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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
My deck is about 12-15 years old and has Behr semitransparent stain that is badly faded in sunny spots and mildly faded in shady spots. I have purchased restore a deck stripper and brightener and temp 1500 stain from you. We are ready to start work , but it is pollen season in NC. Can we strip and brighten now and wait a few weeks before we stain? Or, should we wait until the pollen drops off and strip and brighten 2 – 3 days before we stain?
Thanks, Larry
Wait until pollen stops.
i’m assuming you don’t ship to Hawaii?
We do not.
I’ve stained our deck for the last couple years here in CO with TWP 100 Honeytone, but now the 100 series doesn’t seem to be available, any suggestions on best way to move forward. Thanks!
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and then stain with the TWP 1515 Honeytone: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
So if I have 1 gallon of 100 left (just enough to cover the deck again) should I just use it, then brighten and clean and switch to 1500 next year?
Sure.
WHICH STAIN SHOULD I USE IN VANCOUVER, WA. FOR A PORT ORFORD CEDAR DECK?
Only the TWP 200 is allowed in Canada: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
My location is Vancouver, Washington not Canada. Which stain is best in my location?
Use the TWP 100 or 1500 Series. Either would work well.
What is the shelf life of TWP 1500 (5 gallon size) after the product has been opened?
12 months.
I originally used TWP 1500 in walnut on WRC wood. After 6 years, I have had to re-stain on the sun-facing siding 2 times. I am looking for some more longevity. I am considering the new semi solid. Does it offer more longevity? Can I apply it over the old 1500?
-You will need to strip and brighten for prep if switching. It is very easy and not any harder than cleaning and brightening. Just removing all the old stain.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
-The semi-solid will give better UV protection from fading.
I stained my deck two years ago in Chicago with TWP 1516 and has held up well but has faded and gotten a little dirty. Not sure if pine or cedar wood. Can I just wash the deck with bleach and water and re stain or do I need to strip the deck again? Love the product and the fact it does not peel. Usually have a contractor apply but thought I would do it myself this year.
Use this kit for proper prep when reapplying: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
See question sent earlier
These pictures show our cedar siding 7 years after first application of TWP. The cedar is going black and I wsntvto vlean it and repaint with TWP. Please provide a specification and name of East Texas dealer.
Prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
You can order directly from us and have it shipped: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-wood-stains
I have using your 1500 series stain for years on my deck. It’s great. But this year, I have cleaned my deck and the stain appears in pretty good shape but is kind of dull looking. Do you have a water proof sealer of any kind instead of re-staining????
Sorry but no we do not and it is not possible to add anything on top of the TWP besides another coat of stain.
I have tried everything on my teak wood furniture, after a year it looks awful. We build alot of timberframe structures and have used your TWP on all of them. Can I use your restore & brightener, then a coat of 1500 series on my teak furniture?
You can use it on teak but you will have to make sure to remove any previous coatings.
I have a new front porch made with pressure treated pine in SE Arkansas. I would like it to be as dark as possible. How dark is the TWP 100 Dark Oak? What color TWP semi-solid would it be comparable to? Finally, which do you recommend for a new front porch? 100 or semi-solid?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Color will vary based on wood type and age of the wood. You can see the semi-solid colors here: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Is there a reason to use the semi-solid over the 100 pro series? Does one work better than the other, or is it just the color difference? If it matters, I am in Southeast Alabama. About two years ago I treated my deck with your Cedartone 100 series. Im happy with it, and simply want to coat it again to make sure it stays safe.
You will get slightly better UV protection with the semi-solid colors. You will need to strip and brighten for prep if switching.
Hi, which is best for decks 100, 200 or 1500 series? I have a 650 sq. ft. deck that has been weathered. It has a solid stain on it. What do I do for prep with your product? Also can you tell me approximate coverage for each series…Thanks.
You cannot use TWP over the solid stain so you will need to power sand it all off. Once removed, use the TWP 100 or 1500.
I live in New York on eastern Long Island. I have a 5/4 x 6 cedar deck (STK) which was refinished approximately 2 years ago with Proluxe Cetol SRD Re Wood Finish Transparent Matte which we were not happy with the results. The deck was sanded with 60 grit on a random orbit sander, what additional prep would be needed to apply the 1500 Series stain? Pictures taken after sanding.
You will need the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener to remove all the old stain.
I just purchased a cabin with Board and Batten siding. I do not know the brand of stain that was used. The one side of the cabin is fading. Can I match up a 1500 series stain and apply over the stain that is on the cabin? The pic of the place may not attach as it is a
TWP cannot be applied over a stain of a different brand. That would need to be removed.
How would this old stain be removed?
We would need pictures for prep help.
Could I use TWP Semi-Solid Stain over the unknown brand of Semi-Transparent stain? I am having trouble attaching a pic of the cabin.
No, you have to remove old coatings.
Hi, I have a 3 year old Cedar Deck that I coated Behr Chocolate Semi Stain. (Water Based) It failed after one year . It failed badly in Sunny spots. The house is located In Wisconsin. I do like the color.
What product do you recommend, color and steps?
Thanks
John
Use the RAD Stripper Kit with both additives https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
After full prep, use the TWP 100 Series.
I am replacing some 5/4 cedar planks on my deck some 8/4 cedar handrail with new cedar. My TWP cedartone is about 5 years old on the existing deck. I want to power wash the old deck. Would the RAD work to take off the mill finish on the new cedar? I would like to stain the whole deck at the same time. What is the best course of mixing old & new cedar?
See here about the new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
After the weathering, prep all and then stain.
Hi TWP,
Can I add Duckback Anti-Skid additive to TWP stain? My deck is slippery and I want to minimize slip hazard.
No, that is not possible. TWP is a penetrating stain.
I’m new at this so be patient please! We have a pressure treated deck/stairs/lattice work that is about 10 years old and probably hasn’t had anything done to it in at least 5+ years. The areas that aren’t as ‘worn’ show what looks like a paint rather than a clear stain. It desperately needs to be pressure washed. Here are my questions:
1) Clean with RAD and Brightener before pressure washing? Ask the pressure washer to use the product with his pressure washer?
2) Will lightly sand prior to painting. Painter coming and I don’t believe he is familiar with TWP but willing to use it. Any advise on which product? We live in NC where we get severe weather.
I feel like a duck out of water on this. I’m a 63 y/o women with talents that don’t particularly include deck maintenance! Thanks!
TWP will not work over a paint so you would have to sand that off fully first.
I’m resurfacing a deck with 5/4 by 6″ cedar planks I sawed and planed myself. They have been drying since September out of the weather. Moisture content is 15% to 20% according to my meter.
Question 1: Is that dry enough for staining?
Question 2: Would a portable planer run hot enough to cause mill glaze, and if so, would roughing up the surface a bit with a finish sander in the direction of the grain eliminate it?
Thanks!
Hello,
Will Restore A Deck strip the black finish off aluminum screens?
Hard to say. Typically no but if the screens are oxidizing and old, then it is possible. Best to test or remove them.
I bought a house with cedar porch columns installed in august 2020. There is some graying on one column but the other is still orange in color. It doesn’t appear to have ever been treated with anything. Which product is needed to protect the columns and preserve or restore the part of the column that is fading.
Look at the TWP 1500 Series after the prep. See here about new wood and TWP tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
If they are bright orange after the cleaner, is it better to just use natural 1500 over a cedar tone to preserve the original color?
Natural is a tinted color, not clear. Any color that you like will work: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
We live in Northern California. Just installed a new redwood fence wit pressure treated posts and redwood board on board. Which product would you recommend for preserving the wood? Is clear sufficient or should a color be used on the fence. I’d prefer to stay close to the color of the existing wood. I can send a photo of the fence if necessary.
Thank you
Look at the TWP 1500 Series after the wait and prep. Clear will not provide UV protection from graying. Must be tinted. See pictures on this link: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
See here about new wood and TWP tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hello – which product is best used on mahogany decking? Also what about cedar decking? Thanks.
The 100 or 1500 Series would work on either wood type.
I used TWP all in one tinted natural cedar early fall last year. I cleaned with TWP 3 in1 cleaner first. It went down uneven, more like a solid which concerned me. This Spring it is now peeling. I will have to re-do it. How should I prep please, and why would this happen? Only used TWP since deck was new 3 yrs ago.
Thanks
I am sorry but I am not understanding which products you used? TWP does not have a 3 in 1 cleaner and their stain is not called “TWP all in one tinted natural cedar” as well. TWP also does not come in a solid stain.
Apologies, I confused two different products. How about generally speaking? What is the best prep for peeling and re-staining with a transparent stain? Would you recommend sanding, power washing etc…?
Stains are vastly different between brands so there is not a general response for all when it comes to prep. If it was peeling then you should remove it all and start over.
Hoping to get our deck restained before the Cicadas hatch – The temps will be in the 60s for the next four days but nights will be in the upper 30s. I can apply when in the 60s – any issues with the nighttime temps?
It will be fine as long as it does not drop below freezing at night.
I buy a lot of TWP stain, and love it. I have to restain the exterior of a log cabin that has been chinked with mortar. Any tips on preventing the stain from discoloring the mortar? I’m using pecan.
Just stain around it as best you can and if any gets on the chinking, then wipe clean right away.
What semi-solid would match up best, with semi-transparent Pecan and which semi-solid would match up best, though slightly darker than semi-transparent Pecan?
Is Semi-solid available for sell now? If not do you have a good idea when it will be available?
The semi-solids do not match the semi-transparent colors and the semi-transparent colors will always vary on the wood based on wood type and age of the wood. Colors like Musket, Super Cedar, and Earth may be somewhat close.
They should be for purchase soon.
One last question; Being in Central Florida; 1500 states increased UV protection while 100 has greater penetration ( I have 4 1/2 year wood pine wood; we’ve stripped, sanded and brighten. Which one should I go with, if I can’t wait for the semi-solid?
100 Series.
Our redwood deck is 5 months old and has been exposed to moderate
California weather. How many coats are needed.
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Just moved into a new house and we have a fence. It hasn’t been treated for years. What would you recommend we use for sealer and which stripper and brightener kit.
Which TWP to use depends on where you live? As for prep, that depends on condition, if stained prior, etc. Pictures would help as well.
We live in south east ks. Far as I know the fence hasen been treated in atleast 6 years
Use the Gemini Restore Kits while pressure washing for prep. Stain with TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
Whats the diffrence from the 100 to 1500?
https://twpstainhelp.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-twp-1500/
When will the semi solid stain be available for shipping?
Looking at next week.
We would like to use the 1500 stain on a 2 year old horizontal (gap between boards) style redwood fence. After the initial instillation of the fence a water sealant product was applied. The fence was power washed a year ago to get rid of black streaks/drips. For preparation of the fence for the TW 1500 stain would power washing with allotted time to dry be adequate as a prep? Or is the application of your recommended cleaner/brightener needed?
Last year we tried an oxi-clean solution on panel of the fence and it caused an unsightly release of tannin and ended up with many drip marks running down the boards. We ended up having to power wash the section of fence all over again (still have faint white like drip marks). The drips/streaking potentially reoccurring with cleaners and brighteners make us cautious about using them. Any suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated.
If you have an old sealer then you need to strip and brighten for prep to fully remove it first.
I had some TWP stain in Black Walnut that I used successfully on bamboo fencing. Do you still make this?
The Black Walnut comes in the 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Thanks!
We’ve been using TWP 1500 Series Stain Color Redwood 1502 and are looking to switch to the cedar.
Will “Restore a Deck” help me achieve this change. It is a transparent stain and if I read the usage correctly – it seems like it might.
Thank you.
You will need this kit to strip and brighten: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Appreciate the responsive customer service!
I have put some honeytone on my covered porch. I don’t like the color. How do I get rid of it.? Do I have to sand. I would rather just have clear. This honeytone looks orange.the wood us about 8 years old.
Clear will not provide UV protection and the wood will gray naturally in months. It has to be tinted if you want to prevent graying of the wood. If you want to remove the TWP, use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Should I let deck dry after stripping before brightening? Some sanding will be needed because of those little wood fur ball, is this done after brightening? Thanks
You brighten right away after the stripping while wood is wet. You can lightly sand after.
Which product should I use for a picnic table?
It’s Pine and has been weathered for one year
The TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
Great! I have prior experience with that. It looks great on my fence! Your website shows 300 series, what’s the difference?
Sorry, but we do not sell the TWP 300 on our website.
I have Cedar siding on house & garage. Cedar is 20+ y old… been stained every 5 or so years with Twp. Planning to restrain. Should I use cleaner and brightener first?
Painter mentioned power washing, but not cleaner/ brightener.
Also, cedar is super soft, so concerned about powerwashing!
Pressure wash while using the Cleaner and Brightener Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
What structure is your wood? Deck/Dock
What species is the wood? Treated pine
Is the wood new or older than 1 year? Wood is from Aug 2020
Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? No
Any additional info that would be useful:
Location is Northern Michigan
First application will be around May I hope. I assume would need the gemini cleaner? Which product do you recommend for my location for staining?
See here for new wood tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 100 Series.
Hello, We are building a new red cedar sided house in VT and want to use either TWP 100
or 200 series. The cedar siding and shake shingles are going to be installed rough side out. My understand from reading your website is that we will be OK to stain both sides of the cedar prior to having it installed as long as the moisture content is less than 15% and we install it rough side out . Is that correct? And do you have a recommendation on using the 100 or 200 series. VT does allow us to use 100 series. Thank you!
For VT, you will need the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
The 100 is not allowed there. You can stain the rough sawn now as long as it is clean and dry.
I used twp 1500 to stain my new front door. Can I use an oil based urethane to seal it, or what can I use?
No, you can never top coat over the TWP stains, it will peel.
I own a 20 year old log house in Kansas. It is in need of refinishing. All the original finish is gone. I plan on pressure washing. I want a natural look, so I plan to use a semi- transparent stain. Which product do you recommend for my area?
Use the TWP 1500 or 100 series for this log cabin.
We live in Georgia. I’ve used the 1530 product on our deck for many years and love the results. I’d like to stay with TWP products on two new structures associated with a pool area and will appreciate your advice on what to use. One is a pump house made of rough cut lumber (photo attached), and the other is a pavilion made of pressure treated lumber with a ceiling of untreated lumber (photo attached). Can you recommend a product for the ceiling if I want to maintain the natural color? And can you recommend a product for the other two buildings, with a goal of selecting a stain color that will come close to matching on these two different structures?
Try the TWP 1530 for both areas.
It’s been 2 years since last used TWP stain. I’m going to strip deck. Should I sand it before of after using brightener? If I sand before can I hose it down to get all the excess sawdust off the apply brightener?
No need to sand.
Can twp be used on teak wood?
Yes.
Last spring (June 2020) our contractor built a new deck and then stained it with TWP Russet 206.
He applied one coat and said it would need a second coat this spring after the wood has weathered a bit (dried out more).
Would you agree that another coat would be appropriate this spring or should we wait a few years?
I would appreciate your thoughts!
Yes. See here for new wood tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As a follow-up, the new kiln dried wood deck was built on March20, 2020 and the TWP stain was applied on May 30th. Given that one coat was applied last year, would a second coat be recommended this year or should be wait a couple years? The contractor recommended another coat be applied this year. Thank you!
As the article explains, another coat is needed for a new deck one year after the first.
Do you offer stain samples in the TWP Pro- Series Semi-Solid?
We will not be offering samples of the TWP semi-solid colors.
I appied 1530 two years ago on my deck. I’m wanting to do another application this spring of the same product. It was a new deck at the time. I did two coats. I plan to power wash it first. Will plain wash be ok or do i need a wash? Also I plan on two coats again. Do I do wet on wet or wait for the first coat to dry? How much will I need for two coats? I figured with the flat boards, railing and post I have approx. 1200 sq ft Also I have about 2 gals left over from the previous application that has been stored airtight in my basement. Has not ever frooze, can I us that also if needed? Thank you.
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
About 10 gallons for 2 coats applied wet on wet. The old stain has probably gone bad.
I used 102 on a new cedar fence. I need to re-apply this season. The original application was Fall of 2019. Anything specific I need to do other than power wash the fence and re-apply?
Use the Gemini Kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit