116.9K
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
Hello,
I have a redwood deck that’s over 5 yrs old. I’m in CO at 8,600 ft. with a south facing deck. It’s been previously stained with Benjamin Moore Arborcoat waterborne stain Liberty (New Red Cedar). Looks like I’d need to use the TWP 1500 series. What semi-transparent color would be the best match and what is the recommended preparation proceedure?
You will have to fully remove the current stain first. Strip and sand to get it all off. The wood brightener after. Use both Stripper additives when stripping..
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Any color you like will work once you remove the current stain.
Just installed a dock on a lake about a month ago in SC. How long should I wait before applying TWP and which product would be best? How many coats and what method?
Use the 100 Series. See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi, I have a porch that’s PT pine about 3 years old in mid state of SC. Some of it has steps added later about 1.5 yrs old. 1) Should I use 100 or 1500 series? 2) Should I do one coat, or use the wet on wet application after the Gemini Kit? 3) Will the black metal spindles on railings need to be covered prior to staining? 4) A couple years ago we spilled some citronella candle wax on a board that left a stain about 11” x 6”, should I sand that down some prior to cleaning and brightening, or after?, or just use the Gemini Kit? 5) Will all painted surfaces need to be taped off, or can the stain be just be wiped off?
Thanks in advance, Mike
Thanks for the reply. What determines one coat, or wet on wet? Reason is I’ve seen both recommendations on here for weathered never treated decks.
Mike
Age of the wood. Yours will need two coats applied wet on wet.
I have a brand new covered deck made with yellawood that is KDHT. Which I believe means its kiln dried. They say KDAT is ready for stain immediately. Is there any other prep I need to do other than cleaning before applying TWP 100? And will TWP 100 ever peel? I’m looking for something I can just clean and reapply every few years without breaking out the sander. Thanks!
You cannot stain it right away. See this for your wood type: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
TWP does not peel. It can be cleaned and reapplied as needed.
I have a Old Hickory Wood sided shed that is now 3 years old and the manufacturer recommends that I restain it. I have heard TWP stains are very good and I would like to know which product should I use for my application (the 100 or 1500)? I provided a picture of the 12′ x 24′ shed below for you.
Also, will I need to strip it and also use the wood brightener before staining it? Please advise the best product and steps to ensure I do the best job possible.
Kind regards,
Theresa
Do you have a closeup of the current stain? TWP cannot applied over this so it has to come off.
I have attached 2 closeup pictures of the stained wood on my shed and I called the manufacturer (Old Hickory) about the wood and what is currently on my shed, this is what they told me.
The wood is 5/8″ T1-11 premium grade pressure treated plywood siding and the coating is a Honey Gold Water Sealer. They said I must re-stain it this year.
I need to know which product(s) and how much I will need for my shed. The dimensions are 12′ x 28′ with an 8′ aluminum garage door, 2 standard aluminum windows and an aluminum service door that will not required stain.
I need to know all the products I will need for the job and how long the stain will hold up as I don’t want to be doing this every 3 years.
Thanks for your help!
Use this kit while pressure washing for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We would need sq footage off all sides added up that will be stained to help with the amount of stain needed. Floor dimensions are irrelevant.
Okay, I will measure my shed when I’m up at my cabin next week so you can estimate how much stain is required but would you please let me know what stain product I should use, the 100 or the 1500?
TWP 1500 Series.
Thanks. What is the life expectancy of the 1500 if I use the stripper and brightener to remove the old honey gold water sealer.
On vertical wood, 3-5 years.
I bought a new house a little over a year ago. The screened porch decking has never been stained. I’m guessing it is treated pine. The instructions for staining new decking include waiting for the moisture content to go down (done that), as well as using the Gemini Restore kit to remove the mill glaze. My question is whether the mill glaze will have worn off naturally by now, since it’s been over a year, to where I could skip the Gemini Restore kit step? Or does mill glaze never wear off, meaning the Gemini Restore kit step is always needed the first time wood is stained, no matter how long it has been weathering?
No, you cannot skip the Gemini Kit. It has to be used for prep to remove mill glaze any more importantly oxidation.
I have a 5yr old cedar deck that I have stained a couple times with other brand oil based stain. I want to use TWP this time and do it right. We would like to stain it the CedarTone. We are in Michigan, should we use the 100 Series or 1500 Series. Also should we use a stain stripper or the cleaner and brightener? The last time I posted this I couldn’t attach a picture, but I redid it so I could show you what we are working with. Thank you!
Use the Gemini Cleaner and Brightener Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have a 5yr old cedar deck and have stained it previously with other brand oil based stains. I want to use TWP now and do it right. Most of the old stain is gone, and the wood has grayed. I am in Michigan and would like to use the CedarTone color. Should I use 100 Series or 1500 Series? Also should use a stripper kit or should I just use the cleaner and brightener. I would like to send a picture but it will not allow me to attach.
Pictures will work, they just cannot be over 3mb in size. Use the TWP 100 Series. Probably need to strip and brighten.
Hello, I have a few Questions. Is the ‘Semi-solid Pro series’ the same as the 1500 series in terms of compliance? I live in Illinois. I will be re-staining a 15yr old cedar fence this year. I last power washed and stained it 2yrs. ago. The fence now has green mold on the tops of the cross rails, mostly shaded. What product do you recommend? I thought maybe the ‘Semi-solid’ if available in IL.
No, the Semi-Solid is not allowed in IL. You will need to use the 1500 Series again. Prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
How do I find a TWP dealer in my area?
We persaonlly sell online only as a TWP dealer.
What is the best stain to protect large diameter bamboo poles such as in a tiki bar? One that I could also use to protect my 8ft carved tiki totems (no idea the wood they’re carved from). I saw in one of the forums that TWP was the best but it wasn’t mentioned which one. Oh and it needs to be California compliant.
TIA – Dana
Sorry but the TWP 100, 200, 1500, and Semi-solid that we sell will not work for bamboo.
I just had a new cedar deck stained with TWP 100 series. It is very nice but I’m not happy with my color choice. It is too light and not brown enough for what I want. I am wondering what process you would recommend for staining over it with an alternate color of TWP? I’m wondering how long to wait (PNW-lotsa rain), what is prep, would it cover a lighter stain? The FAQ didn’t seem to address this specific need. Thank you for your advice.
You cannot stain over it but you can remove it and start over. Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thank you for the prompt reply! Would I have better luck doing that this year or waiting a year or two?
Yes, it will be easier to strip down the road.
2 Cedar decks. One installed 10 months ago, the other 18 months ago. Nothing has been applied. Looking for a grayish/taupe tone. Do not want any red. Live in Nebraska. What stain would you recommend. Is there a way to get a custom mix in order to get more of a gray/taupe color?
Try the TWP Semi-Olid colors. We do not customer mix outside of these 30 colors. Make sure to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and only 1 coat for newer wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Do the semi solid stains look like paint? I want to see the wood grain and not have it look like paint.
It hides the grain more than the semi-transparent colors but it does not hide it 100% like a solid stain will.
Can restore a deck be applied with a pressure washer?
No, it cannot.
Can I add two crack and groove brushes to the order i just placed
We cannot add to online orders as we do not store credit cards. You can call over the phone to add prior to shipping.
I put Thompson water sealer On two of my decks last year. What would be the best approach to get them cleaned up so I can go back to TWP. What would be my best approach to give the old product off and ready for TWP?
One deck is five or six years old and never been sealed. The one deck is three years old and had TWP applied by the builder.
Last deck is 10 years old. I put solid stain on it 7 years ago. This past year, we flipped the boards and put Thompson on it.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Use the Stripper kit for prep for all wood: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
In the Semi Solids, is Boulder or Thunderstorm a darker gray? Looking for a charcoal gray, ie gray without blue/red/tan undertone. Would one of those be it? Can’t really tell from the online color chart with no real life application pictures.
Best to try samples to see how it looks on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Thunderstorm is a little darker.
The sample cost only goes back to a 5 gallon? Not a single gallon?
Correct.
What is the maximum allowable moisture content of new pine wood when using TWP.
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
It is not about moisture % but porosity of the wood wood. You have to weather and prep the new wood.
I just started a question, and it was getting lengthy and for some reason I got off the page I was on, and can’t get back to my original question page?
can you help me
Need guidance. Full Cedar home coated 2xs in last 5 years w Sikkens product. Now failing in some areas/surfaces and still sticky in others. Want to restore this. Have 10 pics for your review
Upload some pics here.
My fence is stained your Slate Gray and I love it. I am doing some raised cedar garden beds for vegetables. Is your stain food safe? If so I will stain the same, if not I think I maybe should find another product that is. Even though just the outside would be stained, and probably wouldn’t penetrate much through cedar I dont want to risk if not food safe. Thanks!
It is once fully cured.
Is it possible to custom tint Pro Series semi-solid stain
We do not custom tint.
Hi, we live in Canada and have previously been applying the 1500 series to our deck, approx every other year, for the past 9 years. As we can’t import the 1500 series, what should we apply over the current 1500 oil stain? There are exposed areas where the stain has worn away, and plenty of areas where the stain is still visible. Can you provide insight to our next steps? Thanks in advance.
You will need to remove the TWP 1500 with this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Then stain with the TWP 200 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Hello – I’m near San Francisco, do you sell samples of the 1500? I guess the other series doesnt ship to CA? Thank you
For CA, you will need the 1500 Series. Samples here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hi! We love our deck we stained last May with your stain. I need to put another coat of stain on one part. Can I use the deck cleaner and do that?
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I am using TWP 102 redwood. Could I apply spar urethane after stain is dry and how long after the stain is applied?
No, you can never top coat the TWP not should a urethane be used outside. It will peel.
The project is planter boxes made from new dry cedar. They maybe used outdoors or indoors. The purpose of top coat is to give it a glossy look and also provide additional protection against surface damage, scratches, moisture and possible mold growth.
Why would the top coat peel and would it peel even if the planter used indoors?
Thanks
It will not work. You cannot topcoat TWP with any coating. It will repel it and create issues. You also cannot stain new wood with TWP. It has to weather and then be prepped.
Deck is 2 years old and never been stained. I had a company clean and pressure wash. Mildew is gone and it is bright but there are white spots on the floor. Do I need to do step one and two again? Should I plan on two coats? I need to sand down some splintered areas. When should I do that in this process?
Two coats, sand lightly now if needed. If clean, you can stain.
Here is a picture of the spots will they show after staining with TWP100?
Yes those will show. Best to redo the prep fully.
Thank you
I pressure washed 1400 feet of fence. Can I skip step 1 and 2. Wood is a little furry here and there. It took quite a long time
Fence is 7 years old.
Looks ready to stain.
Do I need to sand hairy spots?
No need.
And how many days to ship in ontario, guelph
2-4 business days.
Im ordering from Canada. Is the price in Canadian currency or US?
USD.
can this be shipped to illinois?
The TWP 1500 Series can: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Our 1200 sq ft deck in Oregon is cedar. It was built in 2003. It was last stained with oil based Sun Frog four years ago. We plan to strip with RAD plus 2 additives, then sand the wood prior to staining with your 100 series oil based stain. Is this stain semi transparent? How much do we need? Can we apply it with a stiff push brush? Thank you.
Yes, TWP 100 Series is semi transparent except for the gray colors. About 10-12 gallons for two coat applied wet on wet: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
My deck was last stained with Cabot solid stain, if I sand the solid stain off can I use TWP 200 a semi-transparent stain?
If you sand off 100% yes. Final prep with this after sanding to help the TWP soak in deeper: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Do you produce & sell a clear product?
TWP 100 and 1500 Series come in a clear.
In Canada we are only allowed your TWP 200 stain. Can this be tinted as your other semi transparent stains you offer in 30 shades? (Just read about this for 2021) I have sampled your standard 8 colours and find them too dark of brown and want more of a softer tone to allow the grain to show but prevent the uv degradation of the wood to the weathered grey.
No, you cannot tint the TWP 200, 100, and 1500 Series semi-transparent stains and the only stain that can be tinted is the TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series.
The TWP 200 Series goes on darker initially and then cures out to lighter colors in 1-2 weeks. Let them dry and cure and you will see.
I power washed my fence…1400 sq ft of it before coming across this product. Can I skip steps one and 2 and proceed to stain? Surface looks clean and bright.
Post some pictures.
I’m looking at the 200 product for my cedar deck. What’s the best way to see differences in colour of the 200, 201, 203 and 205 on cedar?
You can buy some samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I am planning on purchasing and assembling a new outdoor shed made out of cedar wood. I’d like to stain it with a 1500 series TWP stain (prepping the wood first). Do you think this is a good idea? Can I apply a water proofing layer over the TWP stain. Do you have one to recommend?
You will need to build it first, weather, then prep. See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You cannot seal over a deck stain.
Will any of these be good for the interior walls of a log home?
Yes, but you will have an odor that could linger for days since it is oil-based.
We built a house in Va with native Eastern Red Cedar (rough cut, wavy edge). We hand dipped each piece in TWP ordered from you. This was in 2005. We stained again with a product from Lowes @2012 and it’s time to stain again.
My question is that the southern side of the house sun is damaged while the front, shady side looks like it was stained yesterday. What is your recommendation?
You will need to strip it all down. Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Yes. My name is Steve Hicks. We put your stain on a new pressure treated deck about 2 years ago. We waited a year after it was installed so the wood would dry out. We followed all directions to a T. Last year we cleaned the deck, let it dry and restained it. We will reuse your stain this fall but was hoping you could give us directions. I would like to stain it a different color, but not sure how that can be done.
Any suggestions are welcome
Thanks
Prep with the RAD Stripper Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Bought the kit with 5 gallons of cape cod gray stain (105) amd the gemini kit for prep.
Two Questions.
1. Since buying, it has rained twice a week, and I have the stain still in the box sitting inside the house. Its been 3-4 wks…is the stain good for a long period? It might be a few more weeks before we have enough dry weather to get it all done. (Alabama)
2. The 2 step prep kit has no instructions on how long to leave it on after spraying it on the wood…do we scrub it in? The containers were wrapped in Duct tape so I can’t see much of what is on the containers, and what I can see is so small print it doesn’t seem to give instructions.. have the cleaning, and the brightening to get done with your kit.
See this for directions: https://www.gemini-coatings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/895.pdf
So, does it need to dry a day or two between the cleaner and the brightener, and then a day or two to dry before staining?
Cleaner and brightener on the same day. Dry for two days after before staining.
I’ve restrained my deck a few times with your product. It’s time to do it again and I need to figure out if we should clean it first or strip it first. How can I get help deciding?
Post pictures.
As you can see in photos 1 & 2 the coverage is inconsistent, but photo three is an area more protected from the elements. We are in the Northeast and have strong sun on most of the deck and plan on restaining with the same color. If stripping the deck is your recommendation I have a few questions: is it considerably more work than cleaning it? can we salvage the areas that are not weathered or would we need to strip the entire deck? Is the brightener for stripping the same as for cleaning?
No pictures. If they are not posting, then the file size is too large.
Test pic
What stain is this? This is exactly the look I’m going for. Live in Nebraska. One deck is 10 months old; other is 18 months. Neither treated. Cedar. Looking at Image 7 with the green chair covers.
It is one of the semi-solid colors: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Either Charcoal or Foghorn.
Oops, here are the pics. As you can see in photos 1 & 2 the coverage is inconsistent, but photo three is an area more protected from the elements. We are in the Northeast and have strong sun on most of the deck and plan on restaining with the same color. If stripping the deck is your recommendation I have a few questions: is it considerably more work than cleaning it? can we salvage the areas that are not weathered or would we need to strip the entire deck? Is the brightener for stripping the same as for cleaning?
Strip and brighten is best. It is not any harder than cleaning and brightening: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a a 20 year old deck treated regularly with Olympic gray semi transparent stain which was water based. I did not last more than one or two years. I have never had any luck with exterior water based stain or paint.
Which kind of your stain would you recommend. I am a “snowbird” so could use a stain legal in Florida rather than New York. Thank you. Bill
After fulling removing the Olympic first, use the TWP 100 Series after.
Do you have small sample cans of your new semi solid pro stain?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I stained my cypress siding home with TWP 100 Rustic semi-transparent in 2016, one coat. I waited a year to apply a second coat in 2017. I am having it washed this month to remove mold and clean it. The stain appears to be in good shape.. When would I need to give it another coat?
Yes.
Have series 100 on cedar sided house .Can you put series 1500 over series 100?
Best to prep with the RAD Striper kit if you do this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Used colored TWP 3 or4 years ago on new red wood deck. Past time to redo. Full sun area mildly starting to gray, however looks great when wet still though. Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, about 4000ft. elevation, full sun summer full shade winter, rain, snow. TWP 100 or 1500? Live close to Carson city and Reno Nv. so I could get whatever. Full strip and brightener also? Thanks
Yes, strip and brighten for prep. TWP 1500 for this one.
Do I need to prepare new bamboo fencing before applying stain? Which of your products to you think would be best to use?
Sorry but the TWP 100, 1500, and 200 Series that we sell cannot be applied to bamboo.
We are thinking of applying the dark oak or black walnut on steps that presently only has a transparent stain with no sealant. Other than pressure washing is there any other prep needed?
The previous coating needs to be removed fully first. Use this while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail