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 have a new western red cedar fence that I want to stain.. I don’t mind applying a coat every year.. I don’t want it turning gray. 100 or 1500 series? Will cedartone look good? I live in Michigan near the lake.
Use the TWP 101 Cedartone for this deck in Michigan.
It’s a fence.. same thing?
Yes.
900sq.ft. (incl.both sides) how much required & recommended application method.. ie: sprayer?
About 10 gallons for the two coats. You can spray on the first coat and then back wipe in the second coat with a brush or stain pad: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
What’s your favorite brand of stain pad?
See these: https://www.twpstain.com/brushes-stain-pads
Cedar deck built in 2012 on north side of lake house in Nebraska. Was stained with an unknown stain, then a few years later painted with an unknown paint.. Where the sun is on it full time, the paint is 90% chipped off. Where there’s full shade the paint is still intact. The wood underneath is in good shape everywhere. Would like the deck to be grayish to coordinate with composite decking nearby. What should I use? How should I prep?
Please post a picture
I’m having trouble posting a pic. Is there an email I can forward it to?
sales@twpstain.com
This painted deck cannot be stripped so to prep, you will need to power sand this off before using the TWP stains.
Once removed, you can use the TWP 105 Cape Cod Gray if that is the color you are looking for.
What type of caulk do I use with TWP 100 stain? Caulk before or after applying stain?
Caulk first. Any high-grade caulk should work. Make sure an pick a color that will blend with the stain color you choose.
I asked this question several days ago but have not received a reply yet. I have a new deck: pressure treated lumber- pine that I had built back in Feb to replace a 25,yr old deck and I’m getting ready to stain it. Should I go with the TWP 100 or the TWP 1500? I live in central Alabama & the deck gets a lot of afternoon sun due to western exposure. Part of my deck is covered and screened in it has an existing stain on it that been there for several years which will be stripped off and we will put the same stain down that will use on the new deck…. probably Dark Oak.
Do we have to use the Stripper and Brightener on the new wood after sanding or could we just use the Stripper?
For the new wood, you use the Cleaner and the Brightener kit, not the stripper: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Use the TWP 100 Series.
See this for tips on new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
New deck with pressure treated lumber built 11 months ago. Planning to stain with TWP 1500 Cedartone. Since there is no stain on it, do I need to use the stripper and brightener to prep, or just a light power wash?
Also, is one coat of the TWP 1500 advised for this new wood even though it is 11 months old?
You would want the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Just one coat this time.
My son is building a pole barn to be sided with rough-cut hemlock. We are considering the TWP 1500 stain but he wants a color other than the standard colors listed for your 1500 product. Two questions: 1) Do/can you provide other colors (if we supply a color-sample)? and 2) Can the ‘clear’ TWP 1500 be tinted/colored locally, and if so, are there special pigment requirements?
1. Sorry but no.
2. No, you cannot tint the TWP.
You can intermix the TWP colors of the same series to achieve a new color.
Preparing to stain cedar shingles on 10 year old home. Currently applied stain brand is unknown…it is a semi transparent oil based, but that’s all I know about it. Have applied several TWP samples over the past 2 years with no peeling, etc. Planning on using cleaner/brightener rather than stripper followed by TWP stain. Question..do I choose TWP 100, 200 or 1500 series?
The TWP 200 or the 1500 are your best options for the shingles. If you still have an old stain on the shingles then you must use the Stripper/Brightener Kit, not the cleaner.
We have 2 year old cedar porch/decking. It currently has just a water sealer finish over the top. It has grayed. We live in WI. How should we prep the wood and which stain series would be best ? Thanks
Prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Use the 100 Series after the prep.
Our deck is over 15 years old. It’s likely made of pine. It has cracks and shows its age. It also has a stain on it already that is peeling. Which is better 100 or 1500? Does the original stain need to be stripped?
We are also installing a new pine fence and want to use the same color.
Hello,
Yes, the old coating does need to be removed first. As for which stain to use, this depends on where you live?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi, Have some twp116 to deo part of deck, is the same color in the 1500 series 100% compatible with the 116? will color be different causing me to mix, or do not mix/ overlap? It is an Ipe deck. Thanks
The 1516 and the 116 are not the exact same color.
Had a cedar deck installed last November/ December in west central Illinois. We were told to let it go through the winter before treating. We are now ready to treat. We like the natural weathered gray look of wood, but have been told if we let nature take its course, our deck will deteriorate guickly. Do you have a gray stain color that looks like gray weathered wood?
The TWP 1500 Series does not come in a gray color but you can use the Clear and that will protect the deck but allow the wood to gray naturally.
Does the clear protect against UV damage?
No. You must have tint in the TWP stain for UV protection.
Without UV protection, will the deck last as long as with the colored stain?
It will gray in months but will be protected from other elements.
Hello, I had my deck surface sanded and stained with TWP100, it has held up great and now I want to re-coat by doing a light prep and “re-stain” however I can’t get TWP in my area (NJ) can I just light prep and apply 1500? Or what is recommended do re coat the deck to touch it up?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep and then you can use the TWP 1500 Series.
I build a new cedar deck in MN June of 2017. After prepping; should I be using TWP 100 or TWP 1500?
The TWP 100 Series.
I am hearing a lot of different suggestions and would like to some input from TWP
Sanding –
1) Do I need to sand my deck surfaces?
2) If yes, what grit sandpaper does TWP suggest on a handheld orbital sander?
3) If sanding – do I need to use a deck wash or can I stain directly afterwards?
Cleaning/Preparation –
1) New Deck appropriately aged – Will a pressure washer be adequate to clean prior to staining?
2) Can I use a store brand deck cleaner?
3) Do you suggest your gemini cleaner for this?
4) How many sq ft does the gemini cover?
5) Will the gemini cleaner ruin or cause a reaction to steel siding or my aluminum deck rails?
6) Is the gemini cleaner sold in stores anywhere in MN?
Thanks for the help and clarification
Jess
I have an 8 year old wooden fence around three acres that I want to treat with TWP. The fence is built with treated 1×6 ranch boards that run in a horizontal direction with 4×6 posts. I currently use TWP on some exterior beams and lentels. The color is mixed 50/50 dark oak and rustic. SHould I use the TWP 100 or 1500 for my fence and can I apply it with a 12 volt tank sprayer? Im considering either 50/50 dark oak and rustic or black walnut. Eventhough the color of my exterior beams is mixed it is dark like the black walnut. I want to match the fence to my beams.
You can spray it and the TWP 1500 would be best for the fence.
I live in Louisiana and built a 600 sq ft deck with pressure treated pine in March 2018. I expect to stain the deck with TWP 1500 in Sept or Oct.
1) Should I simply pressure wash the deck and/or do I need to pretreat the deck with a cleaning solution?
2)For a new deck, do I apply one or two coats of TWP 1500 initially,
or
3) apply one coat initially and apply a second coat in 6 – 12 months?
Coral
See this article on new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
For new spf log siding which series of stain should I use 100 or 1500? How many coats and quanity for 2400 sq. ft.?
Use the 1500 Series. See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
About 15-20 gallons.
I have a 10 year old cedar fence. I used TWP on the fence 10 years ago. It is starting to fade in spots and could use a little refresh and darkening. I can’t remember if I used the 100 or 1500 series. Does it matter? What kind of prep will I need to get started. It is a two inch slat fence with two inch gaps between slats. Thanks!
Hi Chris. prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series after the prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
You will have no isues with what was on before if you do the correct prep and go with the 1500 Series. FYI, 1500 can go over the 100 but the 100 cannot go over the 1500.
Which stain is recommended for ipe?
Many use the TWP 116 Rustic for IPE wood. Just one light coat.
5 years ago I had a new cedar fence installed. I first prepped the fence with Gemini Restore Kit to clean the oils on the wood. I then used TWP 100 Cedar Tone, now I would like to stain the fence again using the TWP 1500 Cedar Tone. What is the difference with using Restore A Deck Stripper or Gemini Restore Kit?
If switching series it is best to remove the old coating. It is easily done with this kit and light pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can I apply TWP 100 over an existing dark color?
Are you asking if you can apply the TWP 100 Series over a different brand/color? No you cannot.
We live in a condominium in Chicago and in November had our back exterior decks, stairs, landings and handrails replaced using pressure treated southern pine. How long should we wait to stain/seal this new porch? Can we stain in the spring or do we need to wait a full year?
Hello,
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You can do this Spring. For Chicago, use the TWP 1500 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hello – I live in Brooklyn and I’m planning on building a deck with premium PT lumber.
2 Questions:
1. Since I am in New York State, I am assuming I can only buy and use TWP 1500, correct?
2. In several posts here, and elsewhere on the web, you folks recommend letting the wood ‘dry’ or ‘weather’ for 4 months. If I buy KDAT PT Lumber, that is, “Kiln Dried After Treatment”, do I still need to let the wood dry for 4 months? (or does the kiln drying make this additional drying time unnecessary?)
Thank you.
1. Yes, that is correct.
2. See this for tips on KDAT wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
I live in Austin, TX and just finished building a new 6 ft 3/4″ cedar privacy fence. The cedar is smooth on both sides. Four questions: (1) How long do I need to wait before applying a TWP product; (2) which TWP product do you recommend; (3) which color in a semi-transparent would be best to show the natural cedar color and variation in the cedar boards and (4) what is the process to reapply in a few years. I understand clear is not an option because it does not provide UV protection.
1. With TWP you will need to let new wood weather for at least 4 months.
2. The TWP 100 Series. Just one coat the first time applying.
3. Any color will work. Best to try some samples to see what you like to enhance your wood grain:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
4. Clean and brighten the wood with the Gemini Restore Kit when time to reapply.
Thanks
Hello, 6 months ago I had my dock (fresh water lake-Georgia) completely re-decked w/ yellow wood pt pine. It has dried for 6 months and is now ready to seal. I would like to stay as close to clear in color as possible, but don’t want to end up w/ UV greying. Which product should I seal with? Thanks
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and stain with the TWP 115 Honeytone.
Hello,
Just built a cedar fence 1 month ago and want to keep the new color look. What series would you recommend and does it come in a clear that won’t turn grey over time?
Clear will not provide UV protection from graying. You must have a tint in the stain for this. Use the 1500 series.
What tinted color is closest to new cedar fence color?
The lightest tint is Honeytone. You could also mix Honeytone and Clear for an even lighter tint.
I have a cedar deck that was built in May 2016 in Kansas and want to know if i should use 100 or 1500.
Use the 100 Series.
I have a composite deck in central Texas. The horizontal surfaces look very dirty with black smudges. After one year it began to turn pinkish so I stained it with something, I think Olympic. Is there a way to restore it and use TWP 100 on it?
No. TWP is not designed for composites.
Preparing to stain 10 year old home with cedar shingle siding. Existing type of stain unknown. Will be prepping with the Gemini products. Once prepped, do I use 100, 200 or 1500? Live on the North Oregon coast so lots of salt air.
Make sure to remove the old stain fully. Use the 200 Series or the 1500 Series.
Any preference as to whether I use the 200 series or the 1500 series? Is there some issue or condition in which you would use one over the other?
200 Series is designed for shake and shingles. Most use this for cedar shingles.
I have a 5 year old cedar sided home that was stained with twp 116 rustic oak. Beautiful ! It is time for another coat especially on sun exposed parts of the home but I can no longer get twp 100 series in my state. Can apply a coat of twp 1516 right on top? Many thanks.
Yes, as long as you prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit and a light pressure wash.
1.can I apply TWP 100 over TWP 1500? I plan to use Gemini cleaner first. Original coat was applied back in March of this year.
2.TWP 1500 color was “natural”, we are very pleased with color. Is there an matching color in TWP 100?
We are in central North Carolina.
Thanks
You would need to use the Restore A Deck Stripper kit to switch from the 1500 to the 100 Series. Closest color to the 1530 Natural is the 101 Cedartone.
Is special prep for new bamboo pole fencing before applying TWP 1500?
Sorry but the TWP 1500 and the 100 cannot be applied to bamboo wood.
I should mention that I live in Washington State with a westerly view.
I want to know what the difference is. I am not able to determine the difference from the descriptions given above other than the solid content. I live on a salt water bay 72 steps from he beach. Which should I buy and apply. I have been using 100 but now have discovered 1500.
As the article mentions, the difference is VOCs and what is allowed in certain states or not. For WA and you using the 100 Series before, there would be no reason or advantage to switch to the 1500 Series.
I just build a new cedar fence/gate in Denver, Colorado and am looking to stain it to protect it from turning grey. It gets a lot of direct sunlight and I want to keep it looking natural. What is better for this environment, 100 or 1500? For a natural look what color is best? Thank you.
Use the 100 Series in Honeytone for a light tint that has UV protection.
I live in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. need to stain my pier after several years of use. What products can I use to clean and then stain the pier that won’t hurt the grasses and animals (oysters, crabs & fish) living in the bay ?
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Stain with TWP 1500 Series for MD.
I put up a new small workshop (8x12x8 with a metal roof) using tongue and groove spf in late April. It’s just starting to show some weathering now, so I reckon it’s ready to stain. Was thinking TWP100 Cedartone. Thoughts?
100 or 1500 based on your state’s VOC laws. Prep first with the Gemini Restore kit.
What are the active ingredients of TWP 1500? Is it safe to use in building a greenhouse where it comes into contact with the soil being used to grow veggies?
TWP is a combination of natural and synthetic oils. It is safe for the soil once fully cured.
Is the 100 series good for use on an exotic wood deck, like Ipe?
Just one light coat for IPE.
We have cleaned our 20 year old pine log home in NC and want to stain. Which TWP stain would be better for our logs, 100 or 1500?
For the vertical wood, use the TWP 1500 series.
What would you recommend of a bamboo fence? Which stain and hoe to prep. Thanks
Hello, the TWP 100 or 1500 will not work on bamboo.
What “parts of Arizona” restrict twp 100
Phoenix area.
I have a cedar deck that is about 7 years old. It has never been stained. We just clean it every year. It’s in pretty good shape but is looking a little dry. I cleaned it two weeks ago with Behr all-in-one deck cleaner. I didn’t know about the Gemini products until now. Should I reclean and brighten with Gemini before I stain with the TWP 1500? Also, should I use two coats of stain considering it’s not a new deck but never been stained?
Use two coats of the TWP for this. As for the prep, please post a picture.
Thank you and attached are the pictures.
It needs to be cleaned a little better. Use the Gemini Kit and pressure washing for a better prep.
Appreciate the advice. Thank you!
Thank you and here are photos.
The 1500 series has more solids than the 100 series. Does this mean it is more likely to peel? I am currently dealing with Sherwin Williams deck stain that is peeling and don’t want to ever strip and sand the deck again. I live in Ohio and get lots of shade so I thought the mildewcides in the 1500 would be good, but am worried about it peeling more than the 100 series. Thank you for commenting.
No, the TWP 1500 is a penetrating stain. Does not peel.
Hi, I have a 2 year old treated pine deck and 6 months cedar pergola on it.
I cleaned and brighten the desk and put one coat of cedar TWP 100 on it. I has been about 5 hours, can I come back and put another light coat on it?
If so what would I need to do?
TWP should be applied wet on wet. Applying now and it is possible the second coat may not absorb fully into the wood grain.
We have a 25 yr old deck that we’d like to get a few more years out of. It was last stained several years ago with a Behr product that is water soluble. We have cleaned the deck with Restore-a-Deck and would like to stain it a darker color than what it is now (teak color is current color). On half of the deck, the stain has worn off but the other half is fairly intact. Do we need to remove all of previous stain to be able to use TWP stain since it is oil based?
Yes, you have to remove the Behr before using the TWP.
I live in Wisconsin, have a 2 year old large 50×16 cedar deck facing southeast so lots of wind, snow, rain, etc. The deck also gets lots of foot traffic and we have a very large (over 150 lbs) dog. I’d coated it with Cabot sealer and after 1.5 years it was peeling badly, looked horrible. I ended up pressure washing and sanding entire deck and am back to bare wood. I realize I need to maintain and reseal the deck every couple years but am looking for a product that will not flake/chip that I don’t have to sand off every time. I’m looking at the 100 series, would this be a good option and why? Can it be reapplied over time without stripping/sanding etc? Also, what do you suggest to prep if I’ve sanded to bare wood?
Thank in advance!
Final prep should be a pressure washing with the Gemini Restore Kit. The TWP 100 Series is the correct product. It is a penetrating finish that can be cleaned and reapplied as needed without the need to sand.
Previously, I have used TWP 100 on my deck. Is TWP 1500 a better, longer lasting product? If so, should I switch to the 1500 after cleaning my deck?
Both Series last about the same.
My deck is located in Southern TN and is exposed to direct sunlight most of the day. Should I use 100 or 1500 series deck stain.
Use the TWP 100.
I am looking to restain my deck. I live in Minnesota and have a Cedar Deck, approx. 3 years old. We originally applied a Flood and it did not hold up well. I have properly prepared the surface. Looking for the best stain that is easy to reapply every couple of years that doesn’t require stripping. Is the TWP 100 or TWP 1500 better for my geographic location. The deck has a lot of direct sun and humidity in summer and cold and snow in the winter. Thanks!
We are going to be staining the deck of our covered porch. We used twp redwood when we first stained 14 years ago, and again when we re-applied 7 years ago. One side, the high traffic side shows a ton of wear, which is typical. The other side looks pretty good, doesn’t really need it at all. My question is, how would we go about prepping this? It doesn’t need removed I believe, would we just put two coats on the heavy traffic side and one on the side that still looks pretty new? Also, I know that the difference between the 100 and 1500 series is the VOC, but which one wears better? If you were doing your deck and could use either, which would you choose?