This post was updated on April 4, 2025
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 Stain Stripper 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.
Update 2026: Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Review
I would love to hear if you have used the Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper on your wood or deck. Please post a rating in the Consumer Star Ratings below. Consumer reviews in the comment section below have shown excellent results when using the Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper.
If you have any pictures of your experience with Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper, you can add them in the comment area with a detailed description.
Note: There are 2 new additives for the RAD Stain Stripper. The Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Booster and the Restore-A-Deck Thickening Gel. These products will increase the overall effectiveness of your stain stripping. These two additives greatly enhance the removal and ease of your stain-stripping project.
See here for more info:
Restore-A-Deck Stripper Booster and Thickening Gel Additives
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper is a biodegradable, powdered concentrate that quickly removes worn finishes to restore wood surfaces. It removes stains, coatings, collected dirt, mold, mildew, and mill glaze.
The Restore A Deck system is a multistep deck cleaning system, and the best results are achieved when using all 3 products. This product is Step 1 Stripper of the Restore A Deck system and can be substituted for or used after Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner.
The Restore-A-Deck Deck Stain Stripper needs to be neutralized with a wood brightener.
How I Rated Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper
My Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper 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
- Ease of Application
- Final Appearance after Cleaning
- Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Final Score
5-Step Review of Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper
1. Removal of Graying, Dirt, Grime: 9
The RAD stripper easily cuts through the dirt. All mold was removed from the deck.
2. Cost Per Square Foot: 10
Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper covers up to 1000 sq. feet for 2 pounds, $39.99 a bottle. The RAD stain stripper is a bargain to use for the cost! Less than $8 per gallon when mixed with water.
3. Removal of Old Stain: 9
The Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper was used to remove a buildup of TWP 100 Series stain. The stripper was very effective at removing over 95% of the TWP. There was a little difficulty in a spot where a doormat had sat there for years. We applied the RAD stripper to this spot with the pump sprayer and it came off easily.
4. Ease of Application: 10
The RAD Deck Stain Stripper in the 2-pound container mixes with 5 gallons of water. We tested the stripper by using a pump sprayer for application. We covered our 800 sq foot deck in less than 10 minutes. We needed most of the 5 gallons to do this.
5. Final Appearance of Stripping: 9
Great at removing our semi-transparent stain. We needed a wood brightener to neutralize as the RAD stripper is extremely strong.
Overall Score Restore-A-Deck Deck Stain Stripper: 9.4
It’s great at removing stains, easily applied, and costs pennies a square foot! This is our highest score to date. Other deck stain strippers are just as effective, but we like the option of injecting the stripper.
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Restore-A-Deck
Product Type: Powdered Concentrate Deck Stain Stripper
Available Sizes: 2 Pound Container Makes 5 Liquid Gallons
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coverage Per Container: 750-1000 sq. ft
Application Tools: Scrub Brush, Pressure Washer, Pump Sprayer.
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Cedar
Deck Square Footage: 800
The condition of Deck: 2-year-old TWP Stain was removed
How Much Product Used: 2 Pounds. Retails for $39.99 with Free shipping.
*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.
How To Strip With Restore-A-Deck Stripper – DeckStainHelp.com
This was an excellent product to remove the water based semi transparent stain that I used on a one year old cedar deck.
The application was easy; the removal was better than I thought it would be and clean up was easy.
Any stripping process is going to take some work but this product wasn’t that bad.
I didn’t take before pics but I will submit some after pics in the Brightener section.
Thanks for your feedback!
Now that I finished my deck project I thought I’d submit a review of the RAD products. My 500 sqft deck was stained with Pennofin back in 2010 then completely neglected since then. And I mean “completely” neglected. I didn’t have very high expectations coming into the project.
I couldn’t be happier with the results. I used RAD stripper and brightener kit for the project. This is industrial strength stuff so I took all the safety warnings seriously. I wore long sleeves, rubber gloves, painters mask and eye protection. I applied the stripper to 3/4 of the deck via sprayer before it clogged, then applied it via brush the last 1/4. After 30 minutes I rinsed it off with a 1600 PSI pressure washer using the green nozzel. It ended up removing 95+ % of the old stain.
After applying brightener to the whole deck I wasn’t completely satisfied how the brush application section turned out so I took another pass at it with the stripper. Then via a suggestion to a question I submitted earlier in this thread I applied another application of brightener to the whole deck and let it dry into the wood. Fantastic results. I ended up staining it with TWP Honeytone.
Before, stripping/brightening, and after photos tell the story.
Looks great!!
I just posted a question as to how to remove Pennofin from a teak deck and restore it. Yours looks amazing. I know it has been 7 years since you wrote this review, but would you still recommend the RAD stripper and brightener kit?
Yes, that will work well to remove the Penofin.
I stripped an 850 sq ft cedar deck with the RAD stripping kit with excellent results. I mixed the stripper at 1/2 pound per gallon in a pump sprayer. The four gallons (two pound bag) turned the Cabot 3000 stain into goo within 30 minutes, and with the aid of a pressure washer, removed 99% of the failed and peeling stain. After stripping, I neutralized with part 2 of the kit with equally impressive results. As an aside, I had a local quotation of $2550 to strip and re-stain my deck. Do the math; RAD stripper is a bargain and does a fantastic job.
Will the stripper and additives remove this stain? Believe it’s a semi solid
No pictures.
Sorry didn’t attach
Solid stain. You will have to sand it off.
Our local dealer only carries TWP Safe-Strip, are the directions the same and is one better than the other? I am prepping heavily oxidized and previously stained cedar siding. I also used the #2 Restore a deck brighter that came in a kit as I was not able to find it by itself. Is Safe Strip compatible with the brightener and should I use it after using the safe strip?
Gemin Safe Strip is not the same and not as effective as the Restore A Deck Stripper. It may not work for you.
Hello I just posted, I prefer NOT to have my last name posted, sorry and thanks! Julie E.
You will not be able to strip this off. You will have to remove it by power sanding.
Am I understanding you correctly that I will not be able to strip any of it, including the floor?
It is on the wood like a paint or solid stain. You may be able to strip some but you will have to sand to get it fully off.
Hello, I am looking for some advice. This is a 30 year old deck. Last stained 2 or 3 years ago with what is pictured below. The top rail has had many different things on it over the years. Please advise, thanks!
I am wondering if RAD with the booster will make a difference for me.
We have been trying to strip what it seems to be solid stain from our deck. First (left) picture shows the results after using a floor sander 36 grit. Didn’t make much progress. Then we tried the Beth stripper followed by the cleaner, which started to help very little (right, still wet), but we still have a long way to go to get rid of it. Would you recommend the RAD + booster on this situation or should we just move to another type of sander?
Thank you!
The RAD Stripper with both the Booster and the Gel while pressure washing would help to remove some but you will still need to sand to get it all off.
I will be stripping my deck rails using restore-a-deck with the two additives and brightening using the restore-a-deck brightener. The decking itself is Timbertech composite decking. Are there any concerns with the stripper or brightener falling on the composite decking? Will it discolor it? The decking does have some dark spots in it Do I need to cover it in plastic or something? Or would the stripper and/or brightener help clean the composite decking and it’s OK or even preferred to spray it along with the railings? Thanks!
They should not harm anythng but they will not remove dark spots.
Hi, The previous owner seemed to have stained over stain probably over 5 years ago on the cedar deck. It’s been peeled off and cracked especially on the rails because of the very dry climate here (less than 10% humidity is common). I don’t like opaque stain, but how do I fill those cracks? And, do I need booster gel for the stripper for the pervious stain (semi-solid?)? Thank you so much.
You have a solid stain on your wood. That cannot be stripped off fully. You will need to sand it off the wood.
Thanks. How do I fill the cracks on the railings? Should I replace the boards?
Wood filler will not work on a deck. Replacing is better.
Ok thank you.
My front porch deck has sikkens Srd. The front porch deck is covered. The deck by the house looks great but the side that gets sun has faded and the deck in front of the stairs is mostly worn off. We have a log house, so the logs wrap down to the deck. The deck is cedar.
I am looking for a stripper that will safely and easily remove the srd. I then intend to apply TWP 100.
What you have on the deck is overcoated to the point that is on there like a shellac or urethane and that means you cannot stip it off. You will have to power sand this to remove it.
Hello. I am going to re-stain a house that previously had ATO red grandis and the owner wants to go water based semi- transparent over it. Can I apply the water based over the timber oil?
No, you will have to strip it all off first.
Can I apply stripper with sprayer, let sit/ untouched, power wash off and then …?
You will need the RAD Stripper with both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Then pressure wash off. Repeat if needed. Brighten all when done.
I’m not sure what is on my deck. I think a Ben More semi-transparent. Stained probably 4 years ago. We are wanting to go to a more natural wood color (it is a greyish brown now). I’ve been told I can not go lighter. Were told just to thompson water seal after power washing it, it but I see that may not be a good option. Hoping to avoid sanding. Can we apply this stripper, powerwash it after, and then use brightener? Pretty basic restain job minus maybe switching products and color. We do have vertical cabinets, with countertops that we will do in a darker contrasting color, thus wanting lighter on the bottom.
So using the stripper allows you to not powerwash as harshly or as long?
Post pictures of the current condition.
Deck Location State: West Virginia
Sun: Full sun
Wood: Pressure treated pine
Mold/mildew: no
Reason for stain failure: winter freeze/thaw, water dripping from eaves. : Most of the deck is still covered, but there are several places where stain worn off and wood exposed. Several spots get dripping water from eve overhang that goes down to the decking.
Previous stain: 3 yrs ago, new deck, no stain the first season.
2yrs ago, Flood CWF Cedar, 2 coats after deck wash.
Last year, Flood CWF Ultra UV5, 2 coats after deck wash.
Preparing for this year, 2020. Can I stain over last year’s coat with the same product to keep from removing the otherwise thick coat on 90% of the deck? If not, what product do you suggest I use to remove current stain, and what to re-stain with?
You can clean and recoat with the same but it will eventually lead to more peeling/wearing down the road as you are over-applying. Eventually, you will need to fully remove it down to the bare wood and start over with a true penetrating stain. To remove, you will need to strip and sand to get it all off. Brightener after.
HELP! I used Restore-A-Decks 2-step Stripper & Brighter system to remove the old water-based Benjamin-Moore Arborcoat semi-transparent stain from my hardwood mahogany deck. After applying, power-washing off the old stain, brightening then thorough rinsing & drying, I applied 1 thin coat of Armstrong-Clark’s OIL-based Hardwood Amber semi-transparent stain, as recommended. It looked nice going on, but after drying looked horrible! Very mottled looking with extremely flat finish—no sheen whatsoever. I was careful to apply the stain evenly, full-length of deck 2 boards at a time. But, it looks like staggered marks from the pressure washer used to rinse-off the stripper now managed to show through the semi-transparent stain on the boards..
Can I save the looks of the deck by now applying a different SEMI-SOLID oil-based stain over the SEMI-TRANSPARENT one that’s now on it? If so, do I have to do any re-prep, or can I just apply the new coat of semi-solid stain to cover-up the current uneven appearance? I’m not that interested in showing the grain of the mahogany in it’s current condition. What can I do at this point? Thanks,
The AC is not supposed to have a shine and in fact, none of the high-quality stains will have ashine as that will lead to severe peeling and blistering on a deck. You cannot apply the semi-solid over the semi-transparent.
Post some pictures.
Here are a few shots of my mahogany deck with AC amber semi-transparent stain
You have what we call “stop lines” in your wood from the pressure washing. Basically your pressure washed too close to the wood and with the wrong technique. You can never reverse direction when at full pressure as that leaves the lines and deep “dents” in the wood. You always have to wash with a pendulum motion doing a full swing up or back before reversing directions. How you did it left uneven porosity of the wood and that is what the stain looks blotchy.
The only way to fix this would be to remove the stain and then power sand all the wood evenly to remove the damage that was caused. 60-80 grit paper: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
Appreciate the info. I’m leaving as it is for this season. Next spring, I wish to ad another coat of the AC semi-transparent amber stain. Do I just use your cleaner, rinse and then stain? Or, will I need to re-brighten as well before stain application? Thanks.
Just cleaner and then stain.
Is this the right product to use for first time on PT decking to clean and brighten?
This is a stripper. You want a cleaner and brightener: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-cleaner-system-review/
Will this clean and brighten unstained or unseal PT? If not what’s the right products to use for first time
I just had some of the boards on my cedar deck replaced with cedar boards and there are also many boards that have transparent stain on them, as the picture shows. If I use stripper followed by brightner will it harm the brand new cedar boards?
The stripper should not harm the new boards.
Where can I purchase Restore A Deck?
On their website.
Thanks
will this remove rescue it max from deck?
No, the only way to remove that product is to sand.
I have Behr super Rawhide (clear) on my cedar siding and it’s cracking and peeling. Will restore-a-deck stripper remove this stuff? I’ve read that only media blasting will take it off.
No, you will need to media blast.
Thanks for this site. Best source of info on deck restoration I can find anywhere. I’m getting educated!
I think previous owner applied Sherwin DeckScapes solid (found a can under the house), although the can is brown and the deck stain has red tints, what’s left of the stain! Reading here I think I’m doing RAD 3-part prep, but I’m confused on two things:
1) I see you mention Stripper won’t remove a solid stain like DeckScapes. Should I just skip stripping then? This is related to my second question…
2) IF there is/was solid stain on my deck, my only option is another solid then correct? I can’t put a semi stain on, correct?
That does not look like a solid stain. Strip it off with the RAD stripper and both of the additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
It should come off the floors pretty good but not 100% certain about the rails. If it does not come off the rails, then consider a two-toned deck: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/advantages-to-having-a-two-toned-deck/
ok thank you! I’ll come back with photos once I have it stripped and cleaned.
I am using the RAD (without booster or gel) on my pine deck floor that was media blasted and stained with Permachink Ultra 7 about six years ago. It’s a semi-trans water based stain and it is coming up, but I think the pressure washer may be doing the bulk of the work. I’m just wondering as I have more to do, if I should add the “booster” to the RAD to kick it up in strength. As it is, I mixed it double strength according to the directions. I don’t have the booster (also don’t need the gel as surface is not vertical), but could order it, but should I consider something stronger like Woodrich HD80? I will be light power sanding afterwards to get rid of fuzzies and imperfections.
So the question is, how does the booster (minus the gel) added to RAD stack up against straight HD80?
Thanks for any input.
HD80 is not stronger but weaker than the RAD Stripper. Using RAD Stripper both additives will help with the stripping. Apply and let sit for up to an hour. Make sure to mist to keep it wet.
I am hoping that you can advise me how you would tackle this deck railing project. One of your replies states, “…no deck stain stripper will remove a solid stain effectively.”I don’t know enough to be able to know what is on the railing right now. Are you able to tell by the pictures, by chance?
If appropriate, I planned to use Restore-A-Deck Deck Stain Stripper with Booster and Gel Additives followed by the Brightener. We haven’t chosen the coating yet, and would appreciate suggestions for the most durable available for the conditions. The deck is in the Pacific Northwest with a west view and the house is very near the Puget Sound coastline. Also, is there a coating that would make all the wood consistent in color, or are we doomed to have a mismatch on the few treated posts and rim joist that were recently replaced? Do you have any thought about how long this project might take per 6 LF of railing? I appreciate any guidance you can provide! Thank you so much!
You have a two-toned deck. White solid stain for rails and semi-transparent for floors. Best to stick with this approach. See here for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/advantages-to-having-a-two-toned-deck/
You will not be able to strip the railing fully but it will help to prep for a new coat of a solid stain and will prep the floor as well. The only way to make consistent would be to stain all rails and floors with a solid stain. Timing is relative to experience so no way to answer.
Thank you for your insight! I should clarify that we’re not doing anything to the deck right now. We’re just doing the railing.
I have a 2 year old pressure treated deck that was sealed with a natural-color oil based sealer. I’d like to cover it with Restore a Deck stain. Other than washing the deck, do I need to remove the oil based sealer? At a minimum, what should I use?
Yes, you will need to remove the current stain when switching brands, Use the RAD Stain Stripper and pressure washing to remove. Brighten the wood after.
I have a multi level deck that is 28 years old. We have pressure washed the deck and were planning to apply the Restore A Deck cleaner and brightener. but with amount of old Sikkens stain remaining on the deck, I am afraid that will not be enough. Do I have to cover my lower deck when I clean my upper deck?
You will need to strip this and you will need both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
If you are not doing the lower deck then cover it. If you are do the top first and then proceed to the bottom deck.
Thank you! This is a really great site!!!
You are welcome!
I just applied a coat of Restore-A-Deck semi transparent Natural, to a few sections of a relatively new cedar fence. I don’t like the results. Can I remove it now and start over?
Yes.
Where can you purchase this product?
Check with their website.
Does this product work on Redwood decks stained with solid stain from Behr
Sorry, but no deck stain stripper will remove a solid stain effectively.
Thanks. Any thoughts on how to make the deck look good if it cannot be completely stripped. What can be put over the stain if anything and will it last
You can strip off some and then cover the rest with a new solid color stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Thanks again. I will try it What a pain!
Great site!
I want to apply a new coat of semi-transparent stain to my fence that has a pre-existing semi-transparent stain. As I understand it, I have to strip it first (using RSD), condition it, then stain it. My question is, do I need to apply any further treatment, such as a sealer or varnish, over the final coat of semi-tranparent stain?
Thanks,
Phil
No, and you cannot add a sealer or coating over a deck or wood stain.
How will the stripper effect black powder coated rod iron rails??
It shouldn’t harm anything but always test spot first.
I got some of the dissolved stripper on a window when I was spraying it on the deck. It left spots that have failed to come off with window cleaner, detergent and a razor blade, and acetone.
Any ideas?
We have never had this happen to us. Is the window tinted?
Window is not tinted. Given the droplet pattern I am sure it happened when I was applying the stripper as a spray. It must have dried on the glass and maybe etched it before I flooded the deck and adjacent wall to remove the stain and stripper.
The stripper would not etch the glass as it is not an acid. Should just be soap residue. Have you tried a green scrubby with soapy water?
Like this.
The restore a deck stripper mentions the it could darken cedar. I have sanded my floor, but cannot get to some and am considering using the stripper on the balance. Could there be a difference then in what the product will look like when stained. Going to use a TWP stain
As long as you brighten all when done, you will be okay.
Applied Pittsburgh Ultra Advanced Solid Acrylic Latex stain several years ago. We sanded most of deck, but areas of stain remain between the deck boards. Is there a stripper that would work for the edges rather than sanding?
No, not on a solid stain.
I think the previous owner put in behr semi transparent stain but who knows what other previous owners used. I used behr stripper but failed miserably ( see the picture). Is this thr type of stain that I can only remove with power sanding ?
That is a solid opaque stain, not semi-transparent. You will have to power sand to remove this.
Thank you. Do you recommend a certain type of power sander I should use for a deck? I am willing to rent it from Home Depot
See for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
Thank you. So I am thinking of the cheapest option which would be not to sand and then just stain with solid deck stain… if I were to live here forever I woul hire someone to sand it but I think I might have to spend at least $1000 to get my deck sanded!
So I got your recommended cleaner and brightener kit. So I will use that and then do a solid stain color. What do you think abou this and what products would you recommend ?
Yes, you can do a solid stain over it. Any of these will work: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
My husband sanded with a drum sander for 5 hrs but still has paints on them. I can start to see the grains but that thing is so resistant to even sanding. I did a spot testing with citristrip and the paint does come off. I have used it before and I know melts away the paint. I am just afraid the Restore deck wont work to remove the remaining solid stain. What’s your experience with citristrip
Not much, we do not use the Citristrip as that is more of a paint stripper than a deck stain stripper.
Hello!
My deck looks very similar to the above. Previous owner must’ve used some kind of solid opaque stain (paint?) which won’t come off using just a power washer. I plan to use Gulf Synthentic products to do a full restore but need to get this stuff off first.
Should I start with a product like the above to clean as much as I can? What about Wolman Deckstrip ASR?
I will likely need to sand, then use Perma Fill to level, then Perma Bond, then revive.
This is massive 22×26 deck, with many board likely needing replaced.
When covering with Gulf, you do not need to remove all the current stain. Just remove the dirt and any loose paint/stain by pressure washing. You can then go to Perma Fill to level, then Perma Bond, then revive.
Thanks for the reply!
This stuff MIGHT be the Behr DeckOver so it is VERY thick.
Still think we don’t need to remove it?
Post a picture.
Thanks again for the help. Here are some more details:
22×26 ft deck
Need to replace 8-10 boards
Planning to use Gulf Synthentics (about $1000 for this size)
Can’t get this stuff off (tried Wolman ASR and 2100 PSI power washer).
I am considering using a 3200 PSI washer to rip through this stuff and get down to the wood. It may chewed up a bit, but will this hurt the application of Gulf Deck Revive?
My thought process is that this still will cover it up, so it shouldn’t matter.
Looks like a solid stain. You do not have to remove all to cover with the Gulf. Just pressure wash to remove the loose paint.
We usedthis to remove a semitranparent stain. It did a mediocre job. Mildew was not removed despite scrubbing with abrush.
This will easily remove surface mildew. If something “black” did not come out of the wood, then it was not mildew but possibly rust or tannin stains. The brightener would help with this.
I have a pressure treated wood deck stained with Olympic Elite semi solid stain. The deck is 10 years old, the current stain is 2 years old. I’d like to re-stain a different color. Will the RAD stripper remove the Olympic stain?
It should. Use the two RAD additives as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Hello, Contractor stained 6 month old kiln dried premium pine lumber using Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat Semi-Trans on deck around pool. Applied on hot day and flashing occurred. Contractor came back 4 months later and applied second coat without stripping (just lightly sanded over flashed areas). Lasted about a year. Year 2 and most of the stain has worn away. I need to strip, should I use the recommended Benjamin Moore stripper or go with something like the restore-a-deck product? Once striped & brightened, my painter wants to use CWF but I’m leaning more towards TWP and doing it myself. I live in Southern New York. What’s best for my situation? Thanks so much!!
Arbor Coat is an extremely difficult strip, especially when double coated like this. You can strip off what you can but you will most likely need to sand. Use RAD but look at these as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Thanks so much for the quick reply! From your experience, have you noticed if RAD runoff kills vegetation? I have grass and shrubs all around the deck and fear a chemical like this may have an adverse effect.
Not kill but could burn the leaves if you do not cover.
Will this product remove Behr No. 400 transparent waterproofing wood finish?
Need a picture.
Looking for advise on choosing a deck stripper:
Need to remove stain applied 2 years ago: Olympic Maximum, semi-transparent, stain and sealant in one. It was advertised to prevent water damage and graying for 6 years…ha!
As you can see from the attached picture, it is pealing and wearing off, and the deck is weathered gray.
Will RAD stain stripper remove the rest of this stain?
Thanks,
Harvey
In the picture, it looks closet semi-solid to solid stain in some areas. This makes it very hard to strip. You can try the RAD stripper with the additives but you may need to sand as well to get it all off.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
I hate to sound stupid, but can someone tell me where to find the 37 reviews for this product?
This website is AWESOME!!! Thank so VERY much for all the helpful info.
The 37 reviews are cumulative Star ratings, not comment ratings.
Oh, OK. I wasn’t looking for the numbers so much as the comments, which often include helpful tips about using the product. But no biggie, and certainly no harm in seeing the numbers!
We used Behr solid color stain several years ago and it is peeling badly. Is there any stripper that will take this off? How long will pressure treated wood last if not treated and just washed and brightened every year?
No. Deck Stain Strippers are not very effective with solid color stains.
Once again, this site is unbelievable, thank you so much.
Two years ago I put Sikkens Cetol 1 RE on these raw adirondack chairs and benches. Looks awful. I am looking to restore it. I only put the Cetol 1, I did not apply a second-part of the retool system. Sikkens describes Cetol 1 as a transparent, penetrating stain (full description below). The chairs and benches sit around a fire pit in near full sun, Charlotte, NC, next to/under some trees. Two questions I was hoping you could help me with:
1) Restore: RAD stripper, RAD/Gemini Brightener?
2) Refinish: TWP 100 okay? Any other/better recommendations?
Again, thanks so much
Description: Cetol 1 RE is a transparent satin basecoat for exterior logs, siding and other vertical wood surfaces. Use with Cetol 23 Plus RE™ top coats. Available in seven rich wood hues.
Key Features:
Penetrating alkyd-oil formula, part of a 3-coat system
High-transparency transoxide pigments amplify depth of color, clarity and substrate protection
Powerful UV absorbers protect color and wood substrate
Water-repellent
Provides a mildew-resistant finish
Excellent block resistance for additional color options on windows and door frames
More Pics. Note: the bench is a raw slab of sweet gum wood; the chairs are super-cheap white wood (bought a cheap chair kit online).
