Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood cleaning. My Restore-A-Deck Kit review is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me.
- The Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit earned a 9 out of 10 overall rating, making it a top-performing deck prep system for the 2026 season.
- It is the only product offering both a Step 1 Deck Cleaner and Step 2 Deck Brightener in one kit, simplifying the prep process.
- The powdered concentrate formula is extremely cost-effective, cleaning an average 600-square-foot deck for less than $0.07 per square foot.
- Proper mixing is critical; incorrect ratios prevent the powder from fully dissolving, which can affect cleaning performance and final results.
- The system is not designed for heavy paint or solid stain removal and works best when prepping wood before applying a penetrating stain.
Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit Update 2026
Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit
The Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit remains our top performer for the 2026 deck season. It is easy to work with, very cost-effective, and produces great results! Please read this article and post any questions you have in the comment area below. Our newly enhanced website now allows you to upload and post pictures of your exterior wood or deck. This will help us determine the proper prep for your deck using the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Wood Brightener Kits.
Below is a YouTube Video Review of the Restore A Deck Prepping kit. This is from an actual consumer and is very informative and helpful.
9.0 Overall Rating Restore-A-Deck Stain Cleaner & Brightener
The Restore-A-Deck Cleaner System is a two-step wood cleaning and brightening kit designed to properly prepare exterior wood before staining. It uses a powdered concentrate formula that is mixed with water, making it both cost-effective and easy to store.
From my experience restoring decks since 1993, proper prep is the most important step in any deck staining project. A system like Restore-A-Deck is designed to remove dirt, grime, and old stain residue while restoring the wood’s natural color and pH balance.
Overall, Restore-A-Deck is one of the better-performing cleaning systems available and is a key step in achieving long-lasting stain results.
Restore-A-Deck is the only product on the market that offers both a Step 1 Deck Cleaner and a Step 2 Deck Brightener in the same kit. Restore-A-Deck comes in a powdered concentrated formula. Each 2 lb container makes 5 liquid gallons. Pour each into a five-gallon container and add water to dissolve the powder concentrate.
🔹 Quick Verdict – Restore-A-Deck Cleaner System
Restore-A-Deck Cleaner System – Quick Review
- Best For: Proper deck prep before staining
- Not Ideal For: Skipping steps or light maintenance cleaning only
- Type: Powdered cleaner and brightener system
- My Overall Rating: 9/10
My Take:
Restore-A-Deck is one of the most effective and consistent deck cleaning systems I have used. It does an excellent job of preparing wood for staining when used correctly.
How I Rated Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit
My Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit review contains a 5-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.
- Removal of Graying and Dirt
- Cost Per Square Foot
- Removal of Old Stain (if applicable)
- Ease of Application
- Final Appearance after Cleaning
- Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit Final Score
5-Step Review of Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit
1. Removal of Graying, Dirt, Grime: 9
The Restore-A-Deck Step 1 Deck Cleaner did very well at removing general dirt and grime. The deep cleaning formula made breaking down the gray wood cells easy. All mold was also removed. The Step 1 Deck Cleaner did not remove some rust stains from the furniture, but the Step 2 Brightener did.
2. Cost Per Square Foot: 10
The best on the market today. The cost to clean and brighten an average 600-square-foot deck is less than $.07 a foot. Since Restore-A-Deck comes in a powder we like, you only need to mix as much as you need. Very little waste.
3. Removal of Old Stain: N/A
RAD products are designed to clean, not remove, old deck stains. We would presume that they would remove a deck stain if it has deteriorated drastically.
4. Ease of Application: 8
RAD does not come in a liquid. You need to measure 6 oz per gallon of water and mix the entire 2 lb. container into 5 gallons. This product can be applied easily to a garden pump sprayer. We needed to make sure to mix at the correct dosage; otherwise, the powder would not completely dissolve. Testing was done with both scrubbing and pressure washing. Both worked well. Step 2 brightener does not need to be scrubbed, just rinsed with water after 10 minutes.
5. Final Appearance of Cleaning: 9
The IPE wood deck looked brand new after cleaning and drying for 2 days. We would have given this a score of 10 if it was not for a couple of minor water spots that did not come out. These spots looked to be from planter boxes.
Overall Score for Restore-A-Deck Cleaner: 9
Restore-A-Deck is a great and economical product for restoring your deck to like-new condition. We really like that the kits contained both the cleaner and brightener. This was easier than buying the products separately.
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Restore A Deck
Product Type: Powdered Concentrate. Kit contains Step 1 Deck Cleaner and Step 2 Deck Brightener.
Available Sizes: 2 Pound Container Makes 5 Liquid Gallons
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coverage Per Gallon: 100-200 sq. ft
Application Tools: Scrub Brush, Pump Sprayer
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: IPE Exotic Hardwood
Deck Square Footage: 500
The condition of the Deck: Heavily grayed with mold/mildew. No previous stain
How Much Product Used: RAD 300 Kit. Retails for $64.99
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
🔹 Pros and Cons – Restore-A-Deck Cleaner & Brightener
Restore-A-Deck Cleaner System – Pros
- Highly effective at removing dirt, grime, and old stain residue
- Brightens wood and restores natural color
- Powdered concentrate makes it cost-effective
- Easy to mix and apply
- Works well on most exterior wood types
Restore-A-Deck Cleaner System – Cons
- Requires proper mixing and application steps
- Must follow with brightener for best results
- Not a one-step process
- Can damage surrounding areas if not properly rinsed
🔹 Best Uses for Restore-A-Deck Cleaner & Brightener
- Prepping wood before staining: Essential step for best results
- Removing graying and weathering: Restores wood appearance
- Cleaning older decks: Prepares surface for new stain
- Stripping light residue from previous coatings: Helps improve absorption
Not Ideal For:
- Skipping prep before staining – this is not optional for best results
- Heavy paint or solid stain removal – may require a stronger stripper
👉 See: Deck Stain for New Wood
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
🔹 Application Tips – Restore-A-Deck Cleaner & Brightener
- Always mix according to instructions
- Apply evenly to damp wood
- Allow proper dwell time for cleaning
- Rinse thoroughly and follow with brightener
👉 How to Prep a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-prep-clean-strip-or-sand-the-deck/
👉 How to Stain a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-stain-a-deck/
🔹 Maintenance & Prep Importance
Proper prep is the foundation of any successful deck staining project.
- Always clean and brighten before staining
- Do not skip the brightening step
- Allow wood to dry completely before applying stain
- Proper prep will improve stain penetration and longevity
From my experience, most stain failures are due to poor prep—not the stain itself.
👉 Deck Cleaning and Brightening
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/cleaning-wood-deck/
🔹 Who Should Use Restore-A-Deck Cleaner?
You should consider Restore-A-Deck if:
- You are preparing a deck for staining
- Your wood is dirty, grayed, or weathered
- You want consistent and reliable prep results
- You are using a penetrating stain system
You may want to consider other options if:
- You need to remove heavy paint or solid coatings
- You are looking for a quick, one-step cleaning solution
👉 Best Deck Stains
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
🔹 FAQs – Restore-A-Deck Cleaner & Brightener
Do you need both cleaner and brightener?
Yes, both steps are required for proper wood prep and best staining results.
How long should you wait before staining after cleaning?
Typically 24–48 hours, depending on weather and drying conditions.
Can this remove old stain?
It can remove light residue but is not designed for heavy stripping.
Is it safe for all wood types?
Yes, when used properly according to instructions.
Can you skip the brightener step?
No, skipping this step can lead to poor stain absorption and uneven results.
How often should you clean a deck before staining?
Every time before applying a new coat of stain.
🔹 Final Thoughts – Restore-A-Deck Cleaner & Brightener
The Restore-A-Deck Cleaner System is one of the better deck prep systems available and plays a critical role in achieving long-lasting stain results. It is effective, cost-efficient, and works well across most wood types.
From my hands-on experience, proper cleaning and brightening is the most important step in any deck staining project. Using a system like this will greatly improve stain performance and longevity.
If you want your stain to perform the way it should, proper prep is not optional—it is required.
An Independent YouTube Customer Review
Sorry, I forgot to say the deck has a colored oil based stain on it that is in good shape but dull
You cannot “brighten” up a deck stain with cleaning products alone. The cleaning products are used for prep when you are planing on recoating the deck.The new coat of stain would brighten it up.
My wood deck is in good condition but it is dull. What can I use on it to brighten it up
Hi there I am wondering if the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner & Brightener kit that you have will help my deck get to a better condition than what’s its currently in?
The dark area had an outdoor rug over it for the last couple of years. The lighter shade is what the rest of the deck looks like that didn’t have the rug.
Thanks for any help.
Yes, it will help this look much better.
Hi Scott I’m staining a 2 year old cedar deck that was weathered and I managed to clean it pretty well. The deck has never been stained. I installed it myself. I’m wondering if I should use a brightener on it. What are your thoughts? As well as have you ever used C2 Guard products? Any help would be great Thank You
No on C2 and yes on using a wood brightener. It is easy and will only help.
Just resurfaced my deck with new above ground pressure treated boards . . . was told to wait 2 months for it to weather properly . . . it sounds like you recommend using the RAD deck cleaner and brightener just before I stain the deck . . . at that point, do you recommend the RAD stain (I need a light grey semi-transparent) or one of the other top brands you mention?
3 or more months of weathering and then the prep. The RAD Cottage Gray would work well or Armstrong Clark in Driftwood Gray.
Can I only purchase this online?
Melissa
Website or Amazon.
Is there a clear penetrating sealer that you recommend for use over unfinished pt wood and/or cedar? I like the natural look of wood with no color added. Is the RAD kit sodium percarborate and oxalic acid?
Clear sealers = No UV prtection from graying:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
RAD prep products contain additional ingredients to perform better on wood.
I can’t find my question from before to respond back to …..sorry!
I have a back deck and the wood flooring is probably 15 yrs old. I didn’t mention the age of the floor in the first text. A few boards were replaced. It was sanded and sealed with 2 coats of Thompson water seal last fall 2023. This July I had new wood railing put on this back deck and also had a new wood floor put on my front deck.
You had asked what the back deck was
sealed with so am replying to that question. I was thinking I needed to at least take care of the back deck floor and do the new wood and railing next year 2025 but you suggested waiting and doing all in 2025. If it’s ok to wait till next Spring to do everything I’m ok with that. I was worried about trying to get it all done now because of cooler temps.
Spring will be fine to do it all.
Hi Scott,
I have two 15-year-old pressure-treated decks, and 90% of the wood for both decks was replaced about four years ago with newer pressure-treated wood from Home Depot, although I’m unsure of the exact type of wood used as replacement. The posts, ledger boards, joists, beams, and rim boards are original, while the rest is newer. I live in Ontario, Canada, where we deal with cold winters and wet rainy seasons.
The deck has never been cleaned or stained, so it became grey with some green spots. My wife saw a TikTok video recommending a 1:1 mix of pool chlorine shock and water for cleaning. I applied it with a pump sprayer, waited 15–20 minutes, then thoroughly rinsed with a garden hose. I didn’t scrub, but now the deck looks bleached white with a fuzzy top layer, and I even suffered some chemical burns during the process. Unfortunately, I didn’t know a neutralizer was needed afterward, as I’m unfamiliar with deck maintenance.
Here’s my question: Should I start over by cleaning and neutralizing with a kit like Restore-A-Deck and using a hard bristle brush, followed by sanding with 80-grit to remove the fuzz? Or should I sand first to get rid of the fuzz, then clean and neutralize before staining with a semi-transparent oil-based stain? I’m concerned that if I sand first, the cleaning process might bring the fuzz back, requiring multiple rounds of sanding, which I want to avoid. Additionally, with Ontario’s rainy season approaching, my fear is if I finish sanding after cleaning or sanding prior to cleaning (which ever you recommend), how much time do I for the wood pores to stay open before I start the staining process? So what if I finish sanding, and it rains for an entire week, do I have to sand again or clean/neutralize again prior to staining???
Lastly, because the deck is pressure-treated, there are still visible remnants of green chemicals on the wood surface. If I use a natural wood-colored semi-transparent oil stain, will those green areas show through? Also which oil based stain brand would you recommend for this specific job? Sorry for the long message, but this process has become quite confusing and overwhelming for me.
Yes, redo the prep with the RAD Kit. If needed, buff off the furring after the cleaning and before the brightener:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
You can just wait until Spring if concerned about the weather. The green will show through. You cannot do anything about that. It is minor in your pictures so not that big of a deal.
Look at Armstrong Clark stain or the TWP 200 Series.
I have a new deck that is 6 months old that I am wanting to seal/stain. It is #2 treated “GC” wet (per material list) in Houston, TX. What is the best TWP product for stain/seal (100 or 1500) and what is the best prep before applying the stain/seal?
Use the TWP 100 Sereis and their Gemini Restore Kit for the prep.
Hi, I installed my cedar railings back in April 2024 and stained with Ready Seal Clear stain. There was an unexpected rain started 1-2 hours after I applied the stain which I was worried about. Seemed like the rain washed off the stain but it looked well when it’s dry. It was ok for the first 1-2 months but after some time I started to see some black spots then it got worse over time (please see the current status in the photos). There is no problem on the lower side of the railings though.
Now I’m planning to remove this mold/mildew then reapply a light coat of a Ready Seal. Should I use this RAD cleaner kit for this purpose or RAD Guard Mildew Cleaner & Preventer ? or any other suggestion for removing mold, prep and seal in my case?
Thanks in advance!!
Prep with the RAD Cleaner and Brightener if you plan on sticking with the Ready Seal. If you want a better stain, then prep with the RAD Stripper and Brightener kit and switch to the RAD Stains or TWP Stains.
Hi, I am using your Stripper, Booster and thickening gel. my deck is large cedar deck (over 1k sq ft). 2 years ago i put RaDeck semi-transparent stain on it. I probably didnt do it correctly and it was peeling up all over. I have decided to not use any colored stain in the future and just letting it turn gray then using cleaner/brightener periodically to clean it.
During my first run of stripping on a section it didnt get all of the transparent stain up. I have work to get the rest done. I did not use brightener so it is darker which I read is normal.
After I finish the entire deck. I was planning on using the stripper again to focus on where all the stain didnt come up. the first phase of stripping will take a few weekends.
4 questions.
1) is it fine to use just the brightener some time period after i use the stripper or do you have use it right after using the stripper even though I still need to use more stripper at the next weekend to remove the stain that didnt come up?
2) is it ok to wait until spring after stripping and and then do the cleaner and brightener?
3) if i just let it turn gray do you recommend just using the cleaner and brightener to clean the deck?
4) i am sure the wood fuzzies are due to not using a brightener and some from the power washer even though i try to not do it strong on the wood. I have had these before I believe they just went away over time? or will the future cleaner and brightener help remove these?
Thank you!
1. In your scenario, it is okay to brighten all when done with the stripping.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.
4. It should but read here for more info:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
It’s been one year since I installed a brand new pressure treated deck. Is it recommended to use the cleaner and then the brightened before applying semi transparent stain? Thanks in advance.
PS: I’ve used both the cleaner and brightened in my cedar docks with GREAT results. Hoping the results will be similar with pressure treated pine.
Yes, that is correct.
Sanded to rails last year and applied one coat of light walnut stain. Can I just lightly sand and recoat? Keeping cleaner or brightener off my deck while doing the railing will be very difficult.
Sanding is not the best way to prep. Best to use the Cleaner and lightly wash. You can mix their cleaner at 1/2 strength. Rinse the rails right away and you should be okay. Probably do not need the Brightener since you have a base coat.
This is Carol again Also wondering about the Behr Deckover
It peels: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deckover-review-updated/
Can this be used on Composite Decking by name of CORRECT DECK. About 13 years old. Also read some of your articles on staining or restoring composite decking. Do you still advise TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series? You recommended for composite but when going to TWP website composite isn’t mentioned. It is hard to find definitive information on restoring Composite decking. Especially my type as company of course went out of business. It was listed as “polypropylene (one of the harder
plastics), reclaimed hardwood fiber, UV-inhibited
pigment systems and selected process additives”. from brochure.
Do you recommend TWP over BEHR PREMIUM® Solid Color Weatherproofing All-In-One Wood Stain & Sealer or Rustoleum Rock Solid. Also question Behr Deckover.
Any help appreciated.
Post some pics of the deck. Do not use Behr or Rock Solid. Both are extremely poor and you can read the reviews on our website.
I realize that you reviewed the cleaner/brightener product Restore-A-Deck Kit and liked the results. Have you also reviewed or have knowledge of “Gemini Restore A Deck” product? It appears to be touted by the TWP folks. Are these two cleaners/brighteners similar in their results?
Same product but RAD private labels for Gemini/TWP.
Need to refinish deck. Don’t know what the original finish is. Poly or stain?? When we moved in it was stained and lovely shiny finish. The wood grain was visible. I had painters refinish a few years ago, but I don’t think they did a proper job as it was never as good looking as original. I am guessing they just stained over original stain finish. I have pressure washed and used a putty knife to remove whatever they put on. It was a gooey film. Which product do I need to get deck where I can use your finish product.
Post some pics for prep advice.
Front Porch deck 45′ x 6′. boards next to house less sun bleached. It all used to be homogeneous in color with a nice sheen. I power washed and scraped up the film that was loosened. My wife wants her shiny old deck back. Thanks
You cannot use a shiny finish on a deck or porch. It will peel if you do. You want a penetrating wood stain so it does not peel.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
You will need to sand this down to fix it.
i recently placed an order for Restore A Deck solid color stain but never received a confirmation email. Please let me know how to contact your sales dept to confirm my order. Thanks , David
Hi,
Best to contact them directly at sales@restore-a-deck.com for assistance.
For my pine deck installed September 22, my carpenter recommends Restore a deck system. Today( feb 23) he looked at it and said i could skip the cleaner and just use brightner before staining. I saw some mention of cleaner being part of a “ ph balance”. Should i use both?
You need to clean and brighten. Brightener by itself does not prep new wood.
My deck is thirty year old redwood that was planed as well as new cedar. A Cabot UV clear stain was applied. I live in southwest New Mexico. After three months we had lots( more than last 30 years seasons) of rain. Attached are pictures of what looks like mold all over the decks, one is 700 ft, the other 144 feet. This stuff is on railings and steps as well. I’m pretty freaked out. Can you advise me how to get this off. I’m chemically sensitive and have pets so, nontoxic options? And then what type of clear protectant/ stain do you recommend. Thanks
No pics.
Ok trying again. The weird thing is I tried using a scrub brush aggressively on the redwood (it was dry) and most came up but not when I used the brush on the cedar. Also on the brush the debris looked greenish grayish brown, not black. The Cabot product was water based not the Australian Timber product. There is none of this black stuff on the vertical posts but it is on the slanted arm railing.
Strip and brighten for prep with Restore A Deck products. Stain with Restore A Deck Stain in Light Walnut or Defy Extreme for best results in preventing mildew.
Here are the pictures you asked me to post
Most of it is just dirt from the water that dries off. Some is mildew. Try cleaning with some warm soapy water (dish soap) and a soft bristle brush like one used for a car. If it is laying on top of the stain it will wash off. If it doe snot come off and is embedded in or under the stain, then you may need to strip the stain and start over.
I have a new deck built with pressure treated wood. It was left to dry for a several months before staining with a semi transparent deck stain PPG ProLuxe premium deck wood finish transparent satin. High performance for exterior wood natural 078 color. First coat looked great and second coat wasn’t applied till after the pollen season. After a time I noticed black spots and streaks on the deck. Don’t know if this is worth mentioning but the shingles on my roof has black streaks as well. I’ve spent considerable amount of money having this deck built and I’d like to use the right cleaner to remove the black stains. Please advise!
Post some pics.
My two year old large cedar deck was treated with a clear water based sealer. It looked fine when new, but rain has lifted off the sealer it spots. I am switching to an oil based clear sealer. The deck is clean but I I have “worn” sealer on much of the deck and bare cedar in some areas. What’s the best prep strategy? A deck cleaner + brightener?
No. You need a stripper and then a brightener.
can i use restore-a-deck cleaner and brightener on trex ?
The cleaner, yes. The brightener would have no effect or need on trex.
I have a deck that is treated wood and has been in place 15 years. I have occasionally power washed the deck to bring back the original wood look. The deck is in good shape and has that gray faded look. If I use Restore a Deck do I have to power wash the deck prior to applying? Will I need to power wash after applying?
You apply the cleaner and then pressure wash it off. Brightener goes on after.
Ok. Just to be clear. When I pressure wash off the cleaner is it the same as pressure washing more heavily the deck without the cleaner or is it a slight pressure washing
Not very heavy. About 8-12 inches away from the wood. More like a high-pressure rinse.
Great. So the Brightener does not require a pressure wash?
If I were to use a clear stain what would last and for how long?
Just rinse the brightener after 15 minutes. Clear sealers have no UV protection so they will gray in months. It has to be tinted if you want to protect it from graying.
My decks has been stained with the Cabot Australian timber Oil natural . I last applied it 12 months ago, Still showing water (pooling ) resistance . I have no problem with the product except my deck is much darker then I want. I need to start over -Wood is in good shape –Will the restore a deck Clarence and brightener work on the Cabot AUS Timber Oil product considering the fact the wood seems to be sealed fairly well ?
No, you would need to remove it, not clean it. Try the RAD Stripper with both additives and then brightener: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
I am miserable with my deck. The deck itself is old and many boards have been replaced. So I have kept the deck in good shape as far as the deck boards go. I started using a solid deck stain about 6 years ago. I am using a dark color, black, ebony, etc. Up until this year I have been very satisfied. But this year beginning when the weather started getting right to put new coats on my deck, I decided to use Valspar Solid Deck Stain in a ebony color. I prepped my deck like it should be. Removed all mildew, dirt, etc., and sanded the deck all over to smooth places out. Started painting my stain on my deck. I (73 years old, female, lots of energy and love to work outside.) Am by myself so I used a good brush to put the stain on with and took my time in making sure all looked good. After finishing all of my side deck I left it totally alone and did not allow any walking on it and waiting for several days to make sure all was dry. At this point my deck looked really good. BUT, after about a week or so when I start working in the yard, and the dog is running back and forth across this deck, of course there was mud, dirt, and droppinngs from trees. I of course washed it off really good. Mud stains and dirt stains and droppings from trees were still very noticible on this deck. I have never had that to happed and it looks awful and so very dull looking. I put a cleaner on the deck and took a outdoor broom and scrubbed on it and still no difference. It looks dirty all the time and is driving me crazy. So my mission has been to find something to make my deck look like new, like it always has after refreshing it for the past 6 or 7 years. I wanted to get something on my deck that would give it a sheen (look somewhat shiney) and at the very least look clean. Well I bought a small can of Rust-Oleum Stain + Polyurethane (Ebony in color) I just finished painting 2 boards to see what this looks like and it looks great. BUT I read your article that tells me NO POLYURETHANE – will not hold up!! Please, please tell me what I can do. I am so wiling to paint the whole deck over again if I can get that look of at least being clean. Still would like a shine to it. PLEASE HELP ME. I have talked to Valspar people, talked to Sherwin Williams people, etc. They basically tell me nothing I really can do about the dirt and grime.
Carol Ann Beckum
Jackson, Mississippi
601-502-6965
You can never apply polyurethane over a deck stain or on exterior horizontal wood. It will peel. No shiny coatings as well, as those will peel tp. Your only option is to try another solid color deck stain but they are not immune to dirt or mud. No stain is.
I have a painted white wood deck that gets black mold/mildew on it. I’ve used bleach based products in the past. Will any of these oxygenated products work? I usually apply with a sprayer and power wash it off.
They should.
I have just had a mangaris deck sanded. it was originally coated with a rosewood oil stain. After sanding, It came out very clean. should it still be power washed with cleaner, brightener after sanding?
For best results, yes.
I don’t have a hose hookup or a way to pressure wash my deck… any recommendations? Can you use the cleaner/brightener without long rinse afterward? Is there an alternative cleaner I could use to prep? Thanks…
No, you need water and pressure.
Thank you.
Another question: we are still wavering between oil-based and water-based stain. Our climate is very wet with heavy snow in winter – do you have a recommendation?… I am leaning toward RAD water-based at least for the floor, as it can be applied wet, and we seem to rarely dry out here (I have done a test section with Restore a Deck already – looks good) but I am wondering about the re-application process. Is re-application of oils significantly easier than water-based? Will the RAD require complete stripping every few years to reapply? (would oil-based like TWR 1500 require the same?). Thanks in advance!
Both TWP and the RAD stains can be cleaned and reapplied as needed without stripping. Same prep.
great, thanks.
do you recommend one over the other for wet ( and snowy) climates?
No.
Are the cleaner and brighter products safe for the rubber roof that my deck sits on?
Yes.
So where can I purchase the Restore a Deck Cleaner Kit?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Kits-Best-Prices.html
can I use rad on cedar siding that was poorly sealed 3 years ago? would like to apply a light semi transparant stain afterward.
You may need to strip it. Post a couple of pictures.
Picture
No pictures.
Picture of cedar three years old
Your pictures are not uploading. They have to be below 4mb.
Looking to finally add stain to a pallet deck I built last summer. I used a variety of pallets so there are also a variety of wood species. Attached are three pictures. First is the completed deck while dry. Second is the deck after the rain (and the look I am going for). Third is the deck in it’s current state after power washing (without use of cleaning agent).
My next step is to sand, then I plan to either do a soap and water cleanse or use the Restore-a-deck cleaner and brightener to finish the prep. Which would be preferred?
Will the Restore-a-deck semi transparent stain give the wood the “wet” look I want?
Thanks
No pictures.
2nd attempt. Also wondering if the Armstrong Clark Natural Tone Transparent Stain would be a better choice…?
Use the RAD Cleaner/Brightener kit for prep. The Natural in RAD will give close to a wet look. Same with the AC Natural tone.
First two pictures are from last summer, third picture is from yesterday.
There is sap seeping out of our 8 year old deck on certain slats. What can I do to remove it? Presently sanding deck for refinishing and sap is still there.
Nothing we know of will remove sap outside of sanding.
This is a great site and has been very helpful in helping my newbie self figure out the best way to restore a very old, mistreated deck. I do have 1 question. Squirrels have been chewing at portions of my deck. I know the stain should help to deter this, but they are getting to some portions on the underside that are very challenging to clean and stain. Is there a simple alternative you know of to deter the chewing that wouldn’t involve staining the underside? Many thanks again!
No, and stain will not prevent this from happening either. Maybe call a pest control company. They might have some ideas.
Is it ok for a redwood deck
Yes, it is.
I have a deck that that I have power washed. After I power washed 50% is down to the wood. I am planning on stripping the whole thing (as it will be impossible to just do the parts that need it), brightening, then staining. Is that correct?
Yes, that is correct.
I have a cedar deck that does not need to be stained but needs to be cleaned of green algae. Do I need the Brightner? TIA
Brighteners will not remove algae. Anything too aggressive will remove stain so try just water and a little bit of dish soap.
I just want to clean the deck after the winter. Pressure treated, nothing special. No additional staining or sealing. It was just stained last year and color is fine. Would i use both the cleaner and the brightner or just the cleaner?
Prep products are only to be used when reapplying. They are not used for general cleaning as you will remove some stain. Try warm water with some dish soap and then rinse lightly to clean off dirt.
I have a 450 sq/ft cvg t&g doug fur screened porch that was stained 5 years ago with Sikkens ProLuxe Ceto SPD FE semi transparent in Teak. The fully covered areas still show color while the areas nearest to the outside have greyed. Should I sand then brighten. If I sand is 80 grit the proper paper and how long should I wait to prep and stain. Pics included
Do not sand. Strip and brighten the wood for prep using the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brighener Kits. Apply one coat of Restore A Deck stain after.
I have a new pressure treated deck that has weathered for 6 months. It faces south and gets a lot of sun. It is raised about 6 feet off the ground. I want it to be gray as that will look best with the house color.
-No need to do undersides unless you want for appearance only.
-You should still at least prep and clear coat it. It will still gray but it will help to protect from rot and decay.
I want to say thanks for your website but feeling a bit overwhelmed and had not seen a question like mine posted, so I wanted to reach out. See pictures I am not sure how old the deck is but have not been great at maintaining it (that will change with your guidance!). I pressure washed it in the fall and this is the current status. My issue is that my deck currently has virtually no stain or protectant and I want to get something on it ASAP. Unfortunately my wife wants to paint our home and that will most likely cause us to change deck color/stain (once we determine paint house color). I expect that that we will paint home during summer/fall 2021. And once we pin down the color we can find a stain that matches we will stain/re-stain most likely spring 2022. So given that, I wanted to get your thoughts on what to do. Given the pictures(and I can add more) I think I can skip pressure washer again, and just use RAD Cleaner or do you recommend pressure wash and then RAD Cleaner? After that I suspect given pics/age I need to use RAD brightener? Lastly, if I just want 1 year protection so we can finalize a stain what do you recommend I do? Ideally I don’t have to repeat the process in a year and whatever I apply to protect for a year won’t have to be stripped off. Thank you
For prep, you would need both the RAD Cleaner and the Brightener while pressure washing. As for the stain, try Armstrong Clark or TWP Stains.
In 2019 I applies TWP 100 Semi Transparent Redwood stain-oil based to my redwood deck. It has performed extremely well, but showing signs of wear so it is time to re stain my deck. This year I plan to use the same TWP 100 semi transparent oil based stain again, but want to change colors because the color was too red and unnatural.
Do I need to remove the old stain first? If so, what product should I use?
Strip and brighten for prep. Use the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kits.
I ordered RAD stain stripper with the booster and thickening gel additives to remove an oil stain from cedar posts. I also ordered the RAD brightener. Your article recommends using the brightener after stripper. Do you use the brightener immediately after using the stripper and power washer, or do you let the wood dry for a few days before using the brightener? Thanks
Brightener right away while wood is wet from the stripper.
I want clean and repaint my deck. But the weather is getting cold now. So I am planning to do it next spring. what should I do keep it in good condition during winter months.
Paint is peeling off. And I want to restore and stained or paint it properly in next season. Because stripping and cleaning will take time before I paint it. so I will not be able to finish everything right now.
Please advice me what to do.
I would also like to know when I am ready to do it which cleaner and stripper will be best for it.
Thanks again.
Strip and pressure wash off what you can and then sand after. Remove what is loose. You can cover the rest.
Used your products for cleaning and brightness
Worked well… however have a few minor small spots where evidently when stain was applied at edges of deck and was missed on spread out with deck brush …is there any product you would recommend to remove the
“Too much applied stain after three days“
You cannot spot fix this.
Our 25+ year old Pressure treated wood deck was cleaned by a company, Superior Soft Wash, and I need to seal it and was considering using Restore-A-Deck stain. Some of the old stain is still visible. Since it was soft-cleaned, not pressure washed, would you recommend doing any other prep or can I just stain it using RAD semi-transparent stain.
You have to fully remove the previous coatings when switching brands.
I have the older type of Trex composite decking without the wood grain surface. What is the best cleaner for this? I have tried Olympic, 30 seconds and Duckback composite deck cleaner. The one I thought would work best and was the most expensive (Duckback) did not work well. The others were just O.K. I heard Defy was good but it is a powder you mix with warm water just like the Duckback that foams. Before I spend any more money on something that works, thought I would ask your opinion.
Thanks,
Peggy
The Defy should work but it really depends on how bad the Trex is. The older Trex had lawsuits due to mold and issues and they never really cleaned up well.
If you have ice and water barrier under decking what kind of cleaner can you use? Will cleaning ruin the ice and water barrier?
No, they should not. Try the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kits.
These are pictures of a 15 year old deck in northern WI. The light colored boards were pressured washed (took way to much time) and the darker boards are what I’m dealing with. It is pressure treated lumber but it’s never been stained or painted. Will Restore-A-Deck and a pressure sprayer clean the layer/years of dirt and mildew?
Yes, it will help. Make sure to brighten when done.
I have a 4 year old deck with treated lumber that I never sealed or stained. Finally, this year I am sealing it. As you can imagine it was extremely weathered and dirty. I spent about 8 hours power washing the entire deck. As you can see it still has some dirt, and silvery, gray “blemishes” on it. I was going to start sanding with a belt sander, and/or orbital sander. But after reading about RAD, and watching the video, I am thinking that all I need to do is clean and brighten with RAD to restore the wood to its near natural state. Do you agree? If so, do I need to do anything else, like sanding, etc.? Or can I just go ahead and apply sealer? Thanks
Clean and brighten while pressure washing should remove this graying.
Live in Upper SC. Have stained deck ( maybe 5-8 yrs old?) with Cabot semi transparent and 2 yrs later restrained with Behr (last yr). It is a mess. Now trying to clean, then plan to sand before restaining. Stain is peeling up, but hard to to remove with pressure washer.. what is best thing to do to remove. Our worker does not want to sand if peeling since it will gum up sand paper. Sorry pictures are not better. Contractor pressure washed and scrubbed with a deck refinisher.
Then what stain is recommended. Open deck, most of it is sunny all day. Gets mildew though.
Use a stripper to remove as much as you can and then sand the rest off. Brightener after.
Thank you. What will brighter do? Which one? Also what should I use for stain?
I want pretty natural or light.
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-is-a-deck-brightener-and-why-use-one/
Try the TWP 100 Series.
Hi. Any idea how long does it take to be delivered in Toronto (Canada)?
Thanks
You would have to ask them directly.
We built our deck in 2018. We hired a company to stain it for us in 2019 and we bought the restore a deck products. They used the cleaner and brightener on it. However it looks awful this year. I have plenty of stain left and want to stain it myself this year. I
Based on what I read i just need to use the cleaner on it before I stain. Can you please look at the pictures and tell me if that sounds right or do I need to use the stripper too?
Just the cleaner.
I am re-staining my top deck with the same solid color stain that was on it previously. I replaced boards on the lower deck with Pressure treated deck boards and plan on using the same solid color stain as the top deck. Do I need to do anything different with the 2 decks to prep it for staining.
You have to let the new wood weather and prep: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I cant seem to find an answer. My steps and deck have turned black but they are not stained, They are painted with deck paint. I paint them every couple years. Would this product work the same way as a stained deck?
Thank you in advance.
Post a picture
I dont know if the previous owner used pressure treated lumber. Im thinking not.
That looks like mildew. Try bleach to kill it.
Thank you.
I have a 5 year old pine roof that I need to restain. This stain is from the builder. It is dull with no sheen at all. I am not sure exactly what is on it. Water does not bead on it. I would like to use the RAD dark walnut semi transparent. Can I use a pressure washer, cleaner, and brightener on this? Again I think the dark walnut is very close to this stain so I am not trying to drastically change the color. There is no peeling just some wearing. Thank you.
No, you cannot apply a different brand of stain over this coating so it must be removed first.
Thank you.
1. Would you recommend just the stripper without additives? This was only stained once about 5 years ago.
2.My plan is to use the RAD semi transparent dark walnut stain after. Do you see any issues with that plan?
3. Do you recommend scrubbing using the stripper or just letting the product sit and then powerwashing off?
Thank you for the help!
1. The Gel will help with this.
2. No.
3. Dwell then pressure wash off.
I am told that my 15 year old deck was originally stained with a silicone stain. About 4-5 years ago it was pressure washed and restained with Sherwin Williams water based clear stain. It started coming up almost immediately in traffic areas and has since worn away. It stayed down for the most part in non traffic areas, but I assume needs to be removed with a stain remover then brightener? Also, would an oil based or water based stain be best? Thanks!
Need pictures for prep help. It does need to be stripped or sanded.
The cleaning system has good reviews but is their stain any good?
Yes: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-review/
I stained about 4 years ago with twp 100 series, it’s definitely time to restain. What should I use to prep? Both Restore a deck products or just one?
Use both.
Our deck was stained with Thompson Water Seal about 3 years ago. Can I clean the deck with Restore A Deck. and if so will it be alright to stain the deck with new color.
Clear or a stain color? Are you using the same brand and color as last time? That would determine the proper way to prep.
Is the ‘Restore a deck’ product available in Australia ?
No, it is not according to their website.
Is it nessasary to use a cleaner on a new redwood fence prior to applying a sealer ?
That would depend on the wood type, when installed, etc. See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
What if ur to treat a new fence is it nessasary to use a cleaner before sealing the fence ?
My deck was stained with AC stain 2 years ago but has accumulated mildew and algae since then. Will using the the Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener end up removing that stain from 2 years ago? I’m not really wanting to have to stain it again so soon.
The RAD is used only when recoating. At this point, you have to do it every 2-3 years anyhow. Just prep and stain in the Spring.
Which store sells it?
You would have to check with them directly.
Will this combo of cleaner and brightened damage black aluminum painted pickets?
It should not.
I recently restained my deck and I noticed that (not surprisingly) a spot that needed to be sanded looks way better than the rest of the deck. So much so that I think I’d like to go ahead and attempt to make the whole deck look like this spot. Is this a product I could potentially use to avoid needing to sand the entire deck?
No. You would have to remove the current stain first.
I have a cedar deck that I stained this past spring using Sikkens (sico proluxe) srd stain.
Prior to staining, I used RAD cleaner and brightener to remove the greying and oxidation from weathering. It worked amazingly to bring the wood back to its natural colour.
I had some fuzzies but they easily knocked down with some 80 grit, I cleaned again to remove the dust and then stained when dry.
If I were to do a maintenance coat using the same stain, would I need to clean and brighten again with RAD or, could I simply clean with plain water, let dry and apply the same brand of stain over existing stain?
No need to strip the current stain?
Would RAD cleaner and brightener negatively affect the stain that already there?
Thanks,
Frank
You can clean and brighten with RAD for prep of reapplication. No need to strip.
What effect would the cleaner and brightener have on the current stain, if any?
It preps it for recoating so it may thin it or possibly even remove some of it.
I power washed my mahogany porch (it’s a covered front porch that’s exposed to some rain). It previously hadn’t been washed or treated for at least 6 years. My goal is to get it back to a nice reddish mahogany natural color. I was hoping to use the rustic TWP 1500.
Some of the boards are slightly cupped. When I tested with a random orbital sander the edges got more sanded that the middle. Do I need to sand? Or can I just use the cleaner and brightened, then the TWP?
I’m hoping to get the old mahogany wood to look somewhat like the newly installed Red Balau. Both are shown in the photo. The Red Balau isn’t treated yet – it was just installed.
Would love advice on whether I need to sand and if I should use this kit or Gemini restore a deck. Can I use the cleaner/brightener right after sanding? What color TWP should I put on Red Balau if I’m using rustic on the old mahogany?
Thank you!
No need to sand. Clean and brighten for prep. Any color you like will work. The Rustic will enhance the grain giving it a rich appearance.
Thank you! If I’m using TWP 1500 should I use Gemini Restore or the one on this page?
Thanks again!
Doesn’t matter.
Can you use RAD cleaner and brightener and then use Defy Extreme Stain, or do you need to use Defy’s cleaner before using Defy stain? Many thanks.
You can use the RAD prep products.
Does power washing alone (well I used a crappy cleaner too) strip old stain? It doesn’t look like there is much/any color left on the wood after power washing. Do I need to apply stripper first and then use the cleaner/brightener (on top of the already crappy one I applied)? Or just one or the other?. I do still see some areas of green algae in other areas of a different part of the deck (added on later than original one with stain) .It’s a 3 year old deck and we just went straight to a cleaner and power washing. HELP!! Thanks
Post a picture of the deck after the pressure washing to help determine what to do.
The first 2 pictures are of the original deck that had previous stain and we just power washed it. Not sure the type of wood it is. The last one is the pine deck that was added by us later and we just power washed it.
Second pic
Pine
Just clean and brighten for the final prep. Do not need to strip.
If u stain with RAD and need to sand and restain a Area should u apply brightner to the sanded area before staining again?
Yes.
Where can it be purchased?
Check with their website. http://www.restore-a-deck.com
How does this product rate on new deck application?
Have you seen this article on new wood? https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
You will have to treat the wood the same way for the RAD.
I have a kiln dried cedar deck installed last year. Was told okay to stain. So stained before it was built. After this past winter, the parts of the decks that are exposed are peeling and flaking, after only a year! Would this word well on this wood? Also, would it perhaps potentially harm my aluminum spindles. Thanks!!
You cannot stain new kiln-dried wood right away. That was bad advice. You will need to strip and brighten for prep: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
Should not harm spindles.
thank you!!
Is this product designed to use on a cedar deck?
Yes, it will work on cedar.
I have a 1 year old deck made with I believe pine boards with a printed stamp on the wood that says SPIB PREM RED KD19 HT. The wood looks like it is treated. The floor boards has not had stain applied to it yet but i would like to do it in the near future. Would I have to apply a cleaner and then use a wood brightener or just use a wood brightener? It has some minor graying that has started.
You clean and then brighten. Brightener by itself will not prep wood.
Can you make the cleaner into liquid and then dispense in a power washer, as if it were the pre-cleaning soap?
No, it cannot be injected through a pressure washer.
Can you make the cleaner or brighter in a power washer, once you make it a liquid?
I have a three year old redwood deck. It is out of the sun, and is in total shade. (It is a lower deck). I would like to clean it and power wash it, but NOT re-stain it at this time. Three year stain (Penofin, I believe) is still pretty well coated on the wood. Is it okay to just clean the deck without re-staining. Thanks
Deck prep products like this are designed to prep for recoating, not general cleaning. If you use this, you will need to stain again.
We have a 20 year old iron wood deck, sometimes called monkey wood. And have used Penofin Penetrating Oil Finish. I have occasionally used a pressure washer to remove and reapply the Penofin. I am now at the point where I can remove some of the stain but a majority of the old stain will not power wash off leaving a very spotty deck. My picture shows where the old stain is removed and the darker stain that is almost impossible to get off. If I apply stain now it will look like it looks in the picture most likely. Is your stain remover and brightener product such that it will remove this buildup of stain over the many years we have had the deck. If so, do I need to apply your product more than once to get the results desired. Your reply will determine how we proceed.
The RAD stripper will remove this but you may need to strip it a couple of times to get it all off.
I stain the floor but paint the railing. Would this prep (cleaner/brightener) be appropriate for both areas?
Depends on if the floor has a coating on it or not?
I cleaned my deck last night with the RAD cleaner and power washer. It looks like there is still some residual dirt and grime on the wood and I am wondering if it needs to be cleaned again or if I can go ahead and lightly sand the railing and brighten?
You can go ahead and finish with the brightener. No reason to sand.
RAD Stain can be applied 2-4 hours after brightening? This is our front deck which has older wood and I was planning on doing 2 coats of light walnut stain. We just replaced all the boards on our side deck and are waiting 3 months before staining. We will then do 1 coat of stain since they are new boards. Will this result in different shades of stain on the two decks since one has 2 coats and the other has 1 coat?
Yes on after the 2-4 hours. Older wood will always be slightly darker in color than new wood.
Can we wait a week after cleaning/brightening to stain the wood? If using RAD stain, is it recommended to stain on slightly damp or dry wood?
Damp or dry wood will work. You can stain a week after prep.
I just used RAD cleaner and brightener and it looks like it removed the AC stain that I applied last year. Is that supposed to happen? My intention was to remove the dirt and grime before applying another coat of stain later this week, but seems like I’m back to where I started as if I hadn’t put any stain on before.
