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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 2024!
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
Need to change our Michigan condo association decks from TWP-101 Cedartone to a more VOC compliant stain. Currently we have used transparent and looking to go to semi-transparent. Decks are treated pine, more than 1 year old. Boards were replaced 3 years ago and stained the next year with TWP-101. What would you suggest?
The same color as the 101 Cedartone in the VOC complaint TWP 1500 Series is the 1530 Natural. You would need this for MI. Make sure to prep first.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp1500-5gallon
Forgot to say that I’m re-staining with TWP 120 Series Pecan stain.
Please post some pictures of your prep in the comments.
It was cleaned yesterday so it’s still a bit damp in areas.
You should remove the gray but do not sand as the hinders the stain’s ability to penetrate. Redo the prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I just cleaned my cedar deck with a solution of water and TSP. I then rinsed it off with a power washer. It looks pretty good but there are some areas that have a white/grey haze on it. Would it be better to lightly sand the deck at this point or will a brightener remove the white/grey areas?
Do you recommend staining the underside of deck boards. I have KDAT decking and wondering if I need to stain/spray the underside after installation. I read that staining the underside may trap water/moisture that gets into the screw holes form the top (that would typically drain through the unstained bottom of the deck board). If the underside is stained then the moisture getting into the screw holes after it rains gets trapped in the deck board. Thoughts? My old deck KDAT boards had a lot of mildew on the bottom so I thought that staining the underside may protect from mildew? Should the rim joists be stained after installation? Also, can 200 Series stain be used on horizontal surfaces like deck boards – or only on vertical surfaces. Thank you.
No need to stain the undersides. Staining will not protect from mildew. You could try this:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon
If you use the 200 on horizontals, only apply 1 coat.
Hi, I completely stripped my cedar deck and sanded it back in 2020, then applied 2 coats of TWP1500 (Color 1501 Cedar Tone). It stood up well for 3 years, but this year it has gotten to the point of needing to be restained. I used Defy Wood Cleaner on it, following all directions. I applied it, waited about 20 minutes keeping it damp the entire time, then used a scrub brush on the wood, followed by removing the cleaner with a pressure washer. I followed that, while still wet, with a Defy Wood Brightener for 5 minutes, then power washed that off several times to assure every bit of brightener was rinsed off. But, not all the stain came off (I did not expect it to since it is a cleaner and not a stripper). So, I have boards that have no stain, and others (mostly where the deck is always in the shade of the house), where there still is some to nearly all of the stain intact, but highly weathered. QUESTION: Can I now simply re-stain the entire deck and get a uniform color and correct protection with the same TWP1500 stain in the same color? Or, do I need to strip the deck to get a uniform coverage/color? It was a lot of work to clean and neutralize it, if I have to strip it, then I really just wasted my time and money on the cleaner, and it makes me wonder if the TWP1500 stain is really any better than any other stain since I can’t simply recoat it after only 3 years. I have attached a few photos to show what sections of the deck now look like. Please advise.
Using the Defy prep is most likley why your prep is uneven. To get it even, we would use the RAD Stripper and then the RAD Brightener. You could get away with just doing the flooring and not stripping the rails. In the future, you can clean and recoat but do this with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I don’t want to have to strip completely every time I have to restain. The question is: with the deck looking like it does now, if I apply a new coat of the TWP 1500 stain will it come out looking uniform or not? If not, then the TWP 1500 stain may not be what I want to use as it will always require stripping before it can be re-applied. Isn’t that correct?
Stripping, FYI, is no harder than cleaning, just a deeper clean. In your case, you didn’t prep with the correct products, so it came out a little uneven, especially in the shaded area. If you stain it the way it is not, it may be slightly uneven, but not that much. No, it does not require always stripping when recoating and prepped correctly. 90% or more just clean and recoat. The need to strip typically happens due to uneven fading/wearing or too long between coats.
OK, Thanks. One other quick question. If I use the RAD Stripper and mix up a gallon, will it “keep” OK in the sprayer for up to 8 hours to use a bit at a time during the day? That way I can avoid getting too far ahead of myself in trying to strip a section at a time. It is not always possible to strip when I have cool cloudy days, and I want to assure the stripper stays wet while it works. Then a second question: can I wait until I am completely done stripping to apply the brightener if I re-wet the already finished stripped areas, even if they have dried? I understand I need to completely rinse them very well before allowing them to dry.
The stripper does not have a shelf life once mixed with water. You can use it over multiple days. You can brighten all when done.
How long should I wait to apply stain after using cleaner and brightener?
48 hours.
I applied the 1500 stain, two days ago April 11, but I neglected to wipe off the access in time. There are sticky/tacky spots.
Are there any solutions to remove the sticky spots, any recommendations would be appreciated.
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
We have used TWP1515 Honeytone on our deck for several years along with the Restore a Deck kit but we still have dark areas and some places have little black spots, photos attached. We also tried the R-A-D stripper. Can you give us some advice, please.
In the pictures, it is not stripped. Using the RAD Stripper and Brightener Kit those black spots and the old stain will come off.
what happens if you apply stain below 50 degrees
It may not cure and dry correctly resulting in it being sticky or tacky.
I first stained my deck with TWP100 in 2017 and have been applying a maintenance coat every other year since then…so in 2019 and then 2021 and again in 2023. Between maintenance coats, I have also applied the Gemini restorer and brightener. This year I had planned to strip the stain and reapply the same TWP 100 stain color, Pecan 120.
What stripper product should I use? Please see the attached photos of the deck.
The RAD Stripper and Brightener Kit. You may need the Booster and Gel additives as you have a buildup of coatings.
Which series is the best for staining a deck in North Flori
The 100 or 1500 series.
I have an old deck that I’m considering using the TWP semi-solid on. After a couple years, does the stain fade away and allow for an easy clean and recoat, or does it begin to peel and have to be stripped and completely redone? Is the semi-transparent easier for maintenance? Thanks.
It is a penetrating stain that can be cleaned and recoated as needed. It does not peel.
We have a a southern exposure 2 yr old pressure treated deck in Florida. This is the second stain on the deck. It was cleaned and brightened and then 2 coats of twp100 (wet on wet). It looks great, but seems quite dry like it needs another coat or possibly a sealer? Are sealers ever used over stains? If so, what do you recommend? Also, what can I do to slow down the mold and mildew? We are in a high humidity area. Thanks for your help! Karen
Hi,
No, you cannot add a sealer over the TWP stains. You can clean and reapply another coat. See this for preventing mildew/algae:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon
Does brand new cedar decking still need to dry for 4 months before applying or can the mill glaze be sanded off and then applied?
Yes, please see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do not sand for prep, use the Gemini Restore Kit.
I want to refinish a cedar deck in California? Which TWP product should I use
The TWP 1500 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
How long is the stain good for in an unopened container?
About 12 months.
I’m a little confused on how to properly prepare a deck for application of TWP. Last year we power washed, used Gemini Restore-a-Deck and applied 1500 Clear—first time ever. The wood was mainly old, 2 x 6 CCA salt treated pine (50 yrs.—fortunately we live in the woods with a lot of shade), with some of the rotting boards replaced by newer salt treated pine over the past couple of years.
I am assuming we should power wash again? Assuming yes: Safe Strip, ready-to-use in a power washer OR Gemini Restore-a-Deck combo package of wood and deck cleaner along with deck brightener OR Restore-a-Deck Stripper/Brightener kit? Overkill? Most cost effective?
Last year, 10 gal. of TWP just about covered all my deckboards. However, some of the decking is a dock over a fresh water lake, which the State Department of the Environment can get concerned and testy about chemicals over the water. Was thinking of adding the Bug Juice to the 1500, as we do have sections of the deck with carpenter ants. Counsel? PS: nice product you make.
When recoating, use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep and pressure washing. The Bug Juice can be added and will help to prevent ants.
I stained my new deck last spring with TWP. It is now almost a year later and I am getting ready to stain it again! Do I only need to clean it since I am reapplying the same stain or do I need to clean and brighten over the stain from last year?
Best to clean and brighten.
Hi there!
I purchased TWP 304UV Black Walnut from a bamboo retailer in San Diego California. They didn’t tell me that it doesn’t retain color. Do you have recommendations on a replacement that is a similar color that will retain the color? I know my options in CA are limited. Thanks!
Only the 300 Series can be used on bamboo and it does have UV resistance.
I am looking to stain a deck that is right at a year old. It does not have dirt build up or mold on it yet. I think the twp 100 in cedar tone will work well for this project. Should I plan on applying 1 or 2 coats and will I need to still use the 2 step cleaning process first? Thank you
Yes, use the Gemini prep and 2 light coats applied wet on wet is best.
I can’t find my post from yesterday on this page, but you all replied and said “The blotchiness is part of the wood grain after prep. To fix, you would have to sand it all evenly with 60-80 grit and then recoat.” So, question on that answer… Should it have been prepped and then sanded or sanded, prepped and sanded again? Also, since we have to put the second coat on later in the year, should we sand before doing that, will that work, or will it mess up the 1st coat and make us start all over?
You would sand the wood and then add the 1 coat. No other prep is needed.
You do not need to add another coat until 1-2 years later.
Thanks! So my contractor is just trying to figure out if they did it wrong? Should they have prepped then sanded? Or was it just bad luck that it turned out like that?
They didn’t do anything wrong. It happens when the wood oxidizes and you remove the oxidized wood cells.
Is there a difference in TWP total wood preservative and TWP stain? I have used the TWP 120 Pecan preservative in the past on our cedar siding and was needing to order more but do not see the can/type I used before. Can someone help so I purchase the correct product? See attached picture of previously used product. Thanks
They changed the label. Use the TWP 100 Pro Series. Same color and stain:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
The pro series is semi-solid. I’m thinking what I used before what more clear so the wood grain shows.
No, it’s not. The 100 Pro Series is the same as the 100 series and the colors are semi transparent not semi solid. Follow the link we have you in the prior response.
We added a covered patio to our house 4 months ago. The ceiling is tongue and groove pine. We are looking to preserve the wood. Would TWP be a good fit? If so is one coat sufficient? Since the ceiling is well protected from the elements, how long should we expect the application to last?
Yes, TWP would work well here. 1 coat is enough for this new wood. For a ceiling, you can get 7-10 years.
Can you mix driftwood with a 100 series or 1500 series dark brown (or similar in the semi-solid) to slightly reduce the gray tones in Driftwood semi-solid? How gray is the Driftwood in real life? I am trying to create a gray-brown Restoration Hardware type color.
If you are mixing colors, it has to be mixed within the same Series. ie: 1500 colors can mix with other 1500 colors. Colors vary drastically based on wood type, age of the wood, and UV reflection. We do not custom-mix colors.
I replaced the staircases and 18 boards on my 35-year-old pressure treated deck last spring. The deck was last stained 3 years ago with TWP 1503 dark oak. What is the best stain to use now to blend the new and old wood as much as possible? I live in NJ.
Strip and brighten the stained portions with this:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Clean and brighten the new wood with this:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain all again with the same 1503 unless you want to change color.
Do I need to strip old twp that was applied to a fence 3 years ago?
Are you recoating with the same TWP and color?
Yes. Some places say clean and reapply. Others say use the gemini restore a deck.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing for the prep.
Is TWP Shingle and Vertical Surface Sealant the same product as TWP Shake and Shingle Sealant? I’m looking for 206 Russet Brown
You want the 200 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series
I have a 12 year old cedar deck, finished every 3 years with Duraseal dark walnut stain. Considering twp and wondering if the TwP 1500 dark walnut series warrants the additional cost over the 100?
Thank You,
Joe
The 100 and 1500 last the same. The difference is VOC levels and what is allowed or not allowed in your state.
We stained our cedar fence in Spring 2021 using TWP 1500 (1501), and want to apply the same stain again in a few weeks, once ambient temperatures cooperate. We think we know the correct prep, but can you please confirm? See attached pics…located in Northern NJ. Thank you…
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and light pressure washing.
In 2019 we stripped our 45 yr old pine log home to bare wood using your products. We restained using the 1501 series Cedartone. It turned out great and looked like a new home. It is time to restain. We plan to use the brightener prior to staining. Can we restain using a lighter color such as the 1500 series Honeytone. If we continue to use the cedartone the house will get darker, which we do not want.
You cannot just brighten for prep. Clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing when using the same color.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
If you want to go lighter in color, use the Stripper and Brightener Kit.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can you polyurethane of twp?
No, and never use a poly on outside wood. It will blister and peel creating a huge mess to fix.
Hi. We have a new deck, built July 2023 with pressure treated pine. It has not been stained or treated in any way, waiting for the wood to dry out. Is there a test to see if it’s okay to stain yet? Also, it has words/numbers stamped on it, I am assuming the 100 series cedar tone won’t hide those , so it be sanded to remove them?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
And this about ink stamps: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-the-ink-stamps-from-new-decking/
Okay, thanks. So we didn’t know this, and obviously, didn’t sand it off right away. Should we not attempt to sand it now before staining or should we sand and then wait again?
The stamps might clean off with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing since it has been 9 months. You could try that.
Any advice on how to remove TWP 1500 drips from concrete? They have been dry a few weeks. Just noticed them.
Try a graffiti stripper and pressure washing.
Last year we built a new deck, we used PWT 120 Pro Series Pecan on it an dare quite happy with it. I want to put an additional coat on this spring and am wondering; I dont see a PWT 120 Pro Series listed on your website,is it the same thing as the PWT 100
It is TWP 100 (Pro) Series and the 120 is just the Pecan color. You can order it here:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I restain my Deck with TWP 1501 and really liked the look, but after we had heavy rains the color has changed, is this normal, and will it return to the original color after it dries. If not, what should I do to correct the problem.
Thanks,
Rick
Rick, we responded to you last month about this on the 29th. See below.
“We are not sure what that is. Did you over-apply it or apply a top coat over the TWP? The one railing picture shows distinct lines from an application like a brush or stain pad under the rail and around the tub.”
Is the semi-solid stain more likely to show scratches, compared to TWP 200? The TWP 200 has held up well, but does show scratches in the high traffic areas.
TWP stains are penetrating and do not scratch when prepped and applied correctly. They would only scratch if they have been over-applied and dried on “top” of the wood which is not correct.
You cannot prevent scratches or dents in the actual wood itself.
can you apply a top coat of cetol 23 plus over twp120 ?
No, you cannot top coat over the TWP. It would peel if you did.
What happens if it is only 55 degrees outside and I apply TWP?
It should be fine.
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.