Need Some Help With TWP Stains?

by TWP Help

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

TWP Stain Help Staff

 

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Thomas
3 years ago

Just put up new 12 inch smooth planed new cypress planks on interior walls of my fish camp . I like the lighter natural look and color as it is but want to bring out the grain and of course seal it …… without darkening it too much .What can you suggest? keeping in mind were on the coast in south Louisiana ,lots of humidity!

Steven Becker
3 years ago

Our deck is Ipe (older than 1 year, and previously stained with Sikkens ProLuxe by the previous owner). The deck sits above a portion of the painted house, and I am concerned that using the stripper and booster on the deck may stain the paint as it drips or as I hose it off. Please advise me as to the right course of action.

Thank you

Steven Becker
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank you

Susanna foster
3 years ago

I am trying to stain a Douglas fir deck to match my oak floor.I ordered TWP 1500 pecan 1520, but certain areas look too pink, and i would like it to be more toned down yellow.

 
Carly Eubank
3 years ago

Also we live on the bay and it’s salt water

Carly Eubank
3 years ago

I have a new build and I’m staining pine doors interior and exterior sides. I also will be staining cedar wood on the front porch next to the pine door. The stain doesn’t have to match perfect but I would like it to look similar. I want to get the pecan but need to know what series. 100? I live in Gulf Breeze Florida with hot and humid summers and very windy cold winters.

Daniel Lehmann
3 years ago

Is there any reason one could mix Clear TWP 100 with one of the Colored TWP 100 to lighten it some. I understand the Clear would reduce the UV protection somewhat.

 
Tom Ellers
3 years ago

I’ve reviewed a ton of previous questions, but cannot discern which product-100, 200 or 1500 is best for a treated pine dock on the lake in AR.

Ray W Ramirez
3 years ago

Do you carry TWP 315 Light Cedar Stain

stuart isgur
3 years ago

we have a new dock on a fresh water lake in north Texas. The kiln dried pine was installed in mid October 2020. Has been untouched since.
I want the longest lasting finish as ‘pretty wood’ is not important.
Approximately 500 sq,ft.
the best product(s) for the job.
Thank yo so much

stuart isgur
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

thanks for your advice.

 
Kit
3 years ago

Sorry if this is repost, difficulty uploading photos: We had vintage redwood siding on entire house completely sanded and then TWP 1511 applied (sprayed on) just 4 months ago. Just one coat per instructions on this site because it had been sanded. I’m concerned the coat may have been too thin and saturation inadequate. After recent heavy storm, water appeared to be absorbing in some areas rather than beading or rolling off. Photos attached, I hope .
Can you advise based on photos whether 1) coverage appears adequate and 2) if not, how soon should we apply another coat, given it’s only been 4 months and coverage is surely uneven. Thanks.

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Mike
3 years ago

How do I apply the $$ I spent on the samples to the purchase of a 5 gallon pail?

Mark Marscher
3 years ago

Morning – looking for a semi-solid Black exterior stain for a trailer. Do you make a Black?

 
Paul Russell
3 years ago

What structure is your wood? Fence
What species is the wood? Redwood Con Common
Is the wood new or older than 1 year? New
Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? No – fresh from lumber yard
Looking at 1500 Semi-Transparent Stain – redwood color (1502)

The wood has a rough surface. Should I sand to improve application?
The desired look is to preservative the natural color of the redwood.
How long should I wait before starting stain application?
As the wood is new – do I need to clean it before applying stain?

Thomas
3 years ago

What type of stain (100, 200, 1500, semi-solid) do you recommend for a one year old, rough cut cedar fence in New Orleans, Louisiana? The fence has not been stained previously. I am looking for what will last the longest and best protect the wood. I am not worried about VOC content.

Robert Young
3 years ago

i have a 33 sailboat. I am in the process of stripping off the epoxy and varnish finish. what TWP product do you recommend for a sailboat?

Robert Young
3 years ago
Reply to  Robert Young

33 year old sail boat made in 1987.

 
Ron Rushing
3 years ago

Currently stained log home. East Texas climate
It was last stained with your product,. It was in a yellow 5 gal, labeled TWP with the words
Shake and Shingle
207 butternut brown
Sealant

Which of your products should I use to be compatible with this when I re-coat this summer ?

There are places where sun fade is occurring. I assume that two coats would help prevent this somewhat ?
There are some places that appear to hold light mildew (under the porch for example). Is there anti mildew additive option ?

James
3 years ago

Per the attached picture, home has rough sawn pine shutter and timber details on facade. The facade catches full afternoon sun year round. The original finish was dark interior stain coated with Helmsman (Minwax) Exterior Spar Urethane. After year one, the original Urethane was either missing or turned to dust when the wood is brushed vigorously with a nylon scrubber brush. For the lower shutters only (easy to reach), I recoated every year with a coat of the same Helmsman which soaks into and darkens the wood and makes it shiny and water repellant once again. Unfortunately, the same thing happens again every year and has to be redone. The home is now 5 years old so the shutters have been redone every year but the upper timber detail and shutters have never been touched (except by carpenter bees!). Five years out, I am looking for a longer-lasting solution; to make it all match, someone is going to have to venture 20 feet up a ladder. I want to keep the same dark brown color and I know it’s less clear to see but I want to renew the door and door trim as well. The door and trim are smooth. Door is a hardwood but the trim is likely pine; because they are recessed, they catch less sun. UV seems to be the big issue here and I may need a tintable product. I am willing to sand the door and trim but don’t want to lose the rough sawn look of the shutters and timbers by sanding. What do you recommend for this project?

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Michael Miller
3 years ago

Large deck, including around a pool, Wisconsin. Very sunny. Stained with a solid stain. years ago and stripped it off, (over 3 years) due to peeling. I would like a real stain, that soaks in and won’t peel. Last 15 years or so, have pressure washed and sprayed Thompson’s clear on it. Still turns gray in a month and I do have some rotting and have to replace a few boards each year. Ready to try a semi transparent stain, that will hopefully slow the rotting and look nice for a couiple years. Friend recommended Australian Timber oil, but I am researching.

 
Russ
3 years ago

I have a cabin with pine log siding. I don’t know the manufacturers if the previous stain and the siding is approximately 7-8 years old. I would like to know what I need to remove the stain and what product would be recommended for use in this application
The location is in central MN.

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larry wunsch
3 years ago

Hi,

I used twp 1501 may of 2020 on my deck. There was a fire in this area which dropped ash on the deck in Aug 2020.
Now I notice the areas of the deck that were not covered by carpets have sustained premature aging due to the ash.
The exposed part of the deck looks as if the stain on it is 4 years old, but it is only 7 months old.
I can send some photos if you would like them.
Can twp verify that acid from the ash would cause such an issue?

Thanks

Robert
3 years ago

Hi, we are sanding down our redwood deck and need to seal it. What is the best TWP product to use so the natural wood grain can show through? Does it protect against UV damage?

 
Simon Vincent
3 years ago

Can the 1500 series be used to protect bamboo for fencing? Bamboo is currently freshly cut, stacked and stickered under cover for 90 days to dry. UV protection and water, insect, mold & mildew resistance is desired. I’m concerned that the hard surface of the bamboo might resist penetration. Can you advise, please?

Sheri Bailey
3 years ago

On November 15, 2020 we applied TWP100 to our deck that was prepped according to all instructions ( we totally stripped and cleaned using the Restore A Deck products along with additive and booster) It was so easy and looks BEAUTIFUL! We did the wet on wet application and it drank it and left it Beautiful!! So Pleased with the results…Now after 1.5 months in a beautiful winter of sunny San Antonio, Texas days …it is looking a tad “weak” and faded to us.

Question: Would you advise putting another coat on it now if we have a window of good weather… or should we give it the summer and see what it looks like and do a new coat in the fall?

If answer is do another coat now if we can… what prep would you advise and any other advice?

Thanks!
Sheri

Bobby Lee
3 years ago

I have 8-10 foot Cedar posts that I cut down and debarked myself. They will be used for a porch on my camp in Eastern Kansas. They have been sitting up for almost 1 year and have never had any stain or sealer on them. I am planning on doing some light sanding just to get the grey color off of them and restore the natural look. They will be exposed to sun and weather being the edge posts of an open porch. What do you suggest as stain and how often will i need to reapply. I read that the clear will still allow the greying over time. Will a “cedar” color/stain slow that process?

 
Lacey Gibbons
3 years ago

I hired a couple guys to sand our cedar beams and stain them. They were not done properly the first time so they are sanding the old seal/stain completely and applying the TWP 1500 natural stain. How many coats do you recommend?

Caldwell Adams
3 years ago

Good morning,

I’ve done a great deal of research and will be using your products for refinishing cedar shutters and mahogany doors on my home.

The home is a new build and the shutters and doors were stained two years ago with a Minwax stain (color is Provincial) and what appears to be some type of poly/clear coat finish to make them appear shiny. Of course, this was done by our painter and I don’t know all of the specifics. I’ve attached photos in hopes of them adding context to the thread.

What structure is your wood?
Shutters and doors
What species is the wood?
Cedar (shutters) and Mahogany (doors)
Is the wood new or older than 1 year?
Older than one year
Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand.
Miniwax Provincial color: Type unknown

I’m looking to know the best my to prep and restain these shutters and doors.

Thanks,

PCA

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Caldwell Adams
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Power sand? Can I sand by hand?

Caldwell Adams
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Do these tools classify has power sanding? One is orbital and one is a sheet sander…. which one should be used to get the best finish?

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Rick Phillips
3 years ago

I have a long pier with treated lumber I stained with TPW 1500 honey tone about a 1 1/2 years ago and I want to clean it without harming my TPW finish. What’s the best method to do this?

Rick Phillips
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thanks, would dawn, vinegar or backing soda be ok? Also how bout a pressure washer with say the green nozzle keeping a good distance? It’s that blackish brown moldy looking stuff, pretty tough stuff, it’s underneath cypress and willow trees.

Rick Phillips
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Gotcha, thanks, just wanted to be sure. I’ll try that, one more question, is it ok to scrub it like with a push broom or something?

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Rick Phillips
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Gotcha, is scrubbing ok? Like a push broom or bristle brush? It looks pretty brutal, see pic’s.

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Cole W
4 years ago

Hi,

My new fence is about 3 months old. It’s redwood con heart smooth. What’s the best stain to maintain my woods natural color with UV protection?

cole w
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Which color stain will keep my natural wood color? Or should I use clear?

cole w
4 years ago

Hi,

I installed red wood con heart smooth horizontal fence about 3 months ago. I want to stain it with the 100 series clear color.

What nap size roller should I use?

Should I wait another month so it will be 4 months of aging?

Since the wood is new do I still need the brightening kit?

Thx
Cole

Cole W
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Is the TWP 100 series 100% clear or does it have a honey tint to it?

Rick
4 years ago

• April 2015 – Built a knotty cedar deck, south facing.
• May 2016 – Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit and TWP 1500 Series applied. 20% chance of rain turned into unfortunate storm 6 hours later. Signs of discoloration within first couple months, full discoloration, less than a year later.
• June 2020 – Second attempt with Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit and TWP 1500 Series. Stain applied in ideal conditions. No rain for week+ after application. Followed all directions exactly as described. See Photo 1
• Late July 2020 – signs of discoloration, many dark spots.
• Late August 2020 – 90% of flat surfaces showing discoloration (see photo 2 and 3).
• Early November 2020 – deck furniture goes away for the fall. ‘Shadows’ of where furniture was and original stain color (see photo 4).

Why did this happen? My deck is 16′ x 40′ with 2 sets of stairs and a wrap around bench. 3 full days of prep, power washing, and staining. I was told the treatment would last for a year and barely got a full month before discoloration started. The same thing happened with my first application which I blamed on the rain storm. Is this expected? Very disappointed and out $450+ per application.

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Rick
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Is this a common thing, or do I have a unique situation? What environmental conditions would cause this that are different than other TWP customers? My deck is in the north-east, south facing, and gets full sun, so it dries rather quick. It’s anywhere between 2 and 9 feet off the ground, so actual dirt (as in soil) seems unlikely.

Does a ‘clean and re-coat every year’ mean power wash, restore-a-deck kit, and re-stain? The results are pretty disappointing given your website advertises a cleaning and reapplication every 2-3 years. It seems I only got 6-8 weeks.

Rick Dorgan
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

So what does a ‘clean and recoat’ entail? Do I need to go through the entire process each year?

Rick Dorgan
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Wouldn’t dirt and grime scrub off? This doesn’t. It’s discoloration and darkening of the wood.

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ESTHER PARRA
4 years ago

Can I use TWP Pecan inside for new cedar beams??

ESTHER PARRA
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

It is still under construction, so it would probably be about another 3 weeks until we move in.
Also, which product do you recommend? I want something that will enhance the natural beauty of the cedar.

tita
4 years ago

I will buy the 5 gallon twp 100 series but i only need 2 gallons, once open how long dose it last the remeining product?

tita
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

thanks

tita
4 years ago

difference between the 1500 an 100 series? for a pool deck with cumaru wood wich one is better?

 
Glen Duncan
4 years ago

Can I paint over a new application of TWP on new wood?

Chris
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Can you paint over twp if you do anything first? like a full sanding or something?

Duane Albers
4 years ago

Where can I find TWP Dark Oak

Tom McCue
4 years ago

Hi,
Just a quick re-assurance on the amount of stain I will need for my project. I have a pressure treated pine, 5/4 x 6″ horizontal slatted fence the sections are 8 feet high, just over 8 ft wide, about 72 feet long that is supported vertically by 4×4 PT posts about 8 foot on center. There are 9 sections of these 8 + ft wide sections. The fence is up for just over 1 year. In June 2020, I replaced about (12) of the 5/4 boards that warped/bowed, so these new boards are about 6 months exposed. Most of the wood is fairly smooth. One side is southern exposure (faces the sun) one side is northern exposure, no sun. About a month ago, I used Wolman’s Deckbrite to thoroughly cleaned the fence (both sides) as recommended. I believe it did a very good job. I intend to use a Graco x5 airless sprayer for application. I will use a nozzle that puts down a 6″ pattern. I have 10 gallons (2 five gallon pails) of the California Redwood on hand. I believe I’ll be short 2-3 gallons.

Is 10 gallons enough for wet on wet? Do you suggest to order another 5 gallon pail? or go with single gallon buckets to complete the job?

Your site is a gang-buster wealth of info.

Thanks,
Tom

PS: when I’m done I’ll send pics.

Tom McCue
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

2600 sq ft with wet on wet. supplier sample of what fence looks like

Tom McCue
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

2600 sq ft supplier’s model of fence attached.

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Lisa DeMayo
4 years ago

Hey stain guys! Soooo i have that dreaded “uneven shine” from a second coat of the series 100. Will those “shiny spots” eventually dull out or will they stay that way. They are completely dry- we shouldve wiped it off but didn’t…

Lisa DeMayo
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

will rubbing with mineral spirits help a little? or don’t bother? i’m off all weekend so can do so…

Lisa DeMayo
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

If i rub it with mineral spirits or something will that help?

Randy
4 years ago

I live in Seattle and our forecast is rain, on and off, from now thru May of next year. I have a new fence and was wondering can I use TWP on that single day when Fall transitions to Winter and it stops raining? I understand I should probably re-apply next year during our week of Summer, but was hoping to get some protection on the wood before Winter hits and it really starts to rain.

Sylvia
4 years ago

I live in Dallas and we are still having warm but cool weather. Is it okay to apply? I typically do it in summer so it really cures..The days are 70s but with a chance of rain then its gets into the 50s. I have used this product for 25 years and my deck still looks like new…I sand it and stain it…great product. Texas Wall & Paint used to carry and now they don’t. So sad…I wish you all could be back in the stores because this is one great product.

Sylvia
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Will it hurt if it rains likelihood of 20%…can I still move forward with project..

 
Corey
4 years ago

I bought the TWP rustic and ended up needing a second gallon to finish the project. When I received the other gallon, and after throughly mixing, the color was vastly different. I need to know if the first gallon was mislabeled or the second so I can match the project with the same color. Stain on the Left is the first gallon I bought the one on the Right is the second.

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corey
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

They were both purchased from AMTECO on Amazon. Batch no. 1020-13271 & 1720-16881. Good eye. The minwax was for some window frames.

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Corey
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Purchased from AMTECO on Amazon. The Batch no. are 1020-13271 & 1720-16881.Good eye, the Minwax was a separate project and used for some window frames.

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Rhonda
4 years ago

We applied TWP 303 dark oak to our bamboo fence. We are building a cedar shed (untreated) that will be set beside the bamboo fence. Can we use TWP 303 to treat the cedar shed (we have some left over from the bamboo fence project), or do we need to use a different series of TWP for cedar? If so, which series and which color? We would like the color to be same/similar as possible to the bamboo fence.

Mike
4 years ago

Have a question for applying 1500 stain to 4-month old western red cedar fence pickets. Can the stain be applied when the daytime temperature is higher than 50 degrees, but will then drop below 40 degrees in the evening? Thank you.

 
Bob Caffrey
4 years ago

Hi my deck which is almost finished is PT Southern pine. I wont seal it until late spring but I am a little confused about wet on wet. What does that mean? I have about 1000 sq’ by your calculator and i was hoping to get by with 10 gallons.
Photo attached shows the deck a few weeks ago. it is 99% now.

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exaramco
4 years ago

What is the difference between twp100 and twp1500. Which do you recommend on a 25 year old cedar siding. Also, is this stain semi-transparent or solid.

A Pigeon
4 years ago

Is there a type of decking oil you recommend using with TWP? I have a cedar deck that gets so much sun exposure that it’s clearly dry even with my diligent TWP coatings. I’d like to hit it with some decking oil. I have only ever used TWP to treat this cedar deck.

 
Larry
4 years ago

Can I clean/strip my deck (old wood with semi-transparent non-TWP stain) in the fall and then stain the wood next spring? The weather is good enough now to do the cleaning, but the temperature will be too low to stain now.

Paula
4 years ago

I used ckear Twp on new cedar for my deck steps but the compost for the floor is brown. Can I add a brown stain to the steps now.

Kent
4 years ago

I have a 10 year old cedar deck that had been treated with 103 Dark Oak in 2015 and 2018. I power washed and lightly sanded (down to raw wood in some areas, weathered stain remained in other areas). I just finished applying a single coat of the same product. The stain absorbed well into the well-weathered horizontal surfaces, not as well in the less-weathered and unsanded vertical rough cut cedar surfaces (typical of previous applications). They’re now calling for rain in about 24 hours. Do I need to be concerned and try to find a way of covering the deck? Drying conditions are currently good (mid 70’s and breezy). Overnight low will be about 60 and breezy, but relatively humid (85%).

 
sheribailey@sbcglobal.net
4 years ago

Used one 5 gallon TWP100, Ordered an additional 5 Gallon TWP100 …did not end up using it (unopened) …would like to keep it for future upkeep to deck..
have a 2nd floor “Texas Attic” which is a large storage area that is temp controlled …not hot not cold.. Looks like I can keep for a

few years there..Still boxed. Question is : Is it safe? The heating/ac system is in the next door regular attic. There is

also a gas water heater in that area…they are separated by a insulated wall. The stain would be 12 ft from the heater/ac.

If it not a good idea,,,do you have any idea how much it cost to UPS back to you?

James Gallagher
4 years ago

I just bought three five gallon drums of your stain, which I was very excited to use. However, it looks like my home has been treated with a wood hardener and doesn’t seem to be absorbing the stain. There was a solid stain or paint coating on it before sandblasting.
Is there anything I can do to remedy this?

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