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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 applied TWP yesterday with wet on wet application. Covered porch. Old southern pine that had been sanded to bare wood.
This morning I am noticing some shiny spots on the knots and some areas of grain. Do I need to go back to those areas and wipe with a rag with mineral spirits.
Give it a few more days, it should dry out.
Great thank you very much
Hi here I am on Wednesday. The shiny spots are still tacky…do I just need to be patient and they will eventually dry out? Its been about 70 F during the day and 50F at night.
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I am totally sold on this product. It has been on my deck for 20 years. My new project is a DIY wooden fence. I had planned on using PT landscape timbers in a sandy soil area of NC. I had planned on applying the stain to the post prior to setting the posts since I will be transporting materials to a remote location and it would same me time. I had heard that landscape timbers are not the best choice for posts, but they seem to fit my budget. I wanted to apply the stain prior to setting the posts for ease of installation. Plan on securing post in concrete as well. Seeking advice on my plan. Which product line would you recommend considering that the amount of fence I have is large. Should I let the posts weather prior to staining? I had considered using a dip tank for application as well to make the project easier.
Thank You for a great product and your help.>
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I just used your TWP 100 (wet on wet) to stain my 600 sq. ft. rear deck that I had sanded to remove all of the previous stain (Behr Semi Transparent) as power washing did not work to remove it all and I didn’t want to destroy the wood. I am pleased with the results. I have a larger deck on the front of the house with the same Behr semi transparent stain and after power washing a lot of the old stain remains. Will the TWP Restore-A-Deck stripper actually work to remove the old stain or should I just sand the deck to prepare for staining? This deck is in full sun and I’m wondering if the TWP 100 or the TWP 1500 would hold up and best accept a re-coat when needed? I think I would like the TWP 1500 as it contains more solids and would probably look better on this pine PT deck with 70% older boards and 30% boards replaced 6-8 months ago. I don’t want to deal with flaking chipping boards like the old stain and want to be able to re-coat as needed using only the TWP restore kit and stain. Thanks
Sand off the Behr. Use the TWP 100 again. They will look and last the same for a deck.
Thanks for getting back so quickly. I’m curious and I’m trying to determine the technical difference between the TWP 100 and the TWP1500. Does the TWP 100, because of the formulation and higher VOC and lower solids penetrate better and allow for easier re-coat after 2 years versus the TWP 1500?
They perform the same. The main difference is just a lower VOC level for the 1500. Recoating is the same. The appearance is the same.
I’m sure the question has been asked but, should I start on the railings before the floor?
Rails first is easier.
I just received my purchase of 8 gallons of stain. The can was slightly damaged and the color had dripped down the can. How do I return this? Someone else picked it up for me at the retailer and didn’t know what to do.
Stain on deck is about 20 months old. Worn around edges from high kid traffic. Pic included. Can I clean and brighten or do I need to strip? The dark spots are from water. Deck a little wet this morning. Thanks
Clean and brighten if the current stain is TWP.
I just bought 7 gallons of TWP 202 Redwood , to stain my vertical privacy fence; deck horizontal and vertical surfaces. I open the box and it says that it is for “shingles and vertical surfaces??? Can I paint my deck floor boards with it??
Yes.
I want to apply TWP 100 series today September 17, 2020 while the temperature will be between 50 – 80 degrees. If after I apply, but the temperature drops below 50 degrees during the night should I be concerned? Will this be okay?
Please advise.
No issues.
Can I apply in direct sunshine?
Yes but move quickly and always keep a wet edge.
I am interested in doing my new deck (4 months old – normal Sienna Brown pressure treated wood) with 120 Pecan. I live in Canada. Can you advise what series of stain would I use to have it shipped/permitted in Canada. (100, 200 or 1500) The deck is weathered enough that if it rains – it soaks in but my real rush to get this done is the weather turns too cold here in the next 6 weeks.
Only the TWP 200 is allowed in Canada. Make sure to clean and brighten the wood for prep.
I noticed overspray of TWP on our white vinyl fence. Fence was stained about two months ago. What can I use to remove the stain? Thanks.
A water-based graffiti remover.
Thanks!
I have new cedar decking that I think my contractor messed up with TWP. I picked up some TWP 100 (5 gallon) and let the boards weather in the Texas downpour over the last two weeks. Boards were flipped to ensure both sides were soaked. Let it dry in the heat for about two weeks.
The TWP was applied to all sides of the 2x6x16′ however it was slapped on and there are now heavy drip marks on the both faces. What options do I have to fix the issue and enjoy the new deck?
Hello,
It looks like you did not follow the new wood directions: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Best to strip it all off, brighten the wood, let sit until Spring, and then prep and stain then. See here for product to remove: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We have a 5 month aged pine fence that’s being stained today with twp 207 butternut brown. The painters are saying one coat should be enough. Do you recommend one or two coats for this type of project? Also concerned about rain coming in overnight, but it’s 80 degrees here today so hoping it will dry quickly. Is it going to streak without a full 24 hours? Thanks very much
The rain should not harm it. New wood typically only needs one coat.
I have a fence that was built 5 months ago the wood was all new redwood 1x8x 6 foot board on board. what is the best sealer/ stain to use? Also how long should a coat or two last and what is the reapplication process? I know some stains / sealers need to be stripped before a reapplication which is a pain. Thanks.
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
On a fence, use the 1500 series and it should last about 3-6 years.
and what about the reapplication process?? does it need to be stripped?? I have looked at other products (Cutek extreme) that do not need to be stripped. simply pressure wash and reapply. Thanks.
When reapplying TWP you just clean and recoat, it does not need to be stripped or sanded.
Have used TWP 200 series on our deck twice. The deck was power washed previous to using and allowed to dry. Both times there is a residue that will wipe off with a paper towel, wipe off on socks or bare feet. Is there anything that can be done to remove this residue?
This is part of the curing process with the 200 Series and goes away after full cure in a week or two.
In our case, this does not go away. The first time, it lasted through the winter. This year we used the stain on July 24 and there is still a lot of residue that comes off
Try wiping the deck down with rags and mineral spirits. Saturate any oily rags in water when done and lay flat to dry outside.
My deck is about 30 years old. I have used TWP 100 on it before but I was wondering, What is the difference between TWP100 and TWP 1500?
VOC compliance for certain states. Not all can use the 100 Series therefore the 1500 will be needed.
what happens if it rains within the first 24 or 48 hours after application of TWP 201 to a cedar shake roof and what can be done to correct the problem?
It should be able to take a rain 24-48 hours after applying.
would the rain cause some blotching coloration to the roof? Can we reapply twp after the rain to correct any washoff and are there any special considerations for reapplying the oil? eg do we have to wait 48 hrs for the roof to dry again before reapply the twp?
It will not cause any issues with washout if 24-48 hours after applying. If you need to reapply, you would have to do all, not spot apply so it will blend.
Have cleanned and brightened my deck a week on friday.rain not cooperating looking to stain wed.will it be ok or does it need recleanned before I stain now?
No need.
ty
Used the TWP Cedar tone stain a couple of years ago. I love the product. I am considering restraining next year with your cape cod color. How should I prepare the old cedar tone ?
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hello, We have cleaned and brightened our 550+ sq foot deck with the Gemini Restore a deck to prep for re-applying TWP. We WERE going to stain today, however after digging in comments we saw that we needed to sand the furring in between the clean and brighten, not after both. We are now playing the weather/rain game if we are going to re-brighten it. We are in the NW and are dealing with smoke and ash as well. We know we have to wait 48 after re-brightening and have at LEAST 12 hrs after stain application for rain. We have days of rain coming and are not sure when we are going to have the window for the deck to dry after brightening, stain, and dry. How long can we wait can we wait to re-brighten, with out having to re-clean it? Will rain be ok on it before brightening? Thanks!
Rain will not harm the prep. Stain within 2 weeks of the prep is best.
I recently sanded my deck. I want a stain that doesn’t peel. I read that the 100 series doesn’t peel.
it just needs to be cleaned and re applied is this correct? I live in a state that doesn’t allow
the 100 series. Is the 1500 series the same as far as not peeling? not peeling is most important for
me. its too much work to sand the deck every few years. I would like to purchase the 1500 series but
If the product eventually peels ill just go with a water sealer. please let me know. thank you in advance.
TWP 100 and 1500 are both penetrating stains that do not peel.
Can a mildew-cide be added to TWP stain?
Yes.
Hi I have a 1500 sq ft 10 year old pressure treated deck that spent most of that time unstained/sealed. I have cleaned, pressure washed and brightened with gemini kit and have been staining with 1500 series (rustic 1516) it seems to be going well but i accidentally got some cleaner on a area that was stained about 2 weeks ago and it made the stain patchy (first two photos) I tried to rinse it off and it got worse and even seems to come off completely in spots. do i need to strip these boards and start over or can i simply stain over it?
second, this deck is huge and ive been working mostly alone over time. i stained a section yesterday that sat for a few weeks after cleaning and it’s duller than sections i did two weeks ago (see 3rd photo) should I have cleaned and brightened this area again before staining? is the only solution to strip and redo those boards?
Yes, you should have reprepped the later. As for the areas that the cleaner got on, try touching up first to see if it blends, if it does not, you will need to remove and start over.
Our new deck is built with “no sap” redwood. Why do you recommend the cleaning kit? I don’t detect any waxy film you mention in the prep recommendations. Why do you recommend waiting till the graying oxidation starts? What will happen if we don’t use the cleaning kit and just power wash? I’m not finding any other stain sites advising the cleaning kit prior to staining a new deck.
All new exterior wood needs to weather and be prepped prior to staining, does not matter the stain brand: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
This allows the wood pores to except the stain into the wood grain, removes the mill glaze, and any oxidation dirt, etc after the weathering.
I intended to stain the picture frame border on my deck with 103 Dark Oak. and the field boards 120 Pecan. I wasn’t paying attention and stained the border with 120 Pecan. Do I need to start over use your stripper and power wash it, or can I go back and re-stain with 103? Thanks!
You can make it darker by applying the Dark Oak as long as the wood will accept another coat. Try a test spot first to make sure it dries okay.
We apply TWP following the instructions, now we have some discoloration, some woods look dark and others lighter. Should we apply a more TWP cloth on the light areas to unify the color?
You cannot spot apply and have it blend.
Please, what do you think happened and how we can fixed
I am not sure you prepped corectly as it looks like in the first picture you had an older stain showing through in some spots and that is why it is darker there and the lighter areas are where all the previous stain was removed. Do you have a picture of the after prep but before no stain?
Yes
Before we start the project
The difference in color is based on your prep being uneven. The only way to make it look even would be to remove all and start over. Strip and/or sand to remove all and then brighten the wood.
I just built an outdoor table out of redwood. I will be waiting a few months as per your new wood application instructions. Would you suggest 1500 or the 100 series products? My main concern is avoiding the sun damaged grey appearance. I live in Phoenix, and the table will get some direct sun.
You will need the TWP 1500 for the Phoenix area.
Have an older deck that has been cleaned and shows a little stain left from the prior staining. Do I need to use a brightener and also would you recommend 100 or 1500 for the Chapel hill area of north carolins?
Old coatings need to be removed first. Strip and or sand. Brightener last. Use the 100 series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Stripped and brightened deck and applied 1500. One high foot traffic area looks like it could use a second coat – did not do wet on wet. Can I wait a couple weeks and apply another coat?
Best to do this in Spring. Lightly wash to rinse off any dirt. etc.
I cleaned and brightened our deck. I would like to sand it as some areas are uneven. Do I need to brighten again? Or can I just sweep off the deck and stain?
Brighten after to open up the pores after sanding.
Can the stain be applied to a damp deck
No, it cannot.
I have 2 (8 x 8 x 12’) posts 10 feet in the air and notched front and back for four 2” x 10”s (so 8 notches). I brushed 2 coats of Rust-Oleum® Wolman™ WOODLIFE® CopperCoat™ Green Wood Preservative into the notches. The posts and 2 x 10’s are already completely oil stained except for notches. Before inserting 2 x 10’s, should I still stain the notches after brushing the 2 coats of CopperCoat Preservative, or just insert the 2 x 10’s into the notches permanently after the CopperCoat dries?
No need to stain there. See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Does anyone have experience with using two 1500 on ipe tiles?
I did a test with california redwood and I think it looks good. A bit red, but lines up with the rest of my deck color? Any thoughts on that color?
Also… should I let the wood weather, and then clean and brighten before staining? Or can I just stain right away?
You can use it on IPE. See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I need some stain for horizontal rough cut hemlock siding. Which TWP stain would you recommend and what is the best way to apply it?
Thanks
Use the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Apply with a stain brush or pad.
I cleaned and brightened my fence about 2-3 weeks ago. Can I go ahead with staining now or do I need to re-brighten? We haven’t had any rain during this time….
Do a light wash and brighten.
Our contractor ran out of brightener during our deck job and we’re waiting for more, and our hope is to have the brightening step finished on Friday (8/28). Most of the cleaning/brightening is finished, as they started on 8/16 until they ran out of product. Since this coming Monday (8/31) will be Day 14 since they first began the prep and they’re unlikely to start staining until later next week, will the wood still take the stain the way it should even though it’s going to be a few days past the recommended 14 days? We really cannot re-do the entire cleaning/brightening steps. Will a few days late be extremely detrimental, or probably OK? Thanks for all your help & support!
As long as you brighten all wood when done with the prep, you should be okay.
Have a 10 yr old treated pine deck.After 1 yr.stained Behr semi transparent.Stripped after 5 yrs then used olympic elite semi transparent.after 2yrs restripped floor and redone again.After total 4 yrs cleanned&restripped &sanded whole deck.What do you recommend now before I get to stain it?Looking at using twp1500.
Use the TWP 1500: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
should I use cleaner/brightner before I stain??
Is the deck stripper/sanded bare now and if so, what grit paper did you use?
So far only used 80 grit was gonna use 120 grit next.Majority of it is sanded off but cannot get into tight spots
Never sand more than 60-80 grit. Too fine and the stain will not soak in correctly. Clean and brighten for final prep. Just one coat of the TWP stain.
Which TWP product is appropriate for hand split cedar shake roof shingles?
TWP 200 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Thank you
What products to use to remove previous stain?
Depends on the stain brand and type? Pictures would help as well.
It’s a Valspar product on the right side only that needs to come off
You would need the RAD Stripper/Brightener kit with both additives to remove the Valspar. Pressure washing will be needed as well so you would need a lift or bucket truck. https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
I need to strip the Valspar stain from the right side of this roof only. The left side is not stained. Would I use a brightener on the left side?
Clean and brighten the unstained areas: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have a new red cedar shed 40 feet from a large fresh-water lake. Should I use the TWP 100 or TWP 1500 semi-transparent (red cedar) stain?
See here first: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the 1500 Series.
I have a few shinny spots on my deck. I used TWP 1500. What should I do to remove them.
See for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I ordered some stain samples from you late last year. I was pretty sure that your website said you would credit me the cost of the samples against my order. When I called you to place an order, your representative said that you don’t sell samples or credit the cost; that I must have ordered from someone else. I check my records and I did , in fact, order the samples from you. Are you changing what you promise? At least honor what you say to the customers you promise it to. Your thoughts? 920-421-3021
Checking our records for online order and we don’t have any orders in your name, phone number, or email address. This would mean that you did in fact order from a different website. Our policy on samples applies to orders from our website and can be read here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I see you offer same day shipping. I ordered 6 gallons on line this past spring. After a couple of weeks I checked back with you to find it had not been shipped yet but was “awaiting shipment”. If I order more stain can I expect this same slow delivery? 920-421-3021
Checking our records for online order and we don’t have any orders in your name, phone number, or email address. I believe you ordered from a different website and they are not related to us or an official online dealer of TWP products.
I used Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper and Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener to a 2 sq ft section of my deck before applying a purchased sample of 1516 stain. After two coats, the newly stained area has some very light colored areas and several much darker areas. I attribute the color difference to not allowing the stripper and brightener to remain on the wood long enough to fully remove the previous coating (a Sikkens Cetol DEK stain). I would like your thoughts on this assumption and recommendation on whether sanding might be required before applying the TWP 1516 (note that I plan to lightly sand (60-80 grit) before application to knock down the raised grain created by stripping).
Send some pictures.
The bottom of the photo (darkest stain area) is the original stain with a little 1516 added. From that point up was cleaned as stated in my original post. When clean, the entire area looked consistent, but it undoubtedly absorbed the stain differently across the area.
Yes, the old coating does need to come off fully so the TWP applies evenly. Sand or strip. Brighten the wood after.
Staining weathered bamboo fence canes. What stain color is closest to the natural color of bamboo?
Sorry but the TWP 100, 1500, and 200 Series cannot be applied to bamboo.
I have a 1400sq ft deck I need to seal. I would like to use the TWP product. The wood is new. It has been installed for approximately 4 months. From reading, I see that 4 months is the minimum you recommend. How can I see of the wood is ready for stain? Is there a test I can do to see if the wood has aged enough? Thanks
You will be fine to stain now. Just prep and stai with one coat: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hello,
I understand that OPW/The Sealer Store is a distributor for both Armstrong Clark and TWP products. We are currently using A/C Amber on a treated pine deck refinishing project and we are happy with the results, so far. Soon we will move on to stain the siding on the buildings, and we have also looked at samples of four TWP 100 stains to compare.
The wood is never-stained or sealed cypress, which has aged substantially, and which we will prepare appropriately.
Our objective is to achieve the longest life, appearance-wise, on these vertical surfaces, which face equally in all directions. Will you please the rate the respective appearance-life/durability of these four products distributed by OPW/The Sealer Store?
1. Armstrong Clark – (Softwood and Hardwood) Semi-Transparent – Amber
2. Armstrong Clark – Semi-Solid – Woodland Brown
3. TWP Series 101 Semi Transparent – Cedartone
4. TWP Series 102 Semi-Transparent – Redwood
Thank you for your help
All will last the same on vertical wood except the semi-solid will give slightly better UV protection than the other three.
I have 8 one gallon cans of twp 100 stain it is about 8 years old can I do anything with it or will I have to dispose of it?
Thank you David Wood
It has never been opened
It probably has gone bad but feel free to open one and see if it mixes 100% evenly without any clumping or skinning of the material. If so, you could probably use it.
Thank you
We live in Virginia and stained our deck back in June and used the Gemini restore kit to prep. It turned out fantastic. Recently we have been inundated with rain. 11” in one 24 hour period last week. We are now noticing black discoloring on most of the deck. Suspect it’s mold. What is the best way to remove it without damaging the color. We used 1501 cedartone perservative.
Thanks,
Mike
Try a product called “Wet and Forget”.
Thanks, I actually have a gallon in my shed!
We expanded our deck about 4 years ago and the coating on the new uncovered deck is peeling. Not exactly sure what the contractor used as a coating but it looks like some sort of semi-transparent surface coating (not an oil penetration product). Wood is yellow pine or Douglas fir. The old coating is peeling off in 1 inch wide by 3 inch long sheets. I tried power spraying and it didn’t come off easily. Some areas adhere very well. 1) Will I need to sand this down to bare wood or will your stripper work on this deck portion? 2) The old deck portion has only had Flood CWF oil applied. Does this need to be stripped/brightened or just cleaned/brightened prior to applying TWP-100? Pictures attached are of new deck, peeling coating and old deck. The new deck is not under a porch. Old deck is covered.
1. Most likely will need to sand.
2. Strip and brighten for the CWF deck.
Thanks. Additional question- I’m in the mountains of northeastern Arizona at 8200 feet. The sun’s UV is intense up here. We get about 5 feet of snow Starting late November thru March and it tends to accumulate on the exposed deck all winter. Monsoon rains between July and end of September (8-10 inches). Pine needles tend to accumulate on the deck while we are gone over the winter. What would you suggest as the best product to use on the deck.
The TWP 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
My deck is now a year old and ready to be prepped and sealed. The deck is pine and on the second floor of my townhouse/condo. My deck gets direct sunlight all day, I live in Maryland and we gets lots of rain and humidity here. Not sure which series of stain/sealant to get. I can’t afford to hire someone so I will stain the deck myself. I own a small power washer. I don’t want a major color change, maybe just subtle to keep it looking nice.
Prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Honeytone is the lightest tint.
I can’t find an authorized dealer in CT or in western MA.
We ship online directly from our website: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series