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
    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?
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      Gulf Synthetics · 08/07/2021
      Too aggressive with a pressure washer and it will damage the Gulf.
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    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! 
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      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?
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      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 
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      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.
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        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?
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    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?
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    John · 06/20/2021
    We have an Ipe wood deck. A real dense wood product. Other revitalizing products do not recommend using them on this wood. Would your product be different and why ? 
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    Brian Lucas · 06/17/2021
    I have a 900+ sq ft deck that I recently sanded down with 20 grit.  The majority of the old stain cleared w/ maybe 15% of it still left in some of the deeper parts where the boards were really cupped.  Those deeper parts though are scuffed from the sanding.  
    1. Do I need to sand the deck down any further to remove the remaining scuffed stain?2. What final grit is recommended before applying permabond and deck revive?  
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      Gulf Synthetics · 06/18/2021
      No need to sand more. Just pressure wash for final prep.
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    Ingrid · 06/02/2021
    Do you recommend your product for application in the Virgin Islands/salty air/strong UV conditions? Can I use this product on an outside covered deck over plywood sheets. Will it hide seams and plywood flaws? Do you ship to St. Thomas Virgin Islands?
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      Gulf Synthetics · 06/02/2021
      We do not ship there. It would work fine there. It does not hide seams.
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    Denny · 05/30/2021
    I seem to only be able to find exterior paint and primer combo - will this work if it is 100% acrylic?Thanks
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      Gulf Synthetics · 05/31/2021
      No. Needs to be Gloss Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint. You can get at most paint stores.
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    George H · 05/12/2021
    I have a deck of 350 sq ft.  I have cleaned, pressure washed, and sanded it.  How much of the deck revive kit and permabond are needed to complete the job?   
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    Jan Davis · 05/03/2021
    Is this product recommended for an old, power washed composite deck?
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    Keith S · 05/02/2021
    We applied deck revive last spring and it made it through the hot dry summer with no issues, however, one year later it is bubbling and peeling off in certain spots when it rains or there's a heavy dew. Do we just scrape off whats peeling, apply permabond, and then reapply deck revive? Any idea why it bubble and peel like that? 
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      Gulf Synthetics · 05/02/2021
      Correct, you can spot treat it. It would only do this if there was an issue with applying over a prior coating, moisture problems in the wood, or the permabond was not adequately applied prior.
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        Debra Gomes · 05/13/2021
        In regard to Keith's question - how do you spot treat the deck.  As I understand it, you have to use the kit within 24 hours after you mix everything up. So, to spot treat, do you have to buy an entire $240 kit?   Also- we are planning to use DR this weekend on our 220 square foot deck.  We have 2 kits and 1 permabond.  Is it possible to only mix 1/2 of one of the kits ?  If so - can you give me directions on how to do that?
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          Gulf Synthetics · 05/13/2021
          No, you cannot mix half. You will need to mix all.
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        Keith S · 05/04/2021
        The boards have been laid since 2015 and we had no bubbles all last summer/fall. They first started appearing during the spring thaw earlier this year and only come out when its wet. So we scrap off what bubbling since one can see it didn't adhere correctly and reapply?
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    Greg · 05/02/2021
    I stained this (Cabot Australian Timber Oil) last year. Do I need to sand before applying this year or would cleaning, pressure washing suffice?
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    Cody H · 04/13/2021
    My second story deck has not been treated in several years. Most of previous treatment is gone. What's left is very very secure. I plan to use Perma Bond and Deck Revive on top. I want to treat underneath deck too. Question: Can I just use tinted Perma Bond underneath and leave it alone? Do I need Deck Revive on bottom too? The underneath is in better condition than top but previous treatment is in same condition. 
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    James Barnett · 04/09/2021
    How long can I wait to put a third coat of Deck Revive over the first two coats? Do I ever need to apply Perma Bond again if just recoating Deck Revive?
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      Gulf Synthetics · 04/09/2021
      You can coat whenever you would like but you will always need the Permabond first.
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    Reid · 03/27/2021
    What's the best product to remove deck revive from siding or other clean up areas once dried?
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      Gulf Synthetics · 03/27/2021
      It does not come off well once dried. You would have to try a paint stripper.
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    Rob · 03/25/2021
    Hello, I have approximately 750 sq ft that needs covered. How much permabond would I need and how many kits would I need.
    Thanks.
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      Gulf Synthetics · 03/25/2021
      4 of the Deck Revive Full Kits and 2 of the Permabonds for this.
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    Amanda · 03/18/2021
    I’m trying to better understand the texture that this product creates. How rough it is? Is it comfortable to walk on with bare feet? I have young kids and I want to make sure they aren’t going to be bothered by it. Thank you.
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      Gulf Synthetics · 03/18/2021
      It will not harm bare feet.
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    Reid · 03/14/2021
    I applied Deck Revive about 2.5 years ago, but I'm now seeing spots where the paint has lifted up and come off. Usually see buckling when it's raining. Is it possible to touch up the bare spots by pressure washing and sanding where needed or do I need to re-do the entire deck? Anything else to keep in mind if only touch up is needed?
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      Gulf Synthetics · 03/15/2021
      You can spot treat but your color may not match exactly as the outside coatings due fade over time.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Reid · 04/19/2021
        So, now I have part of my deck with bare wood and part w/3 yr. old Deck Revive. I want to recoat the whole patio. Do I need to put the Permabond on the parts that already have DeckRevive or just the bare wood spots?
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    Scott · 03/13/2021
    What is a good cleaning product to use? I applied the product nearly one year ago and would like to clean the surface (dogs with muddy feet). I certainly don’t want to put a chemical on it that would harm it, but I want something strong enough to clean it.
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    Doug · 01/23/2021
    Can you this product on a composite deck like Trex?
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    Stephen · 10/25/2020
    We are planning on using Deck Revive on all of our horizontal surfaces and sold stain on all of our vertical surfaces as you guys recommend. My question is most of the solid stains I have been looking at talk about using a stripper and brightener prior to staining but for the Deck Revive the recommendation is for avoiding getting any stripper or brightener on the surface prior to the Deck Revive. Is there a certain solid stain you would recommend that we don't need to use stripper and brightener for? There is some old, non-peeling paint on the vertical surfaces that did not come off with pressure washing. Or do I need to just protect the vertical surfaces with plastic/tarp when applying the stripper and brightener? Thanks.
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      Gulf Synthetics · 10/26/2020
      A stripper will not remove paint so not sure what you would even need to use it. Best to sand it off or just cover the intact paint with a new coating.
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        Stephen · 10/26/2020
        Do you mean cover the intact pain with the new coating of solid stain?
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    Eric · 10/20/2020
    How does this product do in the Midwest? I am considering applying it in the Chicago suburbs in my 15 year old deck.
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      Gulf Synthetics · 10/20/2020
      No issues. The midwest is our top-selling location.
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    Karen · 10/04/2020
    Could you provide an explanation as to why the second coat must be applied within 12 hours?

    Thank you.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 10/04/2020
      Once the first coat cures the second would not adhere correctly. Recoat as soon as the first is dry is best.
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    David Whitehouse · 09/22/2020
    I have a heavy wheeled grill on the deck. What is the best way to work around the grill?
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      Gulf Synthetics · 09/22/2020
      Remove it off the deck until done. Wait 24 hours after to return it.