Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
TWPStainHelp.com Tips:
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 live in North Carolina, thus can use either the 100 or 1500 series. That said, I’m not clear on what the main differences are between them that should guide my choice. Can you help?
I bought the TWP 1500 online…cedartone. Needed to get more, so I went to a lumber store, all they had was the TWP 100 series…they have cedarton 101. Are the two compatible? Are they the same color? I haven’t opened the 01 yet, thinking I might have to take it back.
I live in a state where TWP 100 is restricted on sales. What can I buy and add to the TWP 1500 product to get it back to the same formulation of the TWP 100 to have it penetrate the wood decking better like.
Our 25+ year old house is horizontal cedar siding. About 18 years ago I had the original stain stripped and re-stained with TWP 101 Cedartone. Every 5 or 6 years I have had
it re-stained with TWP 101 (the decks as well). Over the years the cedar has darkened and is showing uneven coloring. I would like to lighten up the cedar and make it more even looking.
I was thinking of using a cleaner, then a brightner, then re-stain with TWP. Is that a proper sequence?
I see that 1500 formula has more solids than the 100. Would the 1500 give me more protection or longevity than the 100?
Going from 101 Cedartone, what is the closest color in the 1500 product….1501 Cedartone or 1530 Natural ?
Can I apply 1500 on top of wood that has been treated with 101 for so long?
Thank you.
Hello,
I’ve got a covered front porch. I like the 206 Russet Brown
color, but just read it’s designed for ‘non-traffic’ surfaces. Putting
it on new treated pine decking. Should I get a different series?
Something not designated as for ‘shake and shingle”?
I’m in Raleigh, NC
We just power washed the old stain off of our 17 year old decks and now the wood looks new but has some small wood hairs (?) all over it. The old stain was hard to get off so the pressure washing was pretty deep. Can you tell me what steps to take next so we can apply the TWP 1500? Also, we received our samples but cannot tell much difference between the Pecan and the Natural. Is the Pecan slightly darker? Thanks
We are sanding an older covered redwood deck and then staining with TWP. After sanding, what do I need to do before staining?
We live in TN and just had our 10yr old deck expanded. Part of the old stained wood was removed and new pressure treated wood was used to enlarge the deck. It is about 500sq feet with new railing steps and spindles. I want to used the cape cod gray. I don’t know what type of stain was used on the old wood. What do you advise to properly prepare the deck.
We are having a new deck installed and I need to know which stain would be best for our decks. In summer months,it is exposed to the elements from 10:00 am to late afternoon . The deck is pressure treated pine.
From the comparison chart, it states that the 100 series is excellent for new decks and the 1500 is only good; however, another page states that the 1500 series penetrates much better than all your other stains, so I am confused as to which one would be the best to purchase.
I live in Southern Utah, about 5000 feet. Hot summers, cold winters, lot of sun. Decks are low grade redwood, about 6 years old, stained every two years with Bakers Grey Away. They need to be done this year. 100 or 1500 – or, as one web site suggested for this environment, 200?
We live in Michigan in a cedar siding home. just got done stripping Sherwin Williams semi-transparent that is now discontinued. Which TWP series would you recommend. Our south side gets a lot of sun, all 3 other sides are in shade. we are impressed with TWP.
Sirs,
I am building a thick bar counter top using whole tree slabs of Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), which has a vibrant purple-red color. However, this color is sensitive to UV degradation and quickly goes to a brown color in sunlight. Clear TWP was suggested to preserve color. Is this a good choice for said application and which of the TWP 100s
are a true clear coat?
Thx, SFournet
Hello, I just dump $1000 of TWP Honeytone 100 series stain onto a $5000 fence; it looks wonderful. I live near near Fayetteville, NC (hot, humid, cold, wet). How long will the stain last and how often should I reapply. I takes me approx 6 five-gallon cans to complete my fence, or 800 linear feet of fence (inside and outside). The fence was completed in June 2014, so it’s pretty new. I’m not 100% sure what kind of wood it is: cedar/pine???
Fence: Rough board on board cedar – weathered one year
want to apply TWP1500 I have about 100 linear feet of fence (again board on board)
1) how many gallons will I need?
2) I don’t really want a semi-transparent stain (want to use clear) but I WANT UV protection. Which is the lightest stain 1530 – natural or 1515 honeytone? From the sample it looks as if natural is as close to clear as possible – thanks
I just finished staining a new cedar fence with TWP 100 Redwood. The color is more red than I expected and I want to tone it done a bit. I tried a sample of 1500 Redwood and thought that it’s color was richer. Could the 1500 Redwood be stained over the 100. It’s been two weeks since the I originally applied the 100. Can it be stained over now?
Hi! We are getting ready to stain our deck for the first time. We moved in to the house in Nov. (new construction). I think the wood is probably pine (guessing) definitely not cedar. We’d like to use a dark color such as Dark Oak – do you recommend the 100 or 1500 series? (we live in GA) Also, should we do 1 or 2 coats? And, give you give me an idea for how long it should last before we have to stain again. Thanks!
I did our pool deck last year in TWP 100 rustic, Some spots are lighter than other area’s so I’m going to reapply a coat this year, but I bought 1500 series instead. Can this be put over top of the 100 series?
I have 10 – 15-year-old cedar decking and live near Seattle. Besides the frequent rain, the other issue is that much of the decking is in the shade, so mildew is a major problem. The deck was stained with Behr (a disaster!) and at least one other product, but the last time was a few years ago and the wood is now gray. Product info indicates the 1500 would be best, but I wanted to ask first– it’s a huge deck and a huge job. (For whatever it’s worth, I wanted a gray stain but don’t see it available in the 1500).
which product is best for recoating every year, I am in Island Park Idaho, about 6500 ft.?
I live in Ohio and stained my cedar siding previously with TWP 200 in Butternut. I am looking to restain with TWP 1500 and would like to know what is the closest color to Butternut is in the 1500 series? Also, is this the best product option for cedar siding with a variety of cold, wet and hot weather? Thank you
Your info on your site says parts of Illinois restrict 100 series usage. Which parts allow the 100 series?
I live in Wyoming and have a 7-year-old pine deck that looks to me like it has never been stained (we just purchased the house). I’ve cleaned the deck with a bleach solution to remove the graying and sanded with 80 grit sand paper. This deck is in direct sunlight all day long and is exposed to lots of snow and wind. I will choose either the Rustic or Dark Oak, but still want the wood grain to be visible. Which series do you recommend?
I am looking to stain a playset. Since I Live in Illinois I would have to use the 1500. Is there any issues with staining a swingset?
Also I removed the prior stain with a pressure washer and used 80 grit sandpaper to finish the job. Can I just apply the stain or do I need the RAD product line? If I do should I use the stripper since it once had stain?
I am preparing to restain our 20 year old cedar deck. It was diligently stained every 2-3 years with Behr deckover from the previous owners, but due to very harsh MN winters and arguably a poor stain quality the wood has taken a beating. I plan on using a stripper and restain from scratch which TWP series do you recommend?
I am installing a new cedar fence (using cedar for pickets and cedar tone pressure treated lumber for the posts). Which TWP product would you recommend? What color would look closest to the natural cedar color? When should I stain the fence? I am in Iowa. I would prefer a low VOC product.
I’m still not clear on when to use 100 series, vs. 1500 series, and why. … I have a new deck (pressure treated wood), built last summer, and has yet to have anything done to it. — Nevermind, I just saw that it’s restricted in PA, so we need to use 1500. But if we weren’t in PA – what would the answer be? Just wondering
I have a six-month old pressure treated pine deck. Two decks actually. One is covered and is 20×20. The other, uncovered, is 12×12 and will be in the sun about six hours a day. I want to use a semi-transparent stain on all floors, no rails. TWP graded best in my research so should I use 100 or 1500? Is there a dealer in Atlanta or all are sales online?
I just built a new home and have a cedar front force that is covered and 16 x 20. The cedar has been on for more than 6 months but covered with black plastic and zip panels on the upside to minimize any damage. Where I live is in the Smokies and in a temperate rain forest. We get big storms at times and hike the porch is pretty protected by overhang, it can blow all the way up the 20 feet to the front door.
I like what I read about TWP but am inclined to go with the 1500. Would you agree?
Thanks in advance.
I have a 15 year old redwood deck in Breckenridge, CO – elevation 10,000 feet. I have used super deck and benjamin moore arborcoat stains in the past and am not pleased with the results. Neither stain hold up past 1 or 2 years. The deck does get exposed to lots of snow and sunshine. The house has cedar siding, and I would like to keep deck and siding close to the same color. What would suggest?
Hi I have a 4 year old pressure treated deck in pretty good shape I applied a stein immediately after installation and it did not hold up very well live and learn. What products should I use prior to staining the deck. Also I am in NJ if it makes a difference and the deck is subject to sun light 95 percent of the time “Southern facing deck”. Also do you recomment any one color for the type of my location. Thank you
I used the 1500 product about two years ago on my new untreated cedar fence and it’s now faded and has black mildew spots all over it. What should I do?
Can I use 1500 inside on window sills and cabinets?
My deck was treated with TWP 200 Russet Brown 2 years ago. It needs to be refreshed. What do you recommend to best match since this color is no longer available?
What is the TWP 200 color equivalent of TWP 1503 dark oak ?
Sorry but in the 200 Series, there is not a color that is similar to the Dark Oak.
James R.
I live in Wichita Kansas and I am contemplating on using the 100 Series or the 1500 Series Semi-Transparent Stain I have new Cedar and old Cedar, both have been Stripped and neutralized with a brightener / cleaner. I would like to keep the natural Cedar color / look if possible. The New wood has been on the house for aproxamently 2 mounts. Which one do you recommend? What color / shade do you recommend? Is there anything else that you would recommend?
See this about new wood as it is too early to stain now:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the 100 Series, any color that you like will work. We have samples for testing on our site.
In Arkansas, pressure treated pine decking, which should I use, 100 or 1500? It seems 1500 is marketed as being superior to 100, but it seems you usually recommend 100 over 1500 if it’s legal in the area? Pros and cons of each?
They are both excellent stains. Most use the 100 Series in your state. See this for differences:
http://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
Can you mix the 1500 stain with 100 series?
No, it is not advised. Mixing should be done with the same series.
have a cedar deck in St. Louis. We live in the woods so most of the deck has filtered sun. Those areas that get sun do so only about 2 hours per day. originally used Defy stain now looking to clean and use TWP 100 or 1500. How best to clean and which product would be best?
You cannot just clean. You have to strip off the Defy and then brighten the wood. Try using the Restore a Deck Stain Stripper and Brightener kit. Stain with TWP 100 when done.
We are stripping and brightening our cedar playground in Atlanta ,GA. Looking into a light brown like Pecan in color. Which should I use the 100 or 1500 series for lasting durability – especially on the stairs and platforms which get the most wear. Thanks!
Use the 100 series.
Our deck has relatively little direct sun exposure. We are in lower Michigan. Would TWP 100 or TWP1500 be better for this application?
Also, how much addl. life span could we expect if we went with Cedartone rather than Honeytone?
Thanks!
Use the 100 Series. Cedartone gives better UV resistance over the Honeytone. About 2-3 years with Cedartone. Less with Honeytone.
When using the stripper on cedar siding, it’s easier to see the places that were missed the next day when the wood is drier. Is there any reason the brightener can’t be applied on the day after it was stripped instead of the day it was stripped?
Yes it is easier to see missed areas after it dries. Best to brighten as soon as possible. It neutralizes the stripper active ingredients.
I have five year old Brazilian red wood decks. This is very hard wood. I have been using Penifin. I am going to do a deep sand to get past the surface cracks and grey. I want as much of the natural color and grain to come through and don’t want it to be gray in a year. I live in Colorado. Do I need any other prep beside the sanding? Which product is best and if you think the 100 how much better and why? If they are close in performance I would prefer the low voc but I am willing to use either.
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit after the sanding. The 100 and 1500 are close in performance. The only reason to consider the 100 over the 1500 is that it is a little thinner in consistency and possibly will penetrate a little better into the sanded deck. Has a lot to do with how fine you sand. We suggest 60-80 grit a most.
PLEASE; I LIVE IN SOUTH FLORIDA. I HAVE 500 SQ FT OF PRESSURE TREATED DECK. IF I TREATED MY DECK WITH YOUR PRODUCT, HOW LONG APPROXIMATELY WOULD IT BE BEFORE I HAD TO TREAT IT AGAIN. THE DECK HAS LITTLE TRAFFIC ON IT, IT HARDLY GETS USED. THANKS…B.K.
2-3 years is normal.
Make sure that all of the Flood has been removed. Use the TWP 100 Series. Apply two coat “wet on wet”.
Looking for advice on which stain to use (100 or 1500). We’re located in mid-Michigan and and have a 20 year old deck. I’ve spent the past couple weeks sanding off the previous finish (Behr all-in-one wood finish) that failed after a single season. Currently down to the bare wood. I’ve replaced a couple boards, otherwise the deck is in excellent shape. The deck is large (1600 sq. ft.) with sun exposure during about half the day.
Prep after the sanding with the Gemini Restore Kit and use the TWP 100 Series.
I used twp 1500 1 year ago, am I able to give it a light cleaning with a power washer
Using a pressure washer may remove some of the stain. Better to use soapy water and rinse.
Thanks for the prompt response. So the only recommendation for using TWP Stain is to leave the wood unstained for a period of 4-12 months? That seems like a very long time to wait. Is that true for all your stains? Is there an inherent risk in leaving the wood raw for that long?
That is normal and is the same for all TWP products. No it will not harm the wood.
Is it true even if the wood is kiln dried?
See this about kiln dried: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
New to your product line but see it is highly recommended. I just had a new pressure treated deck built about a week ago and waiting for it to dry out to stain. I live in Raleigh NC and am looking for a UV – scuff – mildew resistant stain. Assuming the TWP1500? Can I stain with this product within the next few weeks? Please advise.
Raleigh NC.
Raleigh NC.
Steven, please read this about new decking: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
TWP 100 Series is allowed there. You can order it online from us. It is not allowed in the 4 counties surrounding DC. Rest of VA is fine.
I stained my fence (pressure treated wood) with 100 cedartone 4 years ago. Now the fence needs a new coat. However, 100 is no longer available in my state (Virginia). Can you apply 1500 over 100? If yes, what color should I use for 1500?
What city/county in VA?
Yorktown