The Sikkens Cetol 1 RE
1. Yes on RAD Stripper but try the Additives as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
2. TWP 100 Series will work.
Hello, I recently had some deck boards replaced using SYP PT “with wax”, but supposedly kiln dried. The installer lightly pressure washed them and then two days later applied TWP 100 stain. The “old” deck boards were pressure washed and stained the same way. See picture for results. It is obvious from reading your “deckstainhelp” that this was not the best way to blend new boards with old boards. I’m thinking of using Restore-A-Deck Stripper on the new wood, letting it weather for 2-3 months or more, then lightly pressure wash, apply wood brightener, and then apply TWP 100. Is this a process which will achieve a more uniform finish on the new wood, better matching the old wood? If there is a better process, please describe. Thanks, Lee
New wood cannot be stained right away. TWP suggests 4-12 months on natural weathering. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Best to strip it now. Let it weather for 4-12 months. Clean and brighten for prep then.
Would this product work as well for removing Behr DeckOver product on my deck? If not, what would be recommended?
Nothing will strip Behr Deckover. You are looking at power sanding or replacing the wood.
This will be our first deck season after moving into a new house this past fall. I’ve been doing some research and putting together a plan, but I’m not entirely clear on what I’m dealing with here.
The deck has more of a reddish tone, the benches appear to be untreated, and the vertical posts seem to be stained. It’s difficult to tell the color tone of the deck in the closeup picture, but the other two pictures show it well.
My main concern is the deck itself. I’m hoping a round of stripper and brightener will take care of this, but I’m just not sure.
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
You have a solid stain on the floors. That cannot be stripped. Sorry. Power sanding will be needed to remove it.
I just purchased a should and want to refinish the deck. It looks like a sealer was used that is peeling in places. I can still see the wood grain through it. Will this remove the sealer? ( am I using the correct name sealer)
Post a picture, please.
See attached
Yes, it will remove this. There are some areas that are thicker. Those may need to be stripped twice to fully remove.
where can I purchase restore a deck and wood brightner
Check with their website.
Good afternoon, We have a beautiful Gazebo (Redwood) that has Pinofin oil on it. Just wondering if you have a product that will help take the Pinofin oil off and then reapply a finish. I started sanding and I think it will take me forever to do this. Any help would be great.
Thank you
Matt
Penofin is easily removed with the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper and light pressure washing. Make sure to use the Brightener after to neutralize.
Sorry this post disappeared when I tried to post pics so I redid whole post. Now it’s here. Oops.
Ok, I recently bought a house with an existing deck. Looks like what is on the original decking is Olympic Elite Advanced Woodland Oil Stain & Sealant. It’s dark so I’m assuming they tinted it. I found this old half used can under the deck. Here are my questions:
1. Since newer portion of deck is 2 months old, should I wait a longer period of time or can I start the either staining the new wood same color (if I take stain to hardware to try and match) OR using stripper on older wood?
2. If I use stripper and go that way, can I use a regular cheap hand sprayer or should I use something else for application? (I recently painted the house)
3. Do I have to do or put anything on new wood before I stain if I’m able to match color of stain that’s on older deck? (Older deck not really old-under 5 years I think).
4. The older deck does have few areas where I can see wood underneath and one spot of white on it. (See pic)
5. I live in Hawaii so we have acid rain. Most of my deck is covered now. Anything about that I need to know?
6. I live off grid with a rain catchment tank for water. Can I use a regular garden hose to spray off or do I have to get s pressure washer?
7. Last question, I also put a line of rough cedar fencing up in front of my house for privacy (can’t do rest of privacy fence yet). Can I stain that now or should I wait? The frame and posts are treated lumber.
I’m not expecting perfection and that’s fine. I just want it to match and look decent. I realistically will probably put some outside rugs on in places.
I’ve attached pics. Mahalo for all your help!
1. Yes, see this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
2. You need a garden sprayer for applying the stripper and pressure washer to remove.
3. You have to prep the new wood. See link above.
4.
5. No.
6. Pressure washer.
7. If rough cedar, you can stain now without the need for weathering.
Mahalo. Ok I lightly sanded that white spot. It’s just the stain coming off. I can see gray wood now.
I live on a lake and have a 75’ pier attached to a 25’ floating ramp & 16’x16’ floating dock. I have used the Olympic Semi-transparent Stain color: Honey Gold, the stain is several years old and in need of either cleaning or stripping…but I’m not sure which. Any suggestions and what steps I should take and what RAD products would be needed? Thank you!
You will need to strip and or sand when switching brands. Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit should work. Feel free to post a picture.
Will rad deck stain stripper harm vinyl siding or glass windows. Thanks.
It shouldn’t but make sure to pre-wet and rinse well when done so there is not a bunch of dirt or soap residue left on the siding/glass.