Make Restoring Your Exterior Wood …Easy!
Our kit provides enough product to clean and then brighten an average 25’x12′ deck with rails and 3 steps (600-800 total sq.feet). For, a fence this package will clean and then brighten both sides of 50 feet of fence.
You will receive 1 container of RAD Step 1 Wood Cleaner and 1 container of RAD Step 2 Wood Brightener.
Leftover product can be used to clean concrete, house siding, lawn furniture, and awnings. (Do not use over grass, clean furniture on a hard surface)
RAD STEP 1 WOOD DECK CLEANER DESCRIPTION
Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner is a powdered concentrate that is mixed with water. It safely cleans and restores the natural beauty of exterior wood. This product also cleans weathered composite lumber, removing mold, mildew, and algae along with the silver-gray color that can develop over time. Restores all wood surfaces to their original appearance Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner will not harm wood fibers, pets, grass, or most plants. Restore-a-Deck Step 1 Wood Cleaner is not a stain stripper or remover of old stains. Please see Restore-A-Deck Stripper Kit if you are trying to remove a semi-transparent stain.
*This product is Step 1 Cleaner of the Restore A Deck system.
RAD STEP 2 WOOD BRIGHTENER DESCRIPTION
Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener is a biodegradable, powdered concentrate that is mixed with water to brighten and restore the natural beauty of all species of exterior wood. This product excels at brightening, removing rust stains, and tannin stains caused by fallen leaves. Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener is a safe, product that will not only brighten but neutralize the surface of the wood, creating an ideal surface that is ready to be stained.
*This product is step 2 Wood Brightener of the Restore A Deck system.
RAD CLEANER AND BRIGHTENER ADVANTAGES
- #1 Rated Wood Deck Stain Cleaner and Wood Brightener
- RAD Wood Cleaner is designed specifically for all Exterior Wood and Composite Decking
- RAD Wood Cleaner Preps new wood, weathered wood, and maintenance coats
- RAD Wood Brightener neutralizes stain strippers
- RAD Wood Brightener brightens and restores wood surfaces
- RAD Wood Brightener restore pH balance of wood
- Powdered formulas makes 5 liquid gallons when mixed
- Extremely cost effective. When mixed, the cost is less than $7 a gallon
- Eco-Safe formulas
- Safe to use on all exterior wood surfaces, not just decks
Can you premix the cleaner hours or even days/weeks before? The cleaner often does not dissolve completely and if I can just premix it and let it sit for a long while maybe it will dissolve better. But I wasn;t sure if the cleaner stays potent if it is mixed and not used for hours/days.
The Cleaner has to be used within 4-6 hours after mixing with water.
Hi there, We stained our fence last year with AC semi-transparent Cedar. It’s held up great but I’d like to go darker in the future (likely AC semi-transparent Sierra Redwood). Can we just use the Cleaner and Brightener and then use the new stain color or do we have to do more prep for it to look even?Thanks!
Use the stripper and brightener kit.
Hello I have a 20 year old cedar deck, The handrails were stripped, pressure washed, then sanded with 60 grit orbital sander. Do I need to still use both a cleaner & brightener? Either ? I attached a picture of the progress with handrail sanded and part yet to be sanded. And if using brightener, can I wait a week to stain as I will be out of town or don’t brighten until i can stain within 48 hours?
I intend on using cedar semi-transparent
Thanks
Clean and brighten all after the sanding is done. Let dry for 48 hours to stain. Stain within 2 weeks.
should i use the stripper mixed with booster additive to prep an old deck stained with a solid stain that is almost gone because its pealing or should i sand it down and use cleaner/brightener after sanding instead?
Strippers will not remove solid stains. You will have to power sand to remove.
How long after you use the restore a deck can you stain?
48 hours.
I just spar varnishec posts on our deck. I’ve ordered the restore a deck cleaner and brightener for the flooring. Wi.l this prep products harm the varnish on the posts?
No, they will not.
I stripped my IPE deck last year. Can I just clean it with the cleaner and brightness and then re stay it or do I need to strip it down all the way and re stain it?
Clean and brighten is correct when using the same stain and color.
If you have access to the underside of an elevated néw deck , is it a good idea to stain it when you first stain the upper, exposed side?
No need or advantage.
Do I need to strip my railing stained with water base stain before covering with Armstrong semi solid stain? It is not peeling! Can I just use the restore cleaning kit?
You will have to remove previous coatings before switching brands of stain.
I have 2 questions. Is it absolutely necessary to use a pressure washer when cleaning and brightening the deck or will a garden hose be okay? I plan to stain and reseal the decking and horizontal rail pieces only, which is going to make it impossible to keep the cleaner and brightener off the vertical ballasts. Is that going to effect the stain and sealer on the ballasts if I don’t scrub them?
Best to pressure wash. You may need to touch up the verticals in a few spots.
My decking is cedar stained with Armstrong Clarke and the skirt is PTW with a darker stain. Would I be able to use this deck stripper, without it stripping away the stain on the skirt? I only want to clean the decking, as it now has black residue.. I don’t want the stain to come off on the skirt.
You cannot just strip the floor and not have it harm the stain on the outside skirt. You can clean the floor and the cleaner should not harm the stain on the skirt.
Sirs,
You will have to remove the Behr fully and that will consist of heavy power sanding. Once fully sanded off, you would use the Restore Kit for final prep: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
How cool can it be outside and still use the stain on my deck? Is it too cold yet this fall?
50 or above.
Does it have to remain above 50 degrees 24/7 for consecutive days or just while you are applying the stain?
It can drop cooler after applying but not below freezing while the stain is wet.
what should i use to apply Restore deck cleaner
Pump sprayer and then pressure wash off.
The best wY to apply Armstrong-Clark stain
An exterior stain pad or brush: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-staining-instructions
Will Restore -A-Deck Stripper Brightener kit remove water marks from unfinished Ipe? Newly installed deck will “age in” a few months before applying Armstrong Clark Hardwood/Ipe Stain. It will get some rain during that time.
Use the cleaner and brightener kit after weathering the new wood and to restore the color.
I have a new deck that was installed using Port Orford cedar. It was completed 8 weeks ago. The wood was kiln-dried prior to installation. Do you still recommend waiting 3-4 months, or can it be prepped/stained sooner?
If kiln-dried you can prep and stain after about 2 months.
I have stained the vertical boards but held off on the deck boards. I was concerned that some of the boards were still showing fibers. I re-cleaned and brightened a couple boards and there continues to be fuzzy spots. Is it okay to stain or is there something else I should be doing to address this?
You should be okay to stain.
I have a new Alaska yellow cedar deck. The installer told me to wait a month before treating or staining it. It has started to show black spot he’s that look like mold as it has been sitting over the past few weeks. Parts of the decking have larger, darker black splotches. Should I use Restore a Deck Cleaner and brightener before using semi-transparent Stain.? Thanks
You cannot stain it yet. See here for new wood prep and stain tips: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
The directions for Restore-A-Deck call for rinsing the deck for 20-30 minutes to remove all the suds after using the Brightener . Is it really calling for standing there for up to 30 minutes spraying water all over this small deck? That sounds like way-overkill.
Yes, you need to rinse well for 20-30 minutes to remove all suds.
Last year we applied transparent cedar tone on our new wood siding. It still looks beautiful but we installed a darker color gable accent and would like the cedartone darkened to more closely match. Can we just apply a new transparent color on top of the existing one?
You need to prep first with the RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kit.
I’ve used semi-solid stain on our deck. I wantt to use the RAD and AC products when re-applying the stain for maintenance purposes ever 2-3 years. Can a simple deck cleaner be used during the in-between years just for simple cleaning or should I still use RAD products?
You cannot use a deck cleaner for simple cleaning between. Too aggressive. Just use warm water and some dish soap.
I have a similar situation, as I stained the new deck 2 years ago and want to reapply, do I need a pressure washer to clean prior to applying a new coat, or is simple hose attachment sufficient using water and soap?
Use a pressure washer with this kit.
Best product to use to clean rough sawn cedar inside screen porch. Need to clean before I reapply spar urethane. The product you suggest is it compatible with maintenance free decking, I don’t want it to discolor or bleach out the composite decking.
The RAD Cleaner will work.
I just recently purchased a 100 year old barn with Worn red paint, hoping to find a dark Protective stain that doesn’t require me to sand the entire barn! Please help
I am sorry but you cannot stain over a paint. You would have to remove it all first.
Mandy, it looks like much of the paint on your barn is already removed. You may be able to have it power washed to remove the residual but if not done properly, the power washer can scar your wood. Media blasting is also another way to remove paint but will definitely be more expensive.
If I use the RAD cleaner and brightener on the tall posts, will they have to be stained afterwards? They don’t seem like they have ever been stained, but I may be mistaken. Thank you.
Yes, you should stain them.
Is it ok use Armstrong’s RAD wood cleaner for cleaning and brightner (Revive) from another brand?
No.
My deck is full sun, can you treat with a separate UV protector/sealer on top of the deck stain? Once its dried of course. I use the rustic brown but want to add a sealer on top of it due to all the sun exposure
No, you cannot apply anything over the deck stain.
Thanks. Can you apply a sealer first then? Let it dry, then a week later apply the stain? Or just dont use anything but the stain is what your recommending?
No, you cannot do that either. Just apply the AC stain.
How long will the stain last on tiger wood? Do I need to stain it every year?
Your wood type requires annual application.
How long after using the brightener do I have to wait to apply the Armstrong Clark hardwood stain?
48 hours.
What can be used to seal cedar posts on a porch
Any of the Armstrong Clark stain colors will work.
Can I apply semitransparent stain with my garden sprayer?
No, too thick.
If I need to strip a previous stain before restraining do I need the strip kit and the cleaning kit or just the stripper/brightener kit and then stain?
You do not need both. Just Stripper/Brightener Kit.
Sorry if this question has already been ask but I applied the semi-transparent last year. I am wanting to stain again this year. Can I use the cleaner and brightener again then re-stain or just the cleaner then re-stain? I want to use the same rustic brown color so I don’t need to strip correct?
You do not have to strip. Use both steps for prep.
I used your deck stain and sealer last year on my new wood deck. Over the winter in Montana it has absorbed pollen and dark stains in the sealer. I’ve tried Oxiclean and other products that don’t work. Purple Power works but it takes the sealer off.
What do you recommend to clean my wooden deck? I don’t want to remove the coating.
If embedded in the stain then it is not possible to just remove without removing the coating as well. If just on top of the stain, then use warm water with dish soap.
Hi. I have an Ipe deck that is about 10 years old I last cleaned, brightened and stained it 3 years ago and haven’t restrained since. I used RAD and Armstrong Mahogany stain.
I am planning to redo it this spring with same products, but thinking of switching colors of the stain to Amber.
1) Is it okay to use a different color this time and just use RAD cleaner and brightener?
2) I still have a container of the RAD cleaner and brightener. They are both 3 years old and when I opened them the contents were hardened but once I shook it they went back to normal lost crystals. Can I use these RAD products or do I need to get newer ones?
Thanks so much. This site is so helpful for us novices.
1. You will need the Stripper and Brightener to switch colors.
2. As long as they dissolve they are okay to use.
I have a wood deck that has a coat of semi transparent stain which is weathered but in decent shape. Would you recommend I use the cleaner and brightener before restaining?
If a different brand of stain, then use the stripper and brightener.
After using the cleaner and brightener, do I still need to sand the wood to prepare it for a sealer?
No. Sanding does not help with staining as it hinders the stain’s ability to soak in if sanded too smooth.
Hello, thanks for all the advice here. I’ve just moved into a house with old (6yrs+) solid stain on a pressure treated pine deck – photos attached. Will your stripper work for something like this or do we need to first sand it all off and then clean? Many thanks!
Hello,
You will have to sand this off to remove this. Clean and brighten after.
Thanks!
One quick update question (we’re halfway through sanding), What grit do you recommend for the final pass? I know it shouldn’t be too smooth
60-80.
It worked out really well 🙂 thanks! (using Transparent CedarTone)
Just realized after my last post that the decks total length is 31 ft but the width total (because of the diff. widths of the 2 decks ) is not 27 ft. Never claimed to be a math wizard!!! I guess the 417 total sq. footage and not 837 would be the correct ans
I have 2 decks separated by just 2 steps. Upper deck 16 long by 12 wide( 192 sq ft ) Lower deck 15×15 ( 225 sq ft). total 427 sq ft. If I take the total length of both decks 31ft times the total width 27ft it comes out to 837 sq ft ??? I’m not a math genius but what Is wrong?? Why two different figures?? Which sq footage should I use??
Your maximum width is 15, not 27 feet. The 427 is correct.
Is there any way to get instructions for the cleaner/brightener/stain in Spanish?
Sorry, but we do not have a Spanish version.
