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We have put together this FAQ page because of the numerous questions that we get from our customers. These responses also include some good tips and suggestions to help you with a successful installation of our coatings system. You can also download any of our installation instructions by product.
For full instructions, see these links:
Why do we recommend Gloss Paint?
We highly recommend that you choose a Gloss sheen when mixing with DeckRevive for this simple reason, Gloss is more cleanable. The final sheen ends up to be closer to a Satin/Semi-Gloss.
How is your product different from a stain or paint?
Horizontal wood surfaces are typically the most difficult to coat and that is why there are numerous products on the market. Stains and sealers are designed to penetrate into the wood and are not designed to provide a new surface. DeckRevive is designed with a special polymer to be absorbed into the wood like a stain and sealer, but also to provide you with a safe, skid-resistant new surface. Most products fail because they are unable to provide proper penetration into the wood fibers and because they have a low Perm Rating. Our Perm Rating is over 19, which has a higher permeability rating than Stucco.
Why should I resurface?
The cost to completely replace existing deck or dock boards with brand new decking boards can range from $6-$10 per square foot for labor and material. If you choose composite decking, costs could range from $15-$50 per Square Foot. DeckRevive and ConcreteRevive are very cost-effective coatings solution comparative to the aforementioned with many more benefits. Not to mention saving landfills from treated lumber.
What colors are available?
All you need to do is add 1 Gallon of gloss exterior acrylic latex paint (DeckRevive) to our kit. The color choice is almost unlimited.
Are the colors exact or does the mix alter the color?
The colors are true and it would be very difficult to see the difference since it is a non-skid, the color may seem a little different due to the coatings profile.
Do I need the aggregate in the product?
Yes, all the mix components are designed to work in tandem with each other. The specially formulated polymer and dry mix need to be activated together in order to work. Think of it as rebar in cement.
Does DeckRevive come in a clear so that I can see the wood grain of the wood?
No, you will need a gloss exterior acrylic latex paint (DeckRevive) in order for the product to look right. The special polymer primer dries clear but the dry mix and polymer resin will not look good if you do not add a paint or stain. Most older deck boards are beyond their life for a stain application and that is why resurfacing with a solid color is the perfect choice. Your deck boards will look similar to a new composite deck when finished.
What about the nails and screws?
We recommend that you fill any nail, screw holes, knot holes or 1/8” or wider cracks with our new PermaFill to allow yourself a cosmetically smooth surface. This type isn’t absolutely necessary, but an option. Older nails tend to leach rust. We suggest you talk to your paint store what rust inhibitive primer would best suit this problem. Our acrylic formula DOES NOT prevent the nail from rusting through our coating.
What kind of preparation is needed?
Please read through the front page of our instruction sheet thoroughly. We simply recommend a good pressure washing and remove any loose materials from your wood surface. Some old paints are difficult to completely remove. In some cases, you may want to use an orbital sander to remove peeling areas that are of concern. (PermaBond Primer is needed on all pre-painted, pre-stained surfaces or where the boards are cracked and weathered) DeckRevive is water-based so any previous stain or sealers that were oil-based need to be sanded down to create a profile before applying our coating. If a paint remover is used, all strippers need to be thoroughly removed and power washed and completely dried. All the paint remover chemicals need to be removed. In these cases, we suggest 48 hours of dry time after power washing. Make sure the deck after applying our coating is not rained on freeze within 24 hours so the coating can completely cure.
How do I mix the product?
DeckRevive comes conveniently packaged with instruction sheets to make mixing as simple as possible. Once you open the kit (Pail), you will notice an instruction sheet; pull it out read through the instructions thoroughly. Remove all contents, pour the 1 gallon of resin into the bucket, and pour the exterior acrylic latex (recommended S/G or Gloss) into the bucket, drill mix with a paint mixer that you attach to your drill (Electric drill works best). Do not use a grout mixer to mix any of our products. After mixing for 2 minutes slowly add each bag of dry material from the bags into the liquid, drill mix for 5 minutes. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes and then remix for 5 minutes. The product is ready to use. We recommend applying the product in 24 hours, but has a shelf life of 14-21 days, depending on temperature. Always drill mix if the product sits for more than 4 days. Keep stored out of sunlight and in a cool area.
Can I spray your products with a paint sprayer?
