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
Is the restore kit safe on plants surrounding our deck?
Yes but make sure to rinse the plants with water from any over spray while working.
Hi,
The Behr is not semi-transparent but looks like an opaque stain in the picture. They have a tendency to lie about their transparency. It cannot be stripped so you would have to sand it all off to remove it.
Need to stain to preserve a wooden slated fence at a rental property 200 feet of fencing , 6 feet high. I have a spray rig. It was put up one year ago and has just been power washed. What product and how much.
For both sides and 2400 sq feet, you would need about 20-25 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet. Use the 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Here are the pics of railings
Will either of these products harm my white vinyl railings/
No, but pre-wet them and rinse while working so soap suds and dirt does not stick to the railings.
Hello, I have a cedar TWP semi-transparent stained deck that was applied about 2 years ago. I recently had some of the cedar boards replaced and would like to apply the new semi-solid (Cabin Fever color) product. Is the Restore-A-Deck Kit an appropriate preparation prior to applying the semi-solid product? How long should I allow the new cedar boards to dry before the kit restoration and application of the semi-solid stain? Thank you! Larry, Austin, TX
You need the stripper and brightener kit which is a deeper cleaning: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi, We live in Ontario, Canada and we have a new composite deck built in June 2021. Above the composite deck we have a pergola and we have privacy shutters on both sides of the deck. The contractor used cedar wood for the pergola and shutters. The cedar wood has aged and looks grey after almost one year. We want to stain it this year and have started to clean some of the cedar using Behr All-in-one cleaner but it was very labour intensive (we are both seniors) especially for the top of the pergola. The Behr instructions said you need to scrub off the solutions using a brittle brush. Then we came across the RAD product and it looks like it doesn’t need any scrubbing, just pressure wash. Is this correct understanding? If so, we have further questions:
1) can we apply RAD again on the Behr cleaned wood?
2) will the cleaner and brightener damage the composite deck and the aluminum deck railing with glass insert?
3) what is the best way/method to clean the top of the pergola?
4) which way is easier/better to stain the pergola, brush or spray ?
5) should we sand the cedar before cleaning?
6) I read somewhere it says if the wood was not stained after cleaning for longer than 14 days, then it needs to repeat the cleaning and brightening process again, is that true?
Attached is a picture of the pergola and shutters, it has been raining since last night so the wood is wet and doesn’t appear grey but it is grey when dried. Thank you so much for your help!
1. Yes.
2. They will not.
3. Pressure wash on a ladder. Might want to hire it down.
4. Stain pad or brush.
5. No need.
6. If you wait too long then it may gray again creating a need to redo the prep.
Can I leave these products mixed in my sprayers so I can take from job to job?
The cleaner has a shelf life of 4-6 hours after mixing. The brightener will last many days.
Is this kit will get rid of peeling old paint? Or i have to scrub it first with wire brush and then apply cleaner?
Paint? This will not remove paint nor will scrubbing. You will have to power sand to remove paint.
I’ve seen some that suggest to add varnish/polyurethane to their stain. Is that something possible with TWP or not a good idea
No. You can never add a varnish to a deck stain. It would ruin the TWP coating and would result in peeling as well.
Do I sand before using the gemini kit or after. Ive always been told sanding is last step before staining or doesn’t matter?
Sand first. Clean and brighten is the last step.
I have a ten year old cedar deck that has been treated every other year with the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener followed by TWP 120. This year, due to some major differences in the existing finish between areas of the deck that tale a lot of direct sunlight and those that don’t see any, I chose to sand all of the surface boards. Is it advisable to still use the cleaner and brightener? Thanks!
Yes, this will open up the grain of the wood so the TWP can soak in better.
I thought that might be the case. Thanks for the reply!
At what point in the process should the sanding be done?
If you sand, do it first or between the cleaner and the brightener.
I am preparing to retreat my wood deck that has previously been treated with TWP cedartone and will retreat with same product.
I am planning to use the Gemini RAD kit
Do I also need to use a stripper? If so, before cleaner?
And is this correct process:
1. Powerwash (what PSI)
2. Stripper (if needed)
3. Cleaner
4. Brightner wait 20 min
5. Rinse
6. 48 hours for drying
7. TWPStain
No need to strip. The steps are correct!
We have outdoor carpet on the base of our deck. Will the cleaner and brightener bleach the carpet if I do not cover it with plastic?
Possibly but hard to say for certain. Best to cover.
Is it safe on aluminum metal spindles? What approach to take if not. Its a brand new weathered deck
It should be but always test spot first.
We had a painter put on the TWP 101 last summer. When we tried to clean some mold off of a step with water and dawn soap last week, the stain came off too. Do we need to start over and clean, brighten and restain? What about the rest of the deck…should we clean, brighten and stain the whole thing again or just put another coat of stain on the rest?
Use the Gemini Prep Kit on all and then restain all of the wood.
The instruction are silent to this….Is there a time limit for the brightener before washing it off If so, what is it? Can it be applied and left on without rinsing off?
Best to rinse the Brightener after 10-20 minutes.
I left the brightener on overnight. Can I just rinse it now, and then wait 48 hours, or does the process need to be started over?
Rinse and then wait 48 hours.
What method of application in your opinion is the best ? Paintbrush, roller or rag?
Stain pads and then brushes are best for applying the TWP Stains.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
This answer caught me by surprise. I’ve always applied TWP Cedar Tone 101 with a pump sprayer and brushed the cracks. Even bought the recommended sprayer for oil based products. My 20 y.o. PT pine deck is showing a little cupping, so I don’t see a stain pad working well. Are stain pads really now the recommended method of application?
You can spray TWP and back brush it. The persons above asked about Paintbrush, roller or rags. Of those, you want stain pads and brushes.
Thanks. The devil is in the details.
I stain my cedar deck with twp1500 two years ago and I want to use RERSTORE A DECK solid do I have to total strip it and strip-clean- and Brightener kit
Thank you pete
Strip and Brighten for prep.
I just did step 1 and 2 over the weekend. Wood looked cleaned and bright.
Plan was to apply stain this weekend but temperatures are dropping down into the 30’s over the weekend for a few days.
Is it ok that there is a few weeks between doing the Restore A deck and applying the stain?
I won’t need to clean again, right?
If longer than 2 weeks lightly redo the prep.
We stained a dock last year with the Pecan 120 stain and it looked great. We want to apply another coat this year because the wood really soaked in the stain as the summer went on. If I use the Gemini kit cleaner followed by the brightener will the wood be too bright or a slightly different color after brightening and re-staining? We brightened last year before the first application, but I feel it just needs cleaned for the re-stain this year. Would you still suggest the brightener?
You need the Brightener to neutralize the cleaner. It does not “brighten” the stain.
Hi ,
I am getting ready to restain with TWP black walnut on my screened in porch. Where the rug and furniture are the original stain is a little darker than the exposed area. Will the gemini restore a deck give me a clean enough surface to have an even finish as far as color?
Best to use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit to ensure an even application.
I am building a pergola. Should I prep the new lumber with Restore a Deck prior to staining? And will it stain or harm my concrete driveway if I use it as my work surface?
You will have to build the pergola, weather it for 4+ months, prep it, then stain it.
See this for more info: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do I need to wait until temperatures are same range as staining temps to use the Restore A Deck kit? It’s not above 50 yet consistently.
Yes.
https://www.gemini-coatings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/895.pdf
How soon after you finish with the cleaner can you use the brightener? Does it have to dry between the two products?
Forgive the question…found the answer in your prep instructions.
I have a pressure-treated deck that’s about two months old, with no signs of graying. Do I still need to apply Gemini before applying TWP? Thanks!
Yes, and you cannot stain it yet: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I applied TWP 116 rustic about 5 yrs. ago, after “prepping” the new wood. What prep is recommended for app. now?
Use the Gemini Restore a Deck kit.
My contractor had a Restore-A-Deck Kit already. How do I return the one I bought for a refund?
https://www.twpstain.com/refund
Should I use the Gemini kit or Stripper kit for this deck?? I finished it with the product shown in the photo about 4 years ago. I inquired about this in the past but cannot find your response so I apologize for asking again.
RAD Stripper Kit with both additives: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Just purchased two hand-made bird houses, one with old barn wood and one with unfinished wood. Should I use your stain to help preserve these?
After prep then yes.
I have cedar rails & posts that have been seasoning for 13± months. My deck floor is composite decking and I have steel powder coated railing spindles. Do the non-wood surfaces need to be protected while doing the prep or can I leave them exposed and power wash off at the end?
Just rinse well when done.
Hi – if there is a lot of mildew on the deck, should it be cleaned with bleach before the restore a deck application?
No. The Gemini Kit and pressure washing will remove it.
Hi – is it okay if it rained on my deck that was recently cleaned with the Gemini deck cleaner before restaining it? Of course, I plan to wait 1-2 days until it is dry before staining.
Yes.
Can this be used on logs?
Yes.
I have a new deck. 6 months old. Treated pine. No stain coating or finish. Ohio, Facing south and no trees so lots of sunlight. I would like to put TWP natural on the deck. Do I need the clean and brightener kit or can I apply stain to the wood that clean and dry. Deck is elevated with no trees, so the wood currently looks good.
Use the Gemini Kit for prep.
Does the 100 – 200sf coverage per gallon of TWP 100 take into account the stated requirement of 2 coats “wet on wet” or with 2 coats is it 50 – 100sf coverage?
Per coat, not two coats.
Can I buy in Canada direct or only shipping out of USA? Also recommendation on product/colour similar to pressure treated wood brown in semi transparent?
Online only and the 200 Series only for Canada. Look at Butternut Brown.
Hi, I bought a 5.5” random orbital sander and 80 grit sandpaper. Here are two sections I’ve done under the covered section where the old semi-solid stain is in much better shape than exposed areas. I think I should use coarser paper (60 grit) where the stain is in better shape and use the 80 grit where stain is so faded and worn off (to save time and effort). What do you think? And how perfect does the stain removal need to be? It’s a big deck. After sanding I’ll be using Restore a deck, per your suggestion on my earlier post.
You have to use the same grit on all otherwise the new stain will not absorb evenly.
Mindy, how many years has it been since you did that staining? I guess that exposed area is so worn off because it is not only horizontal but exposed to the sun for most of the day? What color stain did you use on the good area so I can see how much it’s faded? The good area looks like you just did it.
I have black deck post on my handrail with the Gemini cleaner and brightener damage there finish?
They should not but always test first.
Tested, works great!
Painted metal
I resurfaced my dock and will stain it with TWP 1500 stain. It has been 4 months since installation and it has received plenty of sun. Is the Gemini cleaner able to be used around water bodies such as a lake or will it harm the lake and fish? Since the deck is fairly new can cleaning with soap and water suffice as prep?
You can use the Gemini Kit around lakes. Soap and water will not be adequate prep.
I just finished cleaning (using Gemini products) and staining my deck with TWP 100, and very happy with how it turned out! I ordered the 5 gallon pail, but only used about half of it. What is the shelf life of the stain if I seal the pail well and store it in a cool, dry place? Any tips to prolong the shelf life are appreciated!
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Can I use this product on a wooden fence that we will be restaining with TWP 1503? is it necessary to do this for a fence?
Yes, you need this and you have to prep.
Hi, I looked for the answer but didn’t see it. I have a large deck that probably hasn’t been re-stained in 8 years. Is this the correct order of what to do…pressure wash to remove old stain, sand at less than 80 grit, use Restore a Deck cleaner then brightener, wait 48 hours, then stain?
Post some pictures of the current condition for proper prep help.
Here you go.
The old coating looks like a solid stain which means you will have to power sand to remove it. It cannot be pressure washed off fully.
It is Cabot semi-solid…does that make a difference?
No, still need to sand to remove.
One more question…before using Restore a Deck, should I use a stripper? Would that help?
You need to sand it off then use the Gemini kit after. No need to strip since you will be sanding it off.
Just completed the 2 step Gemini cleaning kit, this Alaskan yellow cedar is showing some randomly spotty light grayish fuzz. Is this normal? Do I need to sand it off or clean any more before applying stain?
That is oxidation that you did not remove fully. Redo the prep and get slightly closes to the wood with your pressure washer.
Interesting because I did try and get closer, within 1 in of deck and the patches still appeared. Almost like I can’t get rid of it with the pressure washer or scrubbing…?
It should come off as it is oxidation or graying of the wood cells. It also does not typically show when stained.
Ok good to know. I’ll try and get as much as I can off but if I am unable to get all removed is it good to stain after the 48hr dry period?
Yes, if it does not show when wet with water then it does not show when stained.
Perfect, it does not show when wet. Thanks for the help!
A picture of the main part of the deck. Any better?
That looks better than the walkway.
Hi! i was hoping to find the answer to my question in your archives but could not. If I clean and brighten my deck with Restore-A-Deck, and it rains the day after while waiting for the 48 hour drying period before staining with TWP 100, do I need to re-apply anything or just wait for 48 hours after the rain?
Just wait another 48 hours.
i have just finished with the cleaner and deck s drying. when we apply brightener, do we let that dry on the deck for 48 hours before hosing off?
Apply the Brightener right after cleaning, rinse after 15 minutes, and wait 48 hours to stain.
Too late, i used cleaner today and deck is already dry! Supposed to rain now for 2 days! Can I still go and use whitener in 2 days or should i go directly to stain?
Use the Brightener.
Can I buy just the Wood & Deck Cleaner (Step 1) separately? I already have enough of the Wood Brightener.
Sorry but no.