We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project!
- TWP is an EPA-registered wood preservative offering exceptional protection for exterior wood surfaces, with performance varying by several factors.
- Proper preparation and application are key to maximizing durability and beauty when using TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series.
- When seeking help, specify your wood structure type, such as a deck, wood siding, or fence.
- Provide the wood species, such as Treated Pine, Cedar, or Redwood, and whether it is new or older than one year.
- Disclose any previous stain brands and types used, such as solid or semi-transparent stains, for tailored application advice.
TWP is a cutting-edge wood preservative and protectant registered by the EPA, designed to provide exceptional protection for exterior wood surfaces. However, its performance and longevity can vary based on several factors, including the type and age of the wood, how well it is prepared, and the application technique used.
To ensure the best possible results with TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series, proper preparation and application are key. Follow recommended guidelines to maximize the durability and beauty of your wood surface, no matter which TWP series you choose.
TWP Stain Tips and Help
When asking questions please give us some information about your wood restoration project:
- What structure is your wood? Examples would be: Deck, Wood Siding, Fence, etc
- What species is the wood? Examples: Treated Pine, Cedar, Redwood, Ipe, etc
- Is the wood new or older than 1 year?
- Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? Please specify brand name and type of stain used: Examples: Solid stain, Semi-Transparent Stain, etc.
- Any additional info that would be useful
Once you supply us with the information, we will able to give you advice as to how to prep your wood and any needed instructions for the TWP application.
Please ask your questions in the comment area.
Thanks
On my newly sanded wood deck I’ve used one coat of Sherwin Williams woodscapes semi-transparent stain. Can I use TWP for a 2nd coat? I wished I had used it for the first coat.
No. You cannot apply TWP over a different stain brand.
Do you have an oil based stain?
All the TWP stains are oil-based beside the Natural Effect stain.
My new deck is one yrs old pine yellow wood. My deck has a light misting of white latex house paint. Should i go with your stripper or the cleaner? I really dont care to sand entire deck. It is about 1000 sq ft.
Use the RAD PaintStrip to remove the paint.
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-stripper-1-gallon
When done, use the Gemini Restore Kit on all wood:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can TWP 105 be used on pressure treated wood? It’s lable indicates cedar.
Thanks for your response.
Yes — TWP 105 is part of the 100 Series, which is made for all types of exterior wood, not just cedar. The cedar shown on the label is just how that color sample is photographed, not a restriction on species. One thing to check: the 100 Series is 550 VOC and isn’t allowed in every state (PA, NY, OH, MD, MI, and a few others), so confirm your state here before ordering: https://www.twpstain.com/voc-states
I stained my deck Friday. This afternoon there are multiple shiny areas. With a little pressure and a dry rag the stain looks to be coming off completely.this particular board definitely got to much stain.
What do I need to do?
That’s over-application — too much stain sitting on the surface instead of soaking in. Wipe the shiny areas down with a rag and mineral spirits to pull off the excess. It’ll continue to dull and cure over the next couple weeks on its own. Saturate any oily rags in water before disposing of them — balled-up oily rags are a fire risk.
Do u use a product like Thompsons water seal over this stain or is it necessary?
No — don’t put Thompson’s or any other sealer over TWP. TWP is a penetrating stain and sealer in one, so a topcoat on top of it will peel. Once the TWP coat has cured, you’re fully protected and nothing else is needed.
I’ve had the pecan twp on my cypress for 10 years, we needed to redo it, so I reached out and bought the recommend products to remove the old twp and applied new twp in clear. Within weeks to a month we had one section begin to turn black and another had what appears to be black mold. Why is this, we are fans and always recommend twp but it is not working well this time. I have two section of a fence that faded really quickly and two thick coats were applied.
That looks like rust, not mold. It can come from bad nails or screws. Do you realize the Clear will gray naturally, as it has no UV protection?
Why is the deck tacky after staining 2 weeks later?
Improper prep and or over application: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
We have an older cedar deck at mountain cabin in CO. Power washed and applied Cabot stain last year.
It was hit by torrential rains and flooding so most of previous stain was washed off and is greying.
What products do you recommend
Also can I get color chart?
You would need to fully remvoe the Cabot first. Add some pics in the comments for prep help with this. After the prep is done, use the TWP 1500 Series for CO.
Our lake house in northern Idaho has not been re-stained for at least 13 years. The home was built in 2005 and has rough-sawn fir board-and-batten siding, along with what we believe are cedar shakes and cedar trim boards. We are the second owners and unfortunately do not know what stain was originally used, although we suspect it was a semi-transparent stain.
The south and west-facing sides of the house (the front) have faded over time, but the wood color remains relatively even with very little graying, tannin staining, or mildew. In contrast, the north and east-facing sides (the lake side) have weathered quite differently. The fir siding has taken on a noticeable orange tone, the cedar shakes have darkened to almost black in some areas from tannin staining, and the trim has faded to an almost white appearance. We do not see any evidence of mildew.
We are considering using the TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid stain because we’d like a finish that will provide longer-lasting color while still allowing the wood grain to show through. Before we proceed, we would appreciate your advice on the proper preparation.
Although the existing stain appears to have largely weathered away, we’re unsure whether the house should be completely stripped before applying a new semi-solid stain, or whether a thorough cleaning and brightening with the Restore-A-Deck two-step cleaner and brightener would be sufficient.
Our goal is to restore the house to a warm, light brown wood tone similar to the color that still exists on the front of the house. We would also appreciate your recommendation on which TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid color would be the best starting point, recognizing that the final appearance will vary depending on the condition and species of the wood. We plan to purchase sample containers and test several colors before staining the entire house.
I’ve attached several photos showing both the front and lake sides of the house. We’d greatly appreciate any recommendations you can provide regarding surface preparation, stain selection, and any other considerations we should keep in mind before starting the project.
You will need to strip and brighen for prep while pressure washing to fully remove the old stain: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Use both stripper additives as well. The booster and the thickening gel, since this is all vertical wood. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
As for colors, that is fully up to you.
I have a new wood top dock installed new last year. I was advised to buy the following products for the job:Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner (1 gallon) — for cleaning the wood and removing dirt, mildew, and weatheringWood Brightener (1 gallon) — to restore the wood color and prepare the surface after cleaningTWP 1500 Series Wood Preservative Sealer — clear penetrating sealer for final protection. I will be applying the deck cleaner (Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner)Scrubbing the dock with a deck brush. Thorough rinsing of all surfaces. Applying the wood brightener after cleaningPreparing the dock for sealing so it is ready for the TWP 1500 Series sealer once the wood has fully dried. I like the natural and dark twp colors. Where can I see how they will look when all this is done?
You want to use this for prep, not the Olympic products:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Use a pressure washer with the prep, much easier than scrubbing.
As for the TWP, best to test samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Photos here:
https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
Hi, I have a 5 year old cedar deck that I initially prepped and stained with RAD’s water based stain. Despite closely following instructions for prepping and staining, the stain pretty much failed immediately and is almost completely worn off the deck now. I’m planning to strip and brighten it using RAD’s products and then stain it with TWP semi-solid low VOC stain. Will I need to do one or two coats of stain? I have 288 sq ft to stain, so wondering how much stain do I need? TWP low VOC semi-solid stain can be shipped to Maine, correct? Thank you!
One coat is good. Yes, choose the low-VOC semi-solid for Maine. About 2-3 gallons
Thanks for the reply!
I would like to prep and refinish my deck with a product that will not peel. Location is northern New York State. The deck gets quite a bit of traffic. It is made with pressure treated lumber. I am not sure what finish was previously used. My assumption is Thompson’s or some other big-box deck stain/sealer. What would be the best method to prep these surfaces? What would be the best stain/finish?
Whatever is on there now (Thompson’s or another big-box product) needs to come off completely before staining — those don’t strip the same as TWP, so use the Stripper & Brightener Kit rather than just the cleaner. Use both stripper additives in the stain stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
Once it’s back to bare wood and dry, go with the TWP 1500 Series — New York is a low-VOC state so the 100 Series isn’t an option there, and the 1500 performs the same. On heavy-traffic pressure-treated decking, plan on 1–2 coats wet on wet depending on how porous the wood is once stripped.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
We have a new PT pine deck built Nov 2025, and are preparing to stain. I have a preference for the semi-solid color Thunderstorm (for the treads and deck, to contrast with white-painted railings.). Is there a technical reason why the Semi-solid would not be suitable for the new pine?
No technical reason — TWP Semi-Solid follows the same prep and application rules as the semi-transparent line, including on new wood. What matters is weathering: new smooth PT pine needs 4–12 months outdoors to lose its mill glaze before any TWP product will penetrate properly, then prep with the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kit. Apply just one coat on new wood and back-wipe any excess after 30 minutes. Thunderstorm will work fine once the wood is ready.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Cedar deck in PNW ~ 30 years old
Questions – time for another maint coat July 2026 (picture is as of July 24th 2026):
Use the RAD stripper kit at full strength: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
This will give a clean, new surface to stain again.
I am getting ready to stain my deck. The stain has been here since early May so I need to mix it, but can’t figure out how to get the lid off. There only appears to be a pour spout
Hello,
Pry up the tabs, take off the lid, mix well!
How long before it is dry enough for walking on?
12-24 hours or not sticky.
I purchased 1500 series black walnut to stain and protect a pressure-treated LVL beam and 6×6 pressure treated posts on a deck project. the frame was built 6 weeks ago and has been drying in the northern california sun. What prep is recommended before staining this type of deck framing?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Can I spray prairie grey 106
Yes.
I applied Benjamin Moore wood luxe translucent water based waterproofing exterior stain one year ago on new pressure treated decking. Although the color is a little darker the wood is cracking a bit .There is no flaking or powdering. It’s like nothing has been applied.
Can I apply your 1500 product over that stain?
No, you must remove it if switching stain brands.
Thanks! How do I remove it? It looks like there’s no finish on it. Do you have a product?
It looks fine for now, and cracks are normal for decking, are not an issue, and cannot be prevented. Leave it until next year and then prep to remove with this and apply the TWP Stain after:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a 2 yr old deck that is pressure treated pine that I would like to stain and seal. Should I use water based sealer or oil based. The deck is in very good condition just needs to be cleaned.
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
TWP 1500 Series for the stain:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I have been using TWP 100 Honeytown color on the logs of my log cabin in the mountains of Arizona. The wood is fairly worn now, and I’m looking for a stain which is a bit less transparent and will provide more of a solid color. What can you recommend? Thank you.
For more color coverage than the 100 Series Honeytone, step up to the TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series — it masks the wood grain about 70–80% and holds color longer, which helps on weathered logs. There’s no exact match between the semi-transparent and semi-solid lines, so order samples to see how it looks on your logs before committing: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Generally speaking- Which color in the pro series? Best matches the honeytone? If aired on the darker side? Thank you for your quick reply.
Super Cedar Gold, Autumn Foliage, or Cedar Chest? Nothing matches exactly.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-5-gallon
I have a 20×20 deck. is it ok to stain 1/2 of the deck one day and finish the other half the next day
You would need to have a very clean break line. Best to do it all at once. The floors in a 400 sq feet deck can be done in an hour.
Good evening,
I have PT pine deck installed around a year ago that has a roof over it. I’m looking to enclose the deck with clear polycarbonate panels making it more of a mud room but will need to install additional boards as support for the panels. Beings the area will then be protected from the elements I was planning on just using standard KD lumber in a hope that I could stain it all at once now. I would use the cleaner/brightener prior to staining but just wanted to double check on the Regular KD lumber. Also after doing the cleaner/brightener how long before I have to stain? Weather in PA is unpredictable at best.
Prep all and stain when you are ready. Since it is more “indoors” it will be okay. Just one coat.
Are the colors of the stains consistent from batch to batch? I have a cabin that will probably take me several years to do and I would rather not store it from year to year.
Colors are varified from batch to batch but, but pigment can settle, so slight color variation can to can is normal — always stir thoroughly before use. Opened stain is only good for about 6–12 months even stored properly, so banking partial cans across a multi-year project isn’t practical anyway; better to buy what you need per section as you get to it. Any minor shade difference blends in once the newer sections weather a bit. Color will vary based on the wood type, the age of the wood, how it is prepped, and how it is applied. It is always best to test samples to see how it will look on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Are you aware if you are trying to purchase on an iPhone you are unable to click on the view cart at the bottom to check out? The iPhone menu pops up when you try to click it due to its placement. Can I call to order?
Thanks for the heads up — we’ll get that looked at. If you can take a screenshot and send to us in the comments, that would be great! In the meantime, try switching to landscape mode.
You’re also welcome to call in your order at 866-856-3325.
Thank you so much! I will try landscape mode!
Thanks, that is your iphone browser doing this, not our website. We cannot replicate that on our end. Which browser and version are you using?
Hello, the issue is you have a safari version that has bug. We added some code to keep it from cutting off. Please refresh your page and try again. Let us know. One other thing about your cart order. 5-Gallon pails ship free, not 5 single gallons. Thanks!
Thank you for all your responses! I used Chat GPT and it told me how to turn off the tool bar on my phone and that allowed me to purchase! I did update my purchase to a 5 gallon bucket! Thank you so much!
You are welcome!
Landscape mode did not work either for me..
Hello,
I would appreciate your advice about preparing and staining new deck (pressure treated pine) by answering my few questions.
I live in Southeastern Virginia. Deck is less than a year old (PT pine bought in mid-Oct. 2025 and deck completed in mid-Jan 2026. Environmental conditions: full sun on deck from 9 am to 2 pm with shade after, high humidity during summers, relatively mild winters with occasional snow, and deck is near trees, but no tree branches extend above it.
1. I’d like to minimize the maintenance while prolonging the life of the new deck. Would the TWP 1500 product be a good choice for my deck, or possibly some other brand of oil-based or water-based stain?
Got couple of estimates from contractors. One recommended Sherwin Williams semi-transparent water-based stain while the other recommended a Sherwin Williams semi-transparent oil-based stain, obviously based on their preference. Don’t want to use this brand based on its low rating on http://www.deckstainhelp.com.
2. Deck will be soft washed prior to staining. Since deck is less than a year old, is it necessary to use a wood brightener product on it prior to staining regardless of the brand used? If recommended, can any wood brightening product be used?
3. How many coats of stain should be applied to my new deck? Should the stain be applied with the wood still damp or when it is completely dry? I’m hiring a contractor to stain the deck so it may be difficult to coordinate applying the stain with wood still damp.
4. Does the color of the stain on new wood tend to be lighter than shown on color swatches?
5. How frequently do you recommend reapplying the stain based on my deck’s environmental conditions?
6. Some areas on the top surface of some railings are slightly rough and already have some wood splitting, and thus, may need to be lightly sanded prior to staining. Should the sanding be done before or after the soft wash cleaning?
Thank you
1. TWP 1500 is a solid choice and works well in Southeastern Virginia.
2. Yes. Even at about 6 months old, clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit before staining. This removes mill glaze and opens the wood for proper penetration regardless of the deck’s age.
3. One coat only on new wood — it isn’t porous enough yet for a second coat. Apply to dry wood (not damp), and wait 48 hours after cleaning/brightening or any rain before staining. Back-wipe any excess that hasn’t soaked in within 30 minutes.
4. Yes, color on new wood typically reads lighter than the swatches since the wood hasn’t opened up yet. Color will vary based on the wood type, the age of the wood, how it is prepped, and how it is applied. It is always best to test samples to see how it will look on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
5. Plan on a light maintenance coat at 9–24 months, and a full recoat (with Restore-A-Deck Kit prep) every 2–3 years for the deck flooring.
6. Do the soft wash first, then sand the rough/splitting spots (no finer than 60–80 grit), then brighten. Order of operations: clean → sand → brighten → stain.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thank you for answering my questions and for the detailed responses.
Thank you,
Hi John,
Ideal application temp is 50-90°F — avoid staining if it’ll drop below 40°F overnight afterward. On the cracks in the new railings: leave them as-is, don’t fill with compound. Wood fillers don’t stain to match and tend to fail in freeze/thaw cycles, and checking/splitting is a normal characteristic of PT wood, not a problem. We don’t maintain a list of local contractors, so we can’t point you to anyone in the 23602 area. If you do find someone experienced with oil-based stains, applying TWP 1500 isn’t much different from Sherwin-Williams or any other oil-based stain: stain pads or brushes (no rollers), similar dry time, and mineral spirits for cleanup.
Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it!
I have a treated pine deck in South Fork , Colorado – sunny in summer and. Cold in winter. Which is better for my deck? TWP 100 or TWP 1500?
TWP 1500 is your only option here — Colorado restricts TWP 100 (550 VOC) due to state VOC regulations, so it can’t be shipped or used there. TWP 1500 (350 VOC) is compliant in all 50 states and performs well across the sun/cold swings you’ll see on that pine deck.