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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
I have a very large wooden fence made of pressure treated pine that is newly installed and has never been stained or treated. My painting contractor is suggesting TWP 200 for the fence, and is not familiar with the new TWP 1500 product. TWP 1500 comes in more color choices than TWP 200, but if TWP 200 would protect the wood from water/uv damage longer, is more durable, and would keep me from the expense of re-staining longer, I would prefer it. Which would you recommend?
Go with the 1500 as the 200 does not last longer. The 200 is designed for shakes and shingles.
Im in the process of building a cedar fence, and wanted to know if TWP can be applied to rough sawn cedar right away. If so, how many coats do we need to apply. Our posts are surfaced on all four sides, and the stringers are surfaced on one side and two edges. How long do we have to wait before we stain the posts and stringers. Gathering from other posts it sounds like we need to prep the wood. What product do you reccommend. This is new cedar that has never been stained.
Hello, please read this: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
It will answer your questions.
The issue is that the stain did not fully cure and penetrate into the wood completely before the rain came and this created the shiny spots. You cannot fix this without removing and starting over. Use the Restore A Deck stripper and pressure wash off. Apply the Restore A Deck Brightener when done.
I’ve applied the Gemini Restore Kit to my 2 month old KDAT pressure treated pine deck. Wonderful product by the way. 🙂 Anyhow, I’m now wondering how long I can wait before staining with TWP101. The problem is the weather has turned against me. Not only is the overnight humidity so high that everything is wet come morning, the forecast for rain is every other day it seems. Just how dry does the wood have to be before staining, how many hours/days of dry weather do I need after staining and how long can I wait between the Restore Kit application and the stain application?
You can wait a week or two after the prep before applying the stain. As for drying. 1-2 days after a light rain. 48 hours after a heavy rain. 12-24 hours after application before rain on the newly stained deck.
Appreciate the replies, as always. Last question: Which is the lesser of two evils? Wood that may not be completely dry prior to staining or stained wood that may get rained on closer to the 12hr minimum?
Wood has to be dry when applying. Typically TWP can take a rain within 12 hours as long as the TWP has absorbed. Make sure to not puddle the stain or over apply.
Well we got it all down (TWP101) and the deck looks great. Thanks so much for the advice! The wood really soaked up the stain and I know you (or another rep) said to stain my freshly cleaned/brightened KDAT one coat, then again in a year (post further down) but I wonder if there might be any benefit to reapplying in say 6-9 months? I’ve got enough left over and I have a feeling the wood can absorb much more.
That would be fine to apply a light coat in 6-9 months. Glad it looks great!
I’ve two deck areas to treat, the first is treated wood installed about two years ago with nothing done except a pressure wash a few months ago. The second area is a covered deck, treated wood, probably as old as the house (about 30 years) and was pressure washed at the same time. Both look great and I’m considering the TWP1500 product to maintain them.
-Is the “natural” color essentially clear?
-Is pressure washing a deck a good thing or not?
-If pres/wshg isn’t good is any off the shelf cleaner acceptable as a prep?
Thanks!
Natural is not clear. Please read this about colors: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-1500-colors-explained/
You can pressure wash lightly but best to use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing.
What finish do you need to apply after the stain is applied on a exterior wood door?
You cannot add anything on top of TWP.
500 sq foot redwood deck is 25 years old in Colorado at 6000 ft. Sun is more problem than moisture. Over the 25 years deck has been exposed to Thompsons, other low level products, and most recently two years ago I used linseed oil. Wood is now a dark grey. I am not concerned with color or appearance, just want wood to last as long as possible. I was thinking of TWP 1500. What about prep? Can I simply clean, or is a stain stripper a good idea?
I would suggest the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing to prep then use the TWP 1500.
What stain should I use, 100, 500, or 1500 series? My deck is brand new being built the summer of 2014. It is a deck made out of redwood. It is located in wyoming. It has not been stained with anything previously. Thank you
100 Series for this. Prep firs with the Gemini Restore Kit. Thanks!
I have a Boat house in East Texas partially covered so one end gets a lot of Summer Sun. The lumber used was treated and installed about 7 years to 8 years ago. I applied one coat of Thompson sealer about 4 years ago. What product would be the best to use TWP 100 or TWP 1500? Have approximately 950 sq ft. to cover would two 5 gal. pails cover?
Use the TWP 1500 for this and 10 gallons should be enough to cover 950 sq. feet.
Is there any TWP product that can be used on cedar roof shakes? The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau does not allow any products that are considered sealants, waterproofers or plasticizers. It also cannot contain unfortified linseed oil, diesel fuel or crack case oil. Thanks for any help!
The TWP 200 Series is designed for shakes and shingles. TWP products are wood preservatives and do not contain any of the mentioned items: http://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
I live in western Oregon on a wooded lot with lots of shade, needles, rain, and algae. Nothing I have used in the past to stain my deck has lasted more that a year (or less) except for TWP. I replaced the deck last year with PT 2X6’s stripped the wood and applied TWP100. So far it looks quite good, however, I’m wondering it I can re-apply a light coat of TWP every year or two to keep it looking good and protecting well? I would rather spend a couple of Saturday afternoons cleaning and applying a quick light coat than the much more labor intensive and time consuming job of stripping and then treating. Am I barking-up-the -wrong-tree or can this be done with TWP? Would I just use the cleaner/refresher than apply TWP100 again? Anything special I need to know about? Thanks for the help.
Yes you can do a maintenance coat as needed. Typically just the horizontals may need it: Please read this: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/tips/prepping-for-twp-stains/maintaining-twp/
I have a 4 yr old cedar deck in Whistler B.C. (Nov – April usually covered with snow) that had required a complete strip every summer since installation. This summer is going to be no different as BM Arb@#r Coat was a complete and utter failure. Giant strips of stain peeling rendering greying decking. We’ve faithfully followed every product’s instructions diligently and this is the only DIY project that has defied our efforts for success. Stumped in the great white north unless you have a product that will last more than 1 winter! Thanx much in advance.
I am sorry but TWP 100 and 1500 Series are currently not allowed in Canada due to VOC laws.
I have a new deck I built from pressure treated pine in NY. It will be
almost 9 months when I begin to stain this spring. I am wondering if
because TWP 100 does not comply with NY does that mean you won’t ship
it?
Also, I’ve built a massive pergola over the top of the deck
out of the same pine. This would take me probably the entire summer to
paint with a brush and would also cause a lot of brush marks. Can I
spray TWP? If so, any tips? Do you think I can get away with 1 coat or
will I regret it down the road. Thanks in advance.
Yes we will not ship the 100 Series there. You would need to buy the 1500 Series for NY. You can use a pump sprayer for the pergola and back wipe any drips with a brush. I would do just one coat on the verticals and two very light coats applied wet on wet for the floor.
I have a new redwood fence (60’x 6′) in the backyard. I want to protect and preserve those rich colors of the wood. Don’t want to change anything – just keep it like that for as long as possible – if possible.
You must have a color in your stain to prevent UV graying which means you will “enhance” the natural colors of the wood. I would suggest testing a few samples of the TWP 1500 Series:
http://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I have inherited a 40 year old home with an exterior of western cedar, rough, channel (reverse b and b) 1×10 boards. There are no preservatives or stains on it. I have been told that the wood appears to still be in good condition for the most part. Maybe actually being an inch thick has helped. The siding is on the shaded north and east sides and has weathered unevenly with a lot of black and a small area of green. Last summer I experimented on a section – wetting with water, applying oxygen bleach and letting it sit for several minutes, then washing off with water. I really liked the brownish color results. I have read about how good TWP is. What procedure and products would you recommend?
Pre with the Gemini Restore Kit for the cleaning and brightening of the wood. As for the stain, use the TWP 1500 series for this siding. We have samples on the site to test.
I am remodeling a 1 story ranch home using vertically applied T&G cypress wood (North Carolina). We had the wood pre-sealed on all sides with TWP 1500. Once the siding has been installed should we apply a second coat and if so how long after the initial coating? Thanks
Best to wait about 6-12 months after install then lightly clean and apply one coat.
I’ve built an 8’x10′ frame with pressure treated 2’x4’s using piers to keep the frame off the ground and topped it with 3/4″ pressure treated pine plywood. I will put a garden shed on the platform within the next week or two. I’d like to put something on the exposed 2’x4’s and plywood to help preserve the wood–especially on the exposed edges of the plywood. Is TWP appropriate? TWP 100 or TWP 1500? I’ve seen references to letting the wood dry and cure before applying TWP; however, I’ll be topping the plywood with the shed soon. Is is advisable to apply the TWP at this time?
There is no need for it. TWP needs only to be used for wood that is exposed to the elements.
The edge of the 3/4″ plywood, and the side of the frame, will be exposed after I put the shed on top of the platform. If TWP is the right thing to use, can I put it on now or should I wait until the pressure treated plywood has cured or dried a bit?
If the wood is rough, you can stain now. See this link for more info on new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a 15-year-old deck that has never been stained, with a 12-month-old addition. There is a good amount of shade over the deck, especially in summer.
Aesthetically I prefer the look of one coat of stain. As far as protecting the wood, is it important to do a second coat because of the age of some of the wood? Or will we be okay with one coat especially since the sun is not a major factor in deterioration?
Laura, one coat does not look any different then two coats when done properly. Being the wood is older it would best to do the two coats wet on wet application for best uniform results and longevity.
Greetings, I plan on building a deck with Yellawood pressure treated pine that is also kiln dried (KDAT). This will be in South Carolina where the humidity is somewhat high and the deck will be in direct sunlight from morning to mid-afternoon. I’m guessing TWP100 will be preferred over the 1500, correct? Also, do the darker colors of the 100 block more UV?
Thanks in advance,
Iggy
Yes on the 100 Series. New KDAT wood should weather for about a month then prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Only 1 coat the first time stain and apply another coat 12-18 months later. Darker color tend to give a little better UV protection.
Thanks for the quick reply. According to Yellawoods website, they say stain should be applied right away with their KDAT wood. May I ask why you suggest waiting a month?
You should always follow the advice of the stain manufacturer, not the wood manufacture as they really have no idea as to which stain brand or type you are using. Stains are not all created equally. In your scenario it is not an issue of moisture content but rather smoothness of the wood and mill glaze. You need to wait and prep for the TWP to soak in.
I live in south Louisiana. I have 4 12×12 cypress post in the front of my home and they are about a year and a half old. We stained them and put polyurethane over them but as you probably already know it didn’t last. We would like to try TWP. We were curious if we sanded them and restrained them with the color we like is there a clear TWP to put over it or should we sand down to the wood and start over with TWP. Can you even use a stain of your choice and put TWP over it? Help please!
You cannot apply TWP clear or any of the TWP colors over top of a stain of a different brand. Best to just choose one of the pre-tinted TWP colors.
I’m planning on staining my deck with TWP 1500 (it gets a fair amount of sun). The deck was built with new wood about 8-10 months ago, so as I understand your existing advice, it’s a good time to stain. Here’s my issue: the current deck is pretty bare-bones, and I’m planning on adding some built-in seating (using the same dimensional pine). Would you recommend:
1. Waiting to stain all the wood until about the newly added wood has aged?
2. Staining the existing deck now, then adding the new wood, and staining it separately after it has aged?
My goal is to avoid a difference in appearance between the new and old wood, at least as much as possible. My inclination would be to wait to stain everything together, but wanted your advice. Thanks.
To avoid the difference then you should wait and stain all at the same time. Spring should be good.
Which TSP product should I use for new cedar shingles on the side of my house near the ocean in northern CA? I want the shingles to stay brown, not gray, and to protect them from moisture, mildew, and fog deposits.
For California you would need the 1500 Series.
Hello, Looking for some recommendations/help please. Here is my info
200 sq ft deck.. Figian Mahogany deck boards brand new/unfinished. Have read that TWP 1500 might be the best option (live in Ca and TWP not available). Would like to use the 1500 but uncomfortable not being able to find color samples. Questions are 1. is TWP 1500 a good option? and 2. Anyway to get color samples and/or recommendations? 3. Anything special with regard to application of the TWP 1500? thanks JimK
Ca as it California or Canada? TWP is not allowed in Canada.
Sorry for the lack of clarity. California / Sacramento area… I understand the 100 is not available but trying to learn where/if I can get the 1500 and if there is any way to get color samples. thanks for your help
We ship the 1500 there from our site and we also have samples that you can get from our site: http://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hello,
I had a new fence installed 1 month ago with cedar pickets and rails (not pressure treated) and pressure treated pine posts. I was planning on staining my fence this weekend as it might be the last opportunity to do so before it gets too cold.
Do I need to wait longer (until after the winter) or am I ok to do it now since the pickets and rails are not pressure treated.
The fence is approximately 315 LF 5′ tall.
Thanks
Depends on if the wood is smooth or rough sawn: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thanks. I should have clarified that my fence is a combination of both.
The cedar pickets are rough cut. The cedar rails and top trim cap are smooth. The pressure treated pine posts are smooth cut.
Best to wait then as the new wood will not take the stain right away. Please read the article I linked to before.
We have a new fence yet to be built with 1×6 Cedar 1S1E STK KD how do we prep for TWP stain. We’ll also be installing a new deck of 2×6 Cedar, again how do we prep?
Greg, please read this article on new wood. It will answer your questions: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
after checking the weather, . hung plastic around the porch to keep it dry , in case of any rain while sanding. i used the twp 1500 on 800 sf. a week ago , turns out the weather man was wrong. we had freezing temperatures since. my porch is still wet, the stain is not drying. any way to try to fix this other than putting heaters out there?
It needs heat to cure properly. You can also try to wipe down the deck with rags to remove the excess stain that has not dried. Make sure to saturate rags withe water when done to avoid accidental spontaneous combustion.
hi, installing a brand new fence in my yard. fence boards are new 1×8 rough cut redwood and i intend to stain them with TWP 1500 (1502 Redwood). boards have been stored outside for the last 3 weeks which has been dry (CA). for decking, TWP guidance on new wood is to wait 4 – 12 months before applying the stain.
1. do i have to wait the same length of time before applying 1500 to the fence boards or can i apply immediately – before the redwood starts to weather and ‘grey’?
2. aside from making sure the boards are free of sawdust, is there any additional prep required before applying the stain?
many thanks,
mark
Rough cut wood can be stained right away and no prep is needed as long as the wood is clean and free of anything that would prevent penetration of the stain.
Hello live in FL got bamboo fence which is like a red color but was sold as mahogany? Anyways its now started to mold and loose color would like to stain not sure what to purchase or what color would be best or close to what it had. Thanks Ron.
Hi Ron, the TWP products we sell cannot be used on bamboo.
I had a new tongue and groove clear Spruce floor installed on my covered porch this fall but due to contractor incompetence (long story) it was completed too late to apply a stain before the temperatures got too cold. I know you say to let new wood sit for at least 4 months before staining so I guess it is better to wait until Spring but I am concerned about standing water and snow melt sitting on the untreated boards and warping them. The porch is enclosed with 3′ stucco walls all the way around except for the entry and doesn’t drain well. Any water that gets blown through the openings just sits there in a puddle since there are no gaps between the boards. Should I cover the porch with a heavy plastic to keep the water off? Is it o.k. walk on the bare wood to use my front door or should I get some kind of indoor/outdoor carpet to keep off the dirt? I was planning on sanding the wood before staining. Thanks in advance for your help, E.
No need to cover and that would not help the wood season as needed. Just leave alone and prep and stain in Spring.
We are from the coast, north west Washington on the ocean. We are building a new 550 sq. Ft deck. Yellow cedar, or Alaskan cypress by it’s other name. Has been cut and in a sling for several years, but still like new, all 20 ft 2×6 .due to the oily content and tight grain do we need to raise the grain with a light sanding as it is a smooth new wood, we will be doing this in the summer next year when it will be totally dry! Roger
Only on wood decking.
We encountered unexpected rain within 24 hours of applying TWP 1500 to 4-month old cedar deck, not stained previously. Is there anything special we should do?
It is probably fine. Leave alone and let it dry.
I have a large covered covered with heart of pine flooring that is 114 years old. It has been resanded to ;the bare wood. I have ordered 5 gallons TWP 1500 in pecan to finish and protect it. Should I apply one or two coats of TWP? I also ordered a pad applicator. My contractor keeps talking about a lamb’s wool applicator. Is the pad applicator ok or should I find a lamb’s wool applicator.
If you sanded smooth then just one coat. Pads are better then lambs wool in our opinion but either would work.
Can I mix in a mildewcide with the TWP 100? if so, how much? The ten year old deck had paint and some form of black growth, now removed by deep sanding, but it in still on the sides of the boards (2 by 6 treated pine.)
You can but no need. TWP already contains an EPA Registered Mildewcide.
We do not sell a TWP water based stain.
This varies on the age of wood, coats applied, and temperature but normally 24-48 hours or until fully cured.
The wood is two years old, I applied one coat, and the temperature is 75 daytime & 50 nighttime. How do I tell if it is “fully cured”?
Fully cured means it is not tacky or wet stain.
My log home and DECK was stained 3 years ago with TWP 200 Butternut Brown. The cedar log home still looks great but the deck has faded and worn. Can I apply TWP 1500 over the old TWP 200 for better protection and appearance?
As long as you prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit you can.
I have a cedar SIding home and a cedar deck. I have prepped the wood that is now 13 years old and holding up well. I wanted to use TWP over an oil based sealer I used from Sherwin WIlliams. What option from TWP would work the best for me? I do not want to add color but if I have to it would be light.
Youc annot apply TWP over another stain without removing the old coating first. In addition adding no color will mean you will not have protection from graying. You must have color for UV protection.
Hello,
I have a cedar fence, 135 LF with 8′ boards. It was stained in June of ’06 as follows:
– 3 coats Cedar Tone Sealer (107) wet-on-wet
– TWP Roof & Deck Sealant (Radcon)…per the company’s promotional flyer
Now I would like to restain with TWP 1500.
Can you advise me how I should prep the fence? I’ve read a lot of conflicting advise on power washing vs chemical cleaning. I have attached some pics showing the current condition. Note in one that the neighbors sprinkler has discolored the fence in several spots.
Thanks!
Best to use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for maximum results.
I had a deck contractor give an estimate today for cleaning and staining a 2yr. old deck and screened porch. It’s pressure treated lumber and has only had a light Thompson’s water sealer on it. He uses TWP 200 series. From reading comments here, it seems like that wouldn’t be good on a deck. True?
200 Series is designed for shakes and shingles and houses. It can be used for smooth decking but issue is it can take a very long time to fully dry. It could be a few days up to w week or longer depending on your wood.
Just installed an 750 sq foot western red cedar deck. Planning to use TWP 1500 Pecan since natural seemed to look orange over the pink tone of the wood. I was told by lumber yard not to let cedar weather for long. Your instructions say to weather 4-12 months. What are your recommendations for installing on western red cedar?
Yes you need to wait 4-12 months on western red cedar.
Scott Paul
OPW/TheSealerStore
248.299.2512
LOG HOME – I might also add that we already have some TWP 100 we had used on lawn furniture. Will that work well enough?
TWP works great for log homes. 4-8 years of protection depending on exposure.
NEW LOG HOME — Is TWP really able to protect the logs long term? What are your recommendations for prep, application, etc? Any special considerations to keep in mind?
Yes and prep by removing and previous coatings and or general discoloration.
Not shiny. You over applied in the shiny area. TWP sheds water it is not supposed to bead like a car wax.
Yes that is correct.
Had old paint taken off porch with professional sanding. Workers applied one coat of TWP. I was worried it wouldn’t be enough and man who owned sanding firm suggested a second coat and said it would not be a problem. Applied second coat 3 weeks later. Took a week to dry. Now I know wet on dry doesn’t work. Deck is tacky, peeling in spots where chairs sit, can take off top layer with fingernail. Used 1500 in Illinois. How do I fix this?
Wait until Spring and do over by stripping off the TWP and brightening. More is not better and if you a second coat it needs to be wet on wet.
Hi,
Thanks for the help.
What structure is your wood? Wood picket Fence
What species is the wood? Pressure Treated Eastern White Cedar
Is the wood new or older then 1 year? New
Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? Never
Any additional info that would be useful: We’re looking for a solid-body white stain (we’re in a VOC 250 state — Mass) to paint the fence with. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
I am sorry but TWP does not make a solid color stain or any white colors.
My house is sided with cedar shingles which are stained with TWP 200 series. I love your product! My garage is being sided now with a combination of cedar clapboards and cedar board and batten. Are your stains appropriate for this type of siding? I see the 200 series is for shingles and rough wood and the 1500 seems to be for decks. What do you recommend?
For vertical wood that is board and batten you could use either the 200 or the 1500. Most would use the 1500 but since you already have 200 on other parts it might make sense to stay with the same series and color.
What about the cedar clapboards? Also either 200 or 1500?
I spilled a good amount of 1500 series Redwood on my concrete wall. Any suggestions as to how to remove the stain if possible? Thanks!
Not easy to do. Try a graffiti remover stripper and pressure washing.
I prepped my new red cedar deck with both Gemini products and let dry for 72 hrs. I just stained my deck & pergola with 1500 series black walnut using a ‘light’ coat. After 48 hrs, the deck and pergola are still tacky to touch. I don’t believe I put on stain too thick. Can’t imagine if I put on two coats. Will the stain eventually dry to touch or do I need to fix somehow? What to do? I love the resulting color but I’m disappointed with the lack of directional use on the cans. Need advice.
Yes it will dry but it might take a few more days to fully cure. Leave alone for a week. Did you let the new cedar season for 4-12 months first?