Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Review: Semi-Transparent Performance Test
Hi, I’m Scott Paul, a licensed exterior restoration contractor with over 30 years of experience and 10,000+ deck restorations. This review of Restore-A-Deck semi-transparent wood stain is based on my own hands-on field testing, not manufacturer claims. See my full credentials and testing stats here.
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is a water-based penetrating stain designed to provide good color retention while still allowing the wood to breathe. It’s a newer generation stain compared to traditional oils, built to be more environmentally friendly while still delivering solid performance. From my experience restoring decks since 1993, Restore-A-Deck performs best for homeowners who want a balance between ease of use, durability, and longer-lasting color. It doesn’t penetrate as deeply as oil-based stains like TWP, but it makes up for that with better UV resistance and more consistent color.
- Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain earned an overall score of 8.63/10 after a rigorous 2-year field test on a pressure-treated pine deck.
- The stain scored a 9/10 for UV resistance, showing little to no fading or color shift at the 2-year mark, outperforming most oil-based competitors.
- A standout feature is the ability to apply to damp wood, allowing same-day prep and staining, which saves significant time compared to other water-based stains.
- At roughly $0.30 per square foot, Restore-A-Deck offers strong value, with less than 1 gallon covering a 150-square-foot deck including railings and steps.
- The stain scored a perfect 10/10 for mold and mildew resistance, showing zero growth at the 1-year mark, a key advantage of water-based formulas.
Table of Contents
- Product Description
- Rating (1–10)
- Overall Score
- How It Compares
- Pros and Cons
- Best Wood Types
- Real-World Testing & Photos
- Application Tips
- Maintenance & Recoat Tips
- Who Should Use This
- Product Information
- Test Deck Stats
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
- Video
Note: Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you to prep and stain on the same day, saving a tremendous amount of time. In 2017, our first full year using Restore-A-Deck, we had no performance issues and saved considerable time with same-day prep and stain. We continue to offer it as one of our go-to decking stains for the 2026 restoration season.
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Description
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is an advanced, water-based, semi-transparent stain formulation designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity. It protects wood from harmful UV rays and moisture damage, has a low odor, and cleans up easily with soap and water. It’s suited to all wood types, including pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, and redwood.
Recent advancements in water-based stain technology have allowed Restore-A-Deck’s active ingredients to offer better UV protection, strong penetration into the wood grain, and the ability to apply to damp wood. It’s available in five semi-transparent colors that highlight the natural wood grain.
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Rating (1–10)
Our review contains an 8-step process and a final average score. Each step is scored on a scale of 1 to 10.
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8
The Restore-A-Deck color we used was Semi-Transparent Light Walnut. The initial appearance was a rich brown with a hint of red after drying. The stain penetrated extremely well into the wood grain on our test deck, with no surface film on top of the wood.
Preventing UV Graying at 2-Year Mark: 9
Restore-A-Deck had little to no fading at the 2-year mark. Excellent color retention should continue through years 2 to 3 based on initial pictures and testing.
Restore A Deck Stain Two Years
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9
At the 2-year mark, there was no wearing or peeling.
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
We applied two coats to our 150-square-foot deck, including all railings and steps. Less than 1 gallon was used at a total cost of $40, working out to $.30 a square foot — very reasonable pricing and better than most other top brands.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 10
Like other water-based deck stains, Restore-A-Deck did not promote mold or mildew growth. At the 1-year mark, the deck showed no signs of mold or mildew.
Ease of Application: 9
Our favorite aspect of Restore-A-Deck is the ability to stain and prep on the same day. We tested this by cleaning and brightening the wood with the Step 1 and Step 2 Restore-A-Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kit, then applying the stain 1 hour later. The wood was visibly wet in a few areas and damp to the touch throughout. Restore-A-Deck applied more easily to damp wood than any other water-based stain we’ve used, and coverage was better as well — the water swells the wood pores and pulls the stain deeper as it dries. Applying to damp wood also helps avoid issues with applying a deck stain in full sun.
Restore A Deck Stain After Prep
Restore A Deck Stain Damp Wood Application
Color Shifting (Darkening) After 2 Years: 8
As expected, the Restore-A-Deck stain darkened very little and did not shift color.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8
Restore-A-Deck is an easy clean and reapplication as needed.
Overall Score: 8.63/10
Restore-A-Deck is an excellent exterior wood stain and has shown the ability to outperform other water-based and oil-based wood stains we’ve tested. Its 3-step system saves time and money when restoring exterior wood and decking — no other system we’ve used or tested allows prep and stain on the same day. If you’re looking for the future of exterior wood and deck stain, Restore-A-Deck and its prepping system is a strong choice.
How Restore-A-Deck Compares
| Stain | Type | DSH Rating | Coverage/Gallon | Cost/Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent | Water-based, penetrating | 8.63/10 | 100–150 sq ft | $52.99 |
| Ready Seal | Oil-based, non-drying paraffin | 7.75/10 | 75–100 sq ft | $45.99–$49.99 |
| Cabot Australian Timber Oil | Oil-based, penetrating | 7.19/10 | ~200 sq ft | ~$55–$60 |
| Behr Semi-Transparent | Water-based, surface-leaning | 4.625/10 | 125–150 sq ft | $49.99 |
🔹 Pros and Cons
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain – Pros
- Easy to apply with consistent results
- Better UV protection compared to most oil-based stains
- Holds color longer than many penetrating oils
- Low VOC and environmentally friendly formula
- Easy to clean and recoat with proper prep
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain – Cons
- Does not penetrate as deeply as oil-based stains
- Can sit more on the surface if over-applied
- Requires proper prep to avoid uneven absorption
- May not perform as well on very old, dry wood compared to oils
🔹 Best Wood Types for Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
- Cedar: Very good color uniformity and protection
- Pressure Treated Pine: Excellent overall performance when prepped correctly
- Redwood: Good color enhancement and durability
- Hardwoods (IPE, Cumaru, etc.): Excellent color retention
Not Ideal For: Very old, dry wood — oil-based stains penetrate more effectively in these conditions.
👉 See: Deck Stain for New Wood
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
🔹 Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain – Real-World Testing & Photos
Below are examples of Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain applied to different wood types and how it performs over time. These are from actual field applications and testing. As with any stain, results will vary depending on prep, wood condition, and exposure.
🔹 Application Tips
- Always apply to clean, properly prepped wood
- Do not over-apply, as this can lead to uneven drying
- Apply thin, even coats for best results
- Back-brush or pad for uniform coverage
- Applying to damp wood is easiest
👉 How to Stain a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-stain-a-deck/
🔹 Maintenance & Recoat Tips
One of the advantages of Restore-A-Deck is its balance between durability and ease of maintenance.
- Recoat every 24 months depending on exposure
- Clean and brighten the wood before reapplying
- Avoid letting the coating fully wear off
- Light maintenance coats will extend the life of the finish
From my experience, keeping up with maintenance will help maintain color and avoid heavier prep down the road.
👉 Deck Cleaning and Brightening
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/cleaning-wood-deck/
🔹 Who Should Use Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain?
You should consider Restore-A-Deck if:
- You want better color retention than traditional oils
- You prefer a water-based, lower VOC product
- You want a stain that is relatively easy to apply and maintain
- Your wood is in good condition and properly prepped
👉 Best Deck Stains
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Product Information
More Info: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
Cost: $51.99 per Gallon, $239.99 per 5-Gallon Pail. Products ship free on their website.
