1 RAD Stripper and 1 RAD Brightener
- Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper removes most oil and latex-based finishes, including clear sealers, transparent, and semi-transparent stains.
- The powdered formula makes 5 liquid gallons when mixed, covering 500-1000 sq. feet per kit at less than $7 a gallon.
- RAD Stripper may not fully remove solid color stains, paints, or varnishes. Use RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper for those.
Coverage: 500-1000 sq. feet per kit. Each Kit Makes 5 Gallons of Stain Stripper and 5 Gallons of Wood Brightener
Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper is the only concentrated powdered wood stain stripper that is specifically designed to be injected through a pressure washer. RAD Stripper may also be applied using a garden type sprayer.
The R-A-D Stain Remover, when injected using a pressure washer, can remove penetrating transparent stains as well as semi-transparent wood coatings.
When RAD Wood Stain Stripper is applied using a pump-up sprayer, it is twice as potent and able to remove most transparent, semi-transparent and even semi-solid wood stains. It is also excellent for getting rid of failed semi-transparent acrylic stains. Coverage rates when applied with a pump sprayer are 100-200 sq. ft per gallon.
After using Restore-A-Deck Injectable Stain Stripper, the wood needs to be neutralized with the RAD Step 2 Brightener.
ADVANTAGES
- #1 Rated Wood Deck Stain Stripper
- Removes most clear, transparent, semi-transparent, and semi-solid coatings.
- Powdered formula makes 5 liquid gallons when mixed
- Extremely cost effective. When mixed, the cost is less than $7 a gallon.
- Eco-Safe formulas
- Preps previously stained wood and decks
- Safe to use on all exterior wood surfaces, not just decks
- Applied with pump sprayer for max results or injected through pressure washer for easier to remove finishes
- Can be mixed at a stronger ratio for difficult to remove finishes. Max would be 3 gallons of water to one container of Restore-A-Deck Stripper
Coverage: 500-1000 sq.feet per container.
For a complete step-by-step guide to the stripping and prep process — including application tips, wait times, and what to do after stripping — see the full guide at DeckStainHelp.
Important Note: Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper may not fully remove Solid Color Wood Stains, Paints, Varnishes, and Excessively Over-Applied Acrylic Semi-Transparent and Semi-Solid Coatings. To remove these deck and wood stain types, use the RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper
Ready to start staining the house again. As I recall, apply stripper and brightener from the bottom up, pressure wash from the top down. Apply stain from bottom up.
Sequence is right. A few details worth repeating since it has been a while:
Pre-wet the siding, apply the stripper with a pump sprayer, and let it dwell 15-20 minutes keeping the surface wet the whole time — do not run it through the pressure washer. On vertical surfaces work from the bottom up so runs do not streak the dry wood below. Pressure wash it off, then apply the brightener immediately while the wood is still wet, same day. Never skip the brightener.
Then wait a full 48 hours after prep (or after any rain) before staining, and get the stain on within 2 weeks of the prep — if more time passes than that, redo the brightener at minimum. Work in manageable sections, keep a wet edge, and back-brush any runs or drips.
Stripper/Brightener kit: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I have a 20 year old IPE front porch gets Colorado morning sun until about noon in the summer what is your recommendations for cleaning last stain was deck wise 2 years ago
also we are at 6,000 in altitude what if any special needs for cleaning and staining
Since you are switching brands and it has been 2 years, strip rather than just clean. Use the Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Brightener Kit: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper Apply the stripper with a pump sprayer to a damp surface, let it dwell 15-20 minutes keeping it wet, then pressure wash off. Follow with the brightener, rinse well, and let the wood dry 1-2 days before staining. Do not use too much pressure on IPE or you will fur up the wood.
For the stain, use only our hardwood colors – Amber, Mahogany, or Black Walnut. One coat only. IPE is too dense to absorb a second coat, and it typically needs a maintenance coat annually because of that density.
Altitude does not change the process. Unlike most stains, Armstrong Clark can be applied in direct sunlight and on hot days without flash drying, so the morning sun exposure is not an issue. Apply between 50-90 degrees with no rain expected for 3-4 hours after. After 24 hours, wipe any remaining puddles or glossy spots with a dry ra
I have a three year old Mahogany deck that we have used Penofin for Hardwoods on. It only lasts six months then it looks awful! And I have to redo the deck with the cleaner, brightener and re-stain. I want to switch to Armstrong Clark products . The deck gets a lot of sun.
Can you please tell me the products and steps that I need to take. I would like the stain to be as close to natural as possible .
Strip the Penofin off first — you can’t apply AC over another brand’s finish. Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener kit: apply to a damp deck, let it dwell 15-20 minutes, pressure wash off, then follow with the brightener. Wait 48 hours after prep before staining. For mahogany you’re limited to the 3 hardwood colors — Amber, Mahogany, or Black Walnut — and Amber is the lightest of the three and closest to a natural look. Apply one coat only; hardwoods are too dense to take a second coat. Expect to recoat annually, since hardwoods like mahogany don’t absorb stain as deeply as softwoods.
Thank you for the quick response. Is it ok to use a pressure washer on Mahogany? I thought I had been told in the past not to use a pressure washer. Also does the Amber turn the wood orangey after time and last question will it peel?
Yes, a pressure washer is fine on Mahogany — a gas pressure washer is actually preferred for rinsing off the cleaner/brightener. Just don’t hold the tip too close or use excessive pressure, since that can fur up the wood grain.
Amber doesn’t turn orange over time — that’s specific to cedar/redwood, which are naturally orange/golden woods that any stain will enhance. Amber is a semi-transparent hardwood color and will mellow slightly with UV exposure like any stain, but it won’t shift orange.
It also won’t peel — Armstrong Clark is an oil-based penetrating stain, not a film-forming coating, so there’s nothing on the surface to peel off.
If I used Valspar natural tone redwood stain. I want to order a sample of the semi trans cedar. Do I need to strip this first? What is the difference between the transparent and semi-transparent?
Yes, you will need to remove all previous coatings. Semi-transparents will give better UV protection.
I am stripping water based stain off my deck. Mostly wore off except where the sun does not hit the deck. I would like to sand some of the older boards. Do I sand after the stripper and before the brighter?
Yes, that is best.
I have been using AC transparent natural stain for years. I want to switch to semi-transparent amber. Is it necessary to une the RAD stripper or can I just use the cleaner and brightener? I would like to avoid using stripper if at all possible.
It would be best to strip, and stripping is no more difficult than cleaning, just a deeper removal. Same steps and amount of work.
I have been using semi transparent Natural Oak for 6 yrs since deck was built. We want to switch to a semi solid stain. I think we have to use the stripper? Anything else. Then can we go ahead and stain with a semi solid? And how often do you need to redo the stain? Thank you!
Strip and brighten, then use a semi-solid color. Redo every 2-3 years for a deck.
Can I use Black Walnut on my pine pressure treated deck? Is it a semi solid?
Yes, you can use it on PTP decks. It is semi-transparent.
Okay…. New deck build out of PT. I never got around to staining last spring/summer. Deck has been “sitting” for a year and a half I have both, the RAD cleaner and the brightener. I also have a 5 gallon and 1 gallon can of the Cedar semi-transparent stain, which, keep in mind have been sitting for a year and a half.
I am tired of putting it off and I’m going to hire a professional to stain the deck. My questions to you are; what steps to I take to prep deck for staining? The deck has been used during this time. Also, is the stain “still good?” Does it need a deep stirring or something to that effect?
Thanks for your help!
Bill
Use the RAD Cleaner as the first step while pressure washing. This will remove the graying and any dirt. When done, rinse well and then apply the brightener. Rinse that off when done, then wait 48 hours to let the wood dry.
The stain should be okay as long as it was stored in a temperature-controlled room. Mix well as the pigment will settle. Many people will buy a 5-gallon paint drill mixer that attaches to their drill from a local store.
I purchased AC2 ground contact lumber from Menards for a rebuild of some porch steps. I’m not really pleased with the staining that came with the lumber, plus it has some odd stain striations (see photos), so I decided to change it to your semitransparent rustic. I’m wondering if I can just sand it then RAD clean it, or if I need to strip the stain first. It is #1 grain yellow southern pine, kiln dried and heated prior to pressure treatment. It’s ground contact treated (.15 pcf).
If brand new wood, let it weather to Spring and then prep:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Strip and brighten to remove the current stain. Do not sand.
I applied AC semi transparent chestnut to cedar wood garage doors six years ago and again two years ago. It has held up well, but I would like to change the color and use a new AC semi transparent. How do you recommend I go about prepping for the new stain color application. Thank you.
Use this kit: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I have a deck that would like to strip and restain using your product. We do not know what product was applied to begin with. Will your product remove the powder coat from the metal and what product would you advise for stripping the original product that was applied?
There is no way to know for certain if it will harm the metal until you test spot. As for removing your old stain we would need some pics posted here in comments to help.
Here is a picture
Use the RAD stripper with both booster and gel additives. Brighten after.
Hi, i built a deck extension to a fairly old pressure treated lumber deck last year. The old deck has a pinkish semitransparent stain that has more or less fully peeled off, but remains patchy in some areas. My plan is to use the rad stripper and brightener on the old deck using a $15 pump sprayer from home depot, brightener and then use a transparent redwood stain for both the new deck and the old part of the deck.
My goal is to keep each side nice looking, protected, and with a finish i can easily reapply, not make it completely seamless.
Should I rent a pressure washer instead of the pump sprayer? Does this sound like a reasonable plan? Pictures attached.
No pics. Please add to comments. A pump sprayer is only used for applying the prep. You need the pressure washer to help remove after. You need both.
I would like to clean the black residue from my deck without stripping the stain off – is there a way to do that? I just re-stained my deck earlier this spring. Can I use white vinegar and a power washer?
Try warm water and some dish soap. Lightly wash down with a mop or car wash brush.
My deck was previously coated with Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat semi solid (waterborne base).
I want to prep my deck in the most painless way. Would this product be strong enough to strip the old stain or do I need something stronger like the gel that sell?
My ideal color would be using with your semi transparent stain , just not sure if the Armstrong semi solid stain will be better in my case.
Any recommendations would be appreciated, thanks.
It is fully opaque so you will need the RAD PaintStrip. Once removed fully, you can use any of the AC colors.
Which prep combo kit should I use after I use RAD paint strip?
Just the Brightener after the RAD PaintStrip.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-brightener
Make sure your test spot first the PaintStrip to determine how tick to apply and the needed dwell time before using it on all the wood.
Test Patch:
Before general use, test on a small area to determine compatibility, required dwell time, and coverage for desired results. For an estimated 5 or less coats, scrape a section of the area with a stripping tool after one hour of dwell time. If not easily down to wood after one hour, leave on longer and test again hourly. For 10 – 15 coats of paint, cover with plastic and wait 24 hours to test. For best results, cover the stripper with plastic and do not allow to dry.
Thanks, do I still need the strip/brighten kit or the prep/brighten kit afterward?
I am using a stainable wood filler (Minwax) to fill cracks & nail holes in cedar Mansard siding on which I plan to use Armstrong semi-transparent stain. Will the use of a Restore-A-Deck kit affect the stainability of the Minwax wood filler?
Wood fillers will not work with exterior deck stains. They will not “stain” to blend and will not last in cold weather states. We strongly suggest not doing this and leave leaving the wood as is.
I’ve stripped and brightened my cedar deck but unfortunately I can’t apply the stain for several days due to weather and travel. How long can I wait before I would need to clean/brighten again?
2 weeks.
Thanks. Would I need to use the cleaner and brightener or just brightener?
Brightener with a good pressure wash rinse should be okay.
thanks!
Hello. These pictures were taken about an hour after rinsing off the restore-a-deck stripper (I didn’t apply the restore-a-deck brightener yet, as I wasn’t sure if I would need to apply more of the stripper). Does this look like it needs another application of stripper before brightening? Or should I wait a little longer to send pictures after it has dried more? Thank you for your help!
Looks good to brighten.
I need to strip and clean a hardwood deck right next to a lake. Is the RAD system safe to use in this application? Are there any environmental warnings for use next to a body of water?
It is caustic so best to keep it out of the water directly.
Looking to restain deck using your Rustic Brown Semi Stain. When I rub my hand across the stained areas it pulls off or mars easily. Do You suggest I use the stripper kit or Restore Kit? Thank you
Strip and then Brightener. Make sure to not over-apply so you do not have this issue.
I wasn’t to clear on my last question: I’m using same product as before which is the Semi transparent. From the pictures provided, Do you suggest I use the Clean/brightner or Stripper kit?
Strip it.
I want to change the color of my deck stained with Wolmans Durastain cedar, water-based (too orangy). My question is it possible/practical to strip the multiple 2×2 boards of the gazebo roof plus benches, railings, etc in order to apply your natural oak oil-based stain?
The Durastain is like a solid stain so you will need this stripper to get it off:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/rad-paintstrip-paint-solid-stain-stripping-gel
Hello! I am working on re-staining my deck. The previous homeowners used Pittsburgh acrylic oil stain, then alkyd oil waterproofing sealant. What do you recommend for this? Sand, wait 1-2 months, strip + brighten, and then apply AC solid stain? Thank you!
Post some pics of the deck for prep help.
Will it strip old redwood colored paint when applied with pressure washer? (sorry for the repeat)
No, a deck stain stripper will not remove a paint.
Im using rad to restore a 600sqft ipe deck, and am wondering whats the best way to do this without it drying in between stripper and brightener? Should i do it in sections from start to finish?
No, Strip it all at once, rinse well, and then brighten all at once. You can always mist the deck to keep it from drying out.
You can never use muriatic acid on a deck. Use this for prep: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Mahogany wood, was stained with Armstrong-Clark Mahogany stain 2 years ago. What prep do I need to do before re-applying another coat? The contractor at the time told me nothing more than a rinse with muratic acid would be needed, but reading through your site I see that may not be true.. thank you!
Are SDS’s available for the RAD stripper and brightener?
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/pdf/RESTORE-A-DECK%20STRIPPER%20SDS%204-25-18.pdf
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/pdf/RESTORE-A-DECK%20WOOD%20BRIGHTENER%20SDS%204-25-18.pdf
Thank you very much!
Trying to post a picture to see if this is stripped enough to start staining.
Looks good to go.
I stripped twice and had to sand some areas. Is this good enough to start staining?
I have an L shaped deck stained 2 years ago with your semi-transparent Natural Oak stain. Due to over spray from sprinklers, and more sun exposure, sections of the deck have not held up well, while other sections look fine. I have corrected the sprinkler over spray problem and want to refinish the deck with the same product. My question is should the entire deck be stripped and brightened prior to stain so that it is all an even tone again, or will cleaning and brightening alone achieve this result? Also, with either treatment, do I need to cover the azalea plants nearest the deck, or will watering them down before and after treatment be enough to protect them?
Strip and brighten. Cover plants when working and remove right after.
I stripped and brightened most of my deck. (The far end will be finished up today). Should I go back over some of the areas that are still grey with more stripper before I stain it?
Can you send a picture when the wood is dry?
Is this better. I can send another one later when the deck has full sun.
Yes, we would strip it one more time. It is not the gray you are removing but the remnants of the old stain. Looks brown.
Last question. Can I wait an hour or two between stripping and brightening? Or do I have to do the brightener right away?
Yes, but sooner is better.
When we initially redid our porch we used AC on the Ipe floor. Then when it was redone BM product was used bc I was told it was the same thing. It was not at all. What steps should I take to get the porch floor back to its original condition which was beautiful with the AC mahogany?
Use the RAD Stripper/Brightener kit for prep.
Our backyard slopes down to a creek. We cannot use any product as is not 100% environmentally safe. Is this?
Prep products are eco-safe.
I need to stain my mahogany deck. I’m not sure what it was stained with before but I will use your stripper and brightener kit. Do I need to sand it too?
No need to sand.
Thank you! No sanding made my day!!
I have a deck that I have stained twice with the Armstrong Semi Transparent Cedar stain. The deck looks pretty good but needs stain to be re-applied. Should I use Restore-a-Deck Stripper or just the Restore-a-Deck?
Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener Kit for maintenance coats.
Thank you. That’s exactly what I was thinking, I just wanted professional confirmation. Order is submitted. Thanks for great products and awesome customer service.
I have a Tigerwood deck that I built last year. I put Thompson water seal on it. It is still water repellent, but the wood is gray. Will your stripper take this off so I can switch to your penetrating stain oil? Will it harm my powder coat rail posts or the vinyl coated cable? Thanks!
It will take off the Thompsons. It should not harm the rail post or vinyl but always test spot first.
2 questions–1.Can the RAD stripper/brighteners be used on a roof deck that has a rubber roof under it, or will they damage the rubber?2. Can I mix some semi-transparent cedar to the hardwood Amber, to adjust the color for use on mahogany deck, or are they too different to mix?
It will not damage the rubber. Just use the Amber color if applying to a Mohogany deck and it cannot be custom mixed.
New wall/ existing wall that is turning gray
Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener Kit while pressure washing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Judy Heltsley 08/12/2021
We just need to bring the wood in the fence to natural and get rid of the gray before we stain. Is that doable?
We just need to bring the wood in the fence to natural and get rid of the gray before we stain. Is that doable?
Reply with some pictures on prep help.
I am planning to use your stripper with both additives on my cedar porch previously coated several times with Olympic transparent stain. Can this be applied with a standard pump sprayer or will it be so thick that it will need to be rolled on?
Pump spray on and then pressure wash off.
I have new mahogany siding installed 9 months ago and coated with BM armor coat want to change it to AC mahogany stain what would suggest for prep.I also have older mahogany siding treated with Seiken’s that is over 5 years and has darkened and looks pretty bad . I want to go with the same AC Stain what would you recommend for prep on thatLastly I have new mahogany siding and again want to use AC stain on that . should I wait to stain the new or can I stain it immediately and would I prep it with anything
Please post some pictures of the areas that need to be stripped. See here about the new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
We recently had our ipe porch sanded and stained with Thompsons. We’re removing with the RAD stripper and brightener prior to applying AC.
We also have a railing that was not sanded and stained. It’s ~5 years old and grayed. Can we simply apply the RAD stripper and brightener to this at the same time and will the results match?
Water down the stripper if the rails are just grayed to 2-3 oz of powder per gallon of water.
Okay perfect. I’ll have them do that first, then the porch below at full strength.
For ipe, does the AC stain need to be wiped off after to keep it from remaining greasy?
Only wipe if needed an hour later, not right away.
I used ipe oil recently on newly installed tiger wood. It turned the wood to brown. I like to use the AC amber stain. Can I strip the wood now or should I wait? Also, do I need to use the brightner before staining?
You can strip it now and yes you need to brighten.
I used my pressure washer detergent attachment to apply the RAD stripper, rinsed, then brightened. I didn’t realize I was supposed to use a pump sprayer to apply the stripper. After rinsing the RAD brightener off, there is no beading, which leads me to believe it still worked. Is this correct or do I need to redo the stripper? If so, do I also need to brighten again?
It looks okay to stain.
I am removing the stains I used previously by completely sanding the deck, and evening the surface of cupped boards with with a planer. In hard to access areas I am stripping with a conventional gel wood stripper which is doing a fairly good job of removal and will finish those area with a little hand sanding. Which products should I use to finish preparation before applying one of the semi solid Armstrong Clark stains?
After you are done sanding, let it weather for 1-2 months. This will help to open up the pores after the sanding. Once this is done, use this kit for prep:https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
One coat of the AC Stain only.
05/14/2021 >> See attached picture of deck. PLEASE advise per my earlier message J. Repko · 05/13/2021
I have to remove the failed Behr stain used on my deck. Will Restore-A- Deck (1 RAD Stripper and 1 RAD Brightener) remove all the stain still present on the deck? Then I plan on using your Semi-Solid – Woodland Brown stain. Any advise more advise? 5/13/2021
Strippers will not remove this as the stain is on their like a paint or solid stain. To remove you will need to sand off.
I have to remove the failed Behr stain used on my deck. Will Restore-A- Deck (1 RAD Stripper and 1 RAD Brightener) remove all the stain still present on the deck? Then I plan on using your Semi-Solid – Woodland Brown stain. Any advise more advise? 5/13/2021
We would need to see pictures posted here.
Is there a necessary time between applications of deck cleaner & brightened?
No, apply brightener as soon as you are done with cleaner.
Hi – if I pressure washed last fall, do I need to pressure wash again before applying stripper and brightener?
You pressure wash while using the stripper, not before.
I stained my new deck last year with Olympic Elite Maximum Semi transparent stain. I applied 2 coats and after one winter it didn’t hold up very well. I have to re stain it now again and was going to use AC semi solid because it gets full sun most of the day. Do I have to use a stripper and brightener or just a cleaner and brightener as prep before I start staining
You have to remove it fully first. Use both additives as well as it is not an easy strip: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper/restore-a-deck-stripper-additives
Sand if needed when done.
Thank you for your very prompt response. It does seem like it’s going to be a bit more involved than I planned. I better get a move on then.