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
About too start my 3rd annual refresh of my redwood fence. For the last two years I’ve used the Restore-A-Deck kit, followed by TWP1530 48-72 hours later. Typically I just use a scrub brush with the cleaner, spray with the brightener, and then rinse. This year I am a little late doing all of this, and my fence seems dirtier than normal. Do you suggest power-washing first? Usually just a regular hose rinse does the trick, but is there a major benefit to using a power washer instead? Thanks!
Pressure wash while using the cleaner, then use the Brightener. Much faster and easier.
Are you suggesting putting the cleaner in the pressure washer soap dispenser? Just want to make sure. Thank you!
No. You apply the cleaner with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off. It will not work injected through a pressure washer.
Will Restore a deck remove paint on LP siding? Only want to clean the cedar siding and reseal. Also, for application to cedar siding is sprayer then power wash the proper procedure? TIA
The Cleaner will not remove paint unless the paint is already peeling. Apply the cleaner with a pump sprayer and then lightly pressure wash off.
101 series or 1501 on this?
1500 series.
What is recommended application method vertically on siding for the TWP 1501? Brush?
Brush, stain pads, or sprayer.
When using this restore a deck kit cleaner and brightener, how much of the old TWP stain does it remove? I’m guessing just a little? So the deck will have stain after prepping but the stain will be lighter/faded?
That varies based on how much the stain has deteriorated through the years. Sometimes just a little, sometimes most of it will come off.
Can anyone tell me what color this is. I spoke with this contractor who said he uses a light brown or natural over redwood, but none of the pics on this site seem to get close with the exception of Pecan. Thanks
Try Honeytone color.
I used TWP Rustic for the first time 3 yrs ago on my new deck. I think I’m ready to do a maintenance re-coat with same stain. The stain on the main covered deck is still in pretty good shape except on the porch and steps which is showing alittle mold. I pressure washed the in entire deck. What would be my next step? Thank you for your assistance
Prep with the Gemini Kit and then recoat.
I noticed on the website the following info.
Gemini Restore Kit is best for gray and weathered wood surfaces and may not be best for removing old deck stains or sealers. Im wondering if it’s still good to use the Gemini restore kit. Jim
Yes, use the Gemini Kit for prep when recoating.
how long do unopened kits last for?
A few years.
How does this Gemini kit affect stainless steel? We are cleaning our cedar deck and reapplying your stain (1500 series) as soon as weather permits. We added a ramp to our deck for the dog. It has stainless steel sides with cedar boards stained with your product as well. Can we use this product on the ramp knowing it will touch the stainless steel sides okay? Will the cleaner damage the steel at all?
It should have no issues.
Thank you for the reply
Deck has new clear kiln dried redwood installed 6 months ago and exposed to weather per your instruction..planning to use cedar tone 1501…
Should we use restore a deck before staining?
If not what?
Is is it best to lightly sand and if so what grit?
What is proper order..clean/brighten..power wash…sand…vacuum..stain??
Thanks,Stan
Use the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit for prep. No need to sand. Prep, let dry for 48 hours, and then stain.
Is power wash done at same time as restore a deck?
Our other deck and the vertical flower box etc surrounding was stained with 1501 about 3 years ago.It’s ready to be redone however has some old stain remaining.
Should this be lightly sanded, restore a deck/power washed and stained?
-Yes, you pressure wash while using the kit
-No need to sand. Most of the old TWP will come off with the kit and pressure washing.
Hi Stan. Are you able to post some pics of the cedartone 1501 over your redwood? I’m trying to find a more natural look that has more of an amber tone that the pecan “appears” to have. Thanks
That would be Honeytone 1515.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
It’s taking a lot longer to clean my fence than anticipated but I already mixed the entire container of Gemini cleaner. How long is it good in solution?
4-6 hours.
Can I use this kit without re-staining ?
Last summer, I used the kit, and stained a shed+shed roof. I just want to clean it good this summer without re-staining and wondering if I should use the kit or just soap and water for this years light cleaning maintenance?
Only use this kit of you are reapplying.
What would you recommend to clean and seal this bridge? And how much of it?
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and stain with the TWP 1500 Series. As for how much, we would need a total sq footage of all wood to help properly.
My walls and roof over my deck are stained with 1503 DARK OAK. I need to touch up parts where it gets the most sun. It’s been 5 years and has done really well. Will this cleaner effect areas that are stained and do not want to re-stain? The desk itself is trex like decking (timbertech), will the cleaner and brightener effect the color or will it just clean the timbertech on contact. I used this cleaner when I prepped 5 years ago but the decking wasn’t in place.
You cannot spot clean and stain. You will need to prep and stain all. The prep will not harm the composite but always pre-wet and rinse overspray.
I just did a full restore on my deck with TWP 1515 Honeytone. My Deck gets a lot of sun and already looks beat up. We have a big carpet on our deck and that part looks fine but you can tell the difference. Do I just try to clean it with warm/hot water and dish soap to see if it cleans up or do I have to do a Restore A Deck and stain again?
If just cleaning off dirt, try the warm water and dish soap.
While the water is down on the lake (10′), I want to clean and stain my dock. The dock is 17 years old, made of pressure treated pine and I have stained it with TWP (don’t remember which type) every 4-5 years. The dock is 4′ wide and 80′ long with a 12 x 16 sitting area on the end with a 20 x 4 ramp connecting to a 12 x 20 floater. Total square feet is approx 900sq ft excluding railing. Questions I have are:
1. What stain should I use and how much?
2. Will one restoration kit be enough?
3. What temperature is optimum for applying stain?
4. In the past I have used a pump sprayer to apply stain, is that still an acceptable application?
1. Depends on where you are located?
2. You will need 1-2 kits. It varies based on how dirty it is.
3. 50-90 f.
4. Yes, but you should back brush to ensure an even application. Easier to use this as well: https://www.twpstain.com/deck-floor-staining-push-brush-detail
Sorry about that, I am located in Columbia SC. I appreciate the tip about the push brush, thanks. I have attached a picture of the dock.
Use the 100 series or the semi solid colors. About 6-8 gallons for the two coats with the 100 series.
I have just put new rough sawn cedar posts on my front porch. It is too cold and rainy to stain right away and will probably be 3 months before the weather will be above 50 and dry. Will I need to use the Gemini cleaner and brightener kit before staining if I have to wait 3 months before staining? How many days does the temp need to be above 50 after staining? Thank you!
Yes, you should prep before staining. 12-24 hours for it to dry properly.
I have about 1000 sf of TP decking. I was getting ready to clean and brighten with the Gemini products but just learned that the weather forecast for 48 hours from the time I’d clean/brighten is calling for temperatures that won’t reach 50 degrees.
1. Can I go ahead with cleaning/brightening now and then wait to stain when temperatures get above 50?
2. If temperatures don’t reach 50 until next spring, will I have to repeat the cleaning/brightening before staining?
3. Once stain is applied, is there a minimum time for temperatures to remain above 50 for stain to be effective?
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Depends on temp and uv exposure. Cannot drop below freezing the first night.
Thanks. One more question. If temps don’t get above 50 for some time, what’s the maximum wait time between cleaning/brightening and staining before I’d have to repeat the cleaning/brightening?
2 weeks.
Installed a PT pine deck under a covered patio in spring of this year. Wood has fully dried. About a month ago I rented a deck sander and knocked down some of the screw hole fuzz and small knots on the surface and likely decupped the planks to a small degree. Deck is clean and dry.
I’ve purchased 4 gallons of TWP 1500 Pecan and am looking for some tips on applying.
Will I need to pretreat after having sanded? 80 grit was used.
Do I need to apply a single coat vs the wet-wet two-coat process? If so, does that first coat still need to be the 2/3 coat amount?
Yes, use the Gemini Kit after sanding to open up the wood grain. One coat for new wood.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
The cleaner will remove old stain if the old stain has deteriorated. It should stain fine.
Our deck is currently 3 years with TWP 1504 black walnut and requires a maintenance coat. My plan is to clean+brighten and then reapply 1504. Is that correct? It’s pretty faded, could I use a lighter shade of 1500 or am I stuck with black walnut?
Yes, that is correct. To go lighter you would need to strip and brighten.
I am replacing my wood decking with composite decking but keeping the wood rim joists that picture frame the decking, and the wood railings. That wood was previously prepped and stained a few years ago with TWP following your directions. I’ve used the Gemini Kit on the rim joists and railings, and it looks great. I am adding some deck area and will be making modifications to some rim joists and railings and will apply TWP 100 to those areas. I understand that I need to wait 4-12 months before applying the TWP 100 stain on the new wood areas. Will the Gemini kit harm the composite decking when applying it to the new wood areas or should it be protected in some manner? Also, what do you recommend (number of coats, etc.) to get the best color match between new and old wood?
No, it does not harm composite. Use the same color as prior. One coat. New wood and older wood will never match exactly so no way to modify it to blend
Thanks!
I used 1500 a couple of years ago and want to clean and restain my deck. What are the proper products I need to use to clean and prep the deck before staining? Is there a how to guide to explain the restaining process?
Use the Gemini Kit while pressure washing for prep. For additional help, visit our help site: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/
Deck is 5 years old, previously stained twice but I’m not sure with what product. Looking to get it restained this year and searching for best product and cleaners. What do you recommend? Heavily shaded area gets lots of leaf litter that has added to discoloration. Pictures for reference.
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Use both additives: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Deck is 5 years old, previously stained twice but I’m not sure with what product. Looking to get it restained this year and searching for best product and cleaners. What do you recommend? Heavily shaded area gets lots of leaf litter that has added to discoloration.
We would need to see pics uploaded for prep advice. Thanks.
I had new pressure treated decking installed on a 220′ dock walkway leading out to a 16′ x 33′ dock about 1 year ago. I’ve intentionally waited as I understand product should not be added to new wood. Does ~1 year old (never stained) wood need the restore-a-deck pre-treat before staining?
Yes, it does.
I read on another site that with new(er) wood that only 1 coat is needed. Is that correct?
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
2 coats if older than 1 year. One coat if less.
Thanks
I wanted to double-check on the gallons before ordering. I’m going with the TWP 100. I have about 1800 sq. ft. for a 1 year old deck/dock. I’ll do 1 coat. Coverage says 100-200 sq. ft. per gallon. Would you say coverage is more towards the 200 since the wood is newer? I’m assuming I need to order (2) 5 gallon containers.
10 gallons should cover this for the 1 coat.
Brightner and cleaner harm pavers that are sealed with water base sealant under deck?
No.
My deck had BEHR deck over on it. It caused a lot of problems it allowed algae and mold to grown underneath . I’ve removed 90% of it. My deck is pressure treated pine, at least 11 years old. It’s been exposed all summer. I plan on washing, sanding and staining. There’s a few spots here and there the paint won’t come off because of their formula. Do I need to strip? Or just sand and wash? Do I sand first? Also is there and bleach in your cleaning solution, I have roses and plants that surround my deck. The wood is pretty raw at this point but definitely has algae and mold on it.
The only way to remove Deckover is to power sand. Stripping will not remove it. Once you sand it all off, clean and brighen for final prep. We do not have bleach in our products.
Does your restore a deck kill algae?
Yes, it can help to remove it.
One more question. I have a small area of mildew on my deck, built one year ago, along the strip where it abuts my house’s vinyl siding. Is warm water and dish soap sufficient, or do I need a bleach mixture? Thanks!
Watered down bleach (1 to 4) if the RAD products do not remove it.
Thank you!
Question about mix proportions/measurement of the cleaner and brightener. Thinking dry measuring cups here, i.e. if I was measuring flour for baking. Sorry if this is obvious, just trying to do things right. :)
I will be using a 1 gallon pump sprayer.
Cleaner – Directions say to add 6 oz. of cleaner to 1 gallon warm water. Is that 3/4 dry cup?
Brightener – Directions say to stir 1 cup of brightener per gallon of warm water. So, 1 dry cup?
Thanks in advance for answering what is probably a simple question.
6-8 oz per gallon of water for both products. One cup is 8 oz.
Thank you!
Check with your local municipalities for proper disposal info.
What product can I use to CLEAN the surface of my cedar deck to remove pollen, algae, mildew etc. but NOT prepare for staining. Just to clean. What is safe that will not harm the TWP stain?
A co worker suggested dish soap, simple green or wet and forget. Your thoughts?
thank you
Warm water with a little bit of dish soap. Wet and Forget would help as well with mold.
I’ll be using your cleaner and brightener on a deck and porch that is right up against the vinyl siding on the house side of the deck and porch. Will either of these products damage the siding? This is the siding that is on my house. I will be taping for the staining part of the project, but that will be easier to manage than spraying the cleaner/brightener. Thanks for your assistance.
Prewet and rinse over spray right away and you should have no issues.
After using gemini restore and brighten kit on a cedar fence, I have fine fuzz on the wood. Should this be sanded off before staining. Thanks
You can lightly sand or buff it off but it does not have to be done.
Had 1 year old new deck. Stained last year with Twp semisolid. Power washed and he was provided your recommended kit. Guy applying must not have known what he was doing because it needs to be redone because it has worn off everywhere. What steps should we follow?
Post some pics for prep help.
I applied 1500 series too thickly in a couple spots a few years ago. The rest of the deck is ready for cleaning and restaining, but I have a couple blotchy peeling spots on the deck. Any tips to handle this?
Strip and brighen all for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I’m cleaning a deck I applied TWP 1500 about 6 years ago. Do I need to use both restore a deck cleaner and restore a deck brightener or do I just need to use the cleaner? Also, the deck needs at least 48 hours to dry before applying stain?
Use both. 48 hours after to stain.
Do I need to use the brighter after cleaning my deck for restraining. Original stain TWP?
Yes.
how is it applied?
Apply with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off.
My deck is built on top of my roof, is the cleaner and brightener safe for TPO roofs?
Yes it should be.
Can/Should I use the brightner on stained wood? I am using the cleaner on a deck but not changing the stain.
No need.
We built a new deck 3 years ago, and let time get away and are just now going to stain it for the first time. We have very little traffic on the deck so it doesn’t have but surface dirt. Would a light power washing be sufficient to clean before staining? Also what is the difference between the 100 and 1500 series stain?
You will need the Gemini Kit while pressure washing. Difference between the stains is VOCs and what is allowed your state.
I am located in Illinois are both stains allowed there? And what is a VOC?
You need the 1500 series for IL.
my deck is six years old cedar, I power washed and sanded three times already and try different products that been highly recommended newer get good results they were all oil base now I am recommended to try water based semi solid product. my deck is again sand and washed and ready could you please share your opinion and lead PS; my deck exposed to sun all day
Don’t use a water-based semi-solid, it would look like a paint. The best option is TWP 100 or 1500 Series. Easy to maintain by cleaning/staining every 2-3 years and shows the natural wood grain.
No stain will last more than 2-3 years on a deck so you want one that penetrates and can be cleaned and recoated when needed.
thank you
How do you wait between applying cleaner and brighter and when can you re stain?
You brighten right after the cleaner. Stain 48 hours later.
What is the maximum time to apply the brightener after the cleaner? My deck is just under 600 square feet. Does the wood need to be wet with cleaner before applying the brightener? How long would it take to apply the cleaner using a pump sprayer (average)?
Do it right after cleaning while the wood is wet. No idea how long it will take you to do the prep process. Tha varies based on experience, etc.
Fading is normal through the years. New wood does need a second coat after the first year for decking. See here: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
where can i get your products in Ontario , specifically Hamilton area
Online only for shipping.
Is the cleaner and brightener safe for painted wood siding?
Yes.
Do you have a link to where I can just buy the cleaner? I have plenty of brightener left over for a stretch of fence, but just need the cleaner. I can’t seem to find that by itself. It used to be sold in a red and white RAD bag that would mix and make 5 gallons.
We do not sell just the cleaner on this site but you can order it on the Restore A Deck site.
I ordered. How long does it take for ground shipping? 84010
About 3-5 business days.
Do you have instructions for prepping the wood and for applying the semi-solid stain in Spanish?
We do not but you can translate our instructions online.
What is the difference between these two bundles?
TWP Semi-Solid Stain 5 Gallon and Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit and
TWP 1500 Series 5 Gallon and RAD Stripper/Brightener Kit
The Gemini Kit is a cleaner and Brightener and the other is a Stripper and Brightener.
I just order 1500series . My deck is 4 months old and one page on your site says to use the restore a deck kit to clean but the restore page itself talks about using to remove dirt, mold , mildew and graying in which my deck has none of the above. Do I need to prep with this step an not?
Yes, you must prep and yes you have oxidation to remove and mill glaze.