Make Restoring Your Exterior Wood …Easy!
- The Restore-A-Deck Kit includes RAD Step 1 Wood Cleaner and RAD Step 2 Wood Brightener, both powdered concentrates mixed with water.
- RAD Wood Cleaner safely removes mold, mildew, and algae from exterior wood and composite lumber without harming wood fibers, pets, or plants.
- RAD Wood Brightener neutralizes surfaces and restores pH balance, creating an ideal, stain-ready surface while being eco-safe and cost effective.
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
New redwood deck completed August first in central California. What are the best weather conditions to clean, brighten and stain given a four to five month wait for wood to stand? Snow and rain start in late November through March.
Wait until Spring. Prep and stain then.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Hi all — after I spray on the product with the pump sprayer, do I need to also scrub the fence or anything (to get the gray U/V damaged layer off the wood) — or is just pressure-washing the fence enough to get all of that off? (Is this just a spray on / powerwash off situation?)
Spray on cleaner, pressure wash off after 10 minutes. Rinse well when done. Apply Brightener while the wood is still wet; rinse it off with a pressure washer after 10-15 minutes.
I have placed my order. I sanded deck floor a couple weeks ago. I understand I should use first your cleaner and brightener. I don’t have a pump sprayer. Can I apply these products using a brush or sponge by hand?
The cleaner/stripper and brightener need to go on with a pump sprayer, not a brush or sponge — they have to dwell wet on the surface for 15–20 minutes to work, and a hand-applied coat will dry out and streak before it can do that. You’ll also need a pressure washer to rinse them off afterward. A basic garden pump sprayer is inexpensive and available at any hardware store if you don’t already have one.
I have no need for stripper. I have sanded completely. The deck looks brand new. Do I really even need to “clean”? Brighten maybe…but why clean…when it is sanded already prefectly cleaned off.
You need the cleaner and the brightener after sanding to open up the pores. Sandinf closes the pores, the cleaner and brightener opens it back upt and removes any sand dust.
I bought a house with old deck that has not been stained or painted. Please give me an instruction what I should do if I decide to use these products. Like all the prep, Thank you!
Since the deck has never been stained, there’s no weathering wait to worry about — that only applies to new, freshly milled wood. Clean and brighten it with the RAD Cleaner and Brightener kit (one kit covers about 750 sq ft): apply with a pump sprayer to a damp deck, let it dwell 15–20 minutes, then pressure wash off. Wait 48 hours after that (or after any rain) before staining. Then apply one coat of Armstrong Clark with a stain pad or brush — no rollers. Only sand if you need to knock down raised grain or mill stamps (60–80 grit max), and re-brighten afterward if you do.
I have completely sanded my cedar deck, stairs…many walls! I am waiting now for the three samples you sent to dry and choose how i proceed. The deck floor I sanded first 3 weeks ago. Must I BOTH clean and brighten it before I stain. Sounds like two more jobs!!!
Yes, you need to open up the pores after sanding.
Which of the semi-transparent colors last the longest?
They all last the same.
I have a 150-fence (6’ high) that I need to clean and brighten on BOTH sides. With 2 people working (1 on each side) about how many hours will this take?
No way to answer this as it has to do with experience. Experienced people can do it in a few hours. Inexperienced could be 2-3 times longer. Use pressure washing with the prep products.
I am prepping to stain a deck on the rooftop of my townhome. Is this product safe to use with my rooftop membrane? I am worried about corrosion. If not, what would recommend doing after sanding to prep for staining.
It should not harm the rubber membrane.
The instructions for both the Cleaner and the Brightener say “All wood must be rinsed for 20-30 minutes,” and it emphasizes this is an important step. I want to prep and stain about 240ft of cedar fence. If we assume one person can only continuously rinse 10ft of fence at a time, and that each rinsing only takes 20 minutes, that’s a minimum of an extra 16 hours of labor just for rinsing, on top of all the other labor of prepping and staining the fence. Not to mention water use (I’m on metered water). Am I misunderstanding the instructions? Or is there a better product for my use? Fence is about 5 years old, never been stained before.
