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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 have applied TWP 1500 stain to porous rough sawn cedar trim prior to installing it on my screened porch and it looks great. However, I will wait one year before applying stain to the cedar deck boards I am about to install as recommended by TWP. My question is will it be beneficial to stain the butt ends of all the cedar boards prior to fastening them to the structure? Thanks. Bill
Bill, no reason to stain the end cuts.
I sprayed the TWP 1500 onto my shadow box fence using a wagner paint sprayer and stain tip. It went very well. My setting was creating a small enough mist of the stain that a slight breeze blew this mist onto my truck winshield. It is not noticeable on the paint itself, but looking through the winshield it is very noticeable to the point it degrades my vision. Can you tell me a product I can use to clean the dry stain off without ruining the glass surface?
Rick, try a water based graffiti remover from your local paint store.
HI,
I am using TWP 100 on new cedar for a deck. I have applied two coats, as the instructions suggest. The drying process is slower than anticipated. Can I speed it using a fan? lso, will the final appearance have a glossy sheen, or will it be flat. Thanks
Dave B, did you wait the 4+ months and prep accordingly? Only 1 coat is suggested for new wood. Please read this: http://www.twpstain.com/
It is not supposed to be shiny. If it is then you over applied and/or did not prep correctly. There is not a way to speed up the drying.
how hot is to hot to apply 1500 on deck
Joe, I would not apply above 90 and in direct sunlight unless you are experienced with the application. Meaning a seasoned contractor would be okay.
Saturday I purchased a 5 gallon can of TWP from Mann’s lumber. I was in the process of looking for a 5 gallon can of Superdeck. Cabin in UP currently has 1 coat of Superdeck and needs to be restained. The sales man at Mann’s lumber told me that I would not have to strip the superdeck off, just clean and then I could apply the TWP. I was suspect that this was not correct – but he told me it was. Looking at the website and the comments below – I am really suspect. I purchased the TWP because he said it was a better product and it came in 5 gallon cans – which they no longer carry for the Superdeck product. Please respond ASAP – leave in Dearborn and leaving early am this Wednesday with my cleaners and TWP. Thanks
Jeri, strip off the Super Deck then brighten the wood before applying the TWP.
Brand new pressure treated pine deck. Full sun located in Cleveland Ohio.
Looking to apply a dark colored stain, which do you recommend and what steps do you recommend before applying in.
Since it’s new, when can I expect to have to reapply, and what needs to be done before re application.
Tom-
Please read: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What structure is your wood? 600 sq. ft deck
What species is the wood? Examples: Cedar
Is the wood new or older then 1 year? Yes, deck is 16 months old
Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? Yes, Super Deck Semi Transparent. Wood was stained prior to deck being built. .
Any additional info that would be useful:
Super Deck wore away quickly. I believe that was due to wood moisture content being so high. As of today, I have ordered 7 gallons of TWP 1500. Deck has been stripped using “Safe Strip”. Wood is pretty blonde/white right now. Safe strip was applied with a sprayer, brushed/scrubbed, and pressure washed off.
My questions are:
1. Should I strip again using a more powerful stripper? There are a few spots where I can see faded stain and I will strip those again (was planning on using safe strip again). However, if I need to get the wood to turn dark from extracting tannins, etc…and then brighten, it doesn’t look like safe strip is doing that.
2. If I don’t need to re-strip, do I need to brighten the wood.
3. Are there any photos of cedar decks stained with TWP 1500 Redwood?
Thank you!
MLiljen, the Restore A Deck stripper is much more effective at removing stain such as Super Deck. Brighten when done. We do not have a photo gallery with a picture of the 1502.
Adam, I do not think it is possible to remove the spray paint without removing some of the TWP.
Bob Del Ciello, at this point i would remove the TWP by using the Restore A Deck stain stripper followed by the Restore A Deck Brightener. This will remove the buildup and allow the new coating to penetrate and dry evenly.
mlvsnv, I would prep with a cleaner and brightener such as the Gemini Kit. New wood when stained stained does not last as long as older wood that is more absorbent. Please read: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Is it best to apply TWP 100 with a sprayer or a roller? If I use a sprayer, is it safe to use the same one I used to spray the cleaner?
Greg, you can spray but you will need to back wipe for uniformity. Stain pads or brushes are better than rollers.
Shiny areas in deck
Deck
Cedar
6yrs old
previous stain TWP 101
Pressure washed deck, stained with TWP 101, some areas are shiny finish. Did not read instructions until after apply. Did I over apply? How do I get rid of shine? Thanks for reply.
dmiyatake, shiny spots mean over application or improper prep. There is not a way to fix this unless you want to strip it all off and start over. Many times that go away after a few weeks.
We live in MN and have a Western Cedar deck: 15 years old; previously treated with clear then sanded off, then Semi-transparent and now sanded again. Will I have problems with the 1500 series penetrating? We’re only re-doing the deck surface and tops of railings.
Sharmard, after the sanding it would help to use the Gemini Restore Kit. For the TWP to properly work it needs to be able to dive deep into the wood grain. As long as all previous stains are removed and the wood is absorbent, you should be good for application.
Peter, pry off with a flat head screw driver on each tab.
Yvonne, leave it alone as it should be fine.
Mark, please read: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/. Use the 100 Series onced weathered and prepped properly.
Greg, strip with the Restore A Deck Stripper then the RAD brightener for the prep. The Honeytone is the lightest tint.
Tom, try a water based graffiti remover from your local paint store.
Thanks we will try it
If I buy 5 gallons of TWP 100 and do not use it all, how long (years) can I keep it and the product will still be good to use?
tes46, opened pails will not last a year. Unopened pails will last many years.
I want to make sure I understand… Are you saying one I open it, even though I carefully reseal it, it will not last a year, correct?
And while you are here, how do the 2nd coat on a 20X16 deck while the first coat is still wet? I can’t stand on a wet deck????? I can’t reach it all without standing on it??? Thank you
tes46, probably will not last a year. Please read this: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Karl, 12-24 hours is normal for drying,
Thank you very much. Now that we have stained, we have a issue. Due to crossed signals we accidentally put a third coat on one section of the deck. Now that it’s been 24 hours, that part of the deck is very shiny and tacky. Are we out of luck? Would we need to sand, clean and brighten again in order to correct this? Should we give it more time? Thanks in advance again!
Karl, there is not a way to fix this. At this point you have two options. Strip, sand and start over or leave it alone for the year and see what happens. I would do the second as the worse case scenario is you will have to strip and sand at a later point.
You can order the 1500 Series for IL.
Lee, TWP is not designed to be used on exotic hardwood decking.
Sorry, I believe it is actually Meranti wood…not sure if TWP can be used on that type of Wood? I had a Behr semi stain on it before.
Lee, it is not designed for Meranti as that is in exotic hardwood.
Deck: 720 sq ft, Kiln dried; 3 years old. Problems: first year contractor used Pittsburgh Ultra Advanced; it faded/grayed and looked parched. We power washed, sanded and on the suggestion of our local hardware man, use an Ace stain/sealer which completely peeled off by spring. We have now spent two days powerwashing and are ready to restain. Would like a natural look. Have a pool and live 1/2 way between Milwaukee and Chicago. No TWP dealers local so I have to order on-line. Hesitant to buy over the internet and really don’t want to sand/power wash/stain/seal again next year. What are your suggestions for a TWP product. Also, assuming the power wash is sufficient and we do not need further prep.
Tired Of Staining, I would look at the TWP 100 Series. The lightest color is the Honeytone but that also fades the fastest. Most will use a richer color for better UV protection.
Thanks, just tried to order samples. The product is not available in Illinois. I will continue my quest for an acceptable product to protect my deck.
Deck: about 5 years old, garapa and meranti
Full sun in New England
Previously stained, but unhappy with results, way to much color
Deck is currently stripped and ready to refinish
Would like to protect would but maintain light color of decking with dark accents
I’m thinking about the 100 series in Honeytone. Does that sound right, or do you suggest something different?
Thanks,
Steve
Steve, you can only use the 1500 Series in New England. Try the 1515 Honeytone. it is the lightest tint in the 1500 Series.
Just recently finished our deck using the TWP 100 Series. It looks really good. This is the third summer for this deck. Waited a year before I sealed it last year. The stuff I used was suppose to be really good but it turned black and discolored just over the past winter.
I went online and checked stain reviews and yours had the highest rating, so I bought it.
After stripping off all the old with deck stripper, a scrub brush and a power washer, I then cleaned it with a deck cleaner and the power washer again. After letting it dry for the 48 hours specified, I then stained it with the TWP 100 Series. I sure wish I had used this last year, it went on really nice. Nice even color and it beads up so well when it rains. The only thing I have noticed is that after it dries out really good now, there is white residue around
knot holes and other places on the boards. Looks like it has something to do with resin, maybe? Has anyone else had this problem and is there some way to fix it without ruining the rest of the finish on the deck. It still looks better than what I had on it before, should have taken pictures. Thanks for your help with this.
Shelby, it is probably just mineral deposits from the rain water. It should just wipe off.
JAK, the white is oxidized wood cells. Use the Gemini Restore Kit then lightly sand if needed when done for the prep.
Lisa, does not really matter. Tarp the floor well so it does not leak stain onto the floor.
Sandy, you need to remove the old coatings as TWP cannot be applied on top of them. Cleaners do not do this, You would need a stripper or sanding for removal. TWP 100 Series once the old coatings are removed.
Cathy, you do not need to protect it. Just let the wood dry out before applying the 1500. Make sure you do prep the wood correctly first.
Adam, Drying time of what exactly?
Scott, either would work well for Seattle.
Doug, opened containers of stain will go bad if the stain is not closed 100%. If you can make sure there is not evaporation, then it may last longer.
Travis, you want the wood slightly rough so the stain can absorb into the wood. Sanding can create a surface that is “too smooth” for proper stain penetration. A lightly cleaning and brightening helps the stain penetrate better.
I had a PT deck built in Sept 2012 and its ready to be stained. Should I put one coat or two coats?
Cathy, 2 very light coats would be best.
I have read many posts, but think my situation is a little different. I inherited a deck of poor quality cedar that has never had a sealer or finish. It has been pressure washed a couple of times over the years, and this past week. It is “knotty” but I don’t think in a deliberate knotty cedar board. I don’t really care if it is a little uneven as it is a busy area with lots of furniture. I did not use a brightened or cleaner as I am organic gardener and this drains to garden if I need to use the product with a pressure washer or hose.
Thank you for guidance
Kathleen, I would apply 1 coat of the TWP 1500 for this deck.
Hania, you cannot apply the TWP on top of the Behr. it most be removed 100% and a deck cleaner will not do this. You will need to sand and or strip it off. The TWP will not cover or tint the filler. This will stand out as well. Filler does not work correctly on outside wood. Spot sanding will lead to an uneven appearance with the stain. Yes you should wait 2 days.
Michelle, that should be fine.
Cedar deck, 6yrs old, 12x20ft + railings, previously stained with Sikkens SRD transparent. Ground clearance ranges from 3 ft to 6 inches, being in Seattle has some mildew buildup, even with eastern facing and sun (when sunny anyway) until 1pm. Has been stripped, pressure washed, brightened- will be sanded next weekend. Would very much like a mid-brown/red shade, not too dark, and not too orange.
Which TWP product do you recommend? Being a sealing stain, can I just reapply when needed in high wear areas to make the deck look even? Or do I need to strip the deck to apply evenly? Specific concern is if a sealing stain will stick/penetrate where wood is not fully exposed.
Thank you!
DougT, you cannot spot apply in traffic areas as it will not look even. Best is to clean and reapply to entire floor every 18-36 months making sure that you do this before it starts to show failure. Please read this on the colors: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/tips/need-help/twp-color-tips/
We have a 20 year old deck that was stained with Sherwin Williams semi-transparent oil based stain 7 yrs ago. We are prepping with restore a deck first and power washer. For a 550 sq. ft deck putting 2 coats of TWP 1500 series on; how many gallons will we need?
Michelle, 5-6 gallons for the two coats of TWP.
thanks that”
‘s what I thought! I also have a few spots in the corners that has a little of the old oil based stain. I only have the restore a deck cleaner and brightener kit. Do you think if that doesn’t take off those spots I could lightly sand and then brighten b/4 staining
We have 4 large rough sewn cedar columns on our upper deck that are 5 years old and have never been treated. The deck faces north. Which TWP stain should I use for rough sewn cedar?
TexasDenise, TWP 1500 Series for this.
Bought two 5 gal pails of TWP 100, but only needed one. How long with the stain be good to use in the unopened pail? Thanks.
Rick, it should be good for a few years if unopened.
Along those same lines, what if I use part of a 5 gallon pail? How long can I store it in a climate-controlled area?
Cathy, different labels is all.
Cathy, for 2 coats you would need about 10-12 gallons.
gguil, I think it looks like you did a great job with the prep and you are ready to stain.
I live in SE Minnesota and have used a Flood stain product the past couple of years, and neither lasted through the Winter. Each time it started to peel and looked horrible. I’m in the processing right now of completely sanding down my cedar deck with 80 grit.
I’ve already went ahead and purchased the TWP 100 product as I’ve heard great things about the product.
My question is, once I’m done sanding down the deck. What additional steps should I take before placing the stain on? The cedar looks great right now after sanding; no greying. Should I just do a simple water spray to clean off the dust created by sanding?
Also, how many coats should I place on? I’ve heard about the 2 coat “wet on wet” application, but don’t quite understand it. If I completely stain the deck floor, and then go back over it with another coat won’t I leave tracks in the stain?
Thanks for your help!
Travis, it would be best to prep the deck after the sanding with the Gemini Restore kit. Please read this on “wet on wet” application: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Thanks. I’m nervous to use a cleaner/brightener on the deck because the last time that I did this after sanding it created “fuzzies” on the wood surface. The only way to get rid of them was to completely sand the deck again…not fun! Is a cleaner/brightener really necessary being that I just sanded down everything? Couldn’t I just use a simple hose to spray off any sawdust residue created by the sanding?
BeBo, I would look at the TWP 1500 in the Dark Oak or Black Walnut.
Cathy, what is the total sq. footage including the floor, steps, rails, etc. The TWP will absorb as long as the wood is prepped correctly and the wood is fully dried.
Mike, prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit then stain with the Honeytone color for the lightest tint.
We have a new screened-in porch and deck made of treated lumber, just finished, in Raleigh, NC. A contractor suggested TWP 200 semi-transparent stain, which he uses a lot for porches and decks around here. TWP says this product is for shingles and shakes, not decks. What do you think of the contractor’s suggestion?
Steve, it can be applied to decks but it takes many days to dry and cure. Please read this article about new decks: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Dotty, 1530 natural and 101 Cedartone Natural is the same color basically. Natural is not clear. You must have a tint if you want UV protection.