Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
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Difference Between TWP 100 vs. TWP 1500
The TWP brand of exterior wood and deck stain has been around for over 2 decades. the TWP 1500 is the only registered EPA wood preservative on the market today. It is made using only the best quality raw materials to offer superior wood protection. TWP Total Wood Preservative/Protectant comes in several different series of formulas. Knowing the differences can help you to make a more informed decision.
TWP 100 Series Stain
The TWP 100 Series is the original formula of deck stain and Protectant. It is an exclusive blend, which protects wood from becoming damaged. This particular series of TWP wood stain has been respected for over 25 years.
TWP 100 Series Wood Protectant penetrates the wood to enhance its natural color. It comes in 6 varieties of wood tones. It will prevent the wood from turning gray by blocking out harmful sunrays and has exceptional water-shedding properties.
The 100 series is not prone to mold or mildew and is best used on wood siding, decks, fences, and hardwoods.
TWP 100 is restricted in 36 states due to higher VOC levels. It cannot be shipped to these states: California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Northern VA, Pennsylvania, Parts of Arizona, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana.
TWP is about 30-40% in solid content. It absorbs very well and dries in 2-6 hours for most scenarios.
1-2 coats depending on the age of the wood. If doing two coats, apply “Wet on Wet“. The first coat is a saturating coat, followed by a light coat to ensure absorption and even application.
TWP 1500 Series Stain
The new 1500 Series low VOC formula wood stain is compliant in all 50 states. The 1500 series wood stain is formulated to penetrate the wood better, to dry faster, and outperform previous versions of TWP stains. It is also a registered EPA wood preservative.
TWP 1500 Series Deck Stain stops structural damage caused by wood rot and decay. It enhances and prolongs a wood surface’s natural color and eliminates graying. It resists water and moisture, which can cause warping, cracking, splitting, and freeze/thaw damage. TWP 1500 uses mildewcides that help eliminate the growth of mold and mildew.
TWP 1500 is roughly 60-70% in solid content. The absorption rate is a little slower than the 100 Series and dries in 4-12 hours for most scenarios.
1-2 coats depending on the age of the wood. If doing two coats, best to apply two light coats “Wet on Wet“.
The new Total Wood Preservative 1500 Series Stain is easy to apply and maintain. It will keep your exterior wood surfaces beautiful and protected for many years to come.
You would want the 100 Series.
Thanks much. Would I need to strip, or just clean and bleach, before applying the TWP?
Strip and brighten for the prep.
Fences can last 4-8 years with TWP. Reapply when colors fades and the wood is not protected.
TWP clear has no UV protection from graying. You must use TWP in one of the pre tinted colors. Best to get a sample form our site to test.
Use the 100 Series for Michigan.
I have a gallon of TWP 1500 that I’m going to use to stain the one year old redwood fence to my garden. My father and I just cleaned it, and will wait 2 days to apply the stain.
My first question is this…I also have two 3-year-old redwood planters (and two 2-year-old planters) in my vegetable garden. They look like hell already – black and icky. I will be scrubbing them clean. After that, Is the TWP 1500 safe to use on the exterior of the planter, and the top lip (which is on its side, not upright), or is it not safe to use in a vegetable garden? Do I need to worry about leaching?
If it IS safe, then my second question is, do I need to be super careful about not getting it on the corrugated metal siding that is also part of the planter, or will I be able to wipe it off relatively easily? And if so, what would I wipe it off with?
Thanks for your help!
Once the TWP dries and cures it will not leach so no issues. Wipe off metal with a rag.
What’s the time frame for curing? I can be a little sloppy with my watering, but I can be careful if I know how long I need to keep it dry. 🙂
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly – I love it!!!
Cures in 24-48 hours in most scenarios. In sun is faster.
You’re the best – thank you again for your prompt and thorough answers to my questions. Looking forward to seeing the results!!
You are welcome 🙂
The deck in my home in OBX, NC is a treated pine wood, approximately 8 years old, no evidence of previous stain,
The uncovered deck is approximately 750 sq ft plus 80 feet or railings.
The covered deck is approximately 1700 sq ft plus 160 feet of railings.
From your website, TWP 1500 with proper preparation sounds like the optimum product.
Please confirm and provide any other advice.
Thanks, Rick
Yes that would be best for this. You will need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Make sure to apply two light coats of stain and back wipe any excess that does not penetrate into the wood after 40 minutes, especially in the covered area.
I live in NE and want to stain my fence after a year and a half. I’m wondering is the 100 or 1500 better for our weather in NE.
For a vertical fence in Nebraska you would wan the 1500 Series. Make sure to prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I just built a pergola with new cedar, 4 sides sawed. The wood is varying levels of green with some pieces dripping water as I was installing fasteners. Do I need to wait for drying before applying TWP100? Thanks.
Please read this article: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I sealed my deck 2 years ago with Cabot oil based product. It needs to be sealed again. Do I need to strip or clean the deck before resealing? What product should I use to clean or strip? Should I use 100 or 1500 on pine traded lumber 3 years old?
Hi Jim, yes you should strip off the Cabot with the Restore A Deck Stripper and use the RAD Brightener when done. Use the 100 Series if allowed in your state otherwise use the 1500.
I stained my cedar deck with TWP 1500 last summer, and after the harsh winter it appears that the stain is gone off all the knots in the wood? It was stripped and sanded to fresh wood before staining over previous CIL product. I did the two coats wet on wet, on a bit of shady day — took 48 hrs+ to dry. The problem appears worst in the area where the deck gets hard sun for much of the day. What should I do to address this premature wear? Note : two other decks that don’t get the same exposure are doing just fine. They were stripped and stained in the very same fashion. We seemed to have spent our whole summer last year staining decks, and I had hoped to get a break for at least a year 🙁 Need your advice !
I would suggest a light cleaning and a light coat of stain to just the horizontals of the deck that needs it.
I still have some confusion as to which product to use on our 19-year old cedar deck. It is in the sun the majority of the day but parts of it also are shaded part of the day. We will use Restore-a-Deck stripper, sand with a deck sander, and then use the brightener. We can use TWP 100 in Wisconsin. Which product will be the most long lasting, will let the most wood grain show through, and be best for caring for this older wood – 100 or 1500? We will be using one of the lighter colors, Cedartone, Honeytone or Pecan. In reading the descriptions, it seems 1500 has more solids which would lead me to believe it will let less grain show through – is this correct? If I had to choose between longer lasting and more grain showing through, I’d go with longer lasting. Please help me decide.
No difference in appearance between the two. 1500 has more solids but colors are slightly richer. They both last about the same. Every 2 or 3 years for WI.
I have a 14’x28′ PT yellow pine salt water pool deck in Central Texas that has been built for 12 months. It has full sun exposure. The deck has not been stained to this point. Which stain would be the preferred – the 100 or the 1500? I’m reading what to me is some conflicting information – should I apply two coats with the “wet on wet” method or just one coat and then repeat next year dur to the wood only being dried for 12 months. I intend to use the Gemini Wood Deck cleaner and Brightener. I was looking at the Cedartone – would this hold up well under the Texas sun? Was thinking a darker stain might make the deck too hot to walk on.
Use the 100 Series and apply two light coats wet on wet for this. The cedartone will be fine for TX sun.
Preparing to stain a new boat dock deck, new cypress wood, which would you recommend in NW TN. 100 or 1500
100 Series but read this first about new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I would test it first to see if it dries okay before doing this.
Best to use the 100 Series for newer wood in GA. Two light coats applied wet on wet application. Need to redo every couple of years.
Yes you can apply the 1500 over the 100 as long as you prep correctly. Only one coat.
Does the TWP 100 cedar tone need a sealer?
No, it is a stain and a sealer.
I am re-flooring a covered front porch 6′ X 30′ in South Louisiana (partial sun and partial rainfall on porch).
I plan to use old growth vertical grain Douglas Fir 1X4 for flooring. I plan on leaving a gap between boards and staining all sides of floor boards prior to installation.
Porch framing is pressure treated pine
I have experimented with samples of TWP 1500. Cedartone is our favorite so far, but I’m open to other options.
**What would be the advantage (if any) to using TWP 100 vs. 1500?
**Would Cedartone appear different in 100 vs. 1500?
**Will the color deepen (darken, get richer…) after successive coats?
**After the initial wet on wet application, how long should I wait to apply another coat? 6 months? 1 year? On average, for maintenance, should I re-stain every year or two years?…
thanks
The 100 penetrates a little better. They Cedartone are not the same colors. Additional coats will darken the wood. Reapply every two years or so.
Use the 100 Series for this and Cape Cod Gray.
Did you recommend the 100 Series for the color or that it is the best product for this deck in Seattle. I am also in Seattle and very similar situation but want to use a different color. Which would be the best product to pick a color from for the situation?
Either the 100 or 1500 would be fine for Seattle. Any color that you like. Samples are on this link: http://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I live in Michigan. I am currently stripping the behr semi transparent off my deck. The deck is in full sun and has a pool, so it gets wet often. Would you recommend 100 or 1500 series?
100 Series.
100 Series
All of Illinois cannot use the TWP 100 Series. Only the 1500.
Nothing really close the the 207 Butternut. Probably 1503 Dark Oak but it will be darker. Yes this would be best.
I live in Ohio. I just had a two panel white cedar (raw sawn wood) lattice installed. Which stain should I use for the first time? The 100 or 1500?
You can only use the 1500 Series in Ohio based on the VOC laws there.
I live in southeast Missouri and am wanting to stain the floor of a porch that is half shaded and the other half receives full sun in afternoon. The porch is 18 years old, treated pine, and has been stained in the last five years with behr semitransparent stain which is now 90% worn off. Should I use 100 or 1500 series. Thanks.
Remove the rest of the Behr and clean the wood well. Brighten when done with this. Stain with the TWP 1500.
My cedar deck is three years old. I have already stained it twice with an oil base stain. It is peeling bad. I live in northern Wisconsin on a lake. Which would you recommend, the 100 or 1500? I used TWP when we lived in Missouri and it held up great.
Mary, use the 100 Series but make sure to strip off the peeling stain first and brighten the wood as well.
I bought a house with a big deck attached. 4 years ago I stained using Cabot’s. It still looks ok but needs to be redone. I live in Michigan. I just power washed last weekend. It looks pretty good but wanted to know if I should use a brightener also before I stain. What TWP should I use?
Use the 100 Series for Michigan.
Use the 100 Series. Rustic is reddish brown while the Dark Oak is a dark brown.
I plan on sanding my deck due to old stain build up. Will I need to do any further prepping before applying stain?
Use after removing all of the old stain you should use the Gemini Restore kit for the prep.
Ryan, best to lightly clean and brighten for the prep after the sanding. You can use the TWP on swing sets.
We are in the process of sanding and stripping the stain off of our teak outdoor furniture. What TWP series do you recommend?
Joan- Illinois
For Illinois, you can only use the 1500 Series.
I have a redwood covered pavillion (10′ by 12′ with railings) with a slotted roof (allows snow to melt so it does not collapse in Colorado snows) that is about 15 years old. It was treated with the Behr deck sealer which did not seal and just clogged the wood. So I am going to resand back to the original redwood. Thus I will be starting with aged redwood that is untreated. I live in the Denver-metro area. I am looking for guidance on which TWP product to use. In the past, one coat of the structure takes one gallon, I am not concerned about the redwood stain color – natural is fine.
Use the 100 Series for this.
If you have multiple coatings of Behr then the strippers may not work completely. You may need to sand as well to get it all off. Use the 100 Series for MN once removed.
Becky, is the wood on the fence rough sawn or smooth? This makes a big difference as to when to stain. Lightest tint is the Honeytone.
Thanks – I am going to the lumberyard this weekend to figure out what we are going to be getting so after that I will get back to you. Thanks for the help!
I have two areas to treat, both pressure treated pine decking. They are in a shaded area. One is one year old. The other is about 6 years old. Neither has been treated. Which TWP product (100 or 1500?) do you recommend? I would like to use one formula on both older and newer areas if feasible.
My contractor wants to pressure wash first. What do you recommend as far as cleaning prior to treating? I have no problem with the wood naturally aging to grey but assume a transparent or clear formula to enhance the natural appearance in the beginning is what I would use. I don’t want to stain it. My objective is to prevent mold, mildew, algae, rot
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
John, you can use the 1500 Series for this. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit with the pressure washing. Stain enhances, clear does not. Clear naturally grays but protects from mold, rot, etc.
Adam, it is a VOC issue with certain states. Newer wood should use 100 Series if allowed otherwise choose the 1500. Prep first with Gemini Restore Kit.
Tom, for this you would want the 100 Series. Just one coat this time. Please read article: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We sell online.
100 Series if you can use in your state as it will penetrate your newer wood a little better otherwise use the 1500.
Would twp1500 series work on a IPE Brazilian hardwood. I have power washed/cleaned the deck. I am concerned about absorption given the density of the wood. Thanks for any suggestions.
Dan, the 1500 Series is not designed for IPE.
Bob, use the TWP 100 Series.
You need to remove the stain first. Try the Restore a Deck stripper and Brighten when done. Stain with the 1500 Series. Any color will work but darler colors hold UV protection longer.
Hi, I live in Colorado — arid climate, major sun. I’m restaining my cedar siding. I prefer the more natural wood look (less color tinting), but I want the cedar to stand up to the sun. I’m deciding between TWP 100 vs 1500. Which is a better performance? I will probably go with honeytone but am also considering cedar tone if it will hold up a lot longer… any thoughts on those 2 colors? Do they perform similarly?
Annie, use the TWP 1515 Honeytone for this.
Mike, prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit and apply another coat of the TWP 1500 Series.
What about sealing barn wood on home exterior? It has beautiful grain and color and I do not want to hide that. It has started to grey and deteriorate so I need protection. Would you recommend the 1500 product in possibly the honey color to keep from hiding grain and color?
Stan, none of the TWP stains will mask or hide the grain as they are semi-transparent. The Honeytone 1515 is the lightest tint. Kind of a golden color. This article will explain in more detail: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-1500-colors-explained/
What does solid content mean? I see the 1500 has a higher solid content then the 100. What are the advantages or disadvantages of having a higher solid content percentage?
Solids are pigments, trans oxides, etc. Less solvents as well and means less evaporation into the ozone. May mean slightly better UV protection. Also means it is a little thicker and can take longer to cure.
1) Do you recommend 100 or 1500 for a redwood deck over salt water? Note, it is all heart premium redwood, 15 years old but excellent condition still, and it will be sanded before TWP application. 2) We will choose a semi-transparent color for longer life. Therein, do some colors last longer than others?
sr, after sanding use the Gemini Restore Kit to “open” wood pores. Darker colors of TWP will give longer UV resistance from fading. Try the TWP 1500 Series: http://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Is TWP 200 ‘Slate Gray’ still available, I used this a few years ago.
Dan, I am sorry but we do not sell it.
Ian it is an outside stain. You can use it inside but it will have a very strong odor. Wood must be unfinished.
Jim T, closest would be the 1516 Rustic color. It is a reddish/brown color similar to the Russet Brown.
We are hiring someone to stain our deck and fence. The deck and fence are both older and have a combination of old stain in some areas mixed with bare weathered treated wood. Our painters recommended using the 200 series. From what I’m reading, it doesn’t seem the 200 series is really for decking. Can you let us know which series would be best?
Kim, make sure all of the old stain is removed before applying the TWP. The 200 Series is designed for shakes and shingles. It is not designed for decks but it can be sued on decking. The issue is that the 200 Series my take 2-7 days to dry on a deck surface since it is so high in solids. We really do not suggest the 200 for decking. Either the 100 or the 1500.
Does the TWP 1500 series stain need a sealant after application?
Mark, it does not need anything after application.
would u recommend 200 series or 1500 for pt wood docks built over salt water in south florida?
Mike, use the TWP 1500 Series