it doesn’t have a degreaser in it? Not sure if Yo I have that answer. But any answers on. What to do with mold when using this product?
No chemical during prep so there is not any reactions with the Deck Revive Coatings. Best to just pressure wash. That will remove mildew and mold.
Send pictures, we can tell what the stain type is.
Do you have to apply a primer to the deck to apply the product? Which primer is best to use?
You must use the Permabond Primer that Gulf sells first.
If I use Deck Revive on the deck boards and steps and use a solid stain on the railings, posts and spindles; will I end up having to re-stain the railings, posts and spindles much sooner than the any maintenance required on the surfaces coated with Deck Revive?
What is the best solid stain you would recommend for North Carolina
See here fo solid stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Can this product be used on boards that have knots and sap oozing out.
Sure.
The sap can make the product lose adhesion
Hi, do you have any knowledge on/experience with “Restore-A-Deck”? I’ve read some good reviews but I’m hesitant to attempt.
Thanks!
Restore-A-Deck stains are not a “deck resurface” coating like the Gulf synthetics and work great: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-review/
You may be confusing that with the Rust-Oleum Deck Restore which is not the same brand and is a deck resurface coating. It is a horrible product: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/class-action-lawsuit-against-rust-oleum-deck-restore/
Hi,
I was not referring to the Rust-Oleum… I’m aware of how back that is but I did think the solid stain from RAD aided in restoring the wood on an old deck. Or is it just a solid stain that covers up the flaws?
Thanks!!!
The RAD Solid stain is a great stain if you are looking for a solid stain look. We have been using it for a few years now and no complaints.
I have been reading the reviews concerning all the issues with the Behr Deckover paint vs the Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive and am confused. We live in NJ and have a large deck which was built years ago and gets sun all day so it becomes very hot to walk on. We painted it a few year ago with the Deckover and are having peeling issues on the steps and several other ares on the deck. We were going to repaint it with the Behr product but after reading all the comments, I see we have another choice.
Is it OK to hand sand the steps where the Deckover paint is peeling, power wash the entire deck and then apply the Golf Deck Revive to cover the deck with a new color? We have been told by several contractors / painters that we could not sand down the deck so how do we repaint it? Thank you for any feedback you can give me.
You cannot apply a different product like the Deck Revive over the peeling Behr Deckover. The only way to fix this is to power sand it all off or replace the wood.
Thank you. Looks like I’m stuck with what I have.
I bought flat and then saw it says to use glossy. What will happen if I use flat. I bought 3 flat at
$50/each. Yikes
It has to be gloss. It will not mix or set up correctly with a flat.
I just stained my deck a month ago with Behr overdeck advanced color product, I used two coats and it took me forever because it was so thick and hard to apply. I had to use 7 gallons because it was thick and it took me over one week to finally finish. I noticed the other day it’s already starting to chip off, I listened to the employee at Home Depot who claimed that was the best deck stain on the market, I am so sorry I listened to him. The product is difficult to apply and it looks like paint instead of stain, which I wanted. I was wondering if I could use the product,Olympic multi surface smart-guard sealer in clear, I was told you can spray it on your deck as a top coat? But I don’t want to destroy all the work I just did, I was wondering if anyone ever applied a clear sealer as a topcoat to lock in their color ?
You can never apply a sealer over a deck stain. It will peel.
Hello,
I recently made a mess out of my hideous blue deck (as if it wasn’t bad enough). It is latex paint on top of who knows what kind of other blue paint (three layers or so). I power washed it, which caused some paint to come up. Then I applied Multi-strip and was able to barely peel up the paint. It is now all flaky, like a melted latex balloon. The deck is still wet from the original power washing. I am at a loss. What do I do!? Some of the paint peeled right up and I piled it together as shown in the pic. The rest is latex-balloons consistency.
You will need to power sand this to fix this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
Dose this work to resurface concrete?
They have a concrete version on their website. https://www.gulfsynthetics.com/
Do you ship to Canada?
We do not sell products from this website.
For maintenance and reapplication (after 3-5 years), what is involved in the prep for reapplication? Can this be applied straight onto the existing layer of DeckRevive?
Prep and reapply the Permabond and Deck Revive is all that is needed
Where can i buy it? Or see sample?
Check with their website.
Where can i see sample?
Ok people here is a couple of pointers rent a drum sander don’t tell them u are doing a deck with it they won’t give it to you I own mine sand both directions to strip it use a grinder or orbitol sander around the edges do not use any water blow it off clean now the screws and nails need to be sealed with a Rust preventor then u can apply the permabond tint it it’s easier to follow push it into those cracks and be sure there is open space between the boards remove all debris and dirt so water can pass thru using the revive do not work out if the pail only put amount in a roller tray you can spread in good time keep it out of the sun best to do it before it’s to warm don’t skimp on the permabond .. also cAn be used on the rail cap..try to moisture test prior 15 Percent max is what I call safe..good luck great product 6 years going strong no complaints been out a couple times over the six years for tiny touch ups mostly homeowner error…
We just bought a house and the deck has “Behr deck plus semi transparent waterproof wood stain” on it and it wearing off. Can we just pressure wash that or does it need to be sanded as well?
Pressure wash for prep.
We have a 6 year old pressure treated wooden deck that has never been stained. It has splinters and cracks in it now. The wood is now grey and looks quite aged. Our two toddlers play on the deck a LOT and are getting splinters in their hands a feet.
1) Will this product stand up to rough use and heavy traffic (moving furniture, rolling a bbq around, kids throwing toys, etc.)?
2) How often does this product need to be redone / maintained?
4) How much extra life can we expect to get out of our deck with this product?
3) It looks like quite a process to apply this correctly, if we have no previous experience with this, are we likely to have successful results?
3) What does this consist of? Is it toxic?
4) How long after application will we be able to use fully use our deck again?
Thank you. I look forward to your response.
1. Yes.
2. Every 3-5 years.
3. If you take your time and follow directions, yes.
4. Not toxic.
5. 24 hours.
Can I apply the Gulf product on a deck that was painted 4 years ago with a solid stain? There is some chipping and areas where the solid stain has worn thru to the wood. I planned to clean the deck thoroughly then sand as needed.
Or does all the prior stain need to come off down to the wood?
Thanks
Yes as long as you pressure wash or sand off the loose paint. You can cover the rest.
I used Behr Deckover and as everyone knows, it is a mess. I have it on the boards, rails, and posts. I was reading that I need every bit of this stuff off before using Gulf Synthetics. But, how do I get it off the posts? I guess I also do not understand how to just use regular paint on the posts and rails once I get the Behr off. Why can you not use Gulf Synthetics for those too? What paint is recommend?
Also, my wood is pressure treated, does this make a difference? Can I still use this? Is it ok to sand pressure-treated lumber?
Yes, it all needs to come off. You can use a solid deck stain that is tinted the same color as the Deck Revive for the railings. You can use the Gulf if you want for the railings but it is overkill. The wood type does not matter.
Thanks for your quick reply. Have you ever heard of Amordeck, Renew It deck coatings or King Armor. Just been scouring the web for something. I think it looks like my best option is Gulf.
We have not used them but have heard and seen them fail from other consumers.