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
100% Biodegradable product
I have cedar posts and ceiling on my porch and never been stained. Can you give me a step by step process for what I need to do to protect the wood? It’s about 2 years old and has a couple carpenter bee holes and some damaged beams from squirrels.
Prep with our Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing. Stain with two coats of TWP wet on wet application. For all kinds of articles and how-to tips, see our TWP help site: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/
Preparing to use the cleaner brightener kit on a 18 month old pressure treated deck that has some mold and mildew in a non sunny area. The directions mention using a 50/50 solution of water and bleach and scrub and rise with water. I am not sure where in the two step process this should be done.
Do not use the bleach, just use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
I have a covered 1900sq. ft. deck ( treated pine ) about about 9 months old .I want to use TWP 100 for the stainshould I use restore or just pressure spray clean. It has never had a any kind of sealant on it.
Thanks, Rob
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep while pressure washing.
I have a cedar deck built in 2013, last stained with TWP 100 Cedartone in late summer 2018. I’m getting ready to restain again with the same TWP 100 Cedartone. In some high traffic / high sun areas, the stain has failed and shows gray wood in patches, but on most of the deck it’s in ok shape just fading especially around knots, and I have a covered area where it’s pretty intact. I also want to redo the verticals this year, I just have a pretty short section of privacy fence and it’s never been restained. When I restained in 2018, I couldn’t find the RAD and I just used some other stripper brightener, but I’d like to use this if it’s designed to work best with the TWP stain. My actual question is if I use the cleaner + pressure wash + brightener, is that sufficient to prep for restaining? Should I not be worried if some patches of old stain remain?
Yes, that should work for the prep.
Do I need to tape off or cover the side of my house (say, a couple of feet worth), where the deck wood meets the house, before I apply the Restore-a-Deck cleaner and brightener? I’m concerned that those may damage the house paint, but the directions on the product containers don’t address this.
It should not harm or damage paint.
Will Restore-A-Deck system remove Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol SRD?
It should be best to reply with some pictures in case you will need to use the Booster and Thickening Gel as well.
Present state of deck with Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol SRD. I would like to strip with Restore-A-Deck if possible and then restrain with TWP1500. Will Restore-A-Deck strip the Sikkens?
Use the stripper with both additives. Brightener last.
Can you do the cleaner one day and wait and do the brightener the next day? Ran out of day light and only got the cleaner done. Can I wet the deck and do the brightener this morning?
Yes.
I sanded and stained our deck with Honeytone (1515) approx. 7 years ago. I’m getting ready to re-stain with Honeytone again. Should I sand again, or just use the Gemini Restore-A-Deck kit to prep the wood?
Use the Gemini Kit.
Thank you for the response above. I don’t see in the instructions (on the web page…I haven’t received my kit yet) how long to wait between using the cleaner and brightener. I’m assuming I will go straight from one to the other (since they are mixed with water) and, after completing the brighter portion, let it dry for 48 hours before applying the stain. Is that correct?
You brighten as soon as you are done with the cleaning, while wood is wet. Let dry for 48 hours to stain.
Thank you!
Will the TWP restore a deck product remove Thompson’s Sealant + Stain, it is waterbased? And How is this product different from the Restore-A-Deck cleaner brighter kit in the purple and blue bags?
The Gemini Restore Kit is a Cleaner and Brightener kit and does not remove old coatings fully. The RAD is a Stripper and Brightener Kit. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
For help with what is best, post some pictures of your deck.
Will the cleaner and brightener harm the screens on my porch? Or the black painted metal spindles?
Should not harm the screens or spindles but always test spot an area first.
Does the cleaner contain any type of bleach? Will either product damage my painted aluminum doors/windows/trim?
No bleach. Should not harm the aluminum but always test spot an area first.
I have been using cedartone 101 on my deck for the last several years. I last applied in summer of 2018. I am getting ready to do again with cedartone 101. I have 2 questions.1.) Should I use cleaner/brightener OR stripper/brightener kit to prep?2.) Should I apply 1 or 2 kits after prep?
1. Cleaner and Brightener kit.2. If you still have a base coat after prep, apply one coat. If down to the bare wood, then apply two coats.
can the deck cleaner and stain sealer be used on a composit deck? My guess is that deck is 5-6 years old (on house when we purchased it). it is a redwood tone. Photo shows left area that has been covered the entire time and out of the weather. Right side is deck that has weathered.I look forward to your suggestions and recommendations. FYI, our deck is 600 sq. ft.
No, the stain cannot be used on this. Cleaning will not fix the discoloration.
I stripped, cleaned and stained with TWP 1500 Pecan 3 years ago and need to re-stain with the same Pecan semi stain. What prep is needed when just applying the same stain? I hope I do not need to strip and brighten, and only clean/pressure wash?
You will need the Gemini Cleaner and Brightener kit.
We recently brought a lake cabin. To our knowledge nothing has been done in at least four years. We are having pressure washed and stained, the A Frame, deck, porch. Would this kit be all we needed plus sealer, stain, which I know is not included with kit. Any suggestions as novice at this and want to appear somewhat informed when speaking with contractor. Pictures included.
Yes, you would need this kit for the prep and then the TWP Stain after.
I have TWP 1501 Cedartone. Some deck boards still bead water. Others don’t. Should I have wait until all boards not longer bead before I re-coat?
Is this new wood or older wood with a stain on it?
Older wood with the 1501 Cedartone that was done about 18 months ago
Did you prep with the Gemini Kit already? This should make the surface porous for recoating.
I already cleaned my deck; previously applied Timber Oil (Cabot) along with resurfacing about 4-5 years ago…and would like to stain with TWP 1500. Please advise if I need to still clean or utilize a stripper? Please see the pics attached.
Strip and then brighten is correct.
I’ve stained my deck with TWP 1515 Honeytone after using Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener once in 2019 and once in 2020. Yesterday, I cleaned (sprayed on cleaner, lightly broomed while keeping surface wet, 10 minute dwell time then thorough rinse) and brightened the deck yesterday according to RAD directions as in the past for the yearly single coat but the wood surface looks “splotchy” over most of it. Looks like water spots. A few boards look darker then the rest. Maybe I didn’t keep it wet enough during the process? Not sure what went wrong but need to know if I can just prep again with cleaner and brightener to prep the wood for its yearly staining. See attached pictures. I need your advice. Thank you for all your current and past help!
Use the Cleaner and a good pressure wash and that should even it out. Brightener after.
I asked several questions about how your products affect vegetation and wildlife under the deck (or from runoff). I can’t find my questions in your list? Only the ones I asked about the process of using your products.
You previously replied that your stripper and brightener are eco-safe and biodegradable. The brightener product information says “eco-safe”, but doesn’t explain why… can you please tell me why it is eco-safe or is that just your advertising?
The stripper doesn’t say anything on the packaging or labeling eluding to it being eco-safe at all? Can you please tell me where I can find information to support your reply saying that the stripper is “eco-safe” and biodegradable?
I know most people don’t care how cleaning their deck affects small wildlife, but I really do.
Thank you,Julie
Hi Julie,
We have responded to your questions numerous times and the back of both packages states that it is biodegradable as well. In addition, the point of the Step 2 brightener is to neutralize the stripper, canceling it out and leaving the pH balance in a non-corrosive or caustic state.
As we mentioned, all products that are chemicals in liquid form have issues if ingested or swallowed and this would also go with the TWP stain. This is why you have warnings in case this accidentally happens. It would not matter if a fertilizer for your plants, household cleaner, deck stain, or a paint on the house. Once the products cure or dry, there are not any issues.
Also, if you would like to return it, just shoot us an email from your order.
Thanks
Hello,
We have a 30 year-old, pressure-treated wood deck. We’re planning to apply TWP 1530 Natural Stain with the Gemini Restore-a-Deck Cleaner and Brightener before hand. The deck has some areas with cracks that will require wood filler. I was planning to sequence the project as follows :
1. Lightly pressure-wash debris off deck2. Apply cleaner and brightener3. Apply wood filler to cracks4. Sand deck5. Apply stain
Does this sequencing make sense? We have read that some recommend the cleaner and brightener step after sanding, but in our case we have to sand after the filler. I would like to avoid sanding twice and thus the sequencing above. Is there any downside to this approach?
Thank you,Marc
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Do not use a wood filler. It will not work with outside wood and will not stain to blend with the TWP. It will look terrible.
1. No reason to sand but if you do, do it after cleaning and prior to the brightener.
Do I need to do Restore a Deck on new Deck? Build in November of 2020.
ThanksMVD
Yes, you have to prep.
I still have stain on areas of the deck which were covered. Does this cleaner strip old stain from the wood or do I need to buy another product?
You will need the Restore A Deck stain stripper and then the Brightener.
quick question.. can you just apply the cleaner and brightner with pump sprayer and rinse after 15mins or do you have to brush it in? Thanks.
You pressure wash off the cleaner and rinse the brightener. You do not have to scrub it in when pressure washing.
thanks good to know.. and i can apply the brightener as soon as I pressure wash off the cleaner correct?
Correct.
had some rain last night.. ok to apply the cleaner and brightner this morning even though the wood is wet? (no puddling) just wet.
Yes.
last question.. how long do you leave brightener on before rinsing off with garden hose? 15 mins like the cleaner? doesn’t say on instructions. thanks
Pressure wash off the cleaner after 15-20 minutes, rinse well, apply brightener, let dwell for 15-20 minutes, rinse well after.
The stripper, cleaner and brighter say that they may darken redwood. I have clear heart 1year old redwood. I paid a ton for the beautiful wood. Unfortunately, the idiot contractor put the stain on before the wood was dry and it’s not sealing well. I’m concerned about the wood not maintaining its natural orange look. Do you suggest sanding instead?
The Stripper and or Cleaner will darken/raise the pH of all woods but this why to brighten the wood after to neutralize and restore the color/pH balance. Tt is normal and not an issue.
Best to strip and brighten for prep.
I will be staining a 45 year old cedar log cabin (Pan Abode) that has never been stained. Many logs are grey or blackened from sun damage. I plan to use an orbital sander to remove all weathering and damage. Can I just apply the TWP Cedar Tone 1501 stain after sanding – or do I need to do additional prep work? Thanks!
You should clean and brighten for prep after any sanding using this kit above. Never sand finer than 80 grit.
Thanks for the quick response – will do!
Would it be best to Clean+Brighten a 3-year old porch, where certain areas show lots of wear and tear and others none at all; or should a Stripper+Brightener be used? I would really like to clean and re-stain the high wear and tear areas on the horizontal boards as well as the railings, but I’m not sure of the best approach, nor if the new stain would look weird against the old stain that’s in good shape.
Hello,
Send some pictures of the current condition and what stain brand and type was used prior?
No problem. TWP 101 Cedar Tone.
Pictures are attached. I tired to show an area with no wear, a little bit of wear, high traffic area, and the railing.
We would strip and brighten for prep to get this even and so the stain applies evenly.
Thanks. Will the stripper affect the pain on the side of the house? Should I take precautions to cover that up when spraying near those edges?
The stripper does not remove paint.
why does two stain go bad after 12months in an unopened can?
2-3 years is the shelf life unless it froze.
What is the shelf life of an unopened gallon can of TWP100 stain? I need to get several more gallons of the same stain; would it be advisable to mix that older stain w/ the newly purchased product before applying it?
2-3 years if unopened. Yes, mix all.
Will Restore-A-Deck cleaner and/or brightener damage the finish on my Trex railing or the painted Hardy board house siding?
No, they should not.
I want to clean a previously stained (pressure-treated SYP) covered front porch that I intend to paint using Kilz ‘Premium (high hide) Primer & top-coated w/ Kilz (latex) gray-colored Porch & Floor Paint – both are exterior-rated products. Most of the existing coating has worn away (and there’s zero pealing nor flaking of the remainder of the finish). I need to know if Gemini Restore-A-Deck is a suitable cleaning product for this application?
Yes.
I have approximately 2 gallons of TWP Honeytone 1515 leftover that has been opened, used and closed twice during a 20 month period with plastic wrap touching the stain to help seal off air. I has been stored inside with the can lid tightly closed during this time. Can this stain be used again? I bought too much originally and this amount would be enough to do the job.
TWP shelf life if opened is about 12 months or less. It has most likely gone bad.
I’ve been reading all of these great posts. Read that a new deck with newly milled wood should not be stained right away. Well, my contractor stained my redwood deck right after install.. and put 2 coats on. Is this a problem for me now?
It will probably need to be stripped and redone in 1-2 years. He over coated and did not weather and prep, so it will fail faster.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
It has been a little over one year. Can I clean and brighten instead of strip? I understand your cleaner is biodegradable but your stripper is not. Everything I use on my deck goes right into the environment (vegetation and animals)… I don’t want to add toxic chemicals to that?
The stripper is biodegradable. You will need to remove it, not just clean it.
I have a 1 year old deck/fence/pergola with clear heart redwood. I put a second coat of TWP stain right on top of the first coat without cleaning any of it. I didn’t know any better… but you said that was very bad. Should I use Gemini on it now and then put another coat of stain on? Does Gemini clean off the current two layers of stain? Even though I think it looks fine now, I’m worried about bad long term effects. It was all very expensive. I don’t want to screw it up. But I really don’t want to sand as it’s only a year old.Pressure washing seems to damage the wood since it’s so soft. can I just use a hose?Thank you
Leave it alone for now, it will be fine. In 1-2 years you will need to strip and brighten for prep when it is time to redo.
Have given our pressure treated pine 1 coat of TWP Honeytone 1515 approx. 6 months after installation in 2019 and 1 maintenance coat in Oct, 2020. Surface is lightening/greying up now and plan on another coat. Should I put on 1 maintenance coat or two coats (wet on wet) this season? I don’t want it to get darker over the years.
Just one.
Should I wet the deck with water before starting the cleaner/brightener process?
Yes.
If my deck can’t be stained exactly 48 hrs after using cleaner and brightener is that a problem? For instance if it rains after brightener, or if my assistant doesn’t make it on time.
You have about 2 weeks to stain before you need to lightly redo the prep. 48 hours after rain or prep to dry.
Re-do the whole prep??
Yes, if longer than two weeks after prep and you have not stained yet, you will need to redo.
Hello. I will be receiving my Restore a Deck in tommorrow. My cedar deck has been sanded with 40grit and then 60 grit. My question is once I apply the cleaner and brightener with my pump sprayer, do they have to be brushed in or can I just power wash them off after the 20mins? Thanks.
You apply the Cleaner and then lightly pressure wash off. Same with the Brightener. Only one coat of stain on a sanded deck.
Ok..one coat.Excellent24 to 48 hours for one coat of stain to dry?
12-24 hours.
Sooooo. Just got a delayed shipment from UPS… Wont get my cleaner/brightener with my stain until Thursday. Need deck to be done for Saturday. Can you get the “Restore a Deck” product in retail? Or.. any suggestions for another product that I can use for Tuesday so I can stain on Thursday. I’ll just put my “restore a deck” from UPS on the shelf for next deck maintenance
It cannot be bought retail and there are no other options that we can suggest that will work as well. Sorry.
Hi, can I buy this product in England, United Kingdom?
You cannot.
is there info on staining in the sun? other products recommend to mist the deck or not to stain in the sun due to the boards being hotter than the actual temp outside due to the sun beating down on them?
Should the deck be damp to stain on or bone dry?
You cannot mist a deck before applying TWP. Deck has to be fully dry for 48 hours. Avoid hot sun in the middle of the day if possible. Early morning or afternoons are better if temps are about 85.
can you paint over twp1504 stain after cleaning
With a house paint? No, that would not be a good idea.
can you use the cleaner and brightner in the same day? Also after brightner.. how long before you can start staining assuming their has been no rain and no rain in forecast?thanks.
You are supposed to clean and brighten on the same day. Stain 48 hours after prep or rain.
We have a wrap around covered porch on our log home in WI, 4 years old, the pressure treated pine floor has not been stained yet but still looks good. Will your Restore A Deck clean and prep before using TWP 1500 do any damage to our homes logs, porch posts and railings which have been stained with Sashco Transformation Log and Timber?
Hard to say for certain but it may clean or lighten the stained areas that it comes in contact with. Best to mask or tarp.
Will the cleaner / brightener stain or harm the anodized finish on aluminum railing balustors?
It shouldn’t but always test spot first.
I am going to install a Raintight underdeck system under my deck. Is the cleaner or the brightener acidic (or caustic)? IAW, will it damage the aluminum Raintight panels?
No.
Do either of these products kill black mold?
Yes.
I did step 1 and step 2 yesterday – power washed the untreated deck wood. This morning there are lots of white spots. Is this from the cleaner:brightner? Still drying? Or do I need to power spray or sand more?
That is oxidation that you did not remove fully. Try to go over it one more time. It typically does not show when stained.
How long does the deck need to dry after you apply the cleaner and brighter?
48 hours.
Three year old cedar decks with some vertical facing. Originally stained with Cabot Australian Timber Oil. Power washed each year. Some horizontal surfaces exposed to full sun. Some surfaces 100% shade. Pictures are after power washing two days ago. Assuming I may need to strip the shade covered and vertical areas but not sure if also need to also strip the full sun exposed areas which appear clean to my eye. Looking for advice on how to prepare all the surfaces to apply TWP 100 series and have an even appearance. Thanks.
Best to strip and brighten all so it is uniform when done.
I had new cedar fence installed 10-11 months ago. I’m in a relativly dry climate in Boise, ID but occasional rain. The cedar still looks new and clean. Should I still apply restore-a-deck befor TWP-100? Thanks for the site full of very helpful information!
Yes, you will have to prep.
We used restore a deck on our 9 month old rough sawn cedar fence. We had to use two kits as the first one only got through 500 sq feet (it’s roughly 1000 total). The first half looks great – consistent color (well it took all the color out), but the second half retained more of the red color and has what looks like water marks at the top and bottom. Why did this happen and will it affect the stain?
The lighter faded/gray look means you did not remove the oxidized wood cells fully. You apply the cleaner and then pressure wash it off. The first picture is how it should look. The “water” stains you are seeing is called tannin bleed. Use the brightener to help remove this.
We used both the cleaner and the brightener on both sections according to the directions. The side that looks gray was previously much more red, the picture does make it more look more gray but it’s not. It is definitely more bleached than it was previously. So even though we applied brightener, you’re saying to apply it again?
No, it is probably fine, just the way the picture was taken with the sun.
So we are good to proceed with staining? Or will the different sections take stain differently? What about the tannin marks?
You can stain, it should stain the same. The tannin marks may or may not go away with another round of brightener.