"Deck Restore" Has anyone used this?

[Drdaves49]

I was in Home Depot looking at stains and paints for redoing our decks and came across this.

http://synta.com/prod_restoredeck2.html

I've read alot about it with mixed reviews, so I thought I'd ask if any of you have had any experience using it or knowing someone who has.

1. I like the looks of it...at least on the sample in the store.

2. The fact that it leaves a non skid finish, which to me is a plus.

3. The biggest negatives I've read about are it's a PITA to apply and it takes at least double what you would expect. I think the usage could be controlled a little better using a 6" roller instead of the 9" supplied in the kit, alot of the product seems to fall between the spaces in the boards.

A friend had an idea of maybe using an undercoat gun to spray it on.....not sure if that would work, but it's an idea.

Anyway, I thought I'd throw this out there and see what you all think about it?

 

[soulja]

I saw the same stuff a week after I restained the floor of my deck. I think the price is reasonable if it lasts as long as they state. I think I will try it out in the future.

 

[jordan369]

This stuff caught my attention as well. It looks like a bed liner type finish for the deck. I will probably give it a shot.

Mike

 

[Garage Flooring]

The reviews look terrible.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-m...m_ciu_pdp_images_1?ie=UTF8&index=1&isremote=0
http://www.deckstainhelp.com/synta-restore-stain-review/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZH63HA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rlitman]

When I bought a used wooden swingset for my children last summer, I stained everything but the climbing wall. I wanted something that had more of a "rock" like look, and wouldn't have a chance of splinters where knees could rub on it, so I had a Deck Restore kit stained to the "granite" color. I did the climbing wall, which had so small gaps between the boards that they just closed up with this product (fine for an inclined surface, not fine for a deck), and the treads on the ladder's steps.

I'm really happy with the results. The coverage of a gallon is INCREDIBLY small.
I believe it ends up to be 20 sq feet per gallon. That would be 40 sq feet per gallon per coat, but you need 2 coats for complete coverage (this is off the top of my head, read the book to be sure of these numbers).
The coverage estimate numbers in the instructions are pretty accurate.
I don't expect you to save much by being careful not to lose material in the gaps.

It goes on like oatmeal. You need the special roller to create the texture. Otherwise it will go on flat, and look awful. Each kit comes with one roller. It is pretty easy to wash off with water between coats, so you don't need extra rollers, unless you tear them up on splinters or popped nail heads, etc.

 

[rlitman]

The reviews look terrible.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-m...m_ciu_pdp_images_1?ie=UTF8&index=1&isremote=0
http://www.deckstainhelp.com/synta-restore-stain-review/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZH63HA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Huh? Those Amazon reviews give it 4 stars. That's great.
The other reviewer's only real complaint was about the price. They're comparing it to a stain. It is not a solid color stain. Apples and bananas.
Peeling of a finish, is almost always a prep issue.

My question would be: what do you want to use this for?
If your deck is in awful shape, maybe it's better to just replace the decking.
I will say that the non-skid surface would be excellent on stairs. They have a solid color stain product that can be tinted to match this. If you deck isn't awful, you could use the stain on the deck, and this product on stair treads, etc. if you just want better traction in some places, and would save a bundle.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Huh? Those Amazon reviews give it 4 stars. That's great.
The other reviewer's only real complaint was about the price. They're comparing it to a stain. It is not a solid color stain. Apples and bananas.
Peeling of a finish, is almost always a prep issue.

My question would be: what do you want to use this for?
If your deck is in awful shape, maybe it's better to just replace the decking.
I will say that the non-skid surface would be excellent on stairs. They have a solid color stain product that can be tinted to match this. If you deck isn't awful, you could use the stain on the deck, and this product on stair treads, etc. if you just want better traction in some places, and would save a bundle.

I sell a lot on Amazon. If you read the reviews on their own site and the reviews on amazon to me it is clear that I would not use this on my deck --and I do not sell anything similar.

A lot of people, especially those with composite decks are in the same boat.

 

[jordan369]

Huh? Those Amazon reviews give it 4 stars. That's great.
The other reviewer's only real complaint was about the price. They're comparing it to a stain. It is not a solid color stain. Apples and bananas.
Peeling of a finish, is almost always a prep issue.

My question would be: what do you want to use this for?
If your deck is in awful shape, maybe it's better to just replace the decking.
I will say that the non-skid surface would be excellent on stairs. They have a solid color stain product that can be tinted to match this. If you deck isn't awful, you could use the stain on the deck, and this product on stair treads, etc. if you just want better traction in some places, and would save a bundle.

Maybe he is referring to how the product looks in the reviews as terrible?

I think this is a great alternative for someone who would otherwise be replacing their boards.

Mike

 

[jordan369]

A lot of people, especially those with composite decks are in the same boat.

Are you saying to stay away from using this on composite decks or stay away from composite decks?

Mike

 

[CoconutPete]

Am I the only one that thinks half of those phtos scream "photoshopped"?

Coverage is KEY with this .... at 40 bucks a whack it can get expensive quickly if you don't get a lot of square footage out of a box - pressure treated decking planks are not that expensive.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Sorry guys. I was just giving my two cents. When a product has a rating of 6.25 on the manufacturers site http://www.deckstainhelp.com/synta-restore-stain-review/ I think that is terrible. Just my opinion. The amazon review I was specifically pointing to did a good job of pointing out some flaws

Re composite deck Questions: The major brands like Trex and others now use a PVC cap over top of the composite and it has eliminated a lot of the issues. The trex product you see in big box stores for 2.50 - 3.00 a lft is the old style with no cap. Look at the fade warranties and stain warranties and go to a local building center and get the good stuff.

Last week a fair point was made that sometimes none of the vendors comment on items when a sales was not up for grabs.[I do think there are a lot of vendors like Scotty and others that help anywhere they can] Here I saw the opportunity to give my opinion...

 

[ygoothmachines]

Maybe he is referring to how the product looks in the reviews as terrible?

I think this is a great alternative for someone who would otherwise be replacing their boards.

Mike

I 2nd that. Might really be worth to get it!

 

[Garage Flooring]

Doing a little research some folks in the business suggest Messmers at this point in time.

 

[mothgrey]

A frend of mine used it. Really needs 2 coats but it came out good. Hard as a rock. His deck was really peat up. But it did fill the narrow gaps so you really need to take care of this right away. If you wait to long you can't.

 

[Carnut12]

It is funny how all the Small businesses like to say the Big Box stores carry different stuff as if Manufacturers have the money to develop a different factory just for Big Box. I am not throwing stones here, but its amazing how many Small businesses blatently lie to consumers about Big Boxes because they can not compete from a pricing stand-point.

This product is good for those that like this type of a look and especially for those that have a deck in really bad shape and dont want to re-do all the boards.

As for Trex the Big Box does not carry their Capped product, but they do carry a Capped product that is priced much better, I would bet the contract between them has something to do with why they do not carry both capped products.

 

[Garage Flooring]

As for Trex the Big Box does not carry their Capped product, but they do carry a Capped product that is priced much better, I would bet the contract between them has something to do with why they do not carry both capped products.

Boy I am ruffeling feathers today

Every store has their high end and low end products. I was not saying the big box stores can't get the PVC capped ones. I definitely have a bias towards smaller companies but I did spend some time working for Pro Build.

So what I am saying is be carful when your buying composite decking and don't go for the cheaper stuff at the box store or the local lumberyard. Order the good stuff. The point I was trying to make is you want the stuff with the PVC cap, not the stuff the (generally) pull off the shelf

Their are a lot of products that if you shop right you can definitely get cheaper at the big box stores. I go there myself. I do believe that often you get a better value on speciatly products from those who specialize in them.

Not all box stores are created equal either. Some of them have very low prices on 2x4 studs, 5 gallon buckets of mud and other price sensative items and make it up on others.

In any case neither deck coatings nor composite decking is my business.

 

[Carnut12]

Boy I am ruffeling feathers today

Every store has their high end and low end products. I was not saying the big box stores can't get the PVC capped ones. I definitely have a bias towards smaller companies but I did spend some time working for Pro Build.

So what I am saying is be carful when your buying composite decking and don't go for the cheaper stuff at the box store or the local lumberyard. Order the good stuff. The point I was trying to make is you want the stuff with the PVC cap, not the stuff the (generally) pull off the shelf

Their are a lot of products that if you shop right you can definitely get cheaper at the big box stores. I go there myself. I do believe that often you get a better value on speciatly products from those who specialize in them.

Not all box stores are created equal either. Some of them have very low prices on 2x4 studs, 5 gallon buckets of mud and other price sensative items and make it up on others.

In any case neither deck coatings nor composite decking is my business.

No feathers ruffled here, sorry if that is how my post was perceived.

I agree 100% that you should NOT buy cheap composite, it will stain and mildew as well as scratch. The New Caps are really nice, but you do have to be careful with scratching them, have to make sure you do not drag anything on them with a sharp edge.

I will be doing my Garage floor probably in the next few months, there is so many options it made me stop looking into it for a little while.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Good deal. All the best.

 

[rlitman]

Am I the only one that thinks half of those phtos scream "photoshopped"?

Coverage is KEY with this .... at 40 bucks a whack it can get expensive quickly if you don't get a lot of square footage out of a box - pressure treated decking planks are not that expensive.

They may look photoshopped to someone who hasn't used the product.
I'm no expert painter, but I followed the directions, and got just that look.
The coarse "foam" roller makes the texture really easily.
I'll try to snap a cell phone picture of how it worked for me . . .

Yes, it can get real expensive, real quick. I only did around 15 square feet (thats just 3' x 5'), and went through 1 1/2 cans (3/4 of a 2 gallon kit @ $40), after two coats.

That comes out to $2/sqft, which is only a little less than the cost of composite decking (although the labor is much easier with this, than re-decking).

Two coats are absolutely necessary on a new job, but I suspect that 10 years down the line when you want to re-treat a faded/worn area, you can probably just apply one top coat to have it looking like new.

I have a relative who replaced her deck last spring with Timbertech at great expense (that product HAS a solid PVC cap). By the fall, large areas had faded to chalk (except the part under the table). Thankfully Timbertech worked with the contractor on the job, and replaced everything at no cost to her (they said that only that particular batch of that particular color had this issue; who knows). Now I've got an entire deck's worth of faded material to build a fort for the kids.

Much of it had mildew too. But you need to understand that on Long Island, mildew forms on EVERYTHING. You just need to pressure wash this sort of stuff annually if you want it looking nice.

Say you've got a "boardwalk" to a dock, and want a non-slip surface. This might be just the product for you. Especially because on an inclined surface, you don't have to worry about closing the gaps between boards to let water run off.

Look, not every product is right for everyone. They all have their pros and cons.

 

[CoconutPete]

They may look photoshopped to someone who hasn't used the product.
I'm no expert painter, but I followed the directions, and got just that look.
The coarse "foam" roller makes the texture really easily.
I'll try to snap a cell phone picture of how it worked for me . . .

OK - I guess I had that one coming. I wasn't trying to knock the product, I was merely pointing out the fact that nothing in those photos looked real - the deck or otherwise, it looked like one of those "artist rendering" you always see.

It does say that you can use it over concrete though so I'm actually very tempted to pick up a box this weekend and use it on my concrete stair landing off my deck (4x5) - it was my virgin concrete project and turned out ..... aehmn ... OK

And just to keep the side conversation going - if you are considering composite decking I highly recommend just going to your local lumberyard and just talking to whoever their deck guy is - I learned a LOT by doing this, even though I ultimately ended up building my deck out of cedar.

 

[rlitman]

OK - I guess I had that one coming. I wasn't trying to knock the product, I was merely pointing out the fact that nothing in those photos looked real - the deck or otherwise, it looked like one of those "artist rendering" you always see.

I know exactly what you mean. The end result looks like a cartoonish stucco. I completely agree that it looks like an artist's rendition. I'm just saying that it does actually look like that in real life.

This image was from one Amazon review (as I said above, my test of this was tinted "granite"), but it really does look like this. I'll try to take some pictures this weekend.

 

[CoconutPete]

Well, you have me seriously intrigued now ... I'm going to try to pick up a pack this weekend.

 

[theshredder]

Doesn't look very good, the end result!

 

[Herb67SS]

Check out a amorproxy.com
Another similar product with a mil std and commercial warranty. Not an endorsement, just FYI.

I too can't afford to do a $25K replacement with a Trex-like product so I'm researching these also.

There isn't a sealer made that can make treated pine look good for more than 24 to 36 mo. At $1200 a pop to resell/stain it gets pricey over time. There's an outfit call DEK HELMUT advertising on TV that does the job for you. They offer a ten yr warranty. Armor proxy offers lifetime on their product.
Again, just a FYI

 

[dougmt]

I used the stuff on my South facing deck and on the North facing entrance to our house. I used 4 gallons to cover approx. 150 sq. ft. I'm very impressed with it. I left a review at the Amazon site pointing out how well it's held up.

Doug

 

[Drdaves49]

Hey, thanks for all the replies and info...

I guess my main intent for using a product such as this would be for the uniform look. I replaced several of the boards, which were previously stained, so anything short of just painting won't match and even with solid stain or paint it would still be obvious that repairs had been made. Personally I've never really cared for the stained look with the screw holes exposed and this will hopefully be a remedy. I only have a 175 sq ft to cover so the cost won't be that bad.

Now if it would quit raining and warm up, I could actually get back to work on it.

 

[rlitman]

Ok, cell phone pics from where I used it.
It was a little difficult to get good pictures, because the phone wasn't good with dealing with the difference between what's in light and shadow, but you get the idea.
The steps were tape masked with blue tape, and I removed the tape when it was still sort of wet.

Edit:
Shoot, those all looked upright when I uploaded them.
Oh well, just turn your head to the left.

 

[xtremek]

As far as the big box stores carrying different than the little guys, big box guys buy in huge quantities, so when the new product comes out, sometimes it takes a little while for them to go through their old stock and get the new stuff in to replace it. The large quantity gives you the cheaper prices but usually doesn't get you the latest and greatest. Nothing good or bad, just business. Now back to it, How long is this supposed to last and when it goes south, how do you take care of/fix it? Our deck is shot, and we're almost broke. Trying to figure out what to do with it.

 

[Big-Foot]

Ok, cell phone pics from where I used it.
It was a little difficult to get good pictures, because the phone wasn't good with dealing with the difference between what's in light and shadow, but you get the idea.
The steps were tape masked with blue tape, and I removed the tape when it was still sort of wet.

Edit:
Shoot, those all looked upright when I uploaded them.
Oh well, just turn your head to the left.

I was just about to start a new thread about this stuff but was a good boy and did the search thing first..

Thanks for posting the pictures and experience so far.. Any updates on how it's holding up?

I was going to look into Penofin for my deck, but after talking with my wife, we would both rather have something that offers a bit of traction as the deck is terribly slippery when wet and downright dangerous in the winter...

So from the reviews I have read on Amazon and other places, it looks like the biggest beef is the overestimated coverage on behalf of the mfgr. If that's the only beef, I think I can look past that. I just don't want to ruin the deck or put something on it that I will need to strip off somehow to re-do it every few years..

So lets hear it? Anyone have any more info??

Thanks!!

 

[vjlobel]

Did my brother's deck about five years ago- still holding up well the last time I was there (March) Very good traction, wish the coat had come out more evenly but oh well. And wish we had masked off the sides better, but that's another story. This stuff doesn't come off ANYTHING.

Also of possible interest- the color we had mixed up ended up being this green gray instead of a regular gray. Ended up painting it over with cheap dutch boy porch paint the next week- that's still holding up as well.

 

[Big-Foot]

Thanks!!! Is this in a northern ciimate?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Sorry guys. I was just giving my two cents. When a product has a rating of 6.25 on the manufacturers site http://www.deckstainhelp.com/synta-restore-stain-review/ I think that is terrible. Just my opinion. The amazon review I was specifically pointing to did a good job of pointing out some flaws

Re composite deck Questions: The major brands like Trex and others now use a PVC cap over top of the composite and it has eliminated a lot of the issues. The trex product you see in big box stores for 2.50 - 3.00 a lft is the old style with no cap. Look at the fade warranties and stain warranties and go to a local building center and get the good stuff.

Last week a fair point was made that sometimes none of the vendors comment on items when a sales was not up for grabs.[I do think there are a lot of vendors like Scotty and others that help anywhere they can] Here I saw the opportunity to give my opinion...

Thanks for the compliment and the same to you Sir!!

 

[rlitman]

I was just about to start a new thread about this stuff but was a good boy and did the search thing first..

Thanks for posting the pictures and experience so far.. Any updates on how it's holding up?

Well, it has been through a winter (almost a year since I applied it now), and the climbing wall looks identical to when I did it. No chipping, no fading, really no change whatsoever, except for some minor staining from dirt. It isn't worth my time to take another picture. You wouldn't see the difference.

The steps still look very good, but because I taped the edges and applied the Deck Restore up to the tape, the sharp edges have worn down and rounded off a bit, but it still looks excellent. And more importantly, the surface is still very high traction.

The manufacturer does not overestimate coverage. I got pretty much exactly what they estimated. You just have to read past line one in the instructions. They estimate the coverage per coat. The first application takes two coats. I will say that two gallons coats a surprisingly small surface.

Personally, I found the product easy to apply, and it met my expectations, but aesthetically unappealing for a deck. Don't get me wrong, it looks as good in the pictures as it does in real life. And I'm really happy with my use of it. I'd certainly think about applying it to exterior stairs, boat ramps, etc. The climbing wall came out spectacular. But I'm just not into a stucco looking deck (or plastic decking for that matter as well though). That's completely personal opinion though. Don't let that hold back your decision, if you like the look of it.

 

[vjlobel]

Thanks!!! Is this in a northern ciimate?

Yes, in Chicago area

 

[Big-Foot]

Guys, that's great nformation and I thank you very much!

As to the look, I'm thinking that if I were to use a short nap roller rather than a large open cell foam roller, that the surface would be less like stucco.. The deck is about 10 years old and the previous owner never did a thing to it so there are some cracks and a lot of algea / mildew buildup on it.. As soon as I recover from this hernia surgery I had Friday, I will be getting started on the cleaning..

Thanks again!

 

[funkyjiblets]

I had to build a handicap ramp and I used this product to coat the surface of the ramp. It is a very good product - excellent traction in rain, snow and is holding up very well. I run a snow blower and shovel on it in the winter and also coat it with salt to melt ice and the finish has held up very well. Granted, it has only been about 13 months since I installed it, but I'm very happy with it.

 

[odie]

We just put this down on our, new to us house, about 4 weeks ago. So far so good. I like the fact that there are no more splinters. With the kids going and coming to the pool from the house. Plus it gives them a little more grip when still wet.

 

[Ford52PU]

Any updates on this product? I read the Amazon reviews been searching on the web. Looking to put it down on a new deck before a hot tub gets installed.

 

[deckdude]

I have used this product but i have found one that is better www.deckreform.com. Look on amazon also. DeckReform really looks great on my deck and I have had it for over 2 years. I tried both products side by side on a test area of my deck before I did the whole thing with the DeckReform. I tried to attach photos so we will see if it works.

 

[rockchucker]

I was just about to start a new thread about this stuff but was a good boy and did the search thing first..

Thanks for posting the pictures and experience so far.. Any updates on how it's holding up?

I was going to look into Penofin for my deck, but after talking with my wife, we would both rather have something that offers a bit of traction as the deck is terribly slippery when wet and downright dangerous in the winter...

So from the reviews I have read on Amazon and other places, it looks like the biggest beef is the overestimated coverage on behalf of the mfgr. If that's the only beef, I think I can look past that. I just don't want to ruin the deck or put something on it that I will need to strip off somehow to re-do it every few years..

So lets hear it? Anyone have any more info??

Thanks!!

Penofin is my Oil of choice. It works great, easy application and to reapply just make sure it is clean then go. No stripping or anything. Check out my thread "Baby Room Remodel" for results.


The thing I do not like about the listed product is that it hides the wood and seals in moisture until the boards rot. You have no clue they are bad until they fail and you go through. My front porch is done with a similar product and ALL of the wood is rotting from inside out. Wood needs to breathe. Use an Oil and maintain it every few years. It will last a lifetime. Cover it up and seal it in then the water has no place to escape and it just rots.

Just my 2¢ though.