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.
Is this stain good for a swimming pool deck?
Yes.
I am about to purchase and install 1 x 12 cedar boards and strips from Lowes and do board and batten siding. It states it is cedar, am not sure if it is “technically” western cedar or? Anyhow, the boards appear to have a slightly rough texture to them, not rough sawn perhaps, but not smooth either. Anyhow, I would like to have a nearly clear finish with maybe a little darkening color to it, however. A few questions. What product(s) do you recommend? And when can I apply it? I’m thinking it would be easier to apply before installing OR should I install and let it set for a period of time??? Would it need a cleaner – brightener? I guess, long story short I need full directions for this scenario, lol… Located in Southern Tennessee
You cannot pre-stain wood like this. Install and weather the wood.
OK, about how long in this current Tennessee weather you think?
Few months.
What sealer, cleaner, etc. do you recommend best to use in this scenario
Hi, try the RAD prep products and the TWP Stain or RAD semi-trans stains.
To apply the RAD semi-transparent stain on a verticle wall (Board & Batten cedar), what options are there to apply it? Brush only or can one spray it on someway or?
Spray and then back wipe with a brush right away to ensure an even application.
our front deck gets to 120 degrees in morning sun, is RAD semi-transparent going to prevent UV damage in this situation
Yes, but do not apply during those temps. That will lead to failure for any deck stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/applying-a-deck-stain-in-full-sun/
Where can it be purchased?
Check with their website.
So fed up with having to sand and restain my deck floor every Spring with Benjamin Moore semitransparent stain. Have done all the correct steps. Never had this problem with oiled based stains years ago.
Try a better brand like the RAD wood stain.
I have a 10′ x 15′ deck made of treated pine. It is 25 years old. It was sealed once with Thompson’s Water Seal 20 years ago. I recently cleaned it with a high pressure (2,000 psi) washer. Water only. It came remarkably clean. All the graying is gone and the wood has its original color. I would like to use either a clear or very light brown RAD stain. At this point do I need to do anything else to prep before staining or can I simply wet the deck and apply stain?
Post a picture.
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No more prep is needed.
Images attached correctly this time.
No more prep is needed.
that looks like a great power washed and dried surface to stain, looks plenty well enough prepped to me, good job pressure washing and not making stop/start marks
We’re in “Nawthun” Mississippi & built our 11×13 treated pine deck in August of 2018, so it’s had about 8 (rainy!) months to air out. We’ve purchased a gallon of the cedar-tint RAD stain & want to apply it soon, before things get too hot around here. The deck planks still look practically new, but we’re planning to first clean them with plain water & a stiff brush. Under these circumstances, is it really necessary to also use the brightener?
You have to clean and brighten. Brightener by itself does not prep wood.
Thanks for the quick response, but maybe my question wasn’t clear:
1. We built the deck only 8 months ago.
2. Cleaned it yesterday & it now looks virtually new.
3. We’ve purchased ONLY the stain.
Is the project REALLY knackered if we don’t spend another $60 on cleaner & brightener?
Thanks again for your attention!
If it is clean you should be okay to stain without more prep.
Can i get a close match to Behrs “Forest Green”
No. It cannot be custom tinted.
If I am planning to sand down the deck (cedar), do I need to strip/brighten before using the stain?
Yes, that will help the stain to soak in deeper. Clean and brighten.
We are adding a new deck onto our home in Georgia. The summers are extremely hot and humid. Will this product work well in the high/humid conditions.? How long do we need to wait before we can stain? We are using PT decking boards. What prep would be necessary since we are using new boards?
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Have new Cypress Siding and Pressure-Treated Pine Deck – both kiln dried. Do I need to wait a couple months to apply Restore-A-Deck like some other products? And is the prep-kit still needed on new wood? I also note it comes in Natural and Cedar – I assume Natural would not preform with UV as well as Cedar due to less pigment? Thanks!
Yes. 1-2 months and use the kit to remove the mill glaze and oxidation. Just one coat for new wood. See this for more tips on your wood type: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
Hi. Can this product be applied to treated wood? If not, what is best for treated wood?
We replaced deck floor with composite. This is for the deck walls. Thank you!
Yes, it can.
Thank you!
I used Behr clear stain 7 months ago on a brand new deck, it looks horrible now, gray, peeling, rough, I need to redo it all over again, and thought about trying this brand. What do I need to do to get it ready? what does the prep involve? Do I need to sand it? hopefully not that will take hours. thanks
See this for help: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-prep-clean-strip-or-sand-the-deck/
We used to restore a deck system on “new” treated lumber that was almost 2-years-old. Unfortunately we have had significant pealing especially where it was exposed to direct sun. How do we recover from this crisis? I don’t understand what went wrong? The prep, bleach and staining was done over two days in October 2018, we are in SE Iowa.
Your pictures clearly show an extreme over application of the stain. The RAD stain is a penetrating stain that when applied correctly, fully soaks into the wood and does not create a shiny finish or dries to a film on top of the wood. In your pictures, it shows that too much stain was applied (very shiny) and it never had a chance to soak in fully. The stain is lifting from the surface because of this. Doesn’t matter what brand of penetrating stain that you would have used, you would have had the same result if over applied. The RAD is also supposed to be applied wet on wet if doing two coats. Not sure if you did this but if you applied wet on dry, that could create the issue.
As to fixing it, best to strip and start over. Applying only as much as the wood can absorb and you will not repeat the issue.
I had new pressure treated deck installed last August. Approximately 20′ x 30′ (600sf). I had planned to clear seal and let deck grey naturally. After reading your site comments, I am considering using light stain for UV protection. What do you recommend regarding color and amount of product?
Hi,
We have an older deck that looks like it had a semi-transparent stain put on many years ago. It is definitely not paint – can see all of the wood grain. We would like to use RAD. Do we need to strip the deck before using RAD?
Yes. Strip and brighten the wood.
We replaced our deck railing last March. Was told to wait 6 months to stain. Unfortunately, last year was a very wet year in WV (we are about 90 miles NW of Washington, DC) and we could not get the railing stained last year.
What should I do to prep the wood and which stain (probably want a semitransparent) would you recommend for our area. Deck is pretty much in full sun all day.
The wood parts are the frame for the top and bottom (2×4’s) and the 4×4 posts. The middle section is made from cattle fencing which we primed and painted black (no wood spindles). We get to enjoy the view so much more with this than with the wood spindle.
Thanks for your assistance.
Clean and brighten the wood with the Restore A Deck Kits. Stain with the Restore A Deck Wood Stain.
Purchased the sample package. Thoroughly cleaned a small area and applied all 4 colors to the damp boards. 2 hrs later looked at the sample area and they all looked the same with very little tint. I’m glad to have purchased the samples because after all the positive reviews I almost purchased the 8 gallons needed to stain my deck. So much for positive product reviews on the internet.
Really? It is impossible for 4 clearly different colors to all “stain” the same color so something had to have been done incorrectly in the prep or application for the stain colors to not take correctly.
My water base stain was red maple. Which product should I use. An where to purchase. This restore a deck stain.
I am sorry but I do not know what brand of stain that “red maple” is. We would need to know the brand name and the type of stain to determine how to prep and what to use after. Pictures would help as well.
Deck was water based last year,why is it slippery especially when wet
Restore A Deck Stain is a penetrating stain. It is not slippery when wet.
I used water based and deck is slippy what shall I do
As we mentioned previously, we do not what brand of stain that “red maple” is. We would need to know the brand name and the type of stain to determine how to prep and what to use after. Pictures would help as well.
I used Sico water based deck was power washed and sanded prior to deck was originally oil based
We live in central Indiana and had a new cedar fence installed in late Sept 2018. We let it weather over the winter and would like to prep and stain it with RAD cedar stain this Spring (2019). The fence is 6’ tall and 120’ long totaling 720 sqft on one side. Since it is new wood, I gather it will take two coats of stain. I plan to spray it on and back wipe it with the stain brush you sell. My question is: How much cleaner, Brightener, and stain should I buy?
10-15 gallons of the stain if doing both sides. That will vary based on the porosity of the wood.
2-3 each of the cleaner and brightener should work.
How Much Cleaning / Stripping / Brightening should be necessary if using Restore-a-deck over Olympic Maximum that was applied in 2015? The Olympic still looks pretty decent, but after readying mixed reviews and your review, I am thinking of switching. There has been No pealing, some fading, But is not exposed to full noon sun in most areas (covered). Present color is “Tobacco” which we really like and so also struggling to find a similar color – Dark Walnut?
Also I am torn between an Oil or Water based. But I guess for an oil I would almost have to fully remove the Olympic? There are a whole lot of tight spots in the deck that would make full removal and sanding impossible. I have narrowed it down to 3 of your top choices: Armstrong-Clark / Restor-a-deck / or TWP 100. Thoughts?
You will have to remove the Olympic no matter what when switching brands that are penetrating stains. Does not matter the type or stain brand you plan on using.
We had a cedar pergola built in September. It is still unfinished. I wonder if this product would work. If so, will I also need to prep?
It will work great for a pergola. Use the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kit for the prep. You have to prep.
Compared to other products, what makes this product ECO SAFE?
It has a VOC content less than 100 and it does not have any harmful fumes, chemicals, or solvents.
Thank you!
We did our deck 8 months ago, old wood but had never been stained. We did everything the instructions said from prep to stain and it took over 50 man-hours for our 600 sq foot deck. Now… it looks awful. It is peeling and dried looking everywhere. Pics are from now. We went with the highest rated stain and paid quite a bit more for it.
Hello,
Your issue is not a stain failure but an over application by whoever applied the stain. Restore-A-Deck is designed to fully soak into the wood. It cannot peel or wear if done correctly. In your picture, it shows that you applied too much stain to the point that it could not soak in but dry on top of the wood. That is why you are having issues in those areas.
BTW, it should not take 50 hours to do a 600 sq foot deck. More like 5-6 total hours. 2-3 hours for prep and 2-3 hours to stain. If you spent more than 2-3 hours staining than that could also be part of your issue. It applies fast and easy and the second coat must be applied wet on wet. That means 20-30 minutes after the first coat. If you applied your second coat to dry stain, then it could be prone to issues like this.
Thank you, I wonder if having it too hot outside means the first coat dried too soon (we did the 20-4- miute, erring on the side of 20, but still HOT outside in July, een in the early morning), so then it had this result. What is the optimal temperature range? Most of that time was prep so it is disheartening now to see this. What steps do we need to redo the horizontal surfaces? The vertial surfaces are all find, which is a relief because that is all the fine rails and spindles. Thank you!
Lightly strip or wash off the floors. Brighten after. Apply the RAD again. It will be easy since you are just doing the horizontals. Temp range for applying is best at 60-80 and not in direct sunlight if possible. Later in the day or earlier in the day.
I’m contemplating getting Restore-A-Deck and using the Natural. If I decide I want a darker stain when I add the second coat as recommended in 12 to 24 months, can I use a different color? Or would is look wonky? Thank you.
You can go darker but you always have to prep before reapplying.
And prepping before reapplying is true for staying with the same color or going darker, correct?
Yes.
Where can I buy Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain?
Check their website.
Thank you.
I live in the Oakland CA hills and have a large redwood deck. The deck is over 10 years old but it’s very good quality redwood and in decent shape. It was power washed, cleaned, and stained 4 years ago; I believe Superdeck was applied. The new contractor wants to clean and sand the decks, and then use Behr Premium but I read the reviews and now I’m very skeptical. Since Restore-A-Deck is highly recommended on this site I’m considering asking the contractor to use it instead. My question is that I don’t see a redwood natural color offered. The RAD website shows a natural color but it’s very light. I want the natural redwood color to show; will the RAD “natural semi-transparent” color stain do that? If so, there needs to be a redwood sample used with to show that.
Natural in the RAD stain will enhance the natural grain of your wood similar to a wet look. If you want a little more red than that, then use the Light Walnut.
Any reason why the Light Walnut was recommended versus the Cedar stain? I have a redwood deck that has been sanded and treated with wood cleaner and the Cedar stain from RAD looks like it’s closer to a redwood color but hard to tell. Any feedback is helpful. Thanks
The Cedar is more of a cedar/brown color while the Light Walnut is a reddish/brown color.
Thank you! Purchased Light Walnut. Now just need to ensure we nail the application.
Where did you buy the restore a deck stain?
Directly from their website.
I used this stain last Spring and so far so good. No issues at all and is holding the same color as when applied. Question though. When it is time to reapply, do I have to prep with the Restore A Deck 2 part system again?
Yes. You always have to prep when reapplying. This will ensure that the new coating will adhere well.
Thanks. Do I need the Brightener or the Cleaner for the prep when reapplying.
Cleaner for sure to remove any dirt and grime. Use the Brightener after to neutralize.
Because of all the rain this summer in the Northeast I’ve never gotten a chance to treat some of the cedar wood I’ve replaced on my deck. Is it safe to go through a winter without treatment? If not, then what is the lowest temp.I can apply to the deck? I’m assuming 50 degrees F but what about the cold nights? Will the product dry properly?
You will be fine to wait until Spring.
Can you add color to Restore aDeck Wood Stains
No, you cannot.
I noticed that Restore a Deck says that the product can be used on hardwoods such as mahogany, but does not warrant the product for use on such hardwoods. They say that if used on hardwoods, you may have to reapply every year. Has this been your experience for use on mahogany, or do you find that reapplication every year may not be necessary. I live in Massachusetts. Deck is in the shade mostly from October to March and partially in the sun in the summer months.
All exotic hardwoods require an annual recoating. No stain will last longer than a year.
I had a contractor stained (sprayed) my 2 year old deck with Ready Seal approximately 15 months ago. I had it pressure washed (using low pressure) about 2 months ago. I want to change to Restore A Deck as I live in NC and a water based product will work better in this humid climate.
The deck looks good and since it’s been washed recently, will I need to do any prep before I apply Restore A Deck product?
You will need to strip it and remove all the RS as the RAD cannot go over top of it. Brightener after the stripping.
Can restore a deck stain be used on ipe wood?
Yes it can. Works very well.
We purchased redwood at extra cost for our deck and applied Sikkens as recommended by the lumber store. It did not even last a year, mold and mildew appeared and worn out places. Next we tried Sherwin Williams super deck product and was told we should expect it to last three years. Once again barely over a year and we have worn out places and mold. We live in Georgia hot and humid, on a lake. Our deck is barely 6 yrs old and we are looking to redo it for the 3rd time. Please help!
Strip it all off and brighten the wood. Use the RAD Wood Stain.
New deck installed early in the Spring, 2018 in Maryland. Husband got antsy and coated it with a clear sealer about 2-3 months later. Water still beads up on it. Do we have to strip it to apply a stain sealer now that we are prepared to pick a product to acheive the appearance we’d like?
Yes, you have to remove the sealer first.
Where can I purchase this product in Toronto Canada?
You would have to order online to be shipped.
i have used a deck cleaner AND later power washed our pine pressure treated wood deck in order to get algae stains off deck but can’t seem to get them completely off all areas. Can I still stain or do i need to sand first? I don’t know what stain was used previously.
Post a picture please.
Hi
Is it better to use the Cedar color vs the Natural for UV protection? I have read with stains its more effective to use one with a color. Thanks. Its for a new Cedar fence, smooth.
You will get the same UV protection between those two colors but the Dark Walnut (the darkest tint) will have the best UV protection. You cannot stain new wood right away: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Thank you
Where can I buy this stain at? I live in Shepherd mi
Best to contact them for help locating.
Put a new deck on December 2017 and let it weather for 10 months. I cleaned and then brightened the wood according to the directions. Waited 24 hours and applied the Reatore a Deck walnut stain with a stain brush 2 wet on wet coats. It looked while it was wet but after it dried it looks terrible. Very uneven colors and a splotchy look. I have used TWP and Ready Seal on other deck with out any problems. i wish I had went with one of those this time.
Something must have gone wrong with your prep or application process because it always dries evenly for us. Feel free to post a picture.
We applied restore a deck
After stripping our deck disaster with Sherwin Williams deck scapes. Looks great now.
Nice job!
What color stain did you use? We are trying to figure out a color. Looks great by the way
Natural
will this work on a teak deck
Yes as long as the Teak is free of previous coatings.
I HAVE a home with cedar shingles that were stained Olympic water repellant oilstain solid color about 15 years ago …..They have held up very well What would you reccommend I use for a stain this time around?
If you used a solid stain before you will need a solid stain again. The RAD wood stain does not come in solid colors currently.
When could I put this product on a new pressure treated deck
3 months after install.
Our deck was put in this week (pine). How long do we really have to wait to stain it? We are in Florida. Lots of rain and sun this summer.
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
The RAD wood stain says 3+ months and prep after.
how long does the deck need to dry after stain application before getting wet from rain?
4-6 hours.
With staining an old oak wood dock, is it unreasonable to expect that each board would be uniform in color? Or due to the age of the wood, would there be differing shades over a large area? If there are these lighter boards, is there a way to fix them to be more evenly colored. Light Walnut was the stain using Restore a Deck staining. Dock was pressured washed first, then stained over a few days due to the amount of area to cover. Thanks
Wood grain shows different colors when using a semi-transparent stain. Also, the age of the wood, the application of the stain, and prepping of the wood can determine the final color results. Post a picture if you can.
Here are the pics. Thanks
Looks normal for a semi-transparent stain. I would leave alone, you can always add a light coat in 9-2 months if needed.
Thank you for the response. Appreciate your input and we’ll probably add another coat next year.
Planning on sanding deck to bare wood totrmove multiple applicationss of solid stain. Do you recommend cleaning and brightening before application of RAD stain. Deck is covered with 3′ of snow during winter. Also, do you recommend two coats?
Clean and brighten for prep after the sanding. Just one coat since you sanded.