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.
What outside temperatures are needed for successful results for each of your products below:
—Stripper plus Booster and Thickening Gel combo?
—Brightener?
—Twp100 semi-transparent stain?
60-80 is best for all.
This shows a clean and sanded area
Photos
I was told by a local dealer here in Connecticut that I had to sand my deck before I applied your stain. He recommended TWP 1501 Cedar tone for the application. When I apply the stain it has started to bubble up on the surface and I’m wondering if this is normal? As you can see from the photos some of the prior stain is still evident on the deck floors and I’m wondering is this what is happening and making the stain to bubble up? Please advise to the proper procedure for applying the stain and as far as the current stay and I just applied what is the best way to remove it?
Strip and brighten for prep is proper way, not sand: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Do not apply the stain in full sun.
Just ordered restore a deck. Question ? Since I made the mistake of already applying the stain to the seating area on my deck, will this restore a deck strip or take that off as well as the deck floor?
If it gets on there, then yes.
Thanks. I’ll let you know how it goes
I have a covered porch and the outer edge the sun hits more so the inside part still has a good coating. Any ideas for applying to even it out. Thanks
Strip it all done to the bare wood and then brighten.
Anything I can do about lap marks? I started staining 3 boards at a time and noticed lap marks and switched to doing 2 at a time. I moved from one section to the next quickly not letting the previous section dry so as to avoid lap marks. I was staining in direct sunlight as I had no other option. Also it was windy and ranged in temperature from 65 when I started to around 80 when I finished.
You cannot spot fix lap marks. You would need to remove all and start over to fix.
We stained our deck with Twp 3 days ago and we are wondering if we can do another coat or will it not soak in now?
It may not. Try a test board and see how it dries after a few days.
What if it doesn’t soak in?
Then do not do another coat.
How long after application of TWP100 is the deck usable?
Wait 24-48 hours for the stain to dry and cure.
If I prepped my deck 2-3 weeks ago and haven’t applied my stain yet, do I need to redo my prep work? Been waiting for temps to get under 90….
Just do a light cleaning with a pressure washer 48 hours prior to staining.
Can I use a roller to apply TWP Pecan 120 to my deck? Or will it cause bubbles as I am rolling it out?
Rollers are not the best for applying. Use a stain pad or brush.
I have finished applying the first coat of stain to my deck, but will not get a second coat on before it rains. Can I wait about 2 weeks between the first and second coats of stain?
No, second coats should be applied wet on wet for best results and proper drying.
When using the stripper product to remove the old coating, it is assumed that the deck is dry beforehand? We received some rain and I would like to start the stripping and power washing process but the deck might be a little damp from previous day’s rain. I need to start the stripping process due to the weather window (4 days of sunshine here in Michigan).
The stripper can be applied to damp or dry wood. You can prep today and stain later in the week.
Treating new deck w TWP 101 after 9 months weathering and properly prepped. I see this dries fairly quickly. How soon before I can replace light patio furniture? We don’t have stairs on deck, so removing furniture completely is a chore. Was going to do 1/2, and then move furniture to other side and stain that 1/2.
Wait about 24 hours for furniture on the deck.
It didn’t all soak in well and left shiny tacky areas.
How should I address this?
Thanks
See here for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
How do I apply stripper – brush, roller? And then rinse off with water? Same application & rinse for brightener?
You apply the stripper with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off. Same with brightener.
I prepped the deck (8 months old deck) , and applied rustic color- 2 coats. The color became so light that it barely looks stained. It looks like the deck is slightly tinted with red. What might have gone wrong? And can I apply another coat just to enhance the color?
No, you cannot apply more, it will not soak in. New wood is less absorbent so less color can get in to enhance it compared to older wood. See here for new wood tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Used this product for years. Always sanded back to bare wood. Deck is clear Western red. Am I wasting my time?
You are better if stripping it down. Much easier and leaves the wood in a more porous state: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can I apply at 60 degrees when I know the evenings will drop to 34 degrees?
It cannot drop below freezing at night.
do you have to use the cleaner and brightenner each time when recoating 100 stain
Yes, you always have to prep when reapplying.
Drying time. Applied wet on wet TWP 1500 Cedar tone on a one year old white pine deck. It was cleaned and restored three days prior to application and I’m happy with the outcome. I live in south west PA and it has been humid and hot (90 degrees) here. It’s been 36 hours (still a little tacky to the touch) since applied, how long before walking and returning the furniture to it? Thank you
Another day to two.
what if you live in Oklahoma where the wind comes sweepingdown the plains and no rain forcasted for your area for the next 36 + hours so you apply 5 gal to your new cedar fence then @ hrs later , yup , it rains ?
Wasn’t a lot of rain and didn’t last long , but really?
It is most likely fine since it is vertical wood.
If I am re-applying a “maintenance” coat of TWP 100 do I just apply one coat after cleaning and brightening or should I try applying two coats “wet on wet”? Also, what are the minimum non-rainy hours needed after application? Thanks for your help!
Just one coat is normal. 12 hours.
can i use on trex decking
Sorry but no.
Instructions say all sides must be stained. Does this mean the underneath of railings and sides too and how the cracks between the horizontal boards ( small cracks between boards) . My deck is also 14 months old is one coat going to be enough for its first staining? It’s hard to understand when to use 1 or 2 coats.
You do not stain all sides with TWP. Just the exposed wood. You will need to light coats for this deck.
I used TWP on my deck last year and the upright wood is good on the gate and wall and other areas that are vertical. However, the flat deck looks dirty and I would like to refresh it. Is it necessary to strip last year’s stain before adding additional stain this year?
You do not have to strip it but you do have to clean it.
I have kd cedar decking installed it has been 2 months is it ok to prep with a cleaner and brightner then stain now or should I wait until next spring/summer?
For kdat wood, see this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Safe for pets? Cat walked on tacky stained surface, briefly, then licked paws.
It is an oil-based stain and should not be consumed by humans or animals while wet. It is perfectly fine once dry. If the cat shows signs of throwing up, please take your local vet.
How do I fix drips or uneven spots after application of twp 1500
Depends on the severity. Sometimes it can be touched up with more stain and blended and other times it will all need to be stripped and redone.
I have a deck that is approx. 10 years old. The deck has a previous Thompson stain which did not cover well. I have pressure washed the deck but there is still some stain on parts of the deck. Will a stripper take this off? Also the deck is in a very sunny spot with high moisture due to the fact that it is only 2ft. from the ground. Any suggestions you have will be very helpful. Do they sell the TWP at Lowes?
It shoud remove the Thompsons. TWP is not sold at any big box stores. Best to order online.
I did a wet on wet application, it went very well. When can a walk on it and it lawn furniture out on it? Thanx for an excellent product, I’ll only use TWP from now on, after learning a lesson last time!
Wait about 24 hours but make sure it is fully dry and not tacky. Thanks! Post a picture if you can.
how long do you need to wait before you can stain kiln-dried pressure treated pine? Do I need to use a RAD kit on new wood or would a good rinse and dry with water do the trick?
do I need to mask off vinyl trim/posts/rails when using TWP100 (which would be a major P.I.T.A), or will I be OK just wiping it off immediately any that gets on the vinyl as I go along? Thanks.
I have a similar question to Eric.
First, we applied 1500 last August to a deck that had not been stained in many many years (new house for us). Properly prepped, cleaned, brightened, etc. We did only one coat as we were deathly afraid of putting too much stain on and getting shiny spots.
Waited 48 hours to walk on or put furniture on, in clear sunny weather with temps in 70s and 80s. Once we did walk on and set furniture on, it seems like the stain almost wore off in areas-we could see shoe prints from walking, and spots where table legs, etc were sitting that looked like the bare wood coming through. This stopped after a few days and we are not making new shoe prints now.
Did we not wait long enough to use? Or did we not use enough stain? Or a combination? And how soon can we put another coat? We were hoping to recoat this spring with a heavier coat ( or 2 coats wet on wet) if the deck would take it. Now that we are comfortable applying the stain and realize it will take a heavier layer. The deck no longer repels water like it did the first few months which makes me think it may be ready for more stain soon? Or will there still be an issue with the stain absorbing into the wood?
Thanks!
I did not get quite enough stain. What is the longest I can wait with 1500 to apply a second coat in this cool weather?
We are almost ready to start with TWP 100 on our cedar deck, having done all the prep work including sanding. Now it looks like rain is in the forecast for the next three days! We will hold off applying the TWP until we have a dry spell, but I’m worried the rain will mess up my prep work. Will we have to redo anything?
Rain will not harm the prep work. Just let it dry out before staining.