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.
What series would be best to use on a pine pressure treated deck? It is fully cured.
Either Series would equally well. Which to use depends on where you live.
I live in georgia
You can use the 100 Series there.
Can you please provide instructions on how to apply TWP 200 series? I can only find instructions for 100 and 1500.
https://www.usetwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/TWP200_TWP201_TWP202_TWP203_TWP205_TWP206_TWP207_TWP210_TOTAL_WOOD_PROTECTANT.pdf
I want to stain 170 lineal feet of western red cedar (rough) and live in western Oregon. Fence was finished about 5 months ago. What product should I use? Do I need to sand before application? maj
Prep with this, do not sand:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
Hi, I stained my deck with 100 series stain 6 years ago. The deck is in constant sun and all the color has washed out.
I’m going to stain it again this year.
Should I use 1500 series since it has more solids, or do I need to stay with the 100 series stain.
Thanks so much !!
Stay with the 100 Series.
I am living in CA and used TWP redwood stain 5 years ago on my fence. I am using Restore-A-Deck to clean and brighten the fence. Should I use the redwood semi-solid or the 1500.
Stick with the same as prior. The 1502 Redwood.
Is TWP stain only sold on line? We have an old (1974) unit Shake shingle building…our HOA has been restained about every 7 years…its that time again….I like the look of the redwood 1500….but does ir last as long as the 100
We sell online only as a TWP dealer. The 1500 lasts the same as the 100 Series.
I have a IPE porch floor that is 15 years old. I have just finished sanding the entire floor to bare wood. Which of your products should I use to complete my project? Do I still need to clean and brighten? Is your TWP 1500 product a good choice to use on IPE wood?
We would clean and brighten after sanding to help open the pores so the stain can soak in deeper. use the 1500 Series. One light coat for IPE. Rustic color is popular.
If sanding is necessary to remove old stain, do you need to brighten after sanding?
You have to remove old stain coatings by stripping and or sanding. If you would like advice, post some pics.
What would cause some areas of the deck to turn black during stripping/brightening? And how do I fix it?
Post pics.
In the Upstate of South Carolina. About to stain a deck for a customer. It is new (12 months) and it is pressure treated wood. There is partial sun on the deck so moisture and humidity is the main concern. Many decks get mold and mildew in this area. I am planning to use TWP 100, but see on your website that the 1500 uses mildewcides which prevents mold. I want to make sure I use the right product.
Both the TWP 100 and 1500 Series contain mildewcides to prevent mildew growth so you can use either one. Make sure to prep first.
A contractor has just finished our deck with TWP products. A couple of questions:
1. I think some of the deck/coats were done with 1500 series (clear)while other places/coats were done with 100 series (clear). Is this a problem?
2. Small bubbles have formed on top of the stain on one tier of the deck. What causes this? What can be done to fix this?
3. Portions of the deck are very shiny while other places are much more dull. Can this be evened out and, if so, how?
We are unsure of the type of wood our deck is made of but have been told it is an exotic hardwood, perhaps Iroko wood. Don’t k is if this affects anything…..
1. No.
2. Over application or applying in the hot sun. Just wipe off.
3. Over application again: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I live in hot, humid, Houston Texas. I just had a new red cedar fence put in around march of this year. I used TWP100 to stain my deck last year in Pecan. Should I use the TWP100 for the fence or the 1500?
100 Series. Make sure to prep first using the Gemini Restore Kit.
We have a log house that is approx. 30 years old and has been stained multiple times. It hasn’t been stained in 4-5 years, what product would you recommend we use? We plan to wash with a log house wash prior to staining so that it is clean. Also, what size tip would you recommend in order to use a sprayer to apply the stain?
You will need to remove the prior stain first. Please reply with some pics for help with this.
I stained my deck with 100 series 2 years ago. Can I apply 1500 series this year, or do I have to stick with the 100 series?
You can switch but strip and brighten for prep.
How do I get the lid off the can? I have a paint can opener, but it does not work to get the lid off. Do I somehow remove the plastic ring around the lid?
The white ring pops off first. Just pry inwards and up.
Which one of your products is best suited for a large, 1,200 sq. ft., cedar deck (horizontal surfaces only) located in northern Wisconsin?
The cedar has not been stained previously. The property is situated on a wooded, lake lot with a western exposure.
Use the TWP 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-100-series
And make sure to prep correctly with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have a 10-15 year old deck that is part cedar and part treated pine. I plan to use the darkest color option available to help minimize the visible differences if the wood species post stain but understand there will be some. Looking for advice on using either 100, 1500, or semi solid. I’m leaning toward semi solid but would rather have more color variation than risk pealing, if pealing is more likely with a semi solid.
Semi-solid colors will blend better and they do not peel as they are penetrating stains.
Hi – I Used restore-a-deck then used the 100 Series Dark Oak. I ran out and want to purchase more but now I can’t get the 100 Series shipped to NJ. Can I use the 1500 Series for a second coat ? Over the 100 Series?
We would not suggest it and the colors are not exactly the same. TWP when applying a second coat also has to be applied wet on wet.
I’m looking for some clarification on when to apply to new rough sawn siding. do i need to wait 4 months, or can I apply right away since it’s rough sawn?
If rough sawn you can stain right away of wood is clean and dry.
We will be refinishing a log home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Cool climate – quite a few trees nearby. We will have the home media blasted to strip it prior to staining. I am wondering if the 100 series of the 1500 series is the best option for this application? Thanks.
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
I will be applying TWP 1500 natural cedar to my cedar deck once i receive the shipment (later today). There is a chance of rain in the forecast Friday. I will likely need through Thursday morning to finish. If rain does come Friday, can I cover the deck with a thin plastic tarp to keep the water from hitting the deck? and if it’s ok to do so, will there be any consequences?
No, do not cover. It needs airflow and UV to properly cure. The TWP needs about 8-12 hours of drying before any rain.
so if I apply tonight, and it rains Friday morning, I should have enough time? Also, I read that applying TWP over a different brand of stain could cause problems. I applied SUPERDECK Transparent Stain over 2 years ago on a freshly sanded cedar deck and rails. I cleaned the deck a few days ago and it appears there is little residual stain on the deck floor; however, the rails appear to be holding the stain. Do you think i am ok applying TWP on the deck floor?
It should be fine as long as it has time to dry and temps are not too low. You need to strip off the SuperDeck and then brighen the wood. That is the proper way to prep.
I am fabricating adirondack chairs using cedar. The cedar has been stored indoors for minimum 6 months. The boards are 2×8 rough cut and 1″ deck boards. After thickness planning the boards, routing and or sanding to shape, radius routing edges, they are sanded with 80 grit paper on an orbital sander to remove fabrication marks. Then followed with 60 grit paper hand sanding with grain.
I would like to stain/seal each piece individual prior to assembly.
Current moisture reads 10-12%
I know the new wood is not ideal for staining.
Is there an additional proceedures or chemicals to use for better absorption?
I prefer to use a semi transparent stain.
I appreciate your time and any help you can offer.
You can brighen the wood to remove sand dust and open the pores of the wood so the TWP can soak in better.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-wood-brightener-detail
Look at the TWP 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-100-series
In using the Brightener will it open the pores enough on new wood prepped as I explained to allow your 100 stain sealer to soak in without having to weather the wood for sometime?
Thanks for your time.
No, you have to weather the wood and then prep. You cannot skip the weathering.
live in southern ohio , direct sunlight deck… 100 or 1500 ??? and how often does one have to retreat the decking.. should be cleaned prior and brightened b4 app ?? 8 yr old treated pine deck.
will strip prior …
You need the TWP 1500 Series for Ohio: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Prep and redo every 2-3 years using this prep kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I used Twp 100 cape cod Grey on my cedar fence in New York, since I can’t get it anymore what other stain has the cape cod Grey color
Closest allowed gray color for NY is the TWP 200 Series in Slate Gray: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
having a cypress cabinet built for my outdoor kitchen it will be covered, but the sun will hit at various times of the year the way the cover is situated but should see minimal if any rain (possibly moisture from hosing off). looking to stain it and ive heard this is the best. Have two questions
1. No, it would work well.
2. Honeytone is the lightest tinted color.
I am going to stain a new pine wood deck, can I start off with the 100s then switch to the 1500s in the future? If so, 1 or 2 coats and when would I start using the 1500? We can use the 100s where I live.
There is no point in switching from the 100 to the 1500. Just stick with the 100 Series. See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What will clean up top stain if spilled on shingles
Nothing we know of will remove TWP stain from asphalt shingles.
Is twp series 100 oil base or water base
Oil-based.
I have some large benches built into my deck. Concerned about stain bleeding onto clothing after product initially dries. Live in NC, staining old pt pine. Is one series less prone to bleeding than another? Do I need to rinse or do some other process after the initial dry time? Any other thoughts? Thanks
The TWP is a fully curing stain which means it will not bleed once cured.
I have power sanded my 30 year old oak log home. It has had TWP 100 on it since I built it. Can I mix TWP 100 clear and TWP 100 cedartone 50% each, and tone down the orange hew of the cedartone?
Yes.
I applied the 1500 series in 2012. My contractor applied a Valspar semi transparent over it 2 years ago (clean up soap and water which indicates it was latex). It is now pealing and bubbling. I had a contractor power wash it today but it’s just peeling up in strips. How to fix this and start over with the 1500 stain? The RAD stripper and brighten solutions? Can I use a transparent stain or will I need a semi transparent stain? Thank you.
Post some pictures.
Here’s photos
No photos.
try again
Use RAD Stripper with both additives, let dwell for 45-60 minutes (keep from drying out) and then pressure wash off. If needed, sand any stubborn areas that cannot be stripped. Brighten all when done.
both additives? the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit? Or the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit? not sure what you mean. Sorry, all new to me
With Stripper kit. Both additives.
I think you mean the Booster Additive and the
Gel Additive, right?
Yes.
I’m building a redwood deck (surfaced 4 sides, not kiln dried). Do you recommend any application to the boards before instillation, to treat the sides and bottom of the boards?
I understand that is bad for the wood, sealing moisture in?
Also is there a color chart that showes your colors specificly on redwood
You cannot pre-stain wood and you cannot stain all sides as the wood needs to breathe. See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We offer samples for testing: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Building new home with redwood cedar shingles siding. Can twp 1500 be applied to the shingles before they are put on house?
If the shingles are rough sawn cut, then yes.
we have a summer cottage in Canada and constructed anew deck in the spring of 2020. We are now being allowed back into Canada and need to know what stain I need to purchase. The deck is constructed of treated wood. It is approximately 1000 sq feet plus railings and benches. We are looking at Cedartone
Use the TWP 200 Series for Canada.
What is the solid content of 100 series semi-solid stain compared to 1500 and 100 semi transparent??
It varies based on color but in the 70-80% range for the semi-solids.
I have a treated railing on my deck that I installed last year (see picture). I have about 60 linear feet of railing. Any idea as to how much Cedertone 1500 stain I would need for this? Assuming 2 coats as you recommend. Any other suggestions?
What is the total sq footage of all wood that will be stained?
It was very difficult fir me to remove the several layers of ore-existing paint from my deck. I incorrectly used the Behr stripper product with a power washer. It took roughly 6 or 7 separate applications and countless hours of power washing. As a result – I over powerwashed when stripping the pre-existing paint. Now my deck has uneven levels & grooves as well as “deck fuzzies”. I just purchased the Gemini kit and am planning on purchasing the 1503 dark oak. Please advise on the following;
1) what sandpaper grit should I use when pre-sanding prior to applying the cleaner and brightener? I’d like to go as deep as possible given the unevenness, fuzziness, groves, and potential for foot splinters, but I do not want to impede proper absorption of the 1503 stain.
2) what is the best (and easiest) method for applying the stain once I’ve sanded, cleaned, and brightened? Can I use something like the homeright deck pro listed in the link below?
3) how long does it take (estimate) to ship to Ohio?
4) do you recommend one coat or two?
-60-80 grit paper.
-Use a floor stain brclike this: https://www.twpstain.com/deck-floor-staining-push-brush-detail
-2-3 days.
-2 coats wet on wet.
If I wash my exterior windows with windex, would the squeegee runoff damage the newly applied TWP-1500 single coat stain?
It should not.
Hi I live in St Louis MO and built a deck last Fall. The treated yellow pine is ready for staining and I am interested in your 100 or 1500 series. Most of the deck gets sun from early afternoon to evening.
1) I’m not sure which series to choose, would it matter?
2) I like teak color as it doesn’t pull too much yellow or orange but it is still light, would Pecan be the closest color to that?
3) With this being a new unstained deck, do I need to use your gemini cleaner and brightener or is a different prep involved?
Better pics on what’s happening.
No pics.
I have a large detailed house and barn with TWP applied in 2012 again 2017 and some again 2020 because it’s starting to look fading and dry in som places but every time they do it it looks bad ( different shad and overlaps like where it was dryer and where it would not penetrate in the wood like it wasn’t ready yet it’s like it repelled itself in some areas how do I fix this? Stripping the whole house sound crazy. If it repels water dose it need it?
Yes, you would have to strip it to get it even looking.
I stupidly put two coats of series 100 on a box of new red cedar shingles…..did not read your website carefully enough (and my hubby said to do two coats). The stain did not fully absorb…..they feel a bit greasy.
Did I ruin the shingles?
PS My hubby only went to the “dog house ” for a day!
Thanks!
Let it dry for a week and see if it fully cures.
Looking for TWP 215-40 special -5 did not see it listed . Where ca I get it and looking for cost TX.
Sorry but there is not such a product number for TWP.
Colorado just outlawed the use of two 100 which I use to stain my house each year. What twp should I use in place of the 100.
TWP 1500: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Thank you
I’m making some picnic tables for a restaurant out of Kiln Dried After Treatment Pressure Treated lumber. These tables will be subjected to the normal punishment of the elements, plus regular wiping and abuse that tables at restaurants endure, so I’m looking for the most protection I can get.
We don’t want anything opaque, as we still want the grain and character of the wood to show. Which of your translucent products would you recommend for this project?
The TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
What is the best TWP to use for a new deck that has cured and what applicator is best for the deck surface, rails and steps ? Thanks
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for which series to use, that depends on where you live?
I am preparing to re-stain my treated pine deck, which is over 10 years old. This will be the third time in 7 years that I use TWP1500. The painter has suggested using a clear sealant after the stain dries. Do you advise that I do so, and if so, what type?
You cannot top coat a deck stain like TWP with another coating or sealer.