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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
WV 8 yr old treated pine deck, stripped with Behr stripper and brightener. Because I didn’t decide on which TWP I was going with, and recommendation was stain within 2 weeks after prep, I did the prep again with TWP restore clean/ brighten. Due to rainy weather I haven’t had a stretch of days where it can dry, be stained and not be rained on. So now I’m back to it being a month since I prepped. Do I need to prep again. We are supposed to have some nice days next week, 50-60 day and 40s at night. Is it ok to go ahead without a 3rd prep, or should I just wait till spring and reprep then? Bought 10 gal of TWP semi-solid. Thank you.
Yes, prep again.
Will you ship Pro Series stain to Orange, Virginia?
No, it is not allowed there.
Can the TWP pro series semi-solid stain be applied to horizontal pressure treated decking? and can you ship the TWP pro-series to zip code 22301? If it can’t be shipped there is there a comparable color to the “thunderstorm” color in the 1500 series?
No, it cannot be shipped there and there is not a compatible color.
We have a redwood deck stained with TWP 1503 that needs restaining. Is power washing sufficient prep or should deck cleaner be used.
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I previously stained my deck with TWP. As you can see in the before photo, there is a lot of black mold. I stripped it this weekend and some of the black mold came off, but there are residual black stains emanating from the board ends. What are these stains and can they be removed? My deck is shaded most of the year and mold seems to be an ever present issue. However it seems mold grew in the stain this time – it would not come off with cleaning. Considering the shady conditions is TWP transparent still recommended or should I go with semi solid? Tips to minimize mold?
I still have leaning step to do – just wondering how to stain for best long lasting appearance…
That black is internal at the end of the boards and will not come out with stripping. You could try to sand it off. After you stain, try “Wet and Forget” to minimize future mildew growth.
I recently stained a deck with 100 series stain (120 Pecan). Deck was prepped with 2-step Gemini treatment (which is amazing). Water beads well on the railing (see picture) but only beaded well on the deck surface for a couple days. Could this be because I didn’t apply enough stain to the deck surface? In the other picture see the area where water is spread out (not beading), and also see the area with dirt from dogs. Questions: can I treat with something to allow application of more stain? Is this the issue or is it normal? What can I use to periodically clean the dirt off deck that won’t damage the stained surface? Thanks.
TWP is not designed to bead water as it is breathable. Just use water to clean. Anything chemicals can damage the stain causing a need to reapply.
Hi,
I applied the 100 Series to my deck two years ago. A few weeks ago I had a rogue painting company that was painting my siding begin sanding my 100 year old house, which has lead paint. In this, there’s now lead dust all over our deck. After the fact, they used TSP to clean and rinse the wood to get rid of the lead dust. Have you ever heard of TSP shortening the effectiveness of the stain? I’m considering having the contractor re-stain, but says he wants to seal it instead. Any thoughts on how to prolong the stain at this point?
Never heard of it harming the stain but you cannot apply a sealer over the TWP stain ever. You can only prep (use the Gemini Kit) and reapply the same TWP stain you used prior.
We just applied 1 coat of the 100 series stain on a newer cedar deck (about 10 months old) that has never been stained or sealed. We finished 24 hours ago but now see that we should have put 2 coats on as there are some areas that did not absorb as well. Is it to late to apply a lite 2nd coat? Any suggestions?
Don’t apply another one now. You can light clean and apply another coat next spring or summer.
Hi,
I live in WV, I have stripped the old oil based stain off of my deck and used the brightener to lighten and prep the surface. Unfortunately with the leaves coming down and the temperature dropping, I may not be able to apply the new sealant. I intend to use your semi-solid pro series stain/sealer. If I don’t apply it before the spring, is there anything I can put on my deck in the meantime to protect it and still be compatible with the future pro series coating?
It will be fine. Just leave as is until next Spring and then clean and brighten for prep.
Just stained our deck with 1500 series. Had some small areas that got on our vinyl siding and concrete. Any suggestions on clean up for these surfaces?
BTW, we absolutely loved the cleaner and brightener! The system worked great!👍
Try a water based graffiti remover from local store.
Hello,
We live in Florida on a freshwater lake. Looking to restain my existing dock/deck and the steps/guidance that is needed to get it done right.
Hope this helps.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Pictures of the current deck for prep help. Thanks.
Hello, my apologies on the reply. Your email went to spam. Here are the pictures requested. Thank You
The second picture is a new deck recently installed. The first picture with the long walkway has been recently pressure washed and is about 5 years old.
Strip and brighten the deck with the old stain:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Celan and brighen the new deck. See here first about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hello,
Once I strip and brighten the old deck, how long before I can stain it?
What are my options to stain the deck?
How long before I can clean and brighten the new deck since it just got installed?
When can/should I stain the deck afterwards?
48 hours after prep to let the wood dry to stain. Use the 100 or 1500 Series. Read the article we sent you in the prior response about the new wood.
