Use the RAD Cleaner and then the Brightener and then recoat. Verticals look good so you could just do the floors.
Nick Webb
1 year ago
Hello!
In fall 2021 I rebuilt my ipe deck, reusing and refinishing the existing wood, using AC RAD products. I used both mahogany and amber stains, on different parts.
The deck looks fine, but it has faded and I want to add a maintenance coat. I have a bag of Step 1 stripper (purple) and another of Step 2 brightener left over from 2021. Do I need either of these to prep the deck for a coat of stain and, if not, what should I use?
Thank you.
Good afternoon. We are planning on staining our deck next month. Looking for best product(s) you would recommend based off of the info below. Looking to have a more natural look but also hoping for minimum maintenance if possible.
The deck is 35 years old
Never been painted or stained
We live in Wisconsin (cold/snowy winters, wet springs, hot/dry summers)
New deck stained with semi transparent oak 2 years ago. Worker just used strong bleach type solution to clean off algae, which stripped most color (yet uneven patches). At this point can we just power wash or scrub uneven color areas then reapply stain? Will previous solution affect stain application (that is, should we wait some time?
We stained our deck with the semi-transparent natural oak 2 years ago. If I decide to do a different color of the semi-transparent, do I still only clean and brighten or would it need stripped as well? Thanks
Best to strip and brighten. The same amount of work just removes the old stain fully for the best results with the new color.
Francois Mairesse
2 years ago
Hi, we just stained a 20 years old deck with Oxford brown semi solid, as well as outdoor door thresholds. Does it need a top coat or can I just reapply the stain in a few years? I’m not sure what wood it is. Thanks.
You cannot top coat the AC stains. clean and recoat as needed in the future.
Francois Mairesse
2 years ago
Reply to
Thanks!
Noel
2 years ago
Thank you
Noel
2 years ago
I just stained my IPE deck. It is a covered deck but part of it gets direct sun. that part sucked up the stain more than the less weathered IPE. looks ok and I won’t be able to put a second coat on that section for 24 hours. Can I do a second coat 24 hours later. 60% humidity and 85 degrees. No sheen on this section 5 hours after coating. Hardwood deck stain, amber. No pigment left on can bottom when finished.
Power stir. You will see there is most likely a bunch of pigment on the bottom of the container that was not mixed into the stains prior to applying.
Author
2 years ago
Please contact Armstrong directly for help at 800-916-8211.
2 years ago
i stained my new deck last year. It turned out great and held up wonderfully over winter. Should I be maintain it by touching it up this year? If so, do I need to prep it with restore a deck or just clean it?
Author
2 years ago
Reply to
If it looks okay then you can wait until next year. Whenever redoing, use the Restore A Deck Kits first.
It should not be oily once you prep and apply correctly.
Bob
2 years ago
I am about to do a maintenance coat and will be following the direction of using the cleaner and then brightener. In this process should i be looking to scrub/wash off the prior coat of stain or simply clean the wood where its more worn so the stain will be consistent. In other words – how much scrubbing and pressure washing is required for the prep/clean ahead of applying a maintenance coat?
Prep all wood that will be recoated and scrub or pressure wash evenly so it is consistent.
Brian Zimmerman
2 years ago
Hi!
I have a 500 sq ft deck which has been stained twice with Armstrong semi transparent cedar. Can I use a darker satin like the brown after cleaning and brightening?
Thanks!
Do you use the same calculation for amount of stain for a maintenance coat, as you do for a new coat? My deck surface (which is all I’m going to stain, not railings) is 28×12. I see the recommendation to use 2/3 for a single coat. Would that be what a maintenance coat would be considered? thanks.
Author
3 years ago
Reply to
If doing one coat, yes.
Jill
3 years ago
We just stained the final area 3 hours ago. Not completely dry and it’s supposed to rain..should I wipe down?
Can I use semi transparent Armstrong Clark stain on new KDAT wood on a deck? Do I need to wait to apply it or can I apply it before the wood is installed? Do I need to use the brighter on old boards?
Hi there,
I applied AC semi-transp cedar to my cedar deck last year (late September) and it is holding up pretty well. What is the best maintenance I can do this year? A simple wash or restore-a-deck?
Thanks!Silvia
Just give it some more time to fully cure out or yes, you can wipe down teh entire deck. Soak any oily rags in water when done.
David Roundhill
3 years ago
How would I decide whether to do a second coat of IPE stain over a first? The first coat was applied a few days ago. The IPE is 20 years old and in moderately good condition.
How would I decide whether to do a second coat of IPE stain over a first?
Vincent Flood
3 years ago
Last year I I was able to stain most of my deck before weather and work forced me to leave about 20% unfinished. Of the six gallons of Sierra Redwood stain I used about 4 gallons. The remaining 2 gallons were sealed in the 5 gallon container. I want to finish the undone parts and apply a second coat to the stained sections. As they have faded a bit from the initial color. The remaining 2 gallons are somewhat heavy with pigment solids (due to undermixing during application I think) . My Questions are:Can I inter mix fresh stain with the leftover stain?Will the previously stained deck require less stain for second coat than the first coat?How aggressively should I clean the stained portion? Should I uses the deck cleaner and brightener on it?If I buy a “Safety” extra gallon what is your return policy If don’t have top use it?Thank for the great product and service.Vincent Flood
The shelf life of opened stain is about 12 months so if it is thick, then it has most likely gone bad. Adding another coat on top of a current coat of AC will most likely give slightly better coverage. You always have to prep when reapplying. The return policy is here:https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/refund
Dave r
3 years ago
Last year I redid some eucalyptus furniture with the full kit – clean and brighten – then the dark walnut stain. After the winter my chairs look faded and my table tops are partly grey wood and stained wood.
Do I have to start over with the full kit on all of it or just the table tops and clean and another round of the stain on the chairs?
So i don’t need to use your cleaner or brightner at all for a maintenance coat the second year – just soap and water and let the furniture dry before applying?
I bought a cedar siding home built in 1976 and it does not appear to have ever been stained or protected in any way. I would like to prep/clean the siding and apply AC clear fire retardant stain/sealer to the siding. What do I need to do to start. Need some advice before I order the AC products. What products do I need and some advise on the prep. Thank you
Hello! I applied ARMSTRONG CLARK IPE AND HARDWOOD STAIN to my two year old, never treated IPE deck. It was cleaned using restore a deck per instructions. After drying the deck has some splotches. Is this because the deck was not prepared properly or do I need another coat of stain?
Bob
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
Do a test board to see how it dries and cures after a day or two before attempting to recoat all the wood.
Bob
4 years ago
Reply to
Thank you. This pic was taken after 3 weeks. Can it be recoated as is? Do I need to reclean with Restore-A-Deck?
We stained our deck with Driftwood, 2 yrs ago. I’m a little confused as to whether we need both the cleaner and brightener or just the cleaner for prep. When is only cleaner used? Thanks.
On 6/3/20 posted a question about Mountain Cedar Semi-solid rubbing off. I neglected to mention that I rubbed off/in the stain with a cloth after applying it with a pad. Can I apply a clear protectant coat AFTER I reapply a maintenance coat of the semi- solid?
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
No, the AC cannot be top coated with a clear sealer.
Emilio
4 years ago
The contractor that built our cedar deck recently, lightly sanded then immediately applied Armstrong Clark amber oil just 3 days after the deck was completed. I should also mention that it rained the day before the stain was applied. Is there cause for concern as far as humidity being trapped by the stain and rot the wood over time?
The worst case is you will probably have to redo in the Spring.
Tacoma Frank
4 years ago
Hi, a contractor applied 1 sloppy coat of your chestnut semi-transparent last year (see photo) on cedar deck. Lot’s of it has worn off. Please advise on restaining using same material. Do I need to strip, and clean, and brighten? Do I need to power wash? Also, I have previously opened and unopened cans (1 and 5 gal) of stain, do these need to be reshaken at store or can I roll and then stir? Thank you!!
Strip and brighten to get it even. Mix or shake the cans prior to use.
Tacoma Frank
4 years ago
Reply to
Thank you. Would it help to do a light pressure wash initially before the strip stage since that seems to take a lot of the old stain off without wood damage?
When doing a maintenance coat of the same color and stain, no need.
Chris
3 years ago
Reply to
I am confused reading this thread. I am hoping to do a maintenance coat for AC semi-trans Natural Oak. Same color and stain as I did September 2019 (so just shy of 2 yrs). This comment would lead me to believe a RAD clean is all that is needed before my one or two maintenance coats, but further above you reply to someone saying “Use both [cleaner & brightwner] for maintenance coats” when they asked about 2 year old driftwood stain. I assume they were using the same color and stain and would therefore just need to clean. Am I missing something?
The brightener, while it does not have to be used for maintenance coats, can be used for most scenarios and does offer value by neutralizing the cleaner and removing any deeper discoloration.
Edward Stanulis
4 years ago
I just applied semi-transparent Driftwood Grey and it looks good. I was not able to apply second coat wet on wet, so I have a few questions. (1) Is a “normal application” just one coat? (2) Does a second coat provide a longer time before a deck needs recoating? (3) Is the basic reason for applying a second coat is to provide more color consistency? (4) Will I be able to apply second coat one week after the first coat?
1. 1-2 coats are normal. Depends on how proud it is.
2. Not really. More is not always better.
3. Needed if the wood is older and dried out and does help with color consistency.
4, If needed, yes.
Traci
4 years ago
Should I fill in wood bee holes before staining a deck
Sorry but no filler will work and stain to blend. You could try a caulk that is close in color to stain.
tom
4 years ago
Last year i stained a new front porch of mahogany with you Amber hardwood stain, one coat, looks great. should i apply a new coat this year? should i use your deck cleaner as prep? thanks
Have applied Mountain Cedar semi solid stain on my deck two of the last four years. Used a staining pad, but the stain never seems to completely dry; the stain from two years ago is still rubbing off on shoes. Used the same stain as was originally applied. What am I doing wrong?
I’d like to do a maintenance coat with the semi-solid. It’s been two years since the first time. What prepping do I need to do?
Doug
4 years ago
Why wasn’t the 2nd step (brightener) used in the video?
Craig Shannon
4 years ago
I saw a video where the person was using a deck staining brush. I am re-doing my pier and can’t find the brush he used . It was yellow bristle that attached to an extension pole. He was using Armstrong-Clark products as will I, Waiting to hear back before placing my order. Thanks,Craig Shannon
I stained my deck last Sept. 2019. I’d like to apply a 2nd coat to the deck floor. Can I just clean the floor with a power washer or do I have to use a deck brightener first.
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
Use a deck cleaner and then light pressure wash.
4 years ago
After brightening, how much time can pass before applying the stain? I know that you have to wait a minimum of 48 hours and the wood needs to be dry; however, it may be a week or so after the brightening before a proper weather window exists. Is there a cut-off time before the wood needs to be brightened again before applying the stain?
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
Try to stain within 2 weeks of the prep.
4 years ago
Reply to
Thank you.
Kerri
4 years ago
If I applied AC natural tone stain 1 year ago, can I come back and apply AC Natural Oak Semi-transparent stain without stripping the natural tone?
I stained my one year old deck 2 years ago with the semi-transparent stain. It still looks OK. Regardless, should I be staining my deck again this year? Generally how often does one need to stain with a semi-transparent stain? If I do stain it this year, is it essential to do the cleaning & brightening again or can I just brush deck off and apply the stain? I will be using the same stain color that is on there already.
Every 2-3 years is the norm. You always have to prep when reapplying so yes, use the Cleaner and the Brightener.
Dawn
4 years ago
Good morning ? we stained our 2yr old deck (pressure treated) last year. The stain soaked in so much we gave it a second coat then too. This spring the floor of the deck seems very dry with the knots in the wood turning almost white. It also obviously needs to be cleaned. After cleaning and brightening should we als9 restrain this year? After that how often should we stain? We are using semi transparent, the new colour from last year.
What is the best course of action? Deck didn’t hold up too well over the winter, lots of black spots from leaves, etc and scratches.
Cedar deck is a year and a half old, waited 4/5 months and then used RAD cleaner and brightener, waited 4 days and stained the deck. Looked great.
A light clean with light detergent doesn’t clean it. Anything more and it takes the stain off.
Use the RAD Cleaner and then the Brightener and then recoat. Verticals look good so you could just do the floors.
Hello!
In fall 2021 I rebuilt my ipe deck, reusing and refinishing the existing wood, using AC RAD products. I used both mahogany and amber stains, on different parts.
The deck looks fine, but it has faded and I want to add a maintenance coat. I have a bag of Step 1 stripper (purple) and another of Step 2 brightener left over from 2021. Do I need either of these to prep the deck for a coat of stain and, if not, what should I use?
Thank you.
Yes, you can use both for prep and then recoat.
Good afternoon. We are planning on staining our deck next month. Looking for best product(s) you would recommend based off of the info below. Looking to have a more natural look but also hoping for minimum maintenance if possible.
Thank you for you help in advance!
Anna
Use the Armstrong Stain in Semi-transparent or Semi-solid colors. Make sure to prep first: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Great thanks! Would you recommend applying with a sprayer or a roller?
Stain pad or brush: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/brushes-pads-sprayers
New deck stained with semi transparent oak 2 years ago. Worker just used strong bleach type solution to clean off algae, which stripped most color (yet uneven patches). At this point can we just power wash or scrub uneven color areas then reapply stain? Will previous solution affect stain application (that is, should we wait some time?
Best to strip and brighten all so it is even.
We stained our deck with the semi-transparent natural oak 2 years ago. If I decide to do a different color of the semi-transparent, do I still only clean and brighten or would it need stripped as well? Thanks
Best to strip and brighten. The same amount of work just removes the old stain fully for the best results with the new color.
Hi, we just stained a 20 years old deck with Oxford brown semi solid, as well as outdoor door thresholds. Does it need a top coat or can I just reapply the stain in a few years? I’m not sure what wood it is. Thanks.
You cannot top coat the AC stains. clean and recoat as needed in the future.
Thanks!
Thank you
I just stained my IPE deck. It is a covered deck but part of it gets direct sun. that part sucked up the stain more than the less weathered IPE. looks ok and I won’t be able to put a second coat on that section for 24 hours. Can I do a second coat 24 hours later. 60% humidity and 85 degrees. No sheen on this section 5 hours after coating. Hardwood deck stain, amber. No pigment left on can bottom when finished.
No, only 1 coat for IPE wood. It is not supposed to be shiny. Do not overapply.
Hi, first coat yesterday of semi solid. Seems it might need a second coat?
Did you mix the stain correctly first as the pigment does settle? Which color was this?
It is 50-50 mix of espresso and Oxford.
Did you mix all the settled pigment in each container prior to mixing together?
With a 5-gallon drill attachment to your drill?
manual mixing/stirring i believe
Power stir. You will see there is most likely a bunch of pigment on the bottom of the container that was not mixed into the stains prior to applying.
Please contact Armstrong directly for help at 800-916-8211.
i stained my new deck last year. It turned out great and held up wonderfully over winter. Should I be maintain it by touching it up this year? If so, do I need to prep it with restore a deck or just clean it?
If it looks okay then you can wait until next year. Whenever redoing, use the Restore A Deck Kits first.
See here for new wood tips https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
It should not be oily once you prep and apply correctly.
I am about to do a maintenance coat and will be following the direction of using the cleaner and then brightener. In this process should i be looking to scrub/wash off the prior coat of stain or simply clean the wood where its more worn so the stain will be consistent. In other words – how much scrubbing and pressure washing is required for the prep/clean ahead of applying a maintenance coat?
Prep all wood that will be recoated and scrub or pressure wash evenly so it is consistent.
Hi!
I have a 500 sq ft deck which has been stained twice with Armstrong semi transparent cedar. Can I use a darker satin like the brown after cleaning and brightening?
Thanks!
Yes.
Do you use the same calculation for amount of stain for a maintenance coat, as you do for a new coat? My deck surface (which is all I’m going to stain, not railings) is 28×12. I see the recommendation to use 2/3 for a single coat. Would that be what a maintenance coat would be considered? thanks.
If doing one coat, yes.
We just stained the final area 3 hours ago. Not completely dry and it’s supposed to rain..should I wipe down?
No, need.
Can I use semi transparent Armstrong Clark stain on new KDAT wood on a deck? Do I need to wait to apply it or can I apply it before the wood is installed? Do I need to use the brighter on old boards?
See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
With KDAT, you install, weather for 1-2 months and then prep and stain.
Hi there,
I applied AC semi-transp cedar to my cedar deck last year (late September) and it is holding up pretty well. What is the best maintenance I can do this year? A simple wash or restore-a-deck?
Thanks!Silvia
Use the Restore A Deck when recoating.
So only wash it until a new coat is needed? Great. Thanks.
Yes.
Just give it some more time to fully cure out or yes, you can wipe down teh entire deck. Soak any oily rags in water when done.
How would I decide whether to do a second coat of IPE stain over a first? The first coat was applied a few days ago. The IPE is 20 years old and in moderately good condition.
Only one coat on IPE is needed.
How would I decide whether to do a second coat of IPE stain over a first?
Last year I I was able to stain most of my deck before weather and work forced me to leave about 20% unfinished. Of the six gallons of Sierra Redwood stain I used about 4 gallons. The remaining 2 gallons were sealed in the 5 gallon container. I want to finish the undone parts and apply a second coat to the stained sections. As they have faded a bit from the initial color. The remaining 2 gallons are somewhat heavy with pigment solids (due to undermixing during application I think) . My Questions are:Can I inter mix fresh stain with the leftover stain?Will the previously stained deck require less stain for second coat than the first coat?How aggressively should I clean the stained portion? Should I uses the deck cleaner and brightener on it?If I buy a “Safety” extra gallon what is your return policy If don’t have top use it?Thank for the great product and service.Vincent Flood
The shelf life of opened stain is about 12 months so if it is thick, then it has most likely gone bad. Adding another coat on top of a current coat of AC will most likely give slightly better coverage. You always have to prep when reapplying. The return policy is here:https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/refund
Last year I redid some eucalyptus furniture with the full kit – clean and brighten – then the dark walnut stain. After the winter my chairs look faded and my table tops are partly grey wood and stained wood.
Do I have to start over with the full kit on all of it or just the table tops and clean and another round of the stain on the chairs?
You can just clean and stain the table tops.
So i don’t need to use your cleaner or brightner at all for a maintenance coat the second year – just soap and water and let the furniture dry before applying?
No, best to use the RAD Cleaner and then recoat.
Bought a sample of driftwood grey. It has a significant blue hue. Is this always the case ?
The color is correct on your wood post. Colors do vary based on the wood type and the age of the wood.
I stained my deck with AC Semi-Transparent Cedar last summer. Looked beautiful.
Sorry but you cannot just clean the leaf stains off without having to recoat the deck. You will need to do a full redo.
Before redo, I must clean the leaf stains. What is the best way to do it?
Do a full prep with this kit and pressure washing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Hi
The AC does not come in a fire retardant anymore. As for prep help, please send pictures. Once prepped, you can stain in any AC color that you like.
What is the lowest temperature that woodland brown semi solid be applied to siding?
50 degrees.
Hello! I applied ARMSTRONG CLARK IPE AND HARDWOOD STAIN to my two year old, never treated IPE deck. It was cleaned using restore a deck per instructions. After drying the deck has some splotches. Is this because the deck was not prepared properly or do I need another coat of stain?
Bob
Do a test board to see how it dries and cures after a day or two before attempting to recoat all the wood.
Thank you. This pic was taken after 3 weeks. Can it be recoated as is? Do I need to reclean with Restore-A-Deck?
As is. Just make sure the wood is free of dirt.
We stained our deck with Driftwood, 2 yrs ago. I’m a little confused as to whether we need both the cleaner and brightener or just the cleaner for prep. When is only cleaner used? Thanks.
Use both for maintenance coats.
Can these stains be used on exterior wood windows and doors?
They are not designed for doors nor can they be top coated.
How long after staining before replacing furniture? Thanks.
When fully dry. 24-48 hours is normal.
On 6/3/20 posted a question about Mountain Cedar Semi-solid rubbing off. I neglected to mention that I rubbed off/in the stain with a cloth after applying it with a pad. Can I apply a clear protectant coat AFTER I reapply a maintenance coat of the semi- solid?
No, the AC cannot be top coated with a clear sealer.
The contractor that built our cedar deck recently, lightly sanded then immediately applied Armstrong Clark amber oil just 3 days after the deck was completed. I should also mention that it rained the day before the stain was applied. Is there cause for concern as far as humidity being trapped by the stain and rot the wood over time?
He did not follow directions: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
The worst case is you will probably have to redo in the Spring.
Hi, a contractor applied 1 sloppy coat of your chestnut semi-transparent last year (see photo) on cedar deck. Lot’s of it has worn off. Please advise on restaining using same material. Do I need to strip, and clean, and brighten? Do I need to power wash? Also, I have previously opened and unopened cans (1 and 5 gal) of stain, do these need to be reshaken at store or can I roll and then stir? Thank you!!
Strip and brighten to get it even. Mix or shake the cans prior to use.
Thank you. Would it help to do a light pressure wash initially before the strip stage since that seems to take a lot of the old stain off without wood damage?
No need.
?Good video. So you did not use the brightener, is that correct ?
When doing a maintenance coat of the same color and stain, no need.
I am confused reading this thread. I am hoping to do a maintenance coat for AC semi-trans Natural Oak. Same color and stain as I did September 2019 (so just shy of 2 yrs). This comment would lead me to believe a RAD clean is all that is needed before my one or two maintenance coats, but further above you reply to someone saying “Use both [cleaner & brightwner] for maintenance coats” when they asked about 2 year old driftwood stain. I assume they were using the same color and stain and would therefore just need to clean. Am I missing something?
The brightener, while it does not have to be used for maintenance coats, can be used for most scenarios and does offer value by neutralizing the cleaner and removing any deeper discoloration.
I just applied semi-transparent Driftwood Grey and it looks good. I was not able to apply second coat wet on wet, so I have a few questions. (1) Is a “normal application” just one coat? (2) Does a second coat provide a longer time before a deck needs recoating? (3) Is the basic reason for applying a second coat is to provide more color consistency? (4) Will I be able to apply second coat one week after the first coat?
1. 1-2 coats are normal. Depends on how proud it is.
2. Not really. More is not always better.
3. Needed if the wood is older and dried out and does help with color consistency.
4, If needed, yes.
Should I fill in wood bee holes before staining a deck
Wood filler will not work on decking and it will not “stain” to blend.
I have the same problem. What would work to fill in the bee holes and accept the stain? Also have some holes in green deck itself. Thanks.
Sorry but no filler will work and stain to blend. You could try a caulk that is close in color to stain.
Last year i stained a new front porch of mahogany with you Amber hardwood stain, one coat, looks great. should i apply a new coat this year? should i use your deck cleaner as prep? thanks
Yes. Use the cleaner for prep.
Have applied Mountain Cedar semi solid stain on my deck two of the last four years. Used a staining pad, but the stain never seems to completely dry; the stain from two years ago is still rubbing off on shoes. Used the same stain as was originally applied. What am I doing wrong?
Over applying. Strip it down with this and apply just one coat: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I’d like to do a maintenance coat with the semi-solid. It’s been two years since the first time. What prepping do I need to do?
Why wasn’t the 2nd step (brightener) used in the video?
I saw a video where the person was using a deck staining brush. I am re-doing my pier and can’t find the brush he used . It was yellow bristle that attached to an extension pole. He was using Armstrong-Clark products as will I, Waiting to hear back before placing my order. Thanks,Craig Shannon
You can find that on this website of ours: https://www.opwdecks.com/deck-floor-staining-push-brush.htm
I stained my deck last Sept. 2019. I’d like to apply a 2nd coat to the deck floor. Can I just clean the floor with a power washer or do I have to use a deck brightener first.
Use a deck cleaner and then light pressure wash.
After brightening, how much time can pass before applying the stain? I know that you have to wait a minimum of 48 hours and the wood needs to be dry; however, it may be a week or so after the brightening before a proper weather window exists. Is there a cut-off time before the wood needs to be brightened again before applying the stain?
Try to stain within 2 weeks of the prep.
Thank you.
If I applied AC natural tone stain 1 year ago, can I come back and apply AC Natural Oak Semi-transparent stain without stripping the natural tone?
Yes but you have to clean the deck first.
Do you have a cleaner you recommend or just soap and water to remove the dust?
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
I stained my one year old deck 2 years ago with the semi-transparent stain. It still looks OK. Regardless, should I be staining my deck again this year? Generally how often does one need to stain with a semi-transparent stain? If I do stain it this year, is it essential to do the cleaning & brightening again or can I just brush deck off and apply the stain? I will be using the same stain color that is on there already.
Every 2-3 years is the norm. You always have to prep when reapplying so yes, use the Cleaner and the Brightener.
Good morning ? we stained our 2yr old deck (pressure treated) last year. The stain soaked in so much we gave it a second coat then too. This spring the floor of the deck seems very dry with the knots in the wood turning almost white. It also obviously needs to be cleaned. After cleaning and brightening should we als9 restrain this year? After that how often should we stain? We are using semi transparent, the new colour from last year.
The cleaner and brightener should only be used when you plan on applying another coat. If you use them, you can apply one light coat.
BTW, knows being light or white in color is normal due to the density of the wood there. Not an issue.
Can I just clean and reapply the next year without stripping or sanding?
Yes.
When is it too cool/cold to apply deck stain?
Not below 50.
What about the brightener?
Yes, you need to brighten the wood.