Last Updated on January 20, 2022 by TWP Help
Update on Best Application tips for applying the TWP 1500 Series
TWP 1500 Stain
First, measure your wood surface to determine the square footage. TWP 1500 Series Wood and Deck Preservative covers approximately 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon. Buy a little more stain than you need just to be sure you do not run out at the end of the project.
Prior to using TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain, clean the wood using a brush or pressure washer along with a quality wood cleaner. Preparing the wood properly will ensure your new TWP Wood Stain will perform optimally.
Once the wood surface is cleaned it must dry for a minimum of 48 hours before any stain can be applied. Be sure the temperature is at least 50 degrees and that dry weather is forecasted for the next several days.
Remove any leaves or debris that may have collected while the wood was drying. Wear protective gear like rubber gloves and safety glasses while completing your wood staining project. Thoroughly mix the TWP 1500 Wood Preservative using a paint stick until it is well blended. Be sure there are no clumps at the bottom of the pail. If the TWP stain has been sitting for some time, a paint store can shake it up for you.
Use plastic to protect any windows, landscaping, concrete, or siding that you do not want to stain. Begin staining the higher areas first. On wood siding, gazebos, wood shakes, and playsets start at the top and stain your way down. On wood decks, it is best to start with the railings and save the deck floor for last.
TWP 1500 Series can be applied in several ways. Use a brush, stain pad, or pump sprayer to apply. With TWP 1500, the first coat is a saturation coat. It should soak in fairly quickly with the exception of new wood which may take longer. If the wood absorbs the first coat with no problem, a second coat of TWP 1500 Stain may be applied. The more stain that is absorbed the better. Apply a second “wet on wet” coat within 30 minutes of the first coat.
Be wary of over-application of the stain. If you see puddles or drips of excess stain that isn’t absorbing into the wood, wipe them away using a brush or stain rag. Do not stop staining in the middle of a board. Doing so can leave lap marks. Finish each board from end to end once you begin staining.
TWP 1500 Series Wood and Deck Preservative is the only wood preservative registered by the EPA. It is designed for all exterior wood surfaces. It has outstanding penetration properties and excellent UV resistance from wood graying. It has superb color retention and is not prone to cracking, peeling, or flaking. TWP 1500 Series will only fade in time and can simply be cleaned and reapplied as necessary for maintenance.
I hired a contractor who applied the 1530 natural last year to half of my log home, in 30 degrees Temps while snowing. he pressure washed the logs but did not use a log wash or brightner. he has disappeared and now all the unstained logs are gray, the stain is obviously very splotchy etc. what do I do? strip it all and start over?
Yes, you will need to remove all and start over: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I just media blasted some cedar wood garage doors to remove old finishes. Can The stain be apply immediately?
Yes.
Applying 1500 stain in dark oak to cedar deck. What is minimum proper dry time before any chance of precipitation? Thank you
8-24 hours.
Thank you for the help
I have a three year old mix of treated pine posts and cedar fencing. Carpenter bees are going after the posts. What stain would you recommend I use to prevent future damage. I live in the NC.
The TWP 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I have a Cedar deck that has been stained with Another stain company (Ready Seal). It has been stained 2 years ago. I’m looking for another brand as I’m not satisfied with that product. I’m looking to switch for TWP 1500 pecan. I live in canada.
Now for the prep work, I was thinking of using a cleaner, grinding the deck and applying the TWP stain after. Is grinding the wood necessary? Maybe a stain stripper is enough to remove the old stain? Thanks
The TWP 1500 is not legal for Canada. You can use the TWP 200 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Butternut brown is closest to Pecan color.
This kit will remove the Ready Seal: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I just put on 2 gallons of stain on my deck and ran out. Bought it from Ace but can’t get another can until Wed. No one else sells it around me. Will that be ok? It sure looks spotty now. Can I apply a second coat when I get some in?
Second coats are supposed to be applied wet on wet. It may not take a second coat now since the first coat has already dried and cured.
Hi
I have been using TWP stain for many years and have been very happy with the product.
2 years ago I clean the deck and re-stained with the 1516 Rustic. In some spots, (deck floor) the stain took forever to completely dry and other area dark spots appeared.
So this year I want to stain the deck but I do not want to have the same problems I did last time, any suggestions on cleaning, preparing and staining it this time.
Thank you
Sounds like you have a build of coatings. Best to remove and start fresh. Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
The instructions after prepping day to wait 48 hours for the wood to dry. It has rained every other day since the prepping process was completed. So each time it rains do we wait 48 hours? Until we can stain? Thanks!
Yes.
Hard to find window of time with no rain forecasted… thunderstorm season… it’s clean and ready… how long does it need to dry before rain? Anything we can do to protect it if rain happens?
You need 8-12 hours before rain. You cannot cover it or protect it as it needs air and UV to cure.
Is it safe to apply TWP 1500 to the exterior of a raised vegetable garden bed? This bed is constructed with 6″x6″ cedar posts. I plan to use another type of sealer on the interior, so the TWP will not be in contact with the planting soil.
Yes, it is safe.
Thank you so much for your quick response.
Now that my wood porch has been stained with twp 1500 (dark oak), do you recommend anything to coat it to make it shinier (eg. satin finish) without using urethane? What about linseed oil? If I use linseed oil, does that cause a problem with re-applying TWP 1500 in a couple of years? Thanks!
You cannot apply anything over the TWP and you should never try to make a deck stain shiny, it will peel if you do.
Yeah, that’s what I have been reading as well. No worries, it looks beautiful as it is. I will just recoat every year or two to keep it looking great! Thanks!
I just finished my first coat of 1500 dark oak. It looks beautiful! I do not have time to do a second coat and be wet on wet. When can I apply the second coat since I missed the opportunity to do wet on wet? Thanks!
6-12 months.
We have new porch Douglas Fir flooring. It is outdoors under a roof. It was stained with another product Australian Timber Oil, 1 coat and looks bad. What are steps to restrain using your product? We are in Upstate NY and have harsh winter.
Post pictures, please.
Here are some pictures
Use this kit to remove the Cabot: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Cedar deck is a year old. It has been lightly power washed and lightly sanded. Do I still need to apply a cleaner before applying 1500 to my deck?
Cleaner and then brightener will help the TWP to soak in deeper.
I did a maintenance coat of 1500 stain about 4 hours ago. I have a few shiny areas (not puddles). Should I wipe these areas down or wait to see if it dries more? Thanks…
See tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I was going to caulk the board & batten siding of our house with a paintable caulk (Sashco’s Lexal) – after the proper surface prep – and then apply your 1500 stain. However, Sashco stated that they have had marginal results using their caulking with TWP stains – so they didn’t recommend their caulk. I have also read that caulking should fully cure for two weeks prior to applying stain.
1.) Can you recommend a brand of caulk that is compatible with your 1500 stain ?
2.) Can one apply your stain first & then caulk later, or must the caulk be applied first ?
Please advise.
Thank you !
1. Sorry but we do not know of any brands that are compatible or incompatible. No one has ever had an issue that we know of.
2. You will have more potential issues with caulking after the TWP as it may create adhesion issues. Doing it first is best.
We used TWP 1530 – Natural on a mahogany deck and it did a beautiful job, however we have some drips through the deckboards and stains on the Blue Stone patio below. What can be used to clean these spots on the stone?
Try a graffiti remover cleaner from your local paint store
can TWP be applied to new wood?
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Cana second coat of 1500 be applied if I used 100 the first coat?
After you prep it, yes.
I just bought the RAD kit and 1504 Black Walnut, can’t wait to refresh and protect my deck, just looking for a stretch of dry days. However, I just remembered that here in NC, The Great Pollening is now upon us. If I wait the required 48 hours between cleaning the wood and staining, it’ll be covered in yellow pollen. Can I just sweep it off, stain, and hope it dries fast enough before more pollen settles in (possibly a vain hope)? Or should I just wait until pollen season is over, but temps are higher?
You cannot just sweep it all off and if the pollen gets into the stain while drying, it can feed mildew growth. Might be best to wait until over.
Is there a minimum temperature when I can stain my fence?
50 degrees.
Why did my cedar deck turn black less than a year after I stained with the 1500?
TWP Stains do not discolor or turn black so it would have to be something else that caused this from your environment. Dirt, grime, etc.
2 questions: I have been tasked with using your 1500 series stain to a new fence made of 100% clear s4s cedar.
1) the wood was dried in storage, is there any reason I can’t stain it right away, using proper techniques?
2) the application instructions do not list my usual fence staining application method of an airless sprayer, only pad brush or pump sprayer.
Is that not recommended? Any reasons why I can’t or should not use my usual airless sprayer to apply the 1500 series stain to a new fence?
Thank you!
John Blizard
Alexandria, VA
1. You can only do it now if the wood is rough sawn. See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
2. You can use an airless sprayer to apply.
We have a small pressure treated deck that has TWP 1500 on it. Several boards that have water that stands on them after a rain have turned black. We plan to remove the boards and re-plane them to fresh wood. Then restain them but I want to avoid them turning black over the next year again. Any ideas on why this happens?
It is not from the stain but something else. Dirt from trees, etc.
I have some 3y/o TWP stain that has been resealed after opening. Is it still okay to use after getting it remixed? Or just dispose of?
It has most likley gone bad.
I’m wanting to stain my deck. Previous owner used behr transparent oil wood finish Cedar Natural tone(double tinted)…. so what steps(power washing etc..)should I take and what type products do you suggest I need. I would like to use a darker stain.
Post pictures in comments for prep help.
Please let me know the steps/best process needed to re-stain deck. Thank you
Use the RAD Stripper Kit with both additives for the prep before staining: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I put one coat of TWP 1501 on my new cedar deck Oct. 2020. I’m wanting to put another coat of the same TWP 1501 do i need to do anything other than clean it or do i also need to use a brighter.
Clean and brighten: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have moved recently to a 30 year old house in the woods in Vermont with a 2 story pine staircase that has never had any finish on it. I would like to clean, stain, preserve it but see that TWP is for exterior use. Do you make any products that can be used on an interior surface? I have used TWP on 2 outdoor decks/staircases. The house is rustic and the stairs are heavily used in all seasons.
We do not make interior products.
Can TWP 1500 be applied to deck in direct sunlight when temps are warm – 80-90+?
It can but you have to move fast to avoid flash drying and over laps.
Ok thanks!
Max is 90.
How long does it have to dry before rain?
12-24 hours.
I did a wet on wet second coat while applying the TWP 1500 stain today, but it looks like maybe I could benefit from a second coat tomorrow after the initial dry. Is this ok to do?
No, and more is not better. The TWP needs to fully soak into the wood.
I will be using TWP 1500 on new rough sawn cedar, 8-10 months after installation. Some boards are slightly graying, do I need to do any prep first?
Yes, prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Does TWP 1500 clear have limited shelf life? I think I remember the site that recommended the product suggested a year, even unopened. If that is correct, I will have to be careful to only order barely enough, and then possibly have to keep adding an order gallon by gallon until finished (inconvenient). On the other hand, if it is good for many years, I will order extra and use the rest in a few years when it is needed again. Is there something special about this product that makes it more/less stable? My garage storage is 50–80 degrees F. (sorry, looked at hundreds of questions and didn’t find this one yet.)
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
All the colors are the same.
I have some 1500 Pecan to put on our 15-year-old deck that I’ve stripped and prepped with the Gemini kit. It’s mid-October in central Indiana and the daytime highs are between the upper 50s and the mid-70s.
1) Is 48 hours after rain enough time to wait to apply the stain with the wet-on-wet application, or with temps that low do I need more time?
2) Similarly, given those temps, how long would the dry weather have to remain after we apply the stain?
3) If, after the first application dries, I think we need another coat, I’m wondering if we should wait for drier weather. Would you recommend waiting to next summer when there is better weather, or would you recommend trying to get in a later 2nd application before the harsh winter? If you recommend getting that coat in soon, are the recommendations for 48 hours of dry weather before and after the same as they are for unstained wood?
Thanks!
1. 48 hours is okay.
2. 12-24 hours.
3. Second coat goes on wet on wet, not wet on dry. Has to be the same day and prior to the first coat drying. If you only do one coat then you can apply if needed another coat in the Spring.
I own a log home and have used TWP 100 series several times. Is the 1500 series a better and longer lasting option?
No, they last the same.
How long until you can walk on deck after staining with 1500 Series?
24-48 hours.
i applied a second coat of TWP Pecan 1500 on my deck a week later after the first coat, it appears to be tacky after 24 hours will it dry or do I need to wipe off the tacky areas with a piece of carpet soaked in paint thinner? we are expecting rain later tonight will that hurt the stain while still tacky?
what do you recommend?
thanks
See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I will be applying 1500 series Natural on a 12’x20′ cedar deck and railings in southwest Washington state. I have used the stripper and will be using the brightener after sanding off fuzzy areas (with 60-80 grit paper!).
The railing is made of 2×4’s with powder coated bollards, so there’s a fair amount of detailing required at the base of the bollards. What application tool do you recommend for these detailed areas? I am planning to use a roller to apply stain on the 6″ deck boards, but am open to recommendations for that application, too. I purchased your crack application tool to coat the vertical surfaces of the deck boards.
Thank you.
Use a stain pad or brush as rollers do not apply very evenly. Same for the railings.
Great, thank you for the advice!
What is the procedure for re-application? I have a section that has faded over time because of sun.
Prep with this and then recoat: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Is it ok to use this product on a picnic table
Yes, it is.
Hi, I got the 1500 stain and the cleaner / brightener Kit.
My wood is 8 years old, never been stained before.
1. How long after cleaner / brightener before I can stain?
2. Do I need to do 1 coat or 2. Most say 1 on wood that never been stained, but this is pretty old wood.
Thanks,
Chris
1. 48 Hours.
2. 2 coats wet on wet: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
One more question. Can I use a paint stirrer in my drill to stir this? Or should I just use a paint stick?
Drill mixers work great.
Stained an area to test color. Seem to have some places that are not drying like rest of it. It has been about 18 hrs. I assume I applied too thick and not even. Too late to use rag so I am just going to wait unless you have better idea. Old deck , except new patch boards. Yes It was prepared before staining. I just think i applied too much in some area. Hard to tell when you are doing it. I did small area with a brush, but will use pad for rest of deck.
Just let it cure and dry. It will.
I have an 800 sqft 25-year old redwood deck in CA, last stained 6 years ago with TWP. When I did it last, I over-applied in some areas, took a while to dry. They still look like new shiny wood after 6 years. Other areas are now faded and dry looking but no flaking after 6 years. Time to do it again. I’ve stripped and brightened test areas with RAD in both shiny and dry places to test stain samples from TWP, and I’m now ready to strip/brighten the whole deck and then stain. I’m concerned about even application of stain with no excess on what was shiny while adequate coverage on the dry areas.
1) Should I use a stain pad or brush? Brush implies bending over, not easy on an 80-year old but I haven’t used a stain pad before.
2) I assume I should do 1.5 coats wet on wet? How best to get “thin” coat on second coat? brush or pad?
3) Should I do gaps with brush while doing second coat or after second coat dries?
4) Should 5 gallons of 1500 be enough or should I get an extra gallon or two (or 5?)?
5) Are California mineral spirits substitutes OK for wiping shiny spots?
6) Should I sand surface where there are fuzzies from grain rising after pressure wash? If so, when?
1. Stain pads are best.
2. After stripping, do the two coats wet on wet. Stain pads.
3. We would not worry about the gaps, the stain should run down the sides when applying.
4. You will need about 7-8 gallons for two coats.
5. Should be.
6. No need to sand.
Many thanks. Now only to wait for cooler weather.
New installation of T&G Cedar Soffit in 2-story commercial building.
1) Thinking of using 1500 in either natural, honeytone, or cedartone. Do these colors have different amounts of pigment/solids that might make one color more durable than another?
2) Ideally would want to stain a few boards at a time (quickly moving down the length of building) so don’t see overlap marks that come from drying in between, but will be working from a scaffolding up high so not practical to move scaffold so much. Should I be able to stain this 3-4′ wide soffit so that overlap marks won’t happen?
3) Any tips on best way to apply when overhead (spray or roll, then immediately brush in)?
4) Cedar (smooth) installed 2 weeks ago. What is the minimal amount of time I need to wait so it’s ready to be stained?
Thank you!
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
1. No, not really.
2. As long as you keep a wet edge.
3. Stain pads or brush.
4. See the link above.
We are staining our pressure treated wood deck for the first time. Do we do one coat or the two coat wet on wet method?
How old is the deck?
7 months
Just one coat. See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thank you very much. I know I have to stain between the boards and I do it after I apply the stain to the top of the boards. Do I wait until the top is dry and then go back and do between? Or can I walk on it after staining and do the between part?
Wait until dry and then wipe off any excess that gets on the top of the boards. Saturate any oily rags and lay flat to dry outside.
is It possible to do a second coat the next day or so?
That would depend on how porous the wood is and if it van take another coat. TWP is supposed to be applied wet on wet if doing two coats.
We are applying TWP 1501 right now on our deck and there is little bubbles in it when applied. We brush over them but they keep coming back. Why are they appearing and what do we do with them? Nina
Heat or direct sunlight, they should go away as the stain dries.
Is it better to stain the gaps between the boards first or last? Thank you.
Last
Applied your stain TWP dark oak 3 years ago. Do I have to sand and power wash my deck or can I just power wash it an apply a new coat of the same product from you guys?
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
we have waited 48 hours after cleaning and brightening. We had a small amount of moisture overnight so the surface is damp in spots to the touch. Do we have to wait another 48 hours to dry or when can we apply our 1500 stain?
Yes.