After doing step 1 and 2, what is the longest period of time I can wait to actually apply the stain?
Is been raining regularly and have not been able to get a couple of dry days for 2 weeks now?
No more than 2 weeks otherwise you will most likely need to redo the prep.
Can the 1500 stain be shipped to Central Virginia at 22433 or 22960?
The TWP 1500 can be shipped anywhere in the US.
OK, thanks.
And should I go with the Pro Series? Seems that is limited, please check those zips and advise.
Thanks again.
The TWP 100 Series and the TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series cannot be shipped to Northern VA around the DC area. They can be shipped to the rest of VA.
Sorry for not originally including this other question.
If I go for the Pro Series, can that product be shipped to Central Virginia at either 22542 or 22960?
Thanks again.
The TWP 100 Series and the TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series cannot be shipped to Northern VA around the DC area. They can be shipped to the rest of VA.
HELP!! I stained my composite deck floor with TWP #1504 semi-transparent stain and it looks awful. How can I remove the stain?
Also, does a solid stain work on a composite deck floor? Please advise. Thanks!
The TWP 1500 Series is not designed for composites. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit to remove with both additives:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
We do not sell solid stains. You can use our semi-solids for composite floors:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thank you so much for this information!!!
In the midst of a TWP job, a 2-inch-thick, 1’x5′ piece of weathered cedar had to be replaced with PT pine. Once installed, it was remembered that the pine couldn’t be stained yet, ruining the inspection deadline. Is there a way to “artificially weather” the pine, like sand with 30 grit and squirt with the hose daily for the next 2.5 to 3 months? It faces south in hot Florida.
No, there is not a way to do this.
we had to replace some cedar siding during a renovation and we’re trying to roughly match the existing (75 year old) stained wood, which had been stained with 1500 natural previously. there’s a decent amount of variation in the existing wood so we were hopeful that it would work out ok, but it’s pretty far off. For reference, for the new boards we used 3 coats of the 1500 natural stain to try to match it. Any suggestions on how best to blend this? maybe a cedarwood or darker stain? it’s never going to be perfect, but want to get it a bit closer to matching the old stuff. thanks!
Sorry but not possible to blend new and old wood. The new wood will always stain lighter since it is less absorbent. Mixing different wood types and colors will not help much or at all.
Our newly stained deck has “freckles”. Namely the knots that did not accept the stain. There are a lot of “freckles” Any suggestions?
It is normal for knots to stain lighter in color. This is due to the density of the wood there. There is not anything you can do to stain them darker.
I’m in northeast Arizona. I’m concerned about the temperature and if the stain will dry properly. The days are typically sunny and in the mid to upper 50’s. The nights are in the low 30’s. Will these temperature ranges be okay to apply the stain?
As long as it does not drop below freezing the first night, you are okay.
We have a Cedar deck that was installed in the Fall of last year. We just stained it with your TWP 1503 stain and followed all of the pre-stain steps. Some of the boards took a lot darker than the others and they were all new boards. How do we fix this do we start over from square one with the prep kit or can we stain over the dry boards that did not take the stain as dark as the rest of them?
You will have to strip and brighen for prep.
I used your cleaner & brightener kit today on my deck. Awesome product. Wish I had thought to check your website before blowing $50 on worthless couple options at local box store. My question is I have concrete paver sidewalk that has an oil based sealer on them. Can I use this kit to clean them & will it remove the sealer or do you have a product that will? I need to re-stain them because their color has faded so need to remove sealer first. Thxs.
The cleaner will not remove an oil-based sealer from your pavers.
I have a pine pressure treated deck. One year ago, I applied TWP 1501. This year, I cleaned and brightened the deck with RAD and applied a maintenance coat to the deck. Brushed on a light coat and then went back over and brushed in the stain again. Did not apply a wet on wet second coat. There were no puddles. The deck was able to dry for over 48 hours about 2.5 days. One week later, it appears that the stain is “bubbling” out of the cracks in the wood. It is leaving an ugly and sticky residue. I tried wiping it off with a rag and some of it comes off in “crumbs” (small dry particles like sanding dust). It takes a lot of effort to remove it. How can this be easily removed? Why is it doing this?
It is not the stain doing this. Probably sap leeching out. No easy way to clean it. Try some mineral spirits.
how do I find my older posts and q and a?
Maybe search your emails for the links?
I have a 1.5 year old deck with redwood framing and composite decking. Contractor sealed the redwood with a clear coat water based Sherwin Williams product. The clear coat has not held up to the extensive sun exposure here in California. What prep do you recommend if I use your oil based semi-transparent stain over the exisiting water based product?
You will have to remove it. Post some pictures.
Pictures you requested
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
In the Spring I refinished my deck with the cedar tone transparant TWP stain. It turned out beautiful. We have since then gotten an appreciable amount of rain and warm weather. I have noticed recently water on the deck surface is no longer beading up like it has. Should I be concerned? The color is not as rich as it once was either. Do I need to stain again?
No issue and is normