Need Some Help With TWP Stains?

by TWP Help

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

TWP Stain Help Staff

 

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James Stubbs
3 years ago

Hello: Up here in Canada about an hour north of Toronto.
As per attached pics, this smaller deck has been sanded using a 5″ sander with a flap disk. We are not sure of how to proceed next. The previous finish, which we do not know what it was peeled off as per picture 5. In order to apply your TWP200 should we still be using your deck stripper and wood brightener before applying the stain. The sander has not been able to get down in the cracks between the boards. Will the stripper remove this?
Any other advise you are able to provide would be greatly appreciated.
Best – James Stubbs, Innisfil, Ont. Canada

James Stubbs
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Hi: Sorry about that. Hopefully they load this time.

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BeBe
3 years ago

Do you have any photos showing decks that have been stained with TWP105 Prairie Grey and TWP106 Cape Code Grey? I would like to see both if you do.

John Thomsen
3 years ago

Is TWP 120 Pro Series the same as TWP 100?
Is the 120 on your web site

 
Pam
3 years ago

I have new porch rails that have one coat of TWP clear applied. The rails are too light and look awful next to the house. Can I apply a TWP with color over the clear, or will the rail have to be stripped to take the color?

Terry R
3 years ago

I purchased 5 gallons of TWP 100 a couple of years ago in Michigan. I live in Canada and can’t get oil based stain here, only water base. I can’t get across the border. What kind of water base stain is ok to use on your oil based 100 series?

Dee
3 years ago

Using TWP 100 to stain a clear cedar deck. Tried pecan but found it too orange. Want to try the Dark Oak. Does it create a very dark brown on cedar? What proportion of clear would you recommend mix in to lighten it a bit if needed? Does lightening bring our more red?

 
BeBe
3 years ago

I am attaching 2 photos. My new deck is ready to be stained. I have ordered samples but I am still confused as to whether I should use Series 100 or 1500 or another series. I do not want an orange looking stain or really dark stain. Please help.

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BeBe
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

I live in Tennessee. Do you have any suggestions for colors that do not have too much orange????

Dan
3 years ago

Is TWP 1500 series recommended for wood garage doors? The garage doors are coming new, “ready to stain”. The material is hemlock. Thank you!

Laura Driver
3 years ago

How long after it has rained do I need to wait to begin staining?

 
Barb Herman
3 years ago

I have a 17 year old deck that I believe has never been stained since it’s original staining (with TWP). Much of the stain was worn off, so I used a PPG deck stripper recommended by Menards. I now have a ‘fuzzy’ deck. What should I do next? Thanks!

Catherine Weida
3 years ago

I am staining a 20+ yr old deck. I cleaned and brightened. It’s been 10 days, do I need to prep again? What should I look for so I can tell if I need to wash again?

Steven P Burtis
3 years ago

It was installed last year.

 
Steven P Burtis
3 years ago

Is 95 degrees too hot to stain my new cedar front deck/entry. I cleaned and brightened it and sanded down all the wood fir. It’s expected to be 95 to 102 degrees this week.

Mike
3 years ago

After applying the RAD cleaner, do you let the wood dry before applying the brightener?

carrie martin
3 years ago

I’m restoring our 100+ year old exterior doors. Part of the bottom of the doors has rotted; is your product compatible with Bondo wood restorer and filler? I was thinking of using that on water-damaged areas before using a 1500-series stain.

 
Harry Lockwood
3 years ago
  1. I had new deck boards, joist and railing installed on a existing deck. Floor and joist are pressure treated, railings are cedar. I have lattice around bottom part of deck that has TWP 100 on it now. I been using TWP 100 for over 20 yrs. I want to use TWP 200 now because I cut trees down now I have more sun on deck. Can I put 200 over the 100 on lattice? The deck right now is 4 months old.
Sereta Wallis
3 years ago

We have newly milled cedar posts for a front porch of a veterinary clinic that have not been stained. We want to use a semi transparent stain. The porch ceiling and corbels will also be stained. Which of the three series should we use (100, 200, 1500) and is it necessary to let raw cedar cure before staining? It is rough and sanding isn’t planned unless you say it is necessary.

Diane
3 years ago

If I plan on sanding my deck, do I still have to use the cleaner/brightener?

 
Wayne Henson
3 years ago

Our deck is apx 1 1/2 years old, (16′ X 24′) after waiting and living through much misguidance, applying then stripping a clear and removing grayed wood we are almost ready to stain. We are looking at the 100 and 1500 stains but leaning toward the 1500 Natural (due to color). Are we on the right track? Which do you suggest. We like lighter color.

Wayne Henson
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Sou you agree with the 1500 being correct?
btw Pressure treated Pine

Wayne Henson
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank You
Samples ordered

Wayne Henson
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Do the “Fuzzies” react differently with oil verses water based?

Vanessa Tillett
3 years ago

I am staining a log cabin. It is about 20 years old and is built with hand-cut red cedar logs. We have fully sanded and plan to use a wash before applying stain. I live in Indiana. Im not sure which series of TWP I should use. From what I gathered, the 1500 series seemed to be the most ideal, however, there is not much information when it comes to staining a home built with whole logs. The previous finishes used were clearly not ideal, so there is a touch of graying and a small amount of mildew (I am hoping the wash removes this). I would like to preserve the integrity and natural beauty of the logs as much as possible, while also protecting them from the elements. Longevity is an important factor.  

Additionally, we are needing to refinish the decks and balconies as well. They are the same/similar type of wood, but were previously stained a much darker shade of what I believe to be some kind of semi-solid stain. They were originally Sansin Classic in the natural shade. I do not believe the original Sansin Classic was even removed prior to the application of the current & awful semi-solid looking stain. The deck, railings, & spindles have not been sanded as of yet and due to the railings & spindles being cylindrical & in large numbers, coupled with height & time constraints (concern for the logs of our home, which are currently unprotected & have been for several weeks now), we were hoping we would be able to simply strip &/or wash the deck, as we will be using a color dark enough (much darker than the log stain we plan to use) to hopefully cover &/or blend with whatever wash may leave behind on the deck/railings/spindles….

My questions are:

1.) Which TWP series stain would you recommend? 100, 200, or 1500?
2.) Do any of these result in a semi-gloss or gloss finish?
3.) Will the TWP stain (any of the three series) require any sort of topcoat, is one already present, or is the stain alone enough protection for the wood?
4.) Is there a wash you would recommend for the already sanded logs? Or is a wash even necessary?
5.) Is there a stripper &/or wash that we could strip our decks & balconies with that would replace the sanding process completely?
6.) Whatever product is recommended to wash &/or strip the decking, is it ok for that product to also be used to wash the logs, or at the very least, be safe for the logs if there is any amount of splash? 
7.) Is there a right or wrong order to complete these tasks in? We are planning to do the house in a light natural or honey tone & the deck either a darker red or brown tone. The deck is a wrap-around, so we will be forced to stand/walk on a lot of it in order to stain at least half of the house, but if we do the house first, we run the risk of getting the darker color on our lighter colored logs. Is the best answer to use tarps or drop cloths? Ive read that its best to lay the stain on the wet wood immediately following washing/stripping/prepping. Would it be better if we did the house and decks/balconies on different days? If so, how do we prevent the wash/stripper from splashing & negatively affecting whichever surface we’ve already done?
8.) I was originally told by a major hardware store employee that I should look for an oil-based stain with a lifetime warranty. I purchased samples of one of their “high-end products” and sampled them in a small corner. I ended up finding the absolute WORST reviews from both professional deck contractors and individuals. We are refinishing the house and plan to sell afterward. It is important that I give the correct information to the prospective buyers, as they are aware of the refinishing and have a lot of questions. The specific “log home stains” I’ve been able to find have no warranty at all. Does TWP come with a lifetime warranty? Or any warranty for that matter? If so, what exact types of situations would be covered by the warranty? 

I would appreciate any kind of feedback you are able to provide me with. Due to the time sensitivity of the matter, I would like to order some samples asap. I am looking forward to receiving your expert opinion! I want to be sure I am making the right choice before I do anything to these beautiful logs, which were partially cut & laid by my recently deceased father-in-law, giving them sentimental value that I do not want to be responsible for harming, not to mention the weeks we’ve spent sanding this beast. I apologize for the length of my inquiries, I just wanted to be sure you had as much information to go on as possible. I do have photos if necessary. Considering the number of questions I have, I am even willing to pay for advice if necessary. Again, Thank you SO MUCH!!! I appreciate the time you take to respond to so many comments/questions daily!

Vanessa Tillett
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank you so much! I appreciate your help. I am adding several photos of the deck. I apologize if there are too many. I am hoping they give you a better idea of the size of the project and what type of finish I am needing to remove/replace. It will not allow me to add all photos on this comment, but I will add the rest below….Thanks again!!

Vanessa Tillett
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

I apologize…My iPhone took them as Live Photos. I think I have fixed them. I will try again. Thank you for being so patient!

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Vanessa Tillett
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

more deck photos for reference…

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Vanessa Tillett
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

and a few more….again, appreciate your advice!

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Vanessa Tillett
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank you!!

Pat Brown
3 years ago

We purchased a 5-gallon pail of the TWP 200 stain in #205, California Cedar. Applying it to new pressure-treated spruce, it is much darker than it appeared online so we have decided to order another pail in a lighter color. (It is a great stain and we will find a use for the other one, but would like a lighter look on our new deck and landing.) Is the Golden Cedar noticeably lighter or would you recommend simply the transparent stain?

 
Ramiro Andalla
3 years ago

I put new wood decking on a dock on 6/7/2021. It has been about 1.5 months since ive installed but it is looking very dry and i am seeing some cracking already. The tips say to wait a minimum of 4 months to apply the stain but could that be overstated? It is full sun all day. What do y’all recommend?

Paul Alex
3 years ago

I was very pleased with the final result after I applied the brightener. My logs looked like new. Unfortunately it’s been raining daily for the past week. So I had to postpone staining. The logs aren’t getting drenched but I’m concerned about the extended delay. Will it be fine to stain after things dry out or will I need to apply the brightener again?

Thomas
3 years ago

Hello- 3rd year having the deck, used Gemini Restore Kit last year, waited a week in the sun and re-stained with TW-115 Honeytone, this is one year later. Why has the stain failed and there are now mildew spots? Should I use a different stripper?

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Thomas
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Only a light coat was applied, which stripper?

 
Alan M Aszkler
3 years ago

can I get TWP 100 series in New York State

Kim Neal
3 years ago

Hello-We just finished a major remodel on our house and I we have an Ipe deck, Ipe fence and pergola and new Ipe gate. We are attempting to get them all the same color. TWP was used on all of it about 5 years ago but the fence aged differently than the deck and also different than the pergola. Can you suggest a product? We were also trying to tone down the red in the ipe and get more of a natural or if we have to, a darker brown color with less red tones. Can you give me your suggestions?

Mary
3 years ago

Sorry. On my previous post, I forgot to add the pictures of the deck that needs to be stripped.

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Mary
3 years ago

I’m planning to help my son prep and stain his decks.

Both have full sun exposure for part of each day. Both are pressure treated wood.

The wood on the front porch is over 3 years old and has never been stained. Part of the porch is covered so the weathering has been uneven.

The wood on the back deck is 2 years old and was stained with Valspar Transparent Stain and Sealer last year. I have attached pictures. We would like to remove this stain.

His house is located in the mountains of western North Carolina.

What prep should we use for the front and back? What line of your products would (100 or 1500?) would be best for lasting color and protection?

I used the TWP100 on my porches a few years ago and have been happy with the result, however my porches are covered and no stripping was involved.

Thank you.

Mary
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank you.

Tom
3 years ago

How do you determine which product to use. Example TWP 100 oil stain vs. TWP semi-solid Pro series? I have an older deck which I have sanded to bare wood. I plan to use the Gemini Restore prior to finishing.

Craig Kepler
3 years ago

About a month ago I applied TWP 100 Cedar Tone on clean pressure treated deck that had been unstained and weathered about a year. Power washed about 1 week in advance. Dry weather. First rain was probably 2 weeks after application. As time has gone by, it’s getting a speckled look. Any thoughts on how to fix that?

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Craig Kepler
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

The specks are not visible when wet. They don’t wipe off with a wet rag. When the wet area dries they become visible again.

 
glen engstrand
3 years ago

have a wood sided house that has been stained with TWP in the past, the house is 36×24 and has a small 8X8 deck how much stain do i need, it has been a few years since i restrained it last what process should i use

glen engstrand
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

around 1500

Douglas Hartline
3 years ago

Are TWP stains recommended on cypress?

Jeff Fried
3 years ago

Our brand new screen porch has a fir floor that our contractor treated with TWP. It looks dirty. Trying to clean it with a sponge leaves lighter-colored spots and doesn’t fix the issue.

There’s history here. The first time he stained it the finish looked gorgeous but it was a really bright color that did not match the rest of the porch nor the adjoining composite deck. We asked him to make it a bit darker, and he added a second coat of a darker color, which came out horribly splotchy. He decided to start over and resanded it down, then stained it, and this is the result. He now says this is as good as it’s going to get. We don’t want to be pains and would happily pay for work to redo it if we knew that that would work. Or, if the best thing is to live with it for a year and then redo it, that’s ok too. We just don’t want to settle for an ugly floor when everything else is beautiful.

What’s your advice??

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Rosario Cabrera
3 years ago

our deck is more than 15 years , stripped of solid paint and some planks were replaced . Nicely stripped and sanded . I wanted the semi transparent oil based paint on it … to show the grains … is that advisable ? I am hoping we Dont have paint it solid again after it is stripped off the solid paint ? Pls advise

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Steve W.
3 years ago

Can I stain over a Douglas fir glulam beam that was pressure treated (non-incised) with a light penta oil ?

Steve W.
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Pentachlorophenol. One of the most common wood preservatives (for example, was typically used on telephone poles, etc). Any issues applying TWP over old penta oil ?

Scott Harvey
3 years ago

Two Projects:
Deck: 11 months old, treated pine.
Fence: 18 years old, treated pine, pressure washed occasionally, never treated with anything, somehow it’s still in pretty good shape.
Both in North Carolina.

Would like to treat both with a matching or similar color. Probably Pecan, or Honeytone. About 8 years ago a neighbor had some Cedartone, pretty sure it was 1501, not 101. We treated a small out of the way area of our fence. It has since turned orange.
Questions:
-Which should we use for each? 100 series or 1500 series?
-What cleaner/prep should we use for each? The deck is small- 150 sq ft. The fence is long: 5 ft tall, 200 ft total length.
-What would cause 1501 to turn orange, and what should we remove the stain with to prep for new stain?
Thanks!

Scott H
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

So, the deck (11 months old), and almost all of the fence (18 years old) has never had any stain. So it doesn’t need the stripper/brightener kit as there is nothing to strip. I should clean it right? With the Gemini kit? The brightener only? Something else? Thanks.

 
Chris robertson
3 years ago

Our pressure treated pine deck is now 12 months old and I just ordered TWP 116 Rustic and the Gemini Restore a Deck prep. I plan to do a “wet on wet” application. In the winter months the deck is largely/completely shaded, and the old deck got quite slippery due to mold/algae growth. Do you recommend any additives such as sand or crushed nut shells to enhance traction or do the TWP products limit mold/algae growth ? thanks. CR

Julie
3 years ago

I have a 1 year old clear heart redwood deck. Contractors put TWP stain on wood that wasn’t fully dry. Deck wasn’t sealed from water, wood starting cracking and black areas.
I put on the stripper and brightener exactly per instructions using both light brushing and power washing. Now, the deck looks worse than I started… help? Black areas, some areas are weird gray, blotches, just looks way worse than when I started… What did I do wrong?

Can I just lightly sand the deck to get the wood looking better… just one year ago, it was beautiful wood…

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Ann
3 years ago

We have just stripped and sanded an oak rocking chair, ready to refinish. Can the TWP 100 series be used as a finish on the chair so that the color will match our decks? Decks are finished with Cedartone. The rocker is stored in a covered area of the deck, not out in the open.

Ann
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank you!

 
Tamara
3 years ago

I have 110′ of 8′ tall bamboo fencing that has been treated with TWP in the past, the color was discontinued but is close to honey or natural. I think it is about 5 years old, and has only been stained once, it is looking very weathered. I live in Colorado at 7500′ and less than 7″ anual rainfall. Which product would be best and how much will I need for my fence.

Gordon
3 years ago

I have sanded my 10-year-old cedar deck and bought 2 gallons of TWP semi-solid stain, but I have a question about its application: The instructions on the cans say, for sanded wood, to “follow the instructions for New Wood above”, but the first sentence of the New Wood instructions says to let the wood age for 4-12 months–is the newly sanded deck really supposed to age for at least 4 months before I stain it?

Gordon
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

I used 60 grit.

Gordon
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Great, thanks.

Sandy
3 years ago

How can I remove dried TWP stain splatters from siding?

 
Wayne Flesch
3 years ago

what is the cure time for TWP 100? What is the drying time?

Mark
3 years ago

Can I TWP on my wooden deck if I put Thompson’s water seal on it last year

Betty
3 years ago

I am replacing my fence with cedar. To match the grey house siding I want to stain it. Which would be better the TWP100 series or the 200 series? And how long do I let it age before staining?

 
Julie Hayes
3 years ago

I have a redwood sided house that has not been stained in 7 years. We used Behr semi-transparent stain in a redwood color at that time. It is a two-story house that faces north. Looking for recommendations of cleaner/brightener & stain. Can this stain be purchased in a store or just online? Thank you.

Julie Hayes
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

See attached picture.

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CHARLEY
3 years ago

Time to restain my cedar siding. Can I apply the new semisolid stain over my old series 100 stain?

Paul Alex
3 years ago

I finally removed all of the CWF Flood product from a section of my pine logs. It was extremely stubborn. I used a stiff nylon brush to remove much of it after your stripper softened it. Then pressure washed it. I have clapboard milled into the face of the logs so I had to use 80 grit to sand under the laps. Now I’ve noticed lots of fuzz on the surface or “feathers”. I tried to sand it off but it’s very time consuming. I’m planning on buying an Osborne wheel. While I’m waiting for the wheel can I use the brightener or better to wait and remove the feathers first? Thanks!

 
Celeste
3 years ago

Which of the 101 series is the most natural look? We are applying on a new cedar deck but I do not care for the red tones of cedar. I prefer a more brown but not real dark. I have the sample card from a local dealer and I think I like the pecan or dark oak but your picture of dark oak looks really dark. Is that accurate? Am I leaning in the right direction from what I have told you. I am getting ready to order a couple samples. Thank You.

Paige
3 years ago

Hi,

I have a cedar screened porch that was originally stained with TWP 100 Series Cedartone. It was later unfortunately stained with a SuperDeck oil-based semi-transparent, which I want to remove.

I purchased your RAD Stain Stripper and RAD Thickening Gel additive and tested in a few areas. The SuperDeck came off very easily.

I have attached photos of the screened porch and wanted your advice on the approach.

Plan
1.) On the lower part of the deck outside and stairs (some pressure treated wood and some cedar) I would use the Stripper.

2.) On the inside of the deck (cedar) away from the wall with doors and windows I can also use the Stripper. I would stop about half-way up in that room so that I don’t get anything on the ceiling fan or ceiling when rinsing/spraying.

3.) On the wall with doors and windows I think I need to sand that entire wall because I assume the Stripper may harm the window trim. I would also sand the upper half of the room around the other 3 walls to avoid damaging the ceiling fan when rinsing/spraying.

4.) Not sure about the floor inside (pressure treated wood). Does this need to be sanded since there is a screen under the floors, or can I use the Stripper?

5.) The ceiling is original and still has TWP 100 Series Cedartone on it, so I wasn’t planning on doing anything to it.

Questions:
A.) Does the plan above seem correct so that nothing is damaged?

B.) I would follow all of the Stripper with the Brightener.

C.) Should the Brightener be used on the sanded areas?

D.) Does the Stripper have to be rinsed off with a pressure washer or is a hose fine?
If I remove all of the SuperDeck and stain with TWP 100 Series Cedartone, I assume that is all I need to protect the deck? I would just wash and re-apply every few years after that?

Thanks for all of your help.

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Paige
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank you for your fast response. To confirm floor has to be sanded or can stripper be used on floor even if a screen is below?

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