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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
How long can I hold onto mixed stripper and brightener?
I mixed more than I needed. Thank you!
What is the difference between 100 and 1500?
Mainly VOC regulations for certain states: https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
How to apply stain to new fence with boards running horizontal. This is a double board fence, one horizontal board on front, one on back with a 3 or 4 inch gap between boards. There is a 3-4 inch gap showing the back board in between. Spray? Brush? How to keep from dripping/running on opposite side?
Spray and back brush all drips on both sides.
Hello,
Got a 100 feet redwood fence that is 7 feet wall with lattice top in California. It’s about 2 months ago so we are looking to protect it now.
My neighbor used Thompsons on his side but I prefer to invest in more quality stuff on my side and our frontyard.
What is the color to keep its natural color? Redwood or California Redwood? Thanks.
TWP will enhance the grain of the wood. See this for color tips:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-1500-colors-explained/
Well, Im sorry to keep pestering you guys but it seems I have all the luck. Although I posted a question earlier, another one has come up. I finished staining some of my deck today(about 4 hours ago) and a pretty good thunderstorm came through and now everything is soaking wet. Including the part that I just finished staining. Id this going to be a problem? What should I do?
Hard to say if it will be an issue or not. Depend on if the stain had enough time to soak into the wood before the rain came.
I stained a year old cedar deck using TWP100 Dark Oak about two weeks ago, Early June 2017. I used the Gemini kit. I’d like to add another coat for an even darker color. Please advise on the proper process for doing this. Thanks
You should not do that now as the current stain has already cured and it may not soak in correctly. You will need to wait 6-12 months, lightly clean to remove dirt and apply another coat.
I stained a new deck with TWP120-5 (UPC = 80162 57114 2) in July 2014. It still looks good, but I think it may be time for a refresher coat. I plan to apply another coat of the same. The Gemini kit cleaner sounds like it’s for decks with older or worse finishes that need serious prep work. Do I really need that or would a good rubdown and rinse with water and old towels followed by a few days to thoroughly dry out be OK? What would you recommend for pre-staining prep?
Thank you!
The Gemini Kit is for redoing your deck with the same TWP stain. It is best to use it.
Thanks
I used TWP 1500 on one deck last year and it came out very nice. I performed the same prep on another deck (adjacent to the other) this year, using gemini products, etc, but it rained 24 hours after the application and basically hasn’t stopped raining for a few days now. The water is not beading up on the newly stained deck. Should I recoat after it dries or what process should I use?
Thanks in advance.
It is fine since it was 24 hours after application when the rain came. Leave as is.
Is TWP 1500 stain appropriate for new, never stained cedar log (with some new fir elements)outdoor furniture? And, if so, after staining would it need sealed? We prefer the dark colors and don’t really care about the wood grain so would use the dark oak or black walnut.
You can use it for this but see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We used TWP stain about four years ago and LOVED IT! Last year we put another coat of the stain down but it got rained on before it was totally dry and now there are “white patches” in a few places. I have have tried to clean it with vinegar and water and they only spread out and get bigger. Last year when we cleaned the deck before putting down the stain, we used bleach and water to clean the deck and now I don’t know what to do. The deck looks like it needs another coat of stain and is not beading up like it used to. HELP PLEASE!!!!! Thank you!!
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and reapply another light coat of the stain.
Have a new cedar porch swing that we would like to seal and just bring out the natural wood grain? What product would you recommend?
Honeytone is the lightest tint. Look at the 1515 Honeytone color:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hi, I am looking to re-stain my deck. I used TWP 90 Cedar tone when I did it last. I don’t see this product (TWP 90) listed. Has it been discontinued? What is the recommended alternate? Thanks/
Hello, there isn’t/has never been a product called “TWP 90 Cedartone”. Do you have the old can? It should say the correct series.
I want a very light color stain. Can I mix TWP clear and honey tone together to achieve the tone I want?
You can intermix TWP colors.
what is the difference between 100 and 1500
See here: https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
Building a pressure treated deck. Wood is new treated pine. We live in Michigan so we get heat and rain. I will be using twp 101 cedar tone natural. Deck will be finished in June. Wood was purchased early May. When do u suggest I stain? Thanks!
Chris
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
How soon after stripping and cleaning can I stain. Also will using a pressure washer damage the deck?
48 hours. Pressure washing will not damage the wood if you use correctly.
After5 years want to reapply 1501 twp cedar tone to log home with white pine logs.what prep would you suggest. Please include brands of log cleaners and brighteners you suggest
Use our Gemini Restore Kit. See here:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We have a mold issue on our carport glue-lams and upright fir posts. They were treated with Australian Timber Oil clear about 6 months ago. The same mold issue was encountered on the home cedar siding and deck railing. We solved that by going to cement fiberboard siding and exterior paint on the deck rails. Would TWP resist the mold? Does the EPA rating equate to superior mold resistance? Contractor wants to sand the mold off and use a semi-transparent stain. Would TWP be a solution in this situation? Or, would a semi-solid product work better? Seeing some wood grain would be nice, but solving the mold issue is a priority. Thanks.
The TWP contains an EPA registered mildewcide to resist the mold. Because of this, TWP is registered as a wood preservative. TWP will work for this as long as the prep is done correctly. The Cabot will need to be removed prior to applying the TWP.
Hello. I stained my cedar deck with TWP 101 natural cedar a couple of years ago. This year I want to stain the deck with TWP rustic 116. I used the Gemini Restore-a-Deck cleaner/brightener with power washer and was able to get the deck looking like this (see image). Is this sufficient to begin staining with the 116, or do in need to go over it again with the restore kit?
Yes, you are good to stain with the 116.
In measuring, I have a one story deck with access from the main level–however, the bottom of the deck is visible from the walkout basement. Is it necessary to multiply the square footage by 2 so that the upper and lower surface area of the deck can be covered? Also have joists underneath that will presumably need to be stained..the calculator does not seem to take this into account unless I am missing something!Is it necessary to add a safety factor in of 10-15% to cover errors in measurement or is that something built in to the stated coverage amount? Don’t want to have alot of left over stain sitting around. This is for TWP 100 applied in AL on a 2 yr old covered, wrap around porch (made of pressure treated pine) and two story screened/covered porch.
Thanks!
There is no need to stain the underside except for appearance. If you do want to do this, then yes you will need to x by 2. Round up 10% at most.
I have a project in Pasadena, Ca. It is a mid-century modern house with an exposed clear redwood fascia, that has been stripped of all the previous paint coatings, wash with T.S.P. rinsed with clean water, patched with “Abatron” where necessary, now ready for color 1500 series I’m assuming?
Yes, but the filler will not “stain” with TWP. It will stand out and not blend. It is not suggested to use filler on decking when staining with a semi-transparent stain.
The Abatron was colored using dry earth pigments, this is a fascia board,not decking.
That is good. Make sure to use a similar color of deck stain so it does not stand out.
We have a new smooth bare cypress 4 ft. swing that will be used outdoors. I’ve read that the oil-based semi-transparent stain would be good to give some color and prevent greying, mold etc. Could we order a sample of the natural or cedar to use on this? Which color would be the most neutral? How do we order a sample? Thanks
Samples are here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Is this safe to use on the outside of a raised cedar vegetable garden? I just built this and want to prevent it from turning grey. Thanks!
Yes as TWP is a full curing stain. See this about new wood though: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Have a deck stained with PPG item PP1952 ( Acroshield semi-trans penetrating acrylic oil formula) – color Sierra. Have stained twice in 7 yrs. Now about 2 yrs since last stain. Can I switch to TWP 100 ? I am in Ky. What is the process to convert ?
As long as you remove all of the PPG stain you can use the TWP. This will require stripping and sanding to remove.
Hi – I stained 4 yr old cedar after stripping and brightening. It’s on Day 4 now and the stain still feels oily to the touch. What went wrong and what can I do now?
Hello, TWP is a penetrating stain that needs to soak into the wood grain. If it is oily after 4 days, this means it was not able to fully soak in. Typically due to improper prep and or over application. Try taking some rags and mineral spirits and wipe off the excess stain. It will not remove the stain that has already soaked in. Make sure to saturate all oil rags in water and lay flat to dry outside when done.
OK. What exactly in prep? I did 2 wet on wet, is it better to try 1? I still have another portion of the deck I need to stain.
Your prep sounded fine as long as the old coating(s) was removed so most likely it was over-applied some.You can do two coats as long as the first coat soak in within 20-40 minutes.
It looks like you only offer grey colors in TWP 100. I’d like to stain over pressure treated pine deck but can’t seem to find pictures on the Internet of what the greys may look like on pressure treated pine. Any idea? Also this is the 1st time I’m staining my new deck. How many coats of stain should I put on after I clean & brighten the deck? Will it darken or lighten after drying? TIA.
Best to try some samples to test the colors: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
As for new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Your greys are indicated as “close to semi-solid in appearance”. Would this peel more so than other stain colors? My previous deck had a lot of peeling, and I’m trying to avoid having that issue again. TIA
No, the grays are penetrating stains, not filming stains that peel. All TWP stains are penetrating.
I’ve recently power washed our cedar fence that has never been stained or sealed. Do you offer a product that will seal it without stain? I’m wanting to maintain the natural color of the wood. The pecan sample I bought from your site has orange undertones, which I don’t want. The dark oak was too dark. Any suggestions?
No stain or color means that your wood will gray naturally within months. The color is the UV protector. If you are okay with it turning gray and you just want to seal, the TWP 100 and the 1500 do come in a clear.
I have a 25 year old cedar fence. It is in good shape but needs to be re-stained. There are 12, 6×8′ sections. What products and quantities do you recommend. FYI, I live in Massachusetts.
Hi – I stripped my 4 yr old cedar deck and had to use a pressure washer to get all the stain off. This created fuzz from the wood fibers in some spots. Will this go away or should I sand it down?
It will not go away but it may not be noticebale as much when stained. Does it show when it is wet with water?
It’s less noticeable. I also noticed residual stain around the knots of the wood, should I sand those or ok as is?
My exterior 1941 pine siding has its first application of 101 TWP on it (cedartone), and I really like it after two years. But can it be painted over if someone wanted to, like a house buyer? And if it can be painted over, what prep (the usual Gemini kit?) and type of paint would the buyer have to use?
Yes, it can be recoated as needed. Just prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I applied 1500 to a wood floor and I have some spots where I did not wipe up the excess puddles. It has been 4 days since application, how can I get rid of the tacky puddles? Thanks.
Try mineral spirits and rags to remove. Saturate all rags in water and lay flat to dry outdoors when done.
My deck is about 30 years old. I sanded down to bare wood last year before applying your stain. It took about 30 hrs of hand belt sanding during the heatwave last August (oh what fun). Anyway, we were on a tight schedule due to upcoming party so I applied one coat. Since I still have probably 2.5-3 gallons left, I want to add another coat or two to darken it up a bit and get enough stain on it to last. Will it still take the stain and what, if any, special prep work do I need to do? Just powerwash?
Prep with the Gemini Restore kit and a light pressure washing.
Deck is 6-7 months old, pressure treated pine. No prior stain, no greying or mold/mildew, or dark spots. Wood looks good, just a more richer color than when it was first installed. Live in Atlanta GA. It’s late spring and I plan to use TWP 101. Specifically how do I prep the wood, soap and water for a light cleaning, or cleaner and brightner?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the Gemini Restore Kit.
Have new pressure treated deck. Can you show me pictures of how “pecan” 100 series looks on pressure treated?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Best to test samples on your wood for colors as wood vary drastically:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
We are preparing to apply a 2nd coat of TWP 1500 to our deck. It was new wood (pine) which we allowed to cure for 10 months before applying our first coat last year. It has been 12 months since the first coat. We have pressure washed the deck and are wondering if we need to use deck cleaner and brightener over the first coat before applying the second coat.
If it clean with the pressure washing, you should be okay to stain. It is best though to use the Gemini Restore Kit when reapplying. Helps to remove the dirt, etc wihout having potential damage to the wood when washing with just water.
I have a brand new conheart redwood deck! YAY! And now we need to protect it. We are thinking of using TWP 1500 semi-transparent but aren’t sure which is the best color to keep it looking like redwood. What’s the difference between Redwood 1502 and California Redwood 1511?
Hello, see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
and this about colors: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-1500-colors-explained/
Hi, I have a deck that I have not treated in many years, I am not sure what kind of wood it is and the last time I did it I think I used behr and it was just a watery kind, not sure if that’s what you call transparent.
The sun hits this deck almost all day. What products should I use and what are the proper steps to get this deck looking good again.
Thanks
Could you post a picture please?
Here you go. Thanks
Are you planning on doing both floor and the rails? The prep is completely different since you have almost no stain on floors and alto on the railings. The railings look almost like a solid stain and that cannot be stripped off completely, so you may need to sand as well to remove.
When I did the floor I used like a honey color. Yes I want to do both the floors and the rails.
Do you have something red like that so I can redo the rails the same color?
Thanks
The TWP cannot be applied over this “red” current coating. It will need to be removed. Best to strip both the flooring and the railings with the Restore A Deck stripper and pressure washer. Sand off what does not strip off. Shoot for 90% removal or more. TWP Rustic or Redwood colors.
What are all the steps to follow? Do I have to pressure wash it?
Thanks
Danny, the previous reply posted the steps for the prep. After the stripping and sanding, brighten all the wood. This will help explain in more detail: https://twpstainhelp.com/switching-to-twp-stains/
Ok thanks. Which stain do I use? Whats the difference between 100 and 1500 and 200?
What state are you located in?
In NJ
For NJ, you need the TWP 1500. The 100 is not allowed there and the 200 is for shakes and shingles.
Ok. Thanks for all the help.
I forgot to add that Im in NJ and we get snow in the winter.
Thanks
We have an 18 year old cedar deck. I used the Gemini stripper and brightener on Monday, but unexpected rains fell Wednesday night. It is now predicted to have rain on and off over the next week. How long can I wait for a stretch of dry days to apply the stain before I will need to rewash and brighten the deck?
Try to stain within 2 weeks of prep.
I installed a new cedar plank fence in mid-march and I’m ready to stain it with the 1500 series. How much will I need for this first application? I have 230 linear feet and it’s 6 feet tall.
Also, the posts are pressure treated wood – not cedar – do I have to wait to stain them or can they be stained now.
The weather is in the mid-80’s and sunny and I’ve already noticed the wood fading.
For both sides and two coats applied wet on wet, you will need about 20-25 gallons. If the wood is rough cut, you can stain now. If smooth, you will need to weather and prep. See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
That seems like an extreme amount of stain but with new rough cut cedar I suppose it is going to absorb alot of stain! what about the PTP posts and supports? they are smooth cut and have only aged now about 2 months – should I wait to stain the entire fence until this fall and prep the whole thing or stain just the cedar planks now? For Kentucky with very high humid hot summers and cold sometimes damp winters, should I use 100 series or 1500 series?
thank you very much for your answers
You should be fine with staining now since most is rough cut and you the wood is vertical. Use the 1500 for max UV protection. BTW, the fence sq. footage came to 2760 sq feet for both sides, hence why you that amount of stain.
I have a 3-year old redwood deck. 3 years ago prepped the new wood using the restore-a-deck cleaner/brightener and then applied one coat of 1500 Black Walnut (1504). I don’t think the deck had completely dried out/may have had mill glaze as the stain took well in some areas and not in others. We are about to stain the deck again given the failure from 3 years ago and normal weathering. The challenge for us is we have stained doug fir windows that run right into the deck and so I’m worried about using the stripper (I will cover the windows but in some areas it is next to impossible). Can we use a sander instead of stripping the failed stain? If so, what grit/sander type do you recommend. And if sanding, would we use the cleaner/brightener combo again? Thanks in advance.
Sanding may reduce the TWP from soaking into the wood correctly. Best to use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit. If you have to sand, use no more than 80 grit and prep after with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Enter our contest when done!:
https://twpstainhelp.com/win-free-twp-stain-spring-2017-contest/
I stripped, brighten and sanded my cedar deck. I applied the first coat but ran out of stain to apply the second coat wet on wet. Do you recommend applying the second coat the following day. The first coat went on uneven in some places so I’m hoping a second coat the following day will give it more of an even appearance. I used TWP 101 cedar tone natural
You could try but you have to be careful you do not over apply. The TWP needs to soak into the wood grain and not film on top of the wood when it dries.
prepped and stained according to your website last year using the Restore and TWP stains on new deck. Looks good but there are places where mildew has reappeared. Getting ready to clean again and re-stain. Should this take care of the mildew areas or is there more I should do.
Yes, the prep should remove any mildew.
Would you recommend brushing or just spraying?
If you spray, you will need to back brush to ensure it is applied correctly. We like stain pads for application.
Didn’t mean spraying, meant to say pressure washing?
Pump spray on the cleaner and pressure wash off. Spray on brightener and rinse.
Hello,
Cleaned my deck with Restore-A-Deck/pressure washer last fall and re-applied a light coat 1501 cedartone with the intention of re-coating this spring. My question is, can I lightly clean with soap and water or do I need to use Restore-A-Deck prior to the re-coat? Thanks.
When recoating, it is best to use the Gemini RAD kits. It gives it a “deeper” cleaning.
Hello,
I have a client that wants to use TWP 1501 (Cedar) as a stain on his cedar pergola. He wants me to use the same stain on a drink rail I am making for him. Can you tell me if this stain is compatible with WaterLox Marine Finish?
Thank you for your time.
TWP cannot be top coated with a Marine finish or any other coating, if that is what you are asking.
Hello. I’m going to be using TWP 100 on an existing deck. I’ll be using a stripper with a power washer then brightening to remove old Behr semi-transparent stain. I’m also expecting to need to sand and have read that sanding in general helps penetration. What kind of sander do I need and what grit do you recommend?
Use 60-80 grit sander. Try a hand or belt sanding. Brighten again after the sanding.
I purchased the TWP 1500 Series 5 Gallon last year. I was unable to get a second coat on before winter and plan on doing it now. Not sure if I will have enough stain. Is it okay to purchase another gallon and mix it into the remaining stain the 5 gallon bucket?
Thanks
As long as the stain from last year is still good and has not clumped of hardened, you should be fine.
Hello about a year ago we re stained or deck with twp. We would like to go a darker color with the twp. Do I need to strip the old stain up or can i just clean the wood then put the new stain over it? Thank you
It would be best to strip with the Restore a Deck Stripper Kit.
Hello,
I was wondering:
1) What do I get with the “Wood Samples” that you sell for $8? Is it a piece of stained wood? Or is it a small quantity of the stain for us to apply to our own wood?
2) I am estimating that I will need 2-3 gallons but am considering ordering 5 gallons for future use. How long does TWP 100 last under regular storage conditions (in a garage in the south)?
Thanks!
-Ben
1. Small amount of stain.
2. See here:
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Put up a new deck of treated wood in Ohio one year ago. Have done nothing to it yet. Want to do something this year – not sure what to use and what order to put it down. I want it to last as long as possible without having to do anything to it. Suggestions?
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Stain with the TWP 1500. 2 Coats applied “wet on wet”.
Hi: I have a redwood deck that was stained with solid Benjamin Moore that have faded. My question is can I use your product to stain over the existing stain or do I need to sand it down ( not my preference) please advice thx matlin
You will have to remove the Solid Stain first.