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.
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.