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Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project for 2024!
TWP is an advanced wood preservative/protectant registered by the EPA. Performance and longevity can vary though depending on the wood type, how the wood is prepped, the age of wood, and how the TWP is applied. We want everyone who has decided to use TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series to have the best possible results.
TWP Stain Tips and Help
When asking questions please give us some information about your wood restoration project:
- What structure is your wood? Examples would be: Deck, Wood Siding, Fence, etc
- What species is the wood? Examples: Treated Pine, Cedar, Redwood, Ipe, etc
- Is the wood new or older than 1 year?
- Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? Please specify brand name and type of stain used: Examples: Solid stain, Semi-Transparent Stain, etc.
- Any additional info that would be useful
Once you supply us with the information, we will able to give you advice as to how to prep your wood and any needed instructions for the TWP application.
Please ask your questions in the comment area.
Thanks
I am going to stain treated pine 6×6 posts for porch columns. I want them to look like cedar. I was told to use treated pine and stain to resemble cedar. Which version of your stain would I need? I live in Alabama.
Try Cedartone color in the 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I’m planning on re-staining a 6′ privacy fence that I stained about 3 years ago with TWP 1500. The pickets are rough sawn cedar and the fence structure is a treated pine. Since the fence was stained with a TWP product and I plan to restain with the same color I used 3 years ago, do I just need to clean and refresh the fence with Gemini Restore-A-Deck before applying the new stain?
Yes, use the Gemini Kit for prep.
Trying to decide on a color for the TWP 1500. I have a mahogany deck which I plan to strip with Restore a Deck Stripper. I assume I need to strip and not just clean and put a new stain over it? I am leaning toward the dark oak but not sure how that would look on mahogany? My posts are a darker color and I do not plan to redo those.
What is the current stain brand on the deck now? It does need to come off. You may have to sand as well to get it all off.
Benjamin Moore Arborcoat
You will have to sand this to remove it.
I just planed some older redwood boards 2 weeks ago and am getting ready to stain with 1502. I was planning on a power wash, waiting a couple of days and then staining. It there an issue if the temperature is averaging about 90 degrees? Is there anything I should do different?
90 can be too hot as the air surface temp will be much hotter than air temp. Try doing first thing in the am or later in the day as the sun goes down.
Other than the temperature do you see any other concerns?
No.
I used 101 TWP last year on new wood pine swing, chairs and tree trunk wood carvings. Can I apply a second coat this year? Any special prep beforehand?
Yes. Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I bought a log cabin. It hasn’t been treated in about 7 years. Logs appear to be in good shape. Stellar didn’t have any idea what was used before as he only lived here three years. We’re not sure of wood type either. Can I use TWP. Home is approx 15 years old.
You would have to remove the current stain when switching brands. Best to post a picture so we can help with how that would happen.
Based on two prior questions, I used Wet and Forget this winter to treat topical blackening. Then, because the Wet and Forget removed some stain, I was advised to clean and then brighten and then apply another thin coat.
This is a two year old deck with red cedar on the border and rails and white Alaskan cedar in the decking. I used one coat of TWP natural cedar last year.
Attached are photos from after the cleaning and brightening. I have some “fuzzies” on the railing and some dark spots that persisted.
Should I clean and brighten again or should I simply apply another coat of TWP at this point.
(Previously you advised to simple clean, brighten and apply another coat…just confirming)
Thank you.
George
Just apply another coat.
Hi ~ We just built a pergola from new, unstained cedar wood. What series would be best for this?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the 100 or 1500 Series based on what your state allows.
Hi – We have a 25 year old pine deck that had been maintained every 3 years (7 times total in 21 years) up until 4 years ago by cleaning and pressure washing the deck and re-coating with Cabot semi-solid stain. It looked great for 21 years. Only now, 4 years later, was the deck flaking in areas such as on the railings. The floor is more worn off than flaking. We have cleaned and sanded the entire deck railing and it looks and feels great (to us) and appears to be ready to accept new stain. We simply cleaned and pressure washed the deck floor. From what I can gather from reading other posts about deck refinishing, am I correct in assuming that the only way to proceed from here is to use another semi-solid oil based stain? Cabot has reformulated the semi-solid oil based stain that we used for years and because we live in Pennsylvania we no longer have access to that particular formula stain. I understand the new formula is not nearly as effective or long lasting as the old one so I’m looking for an alternative. I certainly appreciate any guidance you can provide. Thanks so much for your time. Gina
I just built a 40′ handicap ramp with treated wood. I need a anti-slip/slip stain/sealer. Is there an additive?
No, you cannot add a additive to a penetrating stain like TWP. No need as well.
While it’s raining won’t it still be slippery?
No, it fully soaks in.
What do you recommend for staining a fresh water dock? The wood is about a year and a half old. It was built with treated pine. I’ll also need a recommended cleaner. And remember this is on a fresh water creek/river….
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
can you use the shake and shingle sealant to stain a deck?
Yes.
I have just finished a new cedar fence (2 weeks ago). The pickets are rough cut but the posts and rails are not. Can I stain this now because it is rough cut or do I need to wait a year because the posts and rails are not rough cut. I just want it protected before it starts to get gray and ugly but if waiting and cleaning after a year is best, I am willing to wait and get it right.
You can do it now since most of the wood is rough cut.
Just saw comment about sanding, but I thought in your website I saw not to sand, that stain absorption would be diminished. There are places on my wood that might look better if sanded but I thought I wasn’t supposed to sand. My wood prep has been cleaning, including lots of scrubbing, and brightening.
Sanding is sometimes necessary for removal but we prefer or suggest to not sand unless needed.
My t&g ceiling on my porch is cleaned and brightened. We have several days of rain forecast. Knowing the ceiling will not get rained on, can I stain the ceiling if it is raining or looks like rain ?
The ceiling has not been stained in 11 years
As long as it does not get wet, that is okay.
Not pressure treated pine logs and stair treads, newly sanded and stained last fall. Now pretty dry, needs a a fresh coat of stain, can I just power wash, dry then stain or do I have to use Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener? On the new rails and posts that I used cleaner on yesterday, that had black speckles and graying…about 60% better. Do I use cleaner again, and power wash again or do I need to sand? Thanks, Mary
Use the kit while pressure washing for proper prep.
Lots of info here so easier to just ask. Originally wanted an oil-based, semi-transparent, TWP-100 color but like the Cape Cod Gray. Since it’s more of a semi-solid will it be more likely to peel? I realize prep is everything but this will be done by a contractor. They’ve “ASSURED” me deck will be prepped according to Mfg recommendations. Hmmm. Deck is approximately 1500 sf, 12-years old, typical untreated(?) pine floor, cedar railing. Deck looks like bare weathered wood with no previous coating visible and crying for help. This is an expensive project for a senior citizen on limited income to commit to, so want to make the right stain choice. In ND so VOC levels are not a problem. W
The TWP 105 is not a stain that will peel.
To Wayne C., I’m just a person that’s hired “professionals” several times over the years, each assured me they would follow Mfg. recommendations…Not a single one did. You better make sure they are committed to all the steps, power wash, sand, power wash, cleaner, power wash, brightener, power wash, stain, stain. I’m finally doing mine myself, with the help of TWP. Best of luck with your deck.
I am purchasing a steel Chapin sprayer on Amazon to apply my TWP 120 that is on the way. Several reviews on Amazon suggest using a strainer with your product and this sprayer. Have not seen this mentioned on your site. What do you suggest/recommend for straining this product for spraying.
No need to strain the TWP before spraying.
Thanks!
I have a cedar deck that was last stained with Ready Seal #105. It is smooth cedar and is mostly bleached out by sun but is in good condition. I live in Arkansas. Most of the deck is in the sun but the shady part appears to have some mildew. Would the 100 series be a good choice? What type of preparation or cleaning should I do before staining?
Yes, use the TWP 100 Series. Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I am re-staining a cedar deck that was last stained with Ready Seal light oak #105 3 years ago. Most of the deck is in the sun and has been bleached out by the sun to a slightly lighter color than the original wood. Will the 100 series of TWP be good? What type of preparation do I need to do before staining?
Hello. I am driving myself crazy with trying to decide what to use to protect my investment. . The more research I do, the more confused I get.
I have an 11 month old pressure treated deck in South Jersey in mostly sunny conditions most of the day which has yet to be sealed or stained. At first I was considering an Armstrong Clark solid or semi solid primarily for the UV protection. If I am correct though, a solid or semi solid gives the appearance of a “painted surface” and there is also the potential for peeling. Bottom line, I want to see the grain of the wood. So in an effort to apparently confuse myself further, I did more research. This is how I found myself on your website. Is TWP 1500 the best for my “new” pressure treated deck? Will it stand up to the hot sunny summer days as well as the sometime brutal winters? Also, are there studies done on the ability to control carpenter bees (which I have many)? Should I use oil or water based? Also, this is a pool deck. Are there concerns with pool chemicals, ie; chlorine, alkalinity increaser, chlorine stabilizer, etc..
Yes, use the TWP 1500 for NJ. Sorry but no deck stain with stop bees. You will have to spray for those after the stain is applied. TWP is oil based. Chlorine will “bleach” out all deck stains if it gets on the stain. No way to stop this.
Thank you.
Ok. Lets talk prep. As I mentioned this is roughly an 11 month old pressure treated deck with no prior staining or sealing:
(1) Do I still need to clean and/or brighten?
(2) If so, is power washing acceptable with or without cleaning solvent?
Also, as I mentioned, this is in mostly full sun conditions:
(3)Do I need to wait until night time and stain under spot lights or can I do it under the sunny conditions?
Also, being in South Jersey, although a weather forecast might say no rain, quick storms can still pop up. So even with the best of planning, rain could always be an issue during the staining process:
(4)So how much rain or moisture during the process is tolerable without diminishing the results?
Also, being a fairly new deck:
(5)Should I do 1 coat or 2 coats wet on wet?
Back to the carpenter bees. They have already started drilling their holes, and it was to my understanding that they did not like new pressure treated wood:
(6)After staining, will bug sprays affect the finish of the stained wood or is there a product to treat the wood prior to staining?
Lastly, I have 532 sq/ft of deck:
(7)How many gallons would I need to do either 1 or 2 coats and,
(8) If I order extra to account for miscalculations or spillage, can I return any unopened cans.
You have been a great help so far and I hope this is the last of my questions.
In regards to my 7th and 8th questions, I should add that miscalculations might be due to the irregular shape of my deck as it has curved areas where it meets the pool and some of the calculating is actually guesstimating. I would much rather use the calculator on your website, but that is not possible due to the irregular shape. Is there a way you could help me with a more precise calculation?
1. Yes
2. Yes, pressure wash with the Gemini Restore Kit.
3. You can stain during the day. Avoid excessively hot days.
4. Cannot rain on the stain within 8-12 hours of applying and wood needs to be dry for 48 hours before applying.
5. Yes
6. Doubt it. Do not treat before staining.
7. For 2 coats, about 5 gallons
8. Yes, but you will have to pay to ship back and we have a restocking fee.
Ha. One more question. I almost screwed up. That 532 sq/ft is just the deck, steps and railing. Now there is the matter of baluster spindles and post, which I have been uncertain of how to calculate. I came up with an additional 355sq/ft. That seems kind of high to me. Here is what I have.
spindles are 1.5″x1.5″ with 124 @ 45″ and 31 @ 33″
posts are 3.5″x3.5″ with 13 @ 46.5″ and 5 @ 38.5″
When measuring railings, just do length of all rails x height.
No offense, but I don’t see how a simple height X length would work in all situations. From one deck to another, there would be too many variations such as railing width(mine is 2″x6″), spindle shape (square or round) and size ( mine are 1.5″ x1.5″ square), and of course spindle spacing based on local code (min are 3.5″ spacing). So the way I am calculating it is by taking one spindle and figuring 4 sides of stain coverage at 1.5 inches per side giving me 6 inches. Multiplying .5 feet by the length of spindle to give me the square footage of 1 spindle then multiplying that by the number of spindles. Does this sound like a good way of calculating? I don’t want to over order or under stain. Would you by chance know what the restocking fees are?
Do the length x height. We have been doing this for 20+ years and it is almost always right on. You will not be over-ordering.
Hi. How do I order just the TWP 1516 Stain? Is the 1500 Stain tinted somehow to become the 1516 stain? the 1516 stain is what I need. Thanks very much
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-5-gallon
Just choose the Rustic Color in the dropdown color options on that link.
I have a treated pine deck that I used the TWP 100 on 2 yrs. ago & want to retreat it. I would like to use clear to maintain the same color w/o getting darker but I see that it has no UV brightener. Is this an issue & if so what color would be the best to not change the existing color too much. I am sorry but I don’t remember what color I used but it appears reddish.
The clear or a lighter color will not work. Need to apply the same color you used last time.
Prep first with Gemini Restore Kit.
Redwood deck – 4 years old – have cleaned each year with Gemini and reapplied 1500 series dark oak – did the same this year with leftover stain from last year and it’s not drying after 12 hours – should I try wiping it down with mineral spirits or re-do the Gemini process and reapply new stain?
Wipe it down: https://twpstainhelp.com/properly-applying-twp-stain-so-it-does-not-dry-shiny/
I will be using 1500 stain on a new non pressure treated screen door. How long should I let the stain set on one side before turning it over to do the other side?
A few days.
I have a new pressure treated deck in western NC mountains. lots of rain, but most of deck has west exposure, gets 8 hours sun. no mildew issues can you advise what product. is best?
See this about new wood. After the wait and prep, use the 100 Series.
I am working with a 2-year-old un-stained deck. I purchased the kit to clean & brighten along with the stain. I applied the Cleaner and rinsed according to directions, but then it started raining. We have had rain every day since then. We also have rain for several days over the next 10 days.
My questions are…
1) Do I need to re-“clean” the deck before Brightening?
2) How long do I wait before staining? (after a rain)
3) How long after I stain does it have to remain dry out? (no rain)
4) How long between the first and second coat?
I am using the 1501 stain (cedar).
1. Lightly was again.
2. 48 hours
3. 12-24 hours
4. Wet on wet: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Thanks.
I cleaned an unstained deck with a sodium per carbonate deck cleaner last fall for a customer and stained with TWP 100 and it looked fantastic, now they emailed me saying the stain looks blotchy and it appears it did not soak into the wood around the knots. Do you know what caused this? Can it be fixed with a light cleaning and applying another coat or do I have to strip and re do the whole deck?? The pictures are what the customer sent me
Thanks
Looks normal. Knots are always lighter since they are a higher density of the wood.
I have a log home in Northern NH. It is pine logs. 4o yrs old. Use to use CWF Cedartone. Three years ago, the house was bleached, rinsed and TWP Cedartone was applied with a sprayer by a professional. Last year I had some exterior logs replaced due to water rot. The original logs have darkened over the years and I think the Rustic stain will be close enough to match. I plan to have the whole house done this summer with the Rustic. Should the cleaner brightner be used first? How is it applied? How many gallons of stain and cleaner will be needed to do a house 24 X 36 X 1 1/2 stories with 2 doghouse dormers. For ease of handling I plan to order gallon cans as opposed to 5gal. cans.
Thank you for any help/information with this matter.
If you are changing colors, strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Need total sq footage for the amount needed?
Which stain series will work best on our pine log home exterior? It was built in 2006. I will be removing all the old stain by sanding it off, but not sanding it to a completely smooth finish. I am looking at either the 100 series or 1500 series products. What is the difference between them? The home is in Wisconsin. Thank you for your time.
Ken.
Use the TWP 1500. It will give slightly better UV protection for your vertical wood.
Last year I used the Gemini system to clean my redwood deck (30 yrs old) and applied TWP 1500 Redwood 1502 stain. This year I just need to clean the deck . Any advice as what to use for removing the grime and dust that accumulated over the winter and spring? And are there cleaners to avoid? Thanks for any help that you can offer.
Use warm water with some dish soap and a car wash brush to lightly agitate.
We had outdoor kitchen cabinets built of cypress, I guess what would be considered ‘new’ cypress. We are in Louisiana. The cabinets are under roof in screened porch. What product would best protect the unfinished wood? And are these products semi transparent?? Thanks.
Use the TWP 100 Series. Yes, they are semi-transparent.
I have strippd a 2000 sq ft deck. Guys are coming to lightly sand and stain it. Can I apply the brightener before the deck is sanded or must I wait until they have sanded?
Apply after and lightly rinse when done to remove the sand dust.
I treated my log cabin 15 or so years ago with TWP 100 series Cedartone stain. I would like to stain it again this summer.
It was prepped correctly at the time and hasn’t changed much but I would still like to refresh the cabin. Can I apply the new 1500 series over this stain? Also dose TWP make a solid color stain?
Stay with the 100 Series. No, TWP does not make a solid color stain.
Our deck was finished with a solid stain several years ago. It gets a ton of sun. Which TWP product would be best to apply now>
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TWP cannot be used over a solid color stain. If you sand it 100% off, then you can use it.
Hi,
I moved into a model home recently that has never been occupied. It has a deck and some cedar railings around a front porch. I would appreciate any feedback on what would work well in my area. Would prefer either oil-based/semi if possible. (What is the difference between the 100 and 1500 products)?
Deck Location State: Kansas
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun
Wood Type: Cedar
Mold or Mildew Issues: some
Previous Stain: None. It is a 3 year old house and no stain was put on the deck by the builder
Thank you for your help!
Prep with our Gemini Restore Kit and stain with the TWP 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I have rough cedar trim with a smooth cedar deck. The trim was stained before hanging with TWP 1500 in rustic and restrained last summer (4 years after initial application). It has held up beautifully. Even before restraining last year, it still looked nice. I’m having trouble with the deck. It was initially stained as new wood with TWP 100 following wet on wet procedure. It did not hold up well at all. I realized I had accidentally bought the 100 instead of 1500 and thought that must be the problem. The deck was power washed, allowed to dry and recoated last year with 1500. It still hasn’t stayed nice. After 1 season it looks bad. It is our main entrance so it has a lot of heavy traffic. What can I do to make it look better longer?
I noticed that you had a premixed oxford brown in the twp100 but cant find it now. can you confirm that it is available and that you can ship to kinek
TWP does not come in an oxford brown color.
I have a 10 yr. old cedar deck. Eight months ago I stripped, cleaned, brighten and treated with two coats TWP 100 rustic tint. Results were better than expected. ie: beautiful! After a snowy winter the color has slightly faded and I would like to apply a maintenance coat to bring back the color. The deck has had little foot traffic and the only dirt is from dust from the air. My question is how much prep or cleaning is required before reapplying TWP 100 stain in this scenario. I have read your Q& A posted and none with similar history or I failed to recognize one! Thanks in advance for your help.
Lightly wash with the Gemini cleaner to remove dirt. Let dry for 48 hours and stain.
Would you recommend your product for a Cedar picket fence with pressure treated 2×4 runners? I do not want to wait and let the wood dry. Thank you,
Yes, TWP works great for wood fences.
I am looking for TWP 101 total wood preservative cedartone natural (2 gallons). Do you carry?
Yes, we have lots of it in stock: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
No rain predicted (finally) but temperature 94-97 degrees between now and Memorial Day. Will stain in shade, early morning with temps in 70’s. Is this OK? Sun starts to move over deck by 10 am
Yes, that will work.
Thank you
How long can I expect coverage on vertical wood with the 100 series
4-6 years for most scenarios.
After power washing how long should you wait to apply TWP?
48 hours.
The company I hired applied TWP less was he 24 hours after power washing my deck. Four days later my deck is still tacky and glossy in areas. Any suggestions?
See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
How long can I expect coverage before re coat with 1500 series?
2-3 years on a deck. Longer on vertical wood.
Hi, A contractor applied TWP 200 to our deck 2 years ago. It was the first coat of stain to a deck that was a bit more than a year old. What are the recommendations for applying another coat for proper maintenance and longevity of the product? If good time to apply another coat, any recommendations for reapplication?
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/applying-a-maintenance-coat-of-twp/
A light prep and 1 coat will help.
Hi there- I have a 13 yr old deck just treated wood. Has had stain on In past, nothing in the past 6 years. I’ve just power washed it yearly. What stain would you recommend?? I intend to power wash it before doing the staining. Thanks in advance 😊
Hello, make sure all previous stain is removed first. Use the TWP 1500 Series for the stain: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hello,
I have a wood Deck and Fence that I built about 14 months ago I have not treated it yet with anything. Both are made from treated pine. I live in the state of Ohio not sure if that makes a difference on product type. I would like to put the longest lasting oil based stain product on both the deck and Fence. after reading a little I am thinking the TWP100 is the best option for me or would you recommend something different As would like to use the same product for both deck and fence for ease of process. As well How do you recommend to prep the surface is a cleaner needed if wood is clean and in good shape before applying stain. Thanks for your time.
John G
For Ohio, you will need the TWP 1500 Series. Use this for both deck and fence. Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Two years ago we stained our deck with Olympic Elite, Canyon Sunset, stain & sealant. We used paint brushes and rollers to apply two coats. The decking is cedar 5-1/4 wide X 1-1/16 thick, probably 10 yrs old. At the time we replaced some boards because of cracking. There is some algae on edges. We live in Seattle and deck see’s a lot of rain in winter and is exposes to at least 8 hrs of sun a day in summer. The deck is very blotchy and shows wear marks. What would you recommend for prep and stain?
Regards
Chuck
For prep, the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kit. Stain with TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
Weather unpredictable. Can I cover newly stained deck with plastic – above surface of deck – if that stray scattered shower comes?
No. It needs airflow to dry correctly. Do not cover.