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
Should I use cleaner and brightener on a deck stained with TPW three years ago?
Or do I only need to use the cleaner?
Both.
Have Used TWP Stain on our San Antonio Tx deck 2 times. The Sun and severe heat was very hard on it this past summer .. Using past instructions from TWP we have hand sanded with a High power hand sander. Bought the Restore-A-Deck kit… Can we just use the Cleaner ? or would it be beneficial to do the Brightener as well.
how long does it take for stain to cure.
About 24-48 hours for full cure but that can vary based on the thickness of the application and temps.
I need a wood preservative for outdoor furniture and would like to maintain the natural wood look (minimum color change from the preservative). What product do you suggest I use?
The TWP 1515 Honeytone color.
Does 1515 have the same UV and other protections as 1530 Natural?
Thanks!
Yes.
testing comments
reply to comments
I need to talk with a technical advisor on a clear coat to go over semi-solid TWP.
Please call 770-617-6093
You cannot add a clear coat or any coating over the top of the TWP stains. It will peel if you do this.
Hi, I live in Southern California pretty close to the beaches, installing a pergola with western red cedar. I’m looking for the best stain available with UV protection. Also, I’m going with a Spanish mission look and need a very dark brown stain.
See here about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You would want the 1500 Series in Dark Oak or Black Walnut.
If only one side of a cedar fence was stained w/ twp100 this summer will there be any issues or things to be aware of in the meantime or when the other side eventually gets stained probably early next summer? And will a previously opened and resealed 5gal pail of twp100 survive 10-12 months in storage?
Yes, the cleaner and the stain can bleed through to the other side, causing discoloration. No way to prevent this. When doing a fence, you should always do both sides at once.
Unfortunately I can only control when my side of the shared fence gets done, not the neighbor’s. So I’m basically asking these questions for him. You said there’s no way to prevent the bleed through and discoloration, so is there a way to limit it? And will a previously opened and resealed 5gal pail of twp100 survive 10-12 months in storage??
No, that is not any way to prevent it. Shelf life info:
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Not prevent, limit. Is there any way to limit (minimize, reduce, lessen, decrease) bleed through? Like don’t slop it on or being careful around edges and knots etc.?
What stain would recommend for use on a mahogany deck to enhance the mahogany natural color but also protect the deck from the environment.
The TWP 1530 Natural.
What color would you recommend to match this original teak stain color? I stripped a section using RAD and tried rustic but it was way too red.
Maybe Pecan or Dark Oak. FYI, you can mix colors.
I have used the Restore cleaner and Brightener kit on my deck. The pictures show the brightener after 24 hrs of drying. I have enough product left for a second application of brightener. Do the pictures indicate a need for a second application of brightener?
No need.
Good news. Thanks for the quick response
I have 15 year old vertical teak siding on my building that I want to stain using TWP 1500. We are going to strip the previous duck back stain using RAD and then brighten. When I apply the 1500 using a pump sprayer do I need to back roll using stain pads? If so do I do it after the first coat or the second wet on wet coat? Or both?
We would spray on your first coat and then use a stain pad or brush to apply your second wet on wet coat.
Thank you. How long would you wait between the first coat and the second? 30 min?
20-40 is normal.
Can I apply a clear exterior coating over TWP when it dries??
No, you cannot top coat over a deck stain. It would peel if you did.
Hello!
We live in Minnesota and used the TWP 1500 stain on the posts of a gazebo. I was wondering if you would recommend a sealant on top of it to allow it to last longer and survive the harsh weather, and if so, which product would you recommend? Thank you very much!
No, you cannot top coat over the TWP. It would peel if you did.
We are having our redwood deck refinished and are choosing a stain. We love the bright and natural color of the wood.
We live in CA Bay Area. Lots of sun exposure.
The samples in the photo just went on:
On left is 50-50 mix of 1530 natural + 205 california cedar (our guy said this will last longer between applications than 1500 series by itself)
On right is 1530 natural
It’s hard to tell how dark the stains will be. We don’t want the stain to be too dark and cover up the natural wood tones too much. He said these will dry much lighter and look great. Any suggestions?
Don’t mix series. Use the 1500 Series. Honeytone is the lightest color and is lighter than Natural.