You can spray PermaBond because it is thin, however, we recommend a brush and roll application for the DeckRevive due to the aggregate and heavy viscosity. When you roll out the product you are more able to force the product into the cracks which will allow the wood to absorb the product for a better bond. This will prevent you from achieving only a surface bond that will have a shorter life span.
When do I use the PermaBond Primer?
You must use the PermaBond on all applications when using our coating systems. PermaBond needs to be used with all wood that is weathered or has previous coatings. We recommend that any existing coating be removed as best as possible. Our bond will only be as good as what is underneath it.
How long does it take between recoats of PermaBond and DeckRevive?
You can recoat any coated surface within thirty to forty-five minutes as long as the surface is dry to the touch. This applies to normal weather conditions – material will dry quicker in hotter temperatures and longer in cooler temperatures.
How do I apply the DeckRevive products?
Brush and Roll applied. Use a ¾” nap roller cover, sturdy roller handle, and frame so it’s easier to press the first coat into any cracks in the boards. The first coat should be applied against the grain of the boards’ width to work the coating into the cracks while smoothing out any heavy spots to prevent lap marks. 2nd coat applies going with the grain and board length.
When can I use my deck?
DeckRevive, as well as PermaBond, dry fairly quickly, so you can walk on it within 4 hours. We recommend at least a 24 hour cure time before moving furniture on to it or allowing heavy traffic.
What is the best way to mix the dry chemistry?
Slowly add dry chemistry while mixing briskly with drill and paint mixer (recommended Electric Drill) for 5 minutes. (DO NOT USE A CEMENT MIXER).
When Should I use PermaBond Primer?
All scenarios. PermaBond Primer is required over pre-painted, pre-stained, redwood, cedar and extremely cracked or weathered deck boards when applying DeckRevive or on pre-painted, pre-stained concrete when applying ConcreteRevive. As an option, PermaBond can be colored by adding 1 quart of exterior latex paint to a gallon of PermaBond.
What life expectancy will I see?
With proper preparation and application, we are seeing 5-7 years. If the surface gets heavy traffic or scratched from metal chairs, etc… a service coat could be applied, which would cover twice the square footage (400 square feet) for a full kit. Always use the PermaBond first when reapplying.
Other Benefits?
Gulf Synthetics is American Made and American Owned. DeckRevive is safe for the environment and will actually lock in any harmful chemicals that are in the pressure-treated wood.
About 8 years ago I put Deck Revive on the deck (pressure treated) around our dockhouse and the walkway from the shore to the dockhouse. The walkway is in full sun, all day, year-round. While the Deck Revive is holding up well, the walkway color is fading. Is it necessary to recoat the area again (to bring back the color) or could it be painted?
You cannot paint over the Deck Revive. When time to redo, you would need to do the Permabond and then the Deck Revive as you did prior.
Ok thanks for the speedy reply
Can Deck Revive be used on a 3-4 yr old weathered deck that all the old stain has been sanded off?
Yes. Pressure wash for final prep.
I have 2 5gal pails of deck revive but only one box of the dry competent. Do you sell just the dry component?
Sorry but we do not.
Is it possible to a complete job ( 1 coat of the primer + 2 coats of the DR) on half of the deck and then complete the other side a few days later?
Once mixed, you have to use the DR the same day not 2 days later so it would work if you had 2 different pails of the DR.
If I don’t have enough to complete 2 coats of Deck Revive, can I order more and finish the second coat on a different day? Also, are 2 coats of perma bond needed before applying Deck Restore?
Barry Watson Watsonbp@hotmail.com
It should all be done on the same day. Permabond and the 2 coats of Deck Revive. Just one coat of Permabond.
Can this be applied to a deck that had previously been painted? the old paint has cracked and peeled. I’m hoping I can do a rough sanding and then coat with this. Will that work?
We suggest presure washing first and then if needed sanding off any peeling paint. You can apply our coatings over the paint that is intact and not peeling.
I have an older deck painted with Anvil Paints Deck-a-New (Was painted about 6 years ago). Some of the paint has worn off, but in some places it is still in tact. If I use your system on this deck, do I need to completely remove the old paint? Or do I just need to get off the loose materials?
No. Just pressure wash off the loose paint and then you can cover over the tintact paint.
Have a 2yr old deck made of marine grade plywood. Have painted it with Behrs deck paint but not happy with results. Can I use your system on the deck?
Yes.
I ordered the product and have been waiting for drier weather to apply it. I did power wash the deck last week and prepped the loose pieces and rust spots. However, it doesn’t look like I’ll have dry weather until next week which will be about 2-3 weeks after I power washed. I was planning on giving it a good dusting with the blower before I start, but wondering now if I have to power wash again. Any advice is appreciated.
Give it a good water rinse down 48 hours before apply the Deck Revive.
Perfect! Thank you for the quick response!
We’re expanding an old deck – old decking is in pretty good shape except for paint that’s flaking. From what I can tell it looks like the new piece should sit for 3 months before we coat it?
Yes, that is correct.
Hello, question about using Quikcrete instead of Permafill: should Permabond go down before quikcrete ? If yes, quikcrete says it takes 12 hours to cure. But do you think it can be painted with Deck Revive as soon as it hardens, like, in 20 minutes ?
Follow the directions for the Quickcrete. Do not use Permafill first.
We’ve got a 2 story deck – 4 kits of Deck Revive and 2 gal. Permabond. Can we use Behr Premium Plus Interior/Exterior Hi Gloss latex enamel for color ?
Yes, as long as it is a glosss acrylic latex. It cannot be oil/solvent based.
Previous owners did not properly care for my wood deck. I pressure washed all boards and replaced rotting pieces with new PT wood. How can I protect the old wood boards while waiting for new PT boards to weather? I’ve already noticed some of the older boards are cracking (micro-cracks) more since pressure washing them. Is it advisable to use a waterseal to protect the old boards while I wait? Can Permabond and Deck Revive go on a waterseal coating?
Cracks are normal and not an issue so just leave as is. Do not seal the wood.
Hello,
Please find the pictures attached of my deck. Some helpful details:
-23 year old deck in northern VA but not well maintained past 9 years
-Splintered and cracked wood. Soft in a few spots
-Stained and power washed 2 times in past 9 years
-Contractor confirmed whole deck needs replacement
Questions:
-Can Deck Revive save this deck or you recommend replacement?
-If Deck Revive can help, will I be able to access the screw heads after painting over using Deck Revive (so that we can remove and replace some boards as needed after painting)
Thank you.
Yes but make sure to prep and replace any rotting boards first. The coating will cover any screws.
Thank you. How can I access the screws (in the future) if the coating will cover them?
You should have no issue but scrapping or scratching off the coating where the nails are. It will be visible.
Excellent. Thank you for confirming.
Is there still a Concrete Revive product? I found the application instructions online and it appears to be the same product as the Deck Revive. The instructions are somewhat different but the kits seem to be the same.
There is not a Concrete Revive anymore but you should be able to use the Deck Revive on it.
What do you recommend for filler of holes and cracks now that permafill is discontinued?
https://www.gulfsynthetics.com/ranger-patch-concrete-repair-kit.html
I replaced some rotted wood boards with new pressure treated, how long do I have to let them weather before applying deck revive?
3 months. Pressure wash for prep after.
I have one unopened Deck Revive kit. How long will it “keep”? That is, does it have an expiration date?
It should be fine for a few years or longer as long as it does not freeze.
Hello, 5 years ago we bought a house with a deck that had been treated with SuperDeck Oil-Based, Semi-Transparent. In 2021 we had the deck power washed and treated again with SuperDeck Oil-Based, Semi-Transparent. SuperDeck did not seem to help restore our deck at all and we’d like to use Deck Revive, as we do not plan on replacing the deck any time soon. Please advise on the steps we need to take before using Deck Revive. Pics are attached.
Just pressure wash for prep. Let dry and use the Permabond before the Deck Revive.
This is great news!!!!!!!!!!! I thought my husband would need to sand the whole deck beforehand (which he will not do). Looking forward to posting our results.
I am installing kiln dried pressure treated boards which are already pretty dry (6~9 % humidity) and wick water without beading. Do they still need to be weatherized?
Yes. it is not about moisture % but porosity. Weather and then pressure wash for prep after.
You mentioned new wood needs to be weathered for 3 months. Is that required for small areas, like patches? What is the largest area of new wood that doesn’t need to be weathered? Thanks!
All new wood has to weather. Does not matter the size.
We’re 1 1/2 to 2 months out from getting our house repainted. They will patch some spots on the porch and seal it with Deck Revive. Should we postpone the porch? Thanks for your quick reply.
The new wood has to weather for 3 months.
Is it okay to add “some” Flotrol to the Deck Revive? I’m wanting to add just a bit of drying time to the mix. The constant and always present breeze here at the Alabama gulf coast is “messing” with me.
No, we would not suggest that. It could cause the product to harden in the container while applying.
What type of caulk (painter’s, adhesive caulk, elastomeric, other) should I use to fill larger cracks?
Are there other applications for perma bond other than using with deck revive? For example, as a primer prior to painting wood with unmodified exterior paint – not deck revive?
Any flexible caulk should work. You can use Perma Bond for any other paints that can be applied over a primer.
Would these paints be acceptable for using with Deck Revive?
1.) Valspar Tintable Gloss Exterior Porch and Floor Paint (latex, high gloss)
2.) Valspar Pro Storm Coat Semi-gloss White Latex Exterior Paint (100% acrylic, but only semi-gloss)
Also, I believe you said in a previous response that already-mixed Deck Revive could be resealed and then has a shelf life of 14-21 days, you just have to mix for 5 minutes again using a drill mixer. Are there any other steps/precautions to take if I end up taking that route? I’m thinking of tackling my front porch one weekend, then back porch the next weekend (using PermaBond then Deck Revive for each porch), to avoid blocking off our entire house at once. I would love to just use one bucket of each product if at all possible, since the coverage should be more than enough.
1. Yes as long as it is a latex (water-based) acrylic.
2. No.
Once you mix the Deck Revive with the paint, it is best to use it in one session. If you cannot, it has to be sealed 100% to avoid any evaporation and hardening of the product. Just mix one bucket at a time for each area.
Should the quart of latex paint that can be added to the Perma Bond be exterior grade?
There is no reason to add pain to the Permabond. You can skip this.
I see that you are consistently saying not to add paint to the Perma Bond; could you update the website text to clarify this? For example, the FAQ page above says, “As an option, PermaBond can be colored by adding 1 quart of exterior latex paint to a gallon of PermaBond.” There are statements like this throughout your website and in the PDF handouts that make it confusing; I would have been tempted to add paint to the primer if I had not thought to read the comments section below.
There is no added bonus to doing it so we tell people to not bother. You can do it if you like.
Okay to use a high gloss paint vs a gloss paint? Okay to treat rusty nail heads with Rustoleum “Rust Reformer” then seal with Permabond?
Should be fine.
Hello,
Below there is a picture of my deck[pressured wood]. I believe the deck is about 5 to 6 years old.I am not sure what type of paint was put on. The wood does have some mildew as well. I just purchased your Perma bond product and the Deck Revive kit. What would be the steps I should take?
1.Should I sand the deck first instead of using a paint stripper? If yes, I am assuming I can just sweep after before adding any treatment? Or should I wash the deck?
2. What would be next? The perma bond and then the revive kit?
Any additional information is appreciated or suggestion. I have never done this before.
Thank you.
Post some pictures, please for prep help.
After prep, use the PermaBond and then Deck Revive.
The deck still has black paint
Just pressure wash to remove any dirt and loose paint and then you can cover the intact paint that is still there.
Thank you so much for your help
Hello Deck Revive, we used your product a couple years ago on a 500 sq ft deck that was 15 years old with good results. We just enclosed deck with roof over and screening. The wife would now like to change the color. Will any of the new epoxy porch and patio exerior paints work as we would like to knock down the grit level?
Hi,
You cannot apply a paint or epoxy over the Deck Revive. You could sand it down to remove the grit and then apply a solid color paint over it.
Absolutely everything I’m seeing for Gloss Exterior Acrylic Latex paint at Home Depot or Lowes is Paint + Primer. I know we can’t use that – do you have any recommendations for what brands I can check into?
Hello,
There are a lot of acrylic latex gloss exterior paints out there. Try Sherwin Williams or PPG stores.
Would this paint work?
Yes.
Would this work as the exterior gloss acrylic latex paint? As others have mentioned it’s been very hard to find
Yes.
There’s a little green stain left on the wood but not much. Deep grooves and lots of mildew. Afraid the top layer of the boards may be a little soft (have replaced all really rotted boards). Is pressure washing alone still the recommendation, or should we also sand? We just ordered the kit and permabond and will fill larger holes with the filler first.
Just pressure wash.
can i use OVER deck restore???
No. You would have to sand the Rust-oleum Deck Restore all off as that product fails and peels.
Are these products only available in the bucket size ($250 and $100)?
Some of the questions/comments/replies on this site mention smaller sizes. Are they available at all, and if so, what are the costs, and how are they ordered?
Thre are not any smaller sizes. You can order right on our website:
https://www.gulfsynthetics.com/deck-revive-kit.html
https://www.gulfsynthetics.com/perma-bond.html
Thank you for your prompt prior answer. Do I need to rent or borrow an actual power washer or can I use my hose with a strong spray?
Use a pressure washer.
I purchased a gallon of Pro Industrial high gloss exterior/interior acrylic paint. I can’t find the word latex on the can. The description is ” Pro Industrial Multi-Surface Acrylic is a waterborne acrylic for interior and exterior use” (B66W1501) Can I use it with the Permabond?
This will work with the Deck Revive. You do not add paint to the Permabond.
Is Deck Revive compatible with exterior wood fillers (Gorilla Glue Wood Filler)?
It should be as long as your filler is paintable.
Hello – I have an 800 sq ft deck but did not account for the rails in between and handrails all around.
How should we measure this?
Should we apply Deck Revive on everything, even the not-so-worn areas?
How do you handle the shipping to Canada?
For shipping costs to Canada, enter your shipping info at checkout after adding products you need to cart. Most people use a solid color deck stain that is the same color as the paint that is added to the Deck Revive for the railings.
What is the process for use on brand new deck (has weathered since February). Can I use deck revive on the railings as well?
3 months of weathering for new wood and then pressure wash for prep. You can use it for railings but many times people use a solid color deck stain that is the same color as the paint that is added to the Deck Revive.
I have a lot of cracks and splintering on my deck. You no longer carry the filler. What do you recommend I use?
We would recommend Quikrete Quick Setting Filler as an option. You can buy small plastic containers of it at any local hardware store.
No, it cannot work on a painted concrete porch.
Hi: There are a few boards that need replacement before doing entire deck, will your product adhere to green PT deckboards? Thanks in advance
New wood needs to weather for 3+ months and then prepped.
I ran out of Permabond and still have 1/4 of my deck left. I am waiting for another bucket to be shipped. Will the pemabond I already applied still work or do I have to reapply? There is rain in the forecast in two days so it will be rained on prior to me putting deck revive on.
You will need to lightly reapply.
I applied 1 coat 2 years ago, used the primer etc. Now I would like to add another coat. How do I clean/prep the first coat (since it is 2 years old)? Do I need to use the primer again for this second coat? Thanks
It is the same process as prior. Pressure wash for prep and then use the Permabond prior to the Deck Revive.
Do you produce a rubber base deck coding
We do not.
I just bought a home with a deck that is structurally sound, but the top boards are in really poor shape. I see that your Permafill product is discontinued. What other product can I use to fill in the deeper cracks and wear…to have a more even deck surface?
We would recommend Quikrete Quick Setting Filler as an option. You can buy small plastic containers of it at any local hardware store.
When storing the unmixed product for Spring application, does the product need to be stored in a temperature controlled environment or is it stable in a storage facility where temperatures may drop to the mid-teens?
Must be temperature controlled.
I feel this is a dumb question. But I love my wife. She feels aggregate is too rough. She wants me to sand it. What grit paper could I use without messing up the integrity.
You cannot sand off the grit.
I have a large deck & unexpectedly ran out of material prior to putting the second coat on.I actually ran out of semi-gloss paint & by the time I returned it was too late to complete.i do have another complete deck revive kit & will finish the project with the second kit within 24 to 36 hours. Since the first coat completely cured SHOULD I REAPPLY another coat of primer prior to the application of the 2nd coat?I
Yes and use gloss paint, not semi-gloss.
i have a pressure treated deck that is 5 years into a PPG deck revive coating that is just starting to flake off slightly should can I spot coat your product or sand the entire deck to remove the revive ,what grit ? and then pressure wash and follow the regular directions as per the prime and coat, the wood is in good shape
Sand off the current coating with 60 grit, pressure wash, then apply the Permabond and then Deck Revive.