Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
Tips on Applying TWP 100 Pro Series in 2023
TWP 100 Series Stain
TWP 100 Stain Series Wood and Deck Protectant has a coverage rate of 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon, per coat. Best to measure the wood’s square footage to determine how many gallons you’ll need for your project. On wood decks, be sure to include all the railings and steps.
Before applying TWP 100 Series Deck Stain be sure the wood surface has been cleaned properly using a wood cleaner. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove any debris that may have fallen onto the wood since cleaning it.
Applying TWP 100 Series Wood Stain
The wood must be dry for a minimum of 48 hours prior to staining and the air temperature should be above 50 degrees. Check your local forecast to make certain there will be several dry days before and after the day you want to stain.
On the day of staining be sure you have all the equipment on site that you will need. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses at all times. Mix the TWP Wood Stain thoroughly using a paint stick before and several times during use. Using plastic or tarps to cover any landscaping, siding, windows, or concrete that you don’t want any stain on.
Start with the harder to reach areas first. On wood siding, gazebos, or playsets start up high and work your way down. On a deck, start with the spindles and railings first and stain the deck floor last.
Use a brush, stain pad applicator, or pump sprayer to apply TWP 100 Deck Stain. The first coat of stain is a saturation coat. If it soaks in quickly, and the wood seems thirsty, an additional coat may be necessary. If so, apply the second coat within 30 minutes of the first coat, essentially applying them “wet on wet.” The more TWP 100 Series Stain that you can get to soak in, the better protection it will provide.
Be cautious of over-applying TWP 100 Series Wood Stain or performance may be jeopardized. If you notice excessive stain puddles or drips that aren’t being absorbed, use a stain rag or brush to remove them. Stopping in the middle of a piece of wood or board can result in unsightly lap marks. To eliminate the chance of lap marks finish staining each board from end to end once you start.
TWP 100 Series Wood Protectant has outstanding penetration properties and will dive deep into the wood. It is not prone to flaking or peeling like other stains. TWP 100 Series will simply fade after several years and can then be cleaned and recoated as needed.
I’m in the Midwest and looking to find a window to clean and stain our new cedar deck before the winter. The upcoming forecast is calling for upper 50s/low 60s during the day and mid 40s at night. Is it ok to apply when above 50 during application, but will dip below 50 during drying time?
Yes, but it cannot drop below freezing the first night after staining.
How many hours after staining with TWP 100 should be without rain?
12-24 hours.
I stained my deck last year with TWP 1500. It’s looking a bit faded this year. Can I just hose off the deck and apply a light topcoat of 1500 to freshen it up?
When reapplying you should use the Gemini Restore Kit for best results.
I’m using a Titan 440 airless sprayer to apply TWP 100. What size tip and pressure do you suggests for spraying application?
.13 tip.
You missed the recommended pressure setting for my pump?
Sorry, but we have no idea. Thanks
Hello from Gulf coast TX. New deck ,9 months old, did Gemeni restore a deck kit. AMAZING job. We applied TWP 100 honeytone 115 color. Looks amazing too. Under the railings the coating was heavy and even though I used bristle broom to attempt to get excess off, it dried with a “varnished” look to it . Only under the railings. Any suggestions to remove that , now dried, excess? Thanks
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Hi there, we built a new deck in 2020/2021, and applied 100 Series Cedartone in the fall of 2021. We did not get around to reapplying in 2022.
We are planning on staining again this spring, and would ideally like to sand down some of the roughness that has developed on the wood. See photos.
Should we avoid sanding all together and just use the Restore-a-Deck kit? Or would a light sanding with 60 grit be fine? If we did lightly sand, how long should we wait to apply stain?
What would be your overall recommendation?
Thank you!
Are you just doing the rails? If so, clean all with the RAD Cleaner. Sand top of rails with 60 grit. Brighten all when done.
What stain is best for treated lumber?
TWP 100 or 1500 Series for treated lumber.
Old deck. Plan on sanding off old TWP 101 Cedar. Apply new coat of TWP 101 Cedar. Should we apply one or two coats? One coat now, another coat in 6-12 months? Thank you.
Bes to not sand for prep but use this kit and then apply 2 coats of TWP wet on wet: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I’ve applied one coat of 100 series to old redwood deck. It was last stained 2 years ago. It’s 3 days and it seems to be taking a long time for it to be absorbed into the deck as it still appears shiny but not wet to the touch. Our temperatures have been 50’s-60’s. Should I be applying a second coat?
No, and you did over-apply. See this for tips.
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Can you apply with air sprayer
Yes.
We just used Wagner power painter this week TWP 100 color honeytone 115. It worked amazing , nice even coat
Hello – I have used TWP 100 Cedartone in the past and everyting has worked very well. Within the past year I added additional dock space and replaced a portion of the seawall with wood. I plan on doing the new as well as old area in the next month or so. A few questions if I may: #1 – I plan on using the cleaner / brightner kit across all of it, is that ok? #2 – Should I still stick with one coat for the new and 2 coats for the “3 year old area”? #3 – I used the brush before and it worked great, in the attached picture there is a small portion which is vertical, but it is across a ~75ft. I am not sure what the best way is to cover that and how it will either drip or run down. Thanks in advance for all your help.
See here about new wood first: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. A brush or stain pad will work for the vertical wood as well.
Thank you!
it is staining day I have a plied coat one waited 30 minutes applied coat to don’t have puddles but there’s areas that it’s obviously wet how long do I wait until I determine that excess and use a rag to pick up excess.
So I’m applying coat one waiting 30 minutes applying coat to do I have to wait another 30 minutes before I determine what’s excessive.
Remove any excess within 30-60 minutes.
3 questions, please:
1) I used RAD (stripper & brightener) on cedar deck that had TWP 101 Cedartone. when it dried there are patches with traces on stain that remain. In some areas I repeated the stripper and brightener and some came off but some still remained. What do you suggest – it is like this in spots all over my 2700 sq foot area. Will stain with same TWP Cedartone when I eventually stain. (picture attached). If I stain over this will stain absorb into areas where bits of old TWP remain?
2) I live in Pacific NW – it has been recommended to me (hw store) to apply 30 second outdoor cleaner to thoroughly kill algae. Thoughts? If yes, at which point in the process?
3) If I applied brightener and then it rains do I need to reapply/rinse and wait another 48 hours?
Thanks in advance.
1. You are okay to stain.
2. Do not use the 30 Second, it is bad for wood.
3. No, just wait for the wood to dry 48 hours.
Thank you – I appreciate having you as a deck coach (having this option) and how you are prompt in your replies.
You are welcome!
Hi,
Deck is in western NC. A lot of rain year round, short cold winter, hot summer. Deck is 15+ tears old .Wood is weathered with linear cracks. Multiple prior stainings with Cabot Australian oil ( never lasts).
Plan was to pressure wash and power sand horizontal surfaces, then stain with TWP 100 pro. Suggestions?
Thanks!
Use the RAD stripper and brighener kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I am applying twp clear 100 to a brand new bamboo fence. The bamboo is about 1 inch thick. What brush to you recommend? Also, this is currently in my basement waiting to be put up outside, can this be applied indoors? Thank you!
The 100 Series is not designed for bamboo and will not work. You would want the 300 series.
I will be spraying TWP100 to a treated wood fence with a Graco magnum x5. What spray tip would you recommend for spraying your product. Thanks in advance for your help
Any tip will work. Wide fans will be easier.
I have a PT pine screened in porch with EZ Breeze vinyl windows. Has been built approx 4.5 months. Moisture content currently 12%. Due to windows, I cannot use anything to spray cleaner/brightener etc. How can I best prep for stain, and what stain do you recommend ? In Tennessee.
Thanks!
Jeff
Sand with 60 grit and use the TWP 100 Series.
Just to be sure, 60 grit? I take it that would be very light sanding with that coarse of a grit correct? Then one coat only for first application ? If mixing clear with a color, will that diminish the UV protection?
Yes, 60 grit. No more than 80. Using clear will reduce UV protection substanially. One coat.
I have a 6 year old pine deck that has been properly prepped – deck cleaner & sanded. It is being stained with the same stain as previously used, TVP cedartone 101. The job was started 6 weeks ago to rainy weather & other issues; it was put on hold with the floor boards remaining (one small section had been completed). Painter is here & wanting to finish up, it’s 1 PM. It was 48 F when he started this morning & the hi will only get to 54 today. It is predicted to dip down to 39 for an hour by 6 AM tomorrow & the high should be 61. He can’t stain over the weekend. Should I let him continue today; or is it too cold? Next week we have one day that should be 70 for a high & 47 for a low.
You are borderline for temps but if he does it correctly, you should be okay.
Thanks for your prompt response. He decided to wait until Monday which will be a little warmer. Hopefully, they won’t add rain into the forecast!
On my new cedar deck, I applied one coat of TWP 100 Series in October 2020. I was going to put on a second coat this October. Do I just need to give the horizontal surfaces (deck surface, steps and top of railing) a second coat now or should I give all the wood surfaces a second coat now? I live in mid-Missouri. Thank you.
Either way is okay. If it looks decent then just do all next Spring.
If I wait until next Spring, should I still just give the whole deck one coat? Thanks.
Yes.
Do you have a recommend graco tips and pressure for spraying twp 100 on a wood fence. Thanks
We do not. Any fan tip should work.
