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New 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.
- Wet deck down thoroughly with water. Take extra care to pre-rinse vegetation.
- 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.
- 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.
- When done washing take time to rinse all wood, home, vegetation, etc to remove the cleaner residue, grime, and wood fibers.
- 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.
- Wood should dry for 48 hours prior to applying a TWP Stain.
*Make sure that you follow all manufacturers instructions
I recently replaced the flooring but not the railing, so I will be using the wood stripper on the railing only. After I strip the railing, should I be using this cleaner on everything or just on the new wood? Thank you.
Make sure you read this about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Stripper for railing, cleaner for new floor after 3+ months of weathering. Brightener on all when done.
I stained one coat last summer do I need to use RAD before I stain a second coat ?
Yes. You always have to prep when recoating.
I stained my cedar deck four years ago.I chose to sand, then cleaned and brightened. Used TWP 100 series. Has a shingles roof over it and sees little water or UV issues. At the exterior door though, there’s scratches and wear from mostly dogs.rest of deck looks great. I believe I’ll have to sand to remove the scratches, though it comprises only about 1/3 rd of 5 boards in front of door. Do I need sand the entire board or just the area’s in question? Then clean, brighten and restrain.
Reply back with some pics for prep advice.
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?
Pressure wash rinse is by far the easiest and best way.
Post some pics to see if more prep is needed.
Unfortunately, I took pics of Inside/Outside of the same gate…1 side
NOT pressure washed, the other IS pressure washed.
I can get better pics if I need to.
It looks okay to stain.
Outstanding…thank you very much. I suspect the way I did it was MORE work than if i had used the cleaner/brightener solution. I believe I will go that route on the next bout. When using the cleaner and brightener kit, is it merely rub on, rinse off..or is there scrubbing involved?
Spray on and lightly pressure wash off.
Applying Restore-A-Deck to clean a new wood raised deck that sits above a concrete patio. Will the cleaner stain the concrete?
No.
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?
Sorry but no.
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
Use this kit for prep when reapplying a coat of TWP.https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
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?
No. You need to pressure wash off the Cleaner and apply the Brightener the same day.
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?
You cannot stain it yet. See here for tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Is power washing ok to prep a wood deck for twp.
tom, Colorado
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.
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
Yes but prep first. https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
is restore a deck safe to use on stainless steal cable runs used as a railing
Yes.
Hi,
Should I sand before or after cleaning/brightening? Also, is it okay to clean and brighten after it rains?
Sand first if you need to. Rain does not have any effect on the prep.
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!!
You should be okay to stain if the wood is clean.
Great, thank you!!
can I apply twp 100 over twp 1500
No, you would have to remove it first: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
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?
Yes, that is correct.
Thanks!
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?
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
It should answer your questions and what you should be doing this year.
[quote name=”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[/quote]
Clean and brighten is the proper prep. Try to divert any runoff of water if possible.
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
[quote name=”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?[/quote]
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.
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?
[quote name=”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[/quote]
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.
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
Warren, the TWP Clear does not offer Uv protection from graying. If you want UV protection then you must pick a stain color. Coverage varies depending on the amount of coats, application procedure, and age of the wood. You will need somewhere between 35-50 gallons for 5000 sq. feet.
A roofer has recommended your clear seal product after he cleans our cedar shake roof. How many gallons would it take to
adequately do a 5,000 sq ft roof?
Would the use of a colored stain be more
beneficial in maintaining our roof under
these sunny Florida skies?
The roof was last cleaned about two years ago.
Thanks.
Peter, it is not supposed to bead water. Read this for maintenance coats:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/applying-a-maintenance-coat-of-twp/
Hi,
Purchased TWP 101 cedartone natural last year. I sanded and cleaned old deck sealer off and applied 2 coats of the TWP 101. The dealer in Madison- not sure name. He said I could recoat over the following year if it’s not beading water as well. The 2 coats applied last year looks good- but the can does not discuss surface prep of a TWP coated surface for applying another coat. The deck is very clean except for possible dust in the air. Would a water wash and rinse be acceptable for a clean previous applied TWP deck? Thanks- I look forward to your response- Pete
Cedar wood is a yellow orange wood, not a brown. Cedartone colors are yellow/orange as well.
1501 Cedartone is the best of the three stains when it comes to durability and application.
Using cedar tones seems to turn most woods yellow rater than
a brown (like cedar) Why?
I have a bunch of TWP 301QD Cedartone …how does that compare to 501 Cedartone and the newer 1500 Series??