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.
I am building a new cedar deck in Missouri and will be using either series 100 or 1500. Is one better than the other? After the deck is complete I was thinking waiting 2-3 weeks for for wood to calm down. At that point, do I need to powerwash and brighten new wood? or go straight to staining?
Steve,
See this about new decking: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We would suggest the 100 Series for your area.
Hello,
Is there any issue in applying 101 over 1530? I understand they’re roughly the same color. Any special prep needed? I loved the 1530 but I have access to 101 and I’m looking for something even better, if possible.
I applied a single coat to a 12-month-old “new” pressure treated deck last July and it has begun to fade already. I probably should have put on two coats at the time. Will a new application blend in enough or do I need two apps?
Thanks,
Jason
Stay with the same unless you want to strip off the 1530. They are no exactly the same color. If you want to remove, it will be fairly easy. Use the Restore a Deck Stripper and a pressure washer. Use the Brightener after to neutralize.
Hello,
I applied one coat of 1530 to a one year old pressure treatrd deck on a July 2015. It has faded since then–maybe two coats were needed. I’m going to re-coat it this late spring / early summer. I have access to 101. I understand that this is nearly the same color as 1530. Is the 100 series better than the 1500 series? Any problems with changing from one series to another? In subsequent years, any issue changing back if I had to?
Thank you,
Jason
You would have to strip off the 1500 if you want to use the 100 Series. We would suggest staying with the 1500 Series. Lightly clean and apply a light maintenance coat.
i have 2 questions. 1. i just had a new deck built with presure treated wood, how long do i wait to stain? I will be using the 1500 seris redwood 2. do i need to use the wood prep or just the wood cleaner and wood brightner? sorry question number 3. my contractor said i should just seal but i want to stain does it matter?
See here about new wood and TWP: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Just sealing with a clear will not provide protection from UV graying. You need a stain for this.
Here are my Deck pictures
Not sure what it is but it is not the stain causing this. You can tell by looking under your table. It is not affected there. It might be pollen dust, mineral deposits from the rain water after it dries on the deck, etc. Does it wipe off with a wet rag?
Well, I did not try to wipe them off, it started with a few areas and now happened to the whole deck. My next question is, do you think I should stain again or leave it until spring time.. Will try to post another picture.
Leave until Spring.
Why my deck is blushing after I put TWP1500 in June of this year. It looks terrible after each rain and now it looks white all over. Cedar deck. This is the first time happening, and I used your product every 2 years to clean and re-stain the deck.
TWP does not “blush” so it must be something else causing this. Please post a picture.
I have a new red cedar fence installed 3 weeks ago, should I use TWP 100 or 1500? I am living in Columbus, Ohio and it is middle of October, should paint and seal it now or wait to next year spring? Thx!
Rough sawn wood or smooth wood on the fence? Only the 1500 is allowed in Ohio.
I have a 3 month old cedar fence in Winnipeg Canada…..Which would be best for our cold winters? (I have a US post box so will have it shipped there>)
FYI, TWP is not legal or allowed in Canada currently.
I’ve been trying to find that out from Canada customs but have been unable to do so…..curious on your sources for not allowed in canada….? do you mean that individuals can’t bring it across the border or companies can’t sell it here?
It is not VOC compliant based on the laws Canada enforced a few years ago.
does that include the TWP 1500?
Yes that is not allowed there either.
I have two questions related to TWP 100 & TWP 1500. Which product would be superior in terms of ease of maintenance?
1) Can either of the above be applied over southern yellow pine finished with boiled linseed oil?
2) Is it safe to use the above products on a ground level pressure treated pine deck close to a garden?
1. No you cannot apply TWP over another coating so you have to remove the Linseed oil coating.
2. Yes it is safe for all exterior wood and decking as long as the wood is prepped correctly.
I have a new redwood deck installed 4 months ago. Is it ok to stain it now before winter, or should I wait until next spring. Is there any prep that needs to be done, and should I use one or two coats?
Ron, please see this article that will answer your questions: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Prep all with the Gemini Restore Kit. Two coats applied wet on wet where there is bare wood. One light coat in any areas that still have old stain. Either series is fine but you may be restricted based on your state. Where do you live?
I installed a picket fence with rough cedar pickets and pressure treated southern yellow pine posts and 2×4 stringers, around 6 weeks ago. With rough cedar, it is stated that can be stained any time after installation. Since the posts and stringers are smooth, should I wait the 12 months before staining the fence? Planning on using sprayer of some sort and back brushing.
Vertical wood is more forgiving. I would wait 1-2 months and lightly prep the wood, then stain. Since you have already waited 6 weeks then go ahead and prep and stain. Take care to prep on the new smooth wood with the cleaner and light pressure washing. Apply the brightener to all the wood when done.
It is a VOC that makes them different: http://www.twpstain.com/twp-stain-comparison
I have a 20 yr., 450 sq. ft. redwood deck in Flagstaff, AZ, where the altitude is 7000 ft. and half day, morning to noon direct sunlight. It has had years of stain-over-stain applications. I have sanded, applied Flood stripper and cleaner/brightener and sanded again. I prefer a lighter stain due to concerns of it darkening too much. Which TWP product is recommended for these conditions? Is the TWP 100 series legal for this area? If I plan to apply two coats, will ~5 gallons do the job?
Use the 1500 series here. One 5 gallon pail will cover the 450 sq. feet for both coats in most scenarios.
I am from ILL and used TWP for many years on cedar siding and liked it a lot. Would that have been the 100 series. When did you switch to the 1500 series in ILL? My daughter lives in Iowa and we want to find a product to use on her deck. Would the 100 series product they sell there be the same as I used years ago.
Dave, The 100 Series is not allowed in IL since about 6 years ago. It is a violation of your state’s VOC laws to use it there. Your daughter can order from us and have ti shipped to Iowa for her use there.
They are not the same color.
I have a 550 ft, 6 ft in height, cedar fence that is about 3 months old in Texas with most of it in full sun. Should I use TWP 100 or TWP 1500? How do I know when I should use one vs the other?
For this you could use either but the 1500 might give slightly better UV protection from graying on fencing.
Can you tell me how many gallons I would need to do two coats and on both sides of the fence?
What is the total sq footage?
6600 sq ft
550ft x 6ft x 2 sides
For two coats applied wet on wet, you would need somewhere between 40-60 gallons. It varies due to the porosity of the wood and the application method.
I have a pressure treated 23 year old deck. The deck is in a wooded area and is 90% shaded. I have cleaned this deck for 22 years with dish soap and bleach using a stiff broom then applied Thompson Wood Protector Clear..EACH fall. I am no longer happy with the results due to the new VOC controls. Wood is in very good condition for the age. Live in Indiana. Deck has never been stained. Suggestions???
Proper prep with the Gemini Restore Kit then use the TWP 1500 Series.
It is not possible to do this nor would it be legal in your state. Just use the TWP 1500 as is.
TWP 200, when should it be used versus TWP 1500 or TWP 100?
TWP 200 is for shakes and shingles for cedar siding and roofs.
Thank you!
Welcome!
Yes the 1501 is a darker color then the 1530.
You will need to strip and brighten for this to make sure it is all even and lighter in color. Cleaner only will not do this. Once stripped you can use either the 1500 or the 100. 1500 might give a little better UV protection. The 1530 Natural is the closest to the 101 Cedartone Natural.
Would the 1501 be a little darker than the 1530 ?
Yes you should use the 100 or 1500 series and you do have to wait and prep on new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Try not to as it can dry unevenly. If you go fast and keep a wet edge you could be fine but you may run the risk.
I will be pressure washing and staining my deck. The deck is one and a half years old and has clear protectant on it but no stain. I live in north Georgia (Atlanta metro). 100 or 1500?
Use the 100 Series and make sure the clear protectant is removed.
Can the 100 be used in full, hot sun or not a good idea?
I will be applying TWP 100 to some pressure treated outdoor patio furniture I made, that’s been drying 4+ months. I was wondering if next year, am I able to apply TWP 1500 on top of the TWP 100, after cleaning it of course? Or can I only use the same product over itself? I really liked the Dark Oak that is offered in the 1500, but I know that I should be applying TWP 100 initially.
You could apply either next year. Just lightly clean for the prep.
Great, thank you!! Just to double check, you recommend using the TWP 100 on newer wood, so I shouldn’t use the TWP 1500 now? I reside in Michigan.
That is correct.
Scott Paul
OPW/TheSealerStore
248.299.2512
What do you recommend cleaning with between two coats? We used TWP 1500 last year (one coat after using the Restore A Deck clean/bright product. We now want to put on a second coat of the same stain after 13 months–do we clean with water only on a light power washing setting or brush with a light deck soap?
Wash with soapy water to remove any dirt. Rinse well when done.
Pecan is a little but more brown in color. Best to lightly sand and splinters or raised grain with a light hand or pole sander. Rinse well with water when done.
Thank you. What about the Brightener and Cleaner. Should they be used also even though the wood has been pressure washed so far down?
No need if clean.
Just had my Cedar fence replaced and need to know what steps to follow to properly stain it with your product. Also, do you have submittal sheets on your product? Need to submit to HOA. Thank you!
We do not have submittal sheets. If the wood is rough sawn like most fencing then no need to prep and you can stain right away: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Built a deck using treated pine and has dried for about 10 months. I prepped it this past weekend and ready to stain. Do you recommend 100 or 1500? If I use 100 now, can I apply 1500 over top of it in say two years with same color?
What state do you live in?
I live in Iowa.
Use the 100 Series for Iowa.
I have wood siding on the front of the house. I have used Behr semi Transparent stain about 5 times in the last 30 years. Would like to try TWP 1500. Do you see any issues. Also, can a use a pump sprayer with it?
You can only use the TWP if you remove the Behr fully. It cannot be applied on top of it.
I am getting ready to stain a 5 month old cedar fence. It is a total of 5200 square feet (for both sides). Looking to use a sprayer and TWP 1500. I have calculated that I need about 5.2 – 5 gallon containers for two coats. Does this sound correct? Since it is a vertical fence – do I need the two coats? Thanks!
For two coats on rough sawn wood you will need closer to 7-10 of the 5 gallon pails.
In what states can we buy the 100 series?
http://www.twpstain.com/voc-states
Hi, we just had a redwood fence installed here in CA. It sounds like we need TWP 1500. Is there any prep work we need to do with a new fence and when should be consider starting the staining process? Thanks!
Hello, please read this about new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for the final prep.
I am purchasing a two story house with redwood siding. Previous owner apparently stained 3 of 4 sides of the house with TWP 102 (100 series Redwood color) maybe ten years ago? It is fading and gives powdery residue when rubbed with your hand. My plan is to power wash the house and then use 100 or 1500 series TWP, but not redwood color– it is way too red. I live in western PA. Stripping the entire house will be prohibitively expensive. How much will the previous color show through? Will the one side that was not stained match the 3 sides that were previously stained? I don’t really know what my options or strategy should be. I guess I could power wash, and then look to see how much color remains. Thanks.
Stripping is not expensive and easy when pressure washing. The Restore A Deck Stripper can be applied and easily pressure washed off. Once removed you apply a wood brightener to neutralize. You have to do this if you want to go lighter or less red in color. As for the stain, only the TWO 1500 is allowed in PA now.
I have a 4 year old cedar deck that was previously stained with Cabot Australian Timber Oil twice; once after it was built and then the next year it was restained. This year it is flaking in the high traffic spots. I would like to switch to the TWP 100. Should I sand to remove the flaking and old stain? Use the Gemini Wood Prep? Use Gemini Restore kit?
You would want the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washing to remove. Apply the RAD Brightener when done to neutralize. No need to sand.
I have a new cedar deck which was built last November. The builder claims the wood was “dry enough” to be stained right away which I did not do. The wood is clean, no mildew; looks like new. If I were to stain with a TWP product, is there any advantage in starting with the 100 series and then switching to the 1500 when I am forced to or would you recommend I start with the 1500. Also, with the age of my deck and never having been stained, I would only need to use the Gemini Wood Prep before staining . . Correct? Finally, can I expect that when I need to re stain after a period of years(s), if I use TWP, I would not need to ever do what is referred to as stripping . . correct? Is your product available only online?
You need the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep. Stain with the 100 series is allowed in your state. If not then stain with the 1500 Series. Stay with the same series down the road. When you reapply in the future you will need to use the Gemini Restore Kit again for the prep. We are an online dealer for TWP.
If it’s best to stay with the same series down the road, and the 100 series is being outlawed by more and more states, wouldn’t it be advisable to just apply the 1500 series and skip the 100?
That is up to you as there is no set date that the 100 Series would ever not be allowed. You also can apply the 1500 over the 100 Series after proper prep.
I previously stained my deck with TWP205. I want to restain with either 100 or 1500 series. What prep is needed and which product would be best? I live in Raleigh NC
Prep first with the Gemini Restoee Kit and stain with the 100 Series.
We are building a gazebo using Douglas Fir. Wanted to use TWP 100 but live in California so I think I can only purchase the 1500 series. We want to treat all the wood with a Jassco Termite product as we build the structure. I understand
the new wooden structure must age before applying TWP. Will the termite application be a problem for us when we apply the TWP1500?
It should not be an issue as long as the termite application soaks into the wood and does not create a film that would stop the TWP from penetrating.
I live in Southwest Florida. My deck receives full sun all day long. My original deck built 3 years ago I just ripped up. Pressure treated pine stained with Behr waterproofing tinted stain. What a mess, black mold twisting warping splitting. I complained to Lowes & they replaced the lumber for my entire deck. Lowes delivered the lumber 2 months ago. It’s has been elevated stacked and covered for 2 months in my back yard. Twp 100 or Storm Sheild? When to apply treatment? Should I apply it to ends of planks before installing? Rainy season here starts in May June is it long enough to season the deck? Help any advice would be so appreciated!!
Please read this about new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Once you install and wait the required 4+ months, then look at the TWP 100 Series.
The paint contractor I used for the house re-paint also stained our 4 mo. old Pine PT deck with TWP 103, semi-tran. He over-applied coat #2 and left it to “soak in”…said to let it dry a couple of days. Shouldn’t have listened to him as now it’s very tacky/gummy and shiney all over and we can’t use the deck. I tried applying TWP to a small section to see if it would loosen things up. It worked somewhat but it also resulted in pulling up the color too. Similar results with mineral spirits. What is the best course of action now? Strip the stain and start over? Is there a stripper that won’t harm the paint (latex) on the siding, railing posts, and lattice skirting as all of this was painted just recently? Thank you!
Yes stripping would be best for this. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washer to remove. Brighten when done. Strippers do not remove paint but you will need to pre wet the paint and rinse right away if any stripper gets on the paint to avoid any accidental spotting.
You need to remove all of the old stain first. How to remove the old stain does vary based on the type and brand you are trying to remove. Do you know if it is a solid opaque stain or more of a semi-transparent stain?
I think it is more of a semi-transparent stain. It’s dark
Best to prep then with the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washing to remove. Make sure to use the Restore A Deck Brightener when done.
2/3 of the deck is new wood – should we apply 1 or 2 coats of the TWP 105 and should we let it age first?
Please read this about new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I did but this is pressure treated wood and it had been sitting in the lumber yard about 2 months. The article says to let new wood age 4-6 months and only apply 1 coat but part of the deck is old wood that was formerly stained – would that still apply?
Sitting in the lumber yard does not count. It needs to be installed and sitting outside in the elements. Just one coat.
I live in SE Oklahoma and I just had a small 12×16 porch built onto my home. It is built with pressure treated pine and trimmed in cedar. Most of the porch is protected from the elements by the roof but it does receive some sun and rain. I also had new cedar fascia boards installed that will need to be protected. I plan on using the “restore a deck” to clean and prep the new wood before applying the stain. Which of the TWP products should I use for this?
I also have a shed with rough cut cedar siding that needs to be stained and sealed. It does receive alot of sun and weather. It was treated probably twenty years ago and now has very little color left to it. What would you recommend for this? Thank you.
Use the 100 Series for this. As for the shed, use the same for prep and the 100 series as well.
Hello. We’ll be installing a cedar fence with PT posts and rails soon. We live in Murfreesboro TN. Would you recommend the 100 or 1500 product? Is a sealer required after using your stain? I read an online discussion board (not on your site) that your products are double duty – stain and seal all in one – but I want to make sure. Don’t want to skip any steps. Thanks!
Yes TWP is a stain and a sealer. Use the 100 Series. If the wood is rough sawn then you can stain right away. If smooth wood then you need to wait 4-12 months after install and prep before staining with the Gemini Restore Kit.
We have a pressure treated deck that is about 10 years old. Sanded and brightened deck. We live in st.charles mo. Hot summers cold winters. Which stain would be best for us twp 100 or 1500. Its cool temps here now. Need to stain this week
Use the 100 Series for this.
For new wood you should read this article:
Prepping New Wood For TWP Stains
After the wait and prep us the 100 Series if allowed in your state otherwise use the 1500.
Our builder used TWP 100 series cedar tone natural on our deck. It is time to re-stain the deck but I was thinking of using 1500 series as our part of Illinois doesn’t allow 100 series. Should I use the natural or the cedar tone 1500 series for best match?
The 1530 Natural is the best match for the 101 Cedartone.
I have good quality redwood siding from 1965 on my house. I have had good results cleaning with wolman’s deck brite for the oxidized stain and mildew and need recommendations for an oxalic acid based cleaner for addressing nail stains. I am also asking for recommendations for the appropriate sealer that will best give me the natural redwood color I know lives under this dark brown, neglected house.
Oxalic is a brightener. Our Restore A Deck Brightener we sell contains this and citric acid for an excellent rust stain (black around nails) remover. Issue is you cannot fix your nail stains permanently as they will rust again later on down the road. As for the stain, look at the 1500 Series.
I’ve not worked with 5 gal. pails before. Do I dip my stain pad directly into the TWP 1500 container or use a paint pan?
Remove the lid completely and mix well first. You can use directly our of the pail or transfer smaller amounts to a tray. Whatever is easier for you.
Thanks. Next questions: I stripped/brightened my deck last Thursday. Love the results! But I may have to wait more than 2 weeks to stain my deck due to inclement weather and personal travel. Will this be a problem? Do I have to redo any cleaning work? And, am I choosing the best application tool, i.e. stain pad rather than roller, for an old, dry deck?
You will be fine on the wait, just make sure there is not dirt on the deck. Stain pads are better then a roller.
Planning to stain new (February2014 install) pressure treated pine deck in North Alabama. Deck faces east. No mold or mildew visible. Direct sun from 10am to noon. Fully shaded by 3pm. Portion of deck is covered so wood not as weathered. Plan on purchasing samples prior to order. Intend to apply Gemini Restore a deck 1st. Will this make the less weathered wood lighten and be more like the exposed deck after cleaning? Which is stain is better for described conditions?
Best to use the 100 Series. The Gemini Kit will prep the wood by removing the mill glaze and any graying.