Make Restoring Your Exterior Wood …Easy!
Our kit provides enough product to clean and then brighten an average 25’x12′ deck with rails and 3 steps (600-800 total sq.feet). For, a fence this package will clean and then brighten both sides of 50 feet of fence.
You will receive 1 container of RAD Step 1 Wood Cleaner and 1 container of RAD Step 2 Wood Brightener.
Leftover product can be used to clean concrete, house siding, lawn furniture, and awnings. (Do not use over grass, clean furniture on a hard surface)
RAD STEP 1 WOOD DECK CLEANER DESCRIPTION
Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner is a powdered concentrate that is mixed with water. It safely cleans and restores the natural beauty of exterior wood. This product also cleans weathered composite lumber, removing mold, mildew, and algae along with the silver-gray color that can develop over time. Restores all wood surfaces to their original appearance Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner will not harm wood fibers, pets, grass, or most plants. Restore-a-Deck Step 1 Wood Cleaner is not a stain stripper or remover of old stains. Please see Restore-A-Deck Stripper Kit if you are trying to remove a semi-transparent stain.
*This product is Step 1 Cleaner of the Restore A Deck system.
RAD STEP 2 WOOD BRIGHTENER DESCRIPTION
Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener is a biodegradable, powdered concentrate that is mixed with water to brighten and restore the natural beauty of all species of exterior wood. This product excels at brightening, removing rust stains, and tannin stains caused by fallen leaves. Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener is a safe, product that will not only brighten but neutralize the surface of the wood, creating an ideal surface that is ready to be stained.
*This product is step 2 Wood Brightener of the Restore A Deck system.
RAD CLEANER AND BRIGHTENER ADVANTAGES
- #1 Rated Wood Deck Stain Cleaner and Wood Brightener
- RAD Wood Cleaner is designed specifically for all Exterior Wood and Composite Decking
- RAD Wood Cleaner Preps new wood, weathered wood, and maintenance coats
- RAD Wood Brightener neutralizes stain strippers
- RAD Wood Brightener brightens and restores wood surfaces
- RAD Wood Brightener restore pH balance of wood
- Powdered formulas makes 5 liquid gallons when mixed
- Extremely cost effective. When mixed, the cost is less than $7 a gallon
- Eco-Safe formulas
- Safe to use on all exterior wood surfaces, not just decks
My question pertains to prepping a weathered fence:
Do I use the wash and brightener on the same day, or does the fence have to be dry before the brightener is applied?
How long after the brightener is applied can the fence be stained?
And when I apply the sealer/stain, how long do I need to wait before I apply a second coat?
Many thanks!
You brighen the same days as the cleaner, while the wood is wet. Wait 48 hours to stain after any prep or rain. Second coats can be applied wet on wet on wet on dry.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-staining-instructions
EZ peezee.
Thanks!
I replaced my deck with new Mahagony deck boards last summer and stained them with Armstrong Clark IPE Mahagony stain. Came out great however in less than a year it has faded badly. I did not expect to have to re-stain for 2-3 years. Photos attached. I plan to power wash the deck and re-stain with the same stain. Is this the right approach, what do you recommend?
Exotic hardwoods such as Mahogany, IPE, Teak, etc. have to be recoated annually. This is normal due to the dense nature of hardwoods.
Use the RAD Prep Kit while pressure washing for prep:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
I stained my deck (southern pine) last summer with Armstrong Clark semi-transparent stain. I am planning to restain this spring with same stain. Do I need to stirp the previous strain or just Restore-a-Deck clean and brigtner and then stain?
Cleaner and Brightener Kit.
my new deck is 10 months old, I want to use semi solid stain. Do I need to wait two more months?
Yes, that is correct.
I have a tiger wood deck and want to stain it after cleaning and sanding. After staining I see it must dry for 72 hours but every evening we get a lot of dew from temp swings. 80 degrees at day and 60 at night. Will that be a problem for the stain to dry? And should I stain it really late it the day so it is completely dry?
As long as it is completely dry to the touch, the dew should not harm it. The 72 hours is more for full cure. Dry to touch is typically 2-8 hours, depending on the day.
Will this harm my lawn and plants if it gets on them or gets into the soil?
It is best to cover plants when applying to protect them from overspray and to be on the safe side. That or rinses with water any overspray. It will not harm the plants if any runoff into the soil.
I used a TWP semi- transparent dark oak stain over Brazilian hardwood deck two yrs ago. I would like to stain with the A.C. amber stain. The deck has some gray areas as well as faded stain in areas under power awning..Should we use the RAD Cleaner/Brighener kit, or the Stripper needed as well?..Thanks
Strip and Brighten. No need for the cleaner.
I stained after stripping last spring with semi transparent natural oak. Should I use only the cleaner? Not sure if the b3rightener will leave me re-staining. Thanks!
The Cleaner and/or the Brighener are only to be used when you are planning on restaining.
Thanks. So, what is recommended to clean a well soiled deck to being it back to life between restain coats?
Warm water and a little bit of dish soap.
I previously used Armstrong semi-stain about 4 years ago, I plan to re-stain with the same drift wood color as before. Should I clean or strip the existing one?
Use the Cleaner and Brightener kit while pressure washing.
Hi, I have a 4 in x 14 in x 22 ft Alaskan Cedar exterior Glulam beam. It has been installed out in the sun and rain for over 3 months.. The manufacturer recommends not to use water base stains, which will work since I’m planning on staining with your Semi-transparent Redwood stain. I’m worried about treating it with your RAD kit since it’s water based. Do you have any experience using RAD on Glulam beams?
No issues that we know of and it has already rained on it. You will have to prep and you need water to prep.
Hi. I stained my redwood deck with Armstrong stain two years ago. I used the cleaner and brightener again three days ago, but then it rained on and off for a whole day. I’m planning on staining with semi-transparent in four days when I’m back in town. It will be sunny with no rain till I will stain. Two questions:
1. Am I doing right by waiting 4 days for it to dry.
2. Do I need to treat it again after it rained?
3. I’m seeing fuzz over some of the floor boards and rail posts. Is it because I power washed too close to the wood ? Can I stain over it or do I need to sand it and then stain?
Please let me know.
1. Yes. 2. No. 3. You can stain over it or lightly sand it first.
Thank you so much for the quick reply!
three years ago I followed all cleaning instructions you have then i stained my covered deck with Armstrong Clark Stain. Great results. I am cleaning it now with Restore-A-Deck Cleaner. Looks like new. Do I need to restain for protection?
Yes.
I built a picnic table out of dry redwood and sanded it. I want to use a semi transparent stain before I assemble table, what steps should be taken before staining to insure full curing? Also, do you even recommend this product on a sitting surface (will it transfer oil or pigment to someone’s pants)?
All the AC colors except the semi solid colors can be used on wood furniture. Just one coat. Use the Cleaner and Brightener for prep.
I sanded my wooden garage door two years ago and then applied Armstrong-Clark Semi-Solid Oxford Brown stain. Can i use the cleaner & brightener and then apply another color or would i have to sand it as well?? My wife would prefer a stain with a little more red tone in it.
Use the Stripper and then the Brightener to remove the current color so you can change to a new color:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
No need to sand.
Hi, I just prepared my deck for staining last weekend (sand/strip and brighten), but with rain all week, I had to wait for a dry weather window to start staining. But I now have a wooden pergola getting built in the first half of August… as it is new PTW, should I let it weather and wait to stain both the deck and pergola at the same time (next Summer, following another cycle of clean-brighten) ? Or should I stain the deck soonest to protect it from Canadian Winter ?
Stain the deck now.
Thank you!
Hi. Just got my stripper and brightener. Instructions say to protect plants and surfaces not being cleaned. My deck is against my vinyl sided house. Do I need to protect the siding while stripping?
To be safe, yes.
Hello, we have an older deck that had been ruined with Behr deckover. It’s peeling pretty bad in places. The wood underneath is gray and in some spots we can see some green mildew. I’m seeking advice on which prep products to use in conjunction with the R A D solid stain stripping gel. I saw a few places that the brightener isn’t needed, can you please clarify this as well as what all I need? We were hoping to use your Semi-trans cedar stain, but we’re open to suggestions. Thank you!
You cannot strip a deck resurface stain like the Behr Deckover. It has to be sanded off. See this article for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-rust-oleum-deck-restore/
Thank you!
I have a previously stained deck. Armstrong Clark stain was previously used. Do I have to use the stipper and then brightener before staining again? Or could I use the brightener only and then stain given I used the Armstrong stain before? I was sent the stipper and brightener kit with my last stain order.
Use the Cleaner and then the Brightener. You cannot just brighten.
My deck ballisters are painted white and are mounted directly into the deck surface, so they would come into contact with the RAD stripper and brightener… Will i need to cover the bases of them with painters tape or something to avoid the RAD stripper damaging the white paint? Or will the paint be ok?
??
Also.. can you guys provide a UPS tracking number ? Account page shows order “completed” but nothing has arrived….
Cover to be safe. Tracking is sent via UPS email. Check your spam folder if you did not receive it.
I have a new red cedar deck that has weathered 9 months. I used the RAD cleaner and brightner to prep the wood. I did this a week ago and it has been raining off and on since. The forecast is for rain the next entire week. Is it OK that it will be > 2 weeks after cleaning/brightening to apply the A/C stain?
If more than 2 weeks do a light cleaning again.
What would a ‘light’ cleaning be?
Good pressure wash rinse. Apply Brightener if you have any as well.
Thanks for the help…
I was going to use this product on my 2yo redwood covered deck but on a visit to Home Depot for something else, the paint guy told me cleaners like this “somewhat remove the color of the wood” and he recommended only power washing and staining instead. Is this true?
No, it is not true. Home Depot paint guys in reality know very little about deck prep and deck stains.
Will the cleaner and brightener combo remove the mill stamps from my year old PT deck or do I need to sand them off prior to cleaning and brightening?
Sometimes they come off and sometimes they do not. You might have sand to get them off.
I have a deck that has PT flooring, rails are Cedar. I have used AC Chestnut semitransparent previously. Great product! Been using it for about 8 years now. Humid MidAtlantic conditions, I get a lot of mildew. After about 2 years stain is solid dark brown. I washed entire deck and railings with home made cleaning solution OxyClean-Borax-Dawn and lightly power washed. thorough rinsing afterwards. All came clean. I do have patches of old stain here and there. Purchased the RAD stain stripper/brightener kit intending on removing all old stain and final cleaning. I will be doing some sanding on the Cedar components prior to finishing Any suggestions? Thanks!
No need to sand as that closes the wood pores. Might want to try this after the stain cures to help ward off the mildew.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/rad-guard-mildew-algae-cleaner-preventer
what if it rains during the 48 hour waiting period, can I still apply the stain??
No. It has to dry for 48 hours after prep or rain to apply the AC stains.
I prepped and lightly pressure washed yesterday late afternoon and was planning on staining today as the cleaner directions state “2-4 hours” for drying. Should I wait 48 hours instead?
48 hours to let the wood dry.
New cedar deck installed in June. Weathered for 3+ months. Cleaned and brightened with the RAD kit yesterday and as it is drying I am seeing the dreaded fuzzies and furring. Page 3 of this brochure from Armstrong Clark says they should be removed with 60 grit sanding. https://www.armclark.com/downloads/2019/How-To_&_Informational_Guide_(print_friendly_layout)_low_res_photo.pdf Does this mean I need to lightly sand the entire deck after it’s dry and prior to stain? I was under the understanding that the RAD kit eliminated the need for sanding. Please confirm, photos attached. Thanks, John
See this for tips as to what to do and why it happens: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck
Not sure if you read the link we sent but furring has nothing to do with the products but removing oxidation/mill glaze. It happens and cannot be avoided.
Got it. I read all the information thoroughly and see that this is a pretty common issue. Was just not expecting it. One additional question – once the deck is stained (planning on using the AC semi transparent cedar) for future subsequent maintenance coats, cleaning and brightening is also required, in your experience is the furring likely to occur again? Thanks
Typically no.
Yes, it is possible that some of the stain can come off or be lightened.
Sure.
new mahogany deck ready for first stain, should I use just the cleaner? or cleaner and brightener?
Both.
Hello,
Will I be able to remove the existing stain from this railing with RAD stripper with booster? Or will it need to be sanded off before applying AC semi-solid stain? I have also included some photos where I have sanded off the stain to test a few samples.
Thanks!
When using both the Gel and the Booster with the Stripper, you should be able to get most or all off. You can spot sand if needed after and the Brightener is last.
Thank you!
Thank you
Hi,
if I used your semi- solid stain previously- can I use the cleaner and Brightener ? And then go ahead and stain again?
also what is your delivery time to Southern California?
Regards,
Carol
Yes, use the cleaner and brightener for prep. shipping to CA, takes about 4-5 days.
Do I need to clean grill related grease stains with a separate product prior to using the cleaner or will the cleaner address that as well? Thanks
Grease stains from a grill if deep in the wood will not come out with a cleaner. You would have to sand it out if deep. surface stains probably will come off.
My second story deck is about 350 square feet and we stripped the previous stain off with a DYI product then I saw the furring and hand sanded much of the deck. This was all before I decided to use your stain. If I put on the cleaner, do I still have to scrub it in then power wash it off or can I just let it sit awhile or mop it then wash it off? With the brightener can I just let it sit then wash it off? By the way, I have a sliding glass door underneath the deck. Any special precautions?
Apply the cleaner and then lightly pressure wash off. Apply the brightener after and then rinse that after 10-15 minutes.
No worries about the sliding glass door underneath?
Just make sure to rinse well when done to remove all the soap suds, dirt, etc.
I did sierra redwood semitransparent for half a fence – looks great. A friend used the balance of the stain for the rest trying to help while I was away. Did not mix or thin. It is extremely dark – practically solid brown. It has been on the wood for 4-5 days. Is there any way to “lighten it” a bit?
I have iron coated pickets, will RAD damage the finish on the pickets?
It should not but always test spot first.
I have a 10-month-old redwood deck that has never been sanded, cleaned, or stained. I live in California at 2200 ft elevations. It gets very hot in the summer and exposed to direct sun (up to 110 F), and can get snow in the wintertime.
I bought your Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Britner kit and Transparent Redwood Tone stain. I did a test and sanding with 80 grit plus Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Britner worked best to clean the redwood boards.
The issue I am facing is that I don’t have enough time to do both, sanding and cleaning/brightening before it starts raining on Sunday night (in 4 days). I am thinking to sand the boards and stain, and use the Restore-A-Deck kit next summer when I will stain again. What do you think?
No. Do all the prep and then stain after the rain. 48 hours after. Rain does not harm prep.
Thank you. How long can I wait after prepping (sanding, cleaner, brightener)? It might rain for 2-3 weeks straight.
Stain within 2 weeks is best otherwise you may need to reclean lightly.
Thanks again for the quick reply. What do you mean by reclean lightly?
Light pressure wash, maybe brighten as well.
Last question: we are on a well with water saturated with iron and other minerals. Should I wash with our treaded water? We have a salt base softener and house filter
You should be fine with the well water.
I used the treated water yesterday. Should I wash the deck again with the well water?
No need.
I used armstrong-clark stain on my pressure-treated deck when it was new about 10 years ago. I bought another can of it last year and want to re-coat the deck. Should i use the stripper or just the cleaner before staining? And am I right to assume the brightener is just for bare wood? The deck has no loose old stain, it’s just dirty. thank you.
Cleaner and then brightener is the proper way.
Hello! I am planning to prep my deck with the rad cleaner and brightener this weekend. If it rains before I can stain is that ok as long as I wait the 48 hours for it to be completely dry?Thanks!
Yes, that is fine.
I’m preparing to restain deck. Original coat was Armstrong and recasting with same stain. I have the restore deck cleaner but not brightener. Do I need to do both or is the cleaner enough?
Best to use both as the Brightener neutralizes the Cleaner.
Do I need need this before staining new wood for first time? I have new wood deck which was kept un-stained for 3 months. I have to clean that deck before staining. So wanted to know is it safe for new wood?. Please advise. thanks
Yes, you need this for new wood prep.
Is Gemini restore a deck the same as what you sell here?
Different label.
Would this strip/prep Brazilian hardwood previously coated with Cetol SRD? Looking to stain it with Armstrong Mahogany.
You would want this kit:https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
What would be the process for cleaning and staining a newly built pressure-treated wood front porch flooring? The porch is covered but the house is south-facing. Also, when it rains, about 3 feet of the porch flooring perimeter still gets wet. Thank you.
See her about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Do I need to use cleaner and brightener for a maintenance coat after two years if there is no sign of degradation to the original AC semi transparent stain? Or would just a mild soap and water clean prior to a recoat be sufficient? The maintenance video you provide shows a preparation for a failing deck surface not a maintenance coat, in my humble opinion.
Clean and brighten is the proper way to prep when recoating.
Do I need to use the RAD Brightener before reapplying stain to a weathered deck after 4+ years?
You need to clean and brighten, not just brighten.
Will the cleaner or brightener react with aluminum? I have aluminum rails on my dock that I don’t want discolored. Thanks.
Typically never an issue but always test spot first to be certain as they are not all made the same way.
Can you mix less than 5 gallons at a time? I need only a gallon of mix for a small project. What would be the ratios?
Yes. 7-8 oz per gallon of water.
Does stripper, brightener or stain affect plants or stain natural stone or concrete unit paving stones?
Cover plants. Does not harm stone or pavers.
So any drips onto the stone or concrete can be washed off? Even the stain will wash off?
Sorry, you have to cover all when staining. The prep will not harm the stone or bricks.
Can you premix the cleaner hours or even days/weeks before? The cleaner often does not dissolve completely and if I can just premix it and let it sit for a long while maybe it will dissolve better. But I wasn;t sure if the cleaner stays potent if it is mixed and not used for hours/days.
The Cleaner has to be used within 4-6 hours after mixing with water.
Hi there, We stained our fence last year with AC semi-transparent Cedar. It’s held up great but I’d like to go darker in the future (likely AC semi-transparent Sierra Redwood). Can we just use the Cleaner and Brightener and then use the new stain color or do we have to do more prep for it to look even?Thanks!
Use the stripper and brightener kit.