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:

Deck Revive Instructions

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.

 

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  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Richard Robinson · 10/12/2022
    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?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 10/12/2022
      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.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Candace · 09/20/2022
    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?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 09/20/2022
      Hello,

      There are a lot of acrylic latex gloss exterior paints out there. Try Sherwin Williams or PPG stores.
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    Pauline · 08/27/2022
    Would this paint work?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Pauline · 08/27/2022
    Would this work as the exterior gloss acrylic latex paint?  As others have mentioned it’s been very hard to find 
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    Pauline · 08/26/2022
    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. 
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    Tom B · 07/07/2022
    can i use OVER deck restore???
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 07/07/2022
      No. You would have to sand the Rust-oleum Deck Restore all off as that product fails and peels. 
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    Stephen Smith · 07/01/2022
    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?
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    Claire · 06/18/2022
    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?
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    Claire · 06/13/2022
    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?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 06/13/2022
      This will work with the Deck Revive. You do not add paint to the Permabond.
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    T Page · 05/23/2022
    Is Deck Revive compatible with exterior wood fillers (Gorilla Glue Wood Filler)?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/23/2022
      It should be as long as your filler is paintable.
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    Brian Kelly · 05/18/2022
    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? 
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/18/2022
      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.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Erin · 05/18/2022
    What is the process for use on brand new deck (has weathered since February). Can I use deck revive on the railings as well? 
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/18/2022
      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.
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    Diane · 05/10/2022
    I have a lot of cracks and splintering on my deck. You no longer carry the filler. What do you recommend I use?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/10/2022
      We would recommend Quikrete Quick Setting Filler as an option. You can buy small plastic containers of it at any local hardware store.
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    Tom · 04/24/2022
    Hi: There are a few boards that need replacement before doing entire deck, will your product adhere to green PT deckboards? Thanks in advance
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 04/24/2022
      New wood needs to weather for 3+ months and then prepped. 
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    RJ · 04/23/2022
    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. 
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    gareth a woods · 03/18/2022
    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
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 03/19/2022
      It is the same process as prior. Pressure wash for prep and then use the Permabond prior to the Deck Revive.
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    doug · 03/11/2022
    Do you produce a rubber base deck coding
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    Angie · 03/02/2022
    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 will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 03/02/2022
      We would recommend Quikrete Quick Setting Filler as an option. You can buy small plastic containers of it at any local hardware store.
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    kyle · 12/29/2021
    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?
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    Steve · 09/11/2021
    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.
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    Steve · 09/06/2021
    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
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    walt · 08/31/2021
    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
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 08/31/2021
      Sand off the current coating with 60 grit, pressure wash, then apply the Permabond and then Deck Revive.
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    Karen Monaco · 08/29/2021
    Can I use this over composite decking ?
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    Jen C · 08/15/2021
    I applied the deck revive last summer. I forgot that you are not supposed to use a cleaning product with degreaser in it and I just spot cleaned my deck with a mixture of Lestoil and water. Did I just ruin my finish in those spots?
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    Jennifer · 08/07/2021
    I applied Deck Revive last summer and it looks great.   I need to clean it now and the garden hose is not getting the job done very well.  Will a pressure washer harm my finish?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 08/07/2021
      Too aggressive with a pressure washer and it will damage the Gulf.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Jen · 07/09/2021
    I purchased 7 Deck-Revive kits and PermaBond, and now, like many, I'm having a hard time finding the exterior acrylic latex paint. I know it sounds ridiculous. But here's the thing: I see in these comments that you cannot use the paint/primer combos (makes sense) and you cannot use an enamel paint. Here's a photo of what I'd think you COULD use (after all it's called Acrylic Latex), but when I look at the specifications, it says it contains enamel. Will this work? If not, could you provide a specific example of a paint that will? I truly thought picking up the paint would be the easiest part of the process! 
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 07/10/2021
      You can use this paint but you would not be able to use an oil-based enamel.
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    Duane · 07/04/2021
    I underestimated the amount I needed.  I laid permabond down and was able to do a single coat on the entire deck and second coat on 1/3 of the deck.  Can I now permabond over all of it and continue coating?  If so do I need to add 2 coats to the section I was able to apply 2 coats on?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 07/05/2021
      Yes, you can do this. Just the Permabond and then one coat of the Deck revive.
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    Suzanne · 06/23/2021
    Currently Deck has deck revive about 4 years old.  Just want to freshen it up. Can I add 2 gallons of paint to kit to just get a lighter coverage? Also since still in good condition do I still need to apply 2 coats?Thanks 
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 06/23/2021
      You would have to do the whole process. Permabond and then Deck Revive. You can use a lighter paint color in the Deck Revive. Two coats.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Suzanne Baggett · 06/24/2021
        Thank you.. with regards to 'lighter' I meant not as heavy coating.. cant I thin it out with 2 gallons so the coating is not so thick?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Elaine Gallo · 06/21/2021
    How well will this product perform on a deck with no cover that is exposed to direct sunlight and heat 8 hours a day during the summer and to snow in the winter?  Will it fade or crack or peal under these conditions?
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    Kyle · 06/21/2021
    What is the shelf life of the unmixed product?