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.
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.
Hello,
I have a PT pine deck that I’ve always used 1501 Cedartone on, cleaning and brightening before each re-application every 2-3 years. After cleaning and brightening this time around (and this could have been the case last time) there are two spots where the previous coat of stain is still intact, one more than the other. My question is, can I stain the deck wet-on-wet, but use a single coat on these two spots so as to blend them in with the remainder of the deck?
No, wet on wet on all. You cannot spot treat with one coat in those areas, it will not look good or blend.
Thank you for the reply. So, I should get satisfactory results staining wet-on-wet in this case?
Better than if you tried to spot treat those areas with one coat.
Would stripping be overkill here?
Would you recommend stripping to or is that overkill?
If you strip and brighten all the floors it will look better and even when you apply: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
My contractor recently stained my deck and parts of the floor boards are still tacky and sticky to the touch. They look shiny and wet compared to other boards that look dry and perfect. This will be the third time staining it within the past 6 years. We’ve always used the same stain every time. We also prepped the deck with TWP products this time so I’m not sure what is going on. Finally, its been 72 hours since applying the stain. This happened last time and we left it alone only to find out that the sticky parts got really dirty with passing time. So I’d like to do something about it before it gets dirty again this time.
What can I do to remove the sticky, wet parts of the deck? I’ve read online that mineral spirits may help take up and spread out the extra stain but I figured I’d ask a TWP expert before trying it.
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
My question regards the “wet on wet” instructions for TWP 1500 stain. You say that the second coat should be applied 30 minutes after the first. Does that mean that it is okay to step or kneel on the area that has gotten the first coat? Or, should I only do as many boards as I can reach without stepping on them to apply the second coat? I’ll be applying the stain using a 6″ stain brush.
You can step on the first coat, just do not step in the second coat: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Might want to use a stain pad on a threaded pole. Much easier for the floors.
Ah. Do you sell the stain pads, as I’m about to place my order for the cleaning kit and stain?
We do. https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
Do you sell the Padco 7″ pad to go with the 7″ pad refill on your website?
Out of stock at the moment.
This is the third 1500 Cedartone stain treatment on my deck. I’ve used the cleaner and brightened and I’m ready to apply the stain. However, it has rained the last two nights and waiting 48 hours before staining and another after staining with no rain isn’t practical. Are either or both of those guidelines flexible? The deck gets good sunshine to help dry.
Thanks.
48 Hours after rain or prep is needed. 12-24 hours after the stain is applied is okay before the rain comes.
I have new pine v-joint wood that is used for ceiling and wall siding on the entryway of my business as well as 14’ ceiling for my outdoor balcony. The wood is newly installed as of 30-40 days ago. Can I pre-condition the wood with anything to help the surface absorb more stain? I read I must wait up to 12 months to stain it. It may fade and weather in that time. What’s the best thing to do to protect this new wood right now even though it still has some moisture in it?
No, you cannot pre-condition the wood before TWP. See here about new wood. you leave it as is until it is weathered: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
After applying TWP 1500 stain, what should you do if it rains unexpectedly within the 48 hour drying time?
Did it rain on it? If so send some pictures after the rainwater dries off.
It has not rained, yet. I applied the stain today at noon, thinking I was clear for 48 hours. However, there is a chance of showers tomorrow morning and agin in the afternoon. Will send photos if it rains and damages the finish.
Can an airless sprayer be used to apply this product? If so, will I need to backbrush?
Yes and yes.
I will be purchasing 6×6 & 6×8 kiln dried Douglas Fir timbers for use in a pergola. Please clarify the process I should take to stain. This link, ( https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/ ) states to let the wood weather for 1-2 months, use your restore kit then stain with one coat of 1500 series. Then I read that I should wait 9 months or so, clean the wood then do a “wet on wet application, ( https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/#more-3447 ). However, the info above, ( https://twpstainhelp.com/how-to-apply-twp-1500-stain/ ), states I can “saturate” the wood on the first coat, and, if absorbed, apply a second coat, wet on wet, to the wood within 30 minutes. Which process should I follow? Lastly, for either process, how often should a maintenance coat be applied? Thanks
Since it is new kiln-dried wood, follow these instructions: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Every couple of years or so is normal.
You mention letting the wood “weather” before applying TWP. Is the same necessary for cedar, or just pine? They are going to be columns and will be under roof (though one side will be subject to afternoon sun).
All new wood has to weather, does not matter the type. https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi, I have a 17yr old cedar deck. I used Olympic maximum waterproofing sealant every 3 years until a few yrs ago when the local store stopped carrying it. They sold me on the Benjamin Moore Arborcoat classic oil finish translucent Natural finish. I’m considering using TWP 1500 series semi transparent stain now. Would a DeckBrite cleaning be sufficient, or must I strip what’s left of the old stain? Thanks!
You will have to strip and brighten for prep. You cannot apply a different stain over the BM without removing it first.
The brace supports are new wood…
If new wood, you will need to weather and prep.
So wait till spring? Then use which products?
In Spring, prep with this first: 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
Is it okay to stain under-deck thick cedar curved brace supports now? We are in NC. There is slight checking and wood appears to be dry enough to absorb.
And, if it rains before I can coat the deck, I assume I need to allow the deck to dry another 48 hours?
Correct.
Can I apply TWP if rain is forecast for the next day ?
Yes but it does need about 12-24 hours to dry before the rain.
I need to stain these boards on the front of my house. I’m not sure where to start. I’ve stained different woods before but nothing like this. I’m in central Texas, and the weather is finally nice enough to work outside.
Prep with this kit to remove the current stain: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I stained my deck as new in late summer 2018. Cleaned and brightened, applied the honeytone as directed, and it turned out good. Attempted to do the maintenance coat yesterday, blew off the deck, washed two days earlier with a detergent/water as suggested. The stain didn’t soak in very well, and still quite wet. Was planning on getting some shop rags to try and soak up excess. Any other suggestions?
We are in NE Ohio, btw. Had a stretch of warm dry weather
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I’m wanting to stain my deck before winter gets here. Is the 50 degree rule for 24 hours or just during application? The nighttime temperatures are starting to dip below 50, but daytime is well above still.
It can drop below 50 at night but not below freezing.
Outstanding! Thank you very much!
I have a new P.T. deck that has sat for 12 months. I just finished using the cleaner and brightener. I saw some where in your articles that the wood should meet a certain moisture content but couldn’t find it again. Can you tell what that moisture content should be before staining? Thank you very much.
Is 24 hour dry time before expecting rain enough time for twp 1500 to set up?
Yes.
How do you clean the dripping from the stain that’s on concrete? And how to clean the stain on the vinyl railing?
Try a graffiti remover cleaner for both areas.
I stained with natural cedar tone three days ago. Did not do wet on wet application as it was discouraged by the dealer I purchased from. Stain went on nice and dark with consistent color but has lightened up considerably on the floor of the deck, so much so that it looks like a different color than the railings. Can I apply a second coat to the floor in a week or two, before a hard Michigan winter? If I need to wait until spring, what would be the prep necessary before applying?
Thank you!
No, leave alone until Spring. Do a light wash to remove dirt and apply a coat then. Just use water.
We built a Redwood deck … let the boards dry for 4 months … stained with TWP 1511 … and we have wonderful results! The color and tone are perfect. One or two years from now we will clean and re-stain. For that future maintenance re-staining, should we use TWP 1511 again … or will the resulting two layers of pigment make the deck color excessively dark? I realize it’s hard to know exact results. Any advice appreciated.
Use the same color and prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. It does not get darker.
I’m going to be applying TWP-1500 in clear over a 14yr old cedar deck that I’ve sanded (some boards were flipped), treated with Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener and will be using a rented floor buffer to get out the fuzzies (I wasn’t able to do the cleaner and brightener in quick succession). I have also replaced a few rotting boards with new cedar that was also cleaned and brightened with the rest of the deck. I’m planning to use the floor buffer this Saturday morning and then applying the TWP in the afternoon. There will be at least 48hrs of dry weather (though the humidity where I am tends to add some moisture to everything overnight) before Saturday. There’s a chance that it may rain Saturday night after applying the stain. Do I need to make sure I have both 48hrs before AND after application? Also, should I apply two coats wet on wet since there are some new boards mixed in?
The goal is to protect the wood but let the UV light make it go naturally grey to match my cedar shingles. I’ve attached pictures from one of the decks.
Thank you!
Dale
Can you apply stain where the deck has sun??
Yes.
Surprised at answer since other TWP info says “no” do not apply in the sun. I was just hoping to get verification and a little more info than I’ve been able to find so far. For example: it’s okay if it’s not going to be in the sun for long ……. or something a little more decisive than “yes”.
A little bit of sun is okay. 90+ degrees and in full sun could create issues with uneven drying but this would vary based on the applicators experience.
I have a 15 year old cedar deck. 4 years ago I stripped it and applied Australian Timber Oil from popular brand. I want to use TWP 1500 (Illinois). Do I need to strip it again and how long can I wait between prep and sealer? I can’t get the 48 hours in one weekend. Thanks
Yes, you have to remove the ATO: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain after 48 hours and within 2 weeks.
Thanks, I also have to replace a few deck boards and they should weather before I twp them. Do you have any suggestions how to go about this as I want to get the twp on soon this fall? Should I replace the boards after and then do the whole thing again in the spring?
Since it a just a few boards, do it all now. Lightly recoat the new boards in the Spring.
I recently applied the 1500 natural series to my cedar log cabin after I stripped the old stain off.
It looks great but is there something I can apply to give it more of a sheen now?
Is there a sealer that could be top coated to give it that shine look?
No, you cannot add anything over the TWP nor can you add a sheen to any outside wood. It will blister and peel.
My contractor added three support posts to my deck today that was stained three weeks ago with TWP 1500. My contractor commented on how good the deck looks and stated that I could stain the new posts in a few days. He was told at the lumber yard that a new process is being used to treat the pine wood (Severe Weather, ground contact general use 6×6 posts). I did wait one year after the deck was constructed before applying stain. Are you aware of any changes of how the new lumber is treated? And what would you recommend? Thanks
No, you cannot stain new wood right away: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
He is incorrect and it doesn’t matter how the wood is treated, it is a porosity issue that needs to be addressed by weathering and prep.
I am about to stain a deck that has new wood (it’s been aged for a year, treated with the Stain-A-Deck, and had a light sand). I understand that I should only apply one coat this year – what is the recommended method for applying the stain? Brush, roller, or pump sprayer? I’m inclined to spray it with a pump sprayer and then brush it out.
You can spray and back brush or stain pad it.
Spray and back brush is the verdict. Thank you!
I have powered washed my 2 year old treated pine deck which still has some gray boards. Should all gray boards be clear before staining twp 1500 semi transparent deck stain. Power wash has left some glaze mill so I will sand prior to staying. What do I do now before applying twp 1500 stain to never stained 2 year old deck. Appreciate quick response as getting deck ready this month to stain
Can 1500 be applied with a roller
Rollers are not the best way to apply the TWP as it is penetrating stain. Best would be a flat exterior stain pad or brush.
Our deck was built in November 2018. We used the Gemini prep kit as per the label directions, power washed between cleaner and brightener, allowed full 48 hour dry time. Applied one coat of TWP1500 in dark oak color using a stain brush. The finish is very uneven and does not look good. What did we do wrong? Will the second coat in 9 mo even out the color?
Another coat next Spring should help even it out. Not sure that you did wrong but the wood did take the stain unevenly. Not a stain or application issue but the wood itself.
Thanks for your reply. I just noticed a white substance on the floor boards in several places. The staining was finished on 7/17 and this started showing within the last 2 days. We had a hard rain yesterday but not much else since the staining was complete. It does not rub off easily. Do you know what this is?
Sap leeching from the wood. Nothing you can do to stop it. Sometimes you can clean it off with lacquer thinner.
Is sap leeching normal? More and more areas are leechng. We supposedly used a premium deck board, but based on your earlier reply about the uneven finish, I wonder if a lower grade wood was used. Thanks so much for your help.
Not really normal but there is not a way to predict it will happen, stop, or prevent it. It is 99% of the time pine wood.