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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
Try the Pecan. It tones down the orange by adding a little bit of brown.
I have a 18 year old deck that I am stripping off the latex paint. Half of the deck was torn down and replaced by kiln dried pressure treated wood. What would be the best stain to use to get the best color match, solid?
TWP does not come in a solid color. It is not easy to blend new and old wood with a semi-transparent stain. The new wood will be lighter in color.
I have a board-n-batten hemlock wood siding barn/garage that was built Fall 2014. I’m located in Northeast Ohio,in the snow belt east of Cleveland. I’m ready to preserve it. Nothing as been done to date. What product should I use ? How many coats ?
Apply two light coats “wet on wet” with the TWP 1500 Series. Prep with pressure washing and the Gemini Restore Kit.
Please see this article: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Please see this: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I plan on using the 1500 series for my deck. I would like to add a mildewcide to the stain. Do you sell a compatible brand or is there a brand that would be compatible with the 1500? Thanks
We do not sell a mildewcide and it already contains an EPA registered mildewcide in it.
Great, thanks!
Is there a difference between the TWP 1500 color called “Rustic vs Rustic OAK
No there is not.
Have a 1200 sq. foot deck floor built with composite deck boards purchased from Home Depot. Don’t recall brand name but flooring has 8 years of aging and looks horrible. Steam pressure washed the composite boards and have removed all mold and scum. The boards have turned almost white after drying. Wanting to know if the TWP1500 series Rustic would give me back color and protection on this kind of product?
TWP is not designed for composite decking. It may work fine but there are some many different kinds of composites out there that we cannot say for sure. You can get a sample from our site to test.
Have a very large 15 year old cedar deck. Max Temp is predicted in the mid 90’s for next several days. Will TWP 103-5 stain dry to fast? Some deck is shaded and some in sun.
It may dry to fast and it is not advised to apply TWP when temps are over 90 and when in full sun. It may be fine but hard to guarantee as it depends on how fast you apply and other variables.
I have a 35 year old cypress house that has not been stained or sealed in many years,
i have just finished stripping what twp stain was on there,now I’m having to sand because the house has a lot of wood fur. I need some suggestions to what to do next for the stain to take evenly.
It had TWP stain about 8 or 9 years ago. What should I do.
After any light sanding you should apply the wood brightener to all the wood.
Thanks!
I have a 15+ year deck that I believe is pressured treated pine. I stained a couple years back with a Behr semi-transparent stain which was terrible. It was flaking off in many areas – especially the floor and bottom of the bench area. I have purchased the Safe Strip to help remove the remaining Behr stain. I read the directions but want to make sure I am clear – is it best to apply the stain strip with a sprayer first and then clean off with a power washer? If old stain does not come off should I scrub with a brush? After I strip the deck, I am planning on using the Restore a Deck to prep the wood for staining. Do I have to wait a certain amount of time between stripping the deck and applying the restore a deck? What about between the restore a deck and applying the stain? Thanks for your help!
Shawn, more then likely the SafeStrip will not remove the Behr. It is designed for removing TWP type stains, not filming water based stains like the Behr. Even the Restore A Deck Stripper can have a hard time removing the Behr. You will more then likely have to do some sanding to remove it. No need to wait between using prepping products.
Thanks for the info. My best bet then may be to just sand off the Behr stain as much as possible. If I sand and powerwash, do I need to do any other step before applying the TWP stain? Do I need to apply the Restore a Deck before staining?
Yes you should prep with the Gemini Kit after the sanding.
Just so I am sure – you refer to the Gemini Kit. I have the “Restore a Deck” Wood Brightener. Is this the same as the Gemini Wood Brightener and OK to use?
You want the Restore A deck brightener.
Got it, thanks for the prompt response.
Welcome
Scott Paul
OPW/TheSealerStore
248.299.2512
I have a similar situation. I used Gemini Injectable Safe Strip followed by a pressure washing to prep the deck, but some of the deck had dark spots and looked like there was still some old Lowes type stain on it from 5 years ago. I didn’t use any other cleaner or brightener. I started sanding some of the dark boards with 80 grit paper. I plan on finishing the sanding, followed by staining with 1500.
Do I need to do any other prep to the sanded wood before I satin.?
Yes you should use the Gemini Kit and light pressure washing after the sanding.
Ok, just to be sure: after the sections of deck have been sanded, I should reapply the Gemini Injectable Safe Strip, power wash then use the brightener?
Thanks for the help,
No you should apply the Gemini Restore Kit (not safe strip) to all wood after sanding. This is a cleaner and wood brightener kit.
Ok, the deck has been cleaned and brightened and has dried for 43 hours. I want to stain now, but there is a 45% chance of rain 7 hours after I finish staining. Should I stain today or wait a week for more sun?
Wait to be safe on the rain later.
Scott Paul
OPW/TheSealerStore
248.299.2512
How long should we wait between the 1st and 2nd coat? We live in SE Minnesota. We stripped the green treated deck and pressure washed it to look like new wood again. We’re finishing putting the first coat on – 120 Pecan TWP, and love the look it’s creating. Looks beautiful. We want to apply a 2nd coat to the floor and top rail. To maximize the stains longevity, how long should we wait before we apply the 2nd coat? Thanks
TWP is applied wet on wet. Not wet on dry. Please read this: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Thank you very much. Good info.
Welcome!
Sorry but there is not anything that will remove sap. Just prep and stain over it as it will most likely just continue after the staining.
RAD should not affect it. You cannot get TWP on it as it will stain it.
So, if I use TWP that is the same color as the vinyl it should be alright?
You should not get the TWP on the vinyl. It will look bad.
Okay, thank you. I appreciate your help.
Welcome!
My deck is 10+ years old (pressure treated 2x4s). It is covered in snow for at least 3 months a year and exposed to high temperatures (90+) at the peak of the summer. It gets a lot of weather. I stripped it down, pressure-washed and sanded it, and it doesn’t look that bad. I want to stain it with something clear (more to protect/preserve it than make it sparkle which isn’t going to happen). Also, given the severity of the weather I anticipate I will have to recoat every year or two so I’m assuming I need something penetrative as opposed to filmy. Something that would require the minimum number of coats would also be nice. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Look at the TWP 1500 Series. You can use Clear but Clear will not prevent graying from the UV. Best to use a tint if you want to prolong the graying.
I have a one-year old, never stained deck made of re-dried, pressure treated southern yellow pine. Two different deck builders have told me they have had good results here in Central NC with TWP 200 series. I had planned on using 100 series, but wanted to get your thoughts on using 200 series on decks in this climate. Thanks very much.
The 200 is for shakes and shingles. Use the 100 Series.
You cannot speed up the wait period by sanding. It will help but it still needs to weather some.
OK, thanks
TWP cannot be used in this scenario.
Can varnish be applied over the stain?
No it cannot.
What is the best stain for a deck in the NC mountains (elevation 5600′)? It is a treated pine that was stained about 2 years ago with Cabot natural Australian Timber Oil. Deck is about 10 years old. When I stained it last time the water stayed on the deck with in the winter made it slick. Not sure if there is something that would help that issue. Also is this just available on the internet?
First you will need to to remove the Cabot first before using the TWP. Strip and pressure wash while using the Restore A Deck Stain stripper to remove. Once the Cabot is removed you will need to apply the RAD wood brightener. After the prep and the wood is free of the old coatings, apply two coats of the TWP 100 Series. Apply with the wet on wet application.
Oh Ok thanks.
Why is that?
Not VOC compliant for your country’s laws.
Toronto, Canada
TWP currently is not allowed in Canada.
Please advise:
Deck
Treated pine
New deck which has been in place one year with no other stain applications
Also please advise on which stain would be best the 100 or the 1500, thank you.
Where do you live?
I’ve got two decks I’d like to stain this summer. The first one I used twp 1500 3 years ago on new (aged 6 months) wood and with heavy wear it need some extra protection now (the fence still looks great!). The second deck is older and has other product that was stained sever years ago and I’d like to resurface with twp. I have enough twp stain. I’m thinking twp deck cleaner/brightener for the first deck and twp stripper for the second. Am I correct? Any tips?
Yes that would be correct. Make sure the brighten after the Restore A Deck Stripper as well.
Do not use filler on outside wood. It will not work or stain with the TWP. Just use the Gemini Kits and pressure washing for prep. No need to sand. Let dry then stain.
John, please read this about new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Lightly prep with the deck cleaner and apply one light coat to all horizontals.
My questions are regarding deck prep. We are just finishing a 550 Sq Ft Kiln Dried Cedar deck. Can I stain the deck with TWP 100 right away? Since it is just built, will I need to use a mold barrier product prior to stain? Two coats for brand new cedar?
Only one coat for new wood this year and another light coat next year. For Kiln wood you should wait 2-4 weeks to season some and then prep with the Gemini Restore Kit to remove any potential mill glaze. No need for any addition mold protection.
Hi. I purchased a 5-gallon container of TWP 100 stain from you. How do you recommend that I transfer the stain (after mixing) from the 5-gallon container into a smaller container that I can carry up a ladder to stain a pergola structure? I was thinking using a Pyrex container, or small painter pail, but wondered what the preferred approach was.
A small painters pail would be best. Transfer with funnel or dip small container into the 5 gallon, then wipe off the outside.
Make sure to remove all of the old stain first and use the TWP 1500 Series.
I have a 7 year old pine (treated) deck that is approximately 1800 square feet. It has been stripped/cleaned and I am located in Tennessee. Do you recommend 100 or 1500? Also how many gallons?
For 2 coats applied “wet on wet” you will need about 15-20 gallons. Use the 100 Series.
It’s been about a month since I have stripped and prepped a 4 yr old cedar deck using the Woodrich products you sell here. The weather up here in Philly, PA has been rainy, both in actual rain and forecasted rain. I can’t get a good, dry 72 hours to stain and dry. Can I stain the deck 15 hours after a rain storm? I may get that window soon. After 15 hours the deck looks dry but I’m not sure how dry it needs to be. Thanks.
No it needs to be at least 24-48 hours after a rainstorm. By the way, we do not sell Woodrich products. Our prepping products have nothing to do with them. Thanks!
Hello, please read this: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
We are building a new house and will be using white cedar shakes/shingles for the exterior. We want to use a product that is clear, so it will show the grain of the wood, but prevent it from that aging (gray color) look. What product would you suggest? We have been told we will need to put up lines of rope, stain one by one and hang them to dry, prior to attaching them to the house. That’s fine with us, just want to use a product that will preserve the shingles and not warp or curl them. Thank you.
You do not need to stain that way. Install the shingles on the house, let dry a month or two and then stain with the TWP 1500 Series. TWP is a semi-transparent that will show the grain of the wood but comes in different colors to enhance and protect from graying. You need the color/tint for protection from graying.
Did you let the wood weather? Did you prep first? Only one coat on new wood. Might want to read this article: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I have a camp in the adirondack mountains in upstate ny. I just bought an aluminum dock with new cedar planks. The deck will remain in the lake for about 2 months per year and then will be stored indoors. What is the best stain to use? I have 9 sections 10 feet long and 4 feet wide.
Use the 1500 Series for NY. Please read this about new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I live in Atlanta and have a cedar arbor and fence. Arbor was built last September, and the fence was built in January. Not sure whether the TWP 100 or 1500 would be the better choice. Would appreciate some advice. Thanks.
I would suggest the 100 Series for both.
We stained our screened in porch (north side) 2 weeks ago with twp 1500. Still have some tacky spots and shiny spots. Will the tackiness ever go away? Can we clean it with anything to help?
Wipe it down with rags and mineral spirits to remove the excess tackiness. Saturate any oily rags with water when done to avoid spontaneous combustion.
Do I wipe down all boards or just the ones that are tacky/shiny? How saturated should rags be with mineral spirits. Heavy or light?
Just the shiny boards. Heavy.
I live in Chicago and just sanded my deck to remove a semi-trans Behr. Should I go with 1500 series? Also, I have samples and although I’m not done sanding the entire deck, can I try the sample on a part that is already sanded but not yet ‘cleaned’ and brightened or will the sample not be representative of its true finish? I am trying to avoid cleaning and brightening just to apply the samples to again strip, clean and brighten those sample spots…
You have to use the 1500 Series for IL. Apply a sample to the wood after sanding will be close enough in color.
I continue to read most recommend sending stain through some type of filter (i.e., coffee filter) prior to filling up paint try/sprayer reservoir. Is this true for your product? Will be applying 100 series to a 6-foot, rough cut cedar fence. Thanks!
No you do not need to do that.
If I sand & pressure wash my older deck down to bare wood do I still need to use a cleaner or brightener?
Yes you will need to.
Why does one have to use cleaner and brightner if the pressure wash has opened the pores and cleaned it? And with new pressure treated wood, do you have to sand it and/or use deck cleaning chemicals? All experienced contractors in my area tend want to pressure wash it versus chemicals
You should use the Gemini Kit for new wood. You clean the wood with the deck cleaner and you brighten the wood to neutralize the deck cleaner and remove any additional mill glaze. Pressure washing with just water can damage the wood. Cleaners make it easier, your use less pressure, and it turns out better.
You recommended 100 for Pacific NW. I was wondering why since the 1500 has more solids and and mildew additives?
The 100 penetrates better then the 1500. 1500 has more solids but they both have the same mildew additive amount.
My mother has a three year old cedar deck that faces south in Iowa. We used the Restore-A-Deck kit to prep the deck when it was a year old, and applied TWP100 Pecan. Last year the floor had faded and/or peeled some, so we used a cleaner and PH balancer and redid the floor. Each time we also used a pressure washer. Now, in the third year, the railings and floor are peeling and look like they should be done again. Did we not do a very good job of prepping the wood the first time?
We aren’t against starting over and redoing the deck, but what would you suggest so that we get it right?
If it is peeling then it never penetrated into the wood completely. This could be due to over applying. At this point it would be best to remove and start over so the new coating will soak in well. Use the RAD stripper followed by the brightener. When applying the TWP, make sure to apply the two coats wet on wet.
I just finished staining my deck with your TWP 1500 rustic color stain. The deck is treated Pine and just under 3 years old. It looks great. I did use the wet on wet method for a second coat. It dried for over 48 hours. We had a rain and it beaded up nicely and so I know it’s sealed. I was wondering if it’s to late to put another coat on the floor as it looks like it needs it. Is it to late to apply more stain? Thank you
You should not apply more stain now. Better off doing a light cleaning and one light coat next Spring if desired.
If I order the 5 gallon of stain, do you mix it before shipping or do I have to stir it a lot before using? I will be staining within 2 days of receiving the stain.
You will have to mix as it does settle some.
For the older deck you will need to remove the Behr by using the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washing. You may need to sand some of the Behr as well. Use the RAD brightener when done. For the newer deck, you should use the Gemini Restore kit for the prep.
The deck is pine. Which one of the TWP stains should I use to protect it?
Where do you live?
Wisconsin
Use the 100 Series.
Not suggested for this wood type.
I have a cedar deck that was stained with a SW deckscapes solid stain. I using a stripper solid stains that states it works on solid stains. I am pressure washing. This is removing most of the stains with stain sticking in the knotty areas. I plan to sand using an orbital deck sander to remove the rest of the stain and get the wood smooth. Then I plan to use a deck brightner to neturalize any remianing stripper and get the deck clean. After that I hope to use the TWP 100 ceader tone. Is there anything else I need to do and is the ceader tone a semisolid stain? The Deck has cracks and some a few gouges that need to be filled.
Yes the Cedartone is a semi-transparent not a semi-solid. You should be good to stain as long as all the solid is removed.
The deck is 15 years old. I hope with sanding that I can get the solid stain off. However, I’m having groves on the boards show up that I don’t know if they will sand out. Will the honey tone stain hide it if it does not? The color is a very dark brown.
No you cannot hide a solid stain when using a semi-transparent stain like TWP. The solid stain will show through.
I sanded and restained my PTP ground-level deck last year, using TWP 100 Dark Oak. It has faded a little bit over the year, but holding up nicely. We are redoing our upper balcony and are using Kayu Batu. I’d like some advice on achieving somewhat similar colors in stains for both decks, realizing they are different wood materials. I had thought of using Armstrong Clark Mahogany Hardwood Trans for the upper Kayu balcony. I believe it’s oil-based.
Could I add some TWP Dark Oak to the AC stain and stain the upper and restain the lower? Or would I be better off adding another (redder) TWP product to the leftover Dark Oak stain, to achieve a color that will be similar to the AC Mahogany for hardwood that I planned for the upper? Much thanks in advance.
You cannot mix TWP with a different brand. Try add some Rustic Color to the Dark Oak.
Thank you. How about using TWP on Kayu Batu hardwood? Recommended? Something to just slightly darken the natural red color.
Our deck is over 12 years old. The previous owners did little or nothing to protect it from the elements. As a result, some of the boards and posts have major cracking. Should we fill these cracks first or will TWP 1500 which we’ve purchased do the job? If it needs filling, what would you recommend?
You cannot use filler for exterior wood nor will it blend with the TWP. Best to just leave alone.