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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 built a deck 4 years ago – treated pine. We recently cleaned stripped and sanded (some areas ) and are ready for stain. For the most part, we finished all the major prep work on Monday so the deck has been drying since then but I did power wash a few spots today (Thursday). We are using TWP 100. The next three days are going to be near 90 degrees with no rain in the forecast. Are the hot temperatures good for stain application. Also I’ll do a wet on wet brush application if it will take the stain. Is it better to back brush it or just wipe of the excess with a rag. Would like to get started tomorrow if possible.
48h hours to dry after any pressure washing. Apply two coats wet on wet: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Back brush second coat.
Hi, I’m back. Thanks, I took your advice and bought a good brush.
Next Q: Pressure treated pine, aged one year. Yesterday I sanded to get rid of contractor’s black scuff marks, splinters, dirt, and yellow tint. Revealed really nice grain. Vacuumed and damp moped with clear water. Do I still need a bleach/wash?
Yes, you have to prep.
Thanks, will do.
I stained our cedar deck last summer with TWP and we love the results. I want to put another coat of TWP on it this season and was wondering what is the best way to lightly clean and prepare it before applying another coat. The deck was completely sanded to bare wood last year before I stained it with TWP. The current look of the deck is just outstanding after the harsh winter we had.
Use the Gemini Restore Cleaner for prep. Apply and lightly pressure wash.
I have a major project I need advice on. Our deck is at least 10 years old, and was extremely weathered when we moved in. It was pretty much bare wood at that time. We cleaned and applied a solid color stain. This eventually needed replaced so we cleaned and put on a deck restore product. As you can see, the product failed in the first winter and mostly peeled off. What is the best way to prep and refinish? I assume a power sander/scrapping is the only way to get the rest of the finish off since it is solid film-forming?
Correct. You will have to sand or scrape to remove this solid stain.
What is the difference between the 100 and 1500 series?
Mainly VOC compliancy: https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
we are going to put a coat of TWP 200 series to our deck (last coat was a couple years ago). how long before it can be walked on after applying?
Typically a day or two but that varies based on weather.
New pressure treated pine deck in Alabama, installed 10 months ago. Gets morning shade and afternoon sun. Previous deck had some mildew that led to rot due to no stain for years and probably the shade in our very humid climate, so we replaced it.
With the severe heat and humidity here, which stain is best for us? 100 or is the 1500 going to hold up better?
Also, I have already cleaned with the Olympic. Cleaner from Home Depot… the wood looks like new again… but my research led to TWP , so is it necessary to do the Gemini clean and brighten steps?
Thanks for your help!
Use the TWP 100 Series. See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Your prep is probably sufficient.
Help
House was stained 20 plus years ago with Cabot bark stain.
It is on cedar shingles in Massachusetts and takes a beating and I wasn’t to really show of house in similar or darker brown solida stain also want to stain gutters and down spouts. Same color.
The TWP cannot be applied over the Cabot. It would have to be removed first. In addition, TWP does not come in a solid stain.
I have 1,800 square foot of deck. It’s an older (hard wood treated) deck but is in good shape and I have prepped it down to the natural wood. What is the best way to apply TWP 100 and how much will I need. I have ordered 10 gallons but is that enough for this much deck considering I might need to apply wet on wet.
For two coats applied wet on wet, you will need 15-20 gallons. See this for applying: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
what is the shelf life of unused product?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Last summer I sanded my deck, used your cleaner and restore and applied TWP 1000. The decking is Alaskan White Cedar and the rail is red cedar. During the PNW winter, I started getting mildew. On your advice and recommendation, I applied Wet and Forget.
Summer has returned and it appears the Wet and Forget has removed some of the TWP. I am otherwise very pleased with TWPs performance.
What should I do for treatment this summer for entire deck and the trouble spots specifically?
Thanks!
George
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and apply one coat of the TWP.
Whole deck again or just trouble spots? Thanks!
All horizontal.
I need to refinish a redwood deck and want to use TWP stain. It had a couple coats of Sherwin Williams’ SuperDeck Semi-Transparent stain 2 years ago. I’m in the Rocky Mountain region with low humidity, warm summers, but cold, wet winters?
What do you recommend product and prep wise to prepare for TWP stain? Do I need to sand first?
It looks really think and not semi-transparent but a semi-solid or solid. Are you sure it was semi-transparent? Do you have the old container? Was it oil based or water based Super Deck? Makes a difference in the difficulty of removing it.
Yes, certain semi-transparent. The tint is one of the darkest in the line. Water-based.
It is very thick in the pictures to the point it is not transparent so it may have been over applied. This will make for a very difficult to remove strip. Use the RAD Stripper with the additives: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Let dwell for 30-60 minutes (mist with water to keep from drying) before pressure washing off. Let dry and sand the stubborn areas that cannot be stripped. Brighten all wood when done.
I want the best product possible TWP makes to cover a boathouse made of treated pine, located in northeastern NC, will have high moisture content because it’s over water, high uv exposure on top level, less on lower, don’t want a product that can peel, it’s Two year old, cleaned, never had anything applied, Thank you for your help !
Use the TWP 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I called a Twp representative, they recommend the 200 series over the 100 due to high moisture content. What’s your feelings?
Disagree. The 200 is for shakes and shingles and does not work well to penetrate high moisture content wood due to the high levels of paraffin oil in it. This is a non-drying conditioning oil that works well for dried out wood, not wood with high moisture content.
Thank you
Hello – I have a 10 year old pressure treated lumber deck, 500 Sq. Ft. It has been sanded and pressure washed. What would you recommend – I am thinking possibly the 1500 Series semi-transparent. I think I would need about 5 gallons for 2 coats. I live in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada – do you have a local distributor? If not and I need to have it shipped, is there any discount for new customers.
Thanking you in advance for your help
TWP 1500 is not allowed in Canada and there are not any TWP dealers in Canada. Look at the TWP 200 series. We can ship this to you:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Sorry but no discounts.
I applied 1500 clear to new Mahogany decking last year, covering all surfaces before installation. I am now ready to apply a maintenance coat. The instructions on the can say to treat the deck first with a bleach mix. The wood appears smooth and clean so is that necessary? If I do wash the deck (pressure or by hand), how long must it dry before applying the new coat? thanks
Yes you have to prep when reapplying.
OK. So 50-50 warm water bleach, then rinse well, then let dry for day or two, right? thanks
That will work.
Staining cedar wood to blend with wolmanized wood
What is your question? Different wood types will have different results when using a semi-transparent stain like TWP.
I live in Georgia and my deck has never been stained. It is about 3 years old. First, which stain should I use, the 100 or the 1500. Second, I have just pressure washed the entire deck now I need to know what else to do and in what order. Should I sand first with an 80 grit to get rid of the splinters and then use the cleaner/brightener or use the cleaner brightener and then sand with 80 grit. Third, both of the decks I have are 10 feet above ground and have a concrete patio below. Do I need to stain the undersides as well?
Use TWP 100 Series. Use the Gemini Prep kit while pressure washing. No need to sand. No need to stain undersides unless you want to for appearance.
I have a 7-year old cedar deck in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I have used TWP 100 to stain it in the past, and it now needs to be re-stained. My old can of stain has gone bad, so I need some new stain. I see that I can only buy TWP 200 in Canada. Would it be OK to use TWP 200 over the existing TWP 100? Some parts of the deck still have perfectly intact stain. Would I need to strip this old TWP 100 before applying the 200?
Best to strip and brighten for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hello TWP!! HELP!!! We had our 1 year old cedar deck stained with the 100 cedar tone this week and the guy stained it during the middle of the day when it was hot. I just read on your site that it can cause a spotty and uneven finish and that is exactly what we have. It looks absolutely terrible. Is it ok to power wash again and have him redo it?
Thanks so much,
Lisa
Post a picture.
Here are a couple pictures.
That is raised wood grain causing this, not hot sun application. That most likely happened during the prep. Recoating will not do much to evening it out.
So what should we do now to fix it?
Is there something that can be done to fix it or should we start over? Should it have been sanded?
You would have to sand it to smooth it down. Strip first, then sand.
Would it be a bad idea to use your 1502 redwood on a deck that gets a lot of sun?
No not a bad idea. Works great.
Hello I’m looking to stain and seal my deck. The wood is either treated pine or cedar. It’ll be one year old in June and it has never been treated before. It gets a lot of sun, I keep my grill on it, and I can see water starting to absorb into the wood.
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Apply two light coats of the TWP 100 or 1500 with wet on wet application:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I have a 15 year old treated pine deck which was finished two years ago with Olympic solid stain that has peeled badly. I understand your stripper will not work on this type of sealer. If I strip with Olympic’s stripper what prep would you recommend in order to use your 1500 product here in NW Pennsylvania?
Thx
No stripper will remove a solid stain effectively. You will need to sand off the solid stain before using the TWP.
Hi..
Thanks for your help. I need help with steps forward to use your TWP 100.
Deck was laid after being coated 4 sides with a gray Cabot alkyd semi-trans.
After 12 months most of the stain has ‘walked away’ probably due to mill glaze. It has now been pressure washed with just water.
I am in Washington state.
Deck is in full sun.
Wood is CVG cedar
Failure was likely due to poor prepping. Likely mill glaze.
Previous coating Cabot alkyd.
Thanks for your help.
You will need to sand to fix the power washing marks on the wood. After removing all the marks and the wood looks even, use this kit for final prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Use the TWP 100 Series after all the prep is done.
Is the 1500 product ‘breatheable’? I have new decks (about a year old) that have never been stained. I want to stain the joists and underside of the deck boards in addition to the top.
Yes, it is breathable.
Hi, we recently bought a cabin in TN that needs new deck staining. We will stain the cabin later this year. I’m trying to decide between the TWP 1500 dark oak or the rustic color. My concern is that the dark oak may be a tad too dark and that the rustic is too red? Are there any other examples of the colors anywhere besides the little samples online? I know we can request samples mailed to us but our stain will be put on in a couple weeks so I’ll just need to order soon. Thanks!
See this: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
You can also mix colors of the same series.
I have some 2 year old twp, it is a bit too thick for application. What can I use to think it?
If the can was opened then it has gone bad and you cannot anything into it to make it useable again.
It is thickened, but does that mean it’s gone bad?
Yes.
My deck (horizontal surfaces, steps, and railings are pine but upright spindles are smooth cedar) was recently sealed by Permaseal and has a 25 year sealant warranty. However, their power washing process stripped all the Chestnut stain from the wood, leaving an ugly bleached, whiteish appearance. It also chipped up some chunks/splinters of wood. Permaseal agreed to apply the stain to restore the color but I am required to supply the stain in the correct color.
Which TWP stain do you recommend to restore the preferred chestnut color, and do you recommend a semi transparent stain or a solid stain to perhaps hide the damaged areas?
We live in St Louis. MO., and the deck is about 20 years old but in excellent condition. Permaseal will also sand and prep the deck, and they recommended TWP stain.
Not sure what your “chestnut” color looked like. Best to get some samples to test: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
TWP only comes in semi-transparent.
Do you recommend the 100 or 1500 series for St Louis, MO, for application over a sealed deck by Permaseal?
100 Series.
I have pressure treated deck with 3 year old solid Cabot’s dark brown stain. I have pressure washed it with plain water.
I read that you can’t remove solid stain. What do I do? I just ordered a 5 gallon pail of the dark brown today.
thanks,
Gary
You will have to power sand off the Cabot Solid Stain.
I have a lodgepole pine log home in Washington State about 10 years old, previously stained 2x with TWP 100. Time to stain again. I used a mix of cedartone 5 gallons to 1 gallon dark oak. I plan to do something similar, but I am considering using the 1500 series and would like to know if this would be an improvement. Thanks!
It would last about the same if you switch to the 1500 Series. Maybe slightly better UV protection but you will still need to redo every 5 years or so.
I have used TWP 100 Stain on my cedar deck for close to ten year. I use the prep kit every 2 years prior to reapplication. My question is I have rebuilt my Pergola with new sanded cedar and would like to reuse some of the older boards. Can I use TWP 100 for the entire deck pergola (new) deck itself (old). Another note I have never had the stain penetrate into the wood enough for it not to loose it’s look for longer then a few months. Mildew builds up on the top edges of the pergola over a 2 year span and I’m not sure why. And 1 have followed the prep and application process to the letter…….. I’m think of switching products but have 5 fresh gallons of 100 cedar tone. Frustrated loyal coustomer.
You can but see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Would it be advisable to sand the old finish down clean it and then brighten. The wood from the old deck is in good condition but needs some TLC. Would sanding mess up the stain job?
Sanding could hinder the TWP’s ability to fully soak into the wood grain.
Should I be using 1500 for an older deck?
Yes, it works well for older wood.
Can I return the 5 unopened gallons for the 1500 ?
The 1500 will not last any longer than the 100 for your deck. If you want to switch, you will just have to cover the shipping costs back and forth for the exchange and the difference in price for the stain.
Can I stain my new cedar deck that is kiln dried already before I put it down.
No. See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
I stripped and stained my cedar deck last year with your product…I believe it was twp1500. It came out beautiful. But I notice this year there are dark streaks on some boards. If I use your cleaning product will that take care of them without me restriping and staining????
Hard to say as it depends on what the streaks are. Best to post a picture.
here you go….the deck is wet because its raining but you can see the streaks. This deck gets ALOT of sun and we live on the coast. I sent pictures last year after I finished the project for the rebate if you want to see before and after. Thanks
That looks like dirt and grime. You can use the cleaner and light pressure washing but you may need to apply a light coat of stain to the floors only as it looks pretty dirty.
ok thanks !!!!
What TWP produce should we use for DECK ( treated Lumber)
We have been using TWP product since it was built few years back – but not sure which Product
One we used last time for this same deck – was probably TWP 200 series – yes it has been few years.
And we do not see that on your Web-Site
Can you please suggest which TWP product we should use on this same Deck?
Thanks
Danny
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
The TWP 200 Series is here on our site: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
You can use that.
Can TWP Stain be used on Ipe or Mahogany type woods? If so would the 100 or 1500 be a better choice? My deck is at least 15 years old and the boards have some cracking. I have been sealing with Anderson’s Sealer (CA oil based) each year specifically made for Ipe wood but it does not seem to last too long (the color fades within 3 months). Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Yes, you can use TWP on IPE. One coat only. Most use the Rustic color. The series to use is based on what your state allows. Make sure to prep by removing any previous coatings. IPE and hardwoods will require annual coatings.
I live in Southern California where we get plenty of sun, and I plan on applying TWP stain to both sides of a newly built all cedar wood fence (new wood) that was built 4 weeks ago. The wood has never been stained or treated. I would like to stain it with cedertone colored stain. My fence run is 110 feet and is 6 feet high. First, how many gallons of stain is recommended for the job? Second, which cedertone stain do you recommend (ex: 1500 series)?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You can only use the TWP 1501 Cedartone in CA. After the wait and prep, you will need about 6-8 gallons for the 1 coat on new smooth wood. If the wood is rough sawn, you do not have to wait and prep and you can stain now but you will need two coats. About 10-12 gallons.
First time user and trying to decided for my older cedar deck if I should get the clear or the cedar tone 1500 series. Some years back I used another product with cedar tone and within months it was flaking off. After I finally stripped that all off I have used thompson clear but it does not last. We like the cedar color when freshly done, by season end it is gray and stained from tree overhang. Will the cedar tone flake off or maintain the color for a couple seasons? Clear does not have UV protection so it would gray? do How do I restore that to natural color? By using the cleaner brighter? then reseal again?
Clear will gray naturally. TWP is a penetrating stain so it does not peel. Tinted colors will last about 2-3 years. Yes on the prep.
Have treated pine deck 8inches off ground. 1yr old 600sq ft area gets little sun tree canopy. Would it be better to age 6 or more months more before staining.not sure if it’s aged because of lack of sun
It should be okay to do now.
I used the Restore-A-Deck system last year on an 11 year old cedar deck. (It had previously been power washed and stained with TWP.) It is cedar, has a southern exposure and I live in Eastern Nebraska. What process should be used now and which TWP, 100 or 1500 do you recommend?
Thank you.
Prep with the Cleaner/Brightener Kit and stain with TWP 100 Series.
Hi. I’ve got 2 year old cedar fascia and a garage door that I used an oil-based stain on (I think it was superdeck). As you can see, it’s gotten beaten down by the sun. How do I proceed? Strip, brighten, and stain? I live in California. Thanks.
Yes, that is correct. It will be an easy strip with this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Thanks for your reply. I’m worried about splatter of the stripper and brightener on the white stucco. Will either the stripper or the brightener stain the stucco if I have an accidental spill. Can I sand down the cedar instead?
It should not harm the stucco.
I need a dealer in Grandrapids mi. Zip 49546
We are an online dealer in SE Michigan. We can ship to GR in 1-2 days.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Can TWP 1500 be applied over one coat of Thompson’s Water Seal after 12 months ?
No. Just strip and brighten the wood and then you can use the TWP.
Pressure treated pine wood deck. Planning to seal for 3rd time with TWP 101. After using clean and brighten kit will I need to apply two coats of sealant?
Depends on how the prep goes. If the prep removes down to the bare wood, then 2 coats. If there is still an intact coating of TWP left after the prep, then apply 1 coat.
The difference will be related to the current condition of the TWP on the deck now.
What kind of semi-transparent stain to put on an eighteen year old pine deck? We live near Houston, Tx where our summers are hot and humid. Thank you.
TWP 100 Series. Make sure to prep correctly first.
I used twp 1501 on my properly prepared deck this weekend and the weather forecaster was wrong and now i have water spots from rain. How can i get rid of them? Deck is still tacky.
Post a picture.
Seems to have dried ok with very vague water spots. Nice product…
We have a cedar fence that was installed about 3 years ago. We never treated it. We power washed it to ready it for stain. Is that sufficient? Also, we have a PT deck that has weathered for over a year and understand that we need to clean and brighten before staining. We have some very old containers of cleaner/brightened in garage (never frozen). Is there a shelf life? Thank you. Love your site. Very informative.
Difference between 100 and 1500
See this: https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
Attached is a picture of my my cedar deck after one season. I used TWP 1516 Rustic. Prepped the surface as directed. Wood was 9 months old. This section gets direct sun and is the most heavily travelled. Other deck sections that receive less or no sun and not much foot traffic still look pretty good as do the vertically rated surfaces. Love the color and how it looked after application but what did I do wrong?
Just ordered more 1516 and cleaner and will try again.
See this about new wood and TWP: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi! Please help me decide which stain is best..I have a 2 year old cedar deck and want to bring out the best results and have dogs with nails that will use the deck everyday. What do you recommend as to the care before and the stain to purchase? I also live in Minnesota if that matters..Thank you!
Prep with our Gemini Restore Kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 100 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I put in new decking with pressure treated pine June 25, 2018. I let the deck sit all summer (Michigan). I cleaned it to remove the mill glaze, rinsed profusely, then made sure it was dry. I stained, one coat with Cedar TWP100 October 15, 2018. Now, even when dry, my deck is very slippery to walk on. Disappointed. What do I do?
I applied twp 101 cedar tone 3 years ago on a green treated deck and plan to reapply same color on my MN deck. Can I just do a light power wash before staining? Or what prep should I do?
Thanks,
Mike
You need the Gemini Restore Kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit