Last Updated on April 16, 2024 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.
How long after application of the TWP 1500 stain can we put things back (and walk) on the deck (aka drying time)?
12-36 hours is normal. Just make sure it is fully cured and not sticky.
We used this product for the first time several days ago on our front porch. The wood was pressure treated pine and we did all of the prep work according to your instructions. It absorbed very well, almost too well in areas, but looks like it needs a second coat, can we go ahead and do this now, or do we need to wait until next year?
Best to wait since it has already started to cure.
?Will or how might the Gemini restorer chemicals impact the area around the deck where I intend to plant flowers?
Nothing will harm prior to planting flowers. If flowers are already planted, prewet, cover and rinse when done.
Would you recommend using a staining pad or a Brush to apply TWP 1520?
We like stain pads the best as they allow you to “push” the TWP into the wood deeper.
Thank you. This is a new deck that has weathered for 10 months, so the recommendation is only 1 coat this year and then another coat next year? Also do you recommend wiping with a rag after applying the stain with a pad?
Yes, that is correct. One coat this year and one light coat next year. No need to back wipe.
Hi I stained my deck last year with twp 1500 and would like to restain it again this year. Can I just wash and clean the surface or do I have to clean it with the diluted beach mixture.
No, you prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. See this for more info:
https://twpstainhelp.com/applying-a-maintenance-coat-of-twp/
I applied TWP 1500 to my deck and railing two years ago, and pre-treated all areas first with Restore-a-Deck stripper, followed by RAD cleaner, then brightener. The wood needs to be dry for a minimum of 48 hours after pre-treatment, but is there a MAXIMUM amount of wait time within which to apply the stain? If I clean and brighten the areas today(Wed afternoon) they will be ready to stain on Friday afternoon. However, there’s a 70% chance of rain on Saturday. If I pre-treat today but wait until next weekend (or month) to stain, is that problematic?
You do an awesome job answering everyone’s questions, BTW. I was impressed 2 years ago, and continue to be impressed by your consistency!
Thank you!
I just applied TWP 1500 stain to a deck for the second time after one year. I made the mistake of applying it in direct sunlight at 97 degrees. It may have been applied a bit too thick and seems a bit splotchy, as if it did not penetrate properly. Is there a way to remedy this? It’s only been one day.
I just cleaned and brightened a 15+ year old deck and am ready to apply TWP 1500 stain. It’s a large deck and most of it is in the shade under trees. The temperature during the day right now is high 70’s to low 80’s. I have 2 questions:
1) The trees shed a lot of debris (sticks, leaves, apples) onto the deck. Any tips on protecting the deck from this debris while the stain dries? How long before the stain has set enough that leaves won’t get stuck or falling apples won’t leave marks?
2) Since it’s a large deck (~1000 square feet), I was planning to do the deck in sections. If I do different parts of the deck over several days will the stain appear different in different sections?
I am building a fairly large pergola out of 6×6 and 4×6 rough sawn, kiln-dried cedar timbers. Can I stain them before they go up (would help prevent the misses where the timbers overlap) and, given that I live in a fairly damp climate in Eastern Ohio, which product would you recommend? Thanks
I understand that you can apply 1500 with different methods. However, is there a preferred meathod for deck staining? My deck is about 1400 sq ft with rails and steps
We just completed cleaning and brightening our 9 month old pressure treated wood deck last night. We live in Alabama where it rains frequently. In order to stain the deck and have time for it to dry before the next round of rainy weather, we would have to start staining with our 1500 series stain tomorrow morning. It will be in the 80s today with minimal clouds. This will mean only approximately 37 hours dry time, instead of 48 hours, since applying brightner. Will this cause any problems with the stain application or absorption?
I stained my deck 2 years ago with twp 1500 and I want to recoat it this year. can I just use the Gemini clean/restore kit and then add another coast or do I need to sand it too?
We stained our one year old pressure treated deck with Defy Extreme Redwood stain and were not happy with the results. It was very orange and the finish was blotchy. We stripped it using a pressure washer, then cleaned & brightened it.Do we have to get EVERY SINGLE BIT of stain off? We worked for 2 days. We did some damage to the wood because the Defy was very difficult to remove. Should we sand it? Do we have to reopen the pores afterward? Also can you recommend a color that will not turn orange on pressure treated wood? We like a redwood look.
I ran out of time to apply the second coat to our 20 year old deck. The first coat looks perfect, but probably won’t stand up to the elements like it could. Can I apply the .5 coat a day or two later? On another part of the deck, we did two coats and it’s obvious some parts were over applied. Can I wipe with mineral spirits to even it out?
What nap roller is good for white cedar? I’d guess 1/4″ since anything deeper might leave excessive stain but what do you suggest? Perhaps 1/2″ for first coat and then 1/4″ for second? Also, how well does TWP 1500 store if kept around 50″? If it stores well, I could purchase it now and keep it thru the winter if the weather does not work out.Thank You.
My deck is about 500 feet of white cedar, direct sun, southern exposure.. Previoysly –10 years ago coated with linseed oil. Four years ago pressure washed and coated with Sikkens Cetol. Now mostly weathered off & greying. Should I use the Restore-a-Deck process then TWP1500? I’m worried I missed this season in Adirondack Mountains because it is going into the 30’s at night. How warm does it need to be for the application and full dry period? Any other suggestions? Thank you for this Q &A site.
We have a newly installed treated pine deck. Lots of shade but enuf sun. The deck is just one month old. Would like to stain and protect before winter (northern Ohio). What do you recommend and when. Don’t want gray…this new pine is gorgeous. Thank you in advance.
I am in the process of purchasing 1×6 western red cedar, A or better clear grade, T&G board siding for my contemporary style home to use on some exterior walls and soffits. The siding will receive some intense California sun and occasionally intense wind and rain. I intend to install rough side facing outwards for the siding and am considering smooth side for the soffits. The wood mill does not offer on-premises pre-finishing but I have heard that finishing all sides of the siding will result in less cupping over time and the stain will last longer (due to less moisture penetrating from behind the boards?).
I have the following options (listed from lowest to highest cost):
1) Siding contractor installs the unfinished boards on the house and have painters stain only the outside face of the wood.
2) Pay a painter to coat both sides of each board during installation by siding contractor and install wet onto house. Painters come back for finish coat.
3) Pay wood mill to transport wood to off-site pre-finisher for 1 coat of TWP1500. Siding contractors install pre-finished boards and painters come back for final finish coat.
Can you provide feedback on each option and advise which method will result in better results over the long run? In particular is pre-finishing (back priming?) the smooth side very helpful (I noticed your article on new wood recommending a several month curing before attempting to stain)?
Many many thanks,
-Rob
I’m considering your 1500 for my Mahogany deck… I’ve used Cabots in the past with great success but cabots has changed their formula and I’ve heard some customers are not happy with the their new colors… Cabots WAS an oil stain but I worry putting the new water based stains over oil would not work so I want to use another Oil based stain… Is your 1500 a True Oil stain and what oil is used??? My other concern is the Color options.. Redwood or Rustic seem close to Mahogany Flame red in the cabots color chart…. I plan to pressure wash but wonder if this will be enough prep to allow your oil stain to penetrate the wood ?
I have purchase 1500 cedar tone, and plan on applying it to my 1000 sq ft deck with a roller. What kind of roller would you suggest? Material type (natural, synthetic, foam)? Nap size? Thanks.
I just had a cedar fence installed. The main panels are rough cut cedar but the trim is smooth finished. How long do I need to wait before staining it? Also any way to remove the green tinge from pressure treated posts?
We have a 20X20 covered deck built spring of 2013. Just now, 15 months later, getting it stained with TWP1500. Unfortunately, the 1st coat was applied and dried with not wet on wet 2nd coat. (argh!) The deck is to be screened in soon and then we will be unable to apply stain to many of the high outside areas that get direct sun. Should we go ahead and apply a second coat? I do not want to over apply and ruin the work, but also don’t want it under treated. How will I know if a 2nd coat is safe at this time?
Hi, We stained with 1504 – Dark Walnut (beautiful) over 1 yr old pressure treated pine. Prepped with Gemini cleaner and brightener with at 48 hr drying time afterward. Weather has been very wet here all summer, so this weekend was our only chance to do it. However, it was hot (mid 80s) and SUNNY all day. I have lap marks. Argh. Anything to be done the morning after, or do I just strategically place deck furniture and grill? Also, there are a couple of places that are still a little shiny this morning. What should I do about that? Thanks
Do I have to use a power washer to remove the TWP stripper & brightener
I have Sikkens sdr that’s been on for about 5 years. It’s peeled off a lot wi th some still left should I strip it first
If I am staining a deck that will definitely need two coats — but doing so myself — how do you folks suggest working? It will surely take me more than 30 minutes to apply the first coat, and you suggest coating wet on wet. If it takes me over 30 minutes (say 60, 90, 120?) to apply coat #1, when (if at all) should I apply coat #2? Thanks in advance.
We applied TWP 1500 on our deck, sadly we over applied it. The product is great. what would be the best way to remove the film for a large deck (1,000sqft)
I wanted to prep my swingset this weekend with stripper and brightener. It is supposed to rain the rest of the weekend and probably will be a week or two before I can stain. Is that an issue? How long of window do I have to apply stain after stripping and brightening to apply stain before the wood weathers. I assume I should brighten immediately to neutralize the wood after the stripper.
How many days does it need to dry before I can use the deck? I just did a “wet on wet” application today. It’s dry to the touch.
Does this product contain a water repellent? Will water bead on the deck after the stain has set?
I have brand new rough sawn cypress that I would like to seal but maintain its original color.
What product would you suggest?
We have a new 1200 sq foot western red cedar deck that we completed last June. We left it unfinished since then. We are going to stain it this June or early July. Since it will be 12-13 months after installing before staining should we do 1 or 2 coats the first time?
I have dogs that have to walk over the deck to get to the backyard. Can I lay down plastic so they have a way to get out back or do I need to leave it exposed for a few days.
Horizontal Floor boards looks great doing wet on wet. The verticals and the hand rails look “weathered”. I’m not so concerned with the verticals but what’s the opinion about doing an extra coat to dry and add “shine” a few days after the initial coat to the hand rails. 2nd question – how long do you recommend after staining before you place furniture on it?
Live in North Carolina and it’s pollen season. Have prepped deck with Stripper and will be doing Brightener today. Will then wait 48 hours to stain. Question is – the deck will likely get more pollen on it. Is it OK to lightly spray the deck again (with water) to clear the pollen and then stain or should I simply wait until after pollen season.
I applied 1502 to a new 1400 sf redwood deck 2 years ago. Great product. Normal wear & tear has set in with some stain missing (chair scratching, walking, etc.) on perhaps 5% of the deck, resulting in graying. So I’m getting ready for a maintenance coat. I’m confused about exactly the best way to proceed…bleach/water clean & rinse, commercial cleaner & rinse, stripper, lightener, sanding, pressure wash? I’m leaning towards a bleach/water clean & rinse, followed by pressure washing and 48+ hour dry, and then staining. Am I on the right track? Is the bleach clean necessary if I pressure wash? Is a 2 coat wet on wet better or a single coat OK? Time/cost not an issue – just want to do it right. Thank you.
Hi TWP:
I have five gallons of 1530 Natural on a truck to my house as I type. I am new to deck staining – what type of brush bristles do I use? Does it matter if I use natural fibers over plastic/nylon bristles? Long-handled sponge type to save my back?
I’m planning to apply 1500 to a new redwood deck, but am concerned with Fall approaching the steady supply of leaves falling from the pecan that stands over it will cause spots to occur. I’ll be applying with a pad – if as long as the area I’m staining is free of leaves, will leaves “falling” on the newly stained portion cause any problems (e.g. sticking to the wet surface)?
We applied TWP 1500 to prepped deck 2 days ago, still sticky today. What is the usual drying time?
I have old growth redwood decks w/ cedar rails, I want to maintain them the best I can w/ as natural a look as possible. We love these decks & live on them.
Q: Is there a “natural” or clear stain w/ UV protection for my type of wood. I live in Humboldt Co. (N. CA) near the coast. It’s overcast, rain, fog & 1 deck is south facing for 5-6 hrs of full sun (when it’s out) Thx!
New construction, cedar half log siding, kiln dried to <15% moisture content. # of coats, time before staining? thanks
I have a 5 gallon pail of TWP in my garage waiting to be applied. I want to do deck rails in a solid white and deck surface in cedar tone TWP. I am working alone and the deck surface is about 378 sq ft. on the north side of house, unobstructed exposure to middle tn sun. I am a novice (middle aged woman), deck was pressure washed beginning of Aug. and green is starting to show on boards.
I plan to use a brightener on deck Wednesday after work and stain on Saturday. Questions – do i have to clean the deck again before the brightener? do I do rails or deck surface first? Since the deck surface is so large, what is best way for me to apply (brush, roller, pad, garden sprayer) and if I do wet on wet, can I walk on wet to do two coats, or do two coats a section at a time? How long do I have to keep off the deck? Primarily concerned with how long I have to keep the dog off of it – he weighs about 40 – 45 lbs.
If you Stain wet on wet, where do you stand when you do the second coat? YOu will have to step on the stain that you just put on within the last 30 minutes. Can you walk on the deck before it is dry in order to stain the second coat?
Can I put a single coat of TWP Clear 1500 on over a VERY well cleaned deck railing (only) having very little original Superdeck stain left on it; its been on for ~ 7 years…the original treated pine wood is in very good conditon.
Just applied 5gallons of 1500 cedar tone ,mixed and stirred well .looks great , except for the area of the deck that was in direct sun when applied . That area formed spots that look like polka dots ,within minutes .when I re-rolled the area they appeared again ,only in the sun . Why and how do I remedy and prevent as I have another deck to do
Thanks
Randy
I just sanded down the boaedwalk to the dock which was stained with flood cedar. It is only 2 years old but what are the procedues to follow putting down the 1500 on the bare wood?? I really want to stain it sooner vs later but want your imput on sanded wood>>
I applied TWP 1500 stain yesterday to a very large pressure treated deck that had been properly cleaned, etc prior to application. I have been careful to watch the weather and their was no chance of rain in the forecast but about 2 hours after my second coat it started storming and rained for quite a few hours. Today I have quite a few puddles and some look a bit oily, which I assume is just stain that didn’t penetrate before it rained? Is this staining completely sabotaged now? I have read in prior posts to just let it dry and not try to wipe up the puddles. Will this just not last as long as it should now or??
Last November I had my log sided home stained with TWP. This was done in 2001 when we built and again in ’08 and lastly in Nov of ’12. The weather had been cold. Some nights below freezing. I questioned whether they could apply the stain when the temps were in the 40’s and they assured me that was OK. The house was pressure washed several days prior to stain application,This spring I put in some grass seed and was watering with an oscillating sprinkler. Water did hit the house and run down the side. (Not a high pressure water.) Now the stain is obviously washing away. The knots are white. I cannot understand how a product that is supposed to stand up to water could wash away as this has. Any thoughts?
I have a PT deck that I prepped with RAD step 1&2 and I can’t get it stained bec it has rained since I prepped it. My question is how long can I wait before my prep is no longer good? Also once I get it dried out can I cover the wood with a tarp? Can I cover the newly stained deck with a tarp so rain won’t mess it up?
I stained my deck 8 days ago with TWP 1500 Cedartone. The railing and spindles turned out much darker then the decking. Can I put another coat on the decking right now to make it darker? If so, how long after the initial application can this be done? Thanks for your assistance.