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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 used TWP 1500 per instructions on a new douglas fir deck, bench and rail going on 3 years ago. The horizontal surfaces are fading now and in some areas are flaking and pealing. I ordered 2 gallons of the same material I used originally (TWP 1530) thinking that would be best for reapplication. After reading your recommendations, I am not sure this is the product to use. I am hoping I don’t have to strip to bare wood after only 3 years.
I would stay with the same that you used 3 years ago.
how much twp 1500 do I need for one coat on 750 sq. ft. of deck?
1 of the 5 gallon pails should cover 750 sq. feet for one coat.
How many sq. feet are you staining?
single floor 8 – 10 ft. about 950 linear. probably about 8500 – 9000
That is a lot of linear! Is it correct?
HA HA, sorry old eyes. 160 linear, so about 1400 square
You will need about 12-14 gallons for two coats for that amount.
Honeytone is the lightest tint.
I will be staining my 1 year old p.t. pine deck soon. I have vinyl railings so I will not be spraying. Most likely using roller on small sections and back brushing immediately. Do I still need to do 2 coats? Also assuming I will get more coverage per gallon using this method.
Two light coats applied wet on wet is best method.
You will need to remove the old coatings. Stripping the deck may remove some but you will possibly need tis and it as well to get the wood completely free of the Behr. Once removed you can then stain with the TWP. Thanks!
I am using TWP 1500 on my deck. I cleaned it with the Cleaner/Brightener and pressure washed it, so I feel confident the wood is prepped well. Due to the deck age it will for sure need 2 wet on wet coats properly applied per the directions, and wiping off excess so as not to create puddles or wet spots.
It is forecast to be 83 degrees and humidity around 45% tomorrow afternoon here in Middle TN. I will be finished with the staining tomorrow before it gets above 80. The deck gets the morning sun, and is out of the sun in late afternoon, so it will not see the sun for extra drying help until the next afternoon.
Directions say 24-72 hours drying time. My question is concerning the drying time needed before my dogs could walk on it. How long do you think it has to dry without them leaving visible prints, assuming I apply properly? They are only about 17 lbs, so not really that large/heavy. Any guidance greatly appreciated!
It should dry within 24 hours in you temps.
Just rinse off the dirt and stain when dry.
Hard to say. It may be fine or you may need to strip and start over. Let the water dry and then assess then. If it looks good then proceed with completion.
I applied TWP 1500 on my unfinished treated wood deck 1 year ago. It still looks good, however it is a covered deck (roof) except for the stairs and landing which show a little fading. Should I do a maintenance application this year or wait until next year?
If it looks good then leave it alone and do it next Spring.
Deck was installed in 10/2015. We had it stained with TWP 1530 when it was installed. We had it stained with TWP 1530 again around 8/14.
A black stain of some sort covers parts of the deck now.
How should we proceed to restore the deck?
Do you have any recommendations for a competent contractor in the Raleigh NC area who could restore the deck? The guy we used on 8/14 put the stain on too thick.
Tom, we have already replied to your questions on this.
We just applied two coats of TWP 100 Rustic on stripped, aged pressure treated pine. The second coat left a shiny coat, more red in color, rather than the browner tone we sought and indicated in the color samples. How, other than stripping and starting over, can we reduce the sheen? If we have to strip, which stripping product is best to remove a freshly applied coat of TWP 100 rustic? Thx
A sheen means you over applied the stain TWP should be applied with two light coats applied wet on wet. You could try to wipe off the excess stain with mineral sprits and rags. That does not always work. Make sure to saturate any oily rags in water when done. If you need to strip you should use the Restore A Deck stripper.
Have a ten year old pressure treated pine deck (I think its pine) but seven months ago I replaced about half of the boards. The old part was stained with a Cabot solid stain but I have not done anything to the new section. The stain on the old section is okay but it is faded and peeling (not bad) in places. I want to go with the TWP 1500 but do not know if it will be dark enough. I can send picture if it helps. Any help is appreciated.
TWP cannot be applied over a solid stain. If you would like to use TWP then you will need to sand off the solid stain. Once sanded you would need to use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep.
I have a 1 year old dock that I am about to statin with TWP-100. Is using a brightener product after cleaning the wood always necessary?
Yes it neutralizes the cleaner.
is it OK to mix colors? Dark oak too dark, cedar to light. Thanks!!
Yes you can do that.
Built new deck 1.5 years ago and used 1 coat of 100TWP. Ready to redo deck. What do i need to do to prep deck for another staining. Should i also being doing a wet on wet staining? Thank you . Steve in Charlotte, NC
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and apply two very light coats wet on wet.
Is NBS 30 insect repellant compatible with TWP103 stain?
Yes it should be fine.
I built my 20’x24′ deck last summer (PT railings and structure & Trex decking). I need to seal the PT railings & structure. Thinking of using TWP 1500. What would be the process with this age new PT wood? Approximately how much do you think it would take. Thanks for the help!
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Coverage is 150-200 sq. feet per gallon.
thanks. what is the best applicator for railings in your opinion?
Stain Pad applicators pads.
Application question
We are about to order our stain & supplies but not sure what is the best way to apply.
We have 2 decks 16×12 & 9×11 – the top and bottom rail are Yellawood but the spindles are metal – should we apply with a sprayer and brush the top & bottom rails, or purchase and apply with the recommended pads? I have stained/sealed decks before (years ago) but we only used the wide Wooster brushes, just wondering if the other methods are easier and more efficient? Also, if we use the pads what do we use for a tray, a regular paint tray??
We like pads first and the Wooster brushes second for application. Either is fine. Use a regular paint try.
any difference between the Padco Pro stain pad or the regular Padco stain pad? I see the regular one is $1.00 cheaper than the pro but can’t determine the difference…??
We like the red ones better.
2 questions:
1) After we use the wash & brighten how long (typically) would we need to wait to stain our deck? How would we know if it is dry enough?
2) How much of a window before rain do we have after staining?
1. 48 hours after the prep before staining.
2. 12-48 hours after applying before rain. This varies based on the weather and exposure to the sun.
If you can wait it would be better. To much stain applied now and it may not dry properly.
Okay, got it…..one more quick question, may I use a different color than the color I layed down last year?
Only if you are going darker. If you want it to be lighter then you will need to strip.
Thanks for getting back to me, okay to clean and prep means just wash it down so there is no dirt on it, correct? I guess shiny wasn’t the best choice of wordage, just want it looking brighter like it was last year summer after I applied it.
Thanks again.
Lightly wash with soap water to remove dirt and grime.
You can just stain it after the Safe Strip.
I used TWP/Gemini 895 and TWP116 a year ago and it has stood up very well, now I would like to spruce it up a little so as to give it more of a fresher, shinier finish. Can you tell me how to go about doing this, maybe a top coat?
You do not want a shiny coat. That means it is over applied and it will fail. You can clean and prep and apply one coat to make it look fresher. Use the same stain.
Anywhere from 4-12 hours is normal but ti does vary on the temperature, application amount, exposure to sun, etc.
I have a redwood deck installed in June 2014. It was originally stained with Arbor Coat and I am not pleased with the present look. Some peeling and dark discoloration from the sun. It gets heavy afternoon sun.
What steps should I take prior to re staining deck and what is the best TWP product to use if I want to keep the color of the deck close to it’s natural redwood color?
You will have to strip and sand to remove. Arborcoat is very hard to get off but it needs to come off otherwise your new coating will not work. Make sure to use a wood brightener when done. Try the TWP 100 or 1500 depending on where you live. We have samples for you to order from the site that you can test first.
i used Rustoleum Deck Restore 2 summers ago, short story, its all peeling off and horrible. I have removed 98% of it on my knees with a scraper and puddy knife. I am going to pressure wash it to get the remaining previous product off, and I want to know what prep I should do with my deck now that I want to use TWP 1500 on it. Should I use your “Restore and Brightener Kit” and then apply TWP1500?
Yes that would be correct. Use the Gemini Kit as the final prep while pressure washing.
I will also be renting a belt sander after I get the rest of the old product off, (see pictures attached) and smooth out the damaged wood, then ill use the Gemini Kit, then TWP 1500 2 wet coats. Do you have a specific Tank Sprayer that works best with the TWO 1500?? That info would help.
Just do one coat this year and another next season since you are sanding. Too much stain and it may not absorb. I would not spray the TWP either. Use a stain applicator pad.
Would it be fine to just use a roller and then immediately brush-in the stain for the one coat? Also, is it okay to put the 2nd coat on at the end of the summer to help protect from the harsh winter? thanks,.
It will be fine through the winter so better to do it next Spring. Use a flat exterior stain pad for application. Rollers are not the easiest way to apply. You will not need to back brush with a pad either.
I have looked online but cant find a good exterior stain pad. Do have any recommendations for a Manufacturer or store where I can find a good one to use with your product?
We carry Padco: http://www.twpstain.com/padco-stain-pads
Also look at Shurline Pads.
I built a new deck last year with pressure treated pine. We waited until 12 months to decide to treat it (as we were told). We like the color of the wood and would just like to put a clear coat on it to retain the color. Two questions 1) do we need to wash it before putting the clear coat on it and 2) I read good things about the 1500 series but don’t see a clear coat. Is there one?
Also, there are still pencil lines on the deck. Is there a cleaner that would get rid of them before clear coating it? Thanks!
It is impossible to block the UV rays and prevent graying with a clear. It must be tinted if you do not want the wood to gray. TWP does come in a clear in both the 100 and 1500 Series. You will need to prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit. Hard to say for sure on the pencil lines as it depends on how deep they are into the wood cells and how well you scrub or pressure wash off the cleaner.
Our deck was treated with something before we bought the house. Is there anything we can not apply your product over?
You cannot put TWP over any stain of a different brand. The old stain will need to be removed first.
We are on our third year of using TWP100 dark oak. The wood is white oak and getting pretty dark. We are done with the snow and I want to apply something, but I am thinking the wood is dark enough. So, if there was just a clear coat, I would fell comfortable. What do you suggest?
You cannot put the clear on top of the colored dark oak stain. It will not have any benefits. Stay with same color or strip it off with the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washing. Apply the brightener when done.
We have cedar siding installed in1984 – it has had two applications of CWF-UV5 Cedar Tone applied – the last application was over 10 years ago. We are having it cleaned in preparation for stain, but can’t decide which way to go. Can we put TWP-200 on without stripping –
You cannot put TWP or any penetrating stain on top of the CWF without stripping. It needs to be removed first.
We have a 5 year old pressure treated deck that we stained with a semi transparent stain. Last year I used your products to strip the deck and am happy with the results. We decided we no longer want to stain the deck again and like the look of the natural wood, however, we are not sure what product to use to protect the wood from uv rays without using a stain. Would we need the 1530 product? And if so will it have any stain to it or will it look like the wood. We live in New York. Thanks.
It is not possible to protect the wood from UV rays without staining. Clear does not have any color and will not offer UV protection. Natural is a stain and does offer UV protection.
We have a 15 yr old pressure treated pine deck. Have not taken good care of it, staining only 2-3 times, most recently about 5 yrs ago. Can’t remember exactly what stain we used, but think it was a semi-transparent or solid. We recently used a deck cleaner and pressure washed, but couldn’t remove all the stain. Then we found your site. We’re thinking we need to strip, brighten, then stain with the 100 series. We live in NC and have a problem with mold and mildew. The last stain we applied was a dark redwood color, and we’d like to go with a lighter color this time. Are we proceeding in the right way, and do you have advice for us regarding products we should use and colors to consider? Thank you!!
You do need to remove but without knowing what type of stain you are removing, it is hard to suggest what to use. Strippers do not remove solid stains. You may need to sand it all off then clean and brighten the wood before staining. Once removed then you can stain. Might want to get some samples to test first.
We were finally able to determine that we used a semi transparent stain, so that’s good. We’ll strip, brighten, then stain. One question about application– even though our deck is old and we haven’t taken good care of it, do we still only put one coat on verticals and two on horizontal?
If the wood is really tired out then put two coats on all the wood.
I live in NW PA and had a beautiful yellawood pressure treated pine deck built in December between 2 snow storms. The snow just melted, but it has been very rainy and cold. Yellawood website http://www.yellawood.com/resources/painting-and-staining.aspx said I should seal the wood. “it’s important to finish your project as soon as possible after
completion. In the past, people waited 6 months or so before finishing
projects that use pressure treated wood. That’s no longer the case with
newer treatments like the micronized copper preservatives used to treat
YellaWood® brand products. Now your project could be ready to be
finished within 30 days of completion. For a natural pine appearance, apply a transparent or semi-transparent water repellent – Apply within 6 weeks of completion and reapply annually
– Pick a sealant with UV stabilizers to help ease the impact of the sun…
Since the deck was built in December and it is still very cold and rainy here, how long should I wait to seal or stain? The deck is built between trees, and is in the shade. May be prone to turning green with growth. How can I retain the beautiful natural color? Should I seal the deck prior to staining with TWP1500? I would like a natural color or something that resembles natural oak.
You can go ahead and do the deck as soon as the weather is good. Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit. TWP comes in different colors so best to order some samples to test.
Dallas area. I have a 9 year old rough cedar fence, stained several times with Pinofin blue label clear western red cedar. Currently fading/greying and a bit uneven from last staining overlaps. Looking at TWP100.
about 250 ft. of 8 ft fence – 2000 sq. ft. …. how much stain [calculator like deck without rail or does rough cedar take more?]
Can I mix cedar tone and redwood to get a slightly more red one? is pump sprayer/brushback/wet-on-wet still the best method? are there any local dealers?
thanks!!
For the sq. footage, multiply length x height x 2 if doing both sides. One gallon covers roughly 100-150 sq feet for two coats applied wet on wet. Spray on first coat and apply the second coat with a brush or pad within 30 minutes.
I have two decks built out of pressure treated pine in Michigan. The newer of the two is a year old and has never been sealed. The older is about 3 years old and was previously treated with a semi-transparent water based stain which failed during the first winter. I have sanded the failed stain from the older deck last fall and it has been unfinished over the winter.
Would you recommend the TWP100 or 1500 for the best UV and moisture protection? Should I prep both decks with the Gemini Cleaner and Brightner, or is Brightner alone sufficient?
Do you recommend a stain pad or brush for the best application?
Should I do one coat this spring, followed by a light coat in the fall or should I do a wet-on-wet application this spring and be done?
Prep with the Gemini Kit and stain with two coats applied wet on wet of the TWP 100 Series. We like stain pads for application.
We have a 13 year old deck and covered porch.
Material – Pressure treated Pine
Original Treatment – Velvet Oil covered decks not exposed to sun or weather only had an additional coat of Velvet oil. The uncovered portion also had a another coat of the velvet oil and then high quality semi-transparent deck stain 3 years ago.
Condition – unexposed/covered deck is in great condition, except where pet nails made marks
Exposed/uncovered deck looks old and worn
State – Middle of Wisconsin
Question – Which stain would be best for us to cover up the uncovered deck imperfections and tie in to the covered portions.
Hello, you cannot cover the old coatings with TWP. If you would like to use TWP then you will need to remove all of the old coatings first. This would need to be done by stripping, pressure washing or possibly even sanding. Once removed you would want to use the TWP 100 Series.
I have a 19 year old deck and live in Flagstaff at 7000 feet. High UV and extreme temperature changes. Ice, sun, heat, sun, rain, sun etc. Should I order 100 series or 1500 series to apply after sanding my deck?
After sanding use the Gemini Restore kit for prep and to open grain while removing sand dust. Use the 100 Series as it will penetrate better into a recently sanded deck.
Thanks!
Have clear cedar decking. We prestained before construction and cleaned and restained one year later with transparent stain Defy. Sunny areas failed. Looks dry everywhere. How would I go about prepping and restraining with TWP 1500 for results that last?
You would have to remove the old stain first as the TWP cannot be applied on top. This would entail stripping and the use of a pressure washer to remove. You will also need to apply a wood brightener after the stripping is completed to neutralize the wood.
My husband finished/sealed the deck last year with your wonderful product. We used the sprayer which in some spots did not take well. After the long cold winter most of the desk looks good except for a couple of spots. Can he just go over it with stain again or should he sand the spot first. We have plenty of stain left over. Thank you for your products. They are fabulous. Anna Marie Gonzales
If it is just a couple of spots then try to touch then up and blend the overlaps.
Me again. I understand wetting the wood opens the grain (vertical siding, sanded paint off 1941 yellow pine). But I have to let the wood dry completely before staining, so will the grain close as it dries? Any light you can shed on that…. I’m in Florida. Thanks again, Polly.
No it does not close the grain when you let it dry.
Thank you, StainHelp. I would like to use a brush to apply my 101. Should I use polyester, nylon, boar bristle or what kind for the best effect?
Does not matter but these work best: http://www.twpstain.com/wooster-pro-stain-brush
I applied TWP 1500 Cedar color to my brand new redwood deck 2 years ago, following all of the prep and application directions. Most of the boards are now black… it may be accumulated dirt and/or mold, but I am very concerned. A neighbor used another product and their deck still looks now. What should I do?
Best to prep and reapply. Use the Gemini Restore Kit for this. TWP does not darken in color so it must be dirt or mold on top of the stain that can be cleaned off.
Hi, I just sanded all the paint off, down to bare wood on my garage (1941 yellow pine) and I don’t know whether to consider it old wood or new wood for cleaning purposes. It sure smells and looks new. Before I sanded with 36 grit, I had washed with TSP and water, but I need to sand with 80 grit before I stain with TWP 100. So do I clean it again and, if so, how before the last sanding? Also, there is white paint in between the boards where each board slopes. Will the 100 stain the white stripes of paint? I was thinking of leaving the white paint in between the boards — kind of looks like white stripes — and might have to tape it off. The door is white, and other parts of the garage are white, so it might look like a nice design or not? Thank you.
After your final sanding you will need to lightly clean with the Gemini Restore Kit. This will open the wood grain and remove the sand dust. TWP will not mask or stain the paint. It will show through the TWP.
You will need the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washing to remove the Behr. Behr is a filming stain and can be hard to remove so you may need to strip more then once to it get it off. Use the RAD Brightener after to neutralize. Stain with the TWP 1500.
I stained my new cedar and pressure treated deck in July 2014 following your instructions for new wood. A number of the boards have a considerable growth of black mold now. How should I address this problem before re-staining this summer? Should I wait until I re-stain to address the mold or address it now?
Thanks,
Daniel
Wait and prep before reapplication. Use the Gemini Restore Kit. Take care to not stain when trees are pollinating in the area. If pollen does get trapped in the stain while drying, it could promote mold growth.
Weathered IPE and dark stain?
Hello,
I have an IPE deck that’s about 10 years old and has turned gray. I would like to stain it with TWP 1500 a nice dark color but I’m not sure how it will look. Anyone have experience doing this or have any picture? I was thinking about the Black Walnut color.
Thanks!
Mike
Mark, you would need to prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit. TWP can be sued on IPE but suggest the 100 Series if possible as it will penetrate better. Dark Oak is the darkest in the 100 series.
100 isn’t allowed in MD. Will 1500 work on IPE?
Very light coat if used on IPE.
Hi, I just sanded all the paint off the exterior of my 1941 garage. The yellow pine smells wonderful and looks freshly sawn. Is TWP good for pine siding? The pine is a soft wood, if that matters. I read about TWP and it sees like it’s mainly used for decks. The exterior faces South and is in the sun all day. Will the TWP let the pine keep its color, and how often must I recoat it? Should I use 100 or 1500? Thank you very much. Polly.
You can use this for all exterior wood. It will work very well for your siding. Use the 1500 and recoat every 3-4 years on vertical wood or as needed.
How do I remove TWP 100 overspray from a concrete patio?
Try a graffiti remover cleaner from your local store and pressure washing as well.
I have a 2 year old pressure treated deck that is ready for stain. Half is covered half is not. My plan is to use the cleaner and stain for the whole deck. Is this the correct way to handle this? Also the posts and rafters (all treated) need some type of protection too. Since these have not been exposed to weather should I also clean/stain these or can I get away with just staining? I plan on using TWP 1500. Thanks for your help.
You should use the Gemini Restore Kit to prep all wood that you will be staining for max results.