Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project for 2025!
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
Can you apply twp1500 over a existing Behr semi-transparent stain?or twp100?
No, you cannot apply TWP over a different stain brand. The Behr must be removed first.
Is it a mistake to put rock salt on a deck treated with TWP? We used Pro Series 101 cedar tone.
No, that would not be a good idea.
I stained my deck with series 100 cedar tone. natural. Temp was mid 60’s upon application. We got some light rain 9-10 hours after application overnight. I swept the standing water off in the morning. Any concern of the finish being damaged or compromised?
You should be fine and if there was an issue, you would see water spots in the stain.
Hello, I recently stripped my fence (previously stained with TWP 1500 series) with Restore-a-Deck, and then had unexpected storm come in and delay my application of the Brightener and stain (TWP 1500). It may be a week or two before I get a break in the weather (rain and temps). Before moving on the Brightener, should I clean the wood or will the Brightener and pressure washing be sufficient before staining?
The Brightener and pressure washing be sufficient before staining.
I used up about 75-80% of my 5 gallon TWP 1500 bucket. I was careful to keep the lid tight on the bucket in between drawing smaller amounts of stain from the bucket and by now I have fully re-crimped the lid. I bought new pressure treated spindles for my deck and I am planning on letting the wood season over winter after which I will stain the spindles in the spring. Can I keep the bucket in my unheated garage (Chicago suburb so freezing winter temperatures) or should I move it to my basement? And of course the big question: will the stain still be good after a few months? Thanks
It cannot freeze and the shelf life after being opened is around 1 year.
Up to what grit can I prep sand the wood before staining. The wood is new cedar
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You do not sand new wood for prep but clean and brighten for prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Up to what grit can I sand new cedar?
Stained our deck back in March 2024 with the 1st coat and it’s time to put the 2nd coat on. Just sand and apply, correct? Sanding due to ‘furring’ the first time. Also, can’t remember the temperature guidelines. thanks!
Wait until Spring. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit first. Sand lightly after if needed to remove any furring.
I don’t understand, you all told me to wait 6-8 months before putting the 2nd coat on. So I’ve got the people hired and ready, that’s why I was asking about the temperature guidelines. Why now wait till spring?
Waiting until next spring is based on the weather, for the most part, being too cold. You can do it now if you want and the weather cooperates,.
Okay, great, thanks. And the weather has to be above 50 for staining and not drop below 32 correct?
Correct.
Hi, I purchased 2 gallons of pecan stain, I was wondering if I could upgrade that to 5 gallons or if it is too late?
We would need to know ASAP if you want to do this. We would need you to call with a CC info. You can reach us at 866-856-3325.
Hello–
I would like to use TWP semi-solid stain for re-staining my deck. The wood is probably 25 years old or so but in good condition. It was previously stained with Olympic acrylic solid stain, which is almost impossible to remove. We have sanded it down as much as possible, but no stripper, including HD80, seems to work. If we were to cover the wood with TWP, would the stain fail? Much of the wood is now bare, but there is still old stain we can’t remove in the deeper grooves.
Thanks!
You cannot apply any of the TWP stains over a solid stain. The solid stain has to be fully removed. The RAD PaintStrip should help. You can try a sample container to see effectiveness:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-stripper-sample-size
I’m a professional painter based on the Nashville Tennessee. One of my clients has a deck that was stained with TW P 100 and has asked me to recoat the deck with the same product. Regarding ongoing maintenance with TW P100, can I go over this product every three or so years, or does it need to be sanded down to bare wood each time?
Clean and brighten for prep with the Gemini Restore Kit when recoating. No need to strip or sand it off.
I have a milled log structure that has been exposed to the elements for 4 years. It is off grid, and we do not have much water (so power washing would only be possible for a few minutes tops). One railing area has gone gray and suffered, mostly the wood looks still great. How would you recommend we prep for staining?
You do need water for prep. Use the Gemini Restore kit and pressure washing. You may have to bring in a water truck or tank for the water supply.
The other option is to hire a company that does media or corn cob blasting.
Live in Michigan. I have been using TWP 115 and 120 oil stains for years on both cedar siding and southern yellow pine decking. Now that it’s no longer available in Michigan what would you recommend for the next coat? Does the existing stain require stripping?
Use the TWP 1500 Series. It comes in Honeytone and Pecan but the colors are not exactly the same as the 100 Series colors so it would be best to strip and brighten for the prep.
I reviewed this site and another TWP site and some of the info seems conflicting. I just built a privacy fence with arbor above, 3 months ago, using pressure treated posts and cedar fence boards. It still looks new. The arbor part is also a mix of pressure treated and cedar.
I would like to use a light cedar color and coat everything with the same product. This site seems to recommend the1500 series, but the other website (usetwp.com) recommended the 100 series for the same project.
Please advise. (location: central Arkansas)
You can use either the 100 of 1500 Series for Arkansas. See here about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What kind of container can leftover semi-solid stain stored in? I have a couple gallons left in a 5 gallon can that I want to save. Can I use plastic containers or does it have to be metal?
Plastice good. Make sure you close the lid 100% so nothing can evaporate out.
What’s the best way to get drops that leaked under tal off of natural fieldstone walkway?
Try a graffiti remover like Goof Off.
following up on my earlier question: should I use stripper then cleaner then brightener…
yall asked for pics to confirm stripper may not be needed
See attached
thanks!!
prior was:
https://twpstainhelp.com/applying-a-maintenance-coat-of-twp/comment-page-3/#comment-33385
You would use either the cleaner or the stipper, not both. Post some pics for help on which would be best for you. Brightener is last.
For 2 coats applied wet on wet to a fence, you would get about 100-125 sq feet per gallon for both coats.
We would strip and brighten this. It will be easier and give a better overall appearance when you reapply since the old stain had worn unevenly where the water hit it.
what product do you recommend for a cumaru deck?
The TWP Natural Effect:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-natural-effect-impregnating-stain
TWP 1500 series on new weather dried pine pergola, for a 2nd application of the same, new construction pine & cedar, stained with TWP 1500 series in early spring, hopefully, will be the final coat for 5 years. Is the GeminiRestoreADeck cleaner routine the same?
I had good results with Gemini on pergola and front door. Gemini took all the old “stain” off the front door, with a pressure washer, revealing a super nice rustic look stained with the TWP 1520. I want to apply second dressing of stain on the door and pergola.
Thanks and thanks for the great products. Have a great day. ~
Yes, the same.
Excellent. Thanks for the hoped-for info.
Are the 1500 and the 100 series dark oak the same colors?
No, they are very close but not exact.
Greetings –
This deck is two years old.
Last fall we cleaned with gemini kit and then applied one coating of 1501 cedartone.
What should we do this year ?
Gemini kit and then reapply ?
Thanks !
Prep with the Gemini Kit is correct. You can do it this year but you are fine until next year.
👍
Is there a semi-solid color that matches Pecan (1500)?
There are not matchng colors.
I have a gallon can of TWP 1530 natural color, Left is one third of that can. That amount will do my small project. The stain is older and needs to be a little thinner, Can I use a little mineral spirits to thin it? ( i am very experienced with this product and I am certain that a little thinning will accomplish what i need – i just don’t want to use the wrong product for thinning.)
Sorry but no, TWP cannot be thinned.
Do you still provide “mixer” drill wand with 5 gal buckets?
We do not.
How long will 1500 last? Newer Cedar Fence
On a fence, about 3-5 years.
Can I stain part of the floor boards on the deck. let it dry 2 days. rain for 4 days. wait 2 days then finish
We would not suggest this. Do it all at once plus if doing a second coat, it must be applied wet on wet.
6 or 7 years since I last stained my fence with TWP100. Some grey spots where sprinklers hit it, some faded.- about 2000 sq ft. fence of clear cedar and medium 2×2 arbor.
question 1 – do I need to start completely over with strip/brighten?
I used Dark Oak but mixed it with another color – maybe redwood to make it look like slightly lighter oak with a dark redish tint to it – trying for a darker red cedar look if I recall. Can I get a sample of each [dark oak and redwood] to try to mix/match?
Yes, strip and brighten for prep since it has worn unevenly over the years.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
As for samples, see here:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Want to refresh ipe deck stained 2 years ago with TWP 1500. Do you have detailed instructions for cleaning, brightening and restaining with.the same color 1500?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit that we sell for the prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Thanks
My redwood deck has been prepped with Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit and now I am ready to apply the TWP 1500 Series redwood stain. The lately weather has been quite hot here at approximately 100° and I am wondering if there is an upper temperature limit to keep in mind when applying the stain so it does not dry to rapidly. Can you please offer some advice about applying stain when temperatures are high?
90f is the max temp. Maybe apply first thing in the am or later in afternoon to avoid high heat and direct sunlight.
Hello, I have a cedar deck here in Minnesota, and the wood is not new. I’ve applied your 100 series (Cedar tone) to the deck. 1. About how many years should the stain last? 2. Is there anything that can be done after the stain is applied, to lengthen the life of the stain? Thank you.
1. 2-3 years for a deck.
2. No, that is not possible.