Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
How to Achieve Great Results with TWP Stains – TWPStainHelp.com Tips
When completing any exterior staining project you can achieve the best results by using a quality product and having the right knowledge. TWP wood stain will give you the best results possible but there are some general tips that can make the final results that much better.
One vital step that a lot of homeowners skip over is wood prep. Preparing the wood for the new stain is extremely important. Skipping this step will not allow the TWP wood stain to perform as it should thus shortening its performance and longevity.
For cleaning a wood surface prior to staining, we recommend Gemini Restore Kit with Wood Cleaner and Wood Brightener. This easy to use 2 step system is designed to free wood of dirt and grime and open the pores of the wood so the TWP stain will penetrate properly. Once the wood is cleaned, allow it to dry a minimum of 24-48 hours before staining with TWP stain.
During the actual staining process keep in mind that you only need to apply as much stain as the wood will accept. Stain one board or section at a time before moving onto the next. This helps eliminate lap marks. Allow the stain to soak into the wood for 10-15 minutes then go back and back brush or wipe off any excess.
If the stain has soaked in and the wood seems thirsty, you can apply a second “wet on wet” coat. But again go back and wipe off any excess drips, puddles, or runs that do not absorb after several minutes.
Before taking on a TWP staining project be sure to check your local forecast. TWP wood and deck stain work best when applied in temperatures between 60-80 degrees. Rain should not be expected within 12 hours after it has been applied. It should not drop below freezing within 8 hours.
Try not to apply TWP Wood Preservative in direct sunlight. It is not the best time to apply TWP during the mid-day heat and direct sun. This can cause the stain to flash dry giving a splotchy and uneven appearance. Try to plan your staining time during the morning, evening or whenever your deck seems shaded.
Achieving great results is easy with any of the TWP Series Wood Stain products. Follow these basic guidelines for staining with TWP and your wood surfaces will be greatly enhanced and protected for years of enjoyment.
Is it ok if it rains after using the cleaner and brightener? I would assume you would need to wait 48 hours to stain after the rain.
Yes.
Any concern with spraying a light mist of Wet & Forget on the deck boards after cleaning the deck boards with oxygen bleach and TSP but a day or two before applying the TWP 100 stain? Some parts of my deck were really green with algae and hard to get clean and I would like to keep the deck looking nice for as long as possible with preventative maintenance.
We would not suggest doing this.
Thanks for this site! Would you have any concerns about mixing colors of the TWP 100 series? We like a brown absent of the strong red, orange, yellow tones in the series, yet want the color to be lighter than the dark oak. Looking at lightening the 103 color with 116. The 200 series has more colors, but we prefer seeing the wood grain. What do you recommend?
No issues with mixing colors of the same series. To lighten the 103 you would want Clear or Honeytone. The 116 is reddish. The 200 Series shows the wood grain the same as the 100 and 1500 as it is semi-transparent as well.
Can I sand a 5 month old cedar deck before installing Twp 100 or do I also need to clean it thanks
Clean and brighten for new wood with this kit is the proper prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Will be building new deck this year out of cedar. Presently stored under cover and stickered between layers. Want to presstain all deck boards all 4 sides prior to installation. Can a second coat be applied after deck boards placed or do we wait a period of time?
.
You cannot prestain. See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Also, no reason to stain all sides. Just the exposed side after install. You cannot add two coats to new wood.
I am going to re stain my deck with the 1500 – I have bought the restore a deck products – so I am ready to go – but the question I have is how long can I wait in between clean and brightening and then staining? I know I have to wait until it is dry – since I have done it before – but I just wanted to know what the window is – ex. can I restore it and then a few weeks later put the stain on – or does it have to be right after the deck dries? I live in the Northeast where the weather can be really unpredictable – so just trying to plan this out.
By the way – your product is great…..
thanks
betsy
Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
Hi, I put up a 6″ wide cedar picket fence last fall. 220′ x 6′ so total of 1320 sq ft a side. Not much greying yet (see pic) do I need to prep other than pressure wash- which I did do last fall? How many gallons , thinking TWP 100,should I order, spray with a hand pump sprayer. Best one coat of 2?
thanks!
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
About 10-15 gallons for two kits. The 100 is good if allowed in your state. If not, use the 1500.
What do you recommend for rough cut western red cedar, channel lock sideing that has some black mildew spots. I really like the natural red color of wood.
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series.
I previously sealed the deck on my car trailer with TWP clear sealer it’s been so long I don’t remember exactly what it was I pressure washed my deck recently and would like to recoat it what would be the best product to use?
The TWP 1500 Series.
I applied the gemini cleaner to the siding of my house and it’s leaving runs marks on some of the boards. Especially under the lip of the siding. I pre-wet the siding before applying the cleaner and used pump sprayer to apply the cleaner. I applied the cleaner very evenly but it’s leaving marks down the wall. Also the home was stained with TWP stain about five years ago so this would be considered a re-coat. How do I get rid of those marks?
You may need to strip it so it is all even as it sounds like it is partly taking off the old stain: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We are about 6 months out from applying stain to deck. Application process went well. There are some stains we have from the elements a for what it seems rust stain from old chair my husband left on deck. I tried mild soap and water but stains still exist. Do you have suggestions on what I can do? Thank you!
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
The Step 2 in the Gemini Restore Kit helps to remove black rust stains.
Once I get it removed, should I lightly restain or wait until I restain in about 6 months
Yes, lightly recoat.
I applied TWP with a roller and back brushed it yesterday. I also I thought took off the excess by going over it with clean rollers. Today it is fairly shinny and tacky. Do I need to do anything else to the deck or just wait it out. BTW the deck was cleaned and brightened with Deck Restore.
Sounds like you over applied. See this for some tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I stained my deck for the first time 16 months ago with TWP 100. I am ready to stain again using the same color.Do I need to use the Restore Kit and Brightner again or just clean it good.
Use the kit again.
I completed staining my deck yesterday. Here in Michigan it was 68 degrees with a low temp of 48. Total is a high of 60. I have noticed today that on boards that abutted I have some lap marks and in those places there appears to be a bit of stickiness. My question is will this sticky area dry. The deck was properly cleaned last week. Thank you.
Yes, it will dry.
I plan to strip and brighten a previously finished doug fir deck with your RAD kit, wait 48 hrs, then apply TWP1530 wet-on-wet. How soon can this deck handle a bunch of people tromping all over it and probably spilling food & drink?
Brush in or use one of those deck pads? I’ve always brushed, but man, pushing it on with a pad looks easier 🙂
I am planning on staining the inside walls of a riding arena to protect the wood from dirt and the water that will spray on the walls from the sprinkling system. I have about 1650 Sq. Ft to cover. The walls are new, fir car decking. How many square feet can I realistically cover per 5 gallon bucket? Which of your products, the 100 or the 1500 will give me the best service in the long run?
Depends on your weather, etc. Typically it dries within 24 hours and can take people after 48 hours. Just make sure the stain is fully dried and cured.
Deck stain pads are easier, apply more evenly, and will push the stain into the wood grain.
This article recommends cleaning with RAD wood cleaner and brightener, most of the other articles on this site recommend Gemini wood cleaner and brightener.
Can you please explain the difference and which is recommended for which applications?
The Gemini Restore A Deck Kit is what you want and is the same thing.
Does all the old stain need to be removed? When it rains there doesn’t seem to be any beading anywhere.
You need to remove as much as possible so the TWP will penetrate.
I just stained my deck with TWP 100. 2 coats, wet on wet. How long should it dry before I replace all the deck furniture, plants and grill?
Charles, give it a day or two for furniture.
The response to Kristin applies to new cedar fence? Twp 1500?
Yes
Kristin, TWP 1500 and about 200 sq. feet per gallon for one coat on newer wood.