I have brand new pine gate and cannot afford the rad wash but want to stain with semi trans rustic brown. What are my options. I don’t want the stain to look crappy
There is not an alternative for proper prep, sorry.
i have a new cedar deck that was allowed to weather. I used RAD cleaner and brightener, but still Had a good amount of grey around the edges of the deck, so I recleaned those areas but did not put the brightened on it again. I was planning on staining in a couple days, but just started to worry if the areas that had been recleaned would stain differently because I didn’t use the brightener after? I have attached pictures of how the boards look. Will the slight silver/fuzzy areas be ok to stain over?
No, you need to redo the Cleaner for all as you did not remove all of the gray oxidation of the wood. Brighten after.
Ok-thank you. When I do the cleaner a significant amount of wood pulp seems to come off. Is this normal/ok? Am I damaging the deck?
That is the oxidation and yes it is normal and it has to come off.
Hello
Live up here in Ontario Canada. Is the IPE for hardwood provide the same longevity as the semi solid on a 15 year old cedar deck? As well before I saw your web site I used Behr stripper and the wood brighter. Can I still use your stain? If I do the next time will use your cleaner and brighter.
IPE wood requires annual reapplication. Not the same as cedar wood. As long as the wood is clean and free of other coatings, you can use the AC.
Also, what is the best value (cheapest) sprayer you recommend for the restore a deck? How long would a stain like that last and need to be re-stained?
Hi I have a new pressure treated pine fence 6 feet tall and 290 feet. Planning to use Armstrong Clark Stain after 2-3 months of drying in semi transparent cedar. How many gallons of the stain and also how many gallons of the restore a deck should I order? It will be October, can I prep and stain if the temperature is in the 40’s? Thanks
What is the total sq footage of wood to be stained? Both sides? Temps cannot be below 45 degrees.
3480 sq ft
Apply one coat of the stain since it is new. You will need about 20 gallons but does depend on the porosity of the wood.
I have hogwire panels between painted redwood posts on the perimeter of my IPE deck (see photo), and the panels are held in place by IPE strips. Will the RAD kit be safe for the hogwire? It has a black powder coating, so I would think it will be fine. I guess same question goes for the painted redwood posts. Also, when applying the semitransparent stain (Amber) should I remove any stain that gets on the posts and hogwire immediately or will it be removable for a while (how long)? Thanks for this forum, answers a lot of questions.
The prep should not harm the wire and paint. If you get the stain on the wire or paint, wipe right away to remove.
So I am confused. I have a new cedar deck, about a month old. Does the leaving the wood exposed to sun light oxidize the wood to remove the “mill glaze” or does the Restore a Deck product remove the mill glaze. I won’t be sanding a new 700 sqft deck. Thanks
See this about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
The cleaner will remove the mill glaze and oxidation.
Hello. Can I apply the Deck Cleaner and Wood Brightener with a brush or roll or do I need to use a sprayer?
Sprayer.
Hi. So I completely sanded, Restore-a-Deck prepped, and stained my Ipe deck, rails, and stairs less than a year ago using the Mahogany stain and it already needs to be re-coated. I am NOT happy about this – took me a week to get it done! Looks like I have to wait for the weather to cooperate again (not easy here) then re-wash, re-brighten, and re- stain. What can I do to make sure it lasts longer than 8 months?
With Ipe wood, it has to be done every year. Nothing will last longer and this is the nature of the IPE wood, not the stain. IPE being so dense causes it to fade out much faster than other wood types.
That is NOT what I was told when I bought this. I was told it should last 3 years!
Hello, no, that is impossible with IPE nor would we tell anyone that is possible. It is not a product issue but is due to the density of the IPE wood. It is hard as a rock. If you search online about staining IPE, you will see that reapplying annualy is the norm. There is no wood stain on the market that will last more than a year on IPE wood. Being the AC is a penetrating stain, it makes it very easy to clean and recoat as needed.
AC does last 2-3 years on other softwood types,
I have a new Pressure treated deck. It is 47′ X 12′ with a 6.5′ X 5′ Landing and Seven 5′ stairs. There is 83.5 feet of railing. The railings have aluminum balusters (I have included a picture. I want to stain with Semi Transparent Cedar. The deck is 11′ off the ground in places so I am considering staining the bottom also. After the deck ages the appropriate amount of time.
How much product will I need to Clean, Brighten and Stain
1. The top side of the deck
2. The top and bottom side of the deck.
Sincerely
Bill
See this about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
One 5-gallon pail and one RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kit should cover this. If you do the underside, you will need another 3-4 gallons.
Thanks!!! I’ll place the order this weekend.