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Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project for 2024!
TWP is an advanced wood preservative/protectant registered by the EPA. Performance and longevity can vary though depending on the wood type, how the wood is prepped, the age of wood, and how the TWP is applied. We want everyone who has decided to use TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series to have the best possible results.
TWP Stain Tips and Help
When asking questions please give us some information about your wood restoration project:
- What structure is your wood? Examples would be: Deck, Wood Siding, Fence, etc
- What species is the wood? Examples: Treated Pine, Cedar, Redwood, Ipe, etc
- Is the wood new or older than 1 year?
- Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? Please specify brand name and type of stain used: Examples: Solid stain, Semi-Transparent Stain, etc.
- Any additional info that would be useful
Once you supply us with the information, we will able to give you advice as to how to prep your wood and any needed instructions for the TWP application.
Please ask your questions in the comment area.
Thanks
I bought too much TWP stain for my fence. Apparently a reapplication after a couple years requires far less than an original unstained fence. Anyhow, I now have 15 extra gallons of stain. Probably will not restain the fence again for 2 years. What is the preservation life of this stain (it’s 1500 Series)? Can I just store it in my garage and use it again in 2 years with no deterioration of product or usability? Or what do you advise?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I’m choosing between the 100 series and the semi-solid for a deck restoration. The deck will be sanded down as part of the prep and comfort of bare feet. What should I expect as the 100 vs semi-solid ages? Does the semi-solid flake off? How many years should I expect between the application of 100 vs semi-solid?
Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit and make sure to clean and brighten the wood after any sanding. The Semi-solid will offer better UV protection than the 100 Series. It does not flake off.
What is the difference in the 1500 or 100 series? I need to stain all decks, railings, steps, and deck ceilings in a mixed of pine treated lumber, and white pine in ceilings (these have a Deffy translucent coat of stain)….the rest has never been stained and all is only 8 months old
Difference is VOCs and what is allowed in your state. You will need to strip off the Defy first: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
For new wood, see here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Ok…but Defy is water based…and this is what I read on the product you recommend “Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper removes most oil and latex based finishes including: clear sealers, transparent stains, and semi-transparent stains”….so does water based clear stain need to be removed?
Yes, it needs to be removed. Latex means water-based. Same thing.
I stained my cedar deck three years ago with TWP 1501 Cedar stain. I’m using the same stain for re-application. Can I simply clean the deck and begin the project, or is there additional prep work needed.
Thank you.
Use this kit for reapplying: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have a 10+ year old deck in Western WA state. I’m not sure what kind of wood it is or what kind of stain was previously used but it is showing signs of cracking in the wood, water does not bead up at all and there is mold and alge that makes it slippery in the winter. It gets a lot of sun in the summer and lots of rain the rest of the year. What is the difference between the 100 Series and the Semi Solid? (besides the significant price) How do I decide which one to use?
Post pictures for prep help. The Semi-solid will show less grain of the wood but will give longer UV protection from graying.
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Use this kit for prep while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Shoot, I already ordered the 100 stain with the stripper/brightener. Is is too late to change my order or will that also work?
Use as well.
I used the twp 1500 cedartone on my deck after sanding, cleaner and brightener, using 1.5 coats as I went with the staining pad. Can I add more layers of stain now after it has dried, and rained? Would that make the color deeper at all ?
No, more is not better and can lead to curing issues.
Should we use the 100 series or 1500 in Kansas City, MO. Previously used 100 series, ceadartone, last year and already has lost color. Almost all day sun on horizontal boards that are not covered by metal awning.
Use the 100 series or the new Semi-solid: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Hopefully the images of my external porch/deck needing restoration were successful in being attached. Thanks so much for providing expertise for what prep products to purchase to make my use of TWP semi-transparent stain most successful.
No pics. They have to be smaller than 3mb to upload.
I have a 25 year old wood shake roof on my home. I ;local roofing company refurbished it by cleaning shakes and replacing a few here and there. I do not like the color of the stain they normally spray on the roof to finish the job. i believe you suggest your 200 product for this type of roof. However, I don’t see any colors that you offer with this product. Did I miss it on your web site?
Colors on the product pages: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
After sanding the decK in NJ to remove the old stain product, do we need another step before staining?
Yes, use this kit for final prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have purchase the TWP 1500 Honeytone for fences in my FL home. Now I want to purchace 1515 honeytone 1500 for my ground level deck for my beach house in NJ 2nd from the ocean. Is this suitable for the nJ location too? We love the way it looks and survives thee hurricane waters in FL!! (Paarts of the fence were underwater dxuring “Sally” in 2020).
Yes, it would work well for this deck in NJ.
I’ve got a 4 year old deck that has never been stained before. It’s been pressure washed and sanded so far. I’m planning on using the gemini restore a deck cleaner and brightener kit along with some TWP pecan stain. Since this deck has never been stained before, does it need 1 or 2 coats of stain?
2 coats wet on wet:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Thanks for the reply. Follow-up questions. I’m located in KY. Should I use the TWP 100 or 500 series? In other words, is the 100 series more superior than the 500 series?
Lastly, can the 500 series be applied over the 100 series for re-application? I’m asking in case KY puts a VOC limit in place that would cause me to use the 500 series in the future if I was to use the 100 series now.
Most use the 100 Series of KY. 500 is no longer. 1500 Series is just as good as the 100. If you need to switch from 100 to 1500, best to strip and brighten for prep.
Thanks again. I guess some of the articles I’ve been reading are outdated since they reference the 500 series. Anyway, I’ll probably end up getting the 1500 series as a precaution for future re-applications in case KY puts a VOC limit in place. I don’t want to have to strip the deck for re-application. If the 1500 series is just as good as the 100 series, then having a lower VOC is a bonus.
Yes, it is just as good. It is easy to strip TWP. No harder than cleaning.
I have cedar shake house that has been power washed and sanded to bare, how many coats of twp 1501 should be applied. Also i have an area where we had to replace a section of shingles because water got behind them caused damage to the wall. Do I have to wait for the new shingles to “age” before staining? Thanks, Mike
2 coats wet on wet: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
You can stain the shingles now since they are rough wood.
Hello I have a 20 year old cedar deck in Northern Ohio I sanded most of the decking with a rental and its took most of the old stain out. Also sanded the railing with a hand held orbital which came out great. It will be another week before I can stain. Do I still need to use a cleaner and brightener on the rails? I plan on using both cleaner / brightener on the decking. I’m using TWP 100 series cedartone . Attached picture of railing / decking
Thanks
Yes, clean and brighten all wood.
Okay thanks I neglected to mention prior to sanding the rails I used a stripper and pressure washed it off – still use a cleaner AND Brightener? Also is it okay to wait a week before staining AFTER applying the brightener?
Yes and yes.
I used the sample 101, 116 and 120 on my deck to determine the correct stain color. I mixed each bottle but They each just turned out looking like the wood was wet…no color at all. Have your stains changed or is there a chance I was sent the wrong samples? What colors would actually look like a stain?
Colors are correct and the TWP has not changed. Post a picture of the bottles with the stain in them.
What would you recommend for a cedar deck recently sanded. Looking for a clear finish with u.v. protection
Use the 100 or 1500 Series. Any color that you like. They all show the wood grain.
Hi. I’m replacing red cedar deck planks, stained with TWP, because of end rot. The joists are made of pressure treated wood.
Is it possible to treat the ends of the new cedar planks with something to prevent end rot before I screw them to the joists?
No need.
Hi, A friend has a very well maintained 35 year old Cedar Deck – how often should he now treat with TWP? Thank you…..
Every 2-3 years.
Should I use TWP 100 or 1500 in Virginia? Old wood, freshly powerwashed.
TWP 1500.
Could you tell me what semi-solid colors are closest to 205 California cedar and 206 russet brown and 207 butternut brown? I am ready to change to the semi solid. Ordered a couple of samples already but they did not work so looking for a few more colors to try. Thank you.
There are not colors that will match or even be similar. Maybe Earth or Weathered Cedar.
We have a cedar porch floor that was initially treated with a semi transparent stain. Not sure if it was water or oil based. Originally, (16 years ago) it was covered with a high gloss something. Later, it was covered again and sand thrown in to make the porch less slick. Now much has worn away with some areas bare and others that are still colored. We are power washing today. We are thinking that we should get a stain at least the color we have now or darker. Can you guide me through a process?
You have to 100% remove the current coating, and that will require power sanding. Once removed, you can then use the TWP stains.
Can you recommend grit levels for sanding?
60-80 grit.
Applied 1500 to a new deck last year. What / when are the next steps in the care and maintenance of the deck? When should I re-apply 1500? I think the instructions mentioned only putting one coat on new wood so that is what I did initially.
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a 3 story house of Cedar lap boards which was new in 2004 and stained with semi Trans stain do not know brand. Then stained in 2009 again with semi Trans Brand?. 2016 cleaned with bleach and was stained with TWP 100 series 116 Rustic excellent job., In March 2021 was stained with the same TWP was power washed [no bleach) There are now shiny spots on side with less sun. I know it is from excess stain. Painter tried to use paint thinner sprayed on to cut shine but made little difference. He now wants to use solid stain on entire house. Can you use this on top of the house stain and would the shiny be gone and look consistent with the rest of house, He is not going to power wash or use Cleaner before staining. The Deck is worse than the house with shiny and inconsistent color. I am in central Texas
No, to fix it needs to be stripped down to the bare wood.
And what kind of stripper or brand are you calling stripper. Website said Mineral; Spirits and I think the painter used Paint Thinner on the shine but did not take off the shine.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I would like to treat our log cabin made from fir logs in 1991. The cabin has only been treated once at the time it was built with a clear wood treatment, other then that nothing has been done to it. What product would you recommend?
Prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
We have 4 rough sawn, 8×8, cypress posts that we are looking to stain. We are in south Louisiana where the humidity can be very high. Which product would be best for this job? Also how long do we need to let the post sit before staining them?
Use the TWP 1500 Series. You can stain new rough sawn wood right away as long as it is clean and dry.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
We are getting ready to use your product for the first time (TWP1500). The total area of our deck is approximately 2000 sqft, the decking is mahogany. Using a floor sander, I sanded the deck to remove the accumulated latex based stain leaving bare wood. My question is: do I need to clean the bare wood with a product like your cleaner or is blowing the wood dust off enough. I want to apply the stain properly so that I get a good foundation (I’ve included before and after photos)
Please advise.
Is the first picture a “sanded” picture? If so, you cannot apply TWP over this as all of the old stain has not been removed yet. We would suggest using the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit with both additives and pressure washing to get it down to the bare wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Thank you- is a pressure washer necessary or just a recommendation?
Needed.
Another Q? Do you recommend using the booster? I have a few areas that were not accessible by sander,e.g., under the benches. Would the stripper & booster combo be effective in lifting that stain too?
Yes, both additives. Booster and Gel. It will not remove where you did not sand as that is a solid stain.
Last but mostly not least, can I use the stripper on my cedar log home. It was stained about 10 years ago and needs cleaning and staining. I am planning to use the TWP1500 stain on the house as well. Any help would be appreciated since there are so many “experts”.
Thanks again,
Gerry
Need pictures of the home and they stain brand and type used.
Here are some representative photos of the house. I have no details about the stain other than it was a natural, oil based stain that I applied with a airless sprayer. I used 10 gallons.
Use the RAD Stain stripper with both the Booster and Gel additives. Brightener after.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thank you for your help. I have to figure how much I need and go then order for both deck and house.
-Gerry
Hi Guys……How often should one treat w/TWP a 20 year old cedar deck?
I live in the St. Louis, MO, Metro area & recently we have had a couple of OK winters.
Every 2-3 years is normal.
Hi, I have four 5 gallon pails of 1516 Rustic. I applied one of them to my cedar sided cabin and it is just a bit more “orange” tinted than I like. is there a self way to add something to the remaining three pails left that can get it a bit more to a brownish color when I am ready to restain?? Thanks!
You can add the TWP 1503 Dark Oak into the Rustic to make it more brown.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
How long does the temperature need to stay above 50 for the stain to dry properly? Days in WI are low 60s but late afternoon/nights drop to 30s-40s (and get damp).
4-12 hours. Cannot drop below freezing the first night.
Is there any ingredients in the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit or Gemini Cleaner Brightener that could contaminate soil? I have garden box with soil that got some residue washed into it when I stripped/cleaned my deck.
They are eco-safe.
I tried to order two 5 gallon containers of your 100 series deck stain but the order page would not let me enter a shipping address. It was going to York, PA 17402. Your web site says free shipping. What am I not understanding?
The 100 Series is not legal in PA. You need to order the TWP 1500 series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Ready to stain a new deck. About 450 sq feet, smooth cedar, about 8 months old. I bought TWP 1500 Clear, and didn’t notice until I got home that there was a label warning about lack of UV screening. The deck is on the south side of a house in Oklahoma, and will receive lots of direct sunlight. I don’t want to darken the wood unnecessarily, but I’m guessing that I need UV protection. Perhaps the lightest color that does offer UV protection?
Honeytone 1515.
Store had 115, but not 1515. Any reason I should not use 115?
No.
Is there a way to make the cape code gray 100 series a little darker of a gray color by mixing it with another color of stain? If so can you let me know which color to mix it with?
You can mix TWP 100 Series colors together but not sure if it will make it darker. Might want to look at the Semi-solid colors: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
We are in Michigan and have 500 sq ft of 8 year old cedar deck. The deck has been extended with cedar by a further 650 sq ft. The old and new section meet at a 14 ft long join. The old section has been sanded to match the new section. We have purchased TWP1501 to stain the deck, the objective being to prevent the wood going gray. The old section can be stained now but if we have to wait at least 4 months to do the new section I fear that the 14 ft section will show the difference (which is in the center of the focal point). Can you suggest how we can overcome this inconvenience – even if it will require the new section to be re-done prematurely.
Wait and prep all again at the same time prior to staining. Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I applied some 1501 to new cedar. The stain was a remaining gallon from a 5 gallon can that has sat for 2 years. Mixed it THOROUGHLY. Was a bit “goopy” compared to the original wet stock. Went on beautifully, but after 4 days, it is still sticky. Could critical solvents have evaporated during storage and it’ll never “cure”? What do I do about the 1480 feet of trim sitting in my garage? Can I re-wipe it with something?
Hello,
First, you cannot stain new wood right away: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Second, the shelf life of an opened can is 12 months. If it was goopy, then it had gone bad. Not sure if wiping it down with solvents will help it cure but you can try. If that does not work and time does not allow it to cure, then you will have to remove it and start over.
Thank you for the swift reply. What solvent is compatible? Lacquer thinner? Mineral Spirits? Denatured Alcohol? Also, what is used to remove it? Sanding?
Mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Make sure to saturate any oily rags in water and lay flat to dry outside.
I am in the middle of sanding a few decks I built last summer and let season.
I was planning on cleaning and brightening next. But we are now in a drought and I’m not supposed to wash things anymore!
How important is it? how bad would it be if we skipped the clean and brighten step and just stained straight away?
Also… I’m planning on using TPW 1500 on a section of deck that Epi, and just wanted to confirm that 1500 works on hardwood like that. I wanted it to have the same tone as my redwood vs. the dark brown one would get with Epi oil.
Very important to prep after any sanding with the cleaner and brightener. You can use the 1500 on Ipe but you will never get the redwood to look or stain the same as your Ipe.
ok… thanks. I tested it IPE and it isn’t the same, but matches better I think. Thanks.
Also, I have used previously TWP100 pecan; what color in the 100 Semi-solid most closely matches that? Thank you….
None really match. Appalachian Trail, Earth, or Musket are closest.
What makes the 100 Semi-solid stain worth $20/gal more than the original? How much more protection does it provide or how much longer is it supposed to last?
Pigment in the stain is the reason for the cost increase and the spread rate is about 1.5 times better than the 100 or 1500 Series so you will use less. UV protection will be much better as well so it will last longer from UV fading.
We stained our cedar deck with TWP dark oak two seasons ago. The wood didn’t season enough and therefore didn’t soak in much. It has really faded after 2 years and want to change to the Cedar Tone color. Is your stripper and pressure washer enough to remove remnants of the Dark Oak or will I need to sand first? If I need to sand first, I plan to rent an orbital floor sander with 80 grit. Is that the correct thing to do if I need to sand?
Thanks
Stripper and pressure washer will remove. Brighten after. No need to sand this.
Thank you. I ordered the Cedar Tone and stripper/brighten kit. Do you recommend I also add the stripper additives? Or am I good with just what I ordered? Thanks again for such a quick response.
You will not need the additives for stripping this.
I have a 25 year old heart redwood deck that is very exposed and has had numerous repairs made to include the application of wood fillers on screws holes, etc…..I have always stained it with good luck but now I’m thinking that it needs a product with more hiding qualities to help hide wood defects, filler, etc…..Product recommendations?
The only way to hide this fully would be with a solid stain and TWP does not come in a solid stain.
I have a 150 sq ft redwood “fence” I use to display art in my yard. It was installed with new wood 3 months ago and I (prematurely) applied Preserva Wood penetrating oil stain and sealer in Rubicon Red on it. I want to change the whole look to something grey. What products/steps do I need to do before I re-stain. I’m in Redding, California
You would have to strip and brighten for prep. Possibly even sand to get it all off.
How many coats of TWP 200 should I use when staining my cedar deck?
Thanks
1-2 coats. Depends on how absorbent the wood is.
Thanks for the response, I have a couple more questions I’m hoping you can answer. 1. I pressure wash my deck as well as use a cleaner and brightner. How long do I need to let the deck dry before using your product?
2. We like the look/colour of our cedar deck when it’s wet. What colour would you recommend to achieve this? Clear?
3. What is your current ship time to Canada given the pandemic? I live in Ontario
Thanks again for your support!
I need help in signing on to purchase product. I purchased and used your product about two years ago and made a note of my user name and password. Neither work this year so I used the “forgot user name and later the forgot password”. Neither were helpful as I’m still not able to sign in and order the products that I need to freshen my deck. I’ve been trying for three/four days. Can someone call my and help be to get signed on or take my order over the phone? My phone is (631) 662-6998-cell. call or text.
Thanks for your help]
cheers,
Jack Schumann
Stay Safe!
Checking out as a guest is always and option. You can call tomorrow and place an order over the phone as well.
I have a pressure treated pine decking that is 3 years old and has never been stained. I ordered a few samples of TWP 1500 and tested them on two deck boards. One board accepted the color (1503), but the other board did not (it came out very blotchy).
Does the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit include a wood conditioner that will help the wood accept the stain?
No, it does not have a conditioner and you cannot use a conditioner before applying TWP.
I replaced my nearly 30-year old cedar decking with new cedar last year (spring and summer). The deck is open and on the south side of the house with much sun exposure and went through a Michigan winter. It has greyed considerably, so I plan to clean it with an oxalic acid based cleaner and then apply your TWP 100 stain in Cedartone Natural. The deck is approximately 375 square feet. I plan on ordering 5 gallons. Am I on the right track regarding my approach? I still have a lower deck to replace this year that is only 40 square feet, but I will let that sit for a year before applying the stain.
Thanks for any info you may provide.
Oxalic is not a proper cleaner. Best to use the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
The rest is okay.
I have used 1530 natural (10 gallons) every 4 years. What is the difference between 100 series and the 1500 series?
VOC compliance for certain states.
Looking for water based replacement for Exterior Gemini Storm Shield Rustic Oak SS616
Sorry but we don sell any TWP water based stains anymore. You can remove the Storm Shield and use the TWP in Rustic but it will be oil based.
I have an IPE deck. I don’t think I need a stain for IPE but, more of a sealer? What works best for this case?
No, you need a stain otherwise it will gray in months. Use the 100 or 1500 Series. Many use the Rustic color for IPE.
Then, can I apply TWP over penofin?
No, you cannot apply TWP over a different brand of stain. Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Anyway to track an order? I ordered a sample last week and it shipped on 4/21. I live in GA, and it said 2-3 days SE states. It’s been a week.
Arrives today via UPS: 1Z6V64730209823399
About 15 years ago I used twp 501 on my cedar siding. It has held up amazingly well but it is time to refresh. Has 100 series replaced the 500 series? Can I just clean the siding and reapply or do I need to power wash the current 501? Additional thoughts? Thank You.
The 1500 series replaced the 500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Use this kit while pressure washing for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit