Protecting your exterior wood surfaces from harsh elements is the key to enhanced appearance and increased lifespan. Unprotected wood will rot, decay, and discolor quickly from moisture and harmful UV rays. To protect your wood surfaces from Mother Nature, the wood must first be cleaned and prepped prior to applying a wood preservative.
The Gemini Restore Kit is a powerful deck cleaner and brightener system. The 2-part restoration system is Eco-Friendly and 100% biodegradable. It is a concentrated powder formula that preps wood surfaces prior to staining or sealing. This easy to use system is perfect for the do-it-yourself homeowner looking to increase the appearance and protection of most any exterior wood surface.
To prep a wood surface using the Gemini Restore Kit use these easy to follow step-by-step instructions.
- Air temperatures should be between 45-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to move all furnishings, potted plants, and outdoor décor from the immediate work area.
- Cover and protect landscaping, plants, shrubbery, windows, doors, etc. or pre-wet with clean water.
- Follow the Gemini Restore Kit instructions for mixing the Wood Cleaner (step 1) in a clean 5-gallon bucket until all the solid crystals are dissolved thoroughly.
- Lightly moisten the wood with clean water. Use a pump sprayer or scrub brush to apply the Gemini Wood Cleaner. Allow the cleaner to soak on the surface for 5-15 minutes. Make sure the wood remains moist by misting it with clean water.
- Scrub with a brush or use a pressure washer to remove graying, dirt, and grime from the wood surface. Be cautious not to use extreme pressure.
- Once the wood surface has been washed, rinse the surface along with the surrounding landscaping, windows, house siding, etc.
- Mix the Gemini Restore Wood Brightener (step 2) according to the instructions. Apply to a still wet wood surface using a pump sprayer and let soak for 10 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with fresh water.
The clean and prepped wood surface should be allowed to air dry for 1-2 days prior to deck stain or sealer application. Gemini Restore Kit is best for gray and weathered wood surfaces and may not be best for removing old deck stains or sealers.
Ask Questions in Comment Area Below
Ready to clean and brighten my deck. You say to keep the wood moist by misting it with clean water. The package states to keep the wood moist by misting with the cleaner. Which option do I use?
Thanks
Keep the deck wet while workig by misting with water.
It is time for me to recoat my Douglas Fir timbers that were coated with TWP1530 a couple years ago. I see instructions that “you must prep whenever you recoat which would consist of cleaning” with the recommendation to use Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit for that. Additional instructions said that If you switch colors or semi-solids, you must strip and BRIGHTEN for prep. But unless I missed it, I only see the cleaner available in kit form that includes the brightener. Do I need to apply the brightener as well on a recoat of the same color?
Yes, to neutralize the Cleaner.
Is it okay to apply brightener 2 or more days after cleaner, with rainy days before the brightener?
Yes, but always brighten the same day as cleaning if possible.
If I don’t have a pump sprayer, can I use a brush for both step 1 and step 2? If it rains after I prep, do I need to prep again?
Best to purchase a pump sprayer for ease of use and best results. It will not work very well with a brush to apply the prep products. Rain does not harm prep.
yes everything was power washed..it now appears that many of the blotches are clearing up as the wood dries
hope it’s ok that the workers had to take their lunch break and the wood is drying out?
They will wet it before applying brightener soon
we just used restore a kit step one…the cleaner..on kiln died clear redwood deck that was installed 6 months ago…kept it moist the entire time following all directions..it appear that some slats are cleaned and back to their original color and others have a greyish spots and sections…will the brightener clear that up or do we have to re-clean?
Did you pressure wash it off? Pics? You can upload them here.
with this product would I need to protect others surfaces such as concrete, from drips or over spraying?
No but rinse well when done to remove soap and dirt.
12×26 Cedar deck was new in 05/2020. Picture is after RAD.
1. Wet on wet or one coat using TWP 100 Cedartone? Using stain pads on deck, brush on railing.2. After RAD (took 3 cleanings using cleaner and pressure washer, used all of the cleaner) and waiting 48hrs I had to cover deck with multiple tarps due to rain forecast and rain. Now forecast is maybe a week out before I can stain. What do I need to do?3. 6 steps not shown were not tarped. Can I do brightener only.4. Why is cleaner instructions given in ounces and brightener given in cups?
1. Yes.2. Nothing, just let dry 48 hours after rain.3. No need to brighten again.
I have cleaned and brightened deck twice now. Due to weather and family matters, it has been more than 2 weeks since last prep – 4-5 weeks. What will happen if I stain now as I want to get done prior to change in weather. I am in Wisconsin.
You need to redo prep. Light cleaning will suffice.
2 years ago we stained our old pressure treated pine deck with TWP 1500 series stain. We now (2 years later) would like to apply a maintenance coat of the same stain, same color, as there has been significant fading in the area exposed to the elements (not those under roof). We live in Ohio, so it was subjected to heat & sun, rain, cold, snow & ice.
It is not entirely clear to me the best prepping cleaner. Sometimes cleaning with detergent & water seems to be sufficient/recommended. Most of the time the Gemini Restore a deck cleaner+brightener kit is recommended. The Gemini Cleaner directions recommend 6oz/gal for light cleaning, 8 oz/gal for medium, and 10 oz/gal for heavy cleaning.
Is soap & water enough in this case, or do you recommend the Gemini light cleaning level since we are using the same color 1500 series stain? Or heavier cleaning solution?
Thanks.
Use the Gemini Kit at normal ratios of 8oz per gallon.
Hi, building a Doug fir pergola above a new concrete deck. Will the cleaner/brighter stain or discolor the concrete? What precautions to take? Thanks in advance.
No, but rinse well when done.
Is there a minimum air temperature that you can do the cleaner/brightener? Is there a maximum amount of days you can wait before staining? (If you wait too long, should you prep again?). Just trying to judge what we should do with the upcoming weather that we have. Thanks.
50 degrees. Stain withing 14 days of prep.
Thank you!!
Are there any directions for the restor a deck kit? This page tells me to “Follow the Gemini Restore Kit instructions for mixing the Wood Cleaner”. That doesn’t help. I visited this site because I can’t read the two point lettering on the actual kit.
https://www.gemini-coatings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/895.pdf
Here are my plans for this week to stain our porch. Let me know if I should change anything.
The house and porch are two years old and has never been stained before.
Tuesday- have a guy coming to power wash the porch
Thursday- I will be doing the Gemini cleaner/brightener kit
Sunday- I will be staining the deck with a brush, I assume it will only need one coat since its a fairly new porch?
Anything you would recommend changing? Thanks!
You use the Gemini Kit while pressure washing. Just one coat for newer wood is correct.
Ok, so I haven’t received the kit in the mail yet, it comes tomorrow. So this might be self explanatory once I receive the product, but what instructions should I give the guy.
Is this correct?
Spray cleaner on porch
Let sit for 10 minutes
Powerwash the porch.
Apply brightener
Rinse the porch
Correct.
Ok, just last question.
Apply the cleaner to a dry porch?
Damp or wet is easiest.
I used the Restore-A-Deck kit a couple of days ago and it did a fantastic job! However, I have the black plastic connectors for the balusters and they have left a white residue that I can’t get off. I’ve tried multi-purpose cleaner, Mineral Spirits, Goo Gone, CLR, to name a few. Do you have a recommendation?
Not sure, post a picture.
Here it is.
Hmm, never seen that before. Maybe try buffing it over with a green scotch brite pad?
Will the cleaner and brightener hurt the brick on the house?
No, it will not.
can the gemini cleaner and brightener be applied on separate days, or do they need to follow one right after the other immediately?
Best to do the brightener right after the cleaner.
How do I need to prep a deck for TWP if in past years I have used Flood Solid Color Stain? I have pressure washed and quite a bit flakes off.
You will have to power sand to remove a solid stain.
After sanding of pressure treated deck with Arborcoat solid stain,can I use cleaner and brightening without damaging tempered glass balusters on the railing.
Yes.
Last spring I applied TWP 100 to our pool deck. This year it appears to have faded. I’d like to freshen it this year. Do I need to clean and brighten with the Gemini restore-a-kit before I reapply a new coat of TWP or just clean with Gemini?
Clean and brighten for the prep when applying a maintenance coat.
photo
Can I use this on my garage door as well? Door hasn’t been stained in at least 12 years and is a bit weathered. Was hoping to use this kit instead of sanding the entire thing.
That would depedn on what stain brand and type is on the door now. You may need to strip instead of clean for prep. Pictures would help.
Was stained by previous owner, so not sure what product was used.
Best to strip and pressure wash with the RAD Stripper Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
NP
It looks like a week will have passed since I cleaned my deck with Gemini cleaner and brightener before the weather cooperates to stain with TWP 100. Do I need to clean it again?
No need unless longer than 2 weeks between prep and stain.
I started using this today. This stuff is amazing. I have a 320 ft. fence. I didn’t realize how time consuming this was going to be. I didn’t take into account that after cleaning one side of the fence a
a lot of the crap comes off ends up on the other side of the fence. Then vice versa. A lot of time going back and forth.
Fence is new and about 9 months old.
1. Is the brightener necessary? I used it and compared to a section that I didn’t apply and didn’t see any difference.
2.After spraying the cleaner and stripping off whatever that stuff is the wood is now clean. If I go back and spray I’m still getting white liquid coming off the fence. I sprayed a section for 30 min. after it was clean and still get this. Is this normal?
3. I’m thinking I may need to do clean/stain in sections. If I clean and stain a section and if any of the spray or a glop of whatever that stuff is lands on a stained part of the fence is it going to remove the stain?
1. Yes, it neutralizes the cleaner.
2. Yes.
3. Best to clean and brighten all before moving on to any staining.
There were a few sections I didn’t use the brightener. Does it pay to go back and spray it on now? Will not spraying the brightener affect the stain at all?
After you mix the powder how long is it good for?
Yes, brighten all. It could affect the stains appearance to not be even if you did not do all. The Brightener does not have a shelf life once mixed. The Cleaner needs to be used within a few hours of mixing.
I purchased the Gemini cleaner and brightener product for prepping my sanded down cedar floor. I have a t&g vertical cedar wall that was coated with the same clear finish that was removed from the floor. I applied the cleaner to this wall to see if it would improve its appearance and the old clear coating came off and was able to sand down what remained. My question is the Gemini deck cleaner a cleaner or is it also capable of stripping? The old clear sealer is/was in good shape, and this product removed it. Old oil Cabot. My other concern is two years from now when its time for a redo will it clean or strip?
It can remove old coatings if the old coating has deteriorated.
I’m sanding a covered porch cedar deck and would like to apply TWP natural when done. Does the area need to be cleaned with the cleaner/brightened prior to restraining? Will the cleaner/brightened discoloration or darken the sanded down surface?
Yes, it has to be prepped after the sanding. do not sand finer than 80 grit. It does not darken the wood.
Do I use the restore kit for this cleaning per instructions . Can the sealer be applied in high humidity conditions. Original deck floor is 20 years old over treated lumber subfloor with concrete below that. Wash water eventually drains down, but stays damp for a while.
Yes, use the Gemini Restore Kit. Humidity is not an issue.
I have a new dock 12 months weathered and nothing done to it yet… no electric no water at it as of now… is brushing with product just as effective as pressure washing (could use worx battery powered with river water) and if pressure washed it mentioned not too much pressure, what is too much pressure? Then using ur twp product…
No, you need to pressure wash as well. No more than 1600 Psi.
Will the cleaner hurt vinyl siding
No, it will not.
If the product is applied to a porch that is in great shape with TWP on it would it affect it at all? Most of my Ipe porch is in great shape with TWP 116 but the stairs are in bad shape. I don’t see that the porch needs cleaning only the stairs but when I apply and rinse it will end up on the porch just curious if the product has any affect on wood that has a very good condition coat of TWP on it?
This product is used for prepping when reapplying. If some of it gets on your porch, it may “Clean” or lighten some of the TWP that is on the porch.
I used TWP 1500 Redwood Stain 5 years ago and ready to re-stain again using the same stain. Do I need to use the cleaner and brightener again? Thanks!
Bob
Yes, that is correct.
[quote name=”Bobee”]Is it a problem if it were to rain after I cleaned & brighten my deck?[/quote]
No. Just make sure it dries for 24-48 hours after a rain before applying the TWP.
Is it a problem if it were to rain after I cleaned & brighten my deck?
[quote name=”ZachM”]Hello,
I have a pergola made of thick, rough-sawn wood. Do I need to prep this type of wood or is it porous enough to begin staining?[/quote]
You do not have to prep rough sawn wood as long as it is clean and dry.
Hello,
I have a pergola made of thick, rough-sawn wood. Do I need to prep this type of wood or is it porous enough to begin staining?
[quote name=”DaveS”]Does the restore kit have to be applied when the deck is dry (and if so, how long does it have to dry for)? Or can it be applied, for example, right after a rain shower has occurred?[/quote]
You can do the prep with the wood damp.
Does the restore kit have to be applied when the deck is dry (and if so, how long does it have to dry for)? Or can it be applied, for example, right after a rain shower has occurred?
[quote name=”Jeff-J”]My fence is about a year old and I’ve already pressure washed it. There are still a few spots that are a little green or discolored. My neighbor used a liquid spray cleaner and just hosed it off. Do you think that would be adequate for using the TSP cleaner? I plan to follow up with TSP 100. I live in the Seattle area.[/quote]
It would be best to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit for this. TSP is not the proper way.
My fence is about a year old and I’ve already pressure washed it. There are still a few spots that are a little green or discolored. My neighbor used a liquid spray cleaner and just hosed it off. Do you think that would be adequate for using the TSP cleaner? I plan to follow up with TSP 100. I live in the Seattle area.
[quote name=”Jeffery Bird”]I have a new ceadar fence about 10 months old. what is the best prep method for twp 1500.[/quote]
Using the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing.
I have a new ceadar fence about 10 months old. what is the best prep method for twp 1500.
[quote name=”joec”]will the wood cleaner or brightener affect concrete pavers or stone? i.e do I need to cover the patio before using the products on a nearby deck?[/quote]
No they do not harm/effect concrete or pavers. It may clean them some though.
will the wood cleaner or brightener affect concrete pavers or stone? i.e do I need to cover the patio before using the products on a nearby deck?
[quote name=”Rob Zimmerman”]Planning to use Gemini restore kit on cedar clapboards previously stained (5 years ago) with TWP101. Water supply to the house is via drilled well and is within 15′ of the house. Is Gemini system safe to use in this situation?
Thanks,
Rob[/quote]
Yes it is fine.
Planning to use Gemini restore kit on cedar clapboards previously stained (5 years ago) with TWP101. Water supply to the house is via drilled well and is within 15′ of the house. Is Gemini system safe to use in this situation?
Thanks,
Rob
[quote name=”tom ambrey”]I refinished my decks last year with TWP about a year ago. The surface is mostly wearing evenly however in some areas the finish is completely gone. Can I apply a new coat over the entire deck or do I need to do something more? If I can reapply directly over the existing what steps do I need to take to prepare the old surface to receive the new coat>[/quote]
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and apply another coat to all.
I refinished my decks last year with TWP about a year ago. The surface is mostly wearing evenly however in some areas the finish is completely gone. Can I apply a new coat over the entire deck or do I need to do something more? If I can reapply directly over the existing what steps do I need to take to prepare the old surface to receive the new coat>
[quote name=”Maryland Homeowner”]My deck and vertical railing was stained with TWP 1500 series in 2015. I replaced the top railing board with pressure treated pine that same summer. Now (12 months later) I’d like to stain those unstained boards. Will the Restore Kit damage the stained wood? Any prep to the top railing board will make contact with the stained deck and vertical railing underneath. What are my options?[/quote]
It would be best to prep all the wood. New and the perviously stained wood. Apply one light coat to all.
My deck and vertical railing was stained with TWP 1500 series in 2015. I replaced the top railing board with pressure treated pine that same summer. Now (12 months later) I’d like to stain those unstained boards. Will the Restore Kit damage the stained wood? Any prep to the top railing board will make contact with the stained deck and vertical railing underneath. What are my options?
[quote name=”Jamie Putnam”]I am sanding my 30+ yr. old clear heart redwood deck down to bare wood and plan to use semi-solid TWP Stain. Is newly sanded old wood to be treated like new wood in terms of waiting times between cleaning, brightening, and staining? Does the brightening eliminate black tannin streaks that appear awhile after sanding?
Thanks![/quote]
TWP does not come in a semi-solid. Wait a month after the sanding and clean and brighten the wood for the prep. It should help with any tannin stains.
I am sanding my 30+ yr. old clear heart redwood deck down to bare wood and plan to use semi-solid TWP Stain. Is newly sanded old wood to be treated like new wood in terms of waiting times between cleaning, brightening, and staining? Does the brightening eliminate black tannin streaks that appear awhile after sanding?
Thanks!