This post was updated on January 30, 2023
Rust-Oleum (Rock Solid 20X) Deck Restore Review for 2023
Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we have worked hard over the years to become your trusted reference for deck stain opinions and consumer reviews. We thank you for your continued support. Our customers who have used Rust-Oleum Deck Restore (Now Rock Solid 20X) continue to give scathing poor reviews about the appearance and longevity of their deck restoration projects. Numerous issues with peeling and a class action lawsuit as well. If you have used Rust-Oleum Deck Restore, we would like to hear what you think, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
Important Note on Label Change for Rust-Oleum Deck Restore (Now Rock Solid 20X)
Even though they have settled this lawsuit, Rust-Oleum Deck Restore is still sold to unsuspecting consumers and has not been pulled from the shelves. Rust-Oleum has changed to a newer, relabeled version of their Rust-Oleum Deck Restore. From what we have seen in the field and heard, the Rust-Oleum Rock Solid is not much better than the Deck Restore and continues to peel and fail.
Why repaint when you can revitalize your deck—with Rust-Oleum® Deck & Concrete Restore ®? This liquid-armor resurfacer forms a tough, resilient coating over existing decking. It lasts for years with minimal maintenance! Limited lifetime warranty.
- 10 times thicker than ordinary coatings—fills cracks, locks down splinters, hides imperfections
- Non-slip, barefoot-friendly texture; water- and weather-resistant; durable
- Economical, environmentally safe; easy to apply and clean up
Note: Class Action Lawsuit has been filed against Rust-Oleum Deck Restore 10x: See Here and Our Article
Rust-Oleum Deck Restore Stain Ratings (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 3
– The finished appearance of this product is poor. It looks “clumpy” and dirt has a tendency to stick to the surface as the product cures. The color did not match the color on the chart.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 10
– Does not gray in the areas where it has not peeled.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 2
– Of all the “Deck Resurface” products the Rust-Oleum version peels the worst. It started peeling within a few months of application.
Cost Per Square Foot: 1
– Coverage is terrible. We did not get the 30 sq. feet per gallon for the 2 coats. Closer to 20 sq. feet for two coats. We spent over $350 on our 200 sq. foot deck.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 6
– About 40% of the deck had mold.
Ease of Application: 1
– This product is not easy to apply. It splatters and we had to constantly back wipe to ensure an even appearance. The roller that comes with the kit is useless and does not last. It feels like you are applying a coat of tar with sand in it.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 10
– The Rust-Oleum Deck Restore does not darken in color.
The Difficulty of Reapplication: 1
– Be prepared to sand this off for switching to a different brand. It might be easier to fill deck boards or replace the floor.
Overall Score Rust-Oleum Deck Restore It at 2 Year Period: 4.25
– The Synta Deck Restore started the craze of the “Deck Resurface” products. Synta’s version was bought by Rust-Oleum and the formula may have changed. Looking at the online history of reviews for this product, it seemed to work better prior to the acquisition. We cannot recommend this product based on our testing, numerous poor online reviews (check Amazon), and the class-action lawsuit.
Rust-Oleum Rock Solid (Deck Restore) Customer Photo Issues
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Home Depot, Walmart, Select Stores
Cost: $45 for a 2 Gallon Kit
Stain Type: Acrylic Solid Stain – Water Based
Available Colors: 60+colors
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats.
Coverage Per Gallon: 25-30 sq ft per gallon with 2 coats
Application Tools: Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 8-24 Hours
Cleanup: Water
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: Rust-Oleum
Test Deck Stats:
When Tested: 2018
Deck Wood Type: Pine Treated Deck
Deck Square Footage: 200 Square feet
UV Exposure: Full sun
How Many Years Tested: 1+ Years
Stain Color Used: Cedar
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Update Spring of 2023
Please read our article on Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive Review We believe this product has real value if looking for these product types that actually work.
Rust-Oleum Rock Solid (Deck Restore)Video Review
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As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
I used the Rust-Oleum 10X on my deck over 5 years ago and have been very happy with it. I power washed the deck before applying it, put two coats on it and then painted it. It has held up wonderfully and now after more than 5 years and two hurricanes it is needing some touch up. I am trying to find some more 10X because the lower portion of the deck had to be replaced after the 2nd hurricane. I could not find any 10X and used 6X which did not give the deck the texture I wanted and has not held up well at all. Admittedly, the 10X is a bit of a pain and is expensive as it takes a lot of it and takes a long time to cover any sizeable surface, but once it was on, I have been very happy with it.
Same here, Used 10 x twice and it was great for 10 years, tried 6x over it and peeled off. Did you get an answer?
Used their 6X Deck Restore after their recommended wood cleaner and primer. Looked nice until it rained 2 days later and ripples, bubbling and peeling appeared. That was 2 weeks ago. I am still scraping, sanding & trying to end this nightmare product. I found out about the class action suit and horrible reviews after the fact. Shame on me. More shame on Rust-Oleum for a clearly terrible product. Changing the name of the leopard doesn’t change the spots, obviously. Or the peeling. Avoid at all costs!
We applied Rustoleum Deck Restore 10X more than 15 years ago and we are just now needing to touch up 2 small areas. Very saddened to find we are unable to purchase this same product. We were VERY happy with it, applied it myself on this 90 ft long deck. Primed it first as directed and applied as directed. I suspect that a majority of the lawsuits are from people who used contractors or did not properly apply the product.
You do realize that this product has not been around for 15 years? Closer to 8 years, so your comment is incorrect. It has an extremely high failure rate, hence why they had a class action lawsuit and they lost.
Used 20X and it peels and the wood underneath it has started to rot. The product does not prevent moisture from getting underneath the coating.
STAY AWAY FROM IT ! ! !
I now have to replace ALL of the wood decking.
Sanded my 8 year old deck with an edger, ( mostly 36 grit), vacuumed, then filled the cracks and checks with loctite pl premium ( might try LT pl max if i ever do another project like this.) Dont teave the LT too thick on the surface(scrape it clean down), or it will bubble as it cures. Scraped the excess off(expands) of the cracks after a day or so, then a light sanding with a shoe sander on a pole. Sherwin superdeck solid covered but a second coat was needed (according to the missus) I rolled it one in small patches then brushed it for a grainlike finish. It went really far on the smoother surface.
And finally ! I used some garnet-red art-sand mixed into the stain to top coat my new stair treads. Brushed it on. It was a very fine sand grit, even finer then the sand in the restore product. Deck looks great. High confidence in the sanded finish. Very slip-proof.I’d used the sand before ( and tried restore product before that, so I knew.
All the bad reviews I have read mostly deal with wood decks. I used the 10x about 7 years ago on my sidewalk and back patio. Both are concrete slabs. I followed the directions and prepared it as it says and after 7 years it is still in excellent shape. I have no peeling or chipping and it still looks the same as when I painted them 7 years ago. The back patio does get a little mold but my back patio gets very little sun light and we have high humidity. I clean it with armor house wash and the mold comes right off and it has not damaged the coating at all. We just poured another large slab on the side of the house but can’t find the 10x anywhere so we are going to try the 6x. If it is like the 10x I am sure I will be happy.
This is a wood restoration website, not concrete. Results will not be the same on wood.
im painting my deck for the first time using rustoleum rock solid deck coat 6x and it is the thickest hardest to apply product ever ,, but ive bought 2 gallons so i have to use it ,, one gallon is suppose to cover 80 square foot but i will be lucky to get 60 square foot per gallon ,, and there is no way to thin it down and you have to use the roller that is made for it,,, needless to say im not satisfied with this product at all,
Not many people are.
We used this product on our deck and are very happy with it. Our deck gets a lot of wear and tear from traffic, direct sunlight, snow and ice. It went on well and held up very well. A few minor areas of peeling, and that was in places of extra usage, for example where everyone hangs wet pool towels to dry, ended up bubbling and pealing. Stairs with heavy traffic just has minor flakes after over five years of sun, ice, shoveling etc. Color has maintained very well, except in a small area that gets wet but does not get sun, a small amount of mildew grew. Looking to touch up spots and all I see are bad reviews. If it didn’t work for you, then you likely did not prep the area correctly, or assure the area was clean and dry, let it get wet to soon after etc. Great product.
Hello, the product is not very good and peels in many or most cases. Are you a spokesperson for Rust-Oleum? You are spamming the comments.
Absolute garbage spent over 2 grand last year with this garbage and the deck looks worse then it did, major peeling issues. Don’t do it.
We used it five years ago and deck is still in great condition with just a few minor peels in high traffic areas. Are you sure you followed directions correctly?
The product is not very good and peels in many or most cases. Are you a spokesperson for Rust-Oleum? You are spamming the comments.
This product has rotted our deck boards. It was great for the first 2 years. We followed the painfull directions by the book. In 2 years it cracked and 3 years peeled and in 4 years rotted the boards and 5 years the rotted boards are now holes. This product should not sold and should be recalled. It has been about 6 or 7 years and we have spots that are rotted right thru. When it cracks it holds the moisture in under it and causes rot.
Odd. We are five years into our application and just a few minor spots of peeling in areas of high wear and tear. Not one sign of rot anywhere on our deck. Its probable that you wood was already wet and rotting when you applied this. This wont fix wet and already rotting wood.
I highly doubt the issue was the rotting wood. The product is not very good and peels in many or most cases. Are you a spokesperson for Rust-Oleum? You are spamming the comments.
I was puzzled by the negative comments until I saw the part about being bought by Rustoleum. We used Deck Restore in 2012 and it held up well. I’m finally planning to re-cover this year (2020).
Here are pix. Most of the deck still looks fine, after almost 8 years, but the steps have peeling spots as you can see. We’re in Maryland, so the winters are not too bad.
You have the old Synta brand formula before they sold it to Rust-Oleum. It is not the same product anymore.
can rustoleum 20x be brushed on instead oa rolling on?
Rolled on.
Bitterly disappointed in this product. Even contacted manufacturer for application advice. Followed directions to the letter. Deck that is partially undercover (little or no rain) is passable after approx eight years. The major portion exposed to rain totally failed after the first Winter season (Western Washington state, sea level, mild winters) We tried once to make some ‘Restore’ repairs, gave up when repairs also failed and have lived with it since. Now ready to sell and have a major problem. Product was applied over new decking and older stained decking. Now is it cheaper to replace good sound decking, or try to scrape off the remaining ‘Restore’?? There is simply not one plank that is not badly blistered, cracked, peeled, or exposed in several hundred feet of decking. 😡
Strange. Our deck is in direct rain, sunglight, gets snow and ice and tons of traffic. After five years there are only a few peeling spots in the very high traffic areas. Even the areas we chip ice and snow off of held up almost 100 percent. You likely did not prep correctly.
I highly doubt the issue was the prep. The product is not very good and peels in many or most cases.
I painted three decks one two houses with Rust-Oleum Restore 4X the paint started to peel Within 4 months of application. I’ve painted two decks now with a different product and have understood that there was a class action lawsuit for the deck restore 4X. I would like to be reimbursed for at least the cost of the rustoleum deck restore. I used two 5 gallon buckets. Sincerely Geri Bogart
541 519 0026
Same here. My deck is rotted right through.
My husband and I love Rustoleum 20x Resurfacer. Used 10x Restore around pool deck many years ago and it is still holding up. It gave new life to old rough wood. My problem is my choice of color.
Yesterday used 20x Resurfacer, from cedar tone to Navajo red. Can I apply 2x stain over my poor color choice….or will we need to apply primer again?
You would have to ask them.
we are preparing to redo our deck and have been using pressure washer and water to remove rustled deck restore. A lot of work!! Are there any recommendations for a chemical to use on this stuff for easier removal?? Terrible Product!!!!!
It cannot be stripped. It has to be sanded off.
Yup. Really bad product. Thank you
Agreed, terrible product!
Just spent 3 days sanding this product off our deck, it was peeling after only 2 1/2 years.
I used Restore deck and now it is coming off. Why weren’t consumers notified, that there was a class action suit again this product? I went to buy more from Lowe’s store and they told me they didn’t sell this product anymore. This is when I was told the product was bad, and there was a class action suit against this product. How do I get information on this class suit? I had purchased 5 gallons of this product. Daniel Castillo
The lawsuit is over. You can read more info here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/class-action-lawsuit-against-rust-oleum-deck-restore/
If you can’t back up your product or notify consumers of a bad product and a class action lawsuit, You shouldn’t be in business in the USA.
We stand behind our quality in the USA.
Agreed. They sold a poor product, knew about it, and they are still selling it to unknown consumers at Home Depot and other places. They obviously do not care.
Our experience is similar to the others. Purchased 2 – 5gallon buckets in Sept. Of 2016. Followed preparation and application directions. 1st year showed some signs of failure. This year rinsed deck with pressure washer and majority of flat surfaces were peeling. We used the cream or light tan color. Leaves or anything with any color will stain the deck. Ours is a very large deck around a pool. I am not looking forward to redoing this deck again already. Have sent a complaint to rust-oleum. Waiting to see if I get a response.
This stuff is awful! Trying to figure out an easy way to get it off my deck!
i am in the same situation, this product is terrible i called and they sent new product but cant get anyone to do the job they will not use the product
Failing to understand….. this is the BEST thing I have ever put on my deck.. at 5 year mark just noticing minor peeling and failure
Me too
I used RustoleumDeck Restore 3-4 years ago. At first, I was very pleased with its appearance. After about two years, I noticed the product was cracking. Then, soft spots appeared in the deck. The cracks in the product had allowed water to seep in and become trapped. After Peeling away the product, I found many deeply rotted areas of decking. Some were 3/4 in. deep and 6 in. in length. I covered an upper and lower deck with Rust-Oleum Deck Restore, and regret doing so. The decks had no areas of rot prior to using this product.
I used the 10X 3 years ago On my deck 12’X40′ I can’t be more pleased Preparation is the ultimate key to success. I used a mixture of 4 Qts water to 1 qt bleach with 2 cups dawn dish liquid in my pressure washer twice, then let the deck air dry for 4 days before I applied it.
For those of you who have sanded the Rustoleum product off [at least most of it], what did you do to refinish the deck boards since not all the Rustoleum product comes off. Our deck was done (Rustoleum applied
2-1/2 years ago).. I’d estimate that only about 10% of the deck surface actually began peeling. We did not pressure wash prior to application; only sanding and blowing off residue with an air compressor. And we waited for several rain free and warmer days before applying.
Please reply as to what product you used AFTER Rustoleum. Thx.
Do NOT, I repeat, Do NOT buy this product. I applied this product to our 3oo sq. ft deck and have regretted it ever since. I built the deck using kiln dried lumber to limit shrinkage and cracking. I followed instructions exactly, and was dumb enough to go buy more product to patch the sections that were peeling. You cannot remove this product easily as the stuff that has actually adhered to the wood is extremely difficult to remove. I ended up pulling my deck boards up and replacing them, no easy task.
Used this product on my deck. I cleaned and prepped as instructed by mfg. It started peeling after 1 month. It is now 1 year later and it has all completely lifted and peeled leaving some stuck in spots. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! It does NOT hold up to the claims of the company, Rust Oleum. Definitely would NOT recommend.
Used this 3 years ago. Looked great for the first summer but started peeling by the second summer. I am now struggling to remove the rest from my deck. Would not recommend.
started peeling after the first rain which was a few weeks after application very dissatisfied with the product quality is not worth the the price
Rustoleum RESTORE -Very disappointed
I will have to replace my entire wear around deck!!!!
This is absolutely the worst product on the market. I will be submitting a complaint to the company but I need to know if I can apply a standard water seal over the deck to protect it as it is peeling all over the place – not just where it is walked on the most. Help please.
No easy way to restore this. Sanding and scraping to remove.
Peeling after 1 year wood splintered We put this on 3 decks and a dock painstakingly after watching videos. we even contacted a professional to get input. We followed all instructions to the letter because the deck areas were so large. Can't even tell you how frustrated we are.
What is the rating or has anyone used the Restore X 2 product, and if so, what kind of results were obtained?
It seems that none of their products work based on all of the horrible consumer reviews.
Used this product the 4x on our deck last summer. Wood was prepped. Very surprised and disappointed that we are having to start over. Peeling off and wood is showing black mold underneath. Spent yesterday powerwashing it off and now looking for a new solution.
After following all the instructions and making a pretty expensive product, six months later the peeling began and continues. The deck is one out mess. RUSTOLEUM needs to provide a booklet on how to remove the treatment. I will try sanding and start again with something else. How do I join the lawsuit?
I am disappointed in the product as a whole; I spent hours applying this (not an easy task) and now it is chipping splitting and peeling in sheets! Not only does my deck looks terrible but sounds awful when I walk on it….. and it has only been on it for a couple years. Last year I noticed a few areas that weren't even heavy traffic areas and this year the stuff started peeling up in sheets.
Now I have another back breaking task to take on trying to get this off of my deck so I can start all over again. Guarantee I won't be applying this product again.
Had the same exact problem as you. Now how the heck do you get it off the two decks my contractor put in on? Worst product I have ever purchased. Never again. Would rate Rustoleum a zero!!!!
I purchased this product from Home Depot in 2013 and lost my receipts by accident and if someone could tell me how to retrieve them I would be grateful.This product looked good at first but after not even 1 year it started peeling all over the place.Before I even applied this product I watched U tube video how do use this product and I followed the instructions completely , totally disgusted .How do I become part of this lawsuit?
They are giving 100% refunds, just need pictures and measurements
Refund is fine but it's going to cost THOUSANDS to replace my deck from the damage done from Rustoleum!
Terrible investment! Home depot sold it too us just to get off their shelves! If I find a good receipe everyone needs to have it, I was excited to have a low maintaining deck, Its more work now trying to get this resolve off the deck, pressure washer cannot even take it off! The video of this product is true this product chips and flakes a complete Mess, Rustolem stop producing this product and help me get something to take it off my deck now?
It seems a shame to give this product even one star!
I would not recommend this product!!! I spent a lot of money using this product last summer to repaint my decks…it is all peeling up!!! And if that isn't bad enough the wood under th paint is wet and some has started to rot!!!so not only do I have to peel the paint up off the wood but have to replace boards!! Very unhappy!!!
I certainly will not recommend this product at all. My deck surface was peeling off after one year after the winter months. This application was done in Chicago around september.
Horrible all the way around! I would never recommend this to anyone. Spent a ton of money on 4 three gallon buckets and the primer also. We learned our lesson!
My experience with this product was exceptionally bad. Followed the directions and prepped the deck, yet product is peeling off in many locations after one year. The video at this website accurately depicts my results and situation. Now, after spending about $600 am faced with even more costs. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. You may regret it like I am.
Peeling after 1 year? Try one month! I'm so disappointed in this product. Horrible horrible horrible. The sand in this stuff clumps up in places, and then in other places, you're left with just paint. Looks like a topographical map, not a deck.
I would not recommend this product at all. It WILL start peeling up a few months after application. We pressure washed our deck as the instructions said. This deck had previously been treated, for years, with Thompsons deck preservative. I am not sure how this product would do on untreated wood.
IT PEELING UP LIKE BUTTER IT DIDN'T STICK CLEAN WITH A PRESSURE WASH FRIST AND STILL PEELING LOOK TERRIBLY
Lasted less than 6 months, expensive and terrible peeling. So much work to try to undo….STAY AWAY
Cleaned my deck with pressure washer and then deck cleaner to prep. Cost me over $400 for Restore. I applied last summer and it is peeling terribly. Would never recommend this product. Looked beautiful after I first applied it. Now I could cry. I'm a 68 yr old woman who did this by myself. Don't think I have the energy to repeat. Would rate a 0 if possible. Looks a mess!
Painted an older swing set with it- took four gallons. Three months later I'm flaking it off and re coating almost the whole thing.
They want a rating based on 2 years of product being used. After under 1 year this product was bubbling up, cracking and coming up in large strips from my deck. I would rate it at 0 stars if it was possible!
We are in the process of trying to remove this from our deck. We applied it two years ago and now it is peeling horribly in sheets. Pressure washing is not getting if off enough for us to restain. Sanding is very time consuming. We may need to replace the boards on all the floors if we cannot get it off. I am going to look into the class action lawsuit. We spend a fortune on the product and now we are stuck paying more to fix it. Very disappointed to say the least!
Same story here, what a mess!!! Ruined the whole look of my home
How do you remove this junk from concrete?
(used the product designed for concrete)
Like most, I found it peeled easily.
I doubt it can be removed easily. Probably grinding it off would work.