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.
Have a deck with Pergola above part of it, in Alabama with extreme heat in summer. The deck has never been stained, and was built 3 years ago.
I lnow the gemini cleaning kit is needed first…my question is on choosing the right stain. You now sell the new Semi Solid Pro, so what would be the advantage or difference between using the 100 series ve the Semi Pro? Will the semi pro last longer? Give better protection? Just trying to make the best choice, and would love to not have to restain in 2 yrs, if that semi pro would accomplish that!
The Semi-solids will give better UV protection from fading, but the 100 and the Semi-Solids will both still need to be redone every 2-3 years.
So what is the main difference? Semi pro thicker or is there a difference in one being water based and one oil based?
They are both oil-based. Difference is more pigment in a semi-solid over a semi-transparent.
We put up a cedar fence in July. It’s been roasting in the Texas sun since then. We also get lots of rain here our area of East Texas. We’d like to protect it now with your products. When (after how many months) should we apply it; what series do you recommend (100 or 1500); what type of prep will we need to do? Thanks!
You can stain it now. Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
HI I live in Southern California, where can I buy the TWP 1500?
We sell TWP directly. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I have just built a 1000 sqft dock and want to provide the best protection possible. The dock is about 1 ft. above the water and built out of ground contact pressure treated pine.
Construction took about 4 months so age ranges from 1 to 4 months.
What do you recommend?
Wait until Spring to prep and stain: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
I have new rough cut cypress beams. They will be installed this week. Do I have to wait to apply stain/sealant? What product do you suggest ? I live in south Louisiana.
Rough sawn can be stained right away. Use the 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Everyone in our area only carries the 100 series. Do you know anyone in the Baton Rouge , Louisiana area & 25 mile radius that carries the 1500 series?
No, but you can order and have it shipped: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
how did the beam come out? I live in Zachary La. trying to see some pics of cypress with the TWP on it. Im doing a cabinet out of cypress for my outdoor kitchen. Have pics? Thanks in advance
I have new Yellow Cedar deck. The decking has been sitting in place and aging for about 6 months. I would like to protect it now with a stain or sealer that Is clear and doesn’t change it’s colour. Can you send me a small sample of your product that you most recommend for my deck? I want to try it on a small patch of the deck to see how it looks before I commit to doing the whole deck. Thanks.
Jake
You can order samples here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Make sure to prep this first: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We just changed our plaster columns for 10×10 rough cypress columns. Do I need to do anything to prep these columns before I stain them? There is no consistent answer that I have found online. Do they need to be cleaned, sanded, anything? I have a sample of both 100 and 1500 to try on some scraps before doing the final project.
If rough sawn wood you can stain now as long as it is clean and dry.
I’m looking to restain a deck originally stained with TWP 100 dark oak that’s no longer available. Can I restain with TWP 1500 in the same color?
Prep with this kit first: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
After extensive research I applied the TWP100 Redwood Semi transparent stain to my 20 year old deck. Prior to application I had to strip the former stain until completely removed.
I have been extremely pleased with the product. The wood is still sealed after 2 years. Water will form beads in most areas of the deck
However, the color was too red so I would like your advice when restaining. Also, I live in a very dry climate so the wood has some splitting and showing signs of age.
Due to the cracking and color choices i am thinking I should switch to the 1500 series and use the California Redwood.
Do you agree and do yu have any advice
Thank you
You can switch to the 1500 for color but it will not make any difference with the wood cracks. To switch you will need to strip and brighten: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I am looking for a wood preservation as opposed to a stain. My 2 x 4 fir deck is now a good 10 years old and has never been stained but could stand some rejuvination and preservative. Any suggestions?
You will need a stain color for UV protection. Try the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I live in S.Carolina and have a 35 year old deck that is still in pretty good condition. i have been using TWP 101 Cedartone stain every 2 years for about the last 10 years. My questions are: 1) Is there any reason to switch to TWP 1500 series? 2) Will switching to the Honeytone color actually lighten the color of the deck at all?
1. No reason.
2. You would have to strip off the TWP 101 if you want to lighten it to the 115 Honeytone: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I applied TWP1500 7 years ago. Am I well advised to stick to semi-transparent, or can I switch to solid stain ? What prep product should I use before I re-stain ? Please advise. Also, what about the boards that I need to replace ? I can’t wait another year to stain !