How do I remove Cedartone 101 from my sliding glass windows?
Try Goof Off.
I have an area of pine siding that I stripped with your products. It’s now ready for the brightener. However I found a couple rotten peices of wood and plan to replace them with siding that was treated with 1500 about a month ago. What affect will the brightener have on those stained pieces? Should they be protected with plastic?
The brightner may lighten it some.
Just prepped deck with the Gemeni cleaner and brighter. The deck has previously been stained with twp cedertone. After cleaning and brightening here is still some color tone on the deck boards, and some of the railings. I will be staining with the same color two stain. Do I need to do additional prep to get all the color out?
No, you will be fine.
Had a new pressure treated deck installed in August of 2020 – we live in Northern MN. Applied TWP 101 Cedartone in late May of this year (2021). Would like to do another coat to the floor deck before our long winter with the excess product I have left from initial stain project. Deck was pretty clean , but I did wash with some sudsy water to remove any dirt/grime. OK to add this coat at this stage?
No, best to do another coat after the Winter.
What’s the closest color to match my pressure treated railing to my cedar siding that is stained with Woodgaurd warm pecan?
Post pictures.
Good evening. We built a new home in December at which time the deck was installed. It has started to grey and appears to be weathering as it should. Am I good with the wet on wet application? Also, after staining what is the length of time before the stain has dried and rain will not bother the finish? Thx!
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
No rain for 8-12 hours.
i have twp 100 cape cod gray. The deck and rails have been stripped, brightened and dried for 60 hours. No rain in sight. Are there any hints for cape cod gray other than wet on wet application and dont leave any excess?
No other tips. Just make sure to not over-apply.
Hi, I stained a large deck last year pressure treated wood. I have a few small shiny spots now I know I over applied. But b4 I start the second coat is there a way to get rid of these small shiny areas.
Thanks by the way you have a great help website.
When you recoat you need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and that would help to remove any over-applied spots.
Can TWP 100 be used over a deck that was stained with TWP 100 several years ago?
What is the post application dry time, clear weather hours?
Yes, but prep with this kit first: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Having difficulty getting stain to dry in areas under cover . Is there anything that can be done to accelerate drying ?
You can wipe the excess stain with rags and mineral spirits. Make sue to saturate all oily rags in water and lay flat to dry outside when done.
What size spray tip do you recommend when applying TWP 100 series. I have a Graco Magnum airless sprayer.
Any size will work. Wider fan tips are easier in our opinion.
I stained my deck with twp 100 dark oak after it was installed (waiting the recommended months). Do I need to do a clear coat on top of it?
No need, and you can never top coat TWP Stains with a clear coating.
TWP 100 series cape cod gray was applied to my deck last summer. It was not correctly applied wet on wet and now I can see my wood through the new stain. What product do I need to use to strip the deck to reapply the same color correctly wet on wet?
Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
TWP 100 series Cape Cod Grey was applied to my deck last summer. A wet on wet application was not done correctly and now I can see my wood coming through the new stain. What product do I need to use to strip my deck down and reapply the same color correctly wet on wet application?
I stained my new deck yesterday (wood aged accordingly) with 2 coats TWP 100 wet on wet application. I have noticed some light spots on the deck surface today. Can I apply another coat in those areas?
No, you cannot apply more and I’m not sure you followed the directions for new wood? https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Only one coat after weathering and propr prep.
I’ve got a new fence that’s about 6 months old. Do you recommend 1 coat or 2 coats of the TWP 100 stain?
If I apply TWP 100 series when it is mid 50’s or mid 60’s, but is 30 degrees at night, is that OK?
It cannot drop below freezing at night if the stain has not fully dried.
We have a rather large staining project under way with prep work being done, over the last two weeks we have been sanding and re-sanding over areas that appear to have old stain resurfacing to the surface, is this possible? the old stain is at least two years old; probably a Thompson Water Seal transparence honey color. See pictures attached.
Does not look like old stain leeching out. Try using a wood brightener on all to even out the color.
What is the closest color TWP 100 semi solid to redwood semi transparent?
Light House or Redwood Forest.
Correction: I brushed off the stripper, not scraped as I mistakenly mentioned in my questions a minute ago.
I cleaned and stripped, brightened and neutralized the garage siding yesterday of Cedartone 101. Tomorrow at 11:30 a.m., it will be 48 hours. I had to scrape for and against the grain to get as much product out as I could. Should I stain in the direction of the wood which means I’d have to brush it all in the same direction? Is it okay to stain in early evening when the sun stops shining directly on the siding? Thanx from Florida.
Stain with the direction of the wood from end to end. You can stain in the evening.
thank you
You are welcome. Make sure it does not rain the same night after applying.
I have a 4 year old cedar deck that we hire a contractor to stain every 2 years with your TWP transparent dark oak stain. My daughter’s puppy managed to chew on several areas of the deck. We sanded the areas and went to apply the stain but it doesn’t stain it as dark as the rest of the deck. Is there a less transparent stain in the same color that we could apply to these areas so it would match a bit better?
Thank you
No, the issue is the wood is not as absorbent there now due to the sanding so it will stain lighter no matter what.
What type of sprayer should be used with Twp 101 on wood that has been protected with Twp 101 for years?
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/chapin-sprayers
Can I apply a second coat after the first coat is completely dry. We had someone apply the first coat, but they didn’t do a very good job. I really think it needs another coat to even it out.
That would depend if the wood will accept another coat. Do a test board and make sure it dries properly.
I am planning to use TWP 100 semi-transparent cedar over a deck that had Penofil transparent redwood stain before. I have cleaned, stripped and used brightener.
#1. I am expecting the semi-transparent will cover the slight color variances. Is that safe to assume ?
#2. I am in Washington state and right now we have high temp of <70 with lows in <50's so we get dew. How much before the dew drops should I have my stain on ? I am able to start early in the day but would be in the sun until early afternoon and I see warning about not applying the direct sun.
#3 Or is it ok to apply in direct sun if it is in the mid 60's temperature wise ?
#4. Can I use 'restore a deck' clearner for maintenance ? I used that on the Penofil and it seemed to strip it.
1. We would need to see pictures. TWP does not cover anything but it may blend it.
2. The dew must fully dry off for a few hours before applying.
3. Yes.
4. The RAD Cleaner/Brightener Kit us sed fore when you are going to prep when reapplying. Do not use for general cleaning when you have no intention of reapplying.
I cleaned , stripped, brightened, and sanded my cedar deck and put in the TWP 100 cedar stain this weekend. Everything was dry for three days+. The application went wonderful and pigment was great. Temperature was the typical for Washington above 65 degrees when we started at 2 pm. Got done around 6:00 pm and then heard weather report contrary to what they had said all week. Light rains or of a drizzle starting 11 pm. Then it stopped and started in the morning but never dropped below 55 all night. I used a leaf blower to knock off the nice beading up (puddling) but could not walk on it because it had not hardened yet. This week is expected near 70 this week. There anything I can do or should do ? Is the intrigrity compromised ?
It should be fine.
Good. All I found in the instructions said no rain or traffic for 12 hrs yet I got rain in 4 to 6 hrs. #1 do you think it is ok because it was not a heavy rain ? #2 should I give it more time to cure before putting furniture on? #3 would you recommend a new maintenance coat in 2 years or less?
1. It typically can take rain sooner than 12 hours.
2. 48 hours or fully dry.
3. 2-3 years.
I really am impressed with the responsiveness and help you offer through this forum. It helped me immensely. Final question I have.
> How do I just ‘wash’ this between stain coatings and what products are safe to use?
I could not find specific instructions to maintain a TWP 100 deck before using the Cleaner for a maintenance coat in 2-3 years.
We do not offer products to “wash” between coatings. Best to just use water as you do not want to harm the coating.
What kind of thinner should I use to clean up TWP 100 series? I am intending to use an airless sprayer and want to clean out my sprayer properly after I’m finished.
Mineral spirits will work.
I just applied a light coat of 100 series honeytone to some very pale, almost white cedar. I love honeytone on red/brownish cedar, but it looks too yellow on white wood. Can I apply a darker color over the honeytone if I wait until spring? Or do I need to strip off the honeytone first?
If you prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit, then you can go darker: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I applied one coat of TWP 100 stain today. I received it in the mail a couple of days ago. I noted after applying stain to one level of the deck, that when I stirred the 5 gallon container with a longer stick, there was about 1 inch of completely coagulated pigment at the bottom of the barrel. I would think it would have been shaken prior to mailing it. This is the first coat of stain on a one year old deck. I didn’t apply a second coat because one of the articles said to apply only one coat the first time. Will it be OK? It seems that I can’t apply a second coat now that it has partially dried. It would be 24hours until I can apply another coat. Will this affect only the intensity of color, and not the stain itself?
You always have to stir before using. Just one coat this year and another as needed in 12-24 months for newer wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What should the moisture content be for 1/2″cedar fence slats before I apply TWP 100? I am afraid that if I wait too lond the cedar may begin to split.
15% or less but if new wood, it has nothing to do with how dry it is but how porous the wood is: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I am staining an exterior pine ceiling (covered deck). Do you suggest a pre-stain wood conditioner? If so, what brand? I am asking because we stained our back deck with TWP and the pine ceiling turned out blotchy and uneven. I am trying to avoid the same mistake on the front deck.
No, do not use a conditioner.