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent Water-Based
Available Colors: Natural, Cedar, Light Walnut, Dark Walnut, Cottage Gray
Application Temperature: 45–95°F
Coats Required: 2 Coats. “Wet on Wet” for older wood. New wood = 1 Coat.
Coverage Per Gallon: 100–150 sq. ft.
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2–4 Hours
Cleanup: Water
VOC Compliant: 50 VOC Compliant in all States
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Restore-A-Deck
For the full Restore-A-Deck prep system, including their Wood Cleaner, Brightener, and Stain Stripper, visit Restore-A-Deck’s website.
Test Deck Stats
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 150 Square Feet
UV Exposure: 50% Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Light Walnut
🔹 Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain FAQ
How long does Restore-A-Deck last?
Restore-A-Deck typically holds up for about 24 months before a recoat is needed, depending on sun exposure and maintenance. In our 2-year field test, it showed little to no fading and no wearing or peeling at all, which is a strong result for a water-based stain and puts it ahead of most oil-based competitors on color retention.
Does Restore-A-Deck peel or flake?
No. When applied correctly, Restore-A-Deck penetrates into the wood and wears naturally rather than peeling. Our test deck showed zero wearing or peeling at the 2-year mark. Proper prep matters here — over-applying or skipping wood prep is the most common cause of any film-forming issues with water-based stains generally.
Is Restore-A-Deck oil-based or water-based?
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent is a water-based penetrating stain. It doesn’t penetrate quite as deeply as an oil-based stain like TWP or Armstrong Clark, but it makes up for that with better UV resistance, more consistent color retention, and the ability to be applied to damp wood.
Can Restore-A-Deck be used on new wood?
Yes, as long as the wood is properly prepped to allow absorption. New wood typically only needs 1 coat rather than the 2 coats recommended for older, more weathered wood. Restore-A-Deck’s ability to apply to damp wood also makes it a good fit for new wood that’s been recently cleaned or brightened.
How does Restore-A-Deck perform in full sun?
It performs better than most oil-based stains in full sun. Our test deck had 50% full-sun exposure over 2 years and showed little to no fading, scoring 9/10 for UV graying resistance. That’s a notable strength for a water-based stain, since UV resistance is typically where water-based products fall short compared to oils.
Final Thoughts
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is a strong choice for homeowners looking for a balance between durability, color retention, and ease of use. While it doesn’t penetrate as deeply as traditional oil-based stains, it offers better UV protection and longer-lasting color.
From my hands-on experience working with deck stains for over 30 years, this is one of the better water-based options available, especially for newer or well-maintained wood. If you prep the wood correctly and stay on top of maintenance, Restore-A-Deck delivers consistent, reliable results without the issues associated with lower-quality film-forming coatings.
*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 Restore Your Deck All in One Day – DeckStainHelp.com
I cleaned and prepped my new deck 2 yrs ago with Restore a deck products and semi transparent cedar stain. It looked great. I need to do it again soon. It doesn’t look too bad, but is a little “thin” in spots. I probably didn’t get enough stain on it. What steps do you recommend for me to use to restore the beautiful color I had. I love the product.
Hi Linda, can you reply back and post some pics in the comments for prep help?
I applied the this product to a new deck this weekend, with great results. I was able to mostly complete a 750+ sq. foot deck by myself.
I was extremely surprised how much much dirt and grime came off of new kiln dried cedar after only 3 months of being installed. Although it was a bit of work scrubbing the deck boards, I am so glad that I used as I had no idea that the boards were are dirty as they were.
Anyways, now for my question, do you have a suggestion for a product to remove any stain that may have gotten on metal railing/trim?
I saw the video of someone suggesting goof-off graffiti remover. My worry with this product is that is it pressurized and I don’t want overspray to hit the deck.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Goof or similar works best. They have some that are not aerosol.
The deck looks great!
I absolutely can honestly say this restoration product(s) are the best I have ever used. We live in PA. I followed all the directions to the tee. I applied the SOLID stain on 20 yr old deck wood, which was in poor shape. Nothing worked previously, even when it was professionally done with their materials, we would have chipping and peeling after the first Winter. I applied this during covidcation last March/April because we had a warm beginning of Spring. This was not hard to apply but we did everything that was recommended, along with some sanding. We were in communication by email with this company almost every other day asking a question or two. They returned a reply sometimes within 10 min. Then if we had additional questions they answered them and referred us to other research material to help us. They were great to deal with even though you didn’t talk over the phone with them. Like I said, we applied this and then wondered if it was going to start peeling by the Fall. Nope, well then definitely after the first ice storm, nope. Well, then after 3 weeks of snow fall pretty continuously. Even though we shoveled the snow off the wood deck, NO PEELING OR CHIPPING! We have a deck that gets hammered with rain, ice, hail and snow. This stuff is the best we have ever used. This Spring, we only had to hose it down with mild soapy water and that’s it. We really appreciate when something actually works the way it’s advertised. This would out sell anything in the stores if it were sold their. I am in awe by this product(s). I am telling all my family, friends and colleagues. I hope you don’t sell out because of word of mouth advertising. It is GREAT COMPANY WITH GREAT PRODUCTS!!! Thank you!!
Please send a pic and let us know what color you used. Thank you!
This is the start of our third year and we are still amazed by good it looks with no chipping and peeling. We used the taupe, solid stain originally. Apply this according to the directions and you won’t regret it. This Summer we will use their cleaner and sand it all lightly and apply another coat or two, just for good measure. We don’t want to go through the whole process with stripping again, so this is the easiest method to maintain it. We truly love our deck and would not replace it, at this time since there is no visible rot from above. We cannot see underneath, so maybe years ahead that would be the area that may cause it’s destruction. Until then, we are very pleased with it’s look. Sorry, if the following picture isn’t the best, I just now took it, after a rain storm, early this morning.
Take care, have fun and be safe!
3 YEARS AND LOOKING GOOD!! Thank you so much for sharing!
We are so pleased with the Restore a Deck stain. New wood 9 months after it was installed. Process couldn’t be any easier!
All I can say is WOW! I was in a world of hurt with an oil-based sealer/stain product. Admittedly, I had applied too much when I was doing my maintenance clean & reapply after a year of the original coat. I tried stripping the oil-based coat with paint stripper, denatured alcohol, and mechanically, but I would have been at it for weeks!
Then I discovered the Restore-A-Deck webpage and read about the Restore-A-Deck water-based products: Stripper, Brightener, and Stain. I used the Stripper along with the Booster. I first tried just the Stripper, but realized that as the salesperson noted, I did indeed also need the Booster. After a second application with Booster, the deck came out beautifully! I then applied Natural Stain (after waiting a day – ran out of daylight!). The deck looks fantastic! I hadn’t expected the gentle satin or eggshell finish, but it was a nice surprise! Cleanup, being all water-based, was a breeze, and I didn’t end up with lots of environmentally unfriendly run-off.
Hats off to the Restore-A-Deck company! Great products, easy to use, with fantastic results! What more can I say?
Just cleaned and brightened my 2 year old pressure treated pine deck. Then applied the light walnut stain, all from Restore A Deck. It looks great.
Post a picture or two if you have time.
Will do.
Ken, can you try the pictures again when you have time. The issue with uploading images has been fixed.
Here are some photos.
Looks really good!
What shade color is this
Light Walnut
What color stain is shown in photos?
Light Walnut
Some more photos.
My deck has wood that is curling from the sun after 3 years of first staining. Do I wet wood first, then use restore a deck water base stain?
You can apply the RAD stain to damp or dry wood. We like the damp wood application. Make sure to prep well first!
Used a semi transparent restore a deck 2 years ago and it is fading. Would a solid stain hold up longer? Also getting some sap coming up, is there an easy way to treat or prevent? Thank you!!
A solid may give a slightly longer lifespan. Sorry but there is no way to prevent sap from leaching out.
We used the Armstrong Stain a few years ago on front deck steps in the gray. We did the restore a deck cleaner and prep on the new wood that we had let cure. All seemed good except the color was very dark. I ordered a clear to mix with it for additional coats. Initially did 2 coats. Did not have to wipe any off and soaked in. The wood seemed to start crqcking and splitting over a year later. Cleaned again. The stain had gotten somewhat congealed in the 5 gallon container. SOOOO, I ordered another 5 gallon. Applied again. Steps got even darker. Splitting continued. Now beginning to wonder about the wood we were given which I had special curved fronts and ends done.Cleaned one more time a year ago and stained. The stain soaked in some places and others just sat until I wipped down. NOW!!! the steps have split a lot. My Hubby the retrofit Engineer is now flipping ALL 28 steps!!The underside is in much better condition and was never stained with the Armstrong. Now I have to decide How to paint the flipped steps. I am not sure all the drips from the Armstrong Dark Gray can be cleaned for just staining or to use a SOLID stain of some sort. The kicks are stained Armstrong Gray too. HELP!!! We live at the Beach in Alabama but not on the water. After Hubby flipped 28 steps X’s 2, (I wanted brand new) not sure what is best. HE wants the OIL again. My definition of Stupid. What is yours. I did contact Armstrong but they did not reply. I think I ordered products from you?? because it was rated very high awhile back.
Hello,
Splits in exterior decking are normal, not an issue, and cannot be prevented. No need to worry about it. It is not an interior hardwood floor. Flipping boards is not needed and honestly just a time-consuming project that is not needed.
Armstrong Clark does not come in dark gray. We do not have any orders in your email address form from the past, so not sure where or what was bought prior. As for how to prep, add some pics in the comments for advice.
I am replacing pickets on three gates. The wood is rough cut redwood pickets. The red in the redwood pickets clash with my stucco house walls. I live in Arizona zip code 86326. Do I need to by law only order low VOC stain? What dark brown stain can I use to cover the redwood reddish-pink color? How much to ship a gallon to my zip code? Can I use TWP semi-solid tint base? Is Foghorn the darkest brown? I only want to cover the reddish-pink, and if the result is a brown shade of any kind I will be happy, as long as it covers the underlying pink. Thanks
If in Phoenix, you need a low-voc stain. You could use the TWP semi-solid in the low-voc version. Foghorn is pretty dark.
Hi, I am building a pergola and I live in California. The most easily available wood speciesis Redwood. However, I don’t actually like the red toned wood. Any suggestions on how to knock the red tone down? Or is it just better to use more of a solid?
The natural color of your wood is red, so you cannot reduce the red tone when using a lighter transparent or semi-transparent stain. Maybe a dark brown color like Dark Walnut would work.
I am completing construction of my new house after a year of construction. My deck is pressure treated yellow pine and I have done nothing to it. I have been waiting until all the work on the house was done. I live in the middle Georgia area, my deck is on the East side of my house and fully covered. What stain would you recommend for maximum protection and maximum durability?
Thank you
The RAD Stain would be an excellent choice. Make sure to clean and brighten the wood for prep to remove any oxidation and mill glaze.
Hi. What’s the maintenance process for Restore-A-Deck Transparent Stain? Do you have to strip it off and reapply in a year or two or can you apply a touch-up coat over existing stain?
Thanks.
Clean and brighten for prep when recoating.
Looking for recommendation for our deck.
Southern MD
7 years old / never been treated
Treated pine
50/50% sun/shade sun in hottest part of day
Have mold/mildew issues
Bought Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener 3 yrs ago – life has other plans 😑
Thank you for your willingness to share your expertise!
Use the RAD prep, it should still be good. Stain with the Restore-a-Deck Semi-transparent stain when done.
Hi! We are needing a bit of advice regarding refinishing some large posts, corbels and headers on our southwest facing front porch in eastern Tennessee.
The house is relatively new, finished in 2022. We believe the pine posts were stained with an oil-based Minwax interior stain in Early American and then sealed with Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane to match the T&G wood porch ceiling. The clear urethane coat and stain on the vertical surfaces is now failing and peeling extensively, especially in areas of highest sun exposure. The ceiling is still intact so we are hoping to avoid refinishing that, however matching stain colors could be challenging.
We would like to remove the current stain and clear coat on all non-ceiling surfaces and refinish the with a stain that does not have a clear coat to simplify future maintenance. We are thinking we may need to remove, strip or sand and stain the large corbels separately so it will be a time intensive project. Since both current products are oil based, it is our assumption that we would need to stay with an oil based stain. We were considering either the TWP 100 in 120 Pecan or possibly the TWP Semi-Solid in something like the color Musket but are open to any recommendation you may have. We’d be happy to order samples based on your suggestion.
With the peeling urethane, is our only option to completely sand to remove all previous product? If so, would prepping with a brightener afterwards be sufficient or would we still need to do the cleaner, as well? Thank you so very much for your informative website and help!
You will need to power sand or use a paint stripper, such as the RAD PaintStrip, to remove the poly. You can test it on this link:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/rad-paint-solid-stain-stripper-sample-size/
If you sand, do not use a finer grit than 60-80 and brighten afterward.
Once removed fully, you can use water or an oil-based product.
If I spray the RAD stain on my privacy fence do I also need to use a sealer?
No, and you cannot apply a sealer over the top of a deck stain. It would peel if you tried this.
Is restore a deck available in Ontario?
Online sales only.
Hello we live in Phila pa and installed a new pressure treated deck in Oct. It gets sun all day long and goes down to a smaller pool deck. I am so confused about what stain to use. Leaning towards either the TWP 1500 oil base or the RAD semi solid stain. In your opinion which would hold up better? I watch the video on the RAD prep and coating, didn’t see one on the oil base.
I have always used oil base in the past but with the newer VOC regulations not sure if it’s worth the extra hassle.
Do you also have the tools list to apply the stains, we used to use paint brushes.
Please help…. Appreciate this website.
Both TWP 1500 and the RAD stains are excellent. One does not last longer than the other. Both can be cleaned and recoated as needed since they are penetrating stains.
For applicators, look at the yellow flooring brush for floors and stain pads for the verticals.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product-category/brushes-stain-pads-sprayers-and-tools/
Do you have a video of you guys with oil stain application. Thanks for your help, can’t wait to get it done.
Sorry, but we do not.
Do you think i would have to use both cleaner and brightener?
Hello we live in Phila pa and installed a new pressure treated deck in Oct. It gets sun all day long and goes down to a smaller pool deck.
Yes, you need both.
Sorry Scott final question. With either TWP 1500 or RAD on new deck do i need 2 coats?
One coat for new decks.
not sure how to figure Railing as it is a shadow box of 1 x 6. Has to take more than a regular railing. Any ideas?
Length x width x 2=?
Scott, I’m going to purchase 2 5 gallon pails if I don’t use one of them and don’t open it how long will it last?
If I do open it, how long will it last?
2-3 years unopened, about 1 year if opened.
Scott. I stained stripped and neutralized deck with TWP low VOC semi solid stain. Stain took well and dried fast. Just wondering if adding a sealer would brighten up the flat finish a bit and benefit the weather protection at all without negative consequences for refinishing in the furure
Thank you
It is not possible to add a sealer over the top of a deck stain. It would peel if you did this.
We followed the prep and application instructions but the Rad semi-transparent stain is taking a while to cure. It’s been almost a week and still a little tacky when in the sun and temps rise but hopefully it will cure soon. We also had rubbery balls form when we were brushing it on so now that’s in the finish. Don’t know why this happened. When we pull the bigger balls off the stain lifts. Feels gritty under foot. Is there anything we can do now? or just wait until it wears and then maybe lightly sand off the balls, clean, and brighten before reapplying another coat? If you think wait, should I go around with an artist brush and apply a little stain to each of the bare and? Thanks for your help.
It looks like you overapplied slightly. The RAD is designed to fully penetrate the wood. In your pictures, it looks like it dried on top. This is the main reason for taking longer to cure. I have never seen the balls before. Maybe something in your brush got in the stain? I would suggest leaving it as is and addressing it as needed when you recoat.
Ok thanks. To address it at recoating time do you think we could use an orbital sander on low to knock off the balls and lightly blend the pock marks with the remaining stain, then clean, brighten and recoat- with no need to strip? And we’ll know it’s time when the stain is wearing off in any places at all or water no longer sheds? Reapply stain 1 or 2 coats? Thank you again.
It is best to wait and see how it weathers due to the overapplication. Address how to prep and coats needed when it is time to reapply.
It will look faded and or worn. The need to bead water is a myth and not an indication of time to reapply.
My redwood deck is 6 months old.Do I need to the cleaner/brightner before staining with the RAD brand?
Yes, you need to prep:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Hello, I ordered the RAD sealer today along with the cleaner and brightener. But due to timing with weather I really need to clean and brighten this week ahead of the delivery. I sourced another brightener locally with oxalic acid which should work? I can’t find a cleaner to buy locally with the same chemicals as RAD cleaner. Can I use Oxiclean powder with the RAD sealer and get a good clean or is there something else better sold in big box stores? Our deck is very gray. Thank you
Regular oxalic acid is not the same as the RAD Wood Brightener. Same with the Cleaner. The RAD Cleaner is much more advanced and has better performance that oxiclean. You may run the risk of something going wrong.
This is what I’d love to see when reading this:
Step-by-step implementation, including links to the tools/products.
This would be a great opportunity for affiliate revenue too!
I have a 22 year old porch swing that hangs from its own trellis/pergola that my husband and I started working on yesterday. It is made of pressure treated wood and had never been stained before this. We cleaned and brightened it in the morning, then started the staining process in the afternoon when the wood seemed the right dampness. We worked on it til bedtime and still didn’t quite finish the first coat. Now of course it’s completely dry. Should I dampen the “raw” areas before I stain them? Can I put a second coat on? I had no idea it was going to take us so long. The lattice panels on each side were very tedious. I am using the RAD semi transparent stain.
-If you apply a second coat, it needs to be applied wet on wet. Basically 20-60 minutes after the first coat.
-You can mist with water before applying the first coat.
-A pump sprayer for applying to lattice works well. Spray on and back wipe drips right away.
Sunday applied RAD dark walnut semi-transparent water-based stain on prepped wood of western red cedar deck. Only finished 1/3 of 360sf. It was done in the morning while air temperatures and sunshine were lower. Monday, I started early again at about 65 degrees and cloud cover was helpful. As the day waxed on, air temp went to a high of 81 degrees and full sun appeared. Rain expected at 2pm on Tuesday so I kept working to stay within the window. That was a mistake. I was trying to keep color uniform, but it became very dark, more like mahogany. Please see pictures attached.
Can you recommend a way to even out the color by either darkening the light area or (much more preferably) lightening the dark area? The cedar is 11 months old, originally light-sanded to remove mill glaze and stained with Behr Premium Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish Penetrating Oil. A month ago, I stripped and brightened the wood to change the color since it appeared dirty and orange-ish. Pressure washing did not clean it up and I removed too much of the finish. I wanted transparent to show the beauty of the wood, so you recommended RAD Natural or TWP 1515 Honeytone. A good suggestion, but I changed my mind to go with the RAD dark walnut thinking it would hide the dirt better. Lovely color, but I messed it up. Can you help? See pictures of original unfished and recently stained.
Hi Bob, the only way to fix this is to remove it and start over.
Admin question: Is there an easy way to view the question I posted? And, an easy way to check to see if it has been answered? Please offer instructions. Thank you!
When questions are answered, you will get an email with the link to view.
Hi Scott, how should I wash discoloration off my deck from a floor mat and umbrella base before I begin staining? Already stripped and brightened/neutralized about 5 days ago. Gonna use Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. Been raining a lot, but it hasn’t washed away the dirt from base or fading from floor mat.
Those are deep stains in the wood and will not come out. Not an issue of mat and umbrella go back in the same spots.
We’re ready to begin our deck clean, brighten, stain project using RAD products. Lots of Pine Pollen right now. Should we wait a few weeks?
We would. Pollen if trapped in the stain wile drying can feed mildew.
The stained deck looks great after applying the cleaner, brightener and stain. I followed all the instructions. However, I’ve noticed that if I am wearing just socks on the deck that the stain shows up allot on my socks. It concerns me since I do not want to bring the stain onto the indoor house carpet and floors. Was I suppose to apply a wood sealer after the stain was applied ?? What else could be the problem ?
No, you cannot top coat over a deck stain. The RAD stain is fully curing so it could be that it has not cured yet. How long it takes to fully cure varies based on temps, humidity, and how thick you apply it.
Thank you for your quick response. I’ll give it more time to cure and see if that solves this issue.
HI, What is the difference between Defy essential semi-transparent stain and Restore-a-deck semi transparent stain? Are they equivalent products? Between these two which would you recommend and why? Thanks
We use the RAD Stain all the time and have not had any issues. It can be applied same day as prep and saves us time and money. With the Defy products, we like the Extreme the best and would use that over the Essential.
We would suggest the RAD stain over the Defy Extreme.
It is also still quite sticky after 40 hours
You may have over applied some but it will cure out and fully dry.
Can I do anything with the color? Also there’s drips on the sides of the steps, should I sand and restrain those areas?
No, you cannot do anything about the color. Actually I think it looks great! It will tone down a little as it cures over the next week or two. You can sand and fix the drips.
We put two coats of the natural color stain on the deck, after the cleaner and brightener, and it is way more orange than the sample color I had put down. Is there anything I can do to tone down the orange?
No, it is not possible to tone down a deck stain but it should tone down a little while it fully cures.
If you use an airless sprayer to apply RAD semi-transparent stain to vertical walls should you back brush as you apply or, just spray without back brushing? Is 1 coat usually sufficient on walls or should I plan on 2 coats? Thanks, Mike
Yes on the 2 coats and back brush the second coat. Easy to do.
What about if using RAD semi trans on a deck- just spray first coat and spray and back brush second coat or backbrush both coats?
Either is fine, but decks are easy to apply. Both coats are wet on wet with a floor brush or stain pad.
Any chance you know the difference between defy ultra semi transparent (been on the market for 3yrs?) & rad semi?
Ultra creates a sheen and will film on top of the wood when it dries. Any coating that films on top is more prone to wearing and peeling and can make recoating difficult.
Scott,
Applied the rad stripper with additives & pressure washer then brightened my x4 sample areas. I’ll do this again to see if I can remove more. After one more passing is it ok to 60 grit orbital sand the sample areas? If so I’ll brighten right after. See the before and after pics. The wood was very wet from the brightening rinse step. 1=rad dark walnut. 2&3=twp 1500. 4=defy ultra butternut.
How come the rad dark walnut barely came off?
Curious… Thanks
Will go with the rad walnut because of this. They both are close in finish appearance. Definitely want a easier recoat.
1.rad dark walnut 2.twp 1500 black oak. 3.twp 1500 dark oak. 4.defy ultra butternut
Sorry I forgot I had another question! Do I need to use the cleaner and the brighter on the deck, I power washed it and all of the stain is off, I’m also going to sand the deck.
Amanda here returning a picture of my deck you asked for, I just need to know what color I should use, I’m not keen on orange looking stain, I want a light soft brown look. The railing is a brown trex it has been up for over 20 years and has changed color a lot, I do not love how it’s done that, but now I need something that will compliment that color, not clash with it. And there’s not a lot of choices with Restore A Deck. Attach a picture of one of my chairs love this color.
No semi-transparent stain comes in a light soft brown color like your chair. They all enhance the natural grain of your wood and that typically means it will be golden, caramel, red, medium brown, dark brown or gray in color. You can test samples on this link:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-samples.html
Sorry for my delayed response, and thank you for your help! I like medium brown which color would that be?
Dark Walnut is a medium to darker brown. Looks great, in my opinion, and it fades over time.
Thank you so much Scott for all your help with my deck, so glad I found you!.
You are welcome!
Replacing 3 decks extended over water on my business. Using pressure treaded lumber and live in Jacksonville Fl. Want the best protection and lasting product. I have a gray building and feel I should go with gray tint. Deck builder wants to use Valspar and I want to use what would be the best choice. What’s your recommendation and why?
Thanks
Angel
See this about new wood first:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
After wait and prep, look at the TWP in one of the gray semi-solid colors:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series-wood-and-deck-stain-review/
I’ve never worked with an oil base stain so I’m alittle nervous about that. Could I get similar results using Restore or Defy?
If I use o do I have to remove every time it’s time to repaint?
Sure you can use the Restore-A-Deck in the gray. With penetrating stains like the Restore-A-Deck, you can clean and recoat as needed.
Hello, I have a new redwood deck that has been weathered for about 7 months. I plan on doing the full RAD clean, brighter, and stain process. I would like to highlight the natural color of the redwood as much as possible, which semi-transparent stain color would you recommend?
Do you like how it looks when wet with water? If so, you would want the Natural. If you want to go richer than that, use Light Walnut. You crean get samples to test: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-samples.html
I live in a semi desert climate 30 miles north of Salt Lake City, and installed a new cedar fence (approx 6 months old).
Do you have advice as to which product to use for such a dry/harsh sun climate? I’m trying to gather info between Restore a deck, TWP products, and Messmers (an Utah based company).
Thanks in advance,
Brian
Those are all excellent stains and would work well. The RAD stain would most likley give the longest UV protection for the fence. TWP and Messmers are both oil-based and would work well but we would lean to the TWP 1500 Series for better UV protection over the Messmers.
Would you recommend Restore A Deck for seats and deck on an open 16′ aluminum boat?
I’m looking for something that can be refreshed without having to sand/strip old finish.
Yes, it will work here.
We used Restore a deck last spring, prepared it as recommended. We put one coat on it and it still looks great. I have enough product to clean and stain the deck. When should we do a second coat on it. We live in NC and the pollen is awful in the spring.
If it looks great then no need to coat again this year. Wait until 2025.
This past Spring I stripped and brightened my cedar gate with RAD. I had some trouble getting the results I wanted and you gave me advice on next steps. I had time yesterday to try a couple of your suggestions. I used the RAD stripper again and then applied the brightener. This time, I didn’t rinse the brightener off but let it sit overnight as you had recommended. This morning, the gate boards look great!
My question now is: before I apply the RAD stain to the gate, should I rinse it off to remove any brightener residue or, in this particular case, do I just stain over the dry boards?
Your previous advice:
It is one of two things.
-You did not entirely strip off the old stain. Did the old stain darken or turn black? Penofin has a tendency to do that. The darkening could be remnants of the old stain.
-The other option is you did not brighten long enough to neutralize and lighten the wood internally.
Penofin is very easy to strip. The RAD Stripper will take it off. It is possible that you over stripped and the wood internally darkened more than normal. Try saturating with the brightener and then leave it on and do not rinse it off letting it dry into the wood overnight
Yes, rinse it with water well.
Yeah! We finished the gate today and it turned out great! Thanks for all your help Scott!
Looks good!
What is the best stain for cypress wood deck? I have used Penofin TWP 100 and 1500 throughout the years. None seem to work well. I have black mold, cracks, and rotted deck every year and have to sand and redo the stain! Rain and sun really takes its toll on my deck! Any recommendations? Thanks!
Post some pics, please.
Just finished using Penofin cleaner and power washed. Waiting for the brighter to arrive!
You still have old stain left on the wood. It should be stripped and then brightened. Use the Restore A Deck Stain after.
Does Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck cool feel technology work
No.
Newly built house with cedar accent lumber and a cedar porch ceiling. The porch ceiling still looks news while the accent have grayed. Builder used a spar urethane that I plan to strip off. Then was leaning towards restore a deck cedar or Armstrong Clark semi cedar. Which application would be recommended for a Michigan climate and prevent the most graying? Is either product easier to recoat?
Both are excellent choices for MI and would last the same. You might have to sand off the urethane.
Can different colors of this stain be mixed (for instance mixing cedar and natrual 50/50) to get a custom color?
Yes.
I already put Olympia Waterguard on right after deck ibuilt in January can I stain now in August and what steps?
You will have to strip and brighten to remove the sealer as you cannot stain over it. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener kits.
I’m interested in your views on how these products work on ipé wood. As an exotic tropical hardwood it’s properties are significantly different from the pressure treated pine that seems to be the most frequent material that your reviews are based on. Do you believe your results and reviews of different preservatives correlate to the tropical hardwoods like ipé and tiger wood?
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/hardwood-deck-stains/
Thanks – I wrote before delving deeper into your site and finding the answer. Hats off to you for an extremely thorough, informative and useful site.
You are welcome!
Deck about 8yrs old had deck paint but power washed it off in Ohio lots summer sun ,rain an snow best stain recommend oil or water base spray on or brush with all the pool chemicals
Did you remove 100% of the paint? You cannot apply a penetrating stain unless it is fully removed first.
Hey Scott. Been reading a lot here and appreciate all of your expertise. Just resurfaced our 30+ year-old deck with new 5/4 x 6 cedar from a big box store (“M”) that stores their wood in an outdoor/covered location. The deck is about 300 sq.ft., and is on the east side of our home so direct sunlight all morning to early afternoon. The boards have been on for about 4 weeks. I know your advice is to let it season a good, long time, but I’d like to get it stained before I put up my cable railing.
1. Can I use a product like RAD to remove remaining mill glaze and open the pores enough to stain now?
2. Would I need to use both the cleaner and brightener to accomplish this?
3. Likely will use either RAD or Defy for staining. Would I only apply one coat due to this being new wood?
Used Flood CWF in the past and have been looking at Cabot ATO for this new application, but your reviews here tell me RAD/Defy would be better choices. I’m looking for a semi-transparent with the most natural cedar coloring (not reddish). Am in NW IL, so spring rains, hot/humid summers, and colder/snowy winters. Thanks!
1. No, it needs to weather and be prepped:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
2. Yes, after longer weathering.
3. Yes, use the RAD stains. About 3 months and then prep.
I live in the Pacific Northwest. My deck is made of Alaskan Yellow Cedar. We are in the process of sanding the deck down (4th time in 22 years). Have tried Sikkens and Pinofine oil based stains in the past. The look great for about 8 months. Then the weathered look appears. If I lived on the coast in might be ok, but I don’t. How does a water base stain fair on Alaskan Yellow Cedar? Caring for a large deck is a lot of work.
The Restore A Deck Stains would work very well for you in your area.
I have sampled RAD semitransparent stain and liked the outcome. I plan to use this product on a covered porch with new tongue and groove douglas fir. How do I get the wood clean and brightened using the RAD products? Can I use a garden hose and sponge mop? Because my house siding almost entirely encloses the porch I am afraid the water will have no where to go. Suggestions?
Post some pics in the comments.
I have stripped and brightened my 10 year old deck with the RAD system. Looks great! But I am really struggling with what application method to use for the light walnut stain, wet on wet. Hand bush, Pad, long handle brush (like on the RAD website), etc. What would you recommend?
The yellow floor brush works the best.
First photos of finished prepping last night. Second photos after the rain we got overnight. I have bought Defy extreme crystal clear stain but now I am wondering whether a semi transparent stain like light walnut or natural pine might be better able to unify some of the extreme variations in color.
This is a 20 year old deck PT wood never been treated before. Thank you so much for any help.
If you want UV protection for 2-3 years, then get a tinted Extreme color.
I need to re-stain my deck that originally had RAD wood stain in light walnut. As you can see 50+% of the deck floor is now bare wood. I plan to use the same color RAD stain. Should I do RAD cleaner followed by RAD brightener or do I need to strip all off? Thanks
Strip and brighten would be the easiest and will give the most uniform appearance.
What color of Restore A Deck solid stain is closest to Armstrong Clark Sequoia Semi-Solid?
Brown Oak.
Hi Scott, thank you for maintaining this extremely helpful site! Based on your reviews, we are trying to decide between Restore a Deck or Defy Ultra (both semi-transparent) on our 1 year old yellow stain pressure treated wood deck. We live outside of DC and have had mildew on our old deck, so that is a concern. The deck is in a shady spot, but what sun we do get tends to be hot in the summer! We would love to get your thoughts on choosing between these two products (or any other product that you think would be a better fit). Thank you in advance for your help!
Restore A Deck for sure. Penetrating stains will work better than filming stains.
The picture of the reddish fence on the second row from the bottom above says “Restore a Deck Stain IPE” I cannot read the rest of the text on the picture. Which stain is that? I don’t see anything like that on Restore a Deck’s website.
It is Restore A Deck Semi-transparent stain on IPE wood. Most likely Light Walnut color.
I have used the Armstong Clark semi transparent cedar tone product on my deck for the past 6 or 7 years. In general I have been pretty happy with the results, but lately I have been seeing increasing levels of green algae and mildew, especially on the shaded areas. I have been thinking about using the Restore-A-Deck stain because it seems to be more mildew resistant, but I am concerned about compatability if I am not able to remove every bit of the leftover AC stain. The areas that are exposed to the elements are pretty weathered at this point because I needed to recoat last year, but was not able to get to it before winter got here. Part of the deck is under a porch roof, and of course that part is in excellent condition. I would like some recommendations as to whether the RAD product is an option, or if I have to stay with an oil-based product, is there one that does a better job of preventing mildew growth? I appreciate any help you guys can provide – thanks!
You would have to strip and brighten all if you want to switch stain brands. This can be done with the RAD Stripper and Brightener kits. The RAD Stain would do better overall with algae and mildew.
When it says 250 VOC complaint in all states, does that mean the rating is 250 VOCs? If not, what does it mean in terms of VOC rating. Thanks!
It means it is 250 VOC or less.
Thanks for confirming, Scott!
Is RAD the absolute best for mildew / mold prevention? I live in an area with a very humid fog / San Francisco Bay Area. Mildew is out of control. New redwood deck.
No stain can prevent mildew 100% but the RAD stains will never promote the growth of mildew like an oil-based stain can.
I need to stain and seal a pine tongue and groove door (NOT pressure treated) for a playhouse – exterior. Will this do the job if I do all 6 sides? Or do I need to look at oil or other? Fun fact… it will be a round door and round windows — I have steel rings to keep them from warping, just need to seal them.
Yes, this would work.
So for T&G premium finish pine, I don’t have to wait to stain, correct? Want to protect it immediately as it is not pressure treated. I’ll be waiting 3-4 months on the rest of the playhouse that is Ptreated to paint/stain. So rather than Restore a Deck…why not TWP 1500. You have that as the best wood protection which is primarily what I need for this door and windows. It is oil base and thus messier to work with but it is only a 44″ in round door and 18″ windows
All new wood needs to weather and be prepped if smooth wood. Rough sawn can be stained right away. Does not matter the wood type:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
TWP 1500 would work as well for you but RAD Stain will have less odor and less chance oil rub off.
I want to make sure I got this game plan right. We have 1000sq ft of deck (toooo big) and it gets sun ALL day in Tennessee. The deck is I think four years old and we put Super Deck on it last year that I don’t think did anything. The patio cover is a year old and will also need something. My plan is is to the RAD cleaner, then the cottage grey semi transparent stain. We can’t do the whole thing in a day so our plan is to clean and stain in sections. Am I missing anything?
You have to strip and brighten, not clean. Prep all first. You can stain in sections but you must have a clear dividing line. Try to do at least all the floors on the same day. With the proper tools, it will take only an hour or two.
So get the strip and brighten. Do I do that while powerwashing? Your saying it should only take about hour or two to stin the floor part? I was going to use a brush. Is there a better tool?
Yes, you pressure wash while stripping and brightening. Look at this for applying the stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-wood-staining-brush/flypage.tpl.html
Does anyone know of a contractor who uses Restore-A-Deck products in the Washington, DC area? Thank you!
We do not.
Excellent website and detailed reviews. I’ve just ordered Armstrong Clark samples thanks to you!
Excellent website! I appreciate your detailed reviews. I just called Armstrong Clark (AC) to order samples for my Ipe deck At a 10,000 feet elevation. I told AC that your site sent me to buy their products.
Hi. I previously told you that I used Ready Seal and my wood deck was still oily after a month. I was tracking oil inside my house. I washed it with a deck cleaner, I sanded it and finally, I used a stain stripper. All the stain is gone but the wood is still oily and it still tracks inside, but less. It seems that the Ready Seal stain never dried and the wood is still soaked with oil (but not the pigment). I wonder how deep it went. I tried to wash the wood with dish soap and warm water. It seems a bit less oily now, but still tracks. Should I strip it again or use another product ?
You could try stripping, it would not hurt. Staining over it with a stain that cures will also help.
I used your stain 2 yrs ago and am very pleased. I have a question regarding some stains from Geranium flowers that I now have on my deck. Is there a product that I can use on these stains? I used a solid color stain, if I want to recoat do I have to do any prep? The stain is not peeling and except for the flower stains looks great. thanks, Jim Richter
Bleach would probably remove the stains but it may also lighten the deck stain. Try a small spot to see. 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Wipe off after 5-10 minutes.
If recoating, pressure wash and cleaner for prep.
What are your thoughts on Cutek Colourtone stains? Thank you in advance!
We have not personally used them. Numerous consumers have mentioned them on this site with mixed results.
Thank you! I have a huge flat 900 sq ft deck. Our contractor just finished power washing. His generator was LOUD and the process was time consuming for 3 days. I don’t want to do this process again as it was a real bother to the 8 people in our home that either work at home, sleep days and work nights, or deal with disabilities/sleep/anxiety disorders and sleep during the day. I was apologizing to everyone as the Landlord.
The contractor purchased 18 boards from Home Depot for those needing to be replaced. He is planning to partially replace bad areas since wood is so expensive.
I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want the beauty of the wood and DON’T want to do a solid color, especially on this huge 80 foot long flat deck. We want a wood tone that blends in with the woods behind us. I also want something easy for my contractors to apply and a product that will give good coverage per gallon.
If I apply a Solid now I will have to complete this process again when I finally get to changing to a beautiful stain. Will the new and old boards ever even out in color so a stain will look even. What product do you suggest that I use this year, if I’m eventually going to go with a semi-transparent later and don’t want have to power washing again. Or is there a process to keep up the deck where you don’t have to power wash each time??
We are in Southern Maryland 30 mins from Wash, DC. This area has weather ranging from Very HOT & Humid sunny days in the summer, (lots of mildew algae buildup on the siding and roofs of homes in the area), to very cold winters, hail storms, snow, ice sticks around for weeks with the North Eastern storms.
Our deck gets midday to afternoon sun with a few areas staying wet having no sun in the corners.
Thanks so much for helping out! I join everyone here in thanking you for your knowledge and kind advise!!! Very much appreciated!!
Do not use a solid stain. Use the Restore A Deck Wood semi-transparent stain. It will be easier to maintain.
You always have to pressure wash/prep when you recoat down the road. No way around it.
We used an oil base semi transparent stain on our deck and every winter most of it peels off. Tired of staining every year. Do you have any suggestions?
What brand of stain and can you upload some pics?
We have sanded down our deck that previously had Behr solid stain deckover. Will the restore a deck even out where the wood is uneven? And do we need to use the kit or just the solid stain?
Restore A Deck Kits cannot even out wood or solid stained areas vs unstained areas. Only sanding would be able to do this. You can use the solid stain once all peeling stain is removed and can cover the intact solid stain that is not peeling.
Hi Solid or semi solid for this old deck, see attached
Best to strip and brighten for prep first to see how well it cleans up then make a decision on what to use after the prep. Use Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener prep kits. BTW, your screws/nails are rusting.
One other note. It looks like a hardwood deck like Ipe or Mahogany and you would not want to use a solid or semi-solid stain on it. Semi-transparent.
thanks. what happens if i use a solid?
Solid stains not penetrate into hardwoods and will peel.
can we use water based? porch is old.
The Restore A Deck Stain would work well and is water-based. Just make sure to prep well first.
No idea what kind of wood I’m dealing with. I do know that we haven’t stained it in 6 years and it was with a Thompson Waterseal product. We’ve power washed it with muriatic acid and this is now what’s left. Help please! I love the idea of just using a pump sprayer if possible and not doing all this by hand.
You will need a solid stain to cover this old solid stain. See the best options here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
What would be the recommended deck stain for a 900sqft 7mo old pressure treated wood deck. I’m looking for something that’s easy to maintain.
The Restore A Deck Wood Stain works great. Try that and make sure to clean and brighten the wood for prep.
We have a 4 year old pressure treated pine deck. It was originally stained with Thomson. That peeled off any horizontal surface and we have sanded it off the upright posts. We plan to use the cleaner, brightener, and Cedar semitransparent RAD.
1) Do we need to let the posts weather for any length of time?
2) Should we sand the entire deck surface first or can we just clean, brighten, and stain?
Thank you!
1. No.
2. We would need to see pics posted.
Is the deck slippery after apply Restore a Deck stain? we have a pool off our deck, so its often wet
No, it will not be slippery.
Additional info to first post
Or…would you recommend Restore a Deck instead of Defy? Please help
I want to use the RAD clean and brighten system on new cedar railings in preparation for staining with Armstrong Clark, but need to consider the Wolf Serenity PVC decking and the vinyl coated wire mesh on the railings. Will the product be safe for these other surfaces? I see no way to fully protect them. What method would you recommend for application. Thanks!
It does not harm PVC decking or vinyl. Just make sure to prewet and rinse any over spray.
Last year, I cleaned and brightened a cedar covered porch using RAD, and then stained with RAD stain.
I intend to re-stain every year for maintenance.
This year, I cleaned and brightened before a new coat of RAD stain. It removed a LOT of the old stain and seemed a bit agressive to me.
I do now see that the RAD stain instructions say to clean step 1 only, NOT brighten for maintenance. I must have been confused based on other recommendations I read on this site that I thought I needed to clean plus brighten any time I re-stain.
Can you confirm, for maintenance, I should use the cleaner step 1 only and NOT the brightener?
The RAD instructions seem to lead you to believe you need to use the brightener to neutralize the cleaner.
If you have a base coat then no need to brighten. If you are down to the bare wood, then a brightener should be used. If not sure, then brighten the wood. It will not hurt.
I don’t want to buy a dozen stains, brushes etc. So, besides using “Restore A Deck” on my hardwood deck, can I also use it on my soft redwood siding of my house? john
Yes.
I am installing a new incense Cedar deck. I assume this can be used on a new deck for it’s first application. Are all steps needed, or just the stain? Also, how long should I wait before staining/sealing the new deck once installed? Thanks!!
You cannot stain new wood right away. See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
After wait and prep, the RAD Semi-transparent stain would be a good choice.
I have a low to the ground spuce pressure treated wood 5 year old deck, I used a couple of year ago Thompson advance sealer with color it had wax in it ingredient and the deck looks terrible. I want to use solid stain because the spruce has terrible knots and many .How long will it last with restore a deck stain. . half of deck is under covered roof and that part stain has a long life. if I use restore a deck solid can I strip the effected area and re-stain it without doing the whole deck, is solid stain ok for my deck. and where can you get it. I am in Ontario canada.
Strip and pressure wash for prep. Stain with 2 coats of the RAD Solid Stain. Redo every 2-3 years but prepping and restaining the entire deck. You cannot spot apply if that is what you were asking. Buy from their website.
Can this be used on a one year old deck? And do I need to prep it? Its still very clean thank you
Yes, you can use this and you always have to prep new wood. Use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit.
I am looking for a product to seal cracks and splits in my wood deck before staining or painting my 30 yr. Old wood deck. I’m on a fixed income and can’t afford to replace it. Thanks for your help.
There is no such thing as a sealer that will seal cracks and splits before using a stain. For one, you cannot ever use a sealer before a deck stain as the sealer would repel the deck stain. The other reason is that deck stains are “sealers” as well so there would be no need.
I am so confused with all the options to prepare and stain my deck. My deck is about 20 years old and hasn’t been stained in about 4 years. Looks like it is pressure treated wood. It has some cracks in boards and some areas are green/blackish and gray. Do I just need a cleaner or also a brightner and stripper. Also, should I use a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain since it is so old and worn. Do you recommend one or the other. I like to see a little wood but since it is so old and has so many cracks, I may need to go with semi-solid. I’m not ready to replace the entire deck and would like to see if I can make it better for a couple of years at least. Thank you for your help and guidance.
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brighener Kits for prep and then the Restore A Deck Stain in Semi-transparent. It will turn out great!
Thank you
I used RAD and TWP 1500 in 2014 (new deck) and 2018 and have been pleased with the product. I did not use a maintenance coat each year because of cost (900sf deck=$200+ see attached picture of where a potted plant was located on the deck.#1) I live in Raleigh, NC and I have a few questions before I stain my deck this year.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
1. VOC content levels.
2. Both are excellent and will last about the same.
4. Every 2-3 years to prep and recoat is normal. It does not have to be every year.
5. Would not have mattered in this case.
6. Either stain brand would work well. It seems your deck gets dirty though. Maybe just clean it with water once in a while would preserve the appearance longer.
how many square feet does a gallon cover on a pressure treated deck
About 150-250 sq feet per gallon per coat.
I’ve inherited a wood deck that’s not in horrible shape, but I’d like to get it to the point where it’s as good as it can be. It looks like it’s had multiple layers of paint, not stain. Pictures attached and any suggestions appreciated – great site!
Looks like multiple layers of solid stain. Might want to power sand it all off the floor and go with a two toned deck. See here for tips.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/advantages-to-having-a-two-toned-deck/
I am staining a deck that has new and old wood both on it. Do I need a solid stain or will a semi-transparent blend both together to be same color?
You would need a solid stain if you want it to all blend.
Which RAD color best matches the pre-stained pressure treated cedar tone wood? Also, can this PT cedar tone wood be re-stained after a couple years? Meaning will it hold new stain?
Thanks
Colors vary based on wood type and age so there is no way to say what will match. You can always prep and recoat as needed.
I am staining a redwood fence. Will this last as well as an oil based stain such as TWP? Does re-application require stripping, or only clean, brighten and reapply?
It will last as long or longer on a fence. Clean/brighten and reapply as needed.
Thanks! I plan to use a pump sprayer and back brush. Would you recommend a pad or your yellow brush for the back brushing?
Pad for a fence.
Seriously considering using this. Should I pressure wash with diluted bleach water prior to using the deck wash, in order to remove the dark black and green moldy areas? Or, will the deck wash do the job?
Just use their prep products while pressure washing.
Which product goes in the pressure washer and what ratio. Thanks a big bunch for your help and advice. So glad I found you today.
They are not used through the pressure washer. Pump spray on and then pressure wash off.
How is the color retention on ipe? How long after application is that gorgeous photo of the fence? Would I need to re-apply this every year? (NYC winter). Really hoping to find something that can looks good longer than 1 year!
IPE requires annual maintenance every year, nothing will last longer. The RAD stain is one of the best options. See here:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
I stained my cedar/PT framed deck with RAD light walnut several days ago. The pressure treated joists look lighter colored in some areas where I must have applied it too thin. Can I put another coat on to darken it up or do I have to wait til it weathers some? Directions say recoat within 60 minutes… most of the PT joists have a good color so I know it is applied too thin and not differences in the wood. Great product and great resource, Thanks
RAD suggests to not apply another coat unless it is applied within 20-60 minutes of the first coat. You can light wash with water next Spring and apply a coat then. It should adhere okay by then.
Thank you! Again, fantastic resource!
I’m wondering if there can be a long period of time between stripping old stain using your stripping product and completing the cleaning, brightening and new staining process. And when I say long period I mean. Can I strip now and leave bare for several months.
(I have new wood that needs to be weathered and old wood needs to be stripped all together in the same project, trying to be efficient)
If you strip now and leave bare, you will have to reclean and brighten later.
New pressure treated pine deck last year, cedar posts and black aluminum railing. Deck has cured now for 12 months. I know it needs to be cleaned but does it need to be brightened? Do i use 1 coat of restore a deck for new deck and reevaluate next year? Cedar posts were stained in oil base before install and are rough hewn..will stripping the cedar posts damage the railing? Please advise and thanks for your help.
Clean and then brighten. Once coat this year. It will not damage the railings.
Thanks for this very helpful and informative site and feedback. Now. Once I’ve weathered my wood for minimum 3 months. Is there a minimum number of dry days “without rain” that should occur to allow for some “drying out or just as the article says, damp but not wet it pooling? I guess what I’m really asking is can I really stain in the fall with the semi transparent if the temperature are mild enough and the deck has received rain.
Yes, with the RAD Stain, you can.
I live on the rainy west coast Vancouver British Columbia. Hot sunny summer. But plenty of rain throughout the year. I have removed all my old cedar deck boards to be planed, trimmed and I have additional new dry cedar that I will be using for an addition. I originally was going to use the oil based stain but after seeing the restore a deck in action I think that I might choose to use it. Given our mild, rainy weather. What would you recommend, and do I have to do anything else to prep the wood after planing.
See this about new wood and how to weather and prep: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
The RAD Stains would work well after.
So just to clarify, are you saying that once sanding or planing occurs to wood that has already bybeen on the deck (ie weathered). Then weathering must be done again? We are going into wet weather season again. Once these planks are planed, and unprotected they will be potentially exposed to rain and sun in unknown amounts, and will absorb a lot of water.
You have both new wood and planed wood so yes, you need to weather and prep this deck. This is normal.
i have a new deck around my above ground pool, built in Dec 2020. we live in North Central Ohio, so we get all kinds of weather. it is pressure treated lumber. i think it ready to stain. It is in full sun and we have railings. My wife wants to apply White stain to the Railing, then Gray to the deck floor. Also beneath the deck floor, we have treated lumber to act as skirting for toy storage and etc. Me question is what would you suggest for the spindles, the top railing, and the skirting, and for the deck itself?
Use the RAD Solid Stain in white for the rails and then the RAD in Cottage gray for the floors: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/
See this as well for two-toned tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-have-a-two-toned-deck/
I have just ordered 5 gallons of RAD solid. 1) Why do I need a brightener if I am using a solid color?. 2) what product can I use as a wood filler to fill in some holes from the knots and screw indentations? ALL your advice is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU.!
-To neutralize after using a stripper or brightener so there is not a reaction with the stain.
-Wood fillers do not work well on outside wood. Try a paintable cualk instead.
Would the “wood prep for decks” the same as the “brightener”. Thank you again for all your helpful advice.
Wood prep for decks is not the same as a wood brightener.
ok..thank you.
we do not want colour but clear deck stain for Haliburton harsh Canadian winter
what is best?
No color = zero UV protection from graying. Do you want it to gray in a matter of months?
Do you happen to have any photos of RAD Dark Walnut? We are looking for a dark brown. The little swatch of color on their website seems as though it’s not all that dark but hard to say. Couldn’t find a “photo album” on their site like other companies. Thanks
We do not have any but there are plenty on their website. Look at the contest photos that they have for this year and past winners.
Hi there,
We have about 500sq ft on our cottage deck. The deck is cedar and over 20 years old. Some boards have been replaced over the years. It has been stained several times. For the last 10 years we have been using Cabots Australian timber oil. It really deserves and needs a refresh. I am not looking for perfection but a little more continuity would be nice.
When I can across your video – it gave me hope. I absolutely love the idea of not having to wait for significant drying time! I don’t know if anything like this sold in Canada.
However, in your opinion how would your stripper and brightner and stain refresh our deck considering it’s age? Also , because we are in Canada knowing how much would be needed of each product would help me. For example, would we need double of one of the products to improve it? Or would each step just have to sit longer to get the best results? I have attached a pic of one part of the deck.
Thanks for any advice and for answering all my questions.
Cheers,
Using the RAD products to strip, brighten and stain would work for this. As for how much is needed, best to ask them directly on their website. Thanks
If the semi transparent stain gets on painted trim, can it just be painted over to cover?
I would think that would not be an issue.
Just stained with RAD Semi transparent stain. Do I need to do the whole cleaning next year to recoat or just some mild detergent.
Depends on the condition it is in next year. We always give it a good cleaning when reapplying.
What if I need to sand a little before applying the stain, do I dampen the deck after sanding?
You can apply the RAD Stains to dry or damp wood.