I have a treated wood privacy fence/screen on my Trex deck in place of a standard railing. The wood has been up for the summer and is now seasoned. I want to prep it for stain. If I use the Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener on the treated wood privacy screen it is going to drip onto the Trex deck and will wash over it when I rense it off the treated privacy screen. Will the Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener damage the finish of my Trex composite decking?
You need both the Cleaner and the Brightener. The brighener alone does not prep the wood. It should not harm the Trex.
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Meaning the cleaner and brightener should not harm the deck?
Correct.
I over-applied in some areas. Now, when I walk on those surfaces, the stain will lift off and stick to my shoes. What’s the best way to clean those areas?
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Stain dripped down back of neighbors cement retaining wall. How can I fix
Try a graffiti remover stripper in the paint aisle.
In the summer of 2021 I installed a new redwood deck on the north side of my house. The following summer (2022) I stained the deck with TWP stain. After a wet winter, this spring I noticed black streaks and blotches on some of the redwood boards (see attached photo) which persisted through the summer and into fall. Is this mold or mildew? If so, how should I remove it? My guess would be to use RAD Guard, but I wanted to be sure. Thanks for your help.
It is either dirt or mildew. The deck will need to be redone next spring so use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep and then recoat. You can always use the RAD Guard after.
The companies “Cali Bamboo” and “Forever Bamboo” sell a TWP product that is listed as the TWP 300 series which costs about twice as much as the TWP 1500. As you don’t seem to have a TWP 300 on your website I’m wondering what, if anything, makes the TWP 300 a better choice for a bamboo fence.
Only the TWP 300 will work fo bamboo. None of the other series will.
We have used twp cedar on our cedar sided cabin. But that was at least 8 years ago. I just bought 5 gallons of twp 100 clear. Do you have an additive to change the color to cedar for some sun protection or will clear work ok?
No, we do not offer additives nor can you tint the clear. Teh Clear offers no UV protection from graying. You need a tinted color for the UV protection.
Can you mix a can of cedar tint with the clear Twp 100 ?
Our cedar has a cedar tint now on it so it has turned dark brown.
Will that color fade with only a clear coat?
Yes, you can mix it but the issue is you need to prep the siding first. This means your current color will not be the same but much lighter or even possibly fully removed after the prep. You will need the full cedar color tint for proper protection. Also, you cannot apply the clear over a tinted TWP color.
To prep, use the Gemini Restore kit and pressure washing on all siding.
What is the best way to maintain your deck in the spring after winter. Do you use a cleaner and power wash it? And what’s the best cleaner to use.
Best to use warm water and some dish soap. You do not want a regular deck cleaner as it could remove the stain.
Hi, I bought a shed last year in March. I had the builder use TWP total wood preservative to stain the doors. (Rough plywood) in Dark Oak. I’m thinking the doors need another coat or 2. I can see bare wood showing through in places. How do I apply another coat? Thanks.
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and then apply 2 loght coats wet on wet.
Do you mean the Gemini deck restore product?
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Hello TWP. I’m adding steps to my existing deck (which has been stained with your 1500 series Dark Walnut). The stair stringers will be custom cut from a fresh pressure treated 2×12 lumber. Such lumber is quite “wet” as stocked by Lowes in our area in Maryland. I’m told that the fresh cut (open face) of the stair stringers should be treated before installing the treads. Obviously I won’t be able to allow the stringers to season (dry) before installing the treads. Should I just go ahead and apply the 1500 series stain to the fresh cut stringers anyway? I figure this is better than not treating them at all. Do you recommend any prep before I do this? Any comments or advice? Thanks
No need to stain the unexposed stringers. Only stain the exposed wood after proper weathering and prep:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I need to resurface a 20 year old clear cedar siding house withTWP stain in CA. It was last coated 3 years ago and areas are absorbing water. The house has had 1 coat of Cabot and lately 2 coats of TWP in its life. Do you recommend TWP 1500 or 200? I am getting conflicting advice.
The TWP 1500 Series.
We just stained our new Pine wood deck with Natural 1530 and it has come out too orange. Can we put another coat of a browner stain like Pecan or Rustic to make it more brown without making it too dark?
I’m sorry but unfortunately, you won’t be able to add more coats. TWP cannot be over-applied as it will have issues curing and drying. You would have to remove it first if you want to change color.
Thank you for the response. Are we able to apply a darker color when we have to re-stain the deck in the future?
Strip and brighten for prep when changing colors.
Hello I have 1501 Cedartone and was only able to apply 1 coat to a little more then half of the deck boards before having to stop due to an unrelated emergency. My plan was to apply 2 coats as these are 10 year old pressure treated pine. Can I simply sand the boards that having the single coat using 220 and apply a second coat on top?
No. Second coats need to be applied wet on wet. You cannot add another coat until next year and you need to clean and brighten for prep, not sand.
Thanks. Is it necessary to wait 1 year? Can I just clean/brighten and reapply today? Or do I need to start over completely by stripping + clean/brighten again?
You would have to strip and brighten if you want to do it now.
I used TWP 1520 stain last year (2022) on a woodbench. I would like to give it another coat. How would I prepare the wood?
Prep with the Gemini Restore kit.
On your advice, I am purchasing and stripper and all additives to tackle the stain that I have yet to succeed in removing. HOwever, it is OCtober in Wisconsin and I doubt that the time will permit me to restain with the 1500 before the temp falls below 40 at night. Is leaving the cedar siding clean but un stained until spring bad for the cedar siding?
It will be fine but you will need to redo the prep in the Spring.
I have a customer who has this cedar deck that was originally stained with TWP. I am cleaning and restaining the deck for them, but they do not have the old stain bucket for reference. Does it have to be the same series for it to match? Also, can you advise on what color this may be and what series should be used to for restaining?
Strip and brighten for prep to be sure as you cannot assume it will adhere if you do not. Looks like Dark Oak. Use the 1500 series.
I’m planning on staining my new (~6 months old) treated pine deck with a TWP 1500 series stain, hoping to get it done before winter sets in, but may or may not get a good weather window. How many dry, warm days do I really need to make sure the stain doesn’t get ruined while drying? How soon after coating can it be rained on?
12-24 hours after applying to dry.
How can I change my recent order? I have ordered many times in the past and usually it is a little cheaper to buy the five gallon bucket versus five one gallon buckets but this time it works out to be the same price. I ordered a five (5) gallon bucket of the twp series 100 cedar-tone and would rather order five separate one (1) gallon buckets of the twp series 100 cedar-tone for storage purposes. Please advise how to make this change ASAP.
Anthony O. Strickland
The price is not the same. 5-gallons ship free while 5 single gallons do not. To ship 5 single gallons gallons to NC, you are looking at around $40 additional. If you would like to do this, then reply back to your order email. We will email you as well.
Following up – is it safe to leave stripper on until spring? I doubt it, but thought I would ask.
No.
In preparation for TWP 1500, this cedar siding has been stripped three times. While a lot of the old stain has been removed, as you can see, some remains. I can get the names of the products used by the company (probably sherwin Williams) but they claim it is their strongest stuff. What do I need to do to get it in shape to apply your product?
Use our stripper and brightener kits:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
With both additives for the stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Let dwell for 30-45 minutes and then pressure wash off. Do the stripping in sections of a couple hundred of sq feet at a time. Top to bottom.
Whick TWP stain would you recommend for refinishing a teak table and chair outdoor dining set? Previously used a product designed for marine use, but still get mildew over winter & spring and thinking of trying something new & hopefully better.
The TWP 100 or 1500 Series. Just one coat for teak wood. Make sure to remove the old coating fully.
I live in Illinois and had a new cedar deck installed a few weeks ago. The decking company recommended using your product and said they can stain the deck now without waiting. But from what I’ve read the deck needs at least 4 months before using your product. I’m nervous going through a Chicago winter without the protection staining provides but also don’t want it to be ineffective if applied too early. I’d appreciate your advice.
They are incorrect. You must weather and prep in the Spring. It will be fine.
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Spring it is. Thanks so much for the quick reply.
Welcome. Let us know if you have any questions in the Spring.
What is the difference between TWP Wood Preservative and TWP Wood Protectant? We used the wood preservative 103 Dark Oak a few years ago. We need to restain and I can only find the wood protectant locally in zip code 63069.
They are the same.
I have prepared the screened in porch and deck with the products you recommend and am ready to stain. I am wondering about the white sealant the contractor used in joints. What will happen when I apply the 1500 stain?
You cannot stain over caulk. It will not take. Stain around it.
Hello, I have a newly installed redwood fence and I would like to have it treated with TWP 200 series semi transparent stain in the color Russet. I live in Los Altos, California. Can you tell me where I can find this product near me?
Hi, we sell online only as a TWP dealer. See here to buy: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
Hi, is your stain available anywhere retail? We live in zip 92024. Also is there a guideline for how much a 1 gallon will cover? We have a third party that does our deck so am just buying for a sit wall and a couple of chairs and touch up. Thank you!
We sell online only as a TWP dealer. You need the TWP 1500 Series for CA. Coverage and info on this link:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-1-gallon
I had someone strip and restain my deck. They pressure washed and used TWP Total Wood Protectant, but did not do any other prep. They used dark oak and it is the wrong color, wanted black walnut. How do I fix this and how long do I need to wait?
Remove all and start over with this kit.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We have a cedar deck and use TWP. love it. But cedar railing has Sikkens on it. Can I stain over the Sikkens?
No, you have to fully remove the Sikkens first.
I have a new deck that I need to stain for the first time. Our previous deck had a lot of damage due to carpenter bees and I want to do everything to protect this new deck from my pollinating friends.
Is it safe to use an additive like NBS-30 in TWP 1500 stain?
Use this: https://www.twpstain.com/bug-juice-insecticide
I have an older redwood deck that we have maintained fairly well over the years but with a different product that required annual treatment. We let it weather for the pasts 2+ years and have now power washed, treated with the TWP prep product, sanded and now have applied 2 coats of TWP 116 wet on wet per instructions. It has cured for almost 2 weeks and looks great. But I am considering applying a third coat (wet on dry) to darken the deck a bit more and to add to the protection going into winter. I tested a third application on a very small portion of the deck and soaked in with no puddling or shiny spots. Would it be OK to apply a third coat of TWP 116 at this point (wet on dry)? Is there any benefit (other than adding to the color richness)? Or would this 3rd coat harm the effectiveness of the first 2 coats in any way?
You cannot add a third coat and you cannot add wet on dry. More is not better. Leave it as is.
OK. Thank you for a quick and definitive response! Awesome customer service. I’ll leave it as is, which looks really good actually, and will re-evaluate in the spring.
I use series 100 rustic on my deck. Was thinking of semi solid on siding. Was wondering what color best matches the rustic?
Since the final colors vary based on wood type and age of the wood, there cannot be a matching color between a semi-transparent and a semi-solid.
Just bought a 5-gallon pail of 1502. Found an unopened 1-gallon of 1502 that is 5+ years old.
Could I mix the old and new if I find that the 5-gallon comes up a bit short for what I need to stain?
That is to say, can I mix them without causing a problem with color consistency and overall protection?
Hard to say as the shelf life is about 3 years, not 5+ years.
The restore cleaner and brightener advises that the product should not dry on metal or glass. The balusters on the deck I am staining are black aluminum. The posts and rails are cedar. Do I need to cover the balusters or can any solutions that gets on the balusters simply be rinsed off when rinsing the deck after the brightener?
Prewet and rinse any over spray should work but always test a spot first.
I have been using Superdeck every 3 years on my deck for years. As you probably know Superdeck was acquired by Sheman Williams and the formula changed into something inferior. Can I use TWP on top of Superdeck that is 3 years old?
No. You have to remove the Super Deck. Strip and brighten.
My redwood deck/porch in California is about 18 months old and has never been stained/sealed. I’d like to do that. It definitely needs to be cleaned prior.. I dont know that it’d need to be brightened (?) before staining, not sure what warrants that. Sap and such was bleeding out of some parts. Note the almost “black” looking handrails as those probably get the most sun. Lots of afternoon sun on this porch. Also not sure about 100 series vs 1500 series. Any advice? Thanks!
Clean and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
You need the 1500 Series for CA.
Thank you. and I assume probably no need to sand being so new with no prior stain?
Also, can you confirm that using a pump sprayer is preferred method to do the cleaner and stain? From what I gather, spray cleaner then use power washer. Havent read brigthener instructions yet but will follow. Then stain with sprayer followed by a brush? and apply another coat shortly after?
Hope I have that right 🙂
Typically not needed to sand. Your steps are correct ✅
Sirs,
I would like to mix a couple or several of your 1500 series stains. Trying to achieve a more rustic lighter walnut/oak tone. Would a mix of pecan and black walnut work. Or cedar tone with dark and rustic oak. The deck is 8 months old and I’d treated 2×6 pine. Pictures would be great. Thanks
You will have to test this on your wood as the final color will vary based on wood type and the age of the wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit