Make Restoring Your Exterior Wood …Easy!
Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener system is a powerful “eco-friendly” two-part restoration system.
Step 1 Wood and Deck Cleaner that deeply cleans your wood to remove dirt, grime, mold, algae and general graying. The cleaner will help prep neglected wood and or prep for re-coating with a wood or deck stain.
Step 2 Wood Brightener is used after the wood cleaner to “brighten” the wood while neutralizing the cleaner to a natural pH balance. This step will improve the overall appearance of your wood while helping the wood deck stain longevity.
100% Biodegradable product- Concentrated powder formula – Cleans up to 1000 sq. feet!
- Prep wood surfaces for re-coating with a wood or deck stain
- Restores weathered gray wood to natural color
- Eco-friendly
Every 2 years I have power washed and stained my cedar deck. In 2017, I used the 1500 series. Was thinking of stripping the deck this year instead of just cleaning before staining. Is the RAD stripper safe for cedar? Thanks.
Yes, works great.
Do I use the same cleaner and brightener on cedar siding, shakes, and pressure treated lumber?
Yes.
When using the RAD Stripper & Brightener will it damage glass (windows) or vinyl siding?
It will not but rinse well to remove all dirt and soap residue when done.
My cedar deck was built last summer and has grayed over the winter. I want to brighten it back to its natural color but don’t want to use a pressure washer. I figured on scrubbing it with a brush and sanding it before applying a TWP stain. Should I use the deck cleaner or just the brightener or both?
Use both cleaner and brightener but a pressure washer will make this much easier. You have to remove all of the oxidized wood fibers and scrubbing alone will be difficult.
It has been 1.5 yrs since applying the initial coat (Sept 2017) of TWP 1500 series. I am planning on applying a maintenance coat of the same series and color this spring. I have a couple questions.
I was told to use the Restore-A-Deck Kit (cleaner & brightener). Is that correct or should I just use a cleaner before applying a maintenance coat?
Since I am only applying a maintenance coat, I will only need to apply the stain to the horizontal boards, correct?
Use both. If verticals are good, just do the horizontals.
I applied 100 Rustic Oak 2 years ago and I am looking to do 100 Dark Oak this year. Do I need to strip and start over even though I am going darker or can I use this RAD kit? Thanks.
Strip and brighten for the prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We stained our fence 4 years ago with the TWP cedar tone stain. It has held up well but needs to be restrained this year. What is the process we need to use to do that if we plan to use the same TWP cedartone color stain?
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit prior to reapplying is correct.
Removing TWP California Redwood, 2 years old. Sounds like cleaner will do.
Only if you are using the same color and Series. If switching colors or Series, you will need to strip and brighten for the prep.
Do need to strip off old stain before using cleaner or does the cleaner do that?
How to prep varies on what brand and type of sealer you are removing. If not TWP, then you have to strip and or sand to remove. A cleaner will not strip. You do not need to use both a cleaner and stripper. Either or based on what is needed.
Is this Restore kit ok to use on my bamboo outdoor shower?
Yes.
Does the wood need to be dry prior to using Gemini RAD? Our forecast is finally showing a few days of clear weather after about a week of rain. Do I need to let the deck dry before cleaning (in preparation of staining a couple of days later), or can I clean as soon as the rain stops and the standing water goes away? Thanks!
The deck can be damp when you are doing the prep. Does not need to be dry.
I just received an email from twpstain.com that winter is almost here and fall is good time to treat deck to fresh coat of stain. Do I need to strip the old coat to apply the fresh coat of stain? Same question for Spring?
Depends on the current condition? Feel free to post a picture.
Do I power wash before or after using Gemini? Thanks
You use the pressure washer while using the Gemini Kit.
I have a new pressure treated retaining wall that was installed 5 months ago. It’s not weathered looking but it will absorb water so I believe it’s ready to be stained. Do I need to use the deck cleaner or can I just use the brightener?
Mike V.
You need to remove the mill glaze and that consists of both a cleaner and then a brightener. A brightener alone will not work.
If used with Gemini kit and TWP 120 how long will it last before having to reapply
2-3 years is normal for a deck. Longer on vertical wood.
You told me it needs to be at least 50 degrees to clean and stain. Can it be colder at night, and if so, how cold? Thx
Yes but not below freezing.
All we want to do is remove the general graying buildup that has occurred over the summer months prior to going into the winter season. We live in the northeast and used RAD then cedartone this past spring. We’ll reapply a second stain coat next spring after a full RAD treatment. Should we use both cleaner and brightener or just the cleaner for now? Company is coming and the deck is looking pretty worn.
Cleaner only will work for the prep.
What is the minimum and maximum time I can wait to apply TWP 1500 stain after using the cleaner and brightener?
48 hours after prep. Try to stain within a couple of weeks.
Hi. Do I need to protect painted surfaces from over spray? Also, do the granules dissolve completely in water? My pump sprayer can’t be used for suspended granules so I don’t want to ruin my sprayer.
It should not harm the painted surfaces. It does not mix 100%. You need to mix in a separate 5-gallon and then transfer that over to the sprayer. Any unmixed particles will be at the very bottom so just be careful to not pour the last inch or so into the sprayer.
Thank! Just curios, if it doesn’t mix 100% and we don’t need to use the bottom stuff, what is the point of that stuff? Would it work better to apply with a brush to make use of the stuff that doesn’t dissolve?
98-99% mixes with cleaner. We make it is as strong as possible but it gets to a point that no more can dissolve properly. It is just a little bit. A brush makes no difference.
BTW, the Step 2 Brightener does dissolve 100%
Ah, got it. Thanks so much! This site and customer service has been very helpful! Looking forward to using the cleaner and brightener.
I was told by a phone operator from twp that all I needed to do was use 4 parts water to one part bleach in order to clean previously stained wood. Is that true or do I need to use the Gemini kit?
The Gemini Kit is the better way to prep both your wood and the final results.
I am reapplying over TWP 1500. I am using the gemini cleaner/brightener kit. I know you are supposed to redo areas that are still grey, but how can you tell if it’s grey without letting it dry out before applying the brightener? Wet redwood is all pretty dark. Thanks.
It shows through as a “wet” gray if you have not removed it with the cleaner. It is noticeable when wet.
What are the application instructions for Restore-A-Deck Cleaner on new KDAT southern pine, including wait time between cleaning and staining wood?
See this: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
what is the difference between stain series 100 and 1500?
Thanks
See this https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
We stained our brand new deck last year with TWP according to directions. It looked beautiful. But now we have a lot of mold/mildew or something like it building up on deck. What do we use to clean it or what should we do now?
Looks like dirt and possibly some mildew on top of the stain. Best to clean and lightly reapply a coat of the TWP. See this about new wood as well: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the Gemini Restore kit for the prep.
I’m confused on how much washing I should be doing when using the cleaner and brightener.
Do I spray cleaner on my vertical siding then wash up and down multiple times or just slowly go up or down once?
Is it more/less/ same washing technique with the brightener?
Im going to be using a 3400 psi pressure washer and 40 degree tip.
Or do I just use a garden hose?
You apply the cleaner and pressure wash off until clean. How many times to go over the wood with the pressure washer depends on the condition of the wood. The brightener is much easier. Apply and just light rinse after about 10 minutes or so.
Used RAD cleaner and brightener on cedar deck. Some areas have been exposed more than others. Any suggestions?
You have a build up of TWP stain on your deck. You may want to strip it down to the bare wood this time.
If I was planning to strip and brighten next spring, what would you suggest for the interim? Apply TWP or let it sit as is? I live in the northeast.
Leave as is. It is perfectly fine until Spring and it will be easier to strip if you do not add another coating now.
I just completed the RAD cleaner and brightener on our cedar deck. It is clear that sun exposure contributed to varying levels of oxidation. I was wondering if applying TWP Cedartone 101 (our reliable stain for 10 years) will even out the color; my thought is that the lighter areas will absorb more stain. Is this a reasonable assumption?
It should even out the color.
One more question. This time of year there tends to be dew in the morning. Is it ok to apply later that day after it dries?
Yes.
Can I apply the brightner right after cleaning and rinsing or do I need to let the deck dry before using the brightner? Can I apply the twp 200 in direct sun or should it be applied early in the morning or later in the evening?
Apply the brighten right away after the cleaning is done is the correct way. Easier to apply the TWP when not in direct sunlight and above 90 degrees.
Stained my deck last year with Messmers UV Plus, do I need to strip it before applying TWP or can I just clean/brighten and add TWP directly over it.
You will need to strip and brighten: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
It is very easy to remove the Messmers.
Our deck is part wood and part composite. I’d like to get all of it to be a similar color. What do you recommend?
Sorry, but TWP is not suggested for composite wood.
I am looking to restain our deck after recently painting the house. Will RestoreA Deck cleaner and brightener strip or peel paint it comes in contact with? Any suggestions?
No it does not harm paint.
I applied a stripper on my deck today but missed some areas. In the process of taking off the stripper with the power washer, I must have been a bit overzealous and some of the wood is a bit fuzzy.
1. Is it okay to apply more stripper tomorrow to the areas I missed, or should I just plan on sanding the missed areas since I am needing to sand the fuzzy areas?
2. Also, once the sanding is done do I need to lightly pressure wash again to get the sanding off?
3. Do I need to wait after the light power washing to move on to the Brightening portion and Staining? 4. I’m planning on using RAD Brightener and TWP 102 for the final stain, but will that be ok since I used a non-RAD product for the Stripping part?
I just want to make sure there’s no weird reactions. Thank you so much for any input you can provide!
1. Yes.
2. A light rinse and then brighten the wood.
3. Yes
4. It will be okay.
The steps were replaced 1.5 months ago. I should wait to stain them until October?
Yes, that is correct.
I am not sure what type of stain was on the deck previously. I have sanded most of it off, but not all. This is what is left to show the stain type. I am not sure which cleaner/brightener to use now. Thank you!
You will need to sand the rest of the stain off before using the TWP. Once removed fully, you will need to use the Gemini Restore Kit for the final prep.
Is there an easier way than hand or electric sanding? Does the water pressure cleaner help at all? Thank you so much! How long does the stain last in the can? The website calculator suggested I get 3 gallons so I wonder if getting 3 or 5 is better (having some to touch it up in a couple years if needed?) Thanks again!
You will have to power sand with a belt or palm sander as pressure washing will not remove this coating. See this about shelf life: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Our deck was stained in the summer of 2016 with TWP 101 Cedartone Natural. I’ve attached a photo to show where the stain has worn off to bare wood. Can I use the Gemini Restore-a-Deck, then apply new stain in the same type and color? Or, do I need to do something else? We are on Lake Huron, so we generally have high humidity. I will be using a contractor, so please be as specific as possible in your recommendations. Thank you for any advice you can provide.
Yes, prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing before applying another coat of the TWP.
How would you approach staining this. We are replacing the railing and some floor boards on a 20-30 year old deck with Brown Treated Pine. We have stripped, sanded, cleaned and brightened the old wood about 2 weeks ago. I would like to get it stained by winter but everything your site says about new wood is to hold off for a season. Is brown treated any different? Our contractor says that we should be able to stain it this season but I don’t want to mess anything up. Your advice would be great!
4-12 months is normal for new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Try late Fall if possible or early next Spring/
would you recommend staining the old wood this season and waiting until next season to do the whole deck?
Doing all at once is much easier even if you have to wait.
I am sorry but we do not sell the TWP product that is required for bamboo. That would be the TWP 300 Series. Please visit this website for more info: http://www.usetwp.com
They would be able to answer your questions on prep and where to buy.
I will be staining our cedar deck the first week in September. Can I use the cleaner and brightened now, or do I need to wait until right before we stain?
Right before you stain.
I used this cleaner combo 2 years ago on my brand new wood deck and applied TWP #207 stain. The cleaner did an awesome job. Now I want to apply a 2nd coat of TWP #207. Since the first coat absorbed a lot and prefer a tiny bit darker shade. What cleaner should I use before I re-coat the deck?
Use the same as before.
We have 3 years old unstained deck. We used this cleaner to clean and power washed the deck. Whether it’s good enough to start brighter and stain? Should we wait the deck dry enough to apply brighter or we can use brighter now? It suppose to rain in next 2 days.
Best to go over this with a cleaner again. Make sure to pressure wash with a 40 or 25-degree tip, going with the grain of the wood. The gray oxidized wood fibers still need to come off.
So for a 4 month old never-before-stained cedar fence I should use the restore a deck before staining? And when the stain needs re-coated in a couple years I would use restore a deck again before re-staining? No need to strip the TWP stain when doing re-coats in the future?
Yes, that is correct.
I cleaned and power washed my deck with a mixture tsp and bleach. It came out looking very clean. Well between a long vacation and other things that was 6weeks ago. It has only been rained on twice and it’s been very hot in KC the wood has turned a little darker but not too bad. My question is could I get by with using a brightener and then stain?
Lightly pressure wash with water and then brightener.
TWP 1500, Redwood color, White Pine, Puget Sound area
Had the deck resurfaced 4 years ago; 3 years ago I used the RAD stripper/cleaner/brightener kit (the wood was pre-stained) and then did a wet-on-wet 2 coat application of the TWP. It held up really well, so this is the year I’m doing a maintenance re-stain with some of what I had left (I *way* over-estimated my need). I cleaned it with Defy oxygenated wood cleaner (forgot to order RAD in time for the week off I took, but the Defy cleaner is very similar in effectiveness and other qualities, and available locally) gave it a day-and-a-half to dry (hottest week of the year so far) and am doing the staining today. I did not use a brightener–forgot to buy one when I was at the Defy dealer and I’m not sure I trust whatever Lowe’s or HD have. Looking at the wood, except for some places I may have hit too hard with the pressure washer, it appears I won’t need but one coat this time. Does that seem right?
Yes, that is correct.
I have wood stairs and a deck that TWP-116 was used on, but has been neglected for almost five years while the home was sitting empty.
I power washed it, and most of the stain has come off but there are still some areas where it is visible, as well as on the vertical railing posts.
I want to change to a different color in the TWP-100 line, how do I remove the remaining visible TWP-116 so that I can use a different color?
Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thanks! Does the stripper need to be used on all of the wood, or just the areas that still have stain visible? The visible areas are fairly small.
Use on all for an even prep and appearance.
I’ve already used Wolman DeckBrite cleaner & coating prep to clean the deck rails. I have not done the floors yet. Is it ok to continue the floor with the same cleaner? and Do I need to use a brightener on the part I’ve already cleaned with that product before I use the TWP transparent stain? Thank you!
Best to continue with the Gemini Restore Kit for the floor and then use the Brightener on all.
Can you tell me if the Gemini Restore Kit is safe to use near vegetation? The deck is to a walk out with small trees & shrubs beneath. Thanks so much
It is eco-safe but always pre-wet and rinse any vegetation to avoid any soap or grime from the prepping being stuck to the leaves, etc.
Is this product available in stores or do I have to order online? Thank yu
Online.
We just finished installing a brand new cedar deck. We will be lightly power washing and sanding before applying TWP 1500 Cedartone stain. Do I need to use Restore A Deck cleaner and brightener on a brand new deck? Thanks!
Yes, you will need to prep. see this about new wood and TWP: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have used the cleaner on this two year old yellow cedar deck and sanded it. How much sanding should I do? All the way down to the bare wood where all the discoloration is sanded away? See photo with some area sanded all the way down and some not
And you did say to pressure wash after sanding, before spraying the brightener on. I am afraid pressure washing will cause it to furr /fuzz again. what is wrong with garden hose spraying sanding dust off?
thanks
Deb
Looks good in the picture. Lightly pressure rinse when done to remove the dust. A hose should work as well.
thanks, I am ready to use the graco airless sprayer for TWP 100 dark oak, to unstained wood, deck seasoned two years and fence seasoned 8 months, both have had gemini kit used, PW and sanded.
Please help me understand two statements below about 2 coats that read conflicting to me from your wet to wet instructions between first and second sentences.
Do not apply 2 coats of stain to new wood or decking.
Apply your second coat of stain within 10-60 minutes of the first coat.
TWP Wood Stains can be applied with a stain pad, brush, roller, or sprayer.
thanks
Deb
Only 1 coat for new smooth wood that is less than a year old. Any other wood gets the two coats applied wet on wet.
thanks for the deck, AYC milled decking 2 years old, never stained but recently prepped correctly, do I back wipe between wet to wet coats with sprayer?
Spray first coat and then do your second coat with a brush or stain pad.
thank you again. Do I back wipe 10-60 minutes between sprayer coat and stain pad coat or just after final coat?
Just the final.
well another question. I am using a manual sprayer and the wand got out of control and sprayed a corner section of neighbors house. I immediately wiped up with paint thinner. But a faint discoloration is still there, even with a scrubby and paint thinner. The house is very thin white plastic siding. I even tried 120 grit sandpaper. What would take the remaining faint stain completely off?
Try a water-based graffiti remover from your local HD or Lowes.
I just power washed my deck to get the mildew/dirt/etc. off of it and it was not previously stained or painted. It is quite clean now so do I need the Gemini Restore a Deck Kit yet or just the brightener before I apply TWP 100?
Thank you!
Post a picture, please.
Here you go, thanks!
Looks good to be stained.
Excellent, thank you! You guys are very helpful!
I am currently pressure washing this Alaskan Yellow Cedar fence which was built in Nov. 2017. I am ready to stain with TWP100 dark oak once I have cleaned with the Gemini cleaner/brightener.
The pressure washer is set on 2080 PSI but it is making irregular marks on the wood. I am using the widest nozzle holding it about 6 inches away at an angle. Will the stain cover these striations and irregularities or should I pressure wash again to even it out?
I tried to upload a photo, does not look like its loading.
thanks
Deb Seattle
Try pressure washing again or sanding. That is furring that was caused from excess oxidation of the wood.
thanks, I ‘d like to understand this excess oxidation. I am pressure washing another fence panel now that is behind a shed in shade, and not getting that furring, even on the same 2080 PSI. Where does this oxidation come from? Why one some panels and not others. The ones with the most furring is in full sun.
Also, I am palm sanding the furring area today. I am sanding that furring down to a smooth surface but do I also need to sand out the white powdery surface so it does not come through the stain?
second part: I have stained two sheds with TWP 100 dark oak but would like the roof trim to pop more. Would the redwood stain be able to show up well if applied over the dark oak so there is a color difference between the roof trim and the sides?
thanks
Deborah
Oxidation happens from the UV and turns the wood white to silver to gray as it sits outside exposed. The longer it sites exposed, the greater the oxidation of the wood fibers. The heavier the oxidation of the wood the more likely the chance of “furring”. This is not a result of the prep products but the removal of the oxidation.
Wash off lightly and powder that is removed with the sanding.
No, you cannot add a different color of TWP over the Dark Oak and make it stand out more. The Dark Oak will always be the dominant color.
Thank you. One photo shows the white oxidation I am unable to sand or effectively pressure wash away between boards. Will the stain still take over this white area?
And I am sanding with 60 grit but the entire board is now looking like peach fuzz? Second photo shows this. Will it flatten and smooth down once pressure washed again and dried? Should I use a higher grit sand paper than 60?
How will the other side of the fence that is not facing me ( it’s north facing) look like if I don’t sand off the white oxidation or furring areas? I have 160 feet and to sand both sides is a huge job. will it stain evenly and nicely or looked blotchy?
Deb
Hello,
Typically when stained you will not see this white fuzz as the stain darkens the wood overall. I would not spend too much time on the sanding. Just go over the obvious spots with the 60 grit. Lightly pressure wash after.