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
What’s the difference between the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit Combo Pack and TWP series ones in plastic bottles the other in bags?
One is cleaner and brightener and the other is stripper and brightener.
Hi I am about to begin the prep with the cleaner and brightener. Will the chemicals damage the grass I have around my deck?
No, but rinse well with water when done to remove the soap and dirt.
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I am refinishing my deck and will use the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit. Adjacent to the deck is painted wood siding and painted railings. I am not planning to repaint the siding or railing. Will the chemicals in the Gemini kit damage the paint. Should I cover with plastic or tape?
It should not harm paint unless the paint is failing/peeling.
Last year when I used the Gemini Kit on my new cedar deck it resulted in significant fuzzing of the horizontal surfaces which required hours of sanding to remove including the rental of a floor sander after which I stained with good results. If I use the kit to prep for the second coat next week will fuzzing reoccur or will the initial sanding and stain prevent this?
Fuzzing (if that happens) of the wood is not a result of the cleaner but a result related to how much oxidation/graying you had and the removal of that. All cleaners would have had the same result as the oxidation has to come off. You may have some with the next prep but should not be as significant.
Preparing to put second coat (pecan) on my new cedar deck (new last year). What steps do I need to take before putting on the second coat after the winter? Do I need to do the steps on the vertical surfaces as well i.e. pergola and rails? What is the best way to stain the decking, roller, brush, etc.?
Use the Gemini Kit for prep. Use for all that will be coated. Stain pad or brush works well.
I have a Redwood pergola directly above a Trex composite deck. Will the wood cleaner and brightener runoff and rinsing harm the composite deck surface?
It shouldn’t but make sure to pre-wet and rinse well when done. You do not want to have soap residue dry on the wood. It would make it more difficult to clean off.
We have a 15 year old composite deck that has smooth cedar posts and railings with rough sawn cedar trimming around the elevated deck. We have 15 year old rough sawn cedar posts on our front porch. Both have been stained over the years with Cabot semi-solid redwood. We are going through a remodel and are replacing the present gable brackets with new rough sawn Cedar Gabel brackets, so we will have new wood on the front of our house along with the 15 year old stained wood on the front porch. The pictures show the front of the house and a couple pictures of the deck posts and railings with sample boards of some stain colors we were looking at that would go with our sage siding and the color of our composite decking.
1. You can stain the rough sawn now without prep.
Can 1500 be used after initially using 100? I’m just wondering this in case Minnesota changes their laws where 100 can’t be used in the future. Thanks!
Strip and brighten for prep if you ever need to switch. Very easy to do.
The gable brackets were delivered today (picture of one of them). They are rough sawn, so I would like to stain them before installation, getting all the wood covered. Is there any test I need to perform on it to make sure the wood is dry enough to take stain? Do I put a drop of stain or water on one of the hidden sides to see how it soaks in? The wood seems fairly fresh. I know that they make these brackets to order, so it was just put together. Thanks!
It is rough sawn, go ahead and stain now.
Can Restore-a-Deck be safely used on cedar siding, soffits, and roof overhangs. I have a sun room that is cedar sided with 1 foot cedar overhangs on the side and a 3 foot long cedar overhang on the gabled end over some of the deck. There is a lot of black mold on the soffits and overhangs. The last stain that was used was Benjamin Moore’s Arbor coat semi-transparent oil. There are windows on both sides and the end that are aluminum clad with a brown baked on enamel finish. There is a 4″ wide piece of cedar separating each of the windows. Will RAD affect the finish on the windows? The deck floor is pressure treated wood and it is not stained. I just use a cleaner and thompsons water seal on it.
It should be fine but test spot on the aluminum to make sure there is not a reaction.
Mine is a brand new alaskan yellow cedar deck. this deck was resawed from 20′ full dimension 2x6s into 7/8″ thick boards. The upper surface is the bandsaw surface that is perfect for decking. I installed it last summer and now it needs the TWP 1500 clear stain that’s waiting to be applied. do I need this product restore-a-deck kit for this wood. The wood sat stickered in a covered pole barn for 15 years. The only issue I see with it right now is that it has some water stains from this winter’s storms where snow blew in and then dried up before I could sweep it off. Leaving a stain line in places. It’s 700 sq feet. How many of these would I need?
Yes, you will need to prep it. One kit should work.
I have TWP 1530 Natural stain on my deck. Will the restore a deck cleaner remove the existing stain?
The cleaner is only to be used for when you plan on re-coating. It may remove some if the stain has deteriorated.
I am staining a pressure treated wood pergola that sits on top of composite decking. I will use tarps, but if worse case some of the Gemini Restore-A-Deck gets on the composite will it discolor it? I plant to take reasonable precautions, but just trying to get a sense of how careful I need to be.
The TWP will stain composite wood.
I am more worried about the prep steps that are sprayed. I will be brushing the stain.
The prep steps would clean the composite but not discolor it. Just rinse well when done any dirt and soap residue.
Can TWP 100 and 1500 be mixed I ordered both types in the past. I need to order again but I have some 1500 left over from the deck last staining. I had used 100 on deck and house about 8 years ago. Is there just a VOC difference. I may just order 1500 again. It doesn’t make a difference in this State which I use. The 100 worked well on house. Deck not sure but 1500 may have seen ware earlier.
You should not mix the 100 and 1500.
Last year we stained our 10 month old almost new deck with TWP 1500 dark oak – beautiful! After the snow this winter, we need to clean the deck. We do not want to restain for another year or two. Should we use the restore-a-deck cleaner and brightened? Will this strip the stain that is present? Thank you, Barb
Our prep products are only to be used when you plan on reapplying.
Follow up- if these products are only used before reapplying, what do you recommend we use to clean the winter residue?
Outside of using water with a little bit of dish soap, there is not a cleaner that will remove just dirt and grime without harming the stain to some extent. Make sure to never use bleach.
Curious: What will bleach do? I’m reading through all of these questions and answers before we stain our timbers.
Bleach will damage the stain.
I built a cedar fence about a year ago, with pressure treated douglas fir posts. The posts were power sanded a year ago to eliminate a lot of the darker color, but they still look a bit darker than the cedar wood. The fence has a lot of horizontal members, which need to be treated on the bottom as well as the sides. This spring I want to use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener to prepare the wood for the application of the TWP 1500 stain (California).
The Gel will not work with the Cleaner. 48 hours of drying is sufficient. You do not have to test moisture %.
Hi Ray- Question for you as I have a similar new fence in northern CA. Are you hoping to maintain the natural color of the cedar of your fence (I am with mine)? If so, what color stain are you planning to apply? I’m struggling with the color selection. Thank you!
1. It would not gray through but more than liley some of your stain will bleed through on the other side and could look streaky or blotchy.
Just used the kit and powerwashed instead of using a scrub brush. It looked clean, but now it looks like this an hour later after it dried. Is this wood “fur” or just remaining residue? What do I need to do?
Yes, it is furring. You should sand or buff it off.
So don’t stain it as is? What caused this? I have an electric pressure washer so didn’t really think it would have enough pressure to do this. The dock is just under a year old.
Too much oxidation and not using a pressure washer to remove the loose fibers fully. It is a result of the removal of oxidation/graying from letting the wood sit too long prior to staining. You can stain as is but it may show slightly. Try a test board to see if you are okay with the stained appearance.
It’s new wood (10 months). Never stained. So, I pressure washed with too much pressure or too little? I just don’t want to repeat the same mistake next time.
It is 90% from too much oxidation/graying. Using a little more pressure would have reduced this but at this point, it would not matter.
I’m just glad I don’t have to redo it. A little sanding won’t kill me.. I don’t think. It is on a dock and I’m using an electric sander.. Anyway. Thanks for the help.
Pressure treated pine- new wood, 5 months old and ready. I read the “new wood” info you posted, but have been wondering if ya’ll would recommend a darker shade, as someone said that the lighter shades would appear more yellow or orange like due to pine’s natural color? Seems i see more people going with “Cedartone” or darker than say “California Redwood” or something. I’m in burning hot texas with a full sun deck. Advise? I realize this is a color OPINION question, but i’m looking for gut instinct….LOL. Thank you in advance…
Hi,
We already responded to you about this. Best to test samples to see how it looks on your wood as colors will always vary based on age, wood type, prep, etc. You can also see photos here: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Lisa, I would agree with TWP people. Different deck installs will look differently depending on how long the wood has been down (installed), what it looked like to begin with, climate, etc. TWP also sells or sends for free a handful of samples of the stain you THINK you might like, then stain a handful of sample boards (extra pieces from the install?) and then decide…rather than commit to 5gals or more and then be disappointed. Also, nothing lasts forever, so you may restain in 3 to 5 yrs and you can go darker the second time, if you wish. I happen to use Pecan, and on old pressure treated decking it looks rich (and dark, because the original wood soaked up so much stain). I like this stain!
now that was the best answer i’ve received including from the website. LOL. Did you use 2 coats or one? i have a NEW pine pressure treated deck and curious to see how much it soaks up.
Only one coat for new wood after wait and prep: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi Lisa. Thanks! Only one coat. Basically, I applied the stain to very old pressure treated deck boards (cleaned properly with Gemini products) and a few new boards until the wood refuses to absorb the stain. Then move on. It’s actually quite simple to apply. What I have found works the best is to use stain/paint pads on an applicator handle.
Just fill the pad with stain and pull it toward you on each board, then go back and brush in between boards as necessary. Smooth out any “extra” stain so the boards look uniform, then move on!
The new boards won’t absorb nearly as much as older boards, hence a lighter color will ensue.
Hope this helps.
I have about 2-3 gallons in a new 5 gallon bucket left over from staining a fence. I plan to use it in the spring for a maintenance coat on my deck. I have 2 clean, empty, 1 gallon cans, but they might not hold all the stain I have left. Could I use a milk jug or some other plastic storage container for the stain that won’t fit in my gallon cans? Will the stain soften the plastic and make an awful mess? I have some empty wide mouth plastic (peanut) jars…..would they work for about 6 months’ of TWP 100 storage if sealed tightly?
You need metal cans to store leftover stain.
Niles- what’s the disadvantage of using plastic milk jugs? Thanks.
I have wood that needs to be cleaned/brightened before staining, but it is right above some outdoor ceramic patterned tile. Will the chemicals in this set be harmful to the tile or the design? The way the tiles are positioned, it would be difficult to mask off the tile effectively without covering some of the wood that also needs to be brightened. Thanks!
It should not harm the tile.
Is there any shelf life for TWP 1500 Series? I know that it needs to be thoroughly stirred before use, but is there a test that one can perform to verify that left over TWP 1500, which has been stored for a few years, can still be used?
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Hi there! Really needing advice on staining our deck. We had new cedar floor and railings put on our 18-year-old deck 10 days ago. We chose not to replace posts and slats as they are still in good shape. However, we are now concerned we made a mistake because getting a stain to match the new and old cedar is a challenge. All surfaces have been power washed and are ready for stain. Question for you is 1) can we proceed with staining the entire deck now with TWP and 2) do you think TWP dark oak will be a good match to use everywhere? Thanks so much for your help!
You cannot stain your new wood yet: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Best to wait until Spring to prep and stain all. The color will not matter as the new wood will stain lighter no matter what is it will be less absorbent.
I’m thinking of using TWP 100 on a brand-new cedar pergola for the backyard. No deck involved, just the posts and frame to support the roof. I assume I don’t need to do any cleaning/brightening first.m, but wanted to check.
See this about new wood and yes you have to prep: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
My deck is about 20 years old. I used Behr Deckover water based stain. It is peeling off and I want to stain with oil base TWP stain. I am trying to remove old paint with stripper. Then I will apply cleaner and brightener. Is it ok if I leave my deck prepped and stain next spring ? What are the best product to use to remove old paint from deck board and railing.
Thanks.
You cannot strip off a paint. You will have to power sand to remove it and then clean/brighten the wood. You can do it all in the Spring or now.
Dahi,
I’m afraid TWP is correct. The only way to remove this much paint is to sand it off. However, there are devices you can use to do this. Two that come to mind are, a paint stripping machine that has a proprietary head on it that avoids gouging the wood. Looks and acts like an angle grinder that lays flat on the surface. Another choice would be similar to an interior hardwood floor sander. I’ve successfully used that on an outdoor deck years ago. One sander for the “main” deck and one that’s an “edge” sander, if needed. Both can be rented from a reputable rental company, or you can hire a floor refinisher.
Never use paint on outdoor decks. Stain is the only way to go, IMHO.
First, TWP stains are the best… been using them for years on decks and fences. And your prices and guidance are also the best. I believe you answered this question below but I would like to confirm: New deck aged about 7 months. Deck boards are for sure ready. Once I apply Restore a Deck Clean/Bright, I have 2 weeks to apply stain? Is that correct? Thank you!
Correct and just one coat to new wood.
Thank you for your quick reply!
We are going to restain our deck (first time for us). The deck and stairs have minimal stain remaining, other then next to the house and the edges of the stairs. The posts/railings still have plenty of stain. What product(s) do you recommend prior to pressure washing and staining with 1500? We also have two boards that were recently changed. I know they won’t match the rest and I’m ok with that (don’t have a choice). Any special treatment for those two boards before doing it all?
What stain brand and type of stain is on the wood now?
I don’t know. I think it was a semi-transparent paint, but not sure. We’ve only lived in this house (NC) for a bit over 2 years. Not sure if it’ll help, but here’s a picture of what it apparently looked like in 2016. I know semi transparent paint would get those new boards matching better with the rest, I’m just not a fan of paint over stain. I really like the wood grain showing. Your thoughts?
For prep, use the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kits:https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
With bot additives: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Once removed, you can then use the TWP 1500 Series.
Thank you so much for the info. I’m just a little concerned that if it is semi-transparent paint, as the deck railing look, then would the RAD Stripper still work?
Semi-transparent are only stains, not paints. If the stripper cannot remove it then you would have to sand it all off. No way to know for sure until you try but it does not look like it will be an issue.
10 mins after Gemini cleaner application, I used a scrubber while washing with high pressure garden hose (don’t own a pressure washer). Staining in 48 hours once dry, of course :)
Hi, I’ve used the gemini cleaner and brightener but there are still some dark areas that weren’t covered by patio furniture. Should I go ahead with staining or resolve the matter first? If the latter, please provide instruction. FYI: 20 month old deck, never stained nor sealed- only cleaned with leaf blower. Thank you so much!
I do not think that will come out so you can stain now.
Appreciate your response! 1 more question please: Will it be okay to stain with current condition as pictured? Have a great weekend!
Yes, you can stain.
I stained my deck back May and for about 3 months and the deck had a nice sheen on it, and the deck beaded up every time it rained. Now the sheen is gone and the deck doesn’t bead up anymore. If I use the cleaner to clean the deck will it bring back the sheen or bead up when it rains? Thanks….
TWP is not supposed to have a shine of any level and it is not supposed to bead water as it is breathable. It sheds water. Basically you over applied it at first and now it is behaving as it should.
Is Restore-A-Deck safe for vinyl railings I have on my deck that I need to prep?
Yes.
I have your two step restore a deck kit and I am hoping to clean deck today. However, it rained last night and is raining this morning. When it stops raining this afternoon, can I still clean the deck? Temp wise it is low 70’s and clouds. So I figured it would be the perfect day but I was not sure if the deck would be too wet and reduce the quality of the results. Also, are the chemicals pet safe once I am finished?
You can clean a damp or wet deck. Pet safe once you rinse well and all area is dry.
What’s the difference between the Gemini Restore Kit and the Restore-A-Deck Stripper & Brightener? I’ve used the Restore-A-Deck products before.
Gemini Kit is a cleaner and brightener while the other is a stripper and brightener.
I applied TWP 1500 in 2017 and would like to reapply either this fall or next spring. I’d like to keep all the remaining stain on the wood and simply clean it. Would a product like Jomax + bleach be just as good as Gemini Kit?
No, and you will no matter what remove some of the current stain. This gives you the foundation, adhesion, and proper penetration into the wood grain.
We have had and will have lots of RAIN. I need to clean, brighten and then stain my 2 decks (@1000 sq’). I have sanded down all this!! Purchased all the material earlier this summer. I have 3 questions: (1)May I assume I can clean and brighten when the decks are wet, then wait until fully dry (at least 48 hours) before staining? (2) If it rains again before deck has a chance to fully dry, how long do I have before I can stain. (3) Or, what determines when I need to re-clean and re-brighten?
1. Correct.
2. 48 Hours.
3. More than two weeks after prep and have not stained.
I applied you 1500 series product several(4-5) years ago, but deck needs a new application. Parts of deck look devoid of any stain, other parts have visible stain remaining. Railings have stain remaining plus some green stuff growing on it. Should I use stripper/brightener kit or the Restore-A-Deck kit?
Can you post a picture or two?
post photo
Stripper/Brightener Kit.
When using the stripper and brightener products, do we need to protect (cover) our stucco walls and metal storm doors? Thank you.
Most likely okay but to be safe you should cover.
Hello,
I stained my fence using TWP 100 Honeytone exactly 2 years ago (Aug 2018). The fence still looks great but i was thinking of re-applying stain. Is this overkill if the stain still looks ok? I’m in Portland, OR where we get a lot of rain so just wondering if you’d recommend re-staining in Yr 2 or can i wait until Yr 3. If / When I re-apply the TWP100 stain – do you recommend the full prep with the restore-a-deck kit? I get the need for using the Cleaner to remove mild dirt / grime / mold in some areas of my fence but wondering if it is necessary to use the Brightener if i just want to re-apply a coat of TWP 100 after the fence cleaning? Will the Brightener even work over a cleaned section of fence that already has TWP100 stain on it? I’ve attached a photo of my fence for reference.
Thanks for your help!
Do it next year. Use the full Gemini Kit as some of the old stain will come off when you redo and that is normal. The brightener will neutralize.
I appreciate the quick response- thanks!
Our railings have metal posts instead of wood posts. Do I need to tape and cover them with plastic before using the stripper and brightener? That will add a lot of work, but I don’t want to damage the finish on the metal railings either.
It should not harm them but always test spot first to be certain.
Stripper and brightener worked great and didn’t damage metal railings. However, they did leave splatter marks all over our black vinyl screen door so be careful. My fault for not covering it with plastic.
I would also say that we washed brightener for over an hour and it still soaped when sprayed. Used a pump sprayer to apply with instructions. Seems to have dried okay though.
Do plants have to be protected from contact with restore-a-deck?
Just rinse well with water prior and after from any overspray and you should be okay.
I used the restore-a-deck cleaner and brightener before re-staining my pine deck two years ago and it worked great. I have used your stain twice now since building the deck. I live above 10,000 ft. in elevation and the intense sun (more UV than at lower elevations) plus all the snow shoveling is just a killer on the stain. I need to re-stain again. There’s no mold or mildew, no tree sap, no discoloration. I just need to reapply stain since much of it has worn off. My question is do I really need to use the restore a deck or can I get by with hosing the deck off?
You need to do the full prep with the kit.
I’m getting ready to refinish my porch and use TWP. I’m not sure what the previous owner used for stain. I bought this product from you prior to reading the help section for prep and application; I know cue the eye roll. Should I have bought the restore-a-deck stripper instead? Or should I get it and use it in conjunction with this?
Post pictures.
Let me know if these aren’t enough. Thanks!
Yes, you will need to strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I will be staining my deck for the 3rd time with a TWP 102 Redwood. I’m planning to prep it again with the Gemini. Question is that my deck is on the north side and I have some mildew forming. Will the Gemini take care of that, or do I need to treat the mildew differently? Thanks Steve
The prep kit while pressure washing will remove the mildew.
New cedar wood dock that’s been outside since May. Want to apply The 100 Honeytone. What if any prep is needed and how many coats with days in the 80,s.
See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Due to the crazy high temperatures, 90-97, how much time should I allow between cleaning, brightening and staining?(1) I know there shouldn’t be rain expected for 2 days after I apply the stain, right? (2) I am thinking, I should just wait for September/October when we should have cooler temperatures, and (3) wait between steps til wood is dry. I have already sanded everything: deck, railings, balusters. I understand I wouldn’t have to re-sand any; that the cleaning and brightening would remove any graying, dirt and mildew. (4) correct?
48 hours after prep before staining. The TWP can take a rain 12-24 hours after applying. If you wait to Fall, just clean and brighten for the prep.
thank you so much. It has taken me 3 years to sand, and I certainly will never do that again. I want to do it correctly this time.
What series should I use in California to reseal a very old and gray deck?
600 ft2 but solid on 2ft centers.
Use the TWP 1500 for CA: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hi
Applied TWP 1500 black walnut 5 years ago. Deck needs to be re-applied. Do I have to remove the old stain or can i just clean the deck and re-apply same stain. Thanks
Use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for the prep.
Hi,
I’m building a large red cedar pergola. I understand that the wood needs to dry for about 4 months but won’t the cedar turn gray during that time?
Frank Pierce
Yes, it may but that is okay and why you prep with the Gemini Restore Kit first.
So the Restore Kit (which I have purchased) will remove the graying?? I thought that it
just removed old stand and dirt.
It removes graying, dirt, mildew, etc.
I have 760 sq. ft. Pressure treated Douglas Fir installed 09/2019. Contractor applied one coat Wolman Raincoat Clear. Did not dry (over applied?) stripped, pressure washed, & another coat applied. Uneven
in areas & took 3-4 mos to dry for use. Now I plan on having deck stripped, (Sherwin WilliamsDeck Stain & Sealer Remover) SuperDeck Revive & TWP 1501 Cedartone applied. Portland, OR.
I was told by Exterior Wood, INC- Elite Decking that all stain would have to be stripped, & brightened.
As this could cost me an additional $2000.00 I need your thoughts on my thinking! I’ve had bids for sanding/ staining $3700 to strip/ revive stain $2000.00
Thanks- Chuck
Yes, all the stain needs to be removed before using the TWP. Does not matter how you do it.
Hello,
We are installing a large cedar Pergola and want to use your product to protect it from graying. We dont want the rough cut appearance so the lumberyard is going to rough cut it then plane the sides to give a ‘smoother’ appearance. Would we have to use the cleaner before staining since the surface is going to be planed?
Also, can we avoid the graying wtih TWP with recommended applications? The pergola is going to be in direct sunlight all day long.
Frank Pierce
Treat this as new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
All of the TWP in a tinted stain color will provide UV protection from graying.
Will any of your brighter product leave brighter spots on a new cedar before it has a stain on it. So I would have a Polk a dot deck. The rail are old wood with two coat of semi transparent but looks solid.
You would brighten all wood so it is even when done.
New wood deck built in May. Pressure treated pine. We have HOT HOT HOT 104 degree summers here. Think the wood should be dry enough by September to stain? Do temperatures matter in how fast the chemicals in the wood dry out?
You should be ready 4 months after install to prep and stain. Just one coat. https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Temps do not matter and it is not about drying out chemicals but having the wood become porous.
does one do the drop of water test to see if its ready?
No need.
Also would I get the Butternut to stay with the same colour? Thanks.