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
    Keith Stone · 07/27/2020
    We did the deck revive earlier this summer, great product btw. However, we poured a concrete counter top on an outdoor kitchen last weekend and some of the concrete liquid leaked though some tears in the plastic tarp when we screeded. Its not seeming to come off with a brush or power washer. Should we strip the deck revive down to the board and permabond then Deck Revive or can we apply permabond + deck revive over the current deck revive and concrete juice? Nothing is peeling at this time.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 07/27/2020
      You cannot strip it so best to try touch up over it with the Permabond and Deck Revive.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Keith Stone · 07/27/2020
        we're going to try a vinegar solution first. Would the vinegar cause an issue with the current layer of deck revive?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    B.L. · 07/19/2020
    1) Can unused paint be stored for later use?
    2) What is the best way to determine if the previous paint used was oil or water based?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 07/19/2020
      1. No, not after mixed. Shelf life is 24 hours or less.
      2. Does not matter.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        BL · 07/20/2020
        Thanks for your response. You FAQ says, “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.” Does this mean I need to sand off the old stain/paint or just roughen it up by sanding before applying the PermaBond?
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Gulf Synthetics · 07/20/2020
          Roughen it up so it is porous and the Permabond can adhere.
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    Kevin Painter · 07/17/2020
    Do you offer a military discount?
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    Brian · 07/12/2020
    What is the advantage of adding "tint" to the Prime (permabond) r, if it will still take 2 coats of Revive?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 07/12/2020
      No advantage. Best to just apply as is without tint.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Ben · 07/08/2020
    I have an old 500 sf deck where I have have replaced some of the cedar boards.
    1. Do I need to let the new boards "cure" before using the Permabond/Revive?
    2. Does a gallon of Permabond really cover 350 sf?
    3. It looks like I can tint the Permabond with a quart of paint. Right?
    4. Looks like I need 3 big kits for the Revive. Right?

    Thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Ben · 07/09/2020
      The 3 month curing time for the cedar boards might be a deal-breaker for me. I need to finish the deck in early August. The cedar deck boards are 2x6 with grooves underneath and radiused sides. They are light-weight and appear to be very dry. Still have to wait 3 months?!
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Gulf Synthetics · 07/09/2020
        Yes. It is not about dryness but porosity and only weathering will help with this.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 07/09/2020
      1. Yes, 3 months.
      2. Yes.
      3. No need to tint the Permabond. Apply as is.
      4. Correct.
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    Dietrich Hoecht · 07/08/2020
    I have done the coatings by the book. However, under metal, like furniture feet or screw heads the coating gets damaged, i.e. lifted, probably with retained moisture. We use acrylic paint to cover it up. Do you have suggestions to prevent this?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 07/08/2020
      If it is black then that is rust from your metal and there is not a way to prevent this.
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    Scott Griscom · 07/06/2020
    Can Deck Revive be applied over galvanized deck hangers?
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    BobM · 07/04/2020
    Half the deck looks like this, the other half still has some stain on it. Can I clean and apply the permaseal to both and then use the deck revive?
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    BobM · 07/04/2020
    What do you recommend for the vertical surfaces? We want a uniform color on both?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 07/05/2020
      Solid stain in the same color as your paint that you add to Deck Revive.
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    Lori · 06/26/2020
    I am interested in the Deck Revive for my aging deck. However, it is already above 90 degrees here. Can I start to work on the deck with the Permafill and then finish with the Revive in about 3 months?How long can Permafill be "uncovered"?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 06/26/2020
      You can do the Permafill now and the PermaBond and Deck Revive Later. You do need to spot apply the Permabond prior to wherever you are using the Permafill
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    Ray · 06/18/2020
    I have about 2000 sf of decks with multiple layers of Solid Waterproofing Stain and Sealer that have deteriorated (peeling) to the point where I am going to have it all professionally stripped. The contractor doing the stripping recommends using a premium semi transparent stain. Am I correct in believing that in a year from now, if I wanted to use Perma Bond and Deck Revive, I could apply those products over the semi transparent stain after power washing?
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    Jill · 06/11/2020
    Can you use any of these products on composite deck that was previously painted with an unknown product? The deck has been power washed and some scraped off, but not all. . Should one sand a composite deck?
    I live in California where it is hot during the summer (90-100) with some rain in the winter and gets down to 30 degrees very occasionally. Thanks!
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Betsu · 06/10/2020
    Can I use a paint stick that you fill with paint and push to fill the roller as you go? Is the deckrevive too thick?
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    Brian Laperriere · 06/10/2020
    Can I wait a couple days between the first and second coats?
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    Bob Paine · 06/10/2020
    Previous owners used Deck Restore and it is peeling, etc. Do you have a recommendation for how to remove it so we can use Deck Revise? We have read that it is impossible to remove. Thanjs, Bob Paine
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    Brian Laperriere · 06/10/2020
    My deck is all prepped and I am ready to apply the Deck Revive. There is rain in the forecast. How much time do I need after application before the rain hits it?
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    Judy Jehn · 06/04/2020
    I replaced several boards, but neglected to let them cure for three months; as a result, the deck revive has bubbled in places. Can I just scrape those spots, apply new primer and deck revive?
    For some of the older boards, the primer and paint soaked in leaving cracks in the paint, can I just apply new primer and deck revive over the top of the old?
    The deck was done October 2019.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 06/04/2020
      You can that but you will need to recoat all the wood with both.
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    Catharine · 06/02/2020
    Can Deck Revive be applied over composite boards?
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    George Carvill · 05/27/2020
    I need less than a pint of Perma fill for just one spot on my desk. Are small quantities available?
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    Cathy · 05/26/2020
    If I don't need to use deck revive on vertical posts but want the same color for every surface of the deck, should I just use exterior paint using the same color I mix in with deck revive? Or would the colors not quite match since one gallon is mixed with deck revive and the other is not?
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      Gulf Synthetics · 05/26/2020
      Use a solid color deck stain that is the same color as the paint you mixed into the deck revive.
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    ken millet · 05/24/2020
    I can't find a "gloss" 100% acrylic latex exterior paint. Do you have any suggestions?
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      Gulf Synthetics · 05/24/2020
      No, it has to be gloss acrylic latex. You can find this at almost all large paint stores.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        w. lane · 09/20/2021
        Sherwin Williams has a 100% acrylic gloss exterior paint.
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    walt · 05/20/2020
    does newly installed pressure treated decking need to "cure" for how long before coating with your product
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/20/2020
      3 months and the pressure wash for prep.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Andrew Ross · 05/21/2020
        Is this also the case for newly replaced boards, i.e., replacing a few selected boards that seem to be too far splintered to repair with Deck Revive?
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          Gulf Synthetics · 05/21/2020
          Yes.
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            Jessica Potter · 06/23/2020
            If I replace some boards with kiln-dried wood, do I still need to allow them to acclimate for 3 months before applying the product?
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    Jerry Wu · 05/19/2020
    For the self-prepared exterior acrylic gloss paint, in Home Depot most of all their paint are enamel paint, are they the same? Thanks,
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/19/2020
      Enamel is not the same as it is solvent or oil-based. Exterior latex acrylic in gloss is what you want.
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    Kyle · 05/19/2020
    I've previously used DOCK Revive but don't see it listed anywhere. Has DECK Revive taken its place?
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    Bob H · 05/13/2020
    Can I use an oil-based solid stain over PermaFill?
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    Jennifer M · 05/12/2020
    I refinished a very worn deck with deck revive several years ago. It still looks perfect! Now I'm building a new deck next to it and want the same finish. Can I use the perma bond directly on the new, pressure treated pine? If not, what kind of prep needs to be done first? I'd like to coat all of the wood with deck revive before assembling the deck.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/12/2020
      New wood has to weather outside for 3 months and then pressure wash for prep. You cannot pre coat and then install.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Tim Dugan · 05/11/2020
    So we have a really large deck (+/-900sqft) and prepared it by drum sander, heavy power wash, dried, filled larger areas with perma fill, perma bond area's in stages and applying Deck revive.
    My question is does it really need a second coat? I hand painted vs roller and put it on pretty thick, filling all crevices, cutting in all between boards really well.
    Any concerns not doing second coat?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Gary Miyakawa · 05/11/2020
    I've got an older deck (15 years) that has been pressure washed and now I need to apply the Filler. I have both Perma Bond and Perma Filler.

    1. According to what I've read, I need to use the Perma Bond on the wood before I apply the filler? Is that correct?
    2. The instructions for PermaBond state I need to immediately apply the "top coat", in this case, PermaFiller. Once I apply the PermaFiller, how long does it take to be ready for "Deck ReVive" ?
    3. Do I need to cover PermaFiller with PermaBond before I apply Deck ReVive?
    4. Can I add a "Color" to PermaFiller ? If so, how much, etc?


    Thank you!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/11/2020
      Apply the Permabond before the Permafill. Once that is dry, you can apply the Permabond to all wood and then use the Deck Revive. You cannot add color to it.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Mel F. · 05/08/2020
    One half of my 16 X 16 deck is weathered, the other half is newly repaired after a tree fall, with six new boards. Wondering if possible to do one side now and wait three months to do newly repaired side? Any downside to my two sides issue? Don't care if slight color variance, just whether or not I might run into a bonding problem where the sides meet. If so, will wait three months to do it all at once.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/08/2020
      Do it all at once as it is much easier and better.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Mel F. · 05/08/2020
        Thank you. Looking forward to using Deck Revive.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Patrick C. · 05/05/2020
    I have a few quick questions:

    I live in Michigan, can I pick it up in person to save on shipping?
    What is the difference between Deck Revive and Dock Revive or are they basically the same thing?
    Do you have a recommended latex paint brand that is known to work well or are they really all the same performance as long as they meet your requirements (gloss, exterior, 100% acrylic latex)?
    After Deck Revive, do you recommend shoveling snow (plastic or rubber tipped blade) off the deck or leaving it to thaw on its own?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/05/2020
      Yes, you can pick up but the price is the same in-store. Dock Revive is not available anymore. It does not matter on the paint brand, just must be the correct type. Just let the snow melt off.