Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
TWP Wood and Deck Stain Update for 2024
Welcome to the official help site for TWPStain.com.
TWP® 100 Pro-Series will keep your wood beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer! The ease of application and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years to come. Containing unique ingredients that protect the wood from damage, TWP 100 Series has been a leader and respected product for over 25 years.
TWP® 100 Pro-Series provides a broad spectrum of weather protection, is water repellent, and aids in color retention. TWP® 100 Pro-Series resists water absorption that causes warping, cracking, splitting, and prevents freeze damage in colder climates. Use TWP® 100 Pro-Series to Restore and Protect YOUR GREAT OUTDOORS!
TWP 1500 Total Wood Preservative is an EPA-registered wood preservative for decks, fences, gazebos, cedar siding, wood shakes, log homes, outdoor furniture, and other exterior wood surfaces. TWP wood preservative offers outstanding protection from UV fading, wood rot, water damage, and mildew for all types of wood species.
The TWPStainHelp.com site is designed for exterior wood and deck owners looking for solutions to their wood maintenance questions. We have gathered information based on years of experience. From TWP stain tips and wood maintenance advice to prepping new wood and how-to articles, we will guide you step by step to achieve professional-like results using any of the TWP wood preservative products.
Please read our articles and feel free to ask any questions that you may have about restoring your exterior wood or decking surfaces. The information you need regarding wood and deck restoration and TWP deck stains are all here. Please enjoy and remember that we are here to help.
how many hours before and after application does it need to be above 50 degrees outside?
Until fully dry. That varies based on UV, temps, etc.
Re-staining 18 month old TWP driftwood deck, can I change the color(within the same color pallet) without having to strip old off?? If I use the same color I know I just clean and brighten.
You will need to strip and brighen if switching colors. It is not any harder to strip. Same steps just removes the prior coating fully.
“re-staining new deck 18 months later”. I know to clean and brighten then just restain with same TWP product? It is semi solid Driftwood.
I have a 9 year old deck in Northern California Bay Area treated when new with a water based stain, now failed and surface is weathered. I have sanded away the old stain, then cleaned all with Oxi clean and a scrub brush, then used Restore A Deck parts 1 and 2. The upright pieces all look pretty good and are ready for stain in 2 days but the deck surface itself is still weathered, possibly still with some algae or something in a few areas. The Restore A Deck products cleaned and lightened somewhat but not very much on the surface. I want to stain the uprights in 2 days and then possibly go back after that dries to do some more work on the deck surface. Any suggestions?
Post pictures.
I didn’t take pictures when it was wet when the deck surface looked so much darker but it looks better today when dry.
It looks better today when dry
You are good to stain.
I realize this question is not stain-related, but, if I may ask:
Our deck has cedar boards and I’ve stained it with the TWP 101 Pro Series stain. We have a couple of area rugs that we don’t want inside any more. Would it harm the deck boards if we put the rugs on the deck? One rug is porous, and the other has a rubber backing.
Thank you for your time.
It depends on the rugs not the stain. Many rugs are not exterior rated.
Thanks for your reply.
Would a rug that lets the water through harm the deck boards (by not letting the boards dry out quick enough after a rain; or promote mold growth; etc.)?
It should not be an issue but it will not weather the same when you have a rug on the deck. Under the rug will stay the same color while the rest of the wood will fade over time from the UV.
That makes sense.
Thank you.
You are welcome.
I plan to use a semi-solid stain. The tenp is 50s in the morning but it is getting up to the 60-70s by midday before dropping down to the 50s or 40s again overnight. Does this affect drying time/how long I have to wait until I can walk on my deck?
Also I am restaining with the same TWP stain – is it just 1 coat?
Typically just the one coat but that varies based on condition and prep. It will take longer to cure and dry in colder temps.
Do you still sell TWC 301?
We do not sell the 300 Series.
Thanks! I’m looking to stain some bamboo fencing and would like a light cedar colored stain / preserver. Do you sell anything that would do that?
Sorry but the TWP coatings we sell currently on our site cannot be applied to bamboo. Only the TWP 300 Series and we do not sell it on our website.
I have a one gallon can of TWP which has a white plastic ring on the can. How do I get the plastic ring off?
The ring pops off. Pry inwards with fingers.
Are there locations where I can buy products in the Philadelphia Pa area?
We sell online only as a TWP dealer.
Hello, do new cedar shingles for vertical installation need to be prepped first or can they be stained right away?
Are the shingles rough cut or smooth?
Smooth cut
See this about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I ordered stain and associated material and applied almost two years ago. Order Number 269732. All done according to instructions. Now it looks like I will have to reapply this fall again. Mostly showing signs on decking and railings but also where the sun exposure is the worse in the afternoons. What is the procedure to go over the existing stain and what will I need to order? Thank you.
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and then reapply the same TWP stains and color:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Which is better for a new pressure treated pine deck, the TPW 100 or 1500 and what is the primary difference
Difference is VOCs and what may or may not be allowed where you live. See this about new wood. https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What type of clear coating would you recommend for your TWP-1530-1 Natural VOC Stain
You cannot apply a clear coating over the TWP stains or any deck stain. It is not needed and would peel if you did.
I have a 20 yr old pine barn that is in mead of sealing. It’s a natural silver color. The bottom of the boards are absorbing water when it rains and has some algae on it. It’s also slightly soft on the top surface. I was going to get it power washed and then I want to seal it. Any recommendations?
Yes, use the TWP 1500 Series.
How long can I expect California Cedar #205 to last on an Oak Log home? Northern Illinois, Partial sun/shade. No walls are in continuous sun all day.
4-7 years for vertical wood.
How do I remove old twp 1502 redwood stain
This kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
How long is the shelf life of unopened 5 gallon. I got some a few years back and plan on using it now. I have twp1501 cedartone
3 Years.
Just finished my maintenance coat with the TWP Semi Solid… Forgot to wipe off some of the stain on the metal railing ballasters on a few… Easy to wipe off when wet, but once dried… different story.. 🙂 Any suggestions on getting it off.. something I can put on a rag to get off? Don’t want to powerwash and take the chance of hitting the wood. Thanks.. Ps.. Deck came out great!
Try a water-based grafitti remover like Gooof Off.
thank u
I am coating a dock with TWP 100 series stain sealer. The dock is 6 foot wide by 100+ feet with a single board for the full width of the dock.. When applying a second coat, wet on wet, can I walk on the wet surface? Thanks, Larry
Yes, but do not walk in the second coat.
I have a 10 month old treated deck so is fully cured. SW exposure with full sunlight 9am-3pm. Will be using your Cleaner-Brightener then Semi-Solid Cedar Chest Stain 2-10 days later.
1) Any problem with applying Clean-Bright OR Semi-Solid in FULL sunlight?
2) If Full Sun is temp low 80’s or cooler OK for either or both?
3) Is Semi-Solid Stain 1-coat or 2-coat wet-on-wet for first time new wood application?
1. Prep no issues but it is easier to stain when the deck is not in full sun.
2. 80 temps are good.
3. 1 coat.
TY….Any opinion on best applicator for the “thicker” semi-solid stain…Brush, Pad or Sprayer?
Stain pads and brushes are best:
https://www.twpstain.com/brushes-stain-pads
Do painted surfaces or hardie-plank siding adjacent to deck need to be protected when using the Cleaner & Brightener?
No but prewet an rinse well when working to remove soap and dirt residue.
I have a question about my samples, I’m looking to do a two tone deck, Honeytone is probably gonna get the nod for the deck floor and base and I want a darker semi solid for the posts, rails and balusters. I got the Cabin Fever sample which had the consistency of paint , which is fine and I got the Charcoal which did not have the consistency of paint, it was more like a semi transparent, the name charcoal would assume black but it had a mahogany look with some black in it and it was beautiful. My question finally is, is this how the charcoal will be ?
I did not brighten my wood samples but I did a light cleaning on them
Yes, it is correct. Make sure the samples were shaken well prior to applying. Color and apperance does vary based on the wood type and age of the wood.
Yes I shook them all well, the wood is pieces of scrap deck board from when I rebuilt the deck last May. Trying to post a pic of it but it doesn’t work . I do like the color !
If you would like to test another one of the same color at N/C, send us an email from your order email requesting that you want to make sure of the color, and we will send one to you. Make note that I said it was okay. Verbal Scott
How long can I expect 100 series stain to last on treated deck wood before requiring a follow-up application? In Kentucky-high humidity, freezing, sun exposure? Yearly application?
Every 2-3 years is normal for a deck floor. 4-7 years on vertical wood.
Hello. Have a cedar deck with TWP 1500 Honeytone. Last Staining was June 2021 and I am looking for advice… I want to try the TWP Semi Solid this spring. My question is can I use the deck restore (stripper/brightener) before applying the Semi Solid or do I have to sand the whole deck. Thanks,
Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener kit for prep.
trying to post a picture but it won’t let me
ok, thanks.. i’ve finally figured out how to upload pics.. So If i only need the Rad Stripper and Brightner kit, when do you suggest sanding? As you see in the pics, I have no peeling , just fading.. I am thinking using a little bit darker color other than the Honeytone… I’m thinking the stripper will remove the old color correct?
Yes, this is an easy strip and brighten. We never suggest sanding unless removing a coating of a different brand and type that cannot be stripped as a last resort.
ok, that makes sense. Quick question, you recommend the RAD Stripper, but the info on the RAD stripper says you don’t need if you currently have a Semi Transparent on the wood currently… This is what I read… Note: R-A-Dâ„¢ PaintStrip is not needed to remove penetrating exterior deck and wood stains that are Transparent, Semi-Transparent, or Semi-Solid in appearance. To remove these deck and wood stain types, use the Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper.
With that said, can you clarify.. thanks again!
Brian, we suggested the RAD stripper, not the RAD PaintStrip.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
RAD is short for Restore A Deck.
Thank you… Last few questions… Have the Rad Stripper in my cart. Looking to try the Semi Solid this time instead of the semi transparent… Is the Semi Solid going to be oil based .. I live in Massachusetts. Also.. how much coverage for 1 gallon. Thank you.
Yes, the semi-solid is oil based. You will need the VOC version for MA. Coverage is about 200-300 Sq feet per gallon per coat.
Ok, i see the TWP Semi Solid recommends 2 coats.. the other TWP Semi Transparents I’ve used in the past always stressed 1 coat… Can you confirm?
All the TWP stains are 1-2 coats depending on the age of the wood and the porosity of the wood.
ok, thanks… wood is approx 8 years old.. see pics above.. I would like to put 2 coats on but i’m afraid that it will sit on top and peel eventuallyi.
You could do 2 light coats applied wet on wet. It does not peel:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
thank you.. just ordered.
Stain not drying after 2 days, almost dry but still wet to touch, has been over 50.degrees
What prep is recommended when applying TWP 100 over 3 yr old Cabot Timber Oil on PTP.
Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener kit to remove the Cabot.
I have approximately 250 Sq Ft of cedar siding on a pool patio that is 3 years old and shows significant fading/graying from intense UV rays of Las Vegas Nevada. My helper intends to sand down the wood to prep for the new stain. I need advice as to which TWP series offers the best UV protection for this area. I thought the 200 series had the highest solid concentration and that was the indicator for the best UV protection, but my assumptions may be incorrect. Help me choose the best TWP stain for the job. Thank you.
You would want the TWP semi-solid colors for best UV protection:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
The 200 Series is a semi-transparent.
In 2020 I constructed a pavilion made of eastern pine. We stained it with TWP stain but now it is starting to fade so I need to reapply the stain. What preparation do I need to perform before restaining? I cannot find a help article covering this.
Please see here:
https://twpstainhelp.com/applying-a-maintenance-coat-of-twp/
I am staining a deck with TWP 100 in dark oak. The floor is stripped and ready, but the railing still has remnants of a semi-transparent Proluxe one coat latex stain (also dark oak). Does the old coating need to be stripped to bare wood on the railing or should it be okay? I am wondering if it might hold up since it’s railing and not floor.
You cannot apply the TWP over a different stain brand. TWP is a penetrating stain and the ProLuxe is not.
I am staining a very large cedar deck that includes old stained deck and railings as well as approximately 30 percent of new deck boards. I want stain that penetrates (no solid) but will give me the most uniformity since I have old and new boards. Which stain would you recommend? Thanks.
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for the older wood, all prior stain should be removed. Use the TWP Semi-Solids to achieve the best uniformity when done. It is penetrating.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Hello. I have questions regarding two projects. The first project is a new cedar deck. The deck is complete and has been exposed to the elements for approximately 6 months. I will use the cleaner and brightener. My question is whether we should use the wet-on-wet approach? If not, should we apply another coat after 12 months? I’m also wondering if we should use 1500 vs. 100? The second project is a cedar fence we stained approximately one year ago. We used TWP 1500 (rustic) and used the wet-on-wet approach. We found the color to be too red and would like to darken it. I believe we could use a darker TWP color (ex. walnut). Since we used wet-on-wet a year ago, can we add another coat this year or should we wait? I should mention we live in Wisconsin and our deck is south facing. Thanks, Chad
Just one coat for the newer wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Another coat as needed in 12-24 months. Use the 1500 Series for both areas. If you switch colors, you should strip and brighten for prep. You can do this now or in the future.
My contractor built my deck and stained it with TWP stain (which I have used before and love). The wood had been kiln dried. The stain didn’t really penetrate and peeled off in spots during the first year. Do I need to strip it completely off? (Which products do I need?) And if so, do I need to wait a period of time before re-staining? I assume the wood would be seasoned at this point, 2 years later?
Strip and brighten for prep. No need to wait since it has been 2 years.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
Hi there.
Got my product (cleaner/brightener/stain) last Friday, 3/8/24. So the stain has been sitting for over a week, and they are planning on staining the deck tomorrow. Question… should I take it to Lowe’s to get it shaken, since it has sat for a while? Also, I read somewhere not to stain if the low is freezing or below… it’s supposed to get down to 23 tonight with a hard freeze expected, so will the deck be too wet from that freeze to stain? If not, it’s supposed to be 37 tomorrow night, but if they miss the forecast by a few degrees, is that going to hurt it?
Thanks.
Yes, you need to stir, shake, or use a power drill mixer. Do not stain below 50f and do not stain if temps drop below freezing the first night.
Okay, thanks… what about from the freeze tonight? If the deck is wet from that, don’t stain?
Correct.
Hello – I have read that borate products are effective at killing organisms that cause wood rot. Can I treat my new wood beam with a borate solution ( such as peneshield) ) before applying TWP 100 series stain?
Yes, you can as the borate fully soaks in and does not create any kind of surface barrier.
Can I apply 100 series dark walnut over 100 series cedar tone for a darker look
Yes as long as you prep first with the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener kit.
How do I prep new wood for twp 100?
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I applied TWP stain a couple years ago but can’t remember what series I used. I am planning on resealing now. Does it matter what series I recoat with? I assume I use the restore and brightener before but do I need to do any other prep?
Use the stripper and brightener kit to be safe.
I have cedar siding on my home & have used TWP-101 for many years. In the past I’ve always power washed with a phosphate additive cleaner, but think it’s time to use your Cleaner or Stripper & Brightener to get a newer look before staining again.
Can the Cleaner or Stripper & Brightener be applied with a “soft” pressure washer spray? Endwalls are 16 ft. high.
No, you cannot inject them and you will need to be perpendicular to the wood when pressure washing. This means you will need a lift to complete your prep. Post some pics for more advice on which to use.
My log home was stained in 2000, the owner told me he used TWP. I plan to remove the old stain and reapply with a new TWP stain what is the best product to remove the old stain? The current stain is a solid stain.
TWP has never come in a solid stain. Post some pics for prep tips.
i have attached a picture
Looks semi-transparent, not solid. Can you send a few more pics? Some close and some from a distance.
I hired someone to stain my deck with 101. I believe he either applied too thick or the 2nd coat too late. It was hours after the 1st coat that looked rather dry. Now there are wet spots and most everywhere is still sticky 24 hours later. The temperature dropped to 45 over night but it’s been in the 70’s during the day. How easiest to get rid of the stickiness? Options would be appreciated!
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/