Last Updated on January 20, 2022 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project for 2022!
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.
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 want to do a color change on our 15 year old grey composite deck. Deckstainhelp.com’s positive review of TWP 100 Pro Series brought us here.
I don’t know the deck manufacturer but have attached photos. It has never been painted or stained.
There are some stains, and some spots where ipe oil dripped during a ceiling treatment. We’ll be cleaning and pressure washing the deck before staining.
The northern facing deck is covered and gets no sun.
We’re trying to achieve a color like “earth” or “musket” on your color chart.
What advice do you have for us? Also, are small color samples available for purchase so we can test the color?
Thank you,
Kent
Pressure wash to clean and then use the TWP Semi-Solid in any color you like. Samples to test are here:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Thank you for your quick reply!
Hi, I have just installed a new wood fence made of redwood. The slabs are rough and the 4x 4 posts and cross members are untreated and smooth redwood. The redwood slabs have a lot of color variations. I want to use TWP to protect snd seal the wood and I am not sure if I need a clear product or something colored that will even out the wood? If I use a colored stain will it just highlight the different colors or will it make appearance more uniform of color? The house is a redish brown barn color with white trim and I want to avoid competing with that on fence. I’d like a lighter colored fence to vomiment the house.
What is the TWP capabklity for uniformity, lighting it up, or highlighting existing wood? Ps I’m not a fan of all the inconsistencies in the wood.
Thank you
It must be a tinted color to protect from UV graying. Stains never lighten up the wood tones. They enhance based on the color you choose. Might want to test samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hello,
I am building several decorative shutters for my home. I am using 1″x1″x48″ Jatoba wood (Brazilian Cherry). These boards were used as kiln sticks for drying IPE hardwood. With that said I am wondering if I should consider them “New” wood. If so, from what I gather from your recommendations I should build the shutters and put them outdoors to let them age and weather a few months before applying a stain and sealant. Or would you think that since the kiln sticks are only 1″x1″ and possibly used several times as spacers for drying lumber I could just apply the finish prior to assembly? The lumber supplier recommended to apply the finish as soon as I cut them to seal them and even said I should apply a wax sealant to any fresh cut ends right away. I am located in Florida and 1/4 mile from the ocean so I am leaning toward the advise of the lumber supplier and apply finish prior to assembly and exposure to the sun and elements.
My second question is what product would you recommend? I am thinking TWP 100 would be my best choice but I see your newer 1500. Also, I want to use a semi-transparent color to add a hint of brown/walnut tones to the redish cherry wood. What color would you suggest? How many coats since it is extremely dense wood?
Treat like new wood. Do not stain now. Use the 100 Series after wait and prep. Probably Rustic color.
Are any of your products safe to use on raised wooden garden beds where vegetables will be grown?
Once the TWP is fully dried and cured, it will be fine.
Thank you!
I had used the TWP 100 Pecan a few years ago. Decided to go with the TWP 100 SemiSolid Pro series this time and reviews stated the Musket color would closely resemble the Pecan. Used the Restore-A-Deck to prepare the wood dock and stained it yesterday. The Musket color looks very Orange on the wood. Nothing near the color chart. I thought it may darken as it drys, but it has been 24hrs and it is still Orange? I’m very disappointed with the color.
Hello,
The color chart is a guide and is why we offer samples to test on your wood as colors vary based on wood age and UV exposure.
What structure is your wood? Shutters
What species is the wood? Examples: Cedar (used smooth side)
Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? No.
We have made 10 sets of shutters out of cedar. When we made them I assumed I would paint them so we used the smooth side of the cedar. Since then I have decided to use TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series in Charcoal. I chose this so reapplication will be somewhat easy as I assume I would be reapplying any paint/stain routinely.
We live in Mississippi, shutters go all around the house, so will face all directions. High temps in summer, very humid.
We made the shutters in August of 2020. They have since then been stored in our shop (no heating/cooling).
Thank you,
Shannon
Jackson, MS
You will need to install, weather, and then prep before staining.
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Where does product ship from?
Michigan.
I just stained some cedar fence with TWP 1500 and it looks too rustic orange, can I stain over it with New Semi-Solid Pro? If so how long do I have to wait, and do I have to strip it?
You would have to strip and brighen for best results.
New wood or the first time staining needs another application after the first year and you have plenty of stain still there to clean and recoat in the Spring. See article link below on new wood.
We are not seeing any mildew “in” the stain, but dirt/grime from your environment on the deck. You have an issue in your yard with this by looking at your concrete. TWP cannot prevent dirt/grime or even mildew from laying on top of the stain. No stain can prevent this.
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I cleaned the mildew off and the stain came off. The concrete is 60 years old. I keep both clean of dirt but mildew is too difficult to keep off concrete. I just need to know what to do next or when to give up. Your original instructions said the 2 coats wet on wet was for new wood and now I find I have to clean it down and redo it every year.
Actually new wood states one coat, not two coats. You can prep and recoat in the Spring as the instructions explain. No stain can keep the dirt/grime off the wood. If this repeats then it is part of your environment that is causing the need to clean and recoat annually, not the stain.
You specifically told me on this forum to do 2 coats wet on wet. I appreciate your help. I just want a finish that looks “just ok” after more than 6 months.
Now your are saying it’s because I made a mistake following your advice?
The article we sent clearly states one coat for new wood that is less than one year. You can do two coats if the wood is a year old. That is not the issue though. As we explained prior, the issue with dirt and grime is from your environment and is not related to the TWP stain in any way, and cannot be prevented.
Hi, I applied TWP 100 to a new deck in July 2020. I am interested in applying a new coat sometime soon, but of 120. First, can I wait until Spring 2022? Second, do I have to strip the 100 to apply 120? I recently performed a wash using RAD (no brightened yet), but I can’t tell how much of the 100 is still working. Wood is pressure treated pine. Located Birmingham, AL. Photos of deck surface are attached. Thank you!
Yes, you can wait until Spring. You should strip and brighten for prep. Use the RAD Stripper Kit.
Thanks! Last question- will the RAD stripper remove paint from the house, deck verticals or painted concrete patio below the deck? All painted with typical outdoor latex paint.
It should not.
I requested samples of TWP105 Cape Cod Gray & TWP106 Prarie Gray on Order No. (P5RD01074665). The 105 has no flow property. I had to scop it out of the bottle. It covered the wood like a paste. See the attached photo. Is this a good sample? If not, please send a replacement based on the Order No. above. Thank you.
Reply back to your order email with this issue. Thanks
I ran out of TWP 100. After ordering more, I came down with Covid. I am well again. I would like to finish the project before winter. The daytime temperature will be in the 60’s over the next 4 days, no rain. Night temps in the 30’s. Can I apply ?
As long as it does not fall below freezing the first night, you are okay.
Thanks
Hi, I have a cedar dock (30′ long x 4′ wide) in Maine, which was new in May 2021. It sat over the water in an aluminum frame, with occasional lake water splashing from underneath, and in direct weather (full sunlight/rain, etc.).
1 – Should I use Gemini brightener and cleaner, followed by TWP 1500?
2 – Should I wait until Spring to do this, or is it okay to do over the winter in a 30-50 degree garage? (The wood was moved from the lake, and is currently sitting in the garage).
Thank you.
Thanks!
Is there a retail outlet for TWP in Dallas, Texas? I need 5 gallons of 101 Cedartone Natural to finish staining my yard fence.
Thanks!
We sell online only as a TWP Dealer.
Hi, I am going to sand paint off of a cedar deck floor boards. Do I have to apply restore kit or just brightener or neither? Also, what grit should I finish with? 80 ? 120?
(plan to apply twp 1500)
60-80 grit to sand and then Gemini Restore Kit after.
These pics didn’t send
Here are additional pictures.
I’m a divorce woman and disable. Had 3 surgeries on my neck & back in the last year and having additional surgery 12/14/21.
When I sent these pics to the contractor he defended his employee on all that I have told you & showed you.
I didn’t want Sherwin Williams Super Stain. It has poor ratings and has to be done annually. I can’t afford $2500 every yr to re stain my deck. That’s why I asked him to use TWP and he agreed to it.
Please give advice on how to fix all this
TWP
In addition to the previous post for questions concerning the contractors applying TWP for my deck. I asked that all content on the deck would be removed, contractor said yes it would be. As in picture they left on the deck and sprayed around the water fountain, as per picture. The smoker that has wheels on one side they keep wheeling it around as there is still a portion of the deck that stain hasn’t been applied, their intention are to wheel that over the deck that the previous picture show. That has shiny and light areas, that application was done on Tuesday, slight rain Wednesday and today Thursday they’re returning to finish staining, the remainder of the decks. Can they put furniture back on top of tacky area?
I was thinking of selling the fountain and with their refusal to remove will leave an untreated spot under it, I asked & was told that everything would be removed. As a contractor who does this for a living and has a crew, leaving items on the deck and spraying around items isn’t very professional is it?
The waterfall has been moved by movers as to this being it’s third home and it’s actually in 2 pieces. There is a storage bin that has been shuffled around too, can it go down on top of fresh stain?
One other question…. This part of the stairs to a deck on front of house. I paid extra to be sanded to remove all stain so a light stain can be applied. They didn’t sand the step facing. He said it couldn’t be removed from that area. Do you see a reason why a hand sander would not be able to remove this old stain?
The contractor usually uses Sherwin Williams Super Stain. After readying reviews on that product, I told contractor I didn’t want the SW product used and asked for TWP to be used in place. He agreed to use TWP product, isn’t that their responsibility to go by the direction given with whatever product their using?
They used a high power professional paint/stain sprayer. It was a very windy day Tuesday and my black metal railing is tacky, will that go away? Or will it all need to be whipped down with mineral spirits to remove the over spray?
Pleas advise as to resolving shiny, uneven coverage, objects left and sprayed around, over spray and particles stuck on stained wood due to windy day when applied. As per pictures. I’m ask you as a company who deal with contractors and homeowners who do the work themselves is this acceptable application as per your advise?
Only way to fix is to strip all down to the bare wood and start over. Needs to be done.
I hired a contractor to use TWP 103 dark oak to apply on a deck that was last treated with TWP 10 yrs ago. Apparently the employee didn’t read the instructions because this is what my deck looks like. Their are shiny areas that are tacky and you can tell in the weathered areas it wasn’t applied wet on wet. What is your evaluation looking at the pictures? Plus he added bare untreated lattice around the base of the deck to enclose. The inside of the lattice wasn’t treated with any think, it’s still bare untreated wood under the deck. Is this going to swell and crack being left untreated? My home is on a lake, 100’ from lake. Here are pics of the outside lattice, it looks to me it also wasn’t applied wet on wet? Looks to be a light coating? I’m not happy with the looks. Should I expect a better appearance if it had been applied according to the instructions? As per contractor’s employee all you see is finished work.
It was not prepped correctly and it was not applied correctly. To fix you would need to remove all down to the bare wood using the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit with both additives. The Brightener after.
No need to stain the inside of the lattice, just the exposed side.
I have a few splits in the vertical posts on my deck (pressure treated pine, approx 5 years old). What is the best thing to do with these areas? Should I try to keep water out with a sealant after applying TWP102? Or just make sure I get plenty of preservative in the cracks and leave them?
Splits are normal in posts and are of no concern. Just stain with the TWP and leave it as is. You can never apply a sealer over TWP.
I’m resurfacing a 10-year old Ikea “Runnen” acacia-wood interlocking tile deck over concrete. I used a partial gallon of 207 that I had left over from another job, but it wasn’t enough to complete this job. I was going to order another gallon of 207, but am wondering if I should go with the 1500 series. My concern is will it match the 207 I already applied to 75% of the deck? The homeowner did not maintain the tiles at all and they looked like crap, but came up great after a light sanding and replacing a few cracked ones. The 207 looks terrific on the wood…should I just stay with it? I want to apply another coat, so would the 1500 over the 207 be OK and provide a superior finish? This desk gets direct Southern exposure sun in the summer.
The 1500 does not match the 200 Series colors. You cannot apply the 1500 over the 200 Series.
WV 8 yr old treated pine deck, stripped with Behr stripper and brightener. Because I didn’t decide on which TWP I was going with, and recommendation was stain within 2 weeks after prep, I did the prep again with TWP restore clean/ brighten. Due to rainy weather I haven’t had a stretch of days where it can dry, be stained and not be rained on. So now I’m back to it being a month since I prepped. Do I need to prep again. We are supposed to have some nice days next week, 50-60 day and 40s at night. Is it ok to go ahead without a 3rd prep, or should I just wait till spring and reprep then? Bought 10 gal of TWP semi-solid. Thank you.
Yes, prep again.
Will you ship Pro Series stain to Orange, Virginia?
No, it is not allowed there.
Can the TWP pro series semi-solid stain be applied to horizontal pressure treated decking? and can you ship the TWP pro-series to zip code 22301? If it can’t be shipped there is there a comparable color to the “thunderstorm” color in the 1500 series?
No, it cannot be shipped there and there is not a compatible color.
We have a redwood deck stained with TWP 1503 that needs restaining. Is power washing sufficient prep or should deck cleaner be used.
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I previously stained my deck with TWP. As you can see in the before photo, there is a lot of black mold. I stripped it this weekend and some of the black mold came off, but there are residual black stains emanating from the board ends. What are these stains and can they be removed? My deck is shaded most of the year and mold seems to be an ever present issue. However it seems mold grew in the stain this time – it would not come off with cleaning. Considering the shady conditions is TWP transparent still recommended or should I go with semi solid? Tips to minimize mold?
I still have leaning step to do – just wondering how to stain for best long lasting appearance…
That black is internal at the end of the boards and will not come out with stripping. You could try to sand it off. After you stain, try “Wet and Forget” to minimize future mildew growth.
I recently stained a deck with 100 series stain (120 Pecan). Deck was prepped with 2-step Gemini treatment (which is amazing). Water beads well on the railing (see picture) but only beaded well on the deck surface for a couple days. Could this be because I didn’t apply enough stain to the deck surface? In the other picture see the area where water is spread out (not beading), and also see the area with dirt from dogs. Questions: can I treat with something to allow application of more stain? Is this the issue or is it normal? What can I use to periodically clean the dirt off deck that won’t damage the stained surface? Thanks.
TWP is not designed to bead water as it is breathable. Just use water to clean. Anything chemicals can damage the stain causing a need to reapply.
Hi,
I applied the 100 Series to my deck two years ago. A few weeks ago I had a rogue painting company that was painting my siding begin sanding my 100 year old house, which has lead paint. In this, there’s now lead dust all over our deck. After the fact, they used TSP to clean and rinse the wood to get rid of the lead dust. Have you ever heard of TSP shortening the effectiveness of the stain? I’m considering having the contractor re-stain, but says he wants to seal it instead. Any thoughts on how to prolong the stain at this point?
Never heard of it harming the stain but you cannot apply a sealer over the TWP stain ever. You can only prep (use the Gemini Kit) and reapply the same TWP stain you used prior.
We just applied 1 coat of the 100 series stain on a newer cedar deck (about 10 months old) that has never been stained or sealed. We finished 24 hours ago but now see that we should have put 2 coats on as there are some areas that did not absorb as well. Is it to late to apply a lite 2nd coat? Any suggestions?
Don’t apply another one now. You can light clean and apply another coat next spring or summer.
Hi,
I live in WV, I have stripped the old oil based stain off of my deck and used the brightener to lighten and prep the surface. Unfortunately with the leaves coming down and the temperature dropping, I may not be able to apply the new sealant. I intend to use your semi-solid pro series stain/sealer. If I don’t apply it before the spring, is there anything I can put on my deck in the meantime to protect it and still be compatible with the future pro series coating?
It will be fine. Just leave as is until next Spring and then clean and brighten for prep.
Just stained our deck with 1500 series. Had some small areas that got on our vinyl siding and concrete. Any suggestions on clean up for these surfaces?
BTW, we absolutely loved the cleaner and brightener! The system worked great!👍
Try a water based graffiti remover from local store.
Hello,
We live in Florida on a freshwater lake. Looking to restain my existing dock/deck and the steps/guidance that is needed to get it done right.
Hope this helps.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Pictures of the current deck for prep help. Thanks.
Hello, my apologies on the reply. Your email went to spam. Here are the pictures requested. Thank You
The second picture is a new deck recently installed. The first picture with the long walkway has been recently pressure washed and is about 5 years old.
Strip and brighten the deck with the old stain:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Celan and brighen the new deck. See here first about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hello,
Once I strip and brighten the old deck, how long before I can stain it?
What are my options to stain the deck?
How long before I can clean and brighten the new deck since it just got installed?
When can/should I stain the deck afterwards?
48 hours after prep to let the wood dry to stain. Use the 100 or 1500 Series. Read the article we sent you in the prior response about the new wood.
After doing step 1 and 2, what is the longest period of time I can wait to actually apply the stain?
Is been raining regularly and have not been able to get a couple of dry days for 2 weeks now?
No more than 2 weeks otherwise you will most likely need to redo the prep.
Can the 1500 stain be shipped to Central Virginia at 22433 or 22960?
The TWP 1500 can be shipped anywhere in the US.
OK, thanks.
And should I go with the Pro Series? Seems that is limited, please check those zips and advise.
Thanks again.
The TWP 100 Series and the TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series cannot be shipped to Northern VA around the DC area. They can be shipped to the rest of VA.
Sorry for not originally including this other question.
If I go for the Pro Series, can that product be shipped to Central Virginia at either 22542 or 22960?
Thanks again.
The TWP 100 Series and the TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series cannot be shipped to Northern VA around the DC area. They can be shipped to the rest of VA.
HELP!! I stained my composite deck floor with TWP #1504 semi-transparent stain and it looks awful. How can I remove the stain?
Also, does a solid stain work on a composite deck floor? Please advise. Thanks!
The TWP 1500 Series is not designed for composites. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit to remove with both additives:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
We do not sell solid stains. You can use our semi-solids for composite floors:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thank you so much for this information!!!
In the midst of a TWP job, a 2-inch-thick, 1’x5′ piece of weathered cedar had to be replaced with PT pine. Once installed, it was remembered that the pine couldn’t be stained yet, ruining the inspection deadline. Is there a way to “artificially weather” the pine, like sand with 30 grit and squirt with the hose daily for the next 2.5 to 3 months? It faces south in hot Florida.
No, there is not a way to do this.
we had to replace some cedar siding during a renovation and we’re trying to roughly match the existing (75 year old) stained wood, which had been stained with 1500 natural previously. there’s a decent amount of variation in the existing wood so we were hopeful that it would work out ok, but it’s pretty far off. For reference, for the new boards we used 3 coats of the 1500 natural stain to try to match it. Any suggestions on how best to blend this? maybe a cedarwood or darker stain? it’s never going to be perfect, but want to get it a bit closer to matching the old stuff. thanks!
Sorry but not possible to blend new and old wood. The new wood will always stain lighter since it is less absorbent. Mixing different wood types and colors will not help much or at all.
Our newly stained deck has “freckles”. Namely the knots that did not accept the stain. There are a lot of “freckles” Any suggestions?
It is normal for knots to stain lighter in color. This is due to the density of the wood there. There is not anything you can do to stain them darker.
I’m in northeast Arizona. I’m concerned about the temperature and if the stain will dry properly. The days are typically sunny and in the mid to upper 50’s. The nights are in the low 30’s. Will these temperature ranges be okay to apply the stain?
As long as it does not drop below freezing the first night, you are okay.
We have a Cedar deck that was installed in the Fall of last year. We just stained it with your TWP 1503 stain and followed all of the pre-stain steps. Some of the boards took a lot darker than the others and they were all new boards. How do we fix this do we start over from square one with the prep kit or can we stain over the dry boards that did not take the stain as dark as the rest of them?
You will have to strip and brighen for prep.
I used your cleaner & brightener kit today on my deck. Awesome product. Wish I had thought to check your website before blowing $50 on worthless couple options at local box store. My question is I have concrete paver sidewalk that has an oil based sealer on them. Can I use this kit to clean them & will it remove the sealer or do you have a product that will? I need to re-stain them because their color has faded so need to remove sealer first. Thxs.
The cleaner will not remove an oil-based sealer from your pavers.
I have a pine pressure treated deck. One year ago, I applied TWP 1501. This year, I cleaned and brightened the deck with RAD and applied a maintenance coat to the deck. Brushed on a light coat and then went back over and brushed in the stain again. Did not apply a wet on wet second coat. There were no puddles. The deck was able to dry for over 48 hours about 2.5 days. One week later, it appears that the stain is “bubbling” out of the cracks in the wood. It is leaving an ugly and sticky residue. I tried wiping it off with a rag and some of it comes off in “crumbs” (small dry particles like sanding dust). It takes a lot of effort to remove it. How can this be easily removed? Why is it doing this?
It is not the stain doing this. Probably sap leeching out. No easy way to clean it. Try some mineral spirits.
how do I find my older posts and q and a?
Maybe search your emails for the links?
I have a 1.5 year old deck with redwood framing and composite decking. Contractor sealed the redwood with a clear coat water based Sherwin Williams product. The clear coat has not held up to the extensive sun exposure here in California. What prep do you recommend if I use your oil based semi-transparent stain over the exisiting water based product?
You will have to remove it. Post some pictures.
Pictures you requested
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
In the Spring I refinished my deck with the cedar tone transparant TWP stain. It turned out beautiful. We have since then gotten an appreciable amount of rain and warm weather. I have noticed recently water on the deck surface is no longer beading up like it has. Should I be concerned? The color is not as rich as it once was either. Do I need to stain again?
No issue and is normal. TWP is designed to be breathable and not bead water but shed water.
Thanks! Since I have about 4 gallons left when would you recommend that I should reapply.
A couple of years.
what is the difference between the 100 series and the Pro-Series
The 100 Series is the 100 Pro Series, not two different things.
Please explain what is considered as “Northern Virginia.” Interested in the TWP Semi-Solid ProSeries but not sure whether we reside in that designated area.
All counties surrounding DC in VA cannot use the 100 Series.
Thank you! One more question, I read an article that said Trex should be sealed after a couple coats of stain. Do you feel this is necessary or will one coat of TWP Semi-Solid ProSeries do the job?
You can never apply a sealer over a deck stain. It will peel if you do.
Older redwood deck/stairs, previously stained with TWP, but overdue for re-staining. Workers sanded first. Can RAD cleaner and brightener be applied now before stain?
Yes.
What is the difference between between the 1500, 100 and pro-series stains. I have a 30 year old deck to refinish.
https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
2 years ago I stained my deck using the TWP preservative cedartone. I replaced 2 boards last year. I can’t find the preservative. Can I use the protectant on those 2 boards? What is the difference?
Same stain, no differnce.
About the question below, would the 1504 Black Walnut complement the triangular patch on the right in the picture as far as color, or would Cabin Fever of the Pro Series be better? Thank youf for your help…. .