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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
We have a old home in the up sate NY area. The home has pine wood siding.
Never was stained or treated. We power washed the home to clean off and now would like to treat the home with a stain. There is a lot of variation of color in the wood so think we would have to use a semi opaque stain. We also would be using a darker brown color.
What type of TWP would work best for us??
Al, TWP in the 1503 Dark Oak would be a good choice for this. It is a semi-transparent stain.
Craig, it is very hard to touch up spots so the preferred method would be to clean and recoat the entire floor.
Don, you cannot just add more to even it out. It will probably be over applied and that can create issues down the road. To fix you would need to strip if off and start over. I would suggest waiting though for a couple of weeks to see if it evens out some.
I am installing a new fence with Western Red Cedar. Your website suggests letting the wood stay unfinished for some period of time before applying a stain. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association says the following about the timing of applying the stain:
“If you choose to finish your Western Red Cedar siding or trim, it should not be left unfinished and exposed to direct sunlight and moisture for any significant period of time prior to stain or paint application. Weathered surfaces, even if only exposed to the elements for a few weeks, will compromise Western Red Cedar’s ability to hold a paint or solid stain. The longer the period the Western Red Cedar is left to weather, the more rapidly the finish may fail.”
In fairness, the same publication says that WRC should not be stained if it has a moisture content of more than 20%, so maybe the statement above is referring to kiln dried WRC, not green WRC.
In any event, it seems to me that maybe the measuring stick for when to stain the fence is the moisture content of the wood, i.e. at least below 20%. Thoughts?
maddux, you should follow the directions of the stain manufacturer not the WRC as they do not understand the stain’s ability to work correctly. If your wood is rough-sawn then you can stain right away. If smooth you need to wait 4+ months then clean and brighten for the prep.
I am restoring a 25 year old redwood deck, balcony and trellis that covers about half the deck. Perhaps twenty percent of the deck treads were replaced with new heart redwood. It has been at least 15 years since the deck received semi-transparent stain; remaining treads are dark gray, and frequently have hills/valley pattern. How do I approach this mixture of real old and real new wood?
Ed, new wood and old wood will not match. You should clean and brighten all wood with the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep first before applying the TWP.
I’ve been using TWP redwood on my 20 yr old pressure treated lumber deck every 4-5 yrs. It’s time for a re-coat, is there there some way I can lighten the wood tone? There’s a light algae on the deck in spots so I was planning to power wash it first, and I’d really like to lighten it for a new look.
Jeff, the only way to lighten is to strip it all off first with the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper then brighten the wood.
Greg, you should not apply the TWP on top of a different brand of stain.
llowep, the 1500 would be good for this. The Black Walnut might retain heat some more since it is so dark but we rarely ever have anyone complain.
I applied a coat of twp1500 to my deck and it started raining 12 later. This has left some boards with a blotchy appearance. Do i recoat? And if so ….when?
James, has it fully dried from the water? Typically the rain will not affect the stain after 12 hours.
Yes it was about a week ago
Can you post a picture?
We do not have any pictures to post. You can order samples to test the colors first.
How thick of Roller pad is recommended for applying TWP 1500 Cedartone satin
1/2 inch but you are better off using a stain pad over a roller.
Deck stained a week ago; have had lots of rain here and water beads up nicely. Can’t get dog prints off….any suggestion??????
Phillygirl, try a little soapy water and soft scrub brush.
I have a deck made that is made of thermally modified pine. I have used Cabots Oil the past 2 years but it just peels after 4-5 months. What process would you recommend to switch over to the TWP 1500? I was thinking strip it then use the brighteners and then stain.
Rex, it sounds like a plan but I am concerned that the TWP may have an issue with penetration into your wood type. Does water soak in easily or does it “bead”?
No water does not soak in easy but it definitely does not bead. I have called the manufacture and they stated that it should not peel if I use an oil based product.
Rex, I would use the TWP but only apply 1 coat and make sure that is absorbs into the wood 100%.
r-2, TWP 1500 Series for this. Strip off the Cabot and brighten the wood for the prep. TWP will last 3-6 years on vertical walls.
Is it necessary to strip and brighten for better adherence/penetration of the TWP 1500 or just to make the color match? I have no peeling of the existing stain.
If switching brands then it is best to remove the old stain with a stripper then brighten.
I have a deck. Last year I sanded down the deck and applied TWP 102 redwood stain. Last year it looked great. This year is still looks good but not as deep of color but still repels water. Would the stain last longer with another coat this year? What is the proper way to apply a maintaince coat? After sanding the deck down I never want to have to do that again so I want to do everything thing I can to preserve the deck.
Mryle, it is normal for the TWP to fade some. If you want to apply a lightly coat then you need to use a mild solution of deck cleaner, let dry, apply 1 coat of the TWP lightly.
Would Restore A Deck cleaner and brightner be the product to use. For a mild solution should I mix the cleaner at 1/2 strength? Should I then use the brightner or skip it? Just wanting to get this right.
Myrle, yes you could use the Kit for the prep. Mix at half strength, apply, light wash or scrub with soft push broom, rinse, and apply brightener.
Ginny, no reason to do all sides. Best to install with no stain, let weather for a couple of months, prep with the Gemini Restore Kit, ans stain with just 1 coat for new wood.
Hi Again,
I’m the one putting down the tongue and groove old growth Douglas fir on my porch. I forgot to tell you that we live in central Michigan. Thanks so much!
You are welcome!
Deck/Redwood/3 years old. Treated with Thompson’s Water Seal (Pffft!) yr 1, nothing since. Northeastern Washington State….full sun most of the day and a serious mold issue next to home. Highway is 50 ft away. Buried in snow part of winter. I’ve hand scrubbed twice with TSP and bleach and it’s like a whole new deck! Should I sand it too? Do I still need to use a ‘brightener’ if I do, indeed, sand? After much reading I’m favoring using the TWP 100. What color would bring out the beauty of the redwood? Interesting to note…no one wants to commit to a color suggestion! HA HA! If you’re unwilling to share your personal opinion on stain color to use is there pictures somewhere online showing redwood with TWP 100 stains on them where it lists what colors were used? I’m absolutely loving the interactive forum. For that reason alone you’ve won votes from me! 🙂
Smartin, please read this article about color tips: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-100-color-choices-and-tips/
We do not have actual pictures with all the different colors. Any color will work for the redwood. I would look at the 102 or 115.
If the wood is free of all the old coatings and porous then you should be okay with the prep you have done.
I have 14 cabins. They are in Colorado at 8000 ft altitude. The South and West exposures are faded and the stain has worn in these areas only. There is no need to re-stain the North or East exposures as those sides still look very good. Wood > 1 year old and previously stained with an oil-based semi-transparent stain. Do not know the brand at this time. Recommendations?
Vicki, you are not going to be able to match the sides if you are not doing all of the walls. Are you okay with that?
Hi, I have a 10 year old PT pine deck which was previously covered with another brand of acrylic stain. The deck was stripped several times using chemical strippers as there were many layers of stain on the deck. Power washed several times. The entire deck was sanded with 60/80 grit paper. Then the deck was washed with a brightener/cleaner. Deck was allowed to dry for 3 days in 75 degree temp. Two coats of TWP 1516 Rustic were applied, wet on wet according to instructions. The next day we have noticed that some of the deck looks great while some of the deck already looks worn and “looks” like it needs another coat. From what I have read in other blogs here, I cannot stain again for another 6-12 months. Any suggestions? The worn areas of the deck are in the same sunlight and other conditions as the good areas.
Steve, TWP is a penetrating stain. It is not supposed to film or leave a luster/shine. Are you sure you did not over apply in the areas that you think look “richer”?
Hi,which product is best for logs and decks at hi altitude in Colorado? Thanks
Dale, for a log home I would suggest the TWP 1500 Series. You can also use it on your deck.
I have a pressure treated deck with cedar rails and spindles. 3 yrs ago used Sikkens Cetol SRD. Now would like to restain with TWP. Do I need to sand the old stain off? The cedar rails and spindles are doing well for now, can I re-stain the decking only?
Jc, you do need to remove the Sikkens wherever you want to apply the TWP. You should be able the strip and brighten for the prep instead of sanding.
Joe, RAD Stripper then the RAD Brightener. No need for a cleaner. Hard to say without knowing the sq. footage.
Eric, as long as the wood is free from the Behr stain and clean, then you can go ahead and stain.
Kara, yes but you need the wood to weather for 4 months then prep and stain.
I live in Middle Tennessee and have a 10-yr. old, pressure-treated yellow pine deck. I’ve always used Penofin, but wanted to switch to a TWP product. It’s been 3-4 years since my last treatment. I’ve pressure washed the deck to remove all the grayed wood. Do I still need to use a stripper? Also, I’d prefer to use TWP 100 because of the lower cost. Will that product work well for this project?
Steven, you can use the TWP 100 series for your area. The Penofin should be removed before applying the TWP. If you still have some left then you should strip.
What is the better product 100 vs 1500 for logs and decks in Colorado? Thanks
Either is fine but the 1500 will give better UV protection on verticals.
Rick, you can clean and prep then go with a darker color but if you want to go lighter you will need to strip it off first.
mattd, you cannot spot sand. You would need to redo the entire area.
liz, you would need about 4 gallons for applying two coats. Please read this article about the colors: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-1500-colors-explained/
HI,
Looking to stain a Rainbow playset that is about 8 years old.
Set needs to be cleaned prior to staining but wood appears to be in smooth, good shape so sanding shouldn’t be needed.
The set is made of redwood, I am more interested in the best protection for the longest period of time than I am in matching the factory delivered color of the set.
I do not know what other stain was previously on the wood.
I live in New Hampshire, the playset is usually in the sun from 9am-3pm during the summer months.
Thank you in advance for your time,
Joe
Joe, I would look at the TWP 1500 Series for this. Rustic seems to match the rainbow playsets.
Thanks.
How should I prepare the set prior to staining?
Can I just put the stain right over waht’s all ready on the set or should I do some prep first?
Thanks
Joe, you should strip and brighten for the prep. This will allow the TWP to penetrate properly.
So I should use this Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper, followed by this Wood Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit
correct?
How many gallons of 1500 stain will I need to cover an average size wo0den swing set that has been stripped and brightened?
Thanks.
Mattd, TWP is not supposed to be glossy. You either over applied or did not prep correctly. Adding more stain may even out the color but you will run into the issue of it not penetrating correctly.
There was some overlapping so in those areas its over coated. Is my best bet to sand thay and do it again ?
Earlier you recommended using the 100 series for my cedar deck. The wood is 10 years old but in good shape. I’m trying to decide on which color to use. If I use the two coat wet on wet application, will the color be similar to what is shown on the web page? In the past other brands have tended to be much darker after applying.
Thanks
John, colors vary drastically based on age of wood and wood type.
I live in Atlanat Ga having a deck that gets direct sunlight almost all day. Last year i completed a new deck using 5/8 kiln dryed deck boards and klin dryed pressure treated railing and 6×6 klin dryed posts. Ten applied 1501 which by all appearances worked fine. After 9 months, appears it is time for another coat.
I plan to do light sanding on top of rails then applying a new application of 1501.
Your advice. ?
-bill e.
Do not sand but rather use a mild deck cleaner for the prep the apply a very light coat to the horizontals.
I want to use TWP exterior stain, but I want to create my own custom color. Can I add tint to TWP 200 Clear stain or should I only use TWP’s Tinting Base product if I want to add tint? Which TWP stain series matches the TWP Tinting Base in its chemical and solids make-up: the 100, the 200, or the 1500 series?
You cannot add tint. Best to mix colors together of the same series to make a custom color.
I broke the rules and applied TWP 1500 as a maintenance application with only 24 hours of drying time on a 19 year old pressure-treated lumber deck using a pad. I did the cleaning with a pressure washer and general purpose washer dispensed detergent. The results were fine, but I have shiny places where I left too much stain on. Is there a way after it is dry for me to deal with it, or just wait for Mother Nature to do it? Also, I purchased too much TWP 1500 for the job and have more than a gallon remaining from a four gallon mixed batch. Can it be stored and effectively reused next year?
Chris, I would leave it alone. The leftover should be okay as long as the lid is closed completely.
Hi, I live in New Engalnd and just had a new red cedar deck built and would like to use your semi transparent stain. How long should I allow the deck to weather before applying the stain? I was told that I sould get some protection on Red Cedar as soon as possible and would really like to protect my deck before winter. What should I do for prep work before applying the stain.
Thanks,
Bill
Please read this article: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a treated pine boathouse just under a year old in south Texas, should I use 100 or 1500 series stain ? Can TWP stains be applied with an airless sprayer?
James, I would use the 1500 Series after prepping with the Gemini Restore Kit. You can airless spray the TWP.
A few years ago I used TWP 515 Light Cedar on my Log Home
Is the TWP 115 Honeytone the best color match and product to
use in WI
Thanks
You would want the 1515 Honeytone to match the 515 Light Cedar.
Thanks for the Color match Info,
I am restaining my log home and want to use the the TWP product that
would be best suited for that application, I am in WI so would the 100
series be the best?
Dave, yes the 100 is the correct choice.
Should I use the 115 Honeytone to match the 515 Light Cedar
for best color match
Thanks again
Dave, no you should use the 1515 Honeytone to match the 515 Light Cedar.
Hello,
I have a twenty-year old deck (original to the house) that I’ve been remiss in treating over the past five years. Unfortunately I don’t have record of what the wood is or any previous treatments the wood might have received. My plan is to use the Gemini Restore-a-Deck and then use a TWP 1500 series product. Several questions, as this is my first time doing all this:
* should I use a stain remover before or instead of the restore-a-deck? Will it harm the wood if it hasn’t been stained, or if it hasn’t been treated in the past five (or perhaps the last ten) years?
* the wood is largely in decent shape considering the lack of care. Should I do a sanding pass before applying the product? If so, should I do this before or after the cleaning step?
* Considering the age of the deck, should a colored stain be preferred or avoided? Would the ‘clear’ product with no UV protection be best/worst? Do I need to determine this after the cleaning step to see how much the wood brightens?
Thanks in advance!
Paul, if there are not any remnants of an old stain then I would suggest the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep. Sand only if needed when done with 60 grit paper. I would use a colored stain. It would not hurt to wait until after the prepping to see how well the wood cleans up.
I have a pressure treated (ecolife) pine deck I installed about 1 year ago. I am in Florida and the deck gets 8+ hours of brutal sun daily. Part of the deck I sealed with Cabot Austrailan Timber Oil and the other with Olympic Toner Cedar natural tone. The Side with the Olympic stain has developed lots of black mold stains. I have used a product called concrobium mold stain eraser and have just about got the stains removed. Not sure what the problem was with this section of the deck, whether it was an issue with the stain or the wood. However, I want to re-stain now and will not use the Olympic product again. I do want to sand the deck before I apply the new stain, due to some issues with the lumber. I was going to order your RAD stripper and then use the brightner before I use the series 100 stain. In your opinion, should I sand before using the stripper or after? Or do I even need the stripper if I’m going to sand the deck anyway?
Smitty, strip the deck then brighten. Lightly sand after with 60 grit papper before applying the TWP 100 Series.
One more question. How long after my final wash should I wait before applying stain. I have a moisture meter, what % of moisture should I be looking for?
Smitty, moisture meters do not matter. Just let the wood dry for 48 hours after washing.
I have a 10 year old cedar deck in Minnesota. It is 400 sq. ft. plus balusters and hand rails. It was previously coated with Benjamin Moore ArborCoat which only lasted one winter then peeled excessively. Last fall I stripped it off completely and left it over the winter. The wood is in good condition and I am going to use a brightener before applying stain.
Is 100 series or 1500 series best suited (fade resistant) to a cedar deck in Minnesota? Will 4 gallons be enough for a wet on wet application?
Thank you.
John, clean and brighten to prep not just brighten. I would use the 100 Series for this.
Hi Guys,
I’ve been using twp 100 rustic every 24 months on a cedar deck. Would switching to twp 300 do anything for me? I really can’t find what the difference between the two is.
Thanks!
Doug, you would want to stay with the 100 Series.
Just finished new Kiln-Dried Cedar deck in Minnesota. How long do I need to wait to apply TWP1500? Thanks
4+ months then prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
jb1, if switching brands you should remove the old stain first with a stripper and or sanding. You can mix colors together. TWP 1500 would be best.
Andy, the honeytone color is the lightest tint.
Andy, for two coats on a 400 s. foot deck you would need 4 gallons. 2-3 gallons for 1 coat. It cannot freeze.
Matt, please read this article about new decks: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I just finished sealing my pressure treated wood deck. I finished the second coat and it began to rain (sprinkle) maybe an hour or so later. I think the first coat soaked in pretty well. I fear the second may not have. Will this rain ruin the sealing process? What are my options.
Andy, hard to say. Best to see how it looks when the rain dries. If it looks fine then leave alone. If ruined then you may need to strip and start over.
I live in coastal NW Florida, have a new, six months old, deck made of pressure treated pine. We have very humid and hot -in the high 90s- summers, and winters in the 30s. Deck receives direct sunlight throughout the day. Which of the TWPs products would be the best match for the deck?
Thanks,
Alf
I would suggest the 100 Series for this.