119.4K
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
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!
Try TWP 100 Series in Honeytone color.
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
You will need to remove the Sikkens so best strip and or sand to get it off fully. Brightener after. If you strip, cover the house but it does not typically remove or harm paint.
Thank you
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.
Hi, the only thing you can do is test some additional colors and or mix colors together while testing to achieve something that is similar. Honeytone is the lightest tint and is closest to yellow/golden in color.
Also we live on the bay and it’s salt water
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.
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
After the wait and prep, use the TWP 100 Series for your location.
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.
You can mix the clear into the tinted colors to lighten.
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.
Use the TWP 100 Series for Arkansas.
Do you carry TWP 315 Light Cedar Stain
Sorry but we do not.
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
Use the TWP Semi-Solid when available. Should be by March: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Prep with this first: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
thanks for your advice.
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.
Coverage looks good and TWP is not designed to bead water as it is breathable. Recoat in another 1-2 years or as needed based on UV fading.
How do I apply the $$ I spent on the samples to the purchase of a 5 gallon pail?
Please see the sample order page for this info: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Morning – looking for a semi-solid Black exterior stain for a trailer. Do you make a Black?
TWP does not come in Black. Closest would be the new semi-solid that comes out this month in Charcoal color:
https://www.twpstain.com/pdf/TWP%20Semi-Solid%20Wood%20Stain%20Color%20Chart.pdf
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
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?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
See here for color help: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
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.
Use the TWP 100 Series for your area: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
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?
33 year old sail boat made in 1987.
The TWP 1500 Series.
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 ?
Use the same product as last time: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Prep all with the Gemini Restore Kit first: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
One coat is normal. Adding too much can lead to drying issues as more is not better. You cannot add additional mildewcide and there is already the max amount in there.
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?
After prepping to remove all the spar varnish and the interior stain, use the TWP 1503 Dark Oak. You will need to sand and strip to remove the current coatings.
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.
You would need to prep first to remove the Thompsons with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Once removed, use the TWP 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
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.
Hello,
You cannot apply TWP over the current stain as TWP is penetrating and the coating you have is filming on top of the wood. You would need to remove the current coating fully and that would require power sanding or media blasting to remove. Strippers will not remove this coating.
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
Yes, it could create an issue. Not from any acid but from dirt, grime, etc from the fire soot.
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?
Use the TWP in the 100 or 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-wood-stains
All of the tinted colors will offer UV protection.
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?
Sorry but no. The TWP 100, 1500, and 200 Series will not work on bamboo.
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
You cannot apply another coat now. Soonest would be in 6-9 months.
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?
See here about new wood tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP in one of the tinted colors for UV protection from graying.
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?
Just one coat if they are power sanding.
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
You will need to power sand this coating off for prep. Once removed, use the TWP 1500 Series.
Power sand? Can I sand by hand?
It would be easier to power sand as the current coating and stain has to be fully removed 100%
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?
Either would work the same for this sanfing.
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?
Just use a light water rinse. Do not use a deck cleaner or bleach.
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.
A little bit of dawn and warm water should be okay. You want to mostly rinse, no high pressure.
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?
Hard to say as if you are too aggressive, the stain will come off.
Gotcha, is scrubbing ok? Like a push broom or bristle brush? It looks pretty brutal, see pic’s.
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?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 1500 after wait and prep: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Which color stain will keep my natural wood color? Or should I use clear?
Clear will not provide UV protection from graying. See our photos here: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Any color you like will work.
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
See here about new wood and how to prep and stain: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Yes, you have to prep. You do not use a roller. Use a stain pad or brush for the best results.
Is the TWP 100 series 100% clear or does it have a honey tint to it?
The TWP 100 in Clear has no color and no UV protection from graying. Must be tinted for UV protection.
• 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.
Looks dirt and grime on top of the stain for the most part. A stain cannot prevent this. The second photo even shows dirty water spots as well where dirt had dried on top of the wood from water. Based on your environment, you will most likely need to clean and recoat every year to keep it looking fresh.
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.
No, it is not common and is related to your deck and environment. It is also not related to the TWP as any stain would have similar issues of dirt accumulation on top. The dirt is coming from the trees, etc, not the ground.
So what does a ‘clean and recoat’ entail? Do I need to go through the entire process each year?
Yes, clean, brighten, and then stain. Might want to try a different color. Dark Oak would blend better with your environment discoloration issues.
Wouldn’t dirt and grime scrub off? This doesn’t. It’s discoloration and darkening of the wood.
No, the dirt would not just scrub off the top from the top of the stain as the TWP is a penetrating stain, not a film forming coating that sits on top of the wood. The dirt/etc. is embedded in the wood pores.
Can I use TWP Pecan inside for new cedar beams??
It can be used inside but there will be an odor until the product fully cures and the house airs out. We would not suggest living in the house while it does this.
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.
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
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?
Less than 12 months.
thanks
difference between the 1500 an 100 series? for a pool deck with cumaru wood wich one is better?
The difference is only VOC content: https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
You can use either for your wood type if your state allows it.
Can I paint over a new application of TWP on new wood?
You cannot apply a paint over the TWP.
Can you paint over twp if you do anything first? like a full sanding or something?
If you fully remove the TWP first you can. Strip and or sand.
Where can I find TWP Dark Oak
On our website: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-wood-stains
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.
What is the total sq footage of all wood that is to be stained?
2600 sq ft with wet on wet. supplier sample of what fence looks like
2600 sq ft supplier’s model of fence attached.
About 20-25 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet to 2600 sq feet.
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…
They typically do not go away fully on their own but they may dull slightlt over time.
will rubbing with mineral spirits help a little? or don’t bother? i’m off all weekend so can do so…
If i rub it with mineral spirits or something will that help?
If fully dried, probably not.
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.
Have you seen this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
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.
Your current temps are okay to apply.
Will it hurt if it rains likelihood of 20%…can I still move forward with project..
It cannot rain on the stain while it is wet.
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.
Hello,
We do not have any records of any orders in your email address showing that you bought from our website. Did you buy from us or someone else?
As for the stain, can you show the labels for each? On the bottom, there should be batch numbers.
On another note, you cannot use Minwax stain before or after applying TWP and it cannot be mixed into the TWP. We saw that in the background and wanted to make sure you knew this.
They were both purchased from AMTECO on Amazon. Batch no. 1020-13271 & 1720-16881. Good eye. The minwax was for some window frames.
Amteco (old manufacturer from years ago) does not sell directly on Amazon and Amazon is not an official TWP dealer. Not sure what happened as the second gallon or darker one looks like Dark Oak.
Best to call the 800 number on the container for additional help with this.
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.
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.
You should not use the 300 for the shed. Use TWP 1500 in Dark Oak: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
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.
Yes, just one coat. See here for new wood tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
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.
Only one coat for new wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
When redoing in the future you can do the wet on wet: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
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.
The difference is VOC compliance for certain states. Where do you live?
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.
You cannot use a “decking oil” prior or after using the TWP.
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.
You will need to redo the prep in the Spring if you do this.
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.
No, it will not take.
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%).
No, do not cover. It will be fine.
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?
See here about shelf life: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
You should be fine.
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?
There is no such thing as a wood hardener that would prevent a stain from absorbing. It could be that you removed all the “absorbent” wood cells down to the internal raw “virgin” wood, making it not absorbent. That means you would have to treat it like new wood and weather it: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/