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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 live in Oregon. Two year old Cedar fence not stained. 100 or 1500?
Travis
100 Series.
Hi, We applied TWP 105 Cape Cod (semi-solid) on our large pine pressure treated deck. Deck was built in May 2015 and stain applied in Nov 2015 (North Carolina). A painter powerwashed the deck and applied a new coat of Cape Cod in April 2018. The deck now needs maintenance. We recently sanded the deck (in the areas it needed it most) and pressure washed it. Now, we have some places the stain is great – no peeling, still semi-solid and water just sits on the surface. In other places the stain is gone or spotty (not really peeling off).
Before we re-apply more Cape Cod TWP semi-solid stain, should we:
1. Apply Restore-a-Deck cleanser and brightener
2. Apply a stripper and brightener
3. Sand the entire deck and apply restore-a-deck cleanser and brightener?
Or some other combination? Also, please advise on temps and dry time before/after rain.
Thank you,
Jessica
Strip and brighten then sand if needed for the floor. Temps are 50-90. 48 hours after rain. 24 hours prior.
Thank you. Do we need to get all of the old stain off or can we apply new stain over the old stain that remains? one coat or two?
You do not have to get it all off. Just one coat.
I ordered two samples and will test them. However there were no instructions included with the samples on how to get my credit when I purchase the 5 gallon series 1500.
Can you send me the credit instructions?
It is on the sample page: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I am refinishing a dock. The wood was painted with an oil paint 8 years ago. I have sanded it bare. I’m in Canada so need the 200 product. Is this appropriate and do I need to prepare surface more? Thanks
Clean and brighten for prep after. Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit.
Hello, I live in NC and need the best TPW product to stain a new deck (KDAT Clear deck boards). It appears that 1500 has more solids but I understand that 100 will penetrate the best and last longer? Since I live in a state that does not restrict VOCs, what do you recommend for this project? Which one dries faster? Do I need to do 1 coat or 2 coats?
See this about KDAT wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Use the 100 Series.
I have (both sides) 500 feetx 6 feet of cedar fence to prep/stain. I have the kits to prep. The brightner says “rinse the wood” 20-30 min. This would take hours and use way to much water which is $$$ here. I do have a pressure wash. What are my options? Cut the amount of brightner? Still use but hope a much quicker rinse is ok, or skip this step.. Boards are weathered, pressure washed last fall, not really dirty or mildewed.
Finally, if I don’t use the brightner, is it returnable.
Thanks!
No do not cut the brightener, just rinse it well with the pressure washer until no more suds. You need the brightener to neutralize.
What is the difference between the 100 and 200 series? Is there a difference between the “yellow-labeled” product and the “green-labeled” product?
The 200 is for shakes and shingles, the 100 is for all decking, siding, etc. Just a label and bucket change.
Can I use remainder of 5 gal pail (1500) after one or two years? Can I mix it with new pail?
Probably not. Shelf life is 12 months if opened: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Which series of TWP should I use for my boat dock? 100, 1500 or 200 series?
1500.
Why should I use 1500 series for my boat dock?
It is compliant for all states. You can also use the 100 if allowed in your state.
What is the difference between 100 and 1500? Which would be best for a 10 year old Chicago cedar roof deck – full sun? It has been properly stripped and ready to stain and seal. Want a light color semi transparent. Would prefer a grey tone. Please advise.
For IL, you can only use the 1500. The 100 is not VOC complaint.
Can I apply TWP 200 if temps will drop into 30’s on the night of application
Not below freezing at night.
Hi, I am staining an 18 year old log home with a pressure treated pine wrap around deck. It was previously stained with Penofin blue label. I used Wood Renew to clean and remove the old finish, seems to have worked great as it looks like bare woood. I was not really happy with the Penofin as it darkened significantly with age. I did apply the Penofin every two years. I have heard great reviews about your product and just purchased 10 gallons of your 100 series cedar at a local Ace hardware store. They do not carry the 1500. Will the 100 stain be ok to use? The cabin is in northern Michigan. Also is there anything to be concerned about after using Wood Renew on the logs? Thanks
The 100 is correct. Prep should be okay as long as the Penofin is gone.
I stained my barn’s rough sawn ponderosa pine board and batten siding when it was fairly new (less than 12 months) and moisture content of the wood was well below what you recommend. It absorbed well, but I only put one coat of California redwood 1511 (as recommended for new wood). Some fading of the color has occurred over two years, and I’d like to put a second coat. Is it OK to go right over the top? Siding is clean and free of mold. If I decide to go right over the top with a pressure sprayer application, does it need to be brushed in?
You have to prep it and then you can apply another coat. Clean and brighten. If you spray, you will need to back wipe.
How do you recommend doing the second coat wet on wet? Let the first coat dry most of the way or do the second coat as you move along?
See here for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I have been sealing my 20 year old deck with twp cedar for years. I was wondering if I use the stripper and brightener would it be possible to switch to the cape cod gray stain?
Yes, but you may need to strip it more than once to get it all off. Use the two additives for the stripper as well.
I have an old deck, 30 yrs old.. last used was Valspar premium semi transparent oil based..prob at least 3 yrs ago.. I want to change the color, i liked the idea of restoring a deck with solids because I thought that would be my best bet for coverage and to help hide all the imperfections in the aging wood.. However, the removal of solids, doesnt sound appealing.. And do not like the look of what appears to be a painted deck..I am wondering what you recommend, semi transparent give me good coverage or should I look into semi solid ? (i think that is a thing) Iowa climate changes at its best 🙂 Also i have not cleaned this deck yet, so sorry about the pic.. I would be more interested in what you would do in my situation ? Any advice would be appreciated!! Thank you!!
What you have on there now is a solid stain in appearance and performance and cannot be removed from stripping. TWP cannot be used over this product unless you 100% remove it by sanding. TWP does not come in a solid or semi-solid.
Just applied wet on wet TWP 200 on old deck previously stained with TWP 1500. Seems to be taking a long time to dry. Should I try to wipe off excess now?
You should not have done that. It may not dry correctly. The TWP 200 is a completely different formula. Stay off it for a week and if it does not dry, you will have to strip it off. Wiping it right now will not help.
Cleaned and brightened fence. Waited 2 days then irrigation system came on for 7-8 minutes and sprayed the fence. Do I need to wait another 48 hours before staining?
24 hours should be okay.
We just bought condo that has a little back patio area. I just noticed that the wood does not look that great. I would like to restain it before we buy a grill and additional patio furniture. Admittedly, I have no idea what I am suppose to do. I have never done this before. I was thinking of doing the following (please advise if any of the steps are incorrect, redundant, or unnecessary):
1. Restore A Deck Stripper
2. Use a power washer, sand it (60-80 grit), and then vacuum
– My father-in-law said that the Worx 20V Portable power cleaner (320PSI) would be enough. Would you agree? He also has a more powerful power washer.
3. Restore A Deck Brightener
4. Finally apply TWP 1500 Dark Oak Stain
* Is 1 gallon sufficient for all the coats needed for the 95″ x 118″ floor
* Should I tape off the metal edges to the floor?
* Do I have to use a sprayer to apply the stripper and brightener? If not, what can I use?
* Do I have to seal it after staining?
Thank you so much for all your help and advice!
Prep and stain steps are correct. Not sure if the pressure washer will work well enough or not.
You will need two gallons for two coats.
I would not worry about taping the metal.
Yes, use a pump sprayer to apply.
You cannot seal over a deck stain and no need.
Do you have a rough textured coating for lake area dock for non slip for kids to walk and play on?
No, we do not. Our stains are penetrating.
You could look at the Gulf Synthetics Deck Revive.
Had deck coated w TWP 100 cedartone yesterday. It’s pressure treated pine prepped w Gemini kit. This is third time in about 3 yrs. I think installer put it on a little thick and there are some shiny spots on edges of boards. I like appearance but main problem I’ve had in past is black mold/mildew developing. I’m in Montgomery, Alabama where it’s very hot and humid.
How do you think application looks? Can anything be done to prevent black mold/mildew from developing. Thanks!
It looks good. It will still cure and even out the shine. You cannot prevent mildew that is on top of a deck stain.
See your Covid-19 message on the checkout page. Does this mean I should not submit an order today, or that I can submit, but the order won’t be acted on until staffing ramps up?
You cannot order until we open back up. By Thursday.
Okay. Will do, and thanks. Hope all are healthy and stay safe!
Sticky mess. I think I did everything right on my redwood deck: cleaned and power washed, waited 3 days, sprayed on one coat of stain, waited a bit then back brushed with a roller. It dried very unevenly leaving lots of areas with sticky patches. Still looks wet. What do I do? Will this eventually dry? How do I remove the sticky parts. Help
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I applied TWP on my new deck 2 1/2 years ago. It’s time to refresh the stain. I purchased your cleaning and brightening product set. Once I clean and let dry for 48 hours, how to you recommend I apply the stain for best adherence?
Stain pad or a brush.
Thanks so no need to strip the existing TWP. I will be applying the same stain as the original.
No need to strip is using the same.
Is your brand suitable for composite decking
It is not designed for composite decking.
I have planned to restrain deck with 50/50 mix of 1511 Calf Redwood and 1501 Crdartone.
i need to know if Restore A Deck stripper will remove solid Arborcoat – read it may not!
1. should I just sand with 80 grit then clean and brighten?
2. If I used stripper, would it damage tempered glass balusters attached to rails?
3. Would 1500 oil base drip to ceiling under deck? Would I need to hand paint the ceiling after upper deck is stained?
4. I will replace boards on dock next year. would 1500 series or 200 be recommended for use in Arkansas- hot, humid in full day sun?
Sorry but no stripper will remove the solid Arborcoat. You will have to sand to remove. Clean and brighten after. TWP can drop down to the bottom sides of the boards. Use the TWP 1500.
I used TWP 1500 last year on my deck. I started to power wash it this week and the stain was coming right off. I would like to clean it and give it a fresh coat of stain. What should I do?
Continue with the cleaning and then add 1-2 coats of stain.
I used Cabot Timber oil 3 years ago but needs re-coated.
Can I use 1500 over the Cabot if I pressure wash and let dry completely?
No, you will need to remove the Cabot first: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stripping old stain off deck with Restore a deck Stripper. Direction say to neutralize with brighter immediately while wood is still wet. If I strip the entire deck including railing, that won’t be immediately and some of the wood might dry before I get to apply brighter. Please advise. Thank you.
That’s fine, just do it as soon as you are done with stripping.
We used log siding on our house when we built it 18 years ago. We used a product called Cuprinol in the cedar color that we loved but can no longer get in the US. The Sherwin Williams representative sold us something that he said replaced it. We learned a hard lesson. Didn’t last a year and it has a chalky orange finish as it is fading. I understand that TWP is a preservative similar to the old Cuprinol we used that lasted for about 7-8 years.
What do you suggest for our log siding?
Do we have to strip the old off or just power wash?
How often would we expect to reapply?
When do you expect to be shipping again?
Would it be possible to get a brochure so we could have a true color chart?
Thanks,
Lisa
TWP would work very well. Use the 1500 Series.
-Yes, you will have to strip.
-Every 5-8 years is normal for siding.
-End of this week.
-Brochures would not be any different than the colors on the screen and the only way to get a true color is testing a sample.
We are planning to stain the dock top and skirts. We want Cape Cod gray. To prep we sanded off almost all of the old gray paint. Part of the skirts will be in water after launching the docks. How completely does the stain cover colorwise? Can you see paint and wood underneath? This is mostly fresh water, but some brackish. How long will this last before we have to restain?
Not understanding your question. If the TWP is submerged in water, it will fail. No stain can resist this. As for covering, it cannot be applied over a paint.
If the dock skirts are above the water and only occasionally splashed, would Cape Cod gray stain fade, chip or peel? What would you recommend for docks?
It will not chip or peel but constant water will reduce the life of the stain. The 100 Series is best for decks?
Products used TWP 1500 series, has been down 3 days, still tacky, applied on redwood decking. the deck has been sealed before, cant remember product. probably 5 years ago. what can I do to make dry?
YOUR REPLY, NOT APPLICABLE TO MY QUESTION. PLEASE READ MY QUESTION AGAIN AND REPLY. HOW CAN I GET DECK TO DRY? SHOULD i WIPE WITH MINERAL SPIRITS?
See here for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
We did reply.
We originally used the TWP Dark Oak stain (103); but now part of its wore down and gray since its been a few years. We are re-staining our deck this spring. Should we use the restore a deck stripper & brightener to prep before staining OR is there another product you’d recommend to be sure we get a consistent stain.
Yes, use the RAD Stripper/Brightener for the prep.
I have a deck that we stained with Pecan TWP 1500 a couple years ago. I cleaned it and am getting ready to stain again this year. I was thinking of changing color of stain from Pecan to Dark Walnut. Could I stain over the cleaned deck or do I need to completely strip all existing stain off. If so what product and steps are involved? It would be a lot of work to strip all the spindles. I do like the 1500 series.
Thank you so much
Prep with this and you can go darker: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Thank you for your quick response. One more question. What is the drying time before it can get wet from rain?
Thank you
I’m getting set to rebuild a brand-new cedar deck that is roughly 18″ off the ground. Your prep instructions clearly state it’s best to let the wood weather before staining. But I’m wondering if it would be advisable to stain the bottom side of my deck boards before construction, since they will be somewhat close to the ground? I will not have access to the understand after the initial construction because the deck will be surrounding with a skirt. Planning to use TWP 100.
No reason or need to stain the undersides.
When using Restore A Deck Stripper, what happens if the stripper starts to dry out before the required soak time? Can you re-wet it with water or do I need to use more stripper? Also, if I strip one park of my deck at a time, and the other part gets wet while pressure washing the first part, will Restore A Deck Stripper work on “damp” wood?
Just mist with water to keep from drying and you are okay. Yes, it works on damp wood.
Two questions please:
1) I live in the middle of Alabama on a lake and get a lot of sun on my new Kiln dried after treatment (KDAT) premium pine decking which sits about 15′ above my patio. I have received a sample of 115 Honey tone and like it a lot. Please advise me on whether I should purchase the 100 product or the 1500 product. My deck is six months old. I plan to clean it with your recommended product and then seal it.
2) Do I also need to seal the underside of my deck?
Many thanks.
1. 100 Series
2. No need to do the undersides.
Hello, I have been using TWP semi-transparent Cedartone stain on my 20 year old deck since it was built. I am in the process of restaining my deck and have cleaned it with bleach / cleaner / water and then pressure washed it. The last time I stained it was 3 years ago. Do I need to strip it too for the stain to absorb more uniformly or can I just sand it lightly with a pole sander? Also, where I had a rug the color is darker.
Try stripping and brightening.
I live in San Diego and have a 10 yr old cedar fence in still very good condition. It has been stained twice over that period with Behr transparent stain. I have a company coming to strip and brighten the fence. Since Behr was water based, can I use your oil based product after the stripping and brightening? Will it work good or be blocthy?
As long as they remove it you can use the TWP.
Is Lancaster Co. considered “Northern Va.”? And can it be shipped directly to our address? There is a TWP authorized dealer (Northern Neck Bldg. Supply in Montross). Will it be less expensive to order online, or obtain your product from the local retailer?
You can use the 100 or 1500 there. We sell online from our website,
Thank you for your time and advice!
We are getting ready to stain our deck. We have TWP stain on it now, but are going to be using a darker color. We wanted to use 30 Second cleaner to clean the deck first and wanted to know if this was a good choice. 30 second cleaner is a hydrogenated bleach cleaner. Any advise would be helpful
No, do not use that. It does not work well for prep.
ok, any suggestions as to what I should use before re staining the deck
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We have a redwood deck that has a dark semi-solid stain on it, however we now want to do a lighter semi-transparent stain. I am in the process of sanding the stain off with a palm sander. Should I use a Wood Brightener before applying the TWP 1500 cedartone?
Clean and brighten for final prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I had some leftover 1500 (1520 Pecan) stain from a previous outdoor project and used it to stain pine shelves for my kitchen. 1) Is it ok to use this stain for interior applications? 2) I would like to add some gloss to it, is it ok to apply a clear coat of satin, such as Helmsman Urethane?
TWP is not designed for interior wood not should a poly added over it. You can try it but not sure if it will turn out okay.
Thanks. Although it’s not designed for interior wood, what happens if I do use it inside? Is there an odor or safety concern? Also, what clear coat do you recommend to give it a satin or gloss look?
TWP cannot be top-coated with any sealer or coating. The main issue with an inside application is the odor. Once that goes away it is fine.
In applying TWP 1500 to a 2 year old previously stained deck, do we need to clean the deck AND use a stripper before applying the stain?
If the stain on there is not TWP then it needs to be removed. How to remove depends on the stain brand and type? Pictures would help as well.
I applied twp last fall for the first time on my deck. I thought I read somewhere that it was recommended to apply a maintenance coat after 6 months after the first time applying. Can you stain a slightly different color on maintenance coats or not? I also am considering using on a playset would twp be a good application for that? Thanks for your response
Same color or darker is okay. See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Works on playsets.
Purchased a 5 of TWP 100 in April 2020, ended up only using 1 gallon since I had more left over from another 5 than I thought I did.
Anyway will be restaining a deck in October, any tips on preserving the 4 gallons I have left over until then or will it deteriorate too much over 6 months? Maybe putting it in another container that will seal better than the original 5 can?
Thanks,
Rod Mann
Oriental NC
See her for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
That answers the question, thanks!
Hi,
We have an unstained new cedar deck installed July 2019 and are planning on staining it in the next month or so. Dimensions are 17’ x 15’. We are considering the 1500 series. How should we prep the deck? Once we determine the quantity of stain we’ll need how long will it take for delivery to 60655?
Thanks!
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We are taking new orders starting next week. Delivery should be within a week after.
1) Our cedar railing had one coat of TWP 1500 stain applied last fall after weathering for about 5 or 6 months. It wasn’t really applied properly as the person doing it didn’t follow instructions. It was sprayed on in some parts and not worked in. But it’s not too bad. Is there a significant advantage to stripping the railing rather than just cleaning/brightening it like we’re doing with our deck floor? The deck floor is going to finally be stained after 12+ months of weathering, so we were going to just get cleaner/brightener for both. Does it matter that much one way or the other? and 2) Do you have any authorized dealers in Oregon, or is online the only way to go? Thanks in advance!!
1. Best to strip and brighten the uneven application so the new coating is applied correctly and soaks in properly.
2. We sell online from our site as a dealer for TWP.
Wood type: Deck
Wood: pressure treated pine
Age: 3yrs
Previous Stain Used: Sherman Williams Super Deck Stain Clear Sealer
Last stain: 3 yrs
Pressure washer: Yes
Questions:
Recently pressure washed after brush scrubbing with bleach water to remove algae and mold.
Would you please advise on next steps. Can I move forward with a semi transparent stain or do I need to apply more prep to deck? If I need more prep, which items and why?
Living in the Atlanta GA area with high rain volumes and direct high heat on deck.
Which brown stain is not orange in color? Measures approximately 38′ x 15′. Picture attached.
Thank you!
Dark Oak is not orange. Your cleaning so far looks good to stain.
Thank you for the info. I attached a pic of my railing. They are a different color then the floor. Do I need to apply a brightener to them or the whole deck so they match?
Thank you.
You are good to stain.
I am interested in getting some stain in a dark color. Any stain with any red pigment in it seems to clash with the color of my siding.
Can you tell me if your black walnut in the 1500 series has any red tint in it?
Thank you!
It does not.
We have used your product before and very happy. We recently stained our deck with TWP Total Wood Preservative, Rustic. We love the color. Unfortunately, we over applied stain to some boards and it bubbled up and now has left flattened bubble marks and is still a bit tacky. What can we do to fix our mistake. Thank you for your response.
See this for some tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/