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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
Good day,
Looking to replace Cabot Clear Solutions in Pacific Redwood on my deck:
1. The deck is cedar and the railings and bench are redwood
2. The decking was replaced and is 7 years old. Cabots has been applied and stripped at about 20 month intervals.
3. Redwood is about 20 years old and is good shape.
4. Deck has been stripped with Wolmans deck stripper
5. Deck has been treated with Cabot cleaner/brightner.
6. 450 sq ft of cedar decking
7. 15 sq ft redwood benches
8. 22 feet of redwood railing with 37 balisters 1.5 inches wide and 7 end columns 3.5 inches wide. All are ~40 inches high.
I’m open to all suggestions realizing that “clear” solutions were not that effective long term to begin with – now with the lower VOC standards well they must be worse. I did like the grain coming through on the Cabots and the redish tint. This is in the NY Long Island area and the deck gets a good amount of sun from about 10:30 am till 6:00 pm or so. What would you suggest and how many gallons. Thank you so much for your help.
Dan S, I would look at the TWP 1502 Redwood or 1511 California Redwood for this. What is the total sq. footage?
In process of installing a new fence. 6×8 ft sections.
1. Fence is pressure treated pine, and has not been stained.
2. The wood is rough to the touch,
3. Fence has been sitting in my back yard for about 6 weeks before install.
I was planning on using the TWP 1500, cedar tone.
4. Do I need to prep this wood or just stain it?
5. Should I put one coat or two coats, and if 2 coats, do I put the 2nd coat right away
6. Also, I am using an airless spray gun to apply it, do I need to thin the stain, and if so what is the right mix to thin.
Thanks!
Bob F, Rough wood can be stained right away without prep. 2 coats wet on wet if spraying by airless. Do not thin.
1. 12 Year old deck
2. cedar
3. weathered and scratched by dogs but otherwise in good condition.
4. Never stained but Thompson Water Seal applied yearly.
5. Large bi-level deck. Human traffic not too heavy, but dogs do enter and exit house via deck several times per day.
My contractor is planning on sanding the deck to remove scratches before staining. Is this a good idea?
Thank you so much for your feedback.
Gail, if he sands do not use more then 60 grit. After the sanding you should use a deck cleaner and wood brightener for the prep.
I just stripped and brightened my deck using your products. I followed instructions and now the wood is no longer smooth. It is sort of like softly splintered on top. I applied my sample stains and the stain looks good where the wood was not softened and splintered but looks bad in those areas. The problem is most areas are splintered like that. Did I do something wrong? Anything I can do to correct the issue? My deck is about 5 years old, cedar and previously stained with a semi transparent. Thanks
Most likely you raised the grain with the Stripper and or pressure washer. Try lightly sanding the surface with 60 grit paper or buffing pad.
Bought 5 gallons of stain last year and have a few gallons left. Is it still good?
Aaron, if the lid was not closed 100% and the solvents evaporated out then it is probably not good.
Old cedar deck (approx 25 years old). originally painted. over past five years has received Flood UV sealant. wears off easily, it seems. Ontario hot summers and heavy snow in winter. Some Greying. Some areas of compromised wood, most of which are being replaced. Which TWP product would be most suitable? Prefer neutral/natural look. How should we prepare wood? Thanks.
Riley, the wood must be 100% free of old coatings. You can do thus by stripping or sanding. When done make sure to use a wood brightener. Once the wood is prepped you should look at the 1500 Series.
I put up Spruce fencing. What is best stain to use
ms1145, If the wood is the “rough” cut then you can stain right away with the TWP 1500.
Hi,
I was told that the TWP 200 can be shipped in Canada. What is the difference between the TWP 100 and 200?
Romeo, the 200 series is designed for shakes and shingles. It can be applied to decking but it can take many days to fully dry.
Have a cedar deck that is 5-6 years old. Had a buildup of stain Applications so I have sanded the deck down to bare wood. Do I need to put a conditioner on wood or just power wash and wait to apply stain 48 hours after no precipitation
Vmeyer, after the sanding you should use the Gemini Restore Kit to prep.
I recently applied TWP1500 cedartone to my new cedar deck. I cleaned and brightened the deck 48 hours before applying the stain. Evidently the wood was not weathered enough as the stain did not soak in well. It was a sunny day and approximately 20% of the stain “dried” before I could wipe it down. It looks like I varnished it. What can I do to make the 20% look like the 80%? I’m sure it is my fault for not understanding/following the instructions.
A this point there is not a lot you can do. I would try wiping it down with some lacquer thinner. make sure to not leave the oil rags in sunlight or the garage..
Wow! That’s it? I can’t be the first guy that this happened to…
What about a stain stripper?
That would not fix the issue but help reduce the stickiness. Stripping would remove all of the stain so you could start over.
Can TWP 1500 be applied when the temp is 66 degrees during the day but will bein the mid 40s at night?
Yes that will be okay.
We have 1000 sf of cypress beaded board tongue in groove ceiling and several 12×12 solid cypress posts that were stained by the painter when we built the house 2 yrs ago in Louisiana. They have all mildewed pretty badly. I was able to clean the mildew off and now would like to protect them. The water does not seem to be beading up anywhere and I am not sure what the painter used originally. Thanks.
Ray, I am sorry but what was your question?
I would like to keep this from happening again(the mildew). What product(s) do you suggest and do I need to do anything else to prepare the cypress before I apply whatever it is you might suggest?
Hello,
We have a skirted pressure treated pine deck that is 7 years old. It has previously been treated with Sikkens Cetol SRD. How would we go about preparing it for TWP and what of your products should we use. We live in Montreal, Canada where can / and how would we go about purchasing your product?
Steven, sorry but TWP cannot be sold or shipped to Canada as it is not compliant there.
The slats for a deck and a fence were replaced last fall with new wood. The wood used for the restoration is fir! I was planning on using a brightner, followed by an oil-based stained,
The stain I want to use is a semi-transparent TWP Cedartone Wood Stain.
My questions: Is this procedure alright, or would you suggest something else. Also,
should I use TWP 1500 for both.
pwstain
pwstain, you would want to clean and brighten for the prep. TWP 1500 for both is correct.
We installed the deck (pt wood) last fall and the cedar shingles on our porch over the last three months (finished over a month ago). The deck boards have dried out enough (they were the wettest wood, obviously) and I’m ready to finish both deck and shingles. Can I use the 1500 for both of them?
Edit: I know I have to use the cleaning process before I finish on them. Just want to use the 1500 for both if that’s recommended (and buy the 5 gallon for both).
Anne, you can use the TWP 1500 for both. Make sure to prep the wood correctly first.
Do I need to do the cleaning/brightening process on the shingles as well as the decking? The shingles are clean and dry.
No need for shingles unless they have turned gray.
Great. They haven’t yet. I’d also like to say the samples delivery program is great – I already got the ones I ordered tuesday and am going to order two more just to make sure I’ve got exactly the right shades for each part. Thanks for the prompt help and service!
Had a cedar deck installed by a pool at the end of October 2011. Was told to stain it right away. Used Cabot Australian timber oil. Well needless to say pretty much all the stain peeled right off this winter, with the help of rain. Just used a stain stripper and sanded the whole deck( just horizontal). Did not do railings, they look fine. What stain should I use next? Deck is south facing. Can I stain railings without sanding old stain off first? Do I need to use deck brightener also before restaining?
Jenny, you must use a brightener after using a stain stripper. You should not put TWP on top of the Cabot. You would need to strip the railings if you want to do that. I would suggest the TWP 1500 series.
A.pdx, I would suggest the 1500 series. Make sure that the Behr is removed first.
Hi. I’m planning to use TWP stain on my new cedar deck in Edmonton, Canada. I read your new deck preparation instructions but I’m wondering if I really should leave new cedar to weather for 4 months before applying the first coat of stain, since cedar greys much faster than other woods and might need to be sanded after weathering. Thanks for your advice.
TWP cannot be bought or sold into Canada as it is not compliant there.
Thanks
getting ready to stain my deck with TWP 1500. is it bad if I put 2nd coat on tomorrow? may run out of daylight
TWP is best applied wet on wet. Letting it dry then applying the second coat may create issues with the drying and proper penetration.
I ran out of twp 100 rustic oak 3/4 of the way through my first coat on my deck. Half the deck is covered, however, I started with the outsides in hopes of doing two coats, wet on wet. Now I need to order more, and finish the first coat. Will I have any issues? Is the second coat out of the question now? I will be at least a week or more depending on weather before I can finish.
Jared, hard to say for sure. If you put the second coat on, make sure that you apply lightly.
do you advise putting the second coat on now or should I wait a while?
I would wait for some time, lightly clean and then apply a light coat. Maybe late summer.
I have a cedar deck and I stained it with TWP 100 cedar tone. It is peeling in high traffic areas. I think I didn’t wait long enough and do the proper prep work for the best results. My question do I need to strip all the old off and start over? Can 1500 be applied over 100?
Joel, you would want to strip it all off and start over to fix this correctly.
I am about to build a three rail horse fence using 2×6 and 6×6 treated pine by Yellawood. The wood is new and has never been stained. How long should I allow the new wood to dry before applying TWP 100 or TWP 1500? Which of the two stains is best for treated pine?
You are supposed to let the wood dry for 4+ months then prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. I would suggest the 1500 Series.
How much TWP 100 Dark Oak product is needed to cover 456 square feet deck with railing. The last time the deck was stain was 2009.
Self, what is the total sq. footage with the railing included? Do you have stairs as well?
No stairs, railing all the way around deck, previous stain twp dark oak
What is the total sq. footage with railings included?
We have 1600 sf. of deck to refinish and am concidering TWP 1500, has it ever been tested against Sikkens Cetol DEK Finish?
Thanks
Dale
Dale, not sure what you mean as being tested against Sikkens. We personally have never done a test against there brand but I am sure TWP would be an easy winner when it comes to application, durability and ease of reapplying.
I have pressure treated decking that has dried out and properly prepped in order to receive stain. I am using TWP1500 in Black Walnut. I want to stain the decking before installation in my garage. Will the stain dry if it is not outside in the sun? My test piece did not set until I moved it outside.
Matt D, It will dry much better if outside.
Thanks
I have a pressure treated deck that was previously stained with Behr water based cedartone stain. I’m currently sleaning it with a deck cleaner and power washer. After it is dry (24-48 hours) can I apply TWP 1500 or do I need a water based stain? Also if I order the 5 gal container, how long will the product keep in case I need to reapply after a couple of years? Thanks.
Greg L, you cannot put TWP on top of the Behr. The Behr must be removed if you are switching brands. It does not matte if the new stain is oil or water based.
Hello – I completely stripped and sanded my deck and restained with TWP Redwood. The color really didn’t come out as planned and I am looking to try it get it back to a medium to dark brown color. The refinish was done in late October in Michigan. Can I just get another color and apply directly to the deck after a good cleaning? And if so, how do I guess on a color that will go over the Redwood and get me closer to a darker brown? Thanks!
Swales, Dark Oak is a dark brown color. You may have issue though putting it on top of the stain that is only 6 months old. it would be best to strip and start over.
I’m looking to stain a swing set. The wood is pressure treated pine, about 6 years old. The previous owner has said he’s only applied a waterproofer to the wood. There doesn’t appear to be any stain on the wood since the color is very natural. What would be recommended to prepare the wood for stain, and which stain would be best to handle weather and kids. There are some spots that have mold and mildew on them.
Thanks.
Tom, prep with the Gemini Restore Kit first then we would suggest the TWP 1500 Series for this.
I plan to wait the recommended 4-12 months before using TWP 1500
transparent stain after building my new cedar deck. But I am also
replacing the old redwood trim on my screened in porch with new rough
sawn cedar. The 16 X 16 porch is adjoining the deck and parts of it
are 24 feet above the ground so I only want to get up there one time.
My question is, since the wood is rough sawn cedar can I apply the
stain prior to attaching the trim work so that I don’t have to wait
4-12 months and climb up there again? In general, does new rough sawn
cedar really require prep work before staining? Thanks.
If it is rough sawn then yes you can apply right away. No need to prep.
I purchased twp1500 to stain my new mahagony deck. The deck was built in November and I am ready to stain. Do I need to clean deck first, or just wipe down to take off some surface dust? Also after 1st coat how soon can I reapply a second coat?
Yes you should clean first and only apply 1 coat for this newer Mahogany deck. You can apply a second light coat 6-12 months down the road.
I live in Connecticut and have a new screened in porch with a tongue and grove fir floor. I have already put on a coat of a preservative called Woodlife Classic. Can I use the TWP 100 or 1500 over the Woodlife.
John, TWP is a penetrating stain. It would probably not be able to penetrate properly now that the wood life is on. You would need to strip that off first.
We have just built a pressure treated deck (4 plus months ago), we live in Atlanta Georgia with high heat and humidity, there is alot of shade and some afternoon sun, and are looking to use your product but are confused on which product to use. When you talk to contractors, it appears that the majority who use this product use the TWP 200, however, it appears that the 100 or 1500 products fit the description of staining/sealing a deck. What is the difference between the 3 products and which one would be recommended for our scenario
The 100 series would be your best choice for this. The 200 is for wood shakes and shingles.
Which is the best product for a dock; new pressurized wood, Chesapeake Bay area of MD
Ken, 1500 Series for MD. You do need to let the dock season for a time first:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thanks
Time to seal exterior wood deck and railing, 800 – 1000 sq ft., pressure treated pine,Iothane-urethane transparent coating can is in basement. This is not a stain, is it? Deck in good shape, 15 yrsold.
In order to keep similar appearance light golden, transparent finish with TWP products, what steps should be taken?
Todd, I am confused to your question. Is the deck already coated with a urethane?
Structure of wood – deck
Species of wood – redwood
The wood is new
The wood has not been previously stained
I will be purchasing kiln dried wood. Since this has a low moisture content is it okay to apply TWP 1500 after installation or is it still recommended to wait for the wood to further dry out?
Eric, you should let the wood weather for a month or so then clean and brighten to remove any mill glaze. Just one coat on this new wood.
I am cleaning and stripping a CCA dock that is 4′ wide and 200′ long built about 6 years ago. It was previously treated with Thompsons Water Seal (clear) about 3 years ago. It is graying and showing signs of green due to lack of sunlight in spots. I going with the CedarTone 1500 series. My first question concerns application. If I spray it on should it be followed up with a roller or brush? My second question concerns the wet on wet application. Would it be better to apply to the whole 200 feet and then return for the second application, or do 50 feet, then go back and do the second application? Thanks you.
Harry, yes you should srpay then back wipe with a stain pad or brush. I would do about 200 feet then reapply the second coat before continuing.
The entire dock is 200 feet. Are you saying to do the whole thing before going back for the wet on wet application? That seems like it would be more than the recommended time.
Harry, it is 200 feet long. Do 200 sq. feet then repeat. Break up into 4 sections.
it says up to 300 sq ft per gallon. does that assume one or two coats? Thanks!
Becki, coverage is closer to 150-200 sq foot for the first coat and about 300 sq. feet for the second coat.
I am tired of stripping varnish. On my 5 year old knotty alder clear varnished front door, would TWP 1500 stain be a good replacement for the varnish? And, can I (should I) use a pre-stain conditioner? I like the idea of just a yearly clean and wipe-on. Thanks
Lane, TWP is not designed for doorways. I would not use it there.
I have two decks that need to be stained. The first deck (5.5 years old) has treated pine floors and cedar posts and railings. It was stained with a Sherwood Williams semi-transparent water based Deckscapes (Cedar Bark) less than two years ago and is peeling and flaking. Can I just use Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener with a power washer, or should I use a stain stripper, and if so, which one. I plan to re-stain with TWP 100 in Pecan.
The second deck is all cedar and was constructed 8-2012. I plan to use Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener and TWP 100 in Pecan. Both decks are located in Eastern Iowa.
Both decks have metal balusters. The first deck is about 400 sf plus posts and railings, and the second about 500 sf plus posts and railings. How much product would you estimate I need?
Recommendations?
You would need the RAD Stripper to remove the SW stain. For the older deck with the stain I would get two of the RAD Strippers and one RAD Brightener. For the newer deck you would just need one RAD Kit.
I just bought two rocking chairs that were built by a Gatesville, Texas company SawDustandSplinters.net. I was told that they used TWP on the chairs. I am thinking about applying a colored stain and applying a polyurethane coating. What would I need to do to make that turn out well. What if I just did a polyurethane coat?
Wallace, you cannot put polyurethane on top of TWP or vice versa. Best to just apply TWP in on of the colors that it comes in.
I have a deck that is about 9 years old. Pressure treated pine. 850 square feet, plus railing. Have not stained it in a long time. Used Cedarcide clear a few years back to protect it. About 135′ of railing. I am thinking about TWP100 (Missouri). What else do I need to do and buy?
Michael, you would need to clean and brighten the wood with the Restore A Deck Kit. This will prep the wood so you can apply the TWP 100.
I live in Hillsborough, NC. I have a 10 yr old deck that I had previously treated 3 times with Olympic oil based Maximum in the green can. Deck is in great shape, just needing cleaning and a recoat of stain/sealer. I have been told about the TWP products from a painter friend. Here are my questions.
1. I typically clean the deck with a 30-50% solution of clorox and water, and a cap full of soap and follow with a pressure wash. I make sure to rinse thoroughly and I have had no issues to date with the Olympic Product. Can this same process be utilized prior to the application of the TWP 100?
2. Is the TWP 100 compatible with the old Olympic product?
3. What benefits does the TWP have over the old product?
4. What steps do I need to take prior to applying the TWP 100 product?
5. I have had issues before on a barn where I used a different product that sealed the surface where greying of the wood occured BELOW the stain application. I could not get the greying off as it appeared t be under the surface of the stain. Is this a potential problem with TWP?
Loghousemason,
Whenever switching brands you should always prep with a stain stripper to remove the old coating. TWP is a penetrating wood stain and if there is an older stain that prevents proper penetration, then the TWP may not perform properly.
1. No, you would want to use a stain stripper to prep.
2. As long as you remove it form the wood.
3. Olympic changed their formula to a water based version. TWP is a penetrating oil based stain that rates higher then Olympic. Better UV and mold prevention.
4. Strip off the old coating and brighten when done.
5. Not as long as you remove the older coatings by properly prepping.
I built a covered porch late last fall (2012) in Western Massachusetts with douglas fir 6×6 frame and mahogany deck boards. Is there any problem with waiting perhaps until fall comes around again before I put the first coat of stain on? (Making sure the weather cooperates and it’s warm enough.) Also, I saw a comment that indicated that the clear does not provide any UV protection. Is that true?
Stephen, you can wait but make sure to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit before applying the stain. Clears do not have an tint. If you do not have a tint then you will not be able to absorb the UV which prolongs the graying.
New deck made of PT pine. 1100 square feet. Has weathered for 10 months now. Has never been stained before. Location is northeast. Full sun exposure. I have already Purchased the Restore kit and 8 gallons of 1500 1516 stain. After prepping the deck and waiting the drying period, how many coats should be applied to the deck? How long after the stain is down will it be weather proof? Concerned about staining the deck and it raining the next day.
Thank You
I would apply 2 very light coats “wet on wet”.
It typically can take a light rain withing 4-8 hours. Best to make sure it does not rain through the night.
B, It may be possible to apply a light coat of the Dark Oak. Test first to make sure that the wood can handle another application by doing a small spot to see if it dries properly. Clear would not offer any UV protection. It is possible to remove it with a stain remover.
I have a deck that was completed in Aug of 2012, about 2000sq. ft. around a pool. It is constructed of pressure treated pine. It is located in Alabama, direct sun. Which should I use TWP 100 or 1500? never had anything put on it.
I would use the TWP 100 Series after cleaning with the Gemini Restore Kit to prep.
My new deck was constructed in June, 2012 and the PT Wax Infused wood is now ready for staining. We have been experimenting with mixing TWP 1500 series stains to achieve a color we like and tonight we tried mixing a 200 series, (slate color), with some 1500 black walnut. The color looks more like what we want but are concerned that an even mix of these two series may not absorb properly or last as long as using only a single series. The Deck gets full sun 6 hours a day. Can you advise?
Ron, You can mix colors from the same series but missing from different series may cause issues. The 200 is a completely different formula then the 1500. It may be fine but hard to say for sure and we could not guarantee that it would work properly.
Refurbishing 200′ of fence. 50/50 mix of redwood & cedar boards. Fence originally stained with Behr transparent Cedartone which was almost a butterscotch color when applied. We want a stain that does not cover up the knots, and grain. Behr has changed their transparent Cedartone to a darker brown. We tried their Semi transparent, and it concealed the grain & knots almost like a solid stain. Being TWP 1500 is a semi transparent, will it cover up knots, and grain? Are your colors when applied close to the pallette shown on this site?
Steve, TWP 1500 is a penetrating stain that does not cover or mask the grain but rather highlights it. Color will vary due to wood type and age. Probably best to get a sample or two to test. Also reading this will explain a little better:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-1500-colors-explained/
I want a gray stain with light blue undertones for new wood (white pine) on a log-sided cabin. How can TWP 100 or 1500 be blended to make colors other than those offered at the local Porter paint store.
Jack, the current colors of TWP can be mixed together but you cannot add tint into them. Mixing the current colors would not achieve a blue gray. Cape Cod in the 100 series would be the closest.
Florida Deck, new wood needs to be exposed to the elements for a time before staining. TWP suggests waiting 4+ months. You then need to clean the wood before applying the TWP. The Gemini Restore Kit would be bets for this.