Use the same stain as last time.
I purchased a clear cedar wood garage door that was built in Southern California approximately 4 months ago. Due to COVID, the company kept it in their warehouse until recently. It is now on my back deck under a tarp. How long should I wait until I stain the door? Also, do I need to sand or prep the wood? It is clean and high quality.
Thanks in advance. I am a huge fan of TWP!
I plan to use 1501 Cedartone.
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Is it safe to stain my my cucumber trellis (101 pro) prior to attaching plants?
Yes, just make sure it is fully cured.
I have built a dock on my 7 acre pond that has pressure treated decking that has weathered for 4 months. The rest of the wood (railing and some interior wood in screened in porch) is not pressure treated and is relatively new, only having been in place for a couple of weeks. I am wondering whether you would recommend the 100 or 1500 products for this use. As you can imagine, the summers here can be quite sunny and hot…average temps in the middle of the day around the middle 80’s to middle 90’s. I would like some advice on application as well. I would prefer a phone call to a qualified and experienced person to discuss. My name is Charles Leavell, phone 478 9513749
Hello, see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for which stain to use after the wait and prep, try the TWP 100 Series. Only one coat is needed for new wood.
I have been using TWP 100 every few years. It appears your TWP 1500 is more UV resistant, so I was going to switch to that, as I believe I need protection from the sun more than anything else. Any special considerations using the 1500 after the 100? I am planning on using the cleaner/brightener prior. Thanks!
The 1500 will not last any longer on a deck. Same as the TWP 100. Every 2-3 years.
I had someone stain my deck with TWP RUSTIC. He put it on uneven and now in some spots it is deep red and most of the deck is a cedar / brown . How can I get rid of the red?
You will have to strip it off and start over: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
the percentage of solids in twp 100 and 1500 is significantly different. how does that affect the product i should choose?
It doesn’t have any effect.
I’ve been using TWP 100 in North Carolia for years and love it’s ease of use, protection and durability. As I get older, the strong odor gets to me. 2 questions:
1. Can I apply 1502 over 102 same color. That’s if the 1502 odor is less?
2. Do I need to wear a respirator.
Thank you,
Joe
1. No, and it does not have any less odor.
2. If you would like.
Hello TWP Help,
If the 102 has aged (1 year +) and I use Gemini Restore A Deck, can’t I re-caot with the 1502?
Thank you for your very quick reply!,
Joe
Use the stripper kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Is Cedartone the same color in the 1500 and 100 series?
No. Darker in the 1500 Series.
Thank you! You saved me from ordering the wrong stain.
I am sanding off an existing finish on outdoor furniture down to the raw wood. Do I have to weather this as per “new wood” or can I stain since this isn’t new wood?
If sanding finer than 80 grit you should weather and then prep the wood.
Hi….do you know when you might start shipping again? Thanks, Lynne Westermeyer
By Friday.
I live in MN, I bought a house with an old cedar deck, probably 25 years old. I have sanded down the entire deck. Still don’t understand if I should be using the 100 series or the 1500 series? My wife seems to like the colors of the 1500 series better but I want whatever is going to be the most durable/last the longest.
Use this for final prep to open up the grain after sanding: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Use the 100 Series.
i originally did my cabin with TWP 301 cedartone, do i need to stay with this series now that i’m doing it again. and what series is the best for wood log siding?
TWP 1500 or 200 is best for siding but neither can be used over the 300 unless you fully remove it.
What is TWP 301?
I live in Michigan and have a cedar deck that was completed in November of 2017. It has never been treated with anything since it was built. I assume the Gemini kit is required to clean first but not sure which stain is better to use for this application, TWP 100 (cedar tone) or TWP 1500 (cedar tone). Which do you think will work best?
Use the TWP 100 Series.
Would TWP 1500 be considered transparent, semi-transparent, or semi solid?
Semi-Transparent.
I have a pressure treated pine deck in western Kentucky about 8 years old. Never stained. Only clear water seal in past.
It was pressure washed a week ago and he used some household bleach as well.
It’s raining off and on several times a week.
I was going to now use Gemini clean and brighten product when I get some consecutive dry days then stain. Is that ok after pressure wash and that bleach? I was going to use 1500 series but I see you recommend 100 series to some. How do I know if I need 100 or 1500?
For KY, you would want the 100 Series. You can use the Gemini Kit.
Hello,
I have a 20 year-old straight-grain Douglas Fir deck located in western Washington on Puget Sound that was previously coated with an acrylic solid stain. This stain is mostly gone and will be completely removed with a full deck sanding. There is black mildew staining and graying. I live in a wooded area that has lots of rain/moss/algae in winter, but the deck is in full sun during the very dry summer. The deck is fully exposed year-round. Snow is rare but freezing is routine. Most of the decking is old-growth and in good shape.
My questions are:
Is the 100 series the preferred choice?
Following sanding with 60 grit, I plan to clean and brighten followed by staining. Do I have that sequence right?
Lastly, I have a few boards that need replacing. I understand that I probably should let those replacement boards weather for a year or so prior to installing/finishing them, perhaps when the deck is due for a re-coat. Do you concur?
Any other advice appreciated.
Cheers,
Eric
Use this kit for final prep after sanding: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
New boards should weather for 4-12 months prior to prep and stain. The TWP 100 would be best: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Okay, sounds good – thanks! I failed to ask a few other questions: This is likely pretty thirsty wood. How much do you recommend for coverage of 1000 square feet? Wet on wet application for max penetration?
Thanks!
2 coats wet on wet. About 10 gallons will work.
These photos go with my previous question concerning cypress outdoor cabinets. The first photo is their current terrible condition. The second photo is from when they were redone in 2015. Thank you
I have 10 year old cypress cabinets in an outdoor covered patio. They get full sun from the west in the afternoona nd evening here in Louisiana. The cabinets were stained and polyurethaned twice in the past by two different painters. The marine urethane has never held up. It is peeling and the cabinets need to be sanded and redone. Is TWP 1500 a good option for cypress? If so, can you please provide any information for prepping the cabinets before applying? Any instructions for applying the TWP. Thank you in advance.
For prep, you will need to 100% sand off the poly. The TWP 1500 would work very well once removed. Apply with a stain pad or brush.
I have a cedar deck that is about 11 years old. I have always used your 1500 series stain in cedar tone, It has been about 3 years since I have stained it last. I am looking to stain mainly the flat surfaces (railing and deck surface) all the rough cut surfaces (posts and decking below) look pretty good other. On the flat surfaces some of the stain is gone revealing the graying cedar wood underneath, So to restain with the same cedar tone stain. can i just sand and clean with your cleaners or will I need to use your restore to strip the old stain off. I was hoping that cleaning and some sanding would be sufficient as I did not want to remove stain from the rough cut posts and the decking below.
Thanks
Don
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
No need to sand.
Wouldn’t sanding on railing remove some of the old stain and make for a smoother cleaner better looking surface and there for look better when finished? Also, by not sanding is there a chance that the old stain could still come off removing the new stain? I have always sanded in the past and the sanding took longer to prep than apply the stain. It would be great to not have to sand.
Sanding reduces the stain’s ability to soak in. Not needed if you use the prep kit.
Thanks very much and appreciate the help. No sanding this time. Yea
Built my house in October using rough pine siding. Do I need to clean before I stain and best way to apply stain, brush ?
If it is dirty or graying then yes, you will need to prep it. Apply with a stain pad or brush.
Can you add an insecticide to the stains
You can add this product into the TWP: https://www.twpstain.com/bug-juice-insecticide
Have a epi deck that was previously stained with twp. He said he used 200 series butternut but owner said too orange. Said he mixed 100 series dark oak with 200 series butternut. Trying to match up color to restain. They like the color it is now. Any suggestions? Don’t have a problem trying to match up on some scrap epi. Do you see any issues with mixing 100 series and 200 series together.
You should not mix different series together. You can mix colors of the same series together. The 200 has too many solids for IPE wood and will not penetrate it very well. Stick with the 100 Series. Try the Dark Oak or Pecan colors.
This was done by the initial contractor, using 100 and 200 together. Has held up fairly well but ready for a recoat and client wants the same color. Would you suggest using 2 colors from the 100 or 1500 series to get close or will we have to strip and start over?
Strip and brighten for prep and then use the 100 Series. You can mix if you want.
What type of stripper do you suggest?
See here: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We are having a new deck constructed of pressure treated pine.
Which stain should I use 100 series or 1500 series?
We live in Missouri.
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the 100 Series after the wit and prep.
Will TWP stain penetrate and cover a deck that has been stained with Thompson’s Water Seal a year ago? I really dislike the redwood color and want a light gray deck.
No. TWP or any other semi-transparent stain cannot be applied over the Thompson. It must be removed first.
While waiting for our deck to weather, we are noticing some black mold and mildew spots. Is there something we should be doing and/or using to spot clean this before our actual clean/brighten/stain days?
No need. The mildew will come off when you prep prior to staining and does not have any long term effect on the wood.
We stained a fir front door with Rustic. It is too orange. Can we add a third coat of say, dark oak to tone it down? And is there a finishing coat we can add?
Thank you. Claudia
You would have to remove it first. TWP cannot be top coated.
Put a pressure treated fence up 15 months ago. Pressure treated. Did not stain. Did I ruin my fence? S small area is starting to gray slightly. Temps go below 50 at night. What should I do? We have some days that get above 50 but always dip below 50.
1. Did I ruin my fence?
2. 100 or 1500? What is your suggestion. I can use either
3. Shadow box. What is best approach to stain?
4. Of I need to wait Would you suggest I power Now and snd again in spring-if you telll me to wait, or just wait til spring?
5. Have I damaged my fence?
Thanks.
1. No.
2. 1500
3. Prep with this kit and pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
4. Doesn’t matter if you do prep/stain now or prep/stain in Spring.
5. No.
If I do it now will temperatures cause a problem.
You cand stain in the 50s but it cannot drop below freezing the first night.
Where in ct can I purchase twp1500
We personally sell online to CT. Takes about 3-4 days to arrive.
We have cedar siding and a fir deck. We are using 1500 Cedartone. The color difference is stark and the two colors do not compliment one another. The fir deck stain sample is much darker and considerably more red-toned. Can you recommend a different color for the deck, to counter-act the red and compliment the Cedartone ? Also, as a possible alternative solution, do you have a semi-solid or solid Cedartone to achieve a closer cedar color for the deck?
It is not possible to counteract the red natural tones of the wood. Meaning the red color of the wood will always be enhanced. The only thing you could try is a dark brown to mute the red but that will be much darker than the cedartone on the cedar wood.
TWP does not come in semi solid or solid colors.
can i mix a left over gallon of 100 series with 5 gallons of 1500 series? thanks
Sorry but no.
Can you sand between applying coats I used the twp 20 ws wood seams to be rough
No, you cannot.
Also, if I have a deck with no residual stain or seal does it make sense to still do the RAD stripper/brightener? I power washed the deck and it looks quite nice as is. Was thinking of just going over top with TWP100. Thoughts?
You need the cleaner and brightener for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Please provide locations in Tampa, Florida to get TWP 100 and other TWP products. Thank you!
We are an online dealer for the TWP only and we can ship directly to you.
We live in Eastern Montana and cannot decide between TWP 100 and TWP 1500, which of these would be best to use?
Use the TWP 100. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I’m leaning towards TWP 1500 as that seems to have a longer dry time in order to stain wet on wet. I’m staining a cedar fence we put up last year and left up to let the grain open up a bit. However, it grayed a bit and I’m thinking of cleaning and using a brightener on it. Will that defeat the purpose of letting it sit this last year? My understanding is that the brightener (oxalic acid) takes off the top layer of fence material. Or is that false?
You have to prep it with the Gemini Cleaner and Brightener kit. The cleaner will remove the gray oxidation and the brightener neutralizes the cleaner.
Are any of the TWP products considered “solid” and block the sun? My deck faces south and is unshaded and nothing I’ve used lasts more than a year.
TWP does not come in solid colors.
Can I put twp 1500 on top of previously used twp 100
As long as you prep correctly: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Where in Detroit Michigan area can I get TWP 100 in a store.
The Sealer Store
2388 Franklin Rd
Bloomfield Hills, Mi 48302
248-858-8900