This post was updated on April 2, 2026
Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My Restore-A-Deck Wood stain 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 tips. See here for more info about me.
Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Review
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 is a newer generation stain compared to traditional oils and is designed 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 does not penetrate as deeply as oil-based stains like TWP, but it makes up for that with better UV resistance and more consistent color.
In 2017, our first full year using the Restore A Deck stain, we had no performance issues and saved a tremendous amount of time by prep and stain on the same day. We will continue to offer the Restore A Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain as one of our go-to decking stains for the 2026 restoration season.
Overall, Restore-A-Deck is a very good choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, water-based stain that performs well across a variety of wood types.
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 you a tremendous amount of time.
8.63 Overall Rating Restore-A-Deck Stain
🔹 Quick Verdict
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain – Quick Review
- Best For: Homeowners wanting better color retention and easy maintenance
- Not Ideal For: Those wanting maximum penetration on older wood
- Type: Water-based penetrating stain
- My Overall Rating: 8.63/10
My Take:
Restore-A-Deck is one of the better-performing water-based stains I have used. It offers solid durability and color retention while still being relatively easy to maintain.
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. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain protects the wood from harmful UV rays and damage caused by water penetration. Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is safe to use, has a low odor, and is easy to clean up with soap and water. It is ideal for all wood types including pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, or redwood.
Recent advancements in water-based wood stain technology have allowed the active ingredients in the Restore-A-Deck Stain to offer better UV protection, excellent penetration into the wood grain, and the ability to apply to damp wood. All this is available in five beautiful semi-transparent colors highlighting the natural wood grain.
RAD Wood and Deck Stain will increase all exterior wood surfaces’ life, appearance, and durability. With the easy-to-apply and maintain Eco-Safe formula, you’ll be able to finish faster and enjoy your exterior wood or deck for years.
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Ratings (1-10)
How I Rated Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
My Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain review contains an 8-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.
- The appearance of Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain after Application
- Preventing UV Graying
- Peeling or Wearing
- Cost Per Square Foot
- Preventing Mold and Mildew
- How Easy was the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Application
- Color Shifting
- Ease of Reapplication
- Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Final Score
8-Step Review of Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain & Sealer
1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8
The Restore-A-Deck wood stain color we used was the Semi-Transparent Light Walnut. The initial appearance was a rich brown with a hint of red (see pictures below) after drying. The Restore-A-Deck Stain penetrated extremely well into the wood grain on our test deck. No surface film on top of the wood.
2. 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 be achieved through years 2-3 as well based on initial pictures and testing. See below for a picture.
Restore A Deck Stain Two Years
3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9
At the 2-year mark, there was no wearing or peeling.
4. Cost Per Square Foot: 8
We applied two coats to our 150 sq foot deck, including all railings and steps. Less than 1 gallon was used for this at a total cost of $40. This equates to $.30 a square foot. Very reasonable pricing and better than most other top brands.
5. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 10
Like other water-based deck stains, the Restore-A-Deck Wood stain will not promote mold or mildew growth. This is one of the primary advantages of using a water-based coating. At the 1-year mark, the deck showed no signs of any mold or mildew.
6. Ease of Application: 9
Our favorite aspect of the Restore-A-Deck Wood stain 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 and then applying the RAD stain 1 hour after the prep. The wood was visibly wet on a few deck areas and damp to the touch throughout. The Restore-A-Deck actually applied more easily to the damp wood than any other water-based stain that we have used previously. We also found that the coverage was better when applied to damp wood. In theory, the stain will absorb better when applied to damp wood. The water “swells” the wood pores and “pulls” the stain deep into the wood as it dries. Applying to damp wood will also help avoid potential issues with Applying a Deck Stain in Full Sun.
See before and after pictures below.
Restore A Deck Stain After Prep
Restore A Deck Stain Damp Wood Application
7. Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 8
As expected, the Restore-A-Deck stain darkened very little and did not shift color. See the picture at the 2-year mark above.
8. Difficulty of Reapplication: 8
The Restore-A-Deck will be an easy clean and reapplication as needed.
Overall Score Restore-A-Deck Stain at 1-Year Period: 8.63
– The Restore-A-Deck is an awesome exterior wood stain and has shown the ability to outperform other water-based and oil-based wood stains. Restore-A-Deck’s 3-Step system allows you to save time and money when restoring your exterior wood and decking. No other system that we have used or tested has allowed the ability to Prep and Stain in the Same Day. If you are looking for the future of exterior wood and deck stain, consider the Restore A Deck Wood Stain and their prepping system.
| Image | Title | Price | Add to cart | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $49.99 | |||
 | Price range: $229.99 through $247.99 |
Product Information:
More Info: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
Cost: $47.99 per Gallon, $219.99 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
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
🔹 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
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
- Very old, dry wood – penetrates very well
- Hardwoods (IPE, Cumaru, etc.) – excellent color retention
👉 See: Deck Stain for New Wood
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
🔹 Real-World Testing & Photos
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain – Real World Testing
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.
👉 Deck Cleaning and Brightening
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/cleaning-wood-deck/
🔹 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?
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/
🔹 FAQs
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain – FAQs
How long does Restore-A-Deck last?
Typically 24 months depending on exposure and maintenance.
Does Restore-A-Deck peel or flake?
No, when applied correctly, it penetrates and wears naturally without peeling.
Is Restore-A-Deck oil or water-based?
It is a water-based penetrating stain.
Can Restore-A-Deck be used on new wood?
Yes, as long as the wood is properly prepped to allow absorption.
How does it perform in full sun?
It performs better than most oil-based stains in terms of UV protection and color retention.
🔹 Final Thoughts
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is a solid choice for homeowners looking for a balance between durability, color retention, and ease of use. While it does not 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 can provide consistent and reliable results without the issues associated with 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.
deck floor what amount of time before you can walk on it?
After applying? 4-6 hours.
after application of the product to the deck floor ,when or what amount of time before it can be walked on?
I live on a lake and I am looking for a deck brightener to use on a dock that is eco friendly.
The Restore A Deck prep kits will work.
I live in Arizona so of course, I need the best UV protecting stain out there. After extensive reading on your awesome site, I’m between Restore a Deck or Defy Extreme. Unless there is another one more suitable for our HOT, dry, and sunny weather that is better.
Either one would work great.
I have a Large Deck that has been neglected for years.. I pressure washed it with Deck Cleaner, now looks much better.. My question is ; Now what stain filler do you recommend ????? The wife wants to keep it light or natural looking, I think a darker stain would hide any blemish the wood has — YOUR THOUGHTS ??????
The RAD Wood stain should work well for this. Any color that you like.
Photos to go with my previous question
Great site!!!!
I recently bought a home with a huge wrap around deck. Live on a lake in Kentucky so summers are hot and damp and cold winters. The wood is old and we think it is pine. Gets about 4 hours direct sun per day
No idea what the old owners used. I think it is at least 20 years old. Good condition but dry and whatever they put on it last year before our purchase is about 50 percent gone. What product do you recommend to prep?
Would think an oil product would be good for the stain on this very dry wood
Hoping for a semi solid that I could use a gray color. I have looked up all your recommendations but found an option in gray.
Lastly, it gets high traffic and we have big dogs!
Please help me wow my very handy husband when I pull this project off by myself!!!
Thank you so much for all of your great advice!
Jenny
The RAD stain does not come in a gray or semi-solid colors. The only way to get a gray semi-solid is to custom tint and that means you will end up with a stain that films on top of the surface instead of penetrating into the surface.
We bought TWP last year to stain our deck but we couldn’t get a good weather window last summer, so are just now approaching this project. We stripped/cleaned (have some old and some new decking) and brightened it just yesterday.
I just found out about this RAD stain this morning and we would much rather use a water based than an oil based stain.
If we use the TWP this year (which has already been purchased), what process would be required next year to switch RAD stain?
I ask as we are considering just taking a loss on the TWP and switching this year if it would be labor intensive to do so next year. Thank you!
You will need to strip and brighten the wood for the prep. The TWP comes off easily.
Can you put stain on a deck that still has some paint on it? If so would you recommend a solid stain?
You should not stain over a paint.
Okay thank you!
Sorry to ask this but I was wondering if there was a paint help sight set up just like this also. I was looking online for the best concrete sealers and found a site set up exactly like this for sealers and was wondering about paint also? Thanks.
Not that we know of.
Ok, thanks 👍
What area of the country was this tested in? Did it go through a snowy winter?
Midwest. Yes, it went through last Winter. Still looking great.
IT has gone through 15 Maine winters and the house stain is still in good condition.Irecently talked with apaint contractor about restaing the house just because its been 15 years! The contractor reccomended Benjamin Moore Arborcoat .Your reviews on this product arnt very good . This is why I am trying to find agood stain that will perform as well as the Olympic Oil stain has done.
I have a large 18 year old PT deck in full sun that has been treated repeatedly with Sikkens semi transparent stain, which peeled terribly. It has now been sanded to bare wood and cleaned with a mixture of OxiClean/water/dish detergent. I am considering restaining with Defy or Restore-a-deck. Do I need to clean/brighten again with one of their products before staining? Since this is now bare wood, is it considered “new wood” and does it get one coat or two?
Do not sand with a grit finer than 80 grit. Clean and brighten the wood for the final prep. This will help the Defy or RAD stain soak in better.
2 coats wet on wet.
Would you favor the Restore-a-Deck or the Defy in this situation, or some other product? We live near Cincinnati. Thanks for your help.
Either of those brands would work well for your area.
Thank you!
My new pt deck installed 3 weeks ago is splitting. How can I stop this and fix the cracks already formed?
Cracks in decks are normal. Nothing you can do to prevent this or fix this. Just leave them be as it is part of having an exterior wood deck.
I meant to mention that if we let the wood weather we’re pretty sure it will discolor very quickly at 9000′ ft.
You have to let it weather and prep. No way around this. Prepping will restore the color. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
We’re putting in a new redwood deck. We live at 9000′ ft elevation. The deck gets sun all day.
We’re wondering if water based stain would be better than oil based or reverse.
Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you. LP
As long as the stain is a penetrating stain like the RAD, you are good. Less chance of wearing and peeling.
We had a cedar fence installed last October and want to protect it (we are located in the Chicagoland area). Do we need to clean and brighten it first? We are also new to owning a home and not especially handy. Are we going to regret taking on this project ourselves, or should we hire someone? Thanks
Yes, you need to prep with a cleaner and a wood brightener. Doesn’t hurt to get a quote from a pro to see if worth it.
Recently had new railing installed on front porch over a month ago. I want to preserve the wood the way it currently looks and prevent fading as well as mold and mildew. Will this product work for this. Thanks!
Yes, but you have to let new wood weather for 3+ months and clean and brighten for the prep.
is Restore-a-Deck suitable for a 1 year old treated pine deck that has never been stained or painted?
I would prefer a light transparent color. Thanks!
Yes, it would work for this. Prep first.
Thanks
2 coats of Natural applied to 10 year old pressure treated pine, about 450 sq foot. Power washed prior day. Applied the stain without the cleaning and brightener. Applied with Wagner sprayer on the stain setting. Took 2 hours and about 2 1/2 gallons. Stained half the deck at a time. Very happy with the results.
Great job!
Is this product appropriate to use on a previously-stained weathered pressure treated wood deck? I was debating about the Behr deck paint, but everything I’ve read says it, or a similar thick deck paint, is a poor choice. Please advise.
Hello, you cannot use this product or any other brand of stain over a Behr. You will have to fully sand off the Behr first. The Behr deck Paint will peel.
What is the best sanding method?
Power sand. Try a drum sander.
I have a 30 y.o. Pressure treated deck, mix of sun and shade, Delaware winters, leaf stains, sun damaged. I’ve used Defy Extreme the last 7 years. Verticals are doing fine, but horizontals in sunny areas fail and need reapplication every year. I’m considering new brand eg Restore a Deck. Is RAD compatible with Defy? Or I need to strip first? Really like to avoid stripping if possible. Looking for best way to keep appearance/performance of this aging deck… and avoid annual reapplication. Any suggestions? Solid? Semi? RAD?
You will have to strip off the Defy if switching brands. Use the RAD after the proper prep.
I just replaced my deck floor with new mahogany. Railings, which were very weathered, grayed and mildewed, have been power washed and are being hand sanded. I live in Massachusetts. Can (or should) I wait until next year to clean, brighten and stain, or would it be best to do it in Sept/Oct. I plan to use Restore a Deck products. How much graying can I expect if I leave it until next year. A portion is in direct sun, and some in shade.
You can do this in the Fall. The prep will remove any graying.
Thank you for all the helpful information that you provide. I have lots of decking, some newer, some as old as 25 years but still in good condition. My decking is CCA treated wood. I would like to use the restore-a-deck products but I am looking for a driftwood grey finish to match the cedar shakes on my house. What stain do you recommend?
For the stain, try Armstrong Clark in Driftwood Gray.
Hi. My wife and I are trying to choose a restore-a-deck stain color but are having a hard time. Can you please tell us which color stain was used in the pictures above? Thanks! Great review.
That is Light Walnut color on pressure treated pine wood.
Can this be used on new mahogany deck surface, and old power washed raining.
Do I have to wait to put on the new mahogany deck.
Yes, you have to wait a few months and then prep before applying. It can be used on Mahogany wood.
I am getting ready to have my cedar shake siding cleaned and stained, I am not sure if the last stain was oil or water based but I think it was oil based. I am cleaning it with restore a deck cleaner and brightener first. What type of stain do you recommend I use for easy care and application, keep in mind that it is a two story house with difficult areas to reach?
If switching brands you need to strip and brighten for the prep, not clean and brighten. Once removed, you can use a stain like the Restore A Deck Wood stains.
When my deck was constructed, it was recommended that I use the water base Sherman Williams brand. The last time I restained the deck I used Deckscapes. I am lucky to get a year and a half of protection. I have power washed and sanded my deck, there are still areas of remaining stain, can I put RAD over it. I am not so concerned about cosmetics as I am protection. Thanks.
You cannot. When switching brands you must remove the current coating.
Have a 15 year old redwood deck floor that hasn’t ever been stained. The railings and posts have been painted (not stained) and need to be redone. Can I sand the paint from railings and posts and then use the RAD cleaner, brightener, and semi-transparent stain on the entire deck- floor, railings, and posts? If not, what do you recommend? Thank you
To be able to use the RAD wood stain all paint would need to be sanded off. Your steps would be correct.
I bought RAD cleaner and brightened deck cleaned,had pressure washed it couple weeks ago prior to cleaning.I need to sand some areas should I do that before brightner
Yes.
How does the film buildup compare with a good quality semi-transparent oil base?
About the same when you apply correctly and prep correctly. It will soak into the wood.
When restraining is needed down the road, is stripping required? If so, how does stripping this product compare to typical oil stains or other water based products? Thanks.
It does not have to be stripped when reapplying but can be stripped if ever needed.
Can you use Restore-A-Deck on hardwood such as mahogany? Would the Defy Hardwood option be preferable? After years of using an oil-based stain I am tired of the mold/mildew accumulation, the darkening, how quickly protection is gone, and the smell/ headaches that come with application.
Yes, you can use it on hardwoods. Works very well. Make sure to remove the old coatings first.
I need an entire house and decks stained that is located on the Pacific coast. It has been treated with Duck back oil based semi transparent product the past 29 years.Is there a better product out there? I am looking at a solid stain.
The RAD Stain doe not come in solid colors. See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-solid-color-deck-stains/
We have a very old deck that we pressure washed and sanded down using a drum sander. Do I still need to use a stripper or brightener before I apply the restore-a-deck?
Cleaner and a wood brightener would help to open the pores of the wood after the heavy sanding. Might only need one coat of stain as well. Depends on how fine of a grit of sandpaper was used.
60 grit. Can I get away with 1 coat?
What cleaner and brightener do you recommend. Is that one product or 2 different ones?
Deck cleaners and wood brighteners are separate products. We use the Restore A Deck Products. 1-2 coats. Hard to say for certain,
I have had the original Olympic rescue max on my deck for several years have been happy. But it needs an update. What can I put back on this
Sorry but you cannot apply another brand of stain over theOlmpic. You will need to remove it by stripping and or sanding.
We have completed stripping our deck. Plan to brighten next with Defy or RAD so need to order stain.
Michigan sun & shade. Any suggestions for stain?…Restore a deck & Defy sounds like they might be best to prevent mildew in shaded areas. Considering Natural or Light Walnut…which I think has a little red to tie in with railing?
You are keeping the ralings solid stained? I think Natural color would give a better contrast. Use the Restore A Deck.
Finished project using restore a deck natural. Turned out great. Can’t wait to see how it holds up.
How did this hold up? I’m about to do my deck and am thinking Restore-a-Deck. Does it still look good?
Recommendations state 2 coats for old wood, 1 coat for newer. I have to replace a few boards on my 10 year old deck. I plan to wait 60-90 days to stain. At that point, should I coat the entire deck with 1 or 2 coats?
Just do the one coat on the new boards and 2 on the rest.
Looking to strip old Behr stain off of cedar stairs. The posts are painted with exterior paint that I would like to keep as is. Will the stripper remove the paint as well? Do I need to protect them?
Stain Strippers do not remove paint.
Thx
What do you recommend to remove paint then? Thank you!!
Power sanding to remove paint.
Hello, planned on using TWP 100 so I purchased Gemini cleaner and brightener. But now I think RAD might be better suited to my deck and its mildew/algae woes. Can I use the Gemini I bought them stain with RAD? Or must I use RAD cleaner/brightener?
You can use the Gemini Restore Kit.
where is this product located? At what locations? All of them. Thanks
Check on their website.
Hi – I’ve got a 4 yr old redwood deck in Idaho. I had it stained/sealed in year one and year 3 (last year) and just doesn’t hold up well after all the snow, ice, etc in the winter. I’m not sure what product was used to seal – it may have been a Behr product. Would your product be a good fit? What would you recommend for prep?
For prep you will need to strip and sand to remove teh Behr. Brighten the wood after. After the prep, you can use a product like the RAD Wood Stain.
Maine
New deck pressure treated yellow pine June 2018. full sun
I waited to stain this deck , however now it has mildew and am Need advice on what is best product to use and less maintenance . THank you
Old deck 25 years no mildew I am very discouraged
Being built in June 2018?
No I am sorry it was build June 2017
For the prep, you will need to clean and brighten the wood. This will remove the gray oxidation and the mildew. Use the RAD Cleaner Kits. Once prepped, apply two light coats of the RAD Wood Stain with the wet on wet method. This can be done to dry or damp wood.
So you would advise using the RAD stain , I was thinking of the Defy as it seems to,have very good reviews , mildew concerned . Thank for your help
Both would be an excellent stain for preventing mildew.
Can this be purchased in Canada?
I would contact them directly for help locating or shipping to you.
Deck built a year ago, still considered “new” wood? For one coat?
Two coats for this since it is a year old. Make sure to prep and remove the oxidation before applying.
Hello,
I live in central Texas and am hoping to restore and preserve a wooden fence that has been exposed for 15 years. There is total graying, some mildew, and an old finish, all of which actually brush off with a dry scrub brush. It seems I need mildew and UV protection for the fence around here.
Do you recommend an oil based or water based stain for this part of the country? Please recommend a specific brand if you have a suggestion. Also, what preparation should I do before staining? Again any specific recommendations for brands are helpful here too.
Thank you very much!
Hello,
For the prep, use the Restore A Deck Prep kits and light pressure washing. This will restore the color and remove all the mildew and old stain.
We would suggest the Restore A deck Wood stain for this. It will perform better over the oil when it comes to mildew prevention and UV graying.
I used Armstrong Clark transparent cedar last year on a new kiln-dried cedar deck after a 45 day wait, and used Restore-a-Deck cleaner & brightener first (late summer application, west-facing with plenty of sun in the midwest). I was planning to clean and re-apply a second coat this spring, but it has quite a bit of what appears to be surface mildew. RAD wasn’t on your list last year for stain reviews since it’s new, so I’m considering switching over due to your mildew-resistant review. Would a round of cleaner & brightener suffice, or is it perhaps a bad idea to go from oil based to water based? I’d appreciate your insight and suggestion.
The RAD stain will do better with mildew prevention but to switch, you will need to remove the AC. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit. The AC will come off easily.
Thanks for the quick reply, that’s what I’ll do. Still a fan of Armstrong Clark. It looked awesome last year, but this sounds like a slightly better fit for us with our midwest humidity.
Hi,
We live in Seattle, WA, so lots of rain, probably up until May-June. We rebuilt our deck last September, have let it “weather”, and now it’s time to figure out how to stain/seal it. We’d like to keep it light/natural looking, maybe semi-transparent. The vertical parts (rails mainly) remained original, and were stained with oil stain over 5 years ago. We’d like your recommendation specifically on the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain, because we like the idea of not having to wait until mid-summer, for it to be completely dry, to finish it. What do you think?
The RAD Wood Stain should work well for this but take in mind, it can be applied to damp wood after prep but it cannot be applied to soaking wet wood from constant rainy weather. Too much water in the wood is not a good idea for any brand.
I have over 1000 sqft of deck to stain so ease of application and longevity of this product has me very interested. My wife wants to stay with the natural wood color. How much will the Natural semi-transparent stain darken the wood?
When stained with the Natural tint, the wood will be similar to as if wet with water. Maybe slightly darker.
1.) You have rated this product highly, but you have only conducted a 1-year test at this point. Any reason to think you would rate it any differently at the 2-year point (as is your standard) when compared to your other highly rated water-based stains such as the Defy Extreme?
2.) Does “wet on wet” application simply mean to apply while the wood is still wet from pressure washing/brightening? Do you recommend “wet on wet” application for new wood as well (~4 mos. old) for this product?
3.) A more general application question…if applying stain with a sprayer, does it matter between pump and electric or just personal preference? Any particular specifications to look for (like nozzle sizes/types)? I ask because I stained a fence in the past with a cheap Flomaster Wood and Masonry sprayer and it was terrible.
Thank you!
Hi Jeremy,
1. We do not see anything going wrong with the product during the next year but we will be taking pictures and updating as it progresses.
2. Wet on wet application means you apply your first coat and then apply another coat about 30 minutes later. See this for more info: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-instructions-for-wet-on-wet/
Just one coat for new wood is what the stain instructions suggest. Make sure to prep first as well.
3. You would be better off using a deck stain pad or stain brush over spraying. It will soak in better. If you want to spray, use a fan tip. Apply lightly and then back brush right away so it applies evenly. We normally use a pump sprayer.
Thanks for the reply. I also have an elevated deck that you can walk under. Should I apply stain to the underside as well?
Only reason to stain the underside is for appearance.
I did the mistake of not staining the under side of my deck and it has a lot of mold stains now. It will be a pain to get it off now. I would highly recommend staining it from that perspective alone.
Hello,
Will this stain work on IPE wood? Can you apply to damp IPE wood as well?
Yes, it will. Here is a picture of some IPE test boards we did last year. This picture was taken 8 months after application.