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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
We love our TWP stained deck–appearance and the maintenance of our pressure treated pine deck. We have a metal roof drip edge across the deck which is causing mold/mildew and leaving a two feet greenish line across our deck. We need to know what you recommend to clean mold/mildew from the TWP stain (applied to a new deck) without harming the stain itself. Thank you for your assistance.
I am sorry but that is not really possible. Whatever you use to remove the mildew will harm the stain as well.
Okay — so, no mold and mildew cleaners without harming the stain. Do you recommend any everyday cleaners–for dust, dirt, even footsteps that may leave tracks? We even have bird and squirrel poo droppings on occasion. What is recommended for this type cleaning? We love the stain but really need some advice on cleaning. Thank you.
Warm water and dish soap will help to remove dirt, etc.
Which semi-transparent product is best for a 15 year old Ipe deck that is in great shape, previously stained with Armstrong redwood semi-transparent?
The TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
I am in Alberta Canada and have a cedar deck which is about 7 years old and was stained with Sikkens SRD. The Sikkens has completely come off in the high use areas, is heavily pealing in others and is still coating the wood in a few areas where it has been mostly covered, (like under the BBQ). I have just purchased TWP 200 along with the RAD stripper/brightener kit and the booster additive. The wood is now quite rough so needs to be sanded.
I was planning to strip using the kit and a pressure washer and then brighten. Once dry I will sand using 60-80 grit and then apply the TWP 200. Is this the best order to do things in? My thinking was that this way would minimize the amount of sanding I will have to do as the old stain will already be removed. Could I also strip, then sand, then brighten?
I am also considering applying the stain with a sprayer instead of a brush, what would you recommend? What are the pros and cons?
Thanks.
Brighten after the sanding. Stain pads or brushes are best to apply. If you spray, you will need to back brush to ensure an even application.
We had Pro WoodCare out of Germanown, WI recoat our 30 year old Log home in 2018. They used Amteco and the color is Butternut Brown that we chose. We are ordering a gabzo and want to stain the same also putting in new deck – trex and need to touch up some of the wood under the deck. I see only the 200 has Butternut Brown. Is this what they used. I see it states for shakes but will work on Logs correct. Is this the way to go. Please Advise. Thank you for your time and consideration. I will be ordering a 5 gallon Pail.
Yes, there is only one Butternut Brown and that is in the 200 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
I stained my deck about a week ago but am unhappy with the color of stain (Way too dark). Would it be possible to use a stripper to get the stain off, along with sanding? Or should I wait a few months before trying this?
You can strip with this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hi, I’ve got ~350 sq feet of deck in rough shape. It was recently (poorly) stained new redwood two years ago, I sanded and put 1530 on it about a year and a half ago. Gets a lot of sun though I’m in a temperate region (never see any snow or hit 100).
Planning to sand deep & use 1530 again, any other prep needed? Should I plan on two coats? Going forward, can I add another coat annually or will I need to sand again?
Clean and brighten after sanding. This helps open up the wood so the stain can soak in deeper: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit. One coat this year and hen redoing, clean and brighen for pep when recoating. No need to sand.
Hi, I just bought some light color bamboo fencing. Which of your sealers would you recommend? I live in Chicago, so need something what would protect it summer/winter.
Hello,
The TWP 100, Semi-solids, 1500, and 200 Series that we sell will not work for bamboo.
I have a treated pine deck that was built in 2015 and is located in northeast Indiana. In 2016 we treated it with Superdeck oil-based Transparent Stain (color was Valley). We treated it again in either 2018 or 2019. We really like the look and application/penetration of the Superdeck but the stain we have previously used is no longer available and the deck is ready to be treated again (faded, water no longer beads on the surface, etc.). What TWP product would you recommend and how “worn out” should the old brand of stain be before applying it?
You will need to remove the Super Deck first. The good news it is very easy with this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
For IN, you will need the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Look at Honeytone or Pecan colors.
I will have some 100 series stain left over from my project. Will it still be good in 2 years when I stain my deck again?
Probably not. Shelf life if opened is about 12 months. 3 years or longer if unopened.
I am seeing conflicting opinions on how soon you can stain cedar after buying it. I have seen articles saying you have a 2 week grace period to stain it before it starts to weather, and others say 5-7 weeks, and others say 3 months….or more. What is correct? Cedar isnt treated but I am assuming it needs to dry out before it can accept stain. Will cedar need the whole restore a deck process as well?
It does not matter with the wood type, you have to wait and prep no matter what. With TWP you will need to weather 4-12 months and then prep with the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit. See this article for help: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I see in this article it says rough sawn is different and can be stained when dry enough. Since it does not contain the wax from the milling on the outside. Is there a moisture percentage i should look for?
If you have rough sawn wood then yes, you can stain now. 15% or less.
FWIW, the wood I will be buying has probably been sitting for awhile with the price of red cedar timbers right now,
It would not matter if smooth cedar, you would still have to wait and prep.
My spindles of my deck are already stained cedar tone but now I want to stain them black. Can I use semi -transparent black stain over the cedar color
No, you should strip and brighten first:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have about 550 sq ft of pressure treated pine deck more than two years old and most with a southwest exposure. I want to put the first coat of your product on it this summer but I’m not sure of which product would be the best in my case. One thing I do know is that I don’t want to treat the deck frequently. Please recommend which of your products would offer the most protection for the longest period of time.
Cheers,
Stewart
Where are you located?
In southwestern Virginia near Blacksburg at 2,800 feet above sea level.
Use the TWP 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Or the Semi-solid for better UV protection: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Thanks. Does UV do more damage than just color fading?
Fades the stain and oxidizes the wood cells.
I have a deck that is part new wood part old wood.If I clean and brighten can I stain right away?
No, please see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We stained a pine deck using the Cedartone 200 series. The deck was maybe 6 months old and a white substance is coming through the stain in some areas. It looks to be sap. Is there a recommended cleaning method for this?
Thank you,
Bob Balian
ProPainting and Remodeling, LLC
Yes, it is sap. Try a solvent like lacquer thinner.
Can you apply 1500 over 100. I have 100 in the Pecan now but it is time to stain again ( it has been a few years) I live in Wa.? Is the pecan in the 1500 darker or will it cover over the pecan in the 100 and look ok?
Best to strip and brighten the wood if switching series. The Pecan 1520 is slightly darker.
Getting ready to strip but the sun just popped over the trees. I read it’s best to avoid direct sunlight but it’s not that hot today (80). Or should I wait till this afternoon? Thanks!
You can strip if the sun is out. Just mist the wood if needed to keep from drying out.
My 1516 can has clumps in the bottom that won’t dissolve. I’ve had it machine shaken at the paint store and stirring with paint stick does not help.
I little bit of undissolved pigment at the bottom is okay and you can go ahead and stain.
Purchased and finished deck floor which came out great. I would like to paint ballasters and rails, however. Can I paint over old TPW finished rails with no problems? Over 4 years old and power washed. Latex or oil based paint?
That is more of a question of the solid stain/paint brand you choose and if their product can be applied over an oil based stain like TWP. We have no way of saying for certain if this will work.
Hello. We have Redwood siding with TWP 101 stain. I’ve used the TWP cleaner and brightener to great effect! The wood grain has lifted and looks a little ‘furry’ in spots. I test stained the furry areas and used a random orbit sander on some areas and tested that as well. The sanded areas look better, but i wonder if the furry areas will hold stain longer? Do you recommend to sand? 😊 Do you have a recommended grit of sandpaper?
If you sand, sand between 60-80. We normally do not suggest sanding unless absolutely needed.
If I decide to sand, do I need to use the cleaner and brighter again to open the pores? TY for the quick response!
Yes, that is suggested. It is a very light clean and brighten.
I have almost 700 square foot of pressure-treated Pine deck that a portion received full sun while the other portion is mostly shaded into trees. I have used TWP 100 Series in dark oak the last two times that I have stained the horizontal floor boards. The deck is almost 15 years old and is definitely showing its age. The T wp-100 Series in dark oak Fades so quickly on the horizontal boards that I would like to try using something that might hold up better and inhibit the growth of algae a little more since that is an ongoing issue for the shaded areas.. The handrails are splintering and would like to use something more solid. The deck is in the air and the front from the ground to the floor is vertical boards. I am at the age where I this chore is getting about to much to handle.
I have washed and brightened in preparation of restaining. I’m considering using the TWP semi-solid. Is there a color that would match the dark oak that’s already on the verticals?
Or is there a better product for my circumstances?
I will appreciate all advice!
Thank you!
The TWP Semi-solid would work well here and give max UV protection and results. Close colors would be Cabin Fever or Thunderstorm.
Can I apply the semi-solid to the horizontal surfaces without completely stripping them? It has been 3 years since they were stained with twp 100 series? They have been washed and brightened. Also, can I apply another coat of twp 100 series to the verticals to touch up the color that was faded from washing and brignteningthe horizontals? It has been about 5 years since the verticals were stai ed.
There is a chance of rain in the forecast now for over a week. How long after prep can I wait to actually apply the stain? It could be weeks between waiting for dry weather and moderate temperatures.
Thank you.
Best to strip the floors for proper penetration. You should clean and brighten the verticals before applying another coat of TWP 100 Series. Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
Just bought TWP and applied it last Aug still have some left is it ok to recoat floor or do I need to use a cleaner or something first?Thanks
You always have to prep when reapplying. Use this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I just purchased a cedar shed. The wood was kiln dried. The redwood fence that the shed will be in front of is stained California redwood. Will the shed match pretty well to the fence if I use the same stain? What prep do I need to do for kiln dried cedar? Thx.
Similar but not the exact same. Age and wood type will vary the final color.
How do I prep the kiln dried cedar?
See here: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I prepped deck Sunday (yesterday) and we had rain last nite. Forecast is windy and dry today and tomorrow. Wed forecast is dry also with a 30% chance of rain on Thursday. Trying to get deck done this week, as the forecast is for cooler (75) weather and no-one will be wanting to use the pool. Would I be able to stain Tuesday or Wed? TWP 101
Tuesday or Wednesday is okay.
About to stain a 5 year old treated pine deck in Alabama. Has not been previously stained. Which is best, TWP 100 or TWP 1500 ?
Either works very well. Most use the 100 Series in AL.
Hi,
How do I prep a deck that has been stained maybe 3-4 years ago with a Behr transwparent stain?
You will have to fully remove it. Please post some pictures of the current condition here.
Have a 10 year old cedar deck in Portland, OR that has not been re-stained since built. Originally a lear oil based stain was used. It has been powerwashed every year over the past 10 years. During the 6 months of rain in the winter time the deck is wet contantly wet. I am looking for your recommendation to best refinish the deck. Should I use 100 or 1500 or something else for the difficult wet conditions in the Nothwest?
Thanks for your help,
Scott Anderson
Use the 100 Series.
How can I get a sample of thr pro series rusti stain to try on my deck
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
my existing deck has TWP 1502 redwood stain for 3 years and will restain with same this week. Is there a TWP sealant that will make the wood look semi gloss and help the stain last longer? Please advise.
That is not possible and using a gloss on exterior wood means it will peel and will definitely not last longer.
Our deck was last stained with TWP 101 Pro Series last year. We are planning on re-staining this year with the same product. Since we are not changing products, do we need to strip it first, or can we just clean/brighten with the Gemini Restore-a-Deck cleaner and brightener kit? If the latter, can we just buy the cleaner, or do you only sell the cleaner + brightener in a kit? (We have left over brightener). Thanks
Use the Gemini Kit for this. Clean and brighten. We do not sell just the cleaner.
I stained my logs with TWP 103 series and I want to come back with a clear coat TWP100, can I do that
No, you cannot top coat over the TWP stains with the Clear or any other product.
I have 6 new rough cut cypress posts for my front porch. Which of your stains would be best for my application and what applicator would you recommend? Thanks
The TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Use a stain pad for applying.
Will TWP stain work on Composite deck (Manufacturer Correct Deck) that is severely discolored. 12 year old deck at ground level.
Use the TWP semi-solid for this: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
I am finishing my cedar deck, built in August 2019. I left it untreated to dry/weather until June 2021….cleaned/scrubbed the deck with TWP Safe Strip, let dry 48hr in 85° weather…. Applied one decent coat of TWP 101 last night, sprayed on with a pump sprayer and brushed out by hand with a stain brush.
This morning most of the knot areas appear to be grayish-tan because they absorbed all the stain more than the regular grain (which is the nice cedar tone).
Can I apply more TWP with a sponge applicator to just the knot areas and brush it out to feather it into the regular grain areas? Should I wait until next year and do a maintenance coat and focus more onto the knots at that time?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
No, that will not work, nor would it darken the knots. This is normal to happen and results from the wood and how it takes the stain around the knots.
Need to stain the steps and im done. If i do them tuesday night (6pm), and it is suppose to rain thursday (not sure on time) Can and/or should I tarp the steps on wednesday night? any issues with the curing process? is it necessary? there are 2 more non rain days after thursday
No, do not tarp. It will be fine.
I have just finished adding my new pieces to my older gazebo to replace some of the bad boards. So, now there will be a combination of a couple new boards, with all the older boards. All the older boards have been stripped, and brightened. I will be covering all the frame up with a cedar tongue and groove board, with rough on outside and smooth on the inside.
I know you say wait until it has weathered for a while on the smooth sides of new wood, and I intend to do that for the smooth sides of my tongue and groove boards, but when I put those boards on top of the frame, some of those support frame boards will be new wood too. Even though it is new and smooth, do you not think it would be best to put a coat of stain on the top of the new frame boards anyway. Even if it does not penetrate all the way, it will penetrate some, and give some protection. They will never see the light of day, as they will be covered up and I will never be able to get stain on top of those boards unless I would take of the roof, which is not going to happen.
I don’t know how else to explain it any differently. I will include a picture, as this may explain what I mean when I talk about the support boards.
There is not point or advantage to staining these as they will be covered up. Leave the frame unstained.
Okay, how soon after I strip, brighten, sand and wash off do I need to stain it? Does it need to be done within a month or sooner?
Within two weeks of prep.
Got it. But the new wood needs to be left alone for another couple of months, right? That will look a little silly, but you gotta do what you gotta do, I guess. 😀
Yes, correct: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Need to use the same floor brush at separate times of the day. How do I keep it for a 6 hour gap? Cleaning it with mineral spirits right after wont allow it to be ready for the 2nd round? plastic wrap?
Plastic wrap or garbage bag. Just do not let it dry out.
How long do I have to give the stain before the dew sets in at night? 85-90 all day.
4-6 hours.
I sanded this PT deck down to bare wood 4 or 5 years ago. Applied 1 application of a semi transparent stain. It’s practically gone now, what would you recommend I do to prep it for TWP?
Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
So no power washing or sanding required?
You pressure wash while using the kit.
We had the deck stained in April and now see powdery white mold growing on it in places. How can we kill the mold???
Try a product called “Wet and Forget”.
Talked to a tech over the phone yesterday. Issue is I am fighting the heat but on a schedule.
Told me to stain in the AM as soon as the dew evaporates.
Stain through the heat but do less boards at a time and instead of a 30 minute or so window in good temps, use a 15.
Said that night time is the least desirable. (Late afternoon not darkness) Because the deck has been heated for 10 hours etc
All 3 things being said. I lose a lot of the sun on the deck after 5. That leaves me 4 hours until dark to stain. This deck is huge and I need the time to work. The 2 hour window before it hits 90 and after the dew evaporates isnt good enough.
Advice? A long explanatory response to all those would be greatly appreciated.
You can do it at 5 as soon as the sun decreases. To speed up the process apply your first coat lightly with a pump sprayer to the floors and then immediately walk back on and do your second coat with a stain pad or floor brush. It will be very fast.
If you have railings, do those first. You can even break it up and do those in am or a different day, just tarp the floors while working. Verticals will only need one coat.
Deck wasn’t in very good shape so I power washed and sanded with 60 grit. My next step will be to use your cleaner and brightner, then stain. Before I place an order, I have a few questions so i know what to buy and how much.
1- One coat or two (wet on wet) for this application? I read on your Q&A’s on another application where you said after sanding to only apply one coat but I wasn’t sure if that was specific to that particular application or if one coat after sanding is standard procedure?
2- What do you recommend I use to apply the stain with?
3- I assume I should use TWP100 series in Kansas? I couldn’t really tell if there is a difference between 100 & 1500 series other than the State regs.
Thanks!
What grit do you suggest I sand it too?
60-80.
Can I apply TWP sealer to my pine patio ceiling if it was sealed with a simi transparent sealer 2 yes ago
You would have to remove the prior coating so the TWP can soak into the wood.
I have a question regrading your Semi-Solid Pro Series colors. Your website shows a photo of two “white” boards next to two “red” boards (see attached photo excerpted from your website). I actually have need for both of these color stains (in different locations). However, I can’t seem to find colors that match these on your color chart. I would like to know what the product names of these two colors are.
The white is unstained wood, not a color. The TWP does not come in a white stain. The red is Lighthouse. Colors will vary on your wood based on the wood type, age of the wood, etc.
Gosh, I spent $28 for three 1oz. samples and have now discovered that the $15 credit can only be used if one buys a five gallon can. Is this true? This seems such a rip off since I have a small deck and only need two gallons.
Yes, our sample policy is very clear on the sample ordering page that you are able to receive a max discount of $15 towards a purchase of a 5-gallon pail only:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hi. My pressure treated deck is about 10yrs old. I have used a water based stain a few times – but it always peels. I plan on using the TWP 200 series this time as I’m in Canada.
I will be using a belt sander to completely remove all the old stain. Do I need to do any other prep work? And, should I rent a sprayer, brush on – or both?
Please provide all steps for best way to apply.
Thanks!
Clean and brighten the wood after sanding with the Gemini Kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
https://twpstainhelp.com/tips/application-instructions/how-to-apply-twp-1500/
Hi. I understand why one would need to use a cleaner brightener if they were NOT sanding – but why is this necessary AFTER sanding? Also – should I invest in a moisture meter?
You need to open up the pores of the wood after sanding. No need for moisture meter.
Hi. Are there different application instructions for the 200 series vs the 1500 series you sent?
The same but just one coat for the 200 Series.
Hi. If just one coat with the 200 – should it be a thick coat – or should I apply just enough with brush so it soaks in?
Thanks!
Only enough that will soak into the wood.
I’m investigating options on caulk to fill some carpenter bee holes. I discovered Sashco Exact color which is a water-based acrylic latex sealant kit. They suggest you can mix stain with it and create an exact match. Do you have any experience with this?
TWP will not mix with the caulk and blend.
WE recently stained our cedar deck using the TWP 100 Series stain. We have previously used the TWP 100 Series stain on our deck. This year we applied the stain early in the day (7am) and were finished by 9am. The day got hotter than we expected (upper 80 degrees). Large parts of the deck are sticky. We did have rain 36 hours after applying the stain. How can we best address the sticky parts of the deck?
That would happen due to improper prep or over application. See this for tips:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
2 parts –
I saw a comment that staining at night would not be good because it needs sunlight to cure
1- I have my rail disassembled for repair and adjustment, I was planning on staining that in my garage where i had no worries of weather, and then reassemble when cured and the flats are stained. Is this not going to work now??? How about a fan?
2- even if I reassembled the railing and then stained it, I have multiple railings and posts that NEVER get sunlight. whats the fix for that if the above railing in the garage method isnt acceptable?
Stripping and Brightening question for an exterior porch adjacent to my house and open but covered to the yard.
How to best to treat railing, spindles and posts and floor?
What application tools and best order to treat?
For prep or applying the stain? We would need to see photos posted here in comment area for prep help.
I wasn’t very clear in my question, sorry.
I’m using the RAD stripper, thickener and booster, then brightener. Question: are:
1) in what order to prep the railing, spindles (both sides) and floor. And
2). What application tools for prep to use for each of the above?
FYI, I had posted photos awhile back which helped me select the products to use. Thanks.
Hi, we have a 6 yr old cedar deck that we sanded down to bare wood (to remove 2 previous stain attempts). We applied a coat of TWP101 Pro-series Cedartone. On day 2,(24 hours), the sky opened up and we were in a red cell of rain for about an hour. The can says the stain needs 48 hours of no-rain. It beaded up nicely but is it damaged? Should we wait for a thorough dry and apply another coat?
It is fine and do not add another coat.