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
We have a cedar front porch that we are planning to clean and stain. How does one clean the cedar ceiling? It seems like the product will drip down on our heads and everywhere?
Yes, it is hard to prep and stain a ceiling. Good news is that the Gemini Restore kit is eco-friendly and will not harm you.
Hello! We are in central Michigan and had a new 300sf cedar KDAT deck built. We are planning on using the Gemini cleaner/brightener and then a TWP stain we like based on samples on scraps (a semi: Honey, Cedar or Pecan), once the moisture gets below 15%. Question is: sunscreen from a low-on-aerosol can got sprayed/dripped on several thirsty boards and gentle scrubbing with Dawn and warm water didn’t do the trick. Will the Gemini take out the oil stains or should we just have the boards replaced? Try the cleaner and stain and then replace? Thanks in advance!
See here about new KDAT: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
The Gemini will probably not take out the sunscreen. You would have to replace the boards if you cannot find anything to remove it.
Rats! Thanks for the quick reply.
I have a pressure treated deck with 2-3 coats of behr natural stain covering it. What should I use to remove the old stain before putting down TWP 100.
Can you please post a picture of the current stain on the wood? This will help determine the proper way to prep.
Here are pictures. Appreciate the help!
You will have to strip and sand to get this all off as stripping alone will not get it all off. Use the Restore-A-Deck stripper with these two additives: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Apply and pressure wash off as much as you can. Let dry and sand the rest off. Use the Restore A Deck Brightener after.
RAD Stripper/Brightener Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a 14×14 deck built in Sep 2018 from new pressure treated wood from Lowes. It has weathered to a light gray. I’m ready to stain it. Should I use the Gemini Restor a Deck Kit with both cleaner and brightener first before staining with TWP 1520? I live near St Louis, MO – it’s pretty warm now. The picture shows deck boards below 2 samples I stained with TWP 1515 and 1520.
Yes, use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
My father and I made 3- 8ft x 2ft bridges out of redwood. We live in Las Vegas. I plan to order the TWP 1511 California Redwood stain 1 gallon. According to the other posts, it seems, to have a successful stain, I need to let the wood weather for a few months. Is this true? Should I leave it out in the Vegas sun? And when it’s cooler then should I clean it with the Restore-A-Deck, then use the Brightener, and then finally stain? Thank you.
Correct, see this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I applied TWP to a fully stripped deck that was prepped as per your instructions. This was done two years ago and it need recoated this year. Can I power was and scrub the deck to clean or do I need to uses the Gemini restore a deck?
Use the Gemini Kit while pressure washing for prep.
I have about 600sf total horizontal surface to clean, brighten and stain. About 60sf of that is 2×10 railing, the rest is deck. All is cedar. I am hoping the one kit will stretch to clean the vertical surfaces – balusters and posts which are in much better shape than the deck/rail. Your opinion on that?
I believe I need to do this in sections to keep the cleaner from drying out, correct? Do I need to do the railing above each section at the same time, cleaning before the deck so that any cleaner that drips off will be hitting decking that is not yet cleaned, or am I over-analyzing this?
Second, is it important to clean and brighten everything in one continuous process? I may have to split this project up into several evenings after work if I can’t get it all done in one day.
Last, what effect does temperature have on the cleaner and brightener? It is super hot here in Missouri right now. I know from past experience that the TWP Stain soaks in better if the wood is not super hot and wonder if the Restore-A-Deck is similar.
Thanks for your help!
You should be okay with one kit. Yes, you are overthinking it. Do all railings first, do all flooring. Rinse well and then brighten all at once. Temps will not affect the pre[ products outside of drying it out. Just mist with water while working to keep it wet.
Thanks very much!
I have a deck ~900sf. I see in one of the pictures of Gemini restore a deck, it says 1 kit will clean up to 1000sf. I used the calculator at the bottom of the web page and it said I would need 2 restore a deck kits and 9 gallons of stain. I would like to not over buy and have a lot of the restore a deck left over if possible, so I wanted to ask for clarification. Thanks!
One kit will clean on average about 750 sq feet. In some cases, it can clean more or up to 1000. New wood, etc.
Is the cleaner and brightener safe for a house in case of the accidental splash while cleaning/brightening the deck or does the house need to be protected using plastic for instance?
It will be safe for the house.
Should I protect the house if I use a stain stripper?
The stripper will not remove paint on the house. Just make sure to rinse well before and after applying the stripper and you should be okay.
I have a two year old deck made out of pressure grated wood that has never been stained. I plan on sanding it to make it more smooth. I would like a vibrant golden finish. What should I use and in what order?
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. If you sand do not sand finer than 80 grit. Look at Honeytone color.
Can I premix 5 gallon each of the cleaner and brightener, then dole it out as needed? How long can it be stored? Thanks
The Brightener you can but not the Cleaner. That has to be used within hours of mixing.
Hello, I have stripped old stain from deck. There are some spots that need sanding. Do I sand next and then brighten? or brighten then sand last?
Sand and then brighten.
Here are some pics
I am staining a rough sawn cedar fence that is 12 months newwith redwood 1500, we are getting ready to apply restore a deck , ive seen different dry times.. it is currently 85-90 degrees and sunny here can I apply stain in 24 hours or should we wait 48 hours which the label says.
48 hours.
Approximately how many square feet will 1 gallon cover?
About 750 sq feet.
Last summer I sanded and then applied a single coat of TWP 100 in Dark Oak. I messed up in a few ways, I should have done two coats wet-on-wet. Also should have brightened after sanding. Here is what my deck looks like now. what would you suggest for prep this time? Would like to avoid stripping if possible. I stained the uprights last year and they are still in good shape. Plus, this is on an upper deck – I have just stained the deck below it.
For a uniform look, you should strip otherwise it will be blotchy.
Working on a deck and fence project. Both are about twenty years old. Deck has a few areas (mostly verticals) with an old stain. Plan on using the stripper cleaner kit on that and then 1500 rustic. The fence is western red cedar that has never been stained or treated. Can I use the same stripper kit on it, or should I purchase the cleaner brightener for that. Would the stripper be to harsh on old fencing.
Too harsh. Use the cleaner.
I used the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit to on untreated, heavily oxidized douglas fir. When I pressure washed the cleaner off the wood in step 1, the oxidized wood pulp that came off splattered on walls, windows, etc, and really sticks. What you recommend to clean up the splattered of pulp with?
Try pressure washing to remove the dried wood pulp. Soften it first with som soapy water and a car wash brush.
Can you buy more cleaner separately rather than another kit?
You would have to call the office to do this. 866-856-3325
Thank you. I did one standard cleaning at 6 oz of cleaner to one gallon of water, but it looks like it needs to be cleaned again. This is the first cleaning in 2 years when we did our 2 coats of stain. My concern is that it looks like the stain is already coming off. Thoughts?? Thank you!
It would be easier to strip and then brighten. This way it is fully even for your prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-detail
My concern is that I put the first coat of stain on new wood deck May 2016 and another coat in May of 2017. Should the stain already be coming off like this?? Not sure if I should continue to clean and restore or start all over again using the stipper and restaining.
It does have to recoated every two years, that is normal for a deck floor. You also have issues with dirt from nearby trees, etc. Use the stripper as we suggested for the best appearance.
I stripped my cedar deck which was previously sealed with Olympic wood sealer. I waited the recommended time with the stripper on, scrubbed the deck, and have gone over it several times with a pressure washer and the wood still feels oily. Is this a problem or is it ok to continue with the brightener?
Oily? Can you post a picture here?
The left side of the first picture has been stripped but the section next to it hasn’t. It doesn’t look/feel oily when dry – only when wet.
It is fine. Go to brightener step.
I’ve posted twice and then when I refresh my comment is gone. Did you receive my comment?
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I have stripped and sanded my deck and railing, but i didnt apply the brightener. Now the deck is dry do i have to start over to apply the brightener wet?
No need to start over. Just mist with water and apply the brightener.
Can we safely use the restore a deck kit on our dock and deck at our lake house? Both structures are on the water. Thank you.
Yes, no issues.
jmker60
That is oxidation of the wood that did not fully come off during the prep. Best to redo.
Hey jmker60, what did you end up doing, and how did the staining turn out after? This is almost identical to how my deck looks after the cleaning. Thanks
I have white residue after using both the cleaner and brightener, does this residue need more flushing prior to applying the stain?
Post a picture.
When using the restore a deck kit, should we let the cleaner dry completely before applying the brightener or can we go straight to step 2 while the wood is still wet?
Do it as soon as possible, while wood is wet.
I’ve sanded down my cedar garage doors to remove fire retardent coating and failed stain. Then cleaned the wood with diluted Bleach, pressure washed, and stained with a coat of Pecan 100 series – wood accepted the stain well. Wife would like a darker color though. Can I wait 4 months and apply a mix of dark oak/pecan 100 series over this coat or do I need to strip and brighten?
Yes, you can do this. Lightly wash to remove any dirt.
Last fall got new pine log rails and posts installed on stairway and deck. Waited to stain until now because TWP said not to stain newly honed wood. Now logs have black speckles and graying. Do I just spray the Gemini Restore a Deck products, using as directed? Will the black speckles and graying wood get resolved with the cleaner and brightener? Do I have to sand the rails to get rid of the black and gray? Thanks
Yes, use the Gemini Kit while pressure washing and it will prep and remove the gray and black mildew.
I’m in Waterloo, Ontario Canada. I have a 15 yr old pressure treated deck. I’m having a professional clean and stain the deck, and I asked him to order the TRP 200.
1. What colour will show wear the slowest? I thought the gray, since the bare wood turns gray naturally.
2. In 2 years, if there is wear/fading on the steps or walking areas, can just those areas just be re-stained or does the whole deck need to be re-stained?
Thanks, Arleen
1. Any colors will wear the same.
2. You cannot spot recoat. All floors would need to be recoated.
We just replaced our cedar deck boards with composite decking and we want to re-stain the railings. Will the Gemini restore kit harm the new decking?
No, it will not harm composite decking.
what is the shelf life for the gemini restore a deck kit?
Unmixed in powder form, many years. If you mix water into the cleaner. You have to use within 12-24 hours.
I prepped my deck a week ago with the Restore-A-Deck system. It has been raining all week so I haven’t been able to stain yet. It doesn’t look like I’ll be able to stain for another week. Once the wood dries out again will I be ok to stain or should I brighten again?
It should be fine as long as you get to it within 2 weeks. If it goes longer, lightly brighten and pressure rinse again.
What is wet-on-wet? How long do you wait before you put on the second coat. I have about a 600 square-foot deck. I need to plan how I apply the second coat so I don’t apply the second coat to late — or have difficulty getting navigating around other first coat areas.
See this: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
4 years ago I prepped and then applied your TWP 101 Cedar, this spring it was turning gray so I power washed and it came back to life with still a hint of the cedar stain. Do I still need to reapply the clearner and brightener or can I just apply another coat of the same 101 cedar?
Use the prep kit first before reapplying.
I used TWP on my redwood deck about 4 years ago and its time to redo the deck. I plan to use the Gemini cleaner brightner then apply 2 coats of TWP wet on wet. However our dogs have scratched up the deck surface so I want to lightly sand the scratched surfaces. Do I sand first then clean/brighten or the other way around?
Sand first and then clean and brighten.
What is the shelf life once opened. If I buy a 5 gallon and only use half how long will the remaining be good.
See this for tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Should the deck surface be dry or wet before you apply the cleaner and brightener? Had any issues with either of those damaging vinyl siding? So the cleaner can be rinsed with just a garden hose and spray nozzle though using a power washer would be better for that? Any specific amount of time needed between cleaning solution and brightening solution?
Damp. No on vinyl. Apply the cleaner and then pressure wash off after about 15 minutes. Rinse well and then apply the Brightener. Rinse that after 15 minutes.
I am planning on using the Gemini Restore Kit before application of TWP Stain on my deck. However I do have one question regarding precautions for using the restore kit. My deck is adjacent to my house siding with is hardiboard (OSB) with a faux red cedar ‘wood grain’ exterior finish. The finish is applied/manufactured in the factory. My concern is whether or not the ‘restore’ cleaners (and specifically the ‘brightener’) will damage the existing siding. Please advise.
It shouldn’t but always test first.
I have a 20 year old covered porch built with cedar. I have been using an oil based stain (Sikkens) and I’m thinking of switching to TWP. I have sanded the decking to remove the old product.
Since it is now bare wood, do I still need to use the Gemini restore a deck?
Should I apply 1 or 2 coats of TWP?
Yes as it will open the wood grain so the TWP can soak in better.
How many coats should I then apply.
2 coats wet on wet.
I have a 50’x12′ redwood deck that the previous homeowner used TWP on several years ago. I think it’s been atleast 4 years since the last time it was restained and the stain is flaking off with the wood starting to dry out and appear gray in certain areas. I don’t know what type of TWP he used or what shade/ color it was.
How should I proceed to stain the deck again and get back on a recoating schedule to preserve the deck? Should I strip the old stain and start new? or clean and brighten then apply a new coat of TWP with a color I want….?
Thank you
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I’ve scrubbed and scrubbed and pressure washed and still can’t get all the green spots off the wood. Is it OK to stain over them? Also, I pressure washed a couple of months ago and the wood is already grey. I really don’t want to pressure wash again. As long as the surface is free of dirt, can I stain the grey wood?
No, you have to clean again to remove the gray oxidation.
I have cedar siding and a deck that was sealed a few years ago with Flood’s clear sealer and I’d like to use TWP Cedar. What steps do I NEED to take?
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Have a cedar log home that was stained 5yrs. Ago with sikkens stain. Plan on using TWP 1500 on the cedar logs. What prep do I need to take first, Restore a deck stripper or cleaner?
Strip and brighten the wood.
I live in south central TN and have a large new covered porch built of pressure treated wood and finished in September (7 months ago). Because the porch is covered, there has been minimal UV in that time. I have 2 questions.
1) Has that been sufficient time for the wood to ‘season’ before I stain it with TWP 100? (Assuming, of course, that I use your Gemini Deck Cleaner kit.)
2. I have heard that you can ‘speed’ the waiting time by lightly sanding and lightly pressure washing to ‘break’ the barrier created by mill scale and pressure treatment. Do I need to sand. I will if necessary to allow me to stain now, but obviously I’d rather not if it’s not necessary.
Any help appreciated.
1. Yes. Only 1 coat of the TWP.
2. No, you cannot speed up the waiting time. No need to sand.
So to summarize and clarify:
1. I’m good to go now at 7 months with no need to sand.
2. Your recommendation is 1 coat instead of 2 ‘wet-on-wet.’ Obviously I’d like to save money on material cost, but I’m a bit confused as to the recommendation for 1 coat when most other places on this site the standard recommendation seems to be ‘2 coats wet-on-wet.’ Sorry to be dense, but could you clarify a bit?
3. And on a totally different subject, I’m a bit confused about the need/utility to pressure wash. I understand the pressure washing is to wash off residue, but exactly where in the preparation process does pressure washing fit?
A. After the deck cleaner but before the brightener?
B. After the brightener?
C. Someplace else in the sequence?
Thanks in advance for the help.
1. Yes
2. New wood cannot take two coats.https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
3. Helps to remove the oxidation after the cleaner loosens it up. You apply the cleaner and then pressure wash off. You rinse off the residue, apply the brightener, rinse that after 15 minutes.
We have an 8 year old pine deck, with railings and steps in NY. We used the RAD cleaner and brightener 4 years ago. We coated with 1515 honeytone. I am planning on doing the same process this season. First, if I am going back with the same stain tone/color do I need the stripper or can I go with the cleaner and brightener?
Second, I have an unopened can of the 1515 honeytone dated 3/2015. Is that stain still able to be used or is it too old?
Third, should this be a reapply coat or a full coat after cleaning and brightening? I assume full coat (2 coats wet on wet)
Jon
1. Just Clean and Brighten
2. Hard to say. Best to open and make sure it mixes evenly without clumping.
3. Since it has been 4 years, do the two light coats wet on wet.
I have a deck with new pine 2×6 planks and it has never been stained.. It has dried for 1 year and now we are ready to stain. Is this the proper preparation product?
Yes, it is.
After I perform the gemini clean and brighten to existing deck, do I need to need to stain within 1 week or 2 weeks…or what would be max timeline I can wait before staining. Sometimes the rain pushes staining back till the next weekend.
Thanks
Stain within 2 weeks of the prep.
We have an old pine deck. We’ve removed all the paint and primer and did an overall good sand with a floor sander. I needed to go over some of the boards were the paint/primer was really sticking with a belt sander. Now those boards look very new, while others are more gray. Do I need to sand down the gray boards? We intend to order the RAD kit to clean and brighten. If I don’t sand the gray boards down more, will the RAD kit help even out the look once we stain?
The RAD prep kit will remove the gray. No need to sand.
Thank you! All things considered, I live in Colorado with full sun and snow. I have access to the 100 series, but I have my eye on the honeytone in the 1515. Do you recommend the 100 or 1500? What color in the 100 would be closest to the 1515? Also, will left over stain in the 5 gallon bucket last a few years?
TWP 115 Honeytone is the correct stain for this in CO. No, opened containers will not last a few years.
My deck was stained 3 years ago with TWP 1500 series. I would like to clean and brighten it with Restore a Deck. Is it okay to apply this product without staining?
If you use the RAD cleaner and brightener than you will need to restain.
I am going to replace boards on a dock with cedar. I left them outside for 5 months until December and have been in the garage since. I will clean them off as they are graying before staining. Do I stain both top and bottom since will be over water or just the top? How long a drying time before staining?
Just the top. After prep, wait 48 hours to stain.
Can Restore-A-Deck be used on an Ipe deck?
Yes.