Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project!
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
We have a rear deck about 25 years old, full sun exposure, we live in southern VT. So it’s 20-year-old pressure treated wood in good shape. At one point it was painted, then stripped/sanded, then had Penofin on it for several years, then about 7-8 years ago we switched to Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat solid stain. That has been peeling / hard to maintain, so I want to go with a semi-solid for easier care and maintenance. I’ve sanded the old solid stain off to raw wood. Ordered a sample of your TWP Semi-Solid in Charcoal and like it, Its a good match to old solid color (still there in some spots and in grooves). So before I go ahead and order 5 gallons, I have a few questions: 1. Is this product made for / good on pressure treated wood? 2. If I’ve sanded it down to the base wood, quite clean (except cracks), can I just apply your TWP SemiSolid (Low VOC for VT) without any other pre-treatments?; 3. Is the product pet safe (once dried)?; and finally 4. Do you have any other advice for this project/plan?
-Yes, you can use it on your wood type.
-Clean and brighten after sanding to open up the wood pores. Hopefully, you did not sand finer than 60-80 grit, as sanding too fine can create issues with stain penetration. Only one coat.
-Yes, it fully dries and cures and is pet safe.
-Do not overapply.
Question about second coat after 6 mos.
I stained our new 200s.f. southern white pine deck last Aug with 1500 Pecan, after cleaning and brightening. Last year, the TWP rep recommended another coat this Spring so I bought more. To prep the stained deck for this second coat, I cleaned it with a hose as it didnt get too dirty.
Should I also do a light pressure wash? Is it correct to assume the brightening procedure isn’t needed for a “recently” stained deck? Do the posts and columns need re-staining or just the horizontal boards?
Yes, you can lightly pressure wash rinse. No need to brighten since you have a base coat.
i WANT A 5 GALLON PAIL OF 315 LIGHT CEDAR AND CANT SEE WHERE TO ORDER IT
It is only sold as single gallons and does not come in 5-gallon pails.
We applied TWP 120 Pro series stain to our deck 2 years ago (purchased at Fleet Farm). I’m not sure we prepped the deck correctly – it’s faded and looks worn out. What products do you suggest to prep properly and then we would like to apply TWP semi solid pro stain. The deck is treated pine that is about 7 years old.
Add some pics in the comments.
Here’s the pictures
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I am looking to re-stain the exterior of my home that has rough vertical cedar siding on it.
I stained it about 8 or 9 years ago with TWP 1501 cedartone. I feel that it has held up well, but it is starting to loose some of the color and one wall that is facing north has darkened up a lot.
what should the prep process be for my situation?
If I continue to use TWP 1501 cedartone, will it be the same quality stain that I originally used, or did EPA rules change the formula?
Thanks
Add some pics of the siding in the comments for proper prep help and advice. The TWP 1500 Series formulas are the same and have never changed.
Please see attached photos. Sorry for taking so long, but I had to wait for the sun to be in a certain position.
Thanks for the help
No pics. Make sure the file sizes are not too large.
Sorry that the photos were too large.
Please see newly created photos. Hopefully it works this time.
Thanks
We would suggest using the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Thanks for the advice
We used TWP 1500 Rustic two years ago. Below are the pictures of how it is wearing. Should we be using the stripper/brightener to prepare it for staining this year or can we just used the Gemini cleaning product to prepare for staining?
Strip and brighten would be easiest here.
Should I be concerned about the Restore a Deck Prep getting on my Porch Fiberglass Screens? It will be impossible to prep the wood without the spray getting on the screens.
It should be fine but test spot first and always rinse well while working.
I am staining an old redwood deck in California. Some of the wood is 40+ years old. Some deck boards are 3 to 10 years old as we replaced old boards with new ones. I have been using TWP 100 series semi-transparent stain for the past 20+ years and still have a few gallons left. I need to switch to the 1500 series. How do I do this? Is there a way technically to still use my 3 cans of 100 series with the 1500 series? I know I can’t do this in CA but I also use the product in GA and am curious if they can be used together. I have been using the Rustic color. One year I used Redwood but it was too red for me. The rustic color is also a bit too much red for me so I am open to other color suggestions. My first photo is the color I am trying to achieve but the reds seem to show up even brighter in direct sunlight and over time. Some of the old boards have a pretty good buildup of solids after many years of staining: other newer boards have very little residual solids. I last stained the deck 3 years ago. What kind of prep work should I do? Any staining tips to help even out the difference in solids buildup? The first photo shows the deck 3 years ago right after it was stained with TWP rustic semi transparent stain 100 series. The last photo is about 2 years ago. The other photos are its current condition. The gray boards are the newest boards that have lost all stain color. The vertical underpinning still has lots of residual solids on it. I can send more photos if needed. Thank you for any help. I am super happy with the performance of TWP stains. As I mentioned some of these redwood boards are over 40 years old.
No, you cannot use the 100 and 1500 Series together, and the colors are not the same. No photos were added. Make sure that when adding photos, the file sizes are not too large.
Here are the photos. The first photo is the current condition of the deck boards. The second photo shows the solids buildup on the vertical underpinning. Any tips on prepping to help even out the color? You said the 100 and 1500 series colors are not the same. How do they differ for the Rustic stain color? For example, is rustic 100 more or less red than rustic 1500? Also would it look ok to do an entirely different color like dark oak instead?
You have a buildup of too much stain. You will need to strip it down to the bare wood and start over. Use this kit while pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
with both additives for the stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
Once removed, you can use any color you like. Best to order and test some samples from our website:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
My 600sf 25 yr old cedar deck was repaired with new cedar (20%). It was treated in 2024 with TWP 1500 Honeytone (2 coats) and refreshed in 2025 with one cost of same TWP1500. After repair 12 months ago deck is now 2 colors. I did restrain only new boars 6 months after repair with TWP 1500. Now deck is two colors( see pictures. How do I get deck back to one color? Treated areas seem to be darker than color in 2024, after it TWP treatment. What TWP stain colo should I use? Is sanding required?
No pics.
We stained new douglas fir under our eves with 1 coat TWP 100 in Cedartone in 2019 per your recommendations and want to re-stain with the same thing this summer. I’m attaching photos – there is now some dark discoloration that looks like mildew, and in some places the old stain now appears in places like a translucent film especially on some of the beams. How should I prepare for new TWP 100 Cedartone stain? .
Use our Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for prep.
It will be difficult to keep the restore cleaner and brightener off the paint on the side of our house. Will it damage the paint?
It should not.
We have a 600sf deck. Cedar 25 year/30% replaced with new cedar boards, 6-8 mo old. (picture provided) . Decked located in Hudson Valley of NYS. Prior costuming in soring2024 with TWP 1500 Honeytone prepped using cleaner and brightener after sanding to remove prior product. Want to get colors same for deck. Intent to power wash, use cleaner and brightener after light sanding w/ 60-80 grit.
We would light to lighten color. Prior TWP 1500 Honeytone seemed to darken with age. Can you identify a lighter color? use a lighter 1500 color for my combo old/ new cedar decking. Please recommend the prep process. We are concerned with darker color stain remaining beteeen boards leaving a striped effect.
There is not a lighter color than the Honeytone. You could strip and brighten all to get the wood all even.
I have solid wood exterior garage doors that have been stained with oil based products. Not looking to change the color but want to treat to revitalize and protect from CT weather. If TWP 1500 clear color the right option? If not is there something better? Also, is it applied by brushing on with no wipe off?
You cannot use TWP over prior coatings. You will need to prep and remove the prior coatings first. If you want help with this, please add some pics.
I have a pine log cabin in California that I sanded down years ago and applied redwood color Penofin. Unfortunately the wood darkens and collects dust within a year and I have to prepare the surface every other year. I have TWP 1502 redwood on my deck and it looks the same from year to year in this dry desert climate. Can TWP go over a log surface that once had Penofin on it?
You have to fully strip off the Penofin and then brighten the wood. Once fully removed, you can use the TWP 1500. Add some pics of the current condition for what to strip with.
What smaller container/s would be recommended for storing 100 series leftover from a 5 gal purchase?
Any metal gallon. You can get empty ones at a paint store.
6 yrs ago I used 100 series on 2 sets of barn doors. Used a 50/50 mix of pecan and dark oak. Planning to go back with just dark oak. The stain is wearing in places but not pealing. Pics attached. Bottom pic is m9re accurate on overall color. Which prep products/process hould I use? Also, im guessing 5 gal would too much this time??
No pics were added.
Can I apply a natural weathering product (Sage Restoration LifeTime Wood Treatment – a water based product that “reacts with the natural chemistry of the wood, and it brings out its natural, silvery, aged patina in a short time, without having to wait for nature to take its course.”) on new Cedar posts on a house entry vestibule to give an initial silver grey color before applying the TWP 1500 series clear (no UV protection) product? These posts are both interior and exterior, so the interior area of the posts will not weather grey with only the TWP 1500 clear stain. But the exterior portion would at least have better protection from the elements while continuing to patina. Thank you!
No, that will not work. TWP is a penetrating coating, it cannot be applied over a different coating.
Ok – Just so I’m clear, the LifeTime Wood Treatment is a natural penetrating product like using white vinegar to alter the color of the wood. Still a no go to use TWP 1500 clear on top? Thank you!
Yes, TWP cannot be top-coated over any product.
I applied two coats, wet on wet, and then about 36 hours later, we got an unexpected shower. Would that have harmed the surface? The water beaded up, but then stayed on the surface for quite a while. We went out and swept it off at a certain point. Wondering if a third coat is advisable.
No, it is fine. Do not add more stain.
Old composite decking that I will be sanding with 80 grit. Do I need to sand? Do I need two coats on composite? Seems dense and more in the class of hardwood? I’m going with TWP Semi-Solid Stain Pro-Series as recommended.
One coat is all you need for composite decking. You cannot sand composite decking.
Do you make custom colors white and medium dark gray
We do not.
Hello. We applied Sun frog semi transparent sealer stain to a new redwood deck about 3 yrs ago and would like to restain in a darker color from the TWP semi solid line to better match the rough sawn. Recommendations for stripping, sanding, etc would be appreciated.
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
No need to sand.
can I use 1500 series over 100 series. I am in Michigan and can no longer purchase the 100 series.
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hello. We applied Sun frog semi transparent sealer stain to a new redwood deck about 3 yrs ago and would like to restain in a darker color from the TWP semi solid line to better match the patio overhang rough sawn timbers . Recommendations for stripping, sanding, cleaner, etc would be appreciated.
Hi, The house has TWP 1501 on it. I used vinegar and water at the top of the gable end to remove mildew. where it is grey it also removed the stain so I stopped. All the walls do have mildew on them. I am not sure if using the stripper is necessary. What do you recommend? Stripper then Brightener OR Cleaner then Brightener?
To get this even and to stain evenly, it is best to strip and brighten all the wood.
Ok, Thank you.
If I have moderate mold & mildew should I use a week solution (1 part bleach to 3-4 part water) to kill the mold and mildew before using the RAD stripper => RAD Brightener? I heard the stripper just removes the mold and mildew but does not kill the spores in the wood.
The stripper will kill and remove any mildew or mold.
Is your product only available online and if so how long does it take to ship to an address in California?
We ship online as a TWP dealer. Takes 4-5 business days to CA.
I would like to apply a semi transparent stain to my new cedar boards before they are assembled into a pergola. If I have sanded them and the moisture content is 10-12% is that possible, or do I still need to wait 3-4 months after assembly?
You have to wait and prep correctly. Sanding is not the correct way to prep new wood, as it can make the wood less absorbent.
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a cedar sided home that was previously stained with TWP 1501 cedar tone. It is ready to be cleaned and re stained. What is the process and what are the products I will need? Thank you
Use this for prep before reapplying:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Is It possible to get the light grey color tint in one of your semi-solid stains?
The semi-solid comes in light gray. See product pages: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
I am looking for number 105, Cape Cod Grey.
Is that available in the semi solid?
Thanks
No, but there are colors in the semi-solid that are close.
I applied semi-solid Cabin Fever stain to cedar deck spring 2025. I now want to remove dirt and grime but there is NO mold or mildew. Is the Gemini cleaner and brighter a good choice? Or, another product? Thank you!
No, our prep products should only be used when you are planning to reapply the stain. Just use water and some dish soap.
I put two coats of stain but each location came out in different shades. What’s the best way to remedy for a consistent color? My painter suggested another coat may help on the lighter sections. The wood may very well be different ages which may be the reason. I used the pecan 1500. Thanks
You cannot add more than 2 coats now, as TWP needs to fully penetrate the wood grain. You can lightly clean and apply another coat next Spring.
Thanks. So add another coat next Spring to the lighter sections only? Do you think this is due to different ages of the wood? Here are two additional pics which also show the different shades.
You cannot spot-apply and have it blend, so, for example, the entire lighter staircase would need another coat. Newer wood always stains lighter as it is less absorbent.
Thanks. I imagine each section was built at different times. To confirm, wait a year to restrain the lighter sections? Also, how long does a previously opened 5 gallon bucket last? I need 3 gallons now for a separate area and maybe 2 gallons next spring to restain the lighter wood so trying to decide to order a 5 gallon now. Thanks
Opened, it lasts 9-12 months at most. It cannot freze.
Also, does it matter if the stain was just done yesterday?
Have a cedar deck with cedar slate fence. Has been stained 2 times with Sherwin Williams (Columbia) wood tech semi transparent oil alkyd up stain cedartone for color.
What series do you recommend and prep help.
Thanks in advance
Kent
You have to fully remove the SW stain. Can you add some pics in the comments for prep help? For the stain, look at the TWP 1500 Series.
Also plan on Darker stain..dark oak or something similar. Thanks again…it’s dirty not much spring here yet
It looks like you have multiple layers, so this may not be an easy strip. Look at this kit while pressure washing: twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
With both additives for the stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
New redwood deck
Horizontal – 925 sq ft
Vertical – 475 sq ft
Total – 1400 sq ft
My deck was built (replaced) in the fall of 2024. The deck was left unstained until Jun 2025. I did the prep (clean & brighten) using Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kits. My plan was to do a “wet on wet” application but those who did the work did not understand the process and just applied single coat of the product (3 gallons for 1400 sq ft TWP 1520). I am planning on applying the same product soon (TWP 1520 / April 2026) after doing the cleaner/pressure wash and brightening process. What would most likely be the best stain application process (wet on wet or just another coat)?
Just one coat should work since you have a base coat. With the Gemini Step 1 Cleaner, use at half strength or about 3-4 ounces per gallon of water. You really just want to remove the dirt.
I have a wooden swingset play house combination purchased from Costco 3 years ago.
The factory applied redwood type stain is showing bare wood underneath due to sun, rain etc in Nebraska weather. I believe this is most likely pressure treated wood.
I’d like to remove the reddish stain that is failing and replace it with something that is clear or more of a natural cedar tone or bare wood look that has better water resistance and will not show the wear as much.
I do not want the swingset to be gray in color by doing nothing. I’m willing to refresh the finish every couple of years.
My question is how to remove the reddish stain that is on it now? Do I have to sand this off before doing anything? Or can I use a pressure washer with chemicals? Should I expect to sand it after the power wash or before?
What type of TWP products should I use to achieve my goal in cleaning it and protecting it afterwards? Thanks, Barb
Grandma of 3 that love being outside.
Please add some pics in the comments for prep help.
The swing set company, called Gorilla, online states that the lumber is cedar, if so I was wrong assuming it was pressure treated.
Here are pictures
Use this kit while lightly pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
You do not need to power sand, but you may need to hand-sand if there are any splinters. Do this if needed after the prep and before the stain.
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series after prep is done.
I have a 20 year old original deck and stairs made from trex. I want to apply the earth colored TWP semi solid pro series stain but wanted to know if I need any additional primer or other application before I apply the stain. I need one gallon as I have only 52 square feet.Finally, can I buy what I need from you directly.
No, you cannot apply primer before using any TWP stain. You can buy it on this link:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Long time user of your excellent product. I had to some touch up under a railing, the finish on either side of the touch up area is now shiny, any remedy for removing the shine? Thanks
That is over-application due to not prepping correctly, and or applying too much. Tips here:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I have TWP 100 stain (Pecan) on my deck. I cleaned my deck and brightened it with Restore-A-Deck. Still some old stain on the boards. Can I apply TWP 100 Pecan stain over this or do you recommend something else?
You should be good to stain.
I cleaned my deck on Friday afternoon, but waited to apply the stain today. It’s been in the sun for the last two day and some parts are already starting to grey. Am I still good to go or should I clean/brighten it agin?
You are good to stain.
I was hoping to strip my deck today, but I didn’t realize I don’t have deck brightener. Can I strip it today, and after the brightener gets here in a few days, re-wet it and apply brightener then?
You can but it is not ideal.
Ok, thank you. That’s what I was afraid of.
Which stain would you recommend for barn siding, T111 plywood that has never been stained, the siding is in good shape and approximately 20 years old.
Add some pics for prep advice in the comments. Look at the 1500 Series.
See attached
Use our Gemini Restore kit while pressure washing.
Hi we have a deck with pressure treated pine in NC. The wood is 8 months old and never been stained. 5 days ago we did sand the wood with 80 grit and then 100 grit. 4 days ago it rained heavily.
Here are my questions:
1. Do I need to apply a cleaner/brightener? If so please explain why.
2. Is there any issues with us just sanding the deck? If so please explain why. The nail holes do show a sanding “line”, see pictures.
3. I am assuming it will only need 1 coat, if so when can I apply another coat? In a year ish? What is the re-application process?
4. We have a bit of an overhang on our roof line where the 2-3 boards closest to our house may not be as “weathered” as the other wood. Will we have staining consistency issues?
I did do a small test area and it seems ok but I know that can be different than doing a whole deck. I really want to get this right and didn’t realize how complicated this product was until after I ordered it.
-Yes, to open up the wood grain as sanding is incorrect prep, and you sanded slightly too fine, which reduces stain penetration. You also did not remove all the gray oxidation from your wood.
-See above.
-Yes, one coat.
-Not if you prep correctly with the Gemini Restore Kit and light pressure washing.
Hi my name is Andrew Haufler. I am looking at staining my deck this summer in Ohio. I would like a stain that is durable and doesn’t show leaf stains. I am looking for a dark color for our deck. What stain product would you recommend as well as colors.
Look at the TWP 1500 Series in the Dark Oak or the Black Walnut colors.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Thank you 🙂
Please read this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/