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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
What is the maximum high temperature for proper application of TWP?
90.
Does this include the TWP semi-solid?
Yes.
Do I need to use a sealant after a stain/Preservative on 10 year old porch
No, you cannot apply a sealer over the TWP stain.
I have many years old pine wood for my deck. It was pressure washed and a coat of TWP 1500 Honey color was applied. We planned to apply a second wet on wet coat but rain for multiple days interrupted that plan…so about 10 days after the first coat we applied a second coat to the flat rail pieces…a few hours after that we noticed there we a peculiar surface forming with a high sheen most places…almost bubbling but not quite. I wiped it down..did help but not perfect. Now I’m debating if I should do the remaining floor flat surfaces or just wait…help please.
You should apply the second coat to a fully dry coat as it can create issues. Best to leave as-is for now. You can always prep and apply a light coat in 12 months or longer.
By prepping in 12 months you don’t mean another pressure wash??
Yes, pressure wash and the Gemini Restore Kit whenever you recoat.
I previously stained my deck with TWP100 Cedartone (101) and it needs to be stained again. It looks like the local stores don’t carry it and the 100 series is no longer available in Colorado. Now what?
Prep with the Gemini Kit and stain with the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I have about 1-1/2 gallons of TWP100 Cedartone (101) leftover from a couple years ago. Is TWP100 compatible with TWP 1500 Series or should I discard the TWP100 and start over with TWP 1500 Series?
Discard and start over.
I have a new redwood fence. How long before I can apply twp 1500 / what should the moisture content be?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
How many hours after using the Restore a Deck Brightener is required before application of the TWP Stain-1500?
Deck has been sanded w/80 grit and temps have been in upper 70’s during the day.
48 hours.
I’m stripping and re-staining cedar sidings of the entire house ( 4 bedroom house with dormers etc…, house is in WY : snow, sun, dry climate) – a lot of work !! In addition I’m building a garage extension which will get new cedar sidings.
Thank you.
Use the TWP 1500 Series for this cedar siding. Samples are here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
TWP 1500 for BOTH new and old cedar sidings? or 200 for old and 1500 for new?
TWP 1500 has linseed oil?
Thanks
RH
The 200 is for shakes and shingles. The 1500 is for all wood types old and new. It has a small amount of linseed oil in it.
I read linseed oil is not recommended for exterior woods – not UV resistant and food for mildew. I would like to understand why TWP uses it ?
Thank you.
RH
There is nothing wrong with using linseed oil in your stain and all “oils” will not be UV resistant and can attract mildew. That is why you have trans oxides in the stain to help with the UV and TWP contains an EPA registered algaecide that prevents mildew. The only oil-based stain on the market that contains this algaecide.
The info you are reading is faulty and not fully explaining it.
What is difference between TWP 100 & 200?
The 200 series is for shakes and shingles. The 100 is for all wood types.
Staining cedar deck rail spindles in clear TWP100 which will be stripped and brightened first. I’m concerned about the product (RAD) dripping onto our composite Azek deck surface. Will it harm the deck finish? I have had issues with even Simple Green leaving marks. What kind of prep do you suggest, to mask off? Additive to thicken?
We have not had issues with the RAD products harming composites.
Good afternoon I have a deck that’s coming up on a year old and my painter 6 months ago put stickers stain on my deck and it molding…. I need help on the steps to fix this problem… We live in an area that gets a lot of rain and lots of sun..We live in WNC in the Smokie Mt’s I don’t have a lot of trees close to my house! My painter said to clean it every month…. and he also said to bleach it…. My home is a yr old and I know something is not right….Please help!
We would need to see pictures. Post here in the comments.
Thank you I hope y’all can help!! I noticed this an after rain that the water also doesn’t bead up…..My stain is only 6 months old…… I hope the photos come thru!!
No photos. TWP is not designed to bead water as it is breathable. It sheds water instead.
Here are the photos of my deck… can you tell me the best product you guys sell to make this not happen to my deck in six months? This is what my ducks doing after six months with the they used stickins sealer?
You will have to strip and power sand to remove it fully. Once fully removed, you would clean and brighen for final prep and then applying the TWP 1500 or 100 Series.
Near Seattle; have a 2004 cedar fence (long and bordering 3 neighbors). Clear stained when built in 2004 and not since then; don’t know product used. Husband says, “Product wore off a long time ago and is not affecting the fence any more.” Will use TWP100 in clear. We have mixed sun/shade; and mold-mildew and dark spots in some areas; some areas under Douglas fir trees. It’s a sizeable job of 350-ft of fencing and lots of garden plants underfoot. What kind of prep do we need to do so that product works well, and what kind of prep is done just so it appears great? Can we just brighten or must we strip as well? And rough idea of gallons needed? Many thanks.
We need to see some pictures for prep help. Post here in the comments.
Photos for the above.
Use this kit for prep while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
So you don’t think we need to strip it first? Just clean and brighten? Or is it to brighten AFTER stripping?
Clean and brighten should work.
Best Clear/transparent deck protective product for a pine, pressure treated deck in central FL; deck is 2 yrs old with no product ever used on it. Decks get cleaned-pressure washed a few times a year yet we’re being told to get something on the decks. We want the finish to look like natural pine, no gloss and as transparent or clear as we can get.
TWP 100 Series in Clear: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-100-series
How often does TWP need to be redone? evert year?
On a deck, every 2-3 years is normal. On vertical wood, 3-7 years is normal.
I have a 1 year old pressure treated pine deck & a walkway that was re-topped. The only visible old wood was the walkway rim joist. The rim joist had some other non identified semi transparent stain. My contractor power washed everything and I went back over the previously stained rim joist with the restore-a-deck stripper kit w/ the boosters and lightly hit the top of the new deck w/ the brighter. I heavily rinsed everything with the garden hose for over an hour to get it all off. When everything was dry, ~40 hrs later it was amazing that old wood and new wood were nearly 100% identical. My contractor then stained with TWP 120 pecan. Unfortunately my contractor only did one coat. My mistake instead of asking for the wet on wet second coat for this. Railings were all done by brush and deck top and lattice was all sprayed with a hvlp. This was all done about 3 weeks ago.
It looks fantastic when dry but I’ve noticed a couple of things with our recent crazy rain storms rolling through central NC.
My questions:
1. Proabbly just mineral deposits from the water. No issues.
2. No, you cannot apply another coat for 6-12 months and you will have to prep first as well.
3. Not an issue. TWP is designed to shed water, not bead.
I HAVE A PORT ORFORD CEDAR DECK THAT HAS BEEN CEDAR TINT STAINED TWICE. IN APRIL I ADDED AN ADDITIONAL 150 SQ FT TO THE EXISTING 600 SQ FT DECK. WILL CLEANER AND BRIGHTER PROPERLY PREPARE THE 750 SQ FT DECK TO BE STAINED WITH TWP OR WILL I HAVE TO HAVE THE DECK SANDED FIRST?
THANK YOU
LEE PORTER
The current stain needs to be removed first. Post pictures for prep help.
What is the difference between TWP 100 vs New TWP Semi-Solid Stain?
TWP 100 Series has semi-transparent colors while the other is semi-solid colors.
I just put in a new pergola in my backyard. See attached picture. I want to use the TWP product. I’m attaching a picture of what my pergola looks like — it’s treated pine and 18′ x 13′. Which product of yours do I need to purchase? Is one coat okay? How often do I need to re-stain? Also, how many gallon(s) do you think I’ll need?
Please see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 1500 after wait and prep. One coat. 2-3 gallons.
I just applied TWP 1500 California Redwood to my fence. The fence is pressure treated pine, horizontal slats, 5/4 boards. It is 9 sections of 72 sq. ft., or about 648 sq. ft. per side. I coated both sides using an airless sprayer. Since the fence is two years old and never coated before, I was planning on doing the wet on wet application. After starting the application, I could see that one coat was covering nicely and wasn’t being sucked in. Now I have some left over stain which I would rather use up, so can I use it on the fence to finish up the product and not have it sitting around for a while? I finished the job about 3 days ago. The results were fantastic, great product!
When applying a second coat, it needs to be wet on wet. Applying a second coat to the stain after the first coat dries could result in over-application issues.
I am ready to stain the rough cut 2’x10″ pine rafters and rough cut 4″x12″ pine beams with TWP1504 Black Walnut. Above the rafters are smooth 1’x6″ #2 pine, tongue and groove. For this my plan is for TWP115 Pro Series Honeytone.
My question is: In order to save some time, if I apply the 2 coats of 115 Pro Series Honeytone first to the tongue and groove, with an airless sprayer and then brush out, will the overspray of Honeytone on the rough cut rafters and beams still take the 2 coats of TWP1504 Black Walnut?
Maybe simpler to ask – if I cover all with 115 Pro Series Honeytone can I come back and reapply TWP 1504 Black Walnut over the Honeytone?
Avoid over application and using two different colors on the same wood. It may not take.
I used TWP100 3 yrs ago. Time for a new lighter color. Can I switch to TWP 1500 after a strip and brighten prep?
Yes, you can. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Three decks, all different ages. After power washing, they are different colors. One is very light, looks like new wood, others are much darker probably cuz they were stained a lot more.
I just bought semi transparent redwood color 100. Will this make decks look the same or should I go semi solid
They will not all blend with a semi-transparent color.
I have used Twp 100 for my cedar cabin and have one side that seems a lot darker than the other. It was last coated with TWP clear about 2 yrs ago. What would you recommend to get the darker side closer to the lighter side?
Strip and brighen all with this kit to get it even before applying the TWP: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a new log home. Professional stainer stained logs. He used a HVLP sprayer and said something about stain mixture with mineral oil. I plan on using a hand pump sprayer for my decks. Decking is treated pine do I mix anything with TWP 100
Thank you
No, do not mix the TWP with anything.
I applied TWP to my deck in 2018 after a thorough prep including sanding. It’s time to reapply. It is quite faded and there is some green buildup in areas. What is the best way to clean and prep the deck surface for the next coat of TWP? Also previously I sprayed it on. This time I will need to apply by an alternative method. What is the best way to apply?
Thank you.
Prep with the Gemini Kit. https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Use stain pads and brushes for applying: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
I have been staining my deck with TWP 100 each year for the last 3-4 years. I have not used the RAD cleaner and brightener but was going to try it this year. My question is is the RAD cleaner/brightener what I should use or do I need the stripper/brightener?
You have a build-up of coatings so best to strip and brighen for the prep. Use both stripper additives as well.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
How long after the deck is stripped and brightened do I have to apply the stain. I know I need to wait at least 48 hrs.
Stain within 14 days.
Thank you! This is a great resource for questions about a great product !
This deck is now stripped and brightened. Do I want to apply a single coat or 2 coats wet on wet ?
Two coats wet on wet.
Thanks
Hello and thank you in advance for your help. I just had an outdoor shower installed (last week) and it’s made of planed western red cedar purchased from HomeDepot. It’s never been stained or treated in any way. I’m thinking of using your TWP Series 100 Cedartone semi-transparent oil-based stain. My main question is whether or not I should wait 4-12 months to treat it (as your articles suggest), or treat it ASAP (as the Guide To Finishing Western Red Cedar, which I downloaded from the Bear Creak Lumber site suggests).
I’ve attached a photo of my shower.
Thank you again for your guidance.
You must wait and prep.
Thank you for the clarification. I’ll wait then.
Just purchased a new to me home with a wood siding front. Built in 9/18 and builder finished siding with Permachink lifeline advance, gloss finish, exterior clear topcoat, which is a water based product. Do I need to do anything special before using TWP? In Southern Missouri
You will need to fully remove the current coating and that will require sanding down to the bare wood.
Hello. I have a new screened porch, about 6 months old. My painter assured me that using 2 coats of oil based TWP was the way to go.
He did no prep, and now with 2 coats, it will NOT dry.
It’s been sitting for a week now and is extremely wet and tacky.
Any thoughts on options here? I’m tempted to use restore a deck stripper and see if it all comes off, then try again in another 6 months.
It doesn’t help that I don’t like the color and would prefer a different stain color, but that’s another question- if I strip it now, will it take all the color out so I can use a lighter stain color?
Oh, and it’s pressure treated pine, if that matters.
Thanks for any help!
FYI, he did many things incorrect as he did not prep and only one coat for new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You should probably strip if you do not like the color. Use this kit with both additives:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
You can use any color after.
Thanks for the reply. Firing the painter today and DIYing the strip and re-stain.
Since I’ll be taking down to bare wood now, would it make any sense to go ahead and let it age the full 12 months before I apply the new color stain? I realize I’ll need to reclean and prep at that point, just wondering if I’d benefit by letting it age the rest of the way…?
No benefit to waiting longer.
Greetings. New TWP user here.
I applied two thin coats of #1530 to each of two floors, each about 200SF. The room on the left in this image is a bedroom with a 100 year old heart pine floor, and the one on the right is a porch with a 20-year old mahogany floor. Both were sanded down to virgin material with a final sanding coarseness of #120. We are just outside of Boston, so it freezes and rains and has sun here.
They both look gorgeous! My question is about the inside, which has large sliding windows on all four sides (not shown in the image, as they are out being stripped and refinished), which are often open and allow the elements in. Although it is unheated, we actually use this room as a bedroom year-round.
My wife is concerned that the bedroom floor, which we can wet-mop but not hose down as we could the porch floor, may develop dirt, pollen, etc on its surface and turn gray over time. She thinks we should coat it with polyurethane as one might do to an inside floor. My plan was to treat it as a deck with your protective stain alone, and no smooth sealing polyurethane.
What do you suggest? Will both floors stay gorgeous with a bit of cleaning and restaining every 5 years, or should we apply a marine poly or something else to one or both?
Thanks and best regards, jb
TWP cannot be top coated or a poly applied over it. Leave as is or if you want a poly coating, the TWP will need to be removed.
Thanks for the quick reply! Is there any potential for a problem such as she anticipates, being unable to clean dirt from the surface?
Yes, that could be an issue down the road.
uh oh. So, how do you suggest handling that issue? And how far down the road?
You would have to remove the TWP when it starts to deteriorate in a few years.
How would I remove the TWP when it “starts to deteriorate in a few years”? It penetrates, right, so are you talking using a chemical like “cleaner” or sanding down to virgin wood?
Could I just apply another coat of TWP then, instead of removing the old coats?
You would have to sand to remove or recoat since you cannot use water in there.
When you say I cannot use water, I presume it is OK to wash with soap and water, right?
I wouldn’t want to sand my floors down every few years! What is the drawback of recoating? My initial coats were #1530 natural. Would you suggest recoating with this same colored material or the #1500 clear?
You can clean with water as needed but you cannot pressure wash in there. You always have to prep when recoating and you need to either use a pressure washer with the Gemini Kit (which will not work for you) or sand. Never use the clear over a stain color.
Sorry, I’m a little confused. Do I have these 5 items straight?
Thanks jb
Correct.
I have a multi-level deck with southern exposure. It is Tiger wood, built in 2004 and has had nothing but TWP 1530 ever used on it. The problem that I have always noted is that Tiger Wood turns gray quickly and of course the TWP 1530 is basically clear and does little to slow that process. I love the look of the Tiger wood when it is new, freshly sanded or pressure washed. We have been looking at your newest product (TWP Semi-Solid stain) and I am hoping that it might slow the graying process up.
I want to switch to your new Semi-solid product in either Hunting Lodge or Redwood color. I am going to order samples to help us make the decision.
My question is – Since I pressure wash the deck before I put any cleaner on it is there anything I need to do to ensure that the TWP Semi-Solid stain is going to penetrate and adhere properly?
You will need to remove the current stain fully using this kit and pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
My screened porch is one year old, and we are ready to stain/seal it. The decking boards closest to the house have not been as exposed to the weather as the boards further out. The age of the wood qualifies to use TWP, but how about exposure? Do you think the boards that haven’t been exposed to the elements as much will absorb the stain after being properly prepped? Should I look at a different product?
After you prep with the Gemini Restore Kit, it will all even out.
Our deck has lumber from an old motor oil storage , washed but plenty of oil in it , will TWP “Blister” ? just wanting a clear finish
Post some pictures of the wood here in the comments.
Purchased a house with a pressure treated deck that was built in June 2017 but never stained. We live in the northeast on a treed lot where the deck sees little sun daily. The deck was grayed so we cleaned and prepped the deck and applied 1 coat of TWP 1500 Cedartone on August 2, 2021. The deck is 380 sq ft and the flooring and rails took 6.5 gallons. Should I apply a second coat on the deck flooring or leave as it until wear/fade is present? Thanks
Leave as is.
Thank you!
If a deck was stained with one coat of twp last year, can you clean it with soap and do another coat or would it have to be stripped to put two coats altogether on.
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit when recoating. It is a cleaner and brighener kit.
My daughter stained a small deck/porch with your Cedar stain. It was pretreated deck boards approx 1 year old, never stained. She power washed it first and then stained. The first coat went on and dried. She put a 2nd coat on it and it is not drying all the way there is still wet stain. She used a pad to put it on and says there really wasnt alot of excess stain laying on it. What can she do to get the stickiness off , anything?
Sounds like she did not apply the second coat wet on wet as instructed? At this point, she can remove the excess with mineral spirits and rags. Soak all oily rags in water when done.
Our deck and “fence” surround is 15+ years old pressure treated pine. In good shape for its age. We just power washed and cleaned it and replaced some rotted deck boards this week. The last time we stained it we used TWP 100 and it was awesome; held up for 6yrs and was still going strong, just time for a refresh. Based upon the age of the wood with now some new wood mixed in, which TWP product would you recommend? See pictures attached. Thank you in advance for your help 🙂
Use the same color and series as last time.
Great; thank you!
According to the company that stained my deck previously, they used your product. Im trying to match it up and they supposedly used your 200 series California Cedar. I cant seem to find that. Can you help me.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
We are staining our deck. The wood is treated pine. The deck was built in 2015, stained with Thompson WaterSeal waterproofing stain in semi transparent in 2017. The stain failed quickly and we have procrastinated re-staining. Currently the wood is in fairly good condition. We plan to light sand with 60 g on rough areas of railing and floor. We are using the restore stripper and low power washer. The Thompsons is difficult to remove. Any tips appreciated. The deck is large and we are old. We are trying to break it up into manageable sections starting with the pergola. Deck is shaded most of the morning. We have the brightener and TWP 100 to follow.
Use the RAD stripper with both additives, let dwell for 30-60 minutes and then pressure wash off. If needed spot sand any stubborn stain that does not strip. Brightener goes on last.
I treated my cedar fence with TWP stain 4 years ago. When will I need to restain?
Every 4-6 years or as needed on a fence.
What is the delivery time to South Carolina once an order is placed.
2-4 business days.
I have a beam we stained with the TWP 100 cedartone. Prior to staining the beam we had to pull off a 2×4 that was nailed to the beam. There wasn’t anything visually we could see before staining but after staining the beam you can see where the 2×4 was nailed to the beam and left a mark. Is there a way to restain the beam to get rid of the mark showing up?
Outside of removing all and starting over there is not anything else you can do.
What do I need to use to remove the stain?
Try sanding it off.
We have a 1500 square foot area we want to apply dark oak 103 to which includes two decks with skirting and rails. How many gallons should we buy?
See here: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-deck-stain-calculator
How many square feet does one gallon of dark oak 103 cover?
150-250 Sq feet on average for one coat.
How much longer would the semi solid last than the semitransparent – thx
It will give better UV protection before fading. About an extra year on a horizontal deck.
Can I get black walnut in the 100 series of semi transparent stains?
It is only a option in the 1500 Series.
Hello, we stained our covered porch with TWP 1500 Series a couple months ago. It’s was beautiful, but now it’s covered in what looks like water spots. In some locations the wood looks nearly white. I’m so disappointed. Do you have any suggestions? The wood was 1 year old, bare, pressure treated boards. My porch is 36×25 wrap around. We purchased the suggested deck cleaner to clean and restore the PH. It dried for the 3 days, maybe longer. It was then left alone for nearly a week after the stain was applied. We only applied the suggested single coat. Now this.. Help! Our porch is beautiful. We have told everyone about your product when they stop and ask. Now they are seeing the white spots. I just want it to look nice again. It’s only been a couple months.
Did you buy the TWP stain from us directly? We only see the prep kit and sample orders.
As for help, please show some pictures
When I contacted your phone number I was told Elery W Nau Inc. In Montoursville, PA was an authorized retailer. So we purchased it there. See attached photos.
That is water spots dripping from your plants. It is either mineral deposits or fertilizer deposits. Nothing to do with the TWP stain. Try wiping it off with a wet rag.
I have tried. It doesn’t wipe off. It’s not only from the plants occasionally dripping but rain as well. I’m putting in an irrigation system to eliminate dripping. Any product you recommend using to remove the deposits that’s TWP friendly?
Try warm water with a little bit of dish soap.
Hello- We Stained our deck with 1500 series in 2019, should I purchase the gemni restore kit or just pressure wash and apply another thin coat of stain?
Thank you!
Use the Gemini Kit.
Do 5 gallon cans have pour spouts and if so, in center or outside of lid?
No pour spouts in the lids as you need to take the lid off fully to properly stir and mix the container.
My deck has composite wood (old Trex) that is about 15 yrs old. The surface has started to get rough and perhaps decomposing a bit. I’d like to try and restore it with a stain. What woul you recommend, which would also help seal the surface to slow or stop the weathering?
Use the TWP Semi-Solid colors for this: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Hello – I would like to use one of the TWP stains on clear western red cedar siding. I am looking for superior protection from mildew – would you recommend the TWP100 or TWP1500 – thanks for your help,
Bryan
Most use the TWP 1500 Series of siding.