Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
Best Prep for TWP 1500 Stain and the TWP 100 Stain for Enhanced Performance and Appearance.
When staining a new exterior wood surface with TWP, or refinishing an older one, it is best to correctly prepare the wood. Wood prep is important with any stain and TWP is no different. Using the best prep methods will certify a quality product like TWP stain performs as expected. This helps guarantee a long-lasting, beautiful finish.
To give your wood surface the best prep for TWP stains, the wood needs to be cleaned and brightened. For the best results, use Gemini Restore Kit. Gemini is the largest manufacturer of TWP stain, so they know what it takes to get the best prep possible. Gemini Restoration Kit is a two-part “eco-friendly” system.
Prepping TWP Stains
Step 1 is the wood and deck cleaner that gets down into the wood for a deep clean. Following the cleaner’s directions, use a scrub brush or pressure washer to cleanse the wood. This will rid the surface of any dirt, grime, or gray wood fibers to ensure the best prep.
Step 2 of the Gemini Restore Kit is a wood brightener that will “brighten” the wood and neutralize the cleaner at the same time. This warrants the best prep of the wood surface for TWP stains to ensure excellent protection.
If the wood surface has an existing stain on it that needs to be removed, use Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper. Besides removing dirt, grime, and grayness, RAD Stripper will remove old failed stains prior to applying TWP stain. The RAD Stain Stripper is a two-part system similar to the Gemini Restore Kit. Apply the stripper and clean the wood accordingly, then apply step 2 the wood brightener. Once the wood surface is cleaned and brightened, let it dry for several days before applying TWP.
This is the best prep for TWP stains and a proven method to help ensure good stain performance. Do not risk premature stain failure with inferior wood prepping. When the surface is prepped correctly, the TWP stain will give you a durable, long-lasting finish.
Questions On Prep for TWP Stains? Ask Below!
I have a 5 year old deck that I stripped and prepped. I’m planning to apply twp 100 stain. We have had the wettest year I can remember and it is going on 4 weeks since I have prepped my deck. At this point, do I need to reprep the wood again? It still looks nice and bright and ready to stain. thanks!
Yes, lightly wash and prep again.
do I need to do both steps again or just brighten
Just brighten.
I’m thinking of using TWP to maintain some ikea APPLARO furniture that’s been sitting outside for a year. It’s acacia wood with some type of penetrating oil sealer applied. Should I start with something like RAD first in that case, especially if a pressure washer is out of the question?
If you have a current stain or oil on the wood then that will need to be removed with stripping and pressure washing. Brightener after: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
What is the best twp product to use on a pressure treated wood deck, newly installed and also older pressure treated steps with no finish?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 100 if allowed in your state otherwise, use the 1500 Series.
What is the difference between TWP preservative stain and TWP extension stain?
Not sure what you mean by “extension” stain.
Applied TWP 1530 on new IPE deck last summer. Lots of discoloring in portion of deck exposed to sun. Plan to redo stain. Any recommendations on top of literature on this site specific to. IPE
IPE wood requires an annual application. Prep with this and recoat: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We are the third place TWP Stain winners from 2018 and are planning to add a maintenance coat this weekend. Thanks for an awesome product! I have attached a few pics of the weathered areas of our deck and are asking which cleaning method would be best advised to re-coat our deck. The color is TWP 100 Cedar 116. These areas are in areas that get a lot of midday sun and have had problems with mold and algae build up over time. Will we have to completely strip the entire deck to get a consistent finish or will the normal clean and brighten be okay? We love our TWP products and get complements on this deck constantly. We are in Louisiana and need the product very quick. Can 5 gallons be delivered within 2-days (by this Friday)?
Thanks
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. It does not have to be fully stripped. No, it will not get there by Friday. Takes about 3-4 days to Louisiane.
Three years ago we applied TWP stain to the log siding of our house. It’s time for a new coat – if we’re not changing colors or stains do we need to do the Gemini Restore kit before applying TWP this year? Or would simply power washing be enough prep?
Need the kit while pressure washing.
In MN. Last year I rebuilt part of the deck with new wood. Will use gemini kit to clean and brighten before applying 100. I stripped the old part last summer, used gemini and applied 100. For maintenance coat I should use gemini to clean and brighten? And just one coat of 100?
Yes. Prep again with Gemini and 1 coat of stain.
3 years ago, I stripped, cleaned and brightened my large deck , then applied TWP1500 in Cedartone color. I am planning on cleaning and using the brightener again this spring, (not stripping) however, this time I want to use TWP100 in the same Cedartone. The deck is currently very faded . Is this the correct process to re-stain if I am switching from TWP1500 to TWP100?
I’m in Texas, deck faces south and catches extreme afternoon sun and heat.
If switching from 1500 to 100, you will need to strip and brighten the wood.
My deck has TWP 1520 Pecan stain which was applied 3 years ago and its time to re-stain the deck. I would like to know what needs to be done to the deck before applying the same stain? Do I need to strip the stain or will cleaning and brightening be good enough?
Use the Gemini Cleaner and Brightener Kit for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I live in northern Washington state the temperature during the next five days is predicted to be mid 60s with lows in the low 40s no rain. Fog in the mornings sun in the afternoons. My question is, are these conditions too cool for preparation with restore a deck and a maintenance coat of the TWP 1500
Temps are fine.
Hi,
I’m getting ready to stain the exterior siding on my house. We removed the previous coats of stain and varnish by sanding down to bare wood.
I stained a few boards with TWP to test various tones. My plan was to pick a color and take the samples off by sanding.
However, when I tried to sand it down the wood completely filled the sand paper immediately – picture below.
What’s the best way to remove those few test samples of TWP 100.
Sanding is the best way. The stain is not fully cured and that is why it is gumming up. Another week and it should come off better.
You would try stripping if that does not work:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hi Matt. What are the names of the color swatches? I like the color on the very bottom, Im thinking it’s Pecan, can you confirm? Thanks a bunch
I can’t remember the swatches – since it was 3 years ago. The color we selected was Pecan.
I had a 4 month old Alaskan White Cedar deck that I stained last year and had a problem with when I went to clean it this Spring. After trying many options, I power washed it, let it dry, completely sanded it down, and applied your brightener. That was a little over two weeks ago and we’ve had rain consistently enough that I haven’t been able to apply the TWP 100 stain. Dry weather is forecast. What do I need to do to re-prep? Thanks! Seattle
Lightly pressure rinse again with water and apply the wood brighener again.
At this point deck is over a year old, should I apply wet one wet? Thank you.
Yes. Two light coats applied wet on wet.
I am preparing some red cedar I obtained from a sawmill in Ky. for a privacy fence in Fl. It is rough cut but I am running it through my planer to improve it’s beauty. Is it necessary to clean such fresh wood and will one coat of TWP 100 be adequate?
You should treat this like new smooth wood. See this article for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have used the Gemini Restore kit on 10/2 for our cedar fence. We had an insane amount of raining days that we never were able to achieve a 48 hour dry time with a 24 hour cure time. Is it too late to stain on 10/19. It will be 3 days after the 2 week period.
You should be good to stain!
I have an older deck with a worn coat of another brand of semi-transparent stain. I’m planning on sanding rough spots before stripping and brightening, then applying TWP 1520 after it dries.
Does the entire deck need sanding for the stain to soak in properly, or can I just do the rough spots?
Sanding the whole deck would be best so the TWP soaks in evenly. If you spot power sand, the stain could be lighter in those areas. If just a light hand sanding, you are most likely okay.
I used TWP on my new deck about 3-4 years ago. This past weekend I pressure washed everything (getting ready to reapply TWP). At this point the wood looks pretty clean – not quite a bare wood look since I used the Dark Oak stain. At this point, am I good to stain or do i need to brighten before? This is my first maintenance coat of TWP so want to make sure I am doing it right.
Can you send a picture?
Just took this…..the clean looking board is new un-stained wood from a new gate that we just added. So you can see the contrast between the previously stained deck floor (pressure washed) and the new wood.
Hello,
You will need to clean and brighten for the proper prep using the Gemini Restore Kit:
I see alot of your guidance says to use the Restore Kit while pressure washing. If I order today, and maybe receive by end of week, is it ok if apply a week after pressure washing?
You use the Kit while pressure washing. Waiting a week after the prep to stain is fine.
I already pressure washed the deck – did that last weekend. So do i have to pressure wash again in order to use the gemini restore kit?
Your pressure washing without the Step 1 Cleaner was not sufficient prep based on the pictures. You will need to redo and use the Deck Cleaner (Step 1) of the kit while pressure washing.
I am currently renovating a finished basement in Western New York, and due to the humidity levels in the basement, I would like to utilize TWP 1500 series stain to finish the walls, ceiling beams and ceiling planks. During the summer months, the humidity level in the basement is typically 40-50%, and it is 20-30% during the winter months. Those levels are with a large dehumidifier running.
The new interior walls of the basement will consist of Amish-made T&G half log siding, while the ceilings will be Amish-made pine beams and T&G Knotty pine. All of the wood is non-treated and has been air drying indoors for 12-18 months. All of the wood will also be stained prior to installation. Is TWP 1500 series stain a good fit for this application?? If so, how should I prep and apply?? Seeing as how the wood for this project is non-treated and hasn’t been exposed to the usual cyclic outdoor weathering, what is the best prepping method for the wood prior to staining?? Will simply sanding with 80 grit sandpaper be sufficient to roughen the surface and allow the stain to penetrate properly?? Also, should all sides of the wood be coated with stain or just the visible “interior” surfaces??
Thank you!
TWP is an exterior stain. Not suggested for interior use. It can be done but since it is oil based, it will have a strong odor that could linger for weeks.
Prep by sanding with 60-80 grit. No need to stain all sides, just the exposed sides.
My parents live in michigan and their deck is in bad shape. It is cedar on the visible wood and treated on the structure. It is about 20 years old and hasn’t been maintained for at least 8 years.
No idea what type of stain was on it last.
I am in the process of restoring the rotted out bits and doing an treated wood hot tub addition. It has a mix of brand new, really old, and weathered new wood that never got stained, Plus the new treated wood section…. I figured if i just wait till the renovation is done to stain, the new cedar wood would catchup to the really old stuff.
It needs sanded pretty bad. In the few test sand spots i did, it looks great.. like new wood.
SO my question:
What is the order of the process? Can i leave any steps out if i am sanding?
strip, clean, brighten, sand, stain
Also they have wood boring bees as well on the gazebo, but only the upper portion of the gazebo that I can tell.
I’ve decided that i will be using twp 100, but Haven’t decided on the the color.
I am toying with the idea of putting black paint in the recesses on the spindles;
How does the stain react over paint?… My process on the spindle was I spray painted black paint and then once dry i sanded the flat sides so the only black left was in the routed bit. I have a attached picture test spindle that i took off the deck.
I have a deck on a house I’ve only owned for a year in the St Louis area. It is cedar and approximately 12 years old. I have stripped and power washed it. It is in pretty good shape but I need to replace two deck boards. I know it is better to wait before staining, but the rest of the deck really needs it. Would it cause a problem to stain it immediately? Is there a way to prep the new wood to enable it to accept the TWP? I’m planning on using TWP 100.
I have used the cleaner/step 1 of the RAD kit and used a combination of scrub brush and light power washing to rinse the boards on my deck. As the boards are drying they seem a bit “fuzzy”, do I need to sand the boards or is it okay to stain over this texture? If sanding is needed, should I do this before or after brightening?
Just bought a house with wood fence, the wood slats are treated wood (green), they look about 2 years old, they have not been stained, painted or sealed I believe. Will the stain take up in treated wood? Any suggestions on which product to use?
After using restore a deck stripper and brightener how long do I have before I have to stain? I want to prepare the wood but because of rain and other reasons might be two weeks before I can stain.
I am painting my deck rails and staining the deck surface with TWP 1500. I am prepping all surfaces with the Gemini restore kit. I understand the deck surface needs to dry 48 hrs after prepping before applying the stain and needs at least 12hrs of dry weather after applying….Do the railings , which will be painted, need to dry 48 hrs after the prep before repainting and 12hrs of dry weather after application of paint also?
Great sight you have here
Most likely, but that really depends on the brand of paint you use. I would follow their directions on this.
I live in Seattle. What is the longest time one can wait between sanding, Cleaning & Brightening before actually staining. ?
It is dry today and I am already 1/2 done sanding and could easily finish the prep work today but the next 48 hr dry period might not be here for another 2 weeks. Would 2 weeks of rain cancel out the sanding and prep work I do today??
Thanks
2 weeks after the prep is about the max you would want to wait. If it goes longer then that, you may need to lightly re-clean and re-brighten.
what is the best way to remove black mold from pressure treated wood. this wood is part of the frame work of our deck and we do not plan on staining it.
Also, there is green mold on the painted verticals of the railing The paint is not peeling yet. Will that mold be ‘neutralized’ with the gemini cleaner we are using to clean the horizontal deck surface prior to restaining.
Thank you for your advice.
Using the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing should remove the mold well. It should help remove the algae as well.
I am sanding my deck before staining. We are expecting rain in the next day. Will rain on the sanded wood damage it. I plan on cleaning and brightening prior to staining and then waiting for a dry spell prior to staining.
thanks for your help
Rain does not harm the sanding or any prep.
My location is upstate SC with a one year old pressure treated pine deck facing south. I have about 2 1/2 hours in the morning before the sun starts on the west end before its completely in the sun in less than an hour after that. In the evening, I probably have the same time constraints just on the opposite end of the deck. Last year when the wood was new (KDAT), I used TWP 100 pecan series for a one coat application and planned on a maintenance coat this summer. Due the amount of staining/graying from trees I have now removed, I have cleaned and brightened the deck using Gemini “Restore-A-Deck” and now face a week plus of afternoon thunderstorms, which can be our “normal” summer weather pattern.
The directions on the cleaner/brightener state I should stain within two weeks, and I have read here to wait 48 hrs after rain and at least 24 hours before rain. Can I wait less time with a fully sunned deck to stain, and cut drying to 12 hours?
I am confused as to how much stain I need on hand for 500 sq feet of deck. I used less than 3 gallons when the wood was new (one coat), and my understanding is with a previously stained deck I will need less stain if I only cleaned and not stripped the wood. How many gallons should I plan on having on hand?
Should I do two coats of stain this time (wet-on-wet) and how quickly do I need to apply the second coat (within 20-60 minutes)?
With a limited amount of time with the deck out of the sun, how/when would you recommend the best way I do the staining?
Drying of 12 hours is not enough. About the same amount of stain as last time. Just one coat should do it. Stain with a stain pad for the deck floor.
Just one coat or one wet on wet coat?
Two very light coats. Apply the second coat within 20-60 minutes of first coat.
We have completely sanded the old stain off our 20 year old deck down to new looking wood. should we use Restore a Deck cleaner too, or is the fresh sanded surface fine to continue. We will be using TWP1500.
It will hep the TWP to soak into the wood better if you prep with the Gemini Restore Kit after the sanding.
How long do I need to wait after cleaning and brightening my deck with the Gemini system to apply the TWP stain? Thank you in advance
48 hours.
what exactly do you mean by a “failed stain?” I’m trying to determine whether I should use the Restore a Deck Cleaner or Restore a Deck Stripper. I currently have TWP 1515 applied to my deck
If wearing unevenly, then best to strip and brighten for prep.
In 2013 we sanded our old redwood deck down to bare wood, (new house to us, located at Lake Tahoe, CA). We then applied TWP 101, 2 coats, then 2 more coats about a week later. Now May 2016, after a hard winter, 10 to 15% of the boards have peeling TWP finish. How should i prep the deck prior to applying more, TWP101, and how many coats?
FYI, you applied way to much on this. TWP is a penetrating stain and should not be over applied. In your scenario it was over applied and it “filmed” on top of the wood. This is why it is peeling. Best to strip and start over. Use the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper. Remove down to the bare wood and use the Restore A deck Brightener to neutralize. Apply two coats of the TWP using “wet on wet” application.
Can TWP be applied on a pressure-treated beach deck that had Thompson’s Water Seal applied to it last Fall? The Thompson’s has soaken in pretty well and I am not sure it can be be stripped off.
Randy, you would have to remove it. If it repels water then it will repel the TWP from soaking it.
Contractor just applied TWP 100 to house and it is a mess because application instructions were not followed. The house had been stained once before with an Olympic toner–10 years ago. It was pressure washed twice before the application. However, they stained a section of the house at a time and then came back around hours later for the second coat–and did not wipe off excess. The finish is uneven, with many shiny areas. Two sides of the house were coated only once because we didn’t let them put on a second coat the next day. These sides have fewer shiny areas but are lighter than the parts that got two coats. We hate to use stripper because the wood portions of the house are second story and we have stucco beneath. Is there any other way to improve the appearance?
Nothing you can do but strip and start over. Sorry 🙁
Contractor wants to try wiping the siding with mineral spirits and lightly sanding to remove the shine. Ok to try it?
You can try. Hope it works out.
Do we need to scrub the stripper into the wood or just spray, wait then pressure wash off?
Thanks
Spray on, let dwell for 15 minutes, then pressure wash off. Sometimes you do need to scrub but this really depends on how difficult a strip it is based on the coating being removed.
We’re about to use the RAD stripper. Our deck is above a walkout basement patio. Do we need to cover the concrete patio (basement level) when using the stripper on the deck above?
Thanks!
No need to cover the concrete but do make sure to rinse well when done.
I have outside furniture (chairs and table) made of Autralian Jarrah wood. The last time it was resurfaced Man of War spar varnish was used. My intent is to remove the old varnish, prep the wood and apply TWP 1500. Please tell me your opinion on how to remove the varnish and prep for application of the TWP stain.
You will have to sand off the varnish as stain strippers will not remove it 100%. You cannot apply the TWP unless all of the varnish is removed. Just one coat of the TWP.
OK – do not use stain stripper. How about removing varnish with paint/varnish stripper, followed by sanding? Then, would I be advised to finish off with cleaner/brightener combination (or not)?
Thanks for response.
Jim Gibson
Varnish stripper may work some but you will have to sand to get it all off. Clean and brighten with Gemini Kit after the sanding.
You cannot apply TWP over a paint. It would be best to let the new wood season until next Spring as you cannot stain new wood for 4-12 months after the install. Clean, pressure wash, and brighten all wood. Lightly sand after only if needed.
I have a 13 year old pine shadowbox style fence near the NJ shore that was stained/sealed when it was new and has been neglected ever since. The fence was dirty, gray, and covered in mildew and lichen. I used Oxi-Clean and a pressure washer to clean the fence off. The posts are pressure treated but the rails and vertical planks are smooth pine. All of the vertical planks have some feathering on them since they were cleaned so I think I’ll have to lightly sand them.
I see that I will need to use TWP 1500 when the time comes, the question is do I need to do anything more before I stain them since I didn’t use household bleach, TSP, or a commercially available cleaner/stripper/etc.? I also took the time to thoroughly rinse to wash away whatever Oxi-Clean was left behind.
Also, are the chances of the stain going on evenly better with one thing over another (i.e. a brush, pad, roller, garden sprayer or rag)? Can I get away with just one coat? The fence, despite being cleaned up, needs to be replaced. I need it to stay nicer than it was (which it is now) for 2 or 3 years so I’m looking to do the absolute minimum to get by.
One last thing, is there a fence stain calculator that I don’t see?
Thanks,
MJ
For a fence: Length x Height x 2 (for both sides). About 150 sq. feet per gallon on a rough cut fence and one coat. Apply with a pump sprayer and back wipe with a brush or stain paid so it is evenly applied and to catch any drips. May want to apply a wood brighten for the final prep.
This summer I built a fence, boards running horizontally, staggered pattern, and with a very wide combination of wood. A mixture of newer pressure treated pine pickets (ripcut) and (mostly) oak/poplar/birch/pine/etc natural that is reclaimed from pallets (no chemical pallets).
The fence came out great (suprisingly) but I’m more concerned with protecting it than I am with looks (as it has natural wood and building fences are a MAJOR pain). I bought some wood cleaner with oxyclean, and some stripper. I want to purchase TWP but I have a few questions, which stain should I use? I live in Louisiana. Also, I only planned to clean and strip it, how important is brightening in my situation? Finally, my fence is 70 ft x 6 ft x 2 ft = 840 feet. It’s probably about 2/3 semi smooth and 1/3 rough cut. How many gallons would I need for the FIRST coat? Thanks for your help. I found you guys after doing some research (deckstainhelp.org).
Again, visually I’m only concerned with a “decent” appeal, my primary concern is wood protection and I live in a very HOT and HUMID enviroment.
Use the TWP 100 Series. Yes you have to brighten after using a cleaner and a stripper. You will need 5-7 gallons for the first coat. Second coat spreads twice as far as first coat.
Thanks for the quick response!
Go ahead and do all. The two new boards will need another coat in 9-12 months.
HELP. Our deck is over 12 years old. The former owner of the house did little or nothing to maintain it. As a result, some of the wood on the deck and on posts are splitting. Should we fill these first before using the 1500 which we’ve bought? If so, what should we use?
You cannot use filler for exterior wood nor will it blend with the TWP. Best to just leave alone.
You can sand lightly if you would like or stain over it. Most likely it will not show when stained unless heavily fuzzing occurred. If you sand, do so before brightening.
During the prep phase is there a problem if it rains when either applying the cleaner or Brightener. Also is there an issue if it rains between the prep phase and then the Staining phase as long as the deck is thoroughly dry per the instructions
Rain will not harm or hinder during prep or between. Just make sure it is dry before staining and that you have time for the stain to dry before rain comes.
It has been a year after the initial coat of TWP 1500 and I want to put on a maintenance coat of the same. When can you do just a soapy water wash and rinse vs using the Restore Kit?
I can’t seem to see a pttern for the reponses. Thanks
Soapy water is more fore cleaning off dirt without recoating. Gemini Kit should be used for the prep when you are recoating with same stain.
Yes you can use the TWP 1500 Series for this. Prep the wood first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I have stripped, cleaned, and sanded our deck in preparation for TWP stain. The deck is a combination of old boards and new boards that have weathered for a few months already. If we blow off all the sawdust with air using a compressor, can we proceed immediately to staining? Would you recommend applying stain with a brush, stain pad, or an airless sprayer? I could do any of these but, after all the labor of prepping the wood, want to get the best possible result and so don’t mind if the work takes longer!
Best to wash off the sand dust. It will also swell the wood grain for the stain to absorb better. Use a stain pad for application.
Ryan, waiting a couple of weeks is fine.
I have stripped my deck and use the brightener. There are still some areas of old stain so I am going to sand it down. What is the best final grit to use?
Gary, 60 grit would work. Wash deck with water to remove sand dust when done.
Hi I applied TWP 101 stain last spring (after stripping, cleaning, brightener) and there are a couple spots that look like they could use a touch up this spring. What do I need to do to do a maintenance coat of TWP101 — or do I have to strip off old 101 stain?
Mike, no need to strip. Clean with Gemini Restore Kit and a light pressure wash for the maintenance coat.