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
Is color #1516 rustic oak?
You have 116 Rustic in the picture, not 1516 Rustic. Rustic and Rustic Oak are the same things.
our deck wooden surfaces sit about 2′ slightly uphill of a pond with fish / frogs / plants….Can I use this product to clean & brighten with no harm to our pond?
yes.
How long do the Step 1 (cleaner) and Step 2 (brightener) stay good for? I first used about 4 years ago and still have some left, will it still be effective?
If in powder form, they are still good.
I have a 5 year old deck that we put twp on originally and its time to re-stain. We are going to use the same twp color as before. Should I use RAD or stripper/brightener first?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
Hello I was directed to purchase a cleaning kit, which I did and is being shipped but after reviewing more details on this site it looks like I should have bought the strip kit instead. Can you confirm. I have a old deck that has not been stained in 6+ years. Its green, black, but also has some old stain on it.
Can the cleaning kit help remove any old stain or do i need to order the strip kit instead.
Yes, use the Stripper and Brightener kit.
I have a 30 year old redwood deck that I have stained every 2 years with Superdeck semi-transparent oil based stain. I want to now use the TWP1500 series stain. For prep do I can I use the cleaner and brightener or should I use the stripper and brightener? Thanks
Stripper and Brightener.
We are planning to re-stain our cedar siding using the same semi-solid stain used approximately 9-10 years ago (prior to our purchase of home). We need to prep/ clean the wood first. Is RAD a good choice for cedar siding? Do we just follow the same directions as for a deck – i.e. mixing ratio, sprayer application, etc.? Thanks
Yes, you can use the RAD for prepping siding. Same steps.
I have fir railings on an Azek deck and some PVC posts, will this product damage the PVC posts or deck?
No, it should not.
One follow-up, the fir railings have never been treated, were done just before the winter, and are starting to gray and have some black spots (possible mold?). I’m looking at this product to clean it up, instead of sanding with probably 100grit, before treating with likely TWP101. My questions are, can I use this instead of sanding? If so, would there be any benefit of sanding after using this product before treatment?
Do not sand. Just clean and brighten: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Sanding reduces the TWP’s ability to soak in.
I am trying to strip and stain my deck with the 1500 series stain. I was planning on using the deck stripper and brightener kit. Do I also have to use a deck cleaner as well? What order would I complete the cleaning aspect of it then? I know I would use the deck stripper before the brightener but what about the cleaner? What step would that be?
No need for a cleaner if stripping.
I have a cedar railing that I stained last summer with TWP 100 . It was 1 year old when I did it. I used a deck cleaner and a wood brightener ( Citralic Brightner and Neutralizer) before applying the TWP 100. This year after the snow melted this is what im seeing Yuk! What do you think went wrong?
The vertical wood looks beautiful but the horizontal will probably have to be sanded off?
New wood requires another coat after about 12 months due to it being less absorbent: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do I need to tape up my powder coated aluminum railing when using the stripper/ Brightener.
Typically no but always test spot first.
I have a new redwood deck installed nov 8 of 2019 . would clear 100 series be best for Denver colo eastern plain
See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
use the TWP 100 Series in a stain color for UV protection.
I have a powder coated aluminum railing system installed on my deck, with glass inserts. Is there any concern if the restore-a-deck contacts it? Will it react with the aluminum?
Thre is no way to say for certain if an issue or not as not all aluminum deck products are manufactured the same. Typically not an issue but always test spot first.
What TWP is the best for a pine fence in CA
You will need the TWP 1500 for CA.
We have a cedar arbor and patio cover that we stained with TWP101 cedartone natural about 5 years ago. It has held up REALLY well with just few touch ups. However, in the covered portion, where the sun doesn’t hit it, it has turned really dark. It seems to have some type of mold growing on it maybe. Will the restore a deck kit remove this? Can I apply this with a roller or brush instead of buying a sprayer for this small area? Is there anything I can do to keep it from turning so dark again?
You need the Stripper Kit to remove: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Is there anything I can do to keep it from turning so dark again? Should I use a different type of stain in these shaded areas?
No, that happens because of your environment. Nothing can be done to prevent it.
I have a new deck with pressure treated pine we installed last July. I’m ready to stain(using the TWP 1500 series). What cleaner would you recommend we use to prep the deck for staining?
I see the Restore a Deck kit but not sure we need the brightener. Thanks
Yes, you need the brightener. Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
This is my 2 year old deck. PT lumber that’s never been painted or stained before. You can see that theres some surface damage here. I’ve just ordered Restore-A-Deck and some TWP 200 stain (I’m in Canada) but I’m curious about other prep you recommend. Should I sand the whole surface first to remove this damage? What grit do you recommend?
You do not and for prep. You use the Gemini Restore Kit and that will remove the graying.
So all of the “fuzz” that you see will come off with the restore-a-deck alone?
That is oxidation and most of it will come off with the Cleaner and pressure washing.
Ok, don’t want to beat a dead horse here, but if some doesn’t come off, is sanding going to be a problem for stain application? I want to do this right!
Sanding does not help the TWP to soak in. Best to not power sand. If needed, you can lightly use a hand or pole sander.
Personally, I would just clean and brighten before staining. I doubt that after doing so, you’ll see any need for sanding. Here’s a progress pic of cleaning my 20 year old deck, that hadn’t been cleaned in several years, with RAD cleaner. There’s another pic farther down the thread of the finished product, several months later. The deck is a little dirty in the “finished” pic, but when it’s hosed off, it looks nearly new.
Personally, I would just clean and brighten before staining. I doubt that after doing so, you’ll see any need for sanding. Here’s a progress pic of cleaning my 20 year old deck, that hadn’t been cleaned in several years, with RAD cleaner. There’s another pic farther down the thread of the finished product, several months later. The deck is a little dirty in the “finished” pic, but when it’s hosed off, it looks nearly new.
Going to use the two step Restore a Deck product before staining on two year old non stained deck. Do I need to cover/protect vinyl siding on house along deck. Also have Black powcer coated smooth aluminum spindles in rails; do I need protect these also while using the Restore a Deck products?
It does not harm vinyl. As for the spindles, typically no issues but always test spot first as they are not all made the same way.
my deck is a year old. It gets afternoon sun and rain and heavy wind. We painted the railings and pergola with Behr semi transparent water base stain. The deck we started painting the edges and then decided to go with an oil base semi solid stain. Also one of the boards is cupped and holds water and has turned green. What should we use to clean prior to applying new stain?
You will have to fully remove the Behr and that will require stripping off what you can and then sanding the rest off. Brightener would be last.
I currently have TWP 1500 on my deck that was applied two years ago. I’m looking to clean/power wash and apply another coat. What product should I use for cleaning.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit.
This will not strip my current TWP stain correct? Just clean it properly for a top coat.
It preps it properly for a recoat. It may remove some of the current TWP if is it starting to fail. It really depends on how long it has been.
I have a 20 year old deck that is cracked and splintering. I am considering flipping the boards over instead of replacing them. What prep would I need to do before staining?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
Wanting to stain my deck with TWP, is has Sikkens on it now, what doI need to do for prep?
You will need to remove the Sikkens: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Any need to sand as well? Thanks for the quick reply
If the Stripper cannot remove all the Sikkens based on how thick it is, then you will need to sand the rest off.
We have been using Cabot oil-based semi-solid New Redwood stain on our deck. We usually use the true oil, but last year needed to use the low VOC since we live in Illinois. It didn’t hold up. Our deck has pressure treated wood. We actually have 2 connecting decks. One is newt than the other. I would like to stick with a similar color. What would you recommend using? Thank You!
TWP cannot be applied over this stain. You would have to remove this and that would require power sanding as it cannot be stripped.
I recently cleaned my deck with a bleach based cleaner. It didn’t work so I just purchased this kit. Can I use this shortly after using a bleach based cleaner? As in a couple of weeks?
Yes.
I have a pressure treated swingset that I’ve used CWF-UV Redwood on for years. I want to change it over to a lighter color using TWP. Will the Restore-a-Deck product work – what do I need?
Post a picture.
Pic per your request
This coating cannot be stripped as it is too thick, like an opaque stain. The only way to get it down to the bare wood would be to sand it off.
What is the difference between restore a deck kit for $49.99 and restore a deck stripper/ brightener kit for $65
The $49.99 is a Cleaner and a Brightener.
I live on the Chesapeake Bay and I have a deck that wraps around my house minus one side. The deck in the back is probably 5-8yrs old and has never been stained. The deck on the side and front I had built about 1-1/2 yrs ago. I am now ready to stain the entire deck. I have about 1500 sf of deck. I plan on using the Restore-A-Deck first and then sanding the deck (80 grit). A few questions 1. I just resided my house with vinyl siding; do I have to worry about the Restore-A-Deck damaging the siding with splash back? 2. As a result of where I live should I use the 100 series or 1500 series stain and will two five gallon containers of stain be enough? Should I do the underside of the deck? Any other insight you may have that I may need to consider?
Do not sand as that can hinder the stain’s ability to penetrate properly into the wood. The prep products will not harm the vinyl siding. You will need the TWP 1500 for the VA area. 15 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet. No need to stain the underside.
I live in Helena, MT and my deck faces East so it gets the sun for about half the day. I want to re-stain it starting in May before it gets hot. My redwood deck is about 2 yrs old and when I built it I stained all of the boards before using them with Olympic Elite Advanced Semi solid redwood natural tone. It is fading and some spots have lost the stain completely. Will I need to use the stripper or is the cleaner good enough before I apply TWP 100 stain?
You will need to fully remove the Olynoc first. Use the RAD Stripper/Brightener kit and you will also need both Stripper Additives: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Is this system safe for stainless steel cable railings and posts?
Yes, it is.
Thanks for the quick response. Sorry I didn’t ask the first time…Is it also safe for plants and grass surrounding the deck? And I have a koi pond next to the deck. Is it safe for fish if some over-spray or mist from rinsing were to come in contact with the pond? Thanks for your help.
It is Eco-safe and good if minor overspray or mist.
Sometime in March or April I’ll be staining kiln dried pine barn doors installed in Dec. Will the RAD cleaner scrubbed with brush, pressure washed and brightener application remove any remaining mill glaze?
Is NOW a solid brick! Sorry…
I bought a Restore A Deck Two part kit some time ago. I want to use it again because my deck needs to be cleaned and brightened before staining again. The Part 1 Cleaner apparently got damp and is not a solid brick while the Part 2 is still loose granules. Is it possible to buy only the Part1 component?
You would have to call our office to do this.
Update (late….I kinda forgot). After stabbing the cleaner with a screwdriver I discovered that only the top 3/4″ was crusted over. It broke up and dissolved just fine, and I was able to clean and brighten before staining. I’ve attached a pic of the deck I built 20 years ago, which has been stained with TWP since new…with the exception of a brief time I followed a major consumer mag recommendation and used a semi-transparent that looked like I’d PAINTED the deck. Couldn’t wait to strip it off and go back to TWP. I think it still looks pretty good after 20 years!
my painter used Cetol Dek Finish last year over TWP 100 series and it didn’t last 6 months. A a year it is peeling in certain area. What should my next step be besides a new painter?
You will have to remove it fully by power sanding.
Can TWP 1500 be applied after sanding or do I need to use the restore a deck kit. Can the 1500 be used on the top of railings? The railings look ok – so, can I apply the 1500 over existing paint. I think he originally used the 100 series. Thanks
Use the Restore Kit for final prep after sanding and to prep th rail caps before applying the 1500.
Will be using the Gemini Restore A Deck kit to prep new wood decking. There is a concrete patio underneath the deck. Do I need to protect the concrete from the cleaner/brightening agent? If so, could you recommend the best type of material for this?
No need to protect the concrete. Just rinse well with water when done.
Can I wait a day between the clean step and the brighten step?
Best to do both steps the same day.
We just recently finished installed a new western red cedar fence. The fence was completed about a month ago. Is it really necessary to wait 4 months to stain? Won’t weathering the boards diminish the coloration after staining? I really love the bright orangey-red hue that the boards had right after install. I would hate to lose the natural luster of the wood by waiting so long… Also, the weather is changing quickly, so we won’t be able to stay again for a long long time if we wait. Probably not until next spring.
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
If smooth wood you will have to wait and prep.
The article mentions that you don’t have to wait 4-12 months for vertically rough sawn fence boards. Would appearance grade knotty cedar quality for this? See attached photo.
That is not rough sawn cut but smooth.
I’m staining a dock on tidal salt water in southeast Florida. Should I use the 100 series or the 1500 series. The dock is 3 years old and has taken a beating from the hot sun. The dock is about 450 sq. ft. How much stain will I need?
About 5-gallons for the two coats. Use the 100 Series.
I have 3000 sq ft of new red cedar fencing that is kiln dried. First, do I have to wait to stain it and secondly, do I have to use the restore s deck cleaner first? Or is the cleaner just for a new deck?
Rough sawn or smooth wood?
I had used step 1 and step 2 in preparation for applying the 1500 product but it did not remove all of the old stain. Therefore, I sanded the deck again to make it more uniform. Do I need to retreat with Step 1 and Step 2 before applying the stain to my mahogany deck?
Yes, that would be best.
Can this product be used to remove TWP 1500 series Cedartone and TWP 100 series Cedartone Natural from our cedar shingles on our house so that we may apply a lighter stain such as the 100 series Honeytone?
No, you need this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hi,
I have a deck that I treated with TWP 1501 Cedartone 6 years ago. The deck is now in need of treatment because rain will no longer bead up on it. I do plan to use the Restore a Deck both cleaner and brightener. My other questions are:
1) do I have to power wash, or can I just apply the cleaner with a 5 gallon hand pump sprayer, then rinse with a garden hose? Then repeat with brightener in hand pump sprayer, and rinse with hose?
2) I have a lot of leftover TWP from 6 years ago. The can was opened, but has now remained sealed and in the basement (climate controlled) can I use this old can?
3) a black mold problem. only a patch about 2 feet by 3 feet where it stays shaded almost all the time. Can I treat this with bleach, (before using the Restore a deck cleaner) and would the use of bleach in just one area make it look different from the rest of the deck?
Thank you in advance for your help.
1. Pressure wash while using the kit.
2. Most likely it has gone bad if it was opened.
3. No need to use the bleach. Use the prep kit and it will come off.
I have read that the Gemini cleaner needs to be used within 6 hrs of mixing. Is this true? Also, does this also apply to the Brightener?
Yes on the Cleaner. The brightener does not have an active shelf life so it does not matter if you use right away or a week later.
I have a cedar deck that is many years old and I have just replaced several boards with new cedar. The remaining old boards had previously been stained with an oil based stain that has mainly worn off. The entire deck now needs to be restained. What is the best way to approach staining the combination of new and old cedar?
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
After the wait, prep all with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I just had a new deck built in late May 2019. I want to stain the first of September. Do I need the deck cleaner or can I use the TWP 100 stain directly (Pecan color) on the new deck? My Deck is 20×40 with 8 Steps, roughly how much stain will I need to purchase? Thanks
You need to clean and brighten the wood. See here about new wood, just one coat: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
See here for the amount needed: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-deck-stain-calculator
I had my deck previously stained with TWP stain 3yrs ago. Is it necessary to power wash all old stain off or just clean the surface before re-staining with the 100 series
Use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for the proper prep.
Referencing your answers to my posts on 8/11/19 concerning R-A-D Cleaner/Brightener Kit process run-off, the stain I have been using for over 15 years is Olympic Maximum #716 Semi-Transparent Cedar Naturaltone water-based stain (soap and water clean-up). After annual re-staining of the vertical deck portions for all these years, you can barely distinguish any wood grain and the color resembles a semi-gloss brown. It was re-stained July 10, 2019 and the wood and stain is in excellent condition. I want to keep this color on the vertical portions of the deck. The horizontal deck portions mentioned in the 8/11/19 post were replaced with new pressure treated pine on July 19, 2019.
With this additional information, can you better determine if the R-A-D process runoff from the horizontal deck surfaces will affect these portions will affect this existing stain?
Most likely will not have any effect.
I will be using the Restore-A-Deck Kit to prep the new wood on my deck and staining the new wood with TWP 1515 Honeytone stain. These newly replaced pressure treated pine rail tops, steps, bench and main deck floor have vertical parts of the deck (rail posts, fascia boards, support structure) below them that have darkened from several years of coating with a semi-transparent natural cedar color. I want those vertical parts to remain that color (essentially having a 2-tone deck).
Will the run-off from the R-A-D cleaner and brightener processes affect the existing stain on these dark vertical parts of the deck? If so, what do you recommend to prevent this from occurring? I will be rinsing these vertical parts off thoroughly when each step is completed.
The runoff could have some effect on the current stain as this product is designed to clean but it would depend on the stain brand and current condition of the stain. There would not be a way to prevent this if it happens.
I will be staining new pressure treated pine on the horizontal surfaces (rail tops, steps, built-in bench and main deck floor) with TWP 1515 Honeytone stain.
The Restore-A-Deck Restoration Kit cleaner instructions say to leave cleaner on deck surface for 15 minutes before rinsing. The R-A-D brightener says to apply brightener to entire surface but does not say for how long to wait before rinsing. Would this also be 15 minutes to wait before rinsing?
Yes, 15 minutes.
Can I clean and brighten on the same day? Deck is a year old, pressure treated pine. First time staining this deck.
No, TWP cannot be stained the same day as the prep. Must wait 48 hours after to prep for the wood to dry.
Hi, we have a rough cut redwood fence that was newly installed about a year ago, just before we bought our house. It doesn’t appear to have been sealed in any way, and is almost completely the new bright wood color. We’re going to stain with 1501 Cedartone, but since we don’t really have any effects of aging to wash away, do we need to prep with the cleaner and brightener? Would a mild soap, do get environmental dirt and dust off do the trick this time around? Thanks!
Use the Kit for the proper prep. Thanks