Yes. Deck cleaners are for prepping for recoating, not general cleaning of dirt. What you did is correct for applying another coat.
I have a 14 x 18 Lamp and Malphrus Premium pressure treated wood deck. It was built in February and from what i can tell decking board was cut in October 2018. I know it is not ready to stain but i really want to enjoy it now. The wood is beautiful and i have not put anything on it.
My question is should i cover the entire deck with a rug or something until next summer when i stain it OR should I just use it? All i will be doing is staging some furniture around and have a sitting area I live near Asheville NC and the summer and fall is great a for a covered deck. About half of the deck gets morning sun. The other gets almost nothing. I just don’t want to do anything to create more unnecessary work yet and maintain as much as possible the wood until i use a (semi-transparent?) stain.
Can i use Restore a Deck Cleaner on a Tiger Wood deck? It has never had anything done to it and by the time the contractor finished with house (10 years ago) the deck has grayed. I am sick! Half of deck is covered and other is not. What do you recommend and where can I get it?
Many thanks in advance. I heard you folks were awesome!
Go ahead and use the deck. It will be fine. You can use the RAD prep products for the Tigerwood when time to prep.
Thank you so much. After i clean the tiger wood with RAD, where should i go from there? I am going to do that next week. What should i use to get rid of as much gray as possible and should i put some semi transparent on tiger wood? I did not think so but it was so beautiful at one time. Sand? Just use RAD??
Prep with the RAD Deck Cleaner and then the wood brightener. Stain with the RAD semi-transparent wood stain. One coat only for Tigerwood.
You guys are awesome!
Welcome!
Can this deck (photo included) be stripped? The stain currently on it is pictured below. What stain do you recommend for the next application?
You need the RAD Stripper (not cleaner) and these additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Stain after with the RAD Semi-transparent stain or Armstong Clark.
I just finished pressure washing my deck. I used the Behr all in one deck cleaner. It’s several years old and was never stained, sealed, or painted. It is currently drying. I am not sure it’s completely clean. I am going to need to seal it with something and replace a few boards. I am thinking semi-transparent would be what I need. Do I need to use any RAD products at this point?
Post a picture.
Hi, I can’t seem to find out if the 2 steps are flower bed-friendly? My patio is surrounded by multiple flower beds. Kindly advise.
You should tarp the flowers. It is not that the products are an issue but all the residual dirt, grime, and soap residue can damage the flowers.
Are there any BRIGHTENER products available for Trex wood decks? A product to apply post Powerwashing??
Thanks
Ed
A brightener will not work or have any effect on Trex.
Hello! Quick question here. Our fence was installed about 9 months ago and I’ve recently power-washed it using some basic deck/fence cleaner and I’d like to use Restore-a-Deck in the natural finish. Is it mandatory that I buy all the cleaning and prepping products as well since I just cleaned? Thanks!
As long as it is clean and your rinsed very well when done, you can go ahead and stain.
Good to know, thank you for the super quick reply! One more thing though (fyi, this subject is far from my strong suit!). When I power washed today I noticed some boards had what looked like graying in small patches nearest the bottom of the boards or where they intersected with the lower horizontal board. Some looked a bit moldy/dirty, but not actual dirt. Not a lot, but enough to notice. I had never used a power washer before, fyi. Started with the 40 nozzle to rinse and it wasn’t taking any of the dark spots off so I switched to the 25 (maybe it was 20?) nozzle and it sort of removed some of the areas but I felt like I was risking ruining the wood if I got any closer. The fence is near dry now and some of those areas are still there, and I’ve already returned the power washer to its owner. Perhaps I do need some additional cleaning supplies and a stiff cleaning brush to fully remove it, or can I stain over it? My head is spinning….I’m MUCH better in the kitchen making delicious baked goods, ha!
New 600 sf second story Cedar deck installed last Summer and stained with Armstrong Clark oil-based semi-transparent stain. The deck looks really good but since it only has one coat of stain on it I want to give it another coat of stain this summer.
I used Restore-A-Deck on it last summer before staining and it made a huge mess of gunk on the underside of the deck the siding on the house below and the patio below which took a very long time to cleanup. It also damaged some of the windows below it, the glass, as confirmed by the professional company that cleans my windows.
I see you recommend Restore-A-Deck for cleaning but based on how good of shape the stain is on my deck and mess/damage it creates below can you recommend something that wouldn’t make such a clumpy mess below?
When new wood sits for a few months or longer it will oxidize from the sun. This oxidation (graying) is then removed by a deck cleaner. It looks like wood fibers and has to come off prior to staining. The RAD is not the cause of this (any deck cleaner would have had the same result) but helps to remove the oxidation from the wood when you do the prep. Always rinse well when you are done to make sure the wood fuzzies are not stuck on the house, etc.
This oxidation removal only happens when the wood is silver or gray and not stained so it should not happen again.
More pics
It is good to go and will look great when stained.
Ok great. Thanks again for your help it’s greatly appreciated and you have a great site! Going with RAD dark walnut stain.
Try applying to damp wood. Much easier. Only one coat as well for new decking.
I’m no professional and this is a huge deck but I did two coats on it and it turned out pretty good in my opinion. Not perfect but I worked it fast. Thanks for all your help. I’ve already recommended you site to a few other people for the wealth of knowledge!
Looks great!
I used RAD today. It took all day on my large deck. As discussed on another post half my deck is covered. When I used the Brightener it looked great while it was wet. When it dried its back white again and the part thats covered looks chalky. Is this normal and is it ok to go ahead with stain? It’s a one year old deck thats never had anything done to it.
do you need to clean and brighten after media blasting?
Probably not as that process scores the surface and roughens up the wood.
My deck has a white film after applying, waiting 15 minutes, brushing many times and washing with a hose. I put the brightener on hoping that would remove the white flakes. Any suggestions?
The white is oxidation of the wood fibers that need to be removed after applying the cleaner. Use a pressure washer or heavy scrub more effectively.
Hi. Is this product safe for plants and animals? I would like to try it to clean vinyl siding with pressure washer application. My siding is badly soiled with mold and mildew. Thanks
Yes, it is.
Would like to use RAD Step 1&2 on a fence. Will either product kill our plants?
I don’t believe so but it may brown some leaves if you do not rinse off the dirt and soap residue.