Can You Strip Rust-Oleum Deck Restore?
The short answer is no—Rust-Oleum Deck Restore cannot be chemically stripped. The only effective way to remove this thick deck resurface coating is through extremely heavy power sanding and or scraping.
- Rust-Oleum Deck Restore cannot be chemically stripped. The only effective removal method is heavy power sanding and scraping.
- The Diamabrush Wood Coating Removal Tool is a specialized grinder attachment that some homeowners have used successfully to remove stubborn coatings.
- If sanding and grinding fail to fully remove the coating, replacing the wood entirely may be the only remaining option.
- Boiling water and chemical removers do not work on this product due to its thick, textured nature.
- Similar resurfacing products like Behr Deckover, Cabot Deck Correct, and Olympic Rescue-It present the same nearly impossible removal challenges.
- Rust-Oleum Deck Restore and Rust-Oleum Rock Solid are the same product. Rust-Oleum rebranded it following a class action lawsuit settlement.
My Pro Tip: Some homeowners have found success using the Diamabrush Wood Coating Removal Tool, a specialized grinder attachment designed to strip stubborn coatings from wood surfaces. If sanding and grinding fail to remove all the product, you may be forced to replace the wood altogether.
Common Myths: Boiling Water Won’t Work
Many people ask about using boiling water to strip Rust-Oleum Deck Restore, but this method does not work. Due to the thick, textured nature of this coating, heat and chemical removers are ineffective.
Applies to Other Resurfacing Products
The same removal challenges apply to similar deck resurfacing coatings, including:
- Behr Deckover
- Cabot Deck Correct
- Olympic Rescue-It
These products create a thick, bonded layer over wood surfaces, making them nearly impossible to strip chemically.
Rust 10X Deck Boards.JPG
Additional Information
- Rust-Oleum Deck Restore and Rust-Oleum Rock Solid are essentially the same product. After settling a lawsuit, Rust-Oleum rebranded Deck Restore under the Rock Solid name.
- If you’re dealing with peeling or failed application, check out our [Rust-Oleum Deck Restore/Rock Solid Review] for more details.
- Class action lawsuit Rust-Oleum Deck Restore
- Rust-Oleum Deck Restore/Rock Solid Review
Have a deck stain or resurfacing question?
Drop your questions in the comments below—we’re here to help!
hi scott
using the dimabrush to remove behr deck over worked –
i planning to use twp 1500 on PTP after i finish grinding with the dimabrush
do i need to use any other product before staining?neal
Glad it worked! It would not hurt to give the wood a good cleaning and brightening.
Hi, Scott.
I just started peeling away the non slip material a former owner painted on our deck. Lo and behold, I’m finding what appears to be resurrectable cedar under the goop. Is there a better way to remove it than me and my spatula on my 68 year old hands and knees? Sander? Some kind of not too caustic chemical? The cedar is lovely! Thank you!
Just what the article above says.
We are in the process of removing restore 10x from our decks. Very hard using a heat gun and scrapers. Then will deck clean and power wash. What is best to use to re coat after we are done
thank you for tour advice (too old to replace decks )
Try a solid color deck stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/