Make Restoring Your Exterior Wood …Easy!
Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit – Eco-Friendly Wood Restoration Made Easy
Revive and prepare your exterior wood surfaces with the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit. This two-part, eco-friendly system is specifically designed to clean and restore neglected, grayed wood, prepping it perfectly for staining or sealing.
What’s Included:
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Step 1: Gemini Restore-A-Deck Cleaner
Removes dirt, mold, mildew, algae, and weathered graying for a deep clean that enhances stain penetration. -
Step 2: Gemini Restore-A-Deck Brightener
Neutralizes the cleaner, restores the wood’s natural pH balance, and brings back a fresh, vibrant appearance.
Key Features:
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✅ 100% Biodegradable and environmentally safe
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✅ Concentrated powder formula – cleans up to 1,000 sq. ft.
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✅ Essential prep for re-staining or sealing wood
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✅ Restores natural wood color and beauty
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✅ Easy two-step process with clear instructions
Why Use Gemini Restore-A-Deck?
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Prepares wood for better stain adhesion and longevity
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Brightens and enhances the final stain appearance
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Safe for use around plants, pets, and landscaping
Ideal For:
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Decks
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Fences
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Siding
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Outdoor furniture
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Log homes
Product FAQ:
Q: How much area does one kit cover?
A: One Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit cleans and brightens 500-1,000 square feet, depending on wood porosity and condition.
Q: Can I use this on composite decking?
A: This kit is specially formulated for natural wood surfaces. For composite decking, a composite deck cleaner is recommended.
| Step | Task | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Mix Cleaner | – 6 oz per gallon for light cleaning – 8 oz per gallon for medium cleaning – 10 oz per gallon for heavy cleaning Mix in warm water until fully dissolved. |
| Apply Cleaner | Use a pump-up garden sprayer. Keep the surface wet for 15 minutes. Do not let cleaner dry on wood. | |
| Scrub (if needed) | – Older wood or failing stains may require light scrubbing. – No scrubbing needed if using pressure washer (under 2000 PSI). – Scrubbing recommended if rinsing with garden hose. |
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| Rinse Thoroughly | Rinse wood completely. Reapply cleaner and scrub any remaining gray areas if necessary. | |
| Step 2 | Mix Brightener | – 1 cup per gallon of warm water – Or entire container in 5 gallons warm water Stir until crystals dissolve. |
| Apply Brightener | Spray evenly using a pump-up sprayer. Cover the entire surface. | |
| Rinse After Application | Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. No scrubbing or pressure washing needed. | |
| Final Check | Ensure all gray areas were removed before brightening. |
✅ Pro Tip for Best Results:
Always complete Step Two (brightener) immediately after rinsing off the cleaner to restore the wood’s natural pH balance and achieve the best stain longevity.
my deck is “new” it has been 8 months since installing. waited for it to fully dry. pressure treated… I used step one just to get the accumulated dirt from the deck and washed it thoroughly. There’s definitely no need to brighten my wood, but is it necessary? I’d like to just stain it… Any risk?
The brightener is needed to neutralize the cleaner.
I have used the Prairie Gray, but I would love to change to a more natural color or one that does not look so orange. What do you suggest or should I just clean with the Restore Kit and apply Prairie Gray again?
To change colors, use this Kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
Once removed, you can use any of the colors.
I sanded off opaque deck paint and redid with TWP semi transparent in July 2020. I want to redo the stain this summer.
What would you suggest- Sanding the surface again completely? deck cleaner/brightener? Or deck stripper/brightener?
I am aware deck is not in great shape and our dog has scratched up the deck significantly (and probably will again shortly after we stain). So we are looking for the easiest and most practical way to get a little more life out of it. Could we do ok with just using the cleaner/brightener?
I am also concerned about stripping because deck is completely surrounded by perennial flowerbeds and shrubs/ plants.
Attaching pics pre-2020 before TWP after we sanded, TWP finished in 2020 and now.
Strip and brighten would be easiest. Cover plants from overspray while working.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
I don’t have a pressure washer to remove the Gemini RAD before applying the first ever stain to my year old pressure treated pine deck. Will a garden hose and car wash style brush suffice? Or do I need to impose on neighbors and borrow a washer?
It would be better and easier if you used the neighbors pressure washer.
Which clean kit/stripper would you recommend to prep this deck for stain. Previous stain was TWP Cedar Tone semi transparent.
Use this kit to ensure an even application:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
I want to use this kit on the beams of my front porch, will using it affect my composite decking at all?
No, it should not.
Can you tell me if this looks ready for staining? I’ve used the cleaner and brightener, but it has been raining intermittently for the last week. Do I need to brighten it again and wait 48 hours for it to dry before staining? Thanks so much!
Yes, go ahead and stain.
Do I need to stain bottom of my deck? Thanks!
Only for aesthetic reasons. It doesn’t have to be done.
We’ve stained our 600 sq ft cedar deck every 2-3 yrs with TWP semi-transparent stain since it was built in 2008, first using TWP 100, then changing to the 1500 series when it became available. We’ve always prepped using RAD cleaner & brightener as recommended. We want to switch over to TWP semi-solid stain. Is the prep process the same? Do we need to completely remove the TWP 1500 first or can we clean, brighten, let dry and then apply the semi-solid stain? Also, which color of the semi-solid is closest to the 1501 cedartone. From the color chart, it looks like the cedar mulch color. Thanks for your help.
Strip and brighten for prep is best when switching:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
There is no close color or matching color to the 1501 cedartone. We would suggest getting a couple of samples to test.
I have a fence and deck that has been previously stained. But I’m not sure what stain the previous owner or builder used. I do know that the wood is pressure treated southern yellow pine. The stain for both is fading and there is clear gray discoloration.
I would like to apply TWP 100 (based in NC); to prep should I go with Gemini Restore Kit or Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Restore-A-Deck Brightener?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VbaNdJye6NJqweqb6
Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Restore-A-Deck Brightener
What tools do I need to use these products. Just a scrub brush? I usually read the instructions but I don’t see them online.
Hi,
You apply with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off.
FYI, we’ve updated the product description and added a directions tab.
What PSI is recommended for pressure washing
1500-2000 PSI. Take into consideration that you can use a machine rated higher. The pressure drops roughly by 1/2 when you wash from 6-10 inches from the wood.
I applied TWP100 to our entire pressure treated pine boat dock (including deck, posts, beams, etc.) about 2.5 years ago. All surfaces under roof have held up well in the Houston weather, but the uncovered 5/4 deck boards are showing some wear.
Now planning to apply TWP Semi-Solid to PT pine patio & balcony since some is uncovered and want the increased UV protection. What would you recommend for also applying the Semi-Solid over the old TWP100 on the horizontal deck boards on the boat dock – pressure wash, cleaner/brightener, or stripper/brightener? Thanks!
Very, sorry for the delayed response, as we missed your comment. Strip and Brighten would be best here.
Hi! I prepped my new deck 8 days ago but with unexpected rain, have not been able to stain. Do I need to re apply the cleaner and bright we before staining? Does it truly only last 2 weeks?
If it has been longer than 2 weeks, then we suggest redoing the brightener and giving it a low-pressure wash rinse.
Can the cleaner be applied to a deck still wet from rain, or do I need to wait until it dries out to apply the cleaner?
Damp or dry is okay. Not soaking wet or in a pouring rain.
I have black glossy powder coated ballasts (see pic.). When I stain the deck, stain will of course get on the ballasts. What is the best method and product to use to remove the stain from ballasts?
If you wipe them clan right away when applying, the stain will come off. This is easiest.
What is the recommended time between applying stain after using Restore-A-Deck? Would I be able to do the Restore-A-Deck this weekend, and stain next weekend?
48 hours after prep or rain. Stain within 2 weeks after prep is best.
I am about to put on a second coat after a couple years of applying the first coat. When using the Restore-A-Deck product, do I actually need a pressure washer?
Yes, you need to pressure wash rinse after applying.
How much time needs to pass between steps 1 and 2 of the Restore Kit? Once those steps are completed, when can 1503 stain be applied? Thanks!
How long in between steps 1 and 2 followed by the actual 1503 staining? (Redwood porch)
Each step is done the same day. Staining is 48 hours after prep or any rain.
My porch is redwood and was built 4-5 months ago. It dried out in the sweltering heat (115 at times) with direct sunlight 80% of the day. With this context, would you recommend starting with Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit? I’m trying to get it ready before the rain (November’ish).
That’s correct.
What is the quickest/easiest way to apply cleaner/brighter?
With a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off.
Thanks!
Using Gemini cleaner on 2 years old TWP 1500. Seems
Like it’s having problem to remove existing coating. 3 applications, keeping wet for 15 mins, powerwash. Should I use stripper instead?
Yes, use the Stripper for this. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper
You can use the brightener you have from the Kit afterward.
should you power wash an old cedar deck before applying the Gemini restore-a-deck kit?
You pressure wash while using the Gemini Restore kit.
Hi, I built a cedar deck, last summer. From researching on the internet, I came to the conclusion to let the wood, sit a year, before staining it. We now would like to get it stained, and use your products to prepare it, and stain it. Thanks for your help!
Hi, use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep and then stain with the TWP 1500 Series.
I built a new Ceder Deck, last summer. it is 15′ x 16′ After researching various websites, we decided to let the deck sit for one year. Nothing was done to it. With it now being, one year later, it has grayed some, and we would like to stain it, and protect the wood. We are thinking the TWP 100 Series stain, is what we should use, with the natural Ceder Tone.
The question I have, is what should I do now, to prep the deck for stain? Sounds like I need to clean it, before applying the stain. What product would you recommend to clean the deck, and how long should we wait, after it has been cleaned? Thanks
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep. Stain 48 hours later.
What is the difference between Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Restore-A-Deck Brightener on and the Gemini Restore-A-Deck kit on your website?
The RAD Kit is a stripper and brightener kit, not a cleaner and brightener kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
The Gemini Restore Kit is a Cleaner and Brightener Kit.
I would like to clean my deck, used TWP 1500 1-year ago on a brand-new deck and the deck is just dirty. What should I use?
Thanks
Use the Gemini Restore Kit.
I put TWP 1500 series Natural on clear cedar. Came out nice, but doesnt go well with other colors on our house and porch, and so I tried applying TWP 1500 dark oak. I tried applying it, let it soak for an hour, and then wiping off hoping the wood would take on the darker color, but it doesn’t seem to The yellow from the original “natural” coat still comes through ” a lot”. So I added a second coat, but there wasnt much difference. I then tried applying it and just letting it dry without wiping. The color is better, but I can tell it will easily wear off, especially in foot traffic places.
Do you have any suggestions for applying the Dark Oak in a way that it will last and also darken the wood? Do I need to first treat the wood first with a stripper or cleaner?
You will need to strip and brighten to remove the first coating:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
We just used the cleaning and brightening kit on a very old deck. It’s much improved but I feel like there is still some graying on it and there are also some marks from the power washer. Will those go away if we proceed with the stain given the condition should we clean and brighten again?
Top part of photo is original deck and bottom part of photo is after cleaning and brightening.
Wet it down with water. If it looks good when wet, it will look good when stained.
Ok we watered it down and I didn’t like how it looked still. If I power wash again to get remaining gray off, do I then need to do the brightening again before staining?
Not if just washing with water. Some of the discoloration may be internal and that may not come out with rewashing. Nothing will get that out.
I have TWP100 stain that was applied 3 summers ago. The deck part that is never in the sun looks like I just applied it. The part in the sun needs new stain badly. Should I use restore a deck on the whole thing just for consistency? What is the difference with the stripper you sell vs the restore a deck product. What would you recommend I do?
For a consistent appearance, use the stripper kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
What are the scenarios where I would use this restore a deck vs using the RAD stripper/brightner?? They both look like they would work for my situation.
I’m going to be starting to restain the most weathered sides of my vertical cedar siding. Wood was last stained in 2018 with twp 1500 cedar, trim in honey tone.
I will be using the same colors but 100 series this time .
I also have some posts that have some maroon-ish semi solid Ben Moore stain on them. I’d like to change them to either the cedar or honey color. What would be my options there?
Thanks
It depends on the stain’s condition. When switching Series, you should strip and brighten for prep. FYI, the TWP 100 Series and 1500 Series are different colors. 1501 Cedartone does not match 101 Cedartone. For the BM stain, reply with pics in the comments so we can offer advice.
In terms of stain color between 100 and 1500, I presume one is darker than the other?
Pics attached of the BM stained posts.
That looks like an opaque solid stain. You will need to use this to remove: https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paintstrip-paint-solid-stain-stripping-gel
One series is not consistently darker than the other series.
Ok I will add that stripper to my cart.
So for switching from 1500 to 100 series , this is the product I want to use correct?
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
Once I start to stain I only want to put one coat on, correct? I don’t want to do wet on wet?
👍 Correct.
Also any recommendations for brushes/rollers to use to on rough sawn vertical cedar siding? I used many different types of deck brushes last time and was not thrilled with any of them.
You could use the 10″ Yellow brush for vertical rough wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/deck-floor-staining-push-brush
Outstanding, thanks for all the!
I have a pergola that required the top to rebuilt. I used pressure treated lumber on the top and installed it in May of last year. The rest of the structure is the original wood installed by the previous homeowner. It’s hard for me to tell whether stain was previously applied to the original structure. Will the restore-a-deck kit be suitable for both the new and old lumber or am I better off using the stripper/brightener kit?
Can you send a close of a board with the old stain on it? Thanks
Better?
Gemini Restore Kit should work for all wood here.
Perfect, thanks!
Can I use this on my hand hewn logs? Will it strip the old stain or just clean it? I didnt figure I needed to strip it.
Yes, you can use this on your wood, but this is a prep kit for recoating. Do not use it unless you plan to recoat. If you are recoating with TWP, then this is the correct product.
I bought Gemini Restore-a-Deck to prepare for re-applying 1500 on horizontal areas. I’m worried that the brightener will lift the grain and make the wood fuzzy. When I initially stained my deck, I had to sand a lot because of the fuzz. What do you suggest?
A brightener does not make wood fuzzy. Removing old stains or oxidation could possibly do this when cleaning or stripping, but a brightener does not. It happens based on your wood condition and can be avoided if it happens. 99% it is not an issue and you can just go ahead and stain.
With using Gemini restore a deck,
To remove existing twp100 and apply 1500, is power washing the Gemini off a requirement or can it be rinsed off with hose pressure?
Pressure washing is much more effective and will give better results.
Currently have a pressure treated wood deck stained with TWP 1504 Black Walnut in 2021 and am ready to strip and re-stain. I have the Restore-a-Deck kit. Here are my questions:
1) I still have 1 1/2 gallons of the original 3 gallons of 1504 stain from 2021. Is it still usable three years later?
2) For prep – I have a 2100 psi power washer and a surface cleaner attachment. Should/could I power wash BEFORE using the stripper and brightener, or just hose/sweep the deck surface off, then apply the stripper?
3) Once stripper is applied, can I use the surface cleaner attachment with my power washer to clean the surface before applying the brightener?
4) Once I’ve cleaned and brightened the surface, how soon after should I begin re-staining? Asked another way, what’s the maximum amount of time I can wait between finishing the stripping/brightening process and applying a new coat of stain?
Thanks!
My questions regarding disposal of the cleaner & brightener keep disappearing (happened a few weeks ago & today). Why are they not being answered?
Thanks
Hi John, not sure what you are reffering to but we have answered every one of your question on this subject and they are clearly on the website for the world to see.
Thanks, I wasn’t able to find them for some reason
How do I dispose of the leftover cleaner and brightener? If I mix them, do they cancel each other out so I can pour in the drain? Or should I take to the haz waste pickup? Thanks
You should talk to your local city/twp about disposing of chemicals. They typically have days set aside for this.
Can I use tsp on wood cedar furniture?
No, use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep, not TSP.
I meant TWP?
Yes, you can use TWP on wood furniture.
What product do I use on new cedar, aged 6 months, before applying stain/sealer?
The Gemini Restore kit.
Can you use TWP 1500 series on a deck that was previously coated with TWP 100 of the same color without stripping the old TWP 100?
You should strip and brighten when switching. FYI stripping is just as easy as cleaning, just removing it down to the bare wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
I have a massive deck – just under 2000 square feet – so I am working on cleaning first. I have cleaned about half and was going to apply brightener when I was completely done cleaning. This will not all be on the same day! I see in the comment now that the brightener should be applied while deck is still wet. Any advice for me? Should I still go back now with the brightener even though deck has dried? Ugh!
Finish the cleaning at this point and then brighten all when done.
Could I use the Cleaner and rinse, then immediately after use the Brightener? Or is there a dry time needed between the two products? Thanks!
As soon as you are done with the Cleaner, you immediately use the Brightener while the wood is wet.
Is there an ingredient list for gemini cleaner and brightener?
Sorry, but we do not share our formulas. Trade secrets.
I stained horizontal deck last year and I’m now about to stain vertical wood. While prepping verticals with restore a deck, will it harm previously TWP stained boards if gets on them? Not planning on another coat on horizontal until next year or later.
Best to keep the prep products off any areas you do not want to stain.
Last fall, I stained the deck except the post and having left over TWP stain. I am thinking to re apply the stain to the deck when I apply it on to the post. Can I do that? What prep is needed?
Whenever you recoat, you need to prep and that would be with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Last spring I stained my new deck in back facing south and front stairs facing north with the color pecan which I’m very pleased with. But I think I messed up by added a wet on wet coating on all flat surfaces . I don’t think it was supposed to do that on a new deck.This is a new home.So by the time i got around to cleaning with restore a deck cleaner and brightner was about a year and a half in the blasing sun in the back. Will it cause a problem? And also what’s the best way to clean a deck between stainings
You should be okay. Just use warm water and some dish soap to clean off dirt.
I will be using this kit on a deck that was stained about three years ago with TWP 1503 dark oak. I will be using the same TWP, same tint to re-stain it. Is this kit enough to the job, or do I need to strip the old stain?
The Gemini Kit will work well for this.
Do you recommend to wash off the cleaner a pressure washer with gentle nozzle, or a hose-end sprayer?
You need to pressure wash off the cleaner, not just rinse.
Thanks. I’ll pressure wash it off hard. Wish me luck> new six month old Pergola.
You want to be about 6-12 inches away when washing. Close enough to remove what is needed but not too close that it can damage the wood.
Will Gemini restore a deck kit remove mill glaze
Yes.