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
    ERICA PERKINS · 05/03/2020
    How big can the cracks be that we use this product on? Our deck is 20 years old and has had regular maintenance and is in fairly good shape, but there are a few cracks and some splintering. Just wondering if we can salvage it with this product if or it's time to tear it down.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 05/03/2020
      Small cracks. not large cracks. For that use the Permafill first.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Larry Millimen · 04/27/2020
    I did ask for Glossy acrylic latex paint...
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    Larry Millimen · 04/27/2020
    Can Kelly Moore Gloss Enamel paint be used, it’s a waterborne urethan-alkyd enamel design? Lowe’s didn’t have Gloss and this is what was bought? Don’t want to use the wrong product
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      Gulf Synthetics · 04/27/2020
      It has to be an acrylic latex paint in gloss. The one you mentioned is a hybrid. It cannot be alkyd.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Jimi · 04/27/2020
    I just applied the coating last week and really don't like the color - not your fault! Can I apply a different color of porch and deck paint over the top of the fresh coating?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 04/27/2020
      No, it will not work over our product.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Jimi · 04/27/2020
        What r my options?
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Gulf Synthetics · 04/27/2020
          You would have to completely redo with the Permabond and the Deck Revive.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Justin · 04/26/2020
    Hello I want to apply deck revive to my pressure treated deck. It had a semi transparent stain that has pretty much been worn off on the bottom deck. The upper deck a small amount of stain still remains and because I don't use it the wood is not as dark and dirty. The wood on the bottom deck is quite dark and the screw heads are slightly rusted overall the structure. What do you suggest I do before I apply deck revive. I was considering cleaning with a mild cleaner and hose, than sanding, than apply perma fill, perma bond and than the deck revive. Thank You
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Cam · 04/23/2020
    I'm considering your product for a 600 sq ft pool deck and have a question: I'm in Canada and and all exterior paint seems to be semigloss. Will this be ok?
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    Scott · 04/15/2020
    Trying to determine how much product I may need. Counting the flooring, steps and top railing I have just under 400 sq ft. This does not include side railings and support beams. Should I cover these as well? If so, then I am at more than 400 sq ft. I'm going to assume 2 full kits would be sufficient if I do not cover the side railings and support beams. Please correct me if I'm wrong in that assumption.

    What I am unsure of is the Perma Fill and Perma Bond. Is the Perma Fill something that is spread over the entire deck or just used to fill in cracks and knot holes?

    The notes on the Perma Bond state that it will cover 350-400 sq ft. Is one bucket enough given that I am just under 400 sq ft (unless I should cover side railings and support beams as well)?


    Thanks
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 04/15/2020
      You should cover anything that stands out. Most do not bother with beams and posts. For 400 Sq feet you would need:

      -2 Deck Revive Full Kits
      -1-2 Permabonds You are right on the max amount with one.
      -1 PermaFill. Just spot fill the deep holes if needed.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Scott · 04/15/2020
        Thank you. Two more questions, do I mix paint with the Perma Bond as well as with the Revivie kit? And how much paint do I use?
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Gulf Synthetics · 04/15/2020
          Only mix the paint into the Deck Revive, not the Perma Bond.
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    Jeff S · 04/13/2020
    At the 5-7 year mark when the surface has reached the end of life, when is the procedure re-apply a new coating? Same as starting from scratch?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 04/15/2020
      Yes. Same.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        walt · 10/03/2020
        down to bare wood or clean, scrape and pressure wash ,then re coat per original directions??

        also application temperature min/ max , and can I coat fiberglass/epoxy deck "insert boards " that fill small cable tv and electrical feeders
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Gulf Synthetics · 10/04/2020
          Clean, remove any loos coating, then coat over. 50-90 degree temp. It is only for natural wood.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Detlef · 04/08/2020
    Hi,

    I am planing to do my deck which sizes 300 sqft. How much product do I need to purchase ? And one more question can I use the Permabond for other paint application like for vertical surfaces (veranda)?
    Thank you
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 04/08/2020
      -1 Permabond
      -1 Deck Revive Full Kit
      -2 Deck Revive 1/4 Kits

      The Permabond could be used as a primer for other application but if it will work or not is more of a question for the top coat paint you are using and it is compatible or not.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Detlef · 04/08/2020
        Thank you for your quick answer.
        What products will most probably work or being compatible with Permabond. I really want to avoid bad choices on the top coat.
        Thanks in advance for your advise.
        What is the approximately shipping time to Indiana???
        Thank you
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Gulf Synthetics · 04/08/2020
          We are not sure what other products would work or not.
          • We will reply to your comment shortly
            Detlef · 04/13/2020
            Thank you for your reply.
            Is there any other component to look for in an exterior paint which enhance the compatibility of Permabond Primer? So far it is stated that it should be a glossy latex-acrylic based exterior paint.
            Do you have smaller Permabond container available where I can do some tests on my own???
            Thank you
            Detlef
            • We will reply to your comment shortly
              Gulf Synthetics · 04/13/2020
              It does not matter the brand of Gloss Acrylic Latex exterior paint. Any will do. There are not smaller sizes.
              • We will reply to your comment shortly
                Detlef · 04/21/2020
                One more question. How much time (maximum) I have between applying the Permabond and the Deckrevive? Can I do one day Permabond and Deckrevive the other day??? And should I cover a Permabond treated surface????
                Thank you.
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                  Gulf Synthetics · 04/21/2020
                  Has to be done the same day for both.
                  • We will reply to your comment shortly
                    Detlef · 04/30/2020
                    One more question for the verticals on my deck, since I may not use all the Permabond product for the 300 sqft deck. Can I use Permabond as a primer for the verticals as well, or I am better off with a external primer??

                    Thank you
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                      Gulf Synthetics · 04/30/2020
                      You do not need a primer for a regular solid stain on the verticals.
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    Steven Harper · 03/29/2020
    Hey guys - I don't see any info about applying the deck revive product to a 'new' deck surface? I have a pressure treated deck that is about a year old and is ready to paint. Any reason not to use this product for that? And would I still use permabond first?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 03/29/2020
      New wood needs to weather for 3 months and then pressure washed for prep. You are good to go after the prep. You always have to use Permabond first.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Claire Lafleur · 06/20/2020
        I can't find gloss paint anywhere except tremclad. Can I use tremclad with this product.
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Gulf Synthetics · 06/21/2020
          It has to be exterior gloss acrylic latex paint. Any paint store chain should have it.
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    Aaron · 03/20/2020
    2 questions: In terms of durability, does it matter which paint brand I use when mixing with you product? There is a huge difference between a company like Benjamin Moore vs. Home Depot/ Behr paint when used by themselves. I want to know if using a high quality exterior paint when mixing with your product will make a difference in durability/longevity. Was thinkinbg of using Ben Moore Aura, which is a super high quality exterior 100% acrylic paint. Also, does it matter what type of gloss used...soft gloss,semi or high?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Gulf Synthetics · 03/20/2020
      The paint brand does not matter. It must be gloss acrylic latex paint.
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    Jolene · 02/27/2020
    I need to apply a "service" coat due to heavy metal furniture scratches which have left spots of flaking/peeling. I have pressure washed the deck. Do I need to scrape the spots before touching up or is pressure washing sufficient ?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      scott paul · 02/27/2020
      As long as the current coating is fully intact (not peeling), then you can apply over it. You must use the PermaBond first.