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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
Hi! I recently stained a deck with Cal Cedar 200 series and encountered a problem and am hoping if you can tell me the best way to rectify it, thanks!
I think that I let the first can of paint sit too long and didn’t sufficiently stir it because when I was staining a deck floor and switched to the new can I realized that the previous van had not been nearly red enough. So I finished the deck but there is a noticeable difference between the deck boards I stained with the first can which ended up being just mostly the dark oil base of cal cedar, and the deck boards in I stained with the new can, which was properly shaken up and had the reddish tent that cal cedar is supposed to have. So now I have a deck floor with two pigments. Can I do a scuff sand and apply another coat to the part of the deck that doesn’t look like it should? What should I do? Thanks
Post a picture.
We finished our deck with darker coat of stain on our deck yesterday, after a preliminary coat a week ago. It’s still looks wet and can be wiped off in places with a finger swipe. I’ve attached photos, although it’s hard to see the wet or tacky areas. Should we wait or rub or wipe off the excess? It’s a high of 90 today. Thank you.
FYI, you cannot apply a second coat a week later. If doing two coats it has to be wet one wet on the same day.
See this for tips on what to do know. https://twpstainhelp.com/properly-applying-twp-stain-so-it-does-not-dry-shiny/
We did 2 wet-on-wet coats with 1500 series (I think; unless it was 100 series) 8 years ago and of course it hasn’t really lasted all that time, it’s overdue for care. Can I just clean and brighten with your kit, and reapply 1500 series? And then will one coat work, or do I need to re-do with 2? It’s a 16 x 24 “modern” pressure-treated deck, used 6 gals the previous (first) time. I understand if I’d only waited about 3 years or so, a single maintenance coat using about 4-5 gals would do…but is it too worn/dry now for that? Do I need another 6 gals. and 2 coats? Thanks!
Yes on the same amount as last time. Use the Gemini Kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have some TWP 100 left in my 5 gal can if I replace lid and reclamp tabs will this be ok to use in one year or will I have to buy new? Lori
See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I have a deck that was previously stained wtih TWP semi solid cedartone. unfortunately it gone longer between stainings than i would like it to. The flat surfaces are almost all gone and the horizontal surfaces have a decent amount of color on them yet. My question is do I need to strip the hole deck and start over or can I leave what’s there, clean it up and stain over the top of it?
Post a picture.
Here are the horizontal and vertical surfaces
Use the Gemini Kit while pressure washing for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
My deck project was mostly completed on June 10, with only a few feet of railing, spindles and sides left. It took longer than anticipated and I had some other commitments I couldn’t postpone. Long story short, I’m ready to finish staining.
Obviously I’m past the two week window. So my dumb question is: what do I need to do for (re)prep? There are no horizontal surfaces, only vertical. I’m sure I read the answer somewhere but was unable to find it again.
Thanks for your help. It’s an awesome product and I’m thrilled with the result.
Since it is vertical wood, just lightly rinse it down with water, let dry for 48 hours, and then stain.
I used TWP stain on my small redwood deck around a spa, last summer (no number like 1500). It had been previously stained with Penetrol and is about 30 years old. I did all the prep. It looks dull now and I wanted to put another coat on it, but I do not want to sand it all down again. Do I use another product?
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have a 6 month old treated pine deck that is just starting to weather (turn a bit grey) and would like to know which of your products you would recommend. I do not want a solid stain as I want to see the wood grain. Your TWP 100 series seems to be my first choice, but I do not really know what semi-transparent means. Will this product allow me to see the wood grain or is it going to look more like a paint?
The TWP stains will show all the wood grain but will enhance the color based on the tint you pick.
For clarification – how transparent is the stain?
Semi-transparent but it will not mask the wood grain at all.
I did the Restore a Deck prep kit, let the deck dry, and have stained it with TWP100 yesterday evening. This morning I have noticed that some spots are much lighter and likely didn’t get enough stain (it was getting dark when I finished). Can I go over the entire deck today with a 2nd coat today (24 hrs later) or should I wait a few days/weeks/months or just leave as is for another year and then do another prep kit/restain? Photos of the deck are attached. I appreciate the advice in advance!
Wait until Fall and lightly wash and apply one light coat.
Great! Do I lightly wash with the restore a deck cleaner & brightener or just water?
Lightly wash with the Cleaner and pressure rinse.
Cedar clapboard siding previously stained every 3-4 years with Cabots oil-based semi- transparent stain. I’d like to switch to TWP.Should I use TWP 1500 or TWP 200?
TWP 1500. Makes sure to remove the Cabot first.
Water Puddling Issue. I sanded a three year cedar deck to bare wood and used TEP series 100 cedar stain one coat. Some boards are cupped and rain water puddles up in those areas. I would like to add additional water protection to the overall deck. What is your recommendations?
You cannot add a sealer or any additional coating over the TWP.
I am laying a deck deck out of reclaimed Douglas fir that has been salvaged as timber and I am resigning it into two by eights. The wood is all growth in well over 100 years old. What would you recommend to preserve and stain and seal this deck deck
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
I bought a house, sanded, repaired and a friend used a water based stain for coverage. I don’t think it is doing enough to protect the parched wood. Can I take a clear stain over it as sealer? I know that will cause services to be prone to aging a darker color, but that’s OK with me as long as I don’t have to go through sanding year after year. Some store people say I can apply oil over water based and others say not.
No, you would have to remove it first.
I am building a ceder fence, 139′ x 6′ how many coats would I need to apply and how do I calculate how much I need?
Rough sawn or smooth cedar wood? Length x Width x 2 for both sides = Sq. Footage.
We applied our stain and unfortunately where we overlapped a little there are shiny spots on our wood. Is thereanything we can do?
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Applied TWP 101 Cedartone Natural to cedar decking. Did not use “wet on wet”. How long before applying a second coat? Thanks in advance.
Wait until Fall or Spring.
i applied TWC Natural sealer on my deck and still have some wet/tacky spots. I did a very light wet on wet application to smooth out and spread wet spots from the 1st application after about 45-60 minutes. It has now been about 24 hours after that wet second coat. Should I give it more time to dry. It seems to be drying more and more.
Yes, allow it to dry for a few days or longer. It will dry.
Contractor used Behr Transparent Penetrating Oil Wood Finish (Redwood), no longer available in CA or USA, can one of your products be used without totally refinishing the deck and stairs? I have 1/2 gallon left for touch up, but that is not enough for re-do.
To be able to use the TWP, all the Behr will have to be removed first.
Why? If they are both oil based stains, what makes your product completely incompatible that the other must be completely removed?
Thanks
Just because they are oil based does not mean the are compatible. The Behr will hinder the TWP’s ability to soak into the wood and adhere properly.
We stained our deck with TWP Rustic 116. While applying the second coat, we received unexpected rain. It’s been raining the 2 days since with more rain in the forecast. What can we do to finish staining?
Best to leave it as is for the Summer and do a light clean and recoat in Fall or Spring. It will adhere better this way.
The part of the deck that has a second coat has a shiny appearance. Will that remain or do we need to remove that. (If so, how?)Also what should we use for the light cleaning.
It should dull down. Light pressure wash with soap when you do the recoating.
Using TWP100 clear, on pressure treated wood on a second story deck. We are at high altitude and very dry climate. Do we need to do the underside of the deck? This deck was put up 12 months ago.
No need to do the undersides.
Used your Gemini Restore-A-Deck kit on a new wood pressure treated pine deck, then applied a single coat, as advised, of TWP 1516. Only got half of the deck stained though. 30 days later, I have time and a weather window to stain the remaining half (400 sq ft). Do I need to user cleaner and/or brightener again before applying the stain? The unstained portion has been rained on a few times but has had little or no foot traffic.
Yes, lightly prep again.
I installed my deck two summers ago (treated pine). Just stained it for the first time yesterday with TWP 100 (pecan). I ran out of time and was not able to do a second coat as recommended. Can I do a second coat today? If I can’t get to it today, can I install a second coat next week?
No, has to be wet on wet for best results. Best to wait until Fall or Spring.
What would I do to prep it in the fall if I wanted to restrain then?
Light wash to remove any dirt.
We have a 30’x12’ cedar deck with railings and 6 stairs. The deck is 3 yrs old, never been stained, sealed or washed and has mill glaze at some of the joints. We will be applying TWP stain. What prep products do I need?
Use this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
This will take care of any mill glazing ?
Yes.
We have a 15 year old cedar deck which has been treated with various products about every 2 years. The last product used was Superdeck about 2 years ago. The stains have been semitransparent but when pressure washing the stain has come off in patches. Should I sand off the stain before applying a brightener and then applying twp cedartone 100?
I also added some new stairs with new cedar boards. Is the prep required for new cedar boards different? Should I sand the new boards or wait a few weeks before applying stain.
We are located in southern Oregon so I believe we can use the Twp 100 stain.
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Apply the TWP 100 after: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
We built a redwood deck about one and a half years ago and are now going to protect it with something since the wood has cured and it ready to be protected. I was going to sand off a fine layer off to expose the fresh redwood and get the grey colored weathering off before protecting it. I live in California. Which of your products do you suggest using to protect the redwood? I also need to mention that we live close to the ocean so we get a lot of sun, moisture, salt etc. Thanks in advance for your help.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep: 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
Will TWP 100 work well on a boat dock in the Florida sun and heat? It is over salt water. Thanks.
Yes, works very well.
How long is TWP 100 series drytime before rain? In the product info, it says 2-12 hours dry time, but then 24-72 hours prior to use. Mainly trying to sort out can I stain even though it will rain the next day….Thanks.
12-24 hours is typically sufficient.
Thx!
I live in Ontario Canada. I have a south facing walk out basement to newly landscaped stonework and a 3 year old elevated cedar deck. We made the mistake of sealing it with Thompson’s advanced water sealer within weeks of it being laid with no pre prep. It was horrible to say the least and since then we have let it weather and grey which it did quite quickly. In the last 2 years we have sanded it twice and recently gave it a power wash, cleaned it with BEHR premium all-in-one wood cleaner and gave it a third sanding. I want to do it right this time and would like to have the natural brown tones of the cedar back. (No orange or red undertones). I do have some concerns…
1. I don’t want to harm, stain or damage our stonework underneath with harsh chemicals. I’m sure we can lay some tarps while applying the oil stain.
2. I’m wondering if there will be any run off with downpours in the week (or weeks) to come. Will I have to tarp the stonework underneath for a while? What is typical curing/drying time?
3. Are there small samples available for testing before I commit to a colour?
4. Our surface deck is 12’-6” x 26’-0” not including 4 posts and 12” horizontal band. How much stain will I require?
I have attached some photos, I hope that helps.
1. Use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for prep. It will not harm the stone.
2. Possibly until full cure. Leave for a week or so would help.
3. We do not have samples of the 200 Series.
4. 3-4 gallons should work.
I’m using TWP 200 series for a wood deck (I live in Canada). I have been following the instructions and help thread from TWP 100 series as a guideline for application since I couldn’t find a 200 series Q&A section. I have prepped the deck using the Gemini RAD.
1) Is there any material difference in the prep or application instructions of TWP 100 vs TWP 200?
2) Can I apply a second layer of TWP 200 wet on wet as with the TWP 100?
3) Do you recommend to use a roll, a staining pad or a brush?
4) I understand that I have to let the deck dry 48 hours after cleaning process. I finished cleaning yesterday pm. According to the weather forecast today (Fri) and tomorrow will be sunny (Sat) and also Sunday, so I was planning to apply the stain on Sunday. However rain is anticipated on Monday. Should i wait for more consecutive days of dry weather?
Thanks!
1. Prep and application are the same.
2. Yes, tow light coats are okay. Do not over apply.
3. Staining pad is best.
4. It can rain on it 12-24 hours later.
The 200 Series does take longer to fully cure. The rain should not have an impact if 12-24 hours later but it may take a few days or longer before full curing.
I live in north Alabama. Which stain do you recommend for this area of the country?
The TWP 100 Series.
I installed a new ceder deck 2 years ago. I used Behr stain on it and it started pealing right away.
2 years later I am sanding the deck with 100 grit to remove the old failed stain.
I will gently wash off the deck with a pressure washer once I have finished sanding.
I thought of using the TWP 1500 semi transparent stain. Haven’t decided on colors yet as I have ordered samples to try.
I thought about the 1500 as it seems it has better UV protection than the 100.
Is one better than the other for UV protection. What is the difference between them?
I live in the Seattle area so we have wet cold winters and cooler warmer summers. The Deck has southern exposure so it gets full sun all year.
Are there any other steps that I need to do to ensure the stain works?
Can I apply the stain on the bare wood or do I need to use a cleaner or brightener first?
The 1500 has slightly better UV protection since it has a little more solids. They both last about the same though. You will need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Hello,
I am planning to re-stain my deck and would like some advice if I need to strip, clean and brighten, etc.
I am attaching photos.
I have a cedar deck that is over 10 years old.
It was stripped to the bare wood about 5 years ago and stained with TWP120 (pecan). It was cleaned and brightened about 2 years ago and re-stained with TWP120.
I am located in southeast Michigan. The deck is west facing and part of it is covered by a tree…where the table is located.
I would like to again use TWP120 (pecan).
Thanks for your help.
Ray Notarant
We would strip this to ensure an even application for the new stain.
Hi – my family has a long history of boatbuilding. Back when my family was in the seafood business, we built large 60ft+ wooden shrimp boats by hand, but now that we have gotten out of the industry it’s become more of a hobby for us. About 20 years ago we built a 20ft flat bottom open skiff and used TWP to stain & preserve the open interior. It has held up extraordinarily well over the years. I assume back then only the Series 100 was available, correct? We just finished building a similar skiff and I’m wondering what type of TWP you would recommend we stain/preserve the interior with, now that you offer multiple products? The skiff will be garage-kept and will only be exposed to the elements when it’s being used. The boat is made of fir marine plywood and cypress frames. Thanks in advance!
Where are you located?
Galveston TX area
Use the TWP 100 Series.
Galveston, TX area
Staining a deck with 1500 series. Can i use a roller? do i need to worry about the visible vertical part of the wood in between the closely aligned slats (averaging maybe 1/4 inch in between each slat).
Stain pads and brushes are better than rollers when applying. Try to stain all visible wood.
Two years ago I stripped and cleaned my then 10 year old small deck (pressure treated pine), before I successfully applied your 120 Pecan stain. It went on well (2 coats), looked great, very pleased. It previously had a Thompson’s product I never liked, but I used a Behr stripper and then forget-the-name brightening product. Good results I thought. So this year I’m ready to restain with the same TWP but I know it needs to be cleaned first due to heavy grime. I have LOTS of leaves and rain, leading to lots of grime. Is it ok to use a bleach based wood cleaner? And then a brightener? Or just a brightener? (does ‘brightener’ mean ‘bleach’?) I’m sold on the TWP stain, but how important is a TWP branded cleaning agent? Or maybe any-brand cleaning agent followed by a TWP brightener? I’m trying to avoid re-stripping. Thanks!
No, do not use a bleach-based cleaner. Use the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Bleach is not a brightener.
What I really need to see are photos of before & after use of the stain stripper on log siding or reasonable facsimile, please.
Planning on using TWP 100 as a sealer. I am in the process of covering a pool deck with cedar. The cedar has been kiln dried and planed by a local Amish shop. Will this need to weather as you indicated for a period of 4-12 months prior to sealing? The boards seem to readily absorb rainfall. I just want to make sure that this falls into the category of your “prep” advice, and that I should not stain right away. Also, are all of your sealers stained? Do you recommend a clear sealer?
See this about Kiln Dried wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Need a tinted color for UV protection.
Can I use 1500 stain on indoor projects? I would like to stain our kitchen open shelves.
Thanks
No, it is for exterior use.
last summer I belt sanded my deck back to bare wood pressure treated, I applied 2 coat of 1500 it look great, but after the fall and winter months it’s faded can I power wash and apply another coat?
Yes but use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep as well: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
This is a link for an additive to help control carpenter bees. Is this something I could use with TWP 1500 oil based stain?
That will work with TWP.
Oh. sorry. I thought I attached the link for the additive. It is OUTLAST NBS 30.
You did, we do not allow external links so we removed it.
I have Behr’s semi transparent stain on my deck. It is peeling and want to switch to twp stain. Can it be applied on top of the current stain or must it all be stripped?
Must be removed first. Strip and sand. Brightener after.
how long will TWP last in storage
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
The deck is treated pine, several years old. Last fall the wood was professionally stripped and stained with TWP 1500 Black Walnut and looked great. This spring I power washed the deck and applied another coat, which looked great. After several weeks of curing, I had set 2 storage bins on the deck, which remained in place for 4 weeks. When I moved them, this is the appearance of the deck. What would cause this to look like this (didn’t look this way until it rained on it. Will I need to restrain these sections, once dry?
Looks like the stain continued to cure after the boxes were set there. Does it look better when the rain dries off the wood?
I have windows and doors and the outdoor trim is also Spanish Cedar. The wood is a few years old and has never been painted or stained. The wood is too beautiful to paint over, so I have elected to stain using your TWP 1500 Cedartone. I sanded all with 120 grit and stained, but did not like the reddish brown color, so I resanded and finished with 180 grit. I reapplied the stain using a Terry cloth sponge and attained the golden brown color with a single application, which we love. I understand that with this stain I don’t need a polyurethane finish because TWP already provides this protection. But, how do I smooth out or finish the wood after staining without screwing up the stain? I went over it with 220 grit and it still seemed to cause blemishes. Do I need to put on a second coat of stain and risk making the wood darker than I wanted? Should I use a much higher grit of sand paper, such as 400 grit? Or, should I thin out the stain and apply two coats prior to finish sanding?
You cannot smooth this out anymore and you should never sand finer than 80 grit. TWP needs to fully soak into the wood and sanding too smooth will hinder this.
If TWP 100 does not have UV protection why use it regarding my previous question. This deck is 100% in sun during day, in Iowa.
The TWP 100 series colors do have UV protection. Only the “Clear” will not.
I am putting new floor on deck 12×13. After reading questions you have said to use twp 100 on new treated wood after waiting 4-12 months. 1. Why twp 100 and not twp 1500. 2. Do I need to do the wet on wet? 3 After drying time do I just use cleaner. thx
TWP 100 Series soaks in better so use this for new wood if your state allows it. Iowa does.
See this for new wood tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
i have logs on front porch and need help how to prepare and stain with cedar stain done it before but been awhile also where to purchase in my area
We sell online: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-wood-stains
As for prep and stain, what is currently on the wood now? Pictures would help. You can post them here.
I mistakenly applies TWP over a deck that had been stained with TWP last year. Not surprisingly it did not adhere well. What stripper can be used to remove the recent coat. Would mineral spirits and a stiff brush work? How about powerwashing?
Thanks,
You will need to strip with this and pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I live in central Indiana and have been using the 1500 for my deck and fence. Is this the right choice? I need to order some more soon and I’m not sure if I’m using the right one. I’ve been using 1503 dark oak. And what is the shelf life? I couldn’t get the posted link to work. Thank you very much.
Yes, the 1500 is correct. https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Hello,
I have a pine log cabin in a dry climate that has not been treated in ~12 years. Prior to that it had been sprayed occasionally with boiled linseed oil and/or Thompson Water Seal. Most of the previous treatments appear to now be dried out/gone.
Can I get reasonable results using the Gemini Restore A Deck kit, followed by TWP 1500? Or do I still need to use a stain stripper first? I do not mind some variation in color.
Thanks,
David
Stripper and Brightener: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail