Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
The Application Instructions – TWPStainHelp.com
You have made the decision to use TWP wood preservatives to ensure the lasting beauty of your exterior wood surfaces. By using TWP deck stain and following some helpful guidelines you can get professional-like results.
Before applying TWP wood stain it is important that the wood is cleaned and prepped correctly so the stain will perform as expected. Clean the wood using a wood cleaner and a stiff brush or pressure washer to agitate the wood and remove any unwanted contaminants. We recommend using a product like the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit. This is a two-part deck restoration system containing a deck cleaner and brightener that is extremely effective and eco-friendly.
TWP Stain NOTE: If an existing failing stain is present you must use a wood stain stripper instead of a wood cleaner. See Switching to TWP Stains.
Once the wood is clean and allowed to dry, choose your favorite TWP series deck stain. There is a wide range of color tones to choose from. By measuring the wood surface you can easily determine how much wood stain is needed. TWP wood deck stain applies at a coverage rate of 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon.
Before the application can begin, the wood must be dry for a minimum of 48 hours and the temperature should be above 50 degrees. Be sure there are several dry days forecasted before and after the day of staining.
To apply TWP series stains be sure to mix the product thoroughly before and during use. Protect any siding, landscaping, windows, or concrete. For staining, a deck, start with the railings and spindles and stain the floor last.
Apply TWP stain with a brush, roller, or pump sprayer. The first coat should be a saturation coat. If the first coat of TWP stain soaks into the wood immediately a second coat may be necessary applied “wet on wet” within 30 minutes of the first coat. The more TWP wood preservative/protectant that soaks into the wood the better the protection will be.
Be careful not to over-apply TWP stain by leaving drips and stain puddles. Stopping in the middle of a board can leave lap marks. Be sure to finish each board from end to end once you start staining.
TWP wood preservative has excellent color retention properties. TWP series stains penetrate very well and are not prone to peeling or flaking. Over time, the TWP stain will fade and can be cleaned and recoated easily.
Will morning dew with the first 48 hrs of application harm the outsome?
After applying? You would need at least 8-12 hours after applying.
For 100 stain, if applied when the temp is over 50 but the low are in the 30s will the application still be ok?
It cannot drop below freezing the first night after staining.
I applied a single coat of 1503 to some exterior beams yesterday, and today it looks like they may need an additional coat. The beams were extremely dry and currently feel like they may accept more stain. Am I ok to apply a second coat a day after the first coat without sanding/stripping?
Second coats when applied need to be wet on wet. Applying 24 hours after the first coat could result in over application.
I have 3 year old redwood siding, which we’ve used the Gemini cleaner/brightener and then re-stained every 12-18 months. Do I need to continue to use the Gemini kit every time we re-stain, or can it simply be power washed clean and stained again? If so, how often? Thank you!
Use the kit for best results.
Hello for staining how many dry days do we need in the forecast for proper drying time? Vertical cedar fence.
48 hours after prep or rain for wood to dry before staining. After staining, let it dry for 8-12 hours before rain.
I started my project to apply a TWP 1501 cedar to some wooden posts and support beams surrounding a concrete patio. I tried to use thick plastic and even tarps to protect the patio surface, but the color bled right through wherever I spilled, staining the concrete. Do you have any suggestions on how best to protect a large surface when doing overhead applications?
Plastic heavy mill tarps will prevent the TWP from bleeding through to the concrete.
Thank you. is 10 mil heavy enough, or will I need 20?
10 mils should be plenty.
What is the best application method for a ceiling? Also do you recommend TWP 100 or 1500? I’m in GA
Stain pads or brushes. Use the 100 Series.
Can I mix colors Pecan and Dark Oak 50/50 TWP 100?
Yes.
Thank you
I plan to use the stripper/brightener before applying stain. What happens if it rains once the deck has been prepped? Should I look for dry weather until after I have applied stain? Like a 5 day window?
Rain does not harm prep. Just let it dry for 48 hours after prep or any rain before applying the TWP.
My painter used TWP1500 Clear on my brand (completed 6 days ago) new IPE Deck. It looks absolutely terrible. The color is extremely dark and wet all over the place. It actually looks like a deck that hasn’t been stained for years and weathered. It was done 5 days ago and is completely dry. The deck was crazy expensive. Can I get it back to it’s original natural look by sanding? What do you recommend to do? And do you agree TWP 500 Clear was the wrong product to use? Thanks for the help.
Post some pictures here for prep help. You will need to remove it by stripping it. You cannot use the TWP 1500 Clear on IPE as it will not protect from UV oxidation. Has to be a TWP tinted colors.
How do I fix drip marks if the stain is already dry?
The only way would be to remove and start over. Spot fixing is hard to blend.
I have another question. When apply the restore a deck cleaner I bought from your company, do you apply THAT to a dry or wet deck? You would think you would include that in the instructions for using. Not sure I’m confused anymore or just getting frustrated. 🤦♀️
You can apply to a wet deck.
Hello Again;) I just used your deck cleaner, but ran out of daylight to put on the brightner. Can I apply this in the morning? And does deck have to be wet to apply? Doesn’t specify on the container in the directions for application.
Apply in am is okay. Mist deck with water first.
I recently stripped my deck with a stripper, no luck getting it all off. I did use a cleaner after. It’s been 2 weeks. Thanks to the weather. Now I am sanding off the remaining stain. My question is can I go right to staining now? Or do I have to ‘re-clean’ and brighten before applying the stain?? I keep reading you are not suppose to get deck wet after sanding it. Many conflicting opinions out there. I have your 100 series stain in pecan I’m going to stain with. If I am supposed to re- clean, how long of a time frame do I have before I can stain? In Michigan and weather is VERY unpredictable. Please help me out here. Thanks
Clean and brighten after the sanding to open up the wood pores. Whoever stated to not get wood wet after sanding does not understand wood and wood deck stains.
Thank you for clarifying that for me. However you didn’t answer my second question; after I re-clean and use the brighter, what is my time frame to split the stain? I understand I have to wait for the deck to dry, obviously, just wondering considering Michigan’s unpredictable weather. One week? Two? Approximately how many day? Thank you again. Can’t wait to apply your products. I’ve read great reviews.
After prep, wait 48 hours to dry. If it rains between, wait 48 hours to stain after the rain. Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
Perfect! Thanks again so much. Appreciate the quick responses 🙂
I have one more question now ;after I clean and brighten, is that going to cause ‘furring’ again!?
No, it should not.
When using the Restore-a-Deck Stain Striee, the booster and the Thickening Gal, what is the recommended order of adding Additives?
Does not matter.
I’ve finished all my sanding as no stripper would take off the crap I had previously stained with (Behr) but I’ve noticed a little stain still in the wood grooves. Can be easily scratched out, wondering will your cleaner remove this? I’ve already purchased and am eager to finish this and get on with staining my deck.
Not 100% sure but pressure washing might as well if it scratches out.