Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project for 2023!
TWP is an advanced wood preservative/protectant registered by the EPA. Performance and longevity can vary though depending on the wood type, how the wood is prepped, the age of wood, and how the TWP is applied. We want everyone who has decided to use TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series to have the best possible results.
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
I applied 1 coat of the 101 Cedartone pro series 24 hrs ago. Am I able to apply a second coat? If so, how long do I need to wait?
No. Needs to be wet on wet if doing two coats. Best to lightly clean and apply another coat next Spring if needed.
I stained my screened in porch a few years ago with TWO 100 Honeytone. Now I need to re-stain. I wanto to use rustic this time. Which prep kit should I use for this. Also, there are a few grease spots from grill spatters. With the prep kit remove those or will I need something additional?
Strip and brighten for prep since you are switching colors: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Does RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper completely remove Behr Solid Stain?
Yes, if done correctly. Make sure to do a test spot first and follow directions.
I totally ruined the lid to my 5 gallon bucket trying to open it yesterday and I have probably 3 gallons left over. Can you recommend something to store this in to use in 12 months when I do the second coat? Thanks
Best would be to go to home depot or lowes and get some empty single gallons to store the stain in. This way it is 100% sealed.
Metal cans like paint or plastic ones? Or does it matter?
Metal would be best.
Picture of Driftwood semi Solid..
Looks great! Almost like a composite deck but better!
Could you please post these on the semi-solid order page as well?
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-5-gallon-detail
I stained my deck yesterday, God was good & the weather was perfect! I used the semi solid “driftwood” and I absolutely love the color, even though it looks nothing like the chart but I did order a sample so I knew what I was getting and I love the color. The chart makes it look like a tan, but this bad boy is gray with a hint of brown and I love it. I was needing a color to match my dirt when dry because I have a dog, that is on this deck more than I am, and she can be a muddy mess, the mud is still there but you just can’t see it with this color which brings me to my question. How long should I keep the muddy dog off the deck? (I tried to add pictures but they don’t seem to be ‘attaching” lol)
Give it a few days for full cure. Might want to enter our contest?
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-stain-2023-contest-win-cash
I have installed an untreated pine half log siding to my cabin. I want to keep the natural color. What product would I go to for the most protection. My place is in east central Missouri so we have hot summers and cold winters.
It is not possible to retain the natural look. You must use a tinted color to prevent UV graying. It would be best to test some samples. Try the TWP 1500 Series. https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hello, I applied TWP 100 cedar tome to the horizontal deck boards 2 coats wet on wet yesterday. The wood is old and very absorbent. I would have applied a 3rd coat, due to how quickly it was absorbed, but had limited stain on hand. Can I apply a 3rd coat today?
No. More is not better. Leave as is.
Will do. Thanks for your prompt response.
my stain is over 1 yr old and formed a semisolid layer on the top of the liquid. Is there any way to salvage this? Mike
No, it has gone bad. The shelf life is 12 months if opened.
Hi, do you have a solid stain?
No, we do not.
I have a new (6 months old) cedar deck that has not been stained.
I purchased and used Gemini Restore-A-Deck and followed both steps on the same day. When I was power washing off the cleaner (step 1), a lot of “pulp” came off my deck. For reference, my deck was very grey/white prior to cleaning. The deck is west facing and gets a lot of sun in the afternoon and has aged under a lot of sun recently.
After step 1, I noticed white areas (pic 1) as if the product wasn’t completely washed off. However, I ran over it multiple passes with the power washer being careful not to hit the deck with too much psi.
The deck dried for about an hour then I used the brightener (step 2). I washed this off with a hose but the white stuff was still noticeable (especially near knots in the wood).
After closer inspection, I believe the deck was “fuzzy” from the amount of pulp that came off. I read that I needed to buff/lightly sand with 60-grit to remove the fuzz. So I sanded it with my orbital and 60-grit. It looked great after this.
However, one day later, after the morning dew, I started getting mold (pic 2 and pic3). It looks like I need to clean and brighten again but this seems like starting all over again.
How do I clean and tighten without getting the white patches and avoiding getting mold from developing long enough to apply the first stain? We get a lot of moisture in the morning and that is when I tend to see the mold develop. There was some on the deck prior to cleaning but not this bad.
Did I perhaps do something wrong with cleaning and brightening? Could this be a mixture thing (too strong or too weak) or time between steps? Does this happen if the cleaner dries on the surface prior to brightening?
Thank you.
Your prep looks good and that is not mold but rust from some of your nails or screws. They should not be doing this. Maybe you sanded off the protective coating. Replace the affected screws and rebrighten the deck. It will remove the rust stains.
Some of the screws did have paint removed when sanding so that is very plausible. Just to be clear, rebrighten (step 2 only) or replace the screws and do both step 1 and step 2 in the Gemini kit?
Thank you.
You need to replace the damaged screws first and then brighten all wood. It is not an either-or. The only way to stop it from coming back is to replace them.
Thank you. I meant to say replace screws first in either scenario. I just wasn’t sure if I needed to go through both steps in the gemini kit (step 1 clean, step 2 brighten). It sounds like just brighten after replace and no need to clean. Thanks again.
Just brighten after.
I purchased 5 gallons of a 1500 series color last year. There was about a gallon or so left in the 5-gallon can. When I recently opened it I found the product was jelled. It is still stirrable, so I am wondering if I can use a mixing paddle with a drill to stir it well to re-liquify it and if adding a little mineral spirits or laquer thinner would help re-liquify it while mixing? I have an additional 2 gallons I purchased this year that are fine.
If I can mix this to make it usable again, I would strain it and clean out the 5-gallon can well then mix everything together before using the product.
Can I do this?
It has gone bad.
Please excuse just two more questions. First, for application of RAD brightener, is wet, damp or dry wood optimal? Second, can I use a spray bottle like one use with applying RAD steps 1 and 2 to apply the stain, or is dipping a pad into a tray preferred for efficient application?
Thanks
Damp wood for brightener. You can use a pump sprayer with the stain but you should back wipe to ensure an even application.
which would be best the 200 series or the 1500 series for 3/4″ rough sawed T1-11 siding in the mountains of WV? I can’t decide.
They would both work equally well in this scenario. If the wood is very dried out, then use the 200 Series.
If a stray shower pops up the day I stain, can I cover the new stain with a tarp? or overnight if a overnight shower is possible? Thanks. (don’t think it will every quit raining here in SE Tex!) 🙁 The deck is covered but the west side catches a lot of blowing rain.
No, do not cover. You need it exposed to dry and cure correctly.
so…what happens if it gets wet while still curing?
It needs 6-12 hours after applying before rain can come. If rain is in forecast, do not apply the TWP.
Can i buy just the fence cleaner, not the kit?
Only comes in the kit.
I will be staining Wed and wondered about back brushing…can you step on the wet stain in order to reach a shiny spot to back brush? Do you just back brush your foot prints? Thanks
Yes, you an step on it but if you do, wipe any shoe steps as well as you back off.
I am staining new pine deck (new last December) next week with semi solid Driftwood. I will prep 3 days before. I want to know how long it needs to “cure” before I can “drag” wrought iron furniture across it. I live alone, so lifting furniture isn’t an option! Thanks
Definitely never drag furniture as it will damage the stain and the wood. No stain will hold up against heavy iron furniture. Maybe get some of those pads or discs that allow the furniture to slide across the surface. The stain does need to cure for a few days.
Guess I should have asked this question before I ordered… all iron furniture has brand new plastic protectors they come with on each foot, but not “slides’ like you can put under inside furniture to move. But…full cure will only take a few days not weeks?
Typically a few days. We would suggest buying some slides.
Will slides work on deck boards? The gap in between won’t screw it up?
Furniture slides are large discs about 6″ around.
My existing twp stained deck is faded, has some signs of mold when wet and needs a good cleaning. Do you recommend pressure washing or just using the cleaner and brightener before a new coat?
You always need to use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for prep when recoating.
Is it better to pressure wash or to scrub with a brush?
Pressure wash.
Hello,
I have a deck with a coat of semi transparent under a coat of sid stain. The solid stain has a texture added.
Planning on replacing weathered boards, using the RAD stripper and a TWP semi transparent stain.
Should I replace wood before or after stripping?
Any additional steps between stripping and staining besides letting deck dry and remove any dry leaves, ect.?
Thanks,
Paul
Do you want to fully remove the solid stain down to the bare wood? Please post some pics.
Hi. I only want to strip the deck to bare wood if I have to.
You have not choice but to remove this sold stain if you want to use the TWP Stains. You will need this stripper and possibly some sanding as well.
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-strippers
Ok great…any additional steps after using the wood stripper? Also, do you recommend replacing boards before or after the deck stripping?
Just make sure it is clean and free of the solid stain. Doesn’t matter when you replace the wood new but you cannot stain new wood right away: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a 3 year old cedar deck, I have only used TWP 100 cedartone on it. It is in a hot area and does get quite a bit of rain. I have to reapply every year. I gets very flaky and peels off, am I doing something incorrectly? Thanks!
I think you have over-applied or have too many coats. Strip and brighten this time so you are down to the bare wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can the TWP Semi-Solid Stain Pro-Series be applied to over a 2 day period or does it need to be applied the same day?
Best to do sam day to avoid overlaps but you can break it up if you have clear stop lines.
I stained my deck with TWP 3-4 years ago. Guessing I need the restore/brightener kit and another series of stain . Attaching a picture for your reference, and would appreciate your recommendation on how to proceed. Also, since we are in mid-May (in Michigan), should I proceed now, or wait until fall? Finally, if you could confirm the amount and shade I ordered last time, I cannot seem to find my prior order information.
Prep with our Gemini Restore Kit and then recoat. Do it now or Fall is okay.
Reside in Ohio. I learned of TWP, but after using Valspar stripper and brightened. Looking at the 1500 series for pool deck in dark walnut. Does this deck appear good enough to stain yet?
Yes, prep looks good.
I am thinking of using TWP Semi-Solid Stain Pro-Series for my new deck that is almost a year old 2 more months, and it will be a year old. Should I wait the 2 months? I do not have any help to apply the stain, if i do not finish applying the stain in one day could i finish it the next day? What is the ideal temperature to apply this stain? I am in Michigan.
You do not need to wait 12 months for the semi-solids. Anywhere between 6-12 is okay. Best to prep first one day and then a few days later apply the stain.
Hello, I have a deck that was recently sanded due to stains that were on it previously. I used the TWP 1500 honeytone stain. The deck looks darker in certain spots and lighter in others. What can I do to correct this?
That is an internal dislocation that was there prior to staining. You cannot fix it with the stain on. You would have to strip and brighen the wood and start over.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I’ve used TWP 100 about every two years to reseal my covered, screened in back porch. It’s time to reseal again, would I be better protecting my pine deck and screened sides using TWP 1500? I have always used the 115 HoneyTone. Would I have more protection with the HoneyTone 1515? Thanks much, Greg
They last the same on a porch so no advantage to switching.
Thank You, response in 20 minutes was great!!!
Hello,
We have applied 1500 to the deck and we have a glossy look in spots which we now now is because too much stain was applied. Right now with a slight rain, the deck is like ice, is that the primary reason?
Once I apply mineral spirts to remove the glossy, should the slickness go away?
Thanks,
Jerry
See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
It really depends on how much it was over-applied.
Id 1Rad stripper safe to use on iron wood?
Yes, make sure to brighten after.
I live in Northern California. Can I purchase TWP Semi Solid Pro Series and have it shipped here? How long will it last without peeling or fading? I want black color. Do you have sales at Memorial Day?
Sorry but no, it is not allowed in CA.
Hello. I want to restain the flooring of my deck due to spotty, uneven, horrible looking original coat. I originally started this project last year on a new deck. The deck had sat 1 full year before applying any stain to it. We used a valspar “1” coat full covering stain and sealer. Obviously from the pictures you can see it looks absolutely horrible. My dad uses y’all’s products and was highly disappointed in me for not taking his advice to use your stains in the first place but…. here we are.. Can you guys direct what I need to do and what products you would suggest me to use at this point? I don’t mind the darkness of the stain because I do not plan to redo railings since they do not look spotty. Thanks!
You will need to remove all before staining with the TWP. Try the Restore a Deck Stripper with both additives and then the brightener after to remove this coating while pressure washing.
I have both 6 month old treated deck boards/stairs/top railings and old deck floor boards (at least 9 years old). Which board should I test a stain sample on?
Since the test stain board will not be prepped beforehand, will this be an accurate reflection of how the color will turn out once the boards are prepped?
Both will come out a different color due to the different ages and densities of the wood. Older will be darker in color than the newer boards.
Should I do 1 coat on my old boards or 2? I recently had the old boards flipped and plan on stripping/brightening them beforehand.
I’m only supposed to do 1 coat on the new boards, right?
Do one coat on all wood this time.
Okay thanks for your help!
I’m trying to provide more protection to a few vintage cabins at a girls’ camp. There are logs and wood shingles. I don’t know what wood they are. Can you help with specifications for proper cleaning and necessary works, and what products to use in each step? Thanks!
Strip and brighten for prep with this while pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain all after with the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
I have an older deck, not sure exactly how old as it was here before I moved in. It was already stained, however the horizontal boards lost their stain pretty dramatically while the vertical rails and area under a roof held up pretty well. I’ve already sanded nearly the entire deck with 40 grit, but the areas between the vertical rails is proving very difficult, if not impossible to sand even with a thin multi-tool sander.
Am I clear to use the Gemini stripper on those difficult areas even if some of the residual falls onto the newly sanded boards?
Also, I plan on going over the horizonal boards and the tops of the verticals with 80 grit to smooth it over a bit as they get more foot/hand traffic and I don’t want to to be super rough. Should I do a single coat of 1500 on that or use the wet on wet process?
Yes, you can strip the rest off. Sand with 80 grit and then use the Gemini Restore kit for prep. Just one coat if stain.
Hi! Working on my 14 yr old pressure treated deck in Northern Michigan. Had used Olympic solid stain that was peeling off.
Have chemically stripped it using sherwin williams product and now working on sanding it down. What are next steps please? Planning to use cape cod gray twp 100 for decking, then thinking about a white solid stain or paint for the trim. Thanks
Use this after the sanding for final prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Is there an additive I can add to twp stains to help control carpenter bees
https://www.twpstain.com/bug-juice-insecticide
What does this mean? Is lightly clean just lightly washing with pressure washer and some soap, let dry and in my case apply one coat of twp 1500?
Depending on how long TWP lasts, you will want to lightly clean the wood surface and apply a maintenance coat of TWP to revitalize your exterior wood surface.
If you are recoating the TWP you will need this for proper prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Do you have suggestions regarding restoring a weathered cedar roof?
The TWP 200 Series. Make sure to prep first.
I purchased the 1500 series, and wanted to know if wet on wet was not done can I go back and add a second coat A day later?
Second question: some of the decking had a glossy look, not sure what caused it? Ideas for correction?
No, second coats need to be wet on wet. It is over applied if glossy:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I have stripped and flipped my deck boards to stain again, I replaced quite a few boards along with all the rails and balusters, so now will wait to stain, hopefully Mid October giving the new wood 5 months to dry. Question is, is it too early to clean and brighten or should I wait till it gets closer to the time I will stain ?
Wait until Fall.
Having an issue w/prior stain removal using RAD stripper. This is after two applications. It seemed to have removed a sealer but most of the solids remain. Suggestions?
You have a “filming” coating on top of your wood. The RAD stripper cannot remove this coating type. You need either the booster and gel additives or the RAD PaintStrip to get this off.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-instructions
What is the lightest stain color in the 100 series? Would like more of a protectant than a color.
Honeytone 115.
What is the best stain for 20 year old cedar log home? We think prior stain was twp but not certain. It’s so faded I don’t think it’s a problem.
You will need to remove the old stain first. Post some pics for prep help. Stain with the TWP 1500 Series after.
Deck is five years old. We had Olympic Elite SemiTransparent stain. It started to peel after only 1 year. We removed the stain, then sanded w orbital sander using 80 grit sandpaper, applied Valspar All In One wood prep cleaner and brightener, and then power washed the deck. Do we still need to do the Gemini deck restore or can we now apply TWP stain? Also we are in northern Illinois. so harsh winters and deck is full sun in summer during the heat of the day. Shade morning and late afternoon evenings. Would the 100 or 1500 series be the best?
You will need to remove teh Valspar. When switching stain brands of semi-transprent, you have to remove the prior stain. Post some pics for prep. You need the 1500 series for IL.
We did not restain the deck. The Valspar was a cleaner and brightener. I mentioned it by brand to see if we still needed to also use the Gemini cleaner and brightener since we already did that. Here is the prep we did
1- Removed old stain
2- Sanded with orbital sander 80 grit
3-cleaned with Valspar cleaner and brightener all in one
4- Power washed the deck
I am not able to send pictures right now but can if they are still required.
Sorry, we misunderstood. You should be good to stain now.
No problem! Appreciate the quick replies! Ordering my samples now – excited to try this product.
I purchased the RAD stripper, brightener and the two additives. We have black hog wire built into the railing. Do we need to cover the hog wire to protect the finish?
We do not think it will harm this.
I have been using your product on my house and Timber fence for 6+ years now and it works great. It’s time to restrain a portion of my fence and I am curious if the 2 gallons that I have in the garage are still good to use. The product appears to be fine, just needs to be mixed well.
Product is: TWP 1503 Dark Oak – Max VOC Formula
The shelf life if opened is 12 months. Unopedn is 2-3 years.
Hello, I need advice please. I have Cedar Shutters (rough sewn) and 2- 10″x10″ cedar posts on the front porch of the house. They are 2 years old and were newly stained with Minwax Semi- Transparent Clear Natural (209) and then sealed with Minwax Helmsman Urethane clear satin. The natural wood was beautiful from the beginning. Unfortunately, the sun has taken a toll on the shutters and only one post the way the sun hits it. I need to try to refinish all of them to try to make them look consistent. So, some of them are in good shape, the others are terrible. I have noticed some minor specks of mold/mildew. How should I get the surface clean and re-stain/seal? I am sure that I cannot sand on these rough planks of wood. I like the natural look of cedar, NOT something that looks orange. I guess toward the brownish tones I like. Maybe the 1501 Cedartone? Is this product oil based or water based? Please see attached photos of new construction and then current. I have shutters and one post that are still in excellent shape for they are not in direct sunlight. The others look totally washed out.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
You will need to remove them first. Strip off with this product:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-strippers
Stain after the TWP 1500. Any color that you like:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
It is oil based.
Trying to figure out witch product of yours to use on my Cedar deck that is 28 years old Always used transparent super deck. Duck back on it that has quit makinging it bought up buy sheriam Williams . I am washing it today with restore cleaner and then brighter. I just replaced a few boards with new hoping to find something that will hold up for a while because at 68 it becoming a real job keeping it up witch one of your products do recommend 100 or 200 or 1500 ???? Thank you
Post some pics in the comments for prep help.
Did you ever get an answer to what recommended product?? I have the same question!
Do you have samples of the TWP 100? I would like to see what it is going to look like before i buy. Thank you.
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Which TWP product would be best for cedar fencing? Looking for something clear but also good UV and mildew protection. Thanks!
Has to be tinted for UV protection. The lightest tint is the Honeytone. Use the TWP 1500 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series