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Painting Advice and Premium Products from Experienced Professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restora™ Compliments of theFlood Company

Q: Will Restora harm plants if is sprayed or dripped on them?
A: If the Restora accidentally is sprayed or dripped on plants or grass, quickly spray water on the affected area to dilute the Restora. This will eliminate any harmful affect to the plants. We recommend that surrounding areas be sprayed with water prior to application.

Q:  What happens if Restora inadvertently gets on surfaces that I do not want to revitalize?
A: We recommend that you initially cover any material you do not want exposed to Restora. However, if Restora is accidentally applied to something not intended, quickly spray with water and wipe off.

Q: What will happen if Restora gets on concrete sidewalks or driveways? Will it leave a mark or stain?
A: Restora will leave a spot on concrete if left untreated. We recommend covering any surfaces that you do not want exposed to Restora, or quickly spray water on any surface that comes in contact with Restora to dilute it.

Q: What happens if I get Restora on glass or windows?
A:
Restora should be immediately sprayed with water and wiped off of glass or windows. If Restora dries on glass or windows, it can be removed with a scraper.

Q: Will Restora Vinyl Cleaner harm my aluminum siding if accidentally sprayed on while cleaning my shutter?
A:
We prefer you not use the vinyl cleaner on aluminum siding. If any vinyl cleaner is accidentally applied to aluminum siding, rinse immediately.

Q: Is Restora harmful if ingested or touched?
A: Contact with Restora may cause skin and eye irritation, and should be flushed with water for several minutes. If ingested, drink water and get medical attention.

Q: Is the Restora Vinyl Cleaner harmful if ingested or touched?
A: Restora Vinyl Cleaner may be harmful if ingested and may cause irritation to eyes, nose, throat and skin. Read the full safety warning on the label before starting your project.

Q: Can I use the Restora Vinyl Cleaner out of the container, or does it need to be diluted?
A:
 Restora Vinyl Cleaner is ready-to-use, and requires no mixing.

Q: Can Restora Vinyl Cleaner be applied through a pressure washer?
A: Since Restora Vinyl Cleaner is ready-to-use, it should not be mixed with water. For large vinyl surfaces such as siding, it is recommended that the vinyl cleaner be applied using a pump-up garden sprayer.

Q: Do I have to use the Restora Vinyl Cleaner, or can I use a substitute?
A: We recommend you use Restora Vinyl Cleaner to fully clean your vinyl surface or dirt, oxidation and mold and mildew, and prepare it for maximum effectiveness of the Restora revitalizer.


Q: Do I need to scrub the Vinyl Cleaner into the vinyl surface when using a pressure washer?

A: If using a pressure washer, the siding or shutters can be sprayed with water, have the vinyl cleaner applied, and then pressure washed after approximately 10 minutes. However, for problem areas we recommend that the vinyl cleaner be agitated with a nylon or bristle brush to loosen contamination.

Q: How many square feet does a gallon of the Restora Vinyl Cleaner cover?
A: One gallon of Restora Vinyl Cleaner will cover 300-400 square feet.

Q: What application method should I use to apply the Restora Clear Vinyl Revitalizer?
A: It is recommended that Restora can be brushed, rolled or sprayed on with a high volume, low pressure sprayer or airless sprayer. If using a roller or sprayer, Restora should be back brushed.

Q: Do I need to brush the Restora after I have rolled it or sprayed it on?
A: We recommend back brushing during application by roller or sprayer to ensure full coverage, reaching all parts of the surface, and to smooth out any excess liquid to avoid dripping.

Q: How long is the drying time on the Restora for shutters and siding?
A: Restora will begin to dry after approximately 20-30 minutes, and should be completely dry after approximately 4 hours.

Q: Can Restora be applied to wet siding or shutters?
A: In order to ensure full effectiveness of Restora, the surface should be free of any beads or dripping of water to avoid dilution. However, the surface can be slightly damp when Restora is applied.

Q: How many coats of Restora are needed on the siding or shutters?
A: In most cases, one coat is sufficient for good performance of Restora.

Q: How many square feet does a gallon of Restora cover?
A: A gallon of Restora can cover approximately 700 square feet of surface.

Q: How does Restora clean up after usage?
A: Restora is a water-based product, and can be cleaned up with soap and water.

Q: How many years will the revitalized appearance last on the substrate?
A: Depending on the weather conditions, Restora will keep its revitalized appearance approximately 5 to 7 years, depending on exposure conditions and environments.

Q: Is Restora guaranteed by Flood for a certain time period?
A: Restora is lifetime guaranteed not to crack, peel or blister if applied according to the label instructions to a properly prepared surface.

Q: Can Restora be used on other vinyl surfaces besides shutters and siding?
A:
Restora is effective in restoring surface color when used on vinyl doors, garage doors, outdoor vinyl furniture, window frames and trim, and other exterior vinyl surfaces.

Q: Do shutters need to be removed when applying the Restora?
A: Restora can be applied directly to the shutters on the house. There is no need for removal.

Q: Which version (Lo-Lustre or Semi Gloss) should I use for shutters? For siding?
A: It is recommended that Lo-Lustre be used for large vinyl surfaces such as siding. Either Lo-Lustre or Semi Gloss can be used on shutters.

Q: What is the cost of the product relative to using paint?
A: Typically, it would take 2 gallons of paint to equal the coverage of 1 gallon of Restora.

Q: What are the active ingredients in Restora and the vinyl cleaner?
A: Restora contains an acrylic finish that revitalizes the surface. Restora is fortified with Penetrol®, which penetrates the substrate to lock the acrylic revitalizer onto the surface. The Restora Vinyl Cleaner contains Sodium Metasilicate, a strong cleaning agent.

Q: Can Restora be used on a horizontal surface, such as a composite or vinyl decking material? Would there be any wear issues if done so?
A: We do not recommend using it in horizontal high foot traffic areas due to unknown affect on constant contact and wear.

Q: Do humidity and sun conditions affect the product and results?
A: Restora application and results should be consistent in all area types. However, tropical, UV intense environments may have more adverse affect to the long term performance, as it would any paint and stain product.

Q: What weather conditions do I need to have to apply the Restora?
A: Ideal weather conditions for Restora application is a temperature range of 50˚ -80˚ F, in dry weather. Application is best when not in direct sunlight.

Q: What is the shelf life of Restora once the container is opened?
A: As long as the Restora storage container is kept securely closed between uses, there should be no shelf life issues with Restora or the Vinyl Cleaner.

Q: Why is Restora the best choice versus other vinyl care options?
A: Consumers are unsatisfied with current vinyl care options – repainting, residing, replacing shutters – all of which are both time-consuming and expensive.  Restora saves homeowners both time and money. Restora is a unique, two-step vinyl care system:  First, Restora Cleaner removes surface material, plus cleans deep to eliminate built-in contaminants.  Then, Restora Clear Vinyl Revitalizer restores the substrate’s original, rich floor and sheen to a “like new” appearance. 

Q: How many years can I expect a Restora process to last before I have to repeat?
A: Restora is more than a quick fix gimmick.  A project can last from 5-7 years – the same expectation range for new vinyl (results vary depending on climate and individual home environment).  Also, a Restora project is guaranteed not to crack, peel or blister for the life of the surface – an advantage over paint.

Q: How bad is vinyl fading?
A: Vinyl surfaces are subject to dirt, chalk, oxidation, mildew stains, algae stains and other contaminants.  UV exposure, moisture and routine cleaning cause vinyl to fade over time. A home’s southern and eastern exposures will fade faster.

Q: How does Restora compare to power washers?
A:
 Power washers are effective for rinsing a surface – but no substitute for thorough cleaning or scrubbing.  As part of the Restora two-step process, power washers may be used for rinsing off Restora cleaner after the first step.

Q: Is this a job for one person? How long does the entire process take?
A: One person can do 16 shutters in under a day.  Two people can do a siding project in two weekends – the first weekend to clean and the second weekend to restore.

Q: What are ideal conditions for a Restora project?
A: The cleaning can be done in just about any condition.  Restora is best applied onto a cool surface, in dry conditions, ideally 50 degrees.  Application in direct sunlight is not recommended.  For siding jobs, Restora should be applied beginning on the south surface, followed by west, east and north – similar to a paint job.

Q: What other equipment is needed for this job?
A:
There are no special tools, taping or drop cloths required for a Restora project.  For shutter projects, there is no need to remove and reattach the shutters.  The job may involve working on a ladder.  If you don’t own a ladder, you can rent one from your local home store or borrow one from a neighbor.

Q: Is a Restora project a “hard” job?
A: Do-it-yourselfers will be able to tackle this project.  It’s not a hard job, physically – certainly not more difficult than other routine DIY projects that yield quick, visible results.

Q: Can Restora be used on new siding as a protective coating?
A:
Restora is not formulated for use on new vinyl siding or unweathered siding.  Restora is formulated to restore faded vinyl.

Q: How much does Restora cost?
A:
Here are typical siding and shutters cost scenarios:

  • Siding: An average home has 2,200 sq. ft. of siding.  A gallon of Restora covers approximately 700 sq. ft and costs $45 per gallon.  Four gallons would cover the entire home.  The job would require no more than 6 gallons at $15 per gallon, for a total of $90. The entire job would cost less than $270.
  • Shutters: An average home has 6-8 windows, 12-16 shutters.  One Restora kit, which would cover all of the shutters, costs about $45 – the approximate cost of replacing a pair of shutters on one window.

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