Appy the cleaner and then pressure wash off the cleaner atfer 20 minutes, rinse off dirt and gime when done, apply the brightener right away, wait 10-20 minutes, and then rinse all wood for about 20-30 minutes. The point is to remove any suds, if any,
Do I need to rinse *each fence board* for 20 minutes? That’s a lot of rinsing…
No, the entire 240 sq feet.
About 8 years ago I used RAD kit and AC Semi transparent Chestnut stain. It is time to stain again – same product and color. What is the correct procedure? RAD cleaner followed by brightener then one or two coats of stain? Current photos of deck attached. Total sq footage is just under 600. Thank you.
Prep is the same as prior. Just one coat of stain where you have a base coat. The exposed areas/steps will need two coats.
Is the brightener still needed for a brand new deck after using the cleaner?
Yes, you have to use it after cleaning to neutralize the cleaner.
Please explain step by step with details on what I need to do to reseal my deck and fence. I live in NC, so it’s a humid climate. Thanks.
What stain was used prior?
I used your product years ago on my deck and loved it. We run a Handyman company and a property manager wants us to pressure wash and stain a fence in horrible shape. It’s been neglected for years. The fence has areas that are way worse than the pictures. What cleaner would you recommend before applying stain?
Add some pics in comments for prep help.
I have pressure washed my pressure treated wood deck which is 8 yrs old. It is a north facing deck and we have the tan in and mildew stains large off. We live in mountains of Pennsylvania what should we do next?
Add some pics of the deck in the comments for advice.
First time customer. How do I use these products with a pressure washer?
Mix according to directions in a bucket. Transfer to a pump sprayer and apply to deck. Pressure wash off. Full directions are on the label.
Hi, We just purchased Camaru rooftop deck tiles from Tile Tech. We have not yet installed them. Do I need to use “restore a deck” my tiles first and then use the Armstrong Hardwood/IPE stain or can I get by with just the stain? If I need to do both, how much time do I need to wait between the “restore a deck” application and the stain application? Thanks!
You need to install the tiles, weather the wood, then prep:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
I stained a new deck with your product about 4 years ago, didn’t let it weather…it’s pretty stripped out now, do I need to strip it with product or just use cleaner since I will be using same stain? Thanks.
Post pics of current condition in the comments.
What is the shelf life of the cleaner and brightener?
In powder form (before adding water), about 2-3 years.
I’ve been told that chlorine bleach and it’s derivatives are a no no on tropical hardwoods. Do any of your products contain chlorine (sodium hypochlorite)? thanks.
They do not.
I applied a mixture of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits in a 50/50 mixture to 600 sq ft of deck 3 years ago. (Deck is Doug Fir) Its time to redo the deck and my neighbor had nothing but great things to say about your stain for decks and siding.
Question: Will your deck stains adhere/absorb to previously coated deck after ONLY using your restore deck product, or do I need to completely sand before application?
Thanks for your help
TLB in Bend, OR
You will need this kit for prep:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I have a wood deck which I stained last year for the first time with Flood Transparent Cedar Stain. It looked good last year – but this year it looks worn. I have done research and I will be using Armstrong Semi-Transparent Cedar Stain this year. Should I use the Restore a Deck kit (cleaner and brightener) before I apply the Stain? Can I use a Power Washer to apply the cleaner and brightener?
You need to fully remove the Flood first. Reply with some pics in the comments of the deck’s current condition.
I have tried unsuccessfully to send pics. It just look worn in some places. If I understand your last comment I need to Resort a Dec Stripper and then do I use the Cleaner and Brightener before I apply the stain? Thanks
Need the pics to determine the proper stripping product(s) needed. Try reducing the size of your photos or emailing us at sales@armstrongclarkstain.com
No need for cleaner when using the stripper. Brightener is last.
Hello,
Sent an email to your sales email with a picture. Please let me know what I should do.
Thank you,
Nancy
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!