Gemini RAD Label SmallNew or Gray looking Decks/Wood

When cleaning Wood or Decks, use the Restore-A-Deck Kit. This will open the pores and remove any graying and or dirt. This is important even for new wood. New wood has a mill glaze that should be removed prior to any stain application. For removal of old stain see Wood Stain Strippers.

  1. Wet deck down thoroughly with water. Take extra care to pre-rinse vegetation.
  2. Apply the Step 1from the Restore-A-Deck Kit following manufacturer's directions. Most cleaners can be applied with a pump-up sprayer. The cleaner should dwell on the wood for 5-15 minutes. Make sure that you mist the deck with water if it starts to dry. Use protective clothing, glasses, and gloves.
  3. Pressure Wash or Hand Scrub the wood to remove dirt, graying, mold, mildew. If there is a previous coating and it starts to come off unevenly, then you may want to consider using a Wood Stain Stripper. This will ensure a more even appearance when stained.
  4. When done washing take time to rinse all wood, home, vegetation, etc to remove the cleaner residue, grime, and wood fibers.
  5. Use Step 2 from the Restore-A-Deck Kit to "brighten" the wood and neutralize the cleaner back to the proper pH balance for the wood. This should dwell on the wood for 5-15 minutes. Once done make sure to rinse the wood, home, vegetation, etc.
  6. Wood should dry for 48 hours prior to applying a TWP Stain.

*Make sure that you follow all manufacturers instructions

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  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Jocelyn · 04/21/2023
    For rinsing the wood in Step 4 can I hand scrub it or use a pump sprayer, or do I need to use a pressure washer?
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      TWP Stains · 04/21/2023
      Pressure wash rinse is by far the easiest and best way.
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    Michael DeFlorio · 09/17/2022
    Applying Restore-A-Deck to clean a new wood raised deck that sits above a concrete patio.  Will the cleaner stain the concrete?
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    Jplotzke · 07/06/2022
    We just cleaned and brightened our deck. Letting it dry for 48 hours before staining.  A bird pooped an epic purple staining poop on our deck. It will not come out w water. Any suggestions on how to get the purple poop stain off before we stain?
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    Paul · 05/15/2021
    I have a deck which I stained for the first time last year.  It's in good shape.  I would like to restain the horizontal surfaces this year.  What prep do you recommend?  I donlt want to strip the current stain, just keep it in good shape.  A powerwash should be good?  brush and vinegar?  Thanks
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    Brenda H · 04/15/2021
    Can I just rinse my fence with a hose after applying restore a deck and then have my contractor power wash in a few days and then apply the brightener? 
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      TWP Stains · 04/16/2021
      No. You need to pressure wash off the Cleaner and apply the Brightener the same day.
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    Gary · 10/07/2020
    I have a new cedar deck that has been down for 45 days and really to stain. Do i need to just clean it with a cleaner or clean it and use a brightener afterwards? Also is it necessary to lightly sand before cleaning to help remove mill glaze?
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    tom · 09/03/2020
    Is power washing ok to prep a wood deck for twp.

    tom, Colorado
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      TWP Stains · 09/03/2020
      Depends on the current condition and if there is a previous stain or not as to what to use for prep products while pressure washing.
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    Rick · 08/02/2020
    Due to Covid 19 my deck will be two year old wood with nothing on it. Will your products work due to the time lapse of nothing put on the wood
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    Rick · 07/31/2020
    is restore a deck safe to use on stainless steal cable runs used as a railing
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    Dan · 06/25/2020
    Hi,

    Should I sand before or after cleaning/brightening? Also, is it okay to clean and brighten after it rains?
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      TWP Stains · 06/26/2020
      Sand first if you need to. Rain does not have any effect on the prep.
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    Joanna · 06/10/2020
    I wish I had found this page a week ago! I recently used bleach to remove mildew from my 5 year old deck and brighten it from it’s gray weathered tone. I now want to seal and stain it to protect it. I’m worried that the bleach his soaked into the pores and that staining will be futile. Should I use your Restore-A-Deck products to neutralize the PH of the bleach and prep the wood for staining, or can I just go ahead and stain it since it’s already been cleaned? Thanks!!
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      TWP Stains · 06/10/2020
      You should be okay to stain if the wood is clean.
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        Joanna · 06/10/2020
        Great, thank you!!
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    Rex Mustain · 06/09/2020
    can I apply twp 100 over twp 1500
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    Josh B · 06/03/2020
    In between maintenance stain application and related prep cleaning and brightening, is it best to clean my deck (coated with TWP 100 series stain) with mild detergent like Dawn and a soft scrub brush to keep it feeling clean under foot?
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    Eugene · 05/25/2019
    I applied 1500 Cedartone to a new pressure treated deck last summer. Just had the house and deck power washed this week and looks like some of the stain was removed as it is lighter than before in some areas. Does that mean I put it on too heavy in those areas last summer and it was simply washed away? Should I be power washing it at all?
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    TWP Stains · 05/01/2017
    Markus:
    I completely stripped and sanded my deck last year and applied TWP stain. I want to do a maintenance coat now...can I just use a cleaner, or do I need to do a cleaner and brightener? Also, any tips on areas where rain water runoff is prematurely removing the stain from my deck? Thanks

    Clean and brighten is the proper prep. Try to divert any runoff of water if possible.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Markus · 05/01/2017
    I completely stripped and sanded my deck last year and applied TWP stain. I want to do a maintenance coat now...can I just use a cleaner, or do I need to do a cleaner and brightener? Also, any tips on areas where rain water runoff is prematurely removing the stain from my deck? Thanks
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    TWP Stains · 04/16/2015
    Rick K:
    I have a new cedar deck built last year that was not sealed. I've received a quote from a professional deck cleaner to power wash the deck and apply 2 coats of TWP. However, his approach is to power wash, and then install the first coat, let that coat dry (or sink in) for a day or so, and then apply the second. That does not seem to align with the recommendations I read on your website. Can you comment on this? Wouldn't it be better to 'save' the second coat for next year as a maintenance coat? Also, he does not use a cleaner/brightener during the power washing. Should I insist on the use of Restore-A-Deck?

    Yes if you do a second coat it should be applied wet on wet. If not then wait until next Spring. You should always use a cleaner and brightener with prep. Pressure washing alone can damage to wood if done to aggressively.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Rick K · 04/16/2015
    I have a new cedar deck built last year that was not sealed. I've received a quote from a professional deck cleaner to power wash the deck and apply 2 coats of TWP. However, his approach is to power wash, and then install the first coat, let that coat dry (or sink in) for a day or so, and then apply the second. That does not seem to align with the recommendations I read on your website. Can you comment on this? Wouldn't it be better to 'save' the second coat for next year as a maintenance coat? Also, he does not use a cleaner/brightener during the power washing. Should I insist on the use of Restore-A-Deck?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    TWP Stains · 05/28/2014
    Tom Keehn:
    I applied TWP 100 series stain last June and I want to apply another coat this year. What do you recommend I clean the deck with this year before applying another coat of stain? The deck still looks great but I just want to get some of the winter grime off, bird poop, etc. but I don't want to harm the existing stain. Someone recommended TWP Deck Maintain, is that OK for my deck? Thanks

    Deck Maintain is not made anymore. A light was with soapy water may be enough or you can use the Gemini Restore Kit at a lower concentration.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Tom Keehn · 05/28/2014
    I applied TWP 100 series stain last June and I want to apply another coat this year. What do you recommend I clean the deck with this year before applying another coat of stain? The deck still looks great but I just want to get some of the winter grime off, bird poop, etc. but I don't want to harm the existing stain. Someone recommended TWP Deck Maintain, is that OK for my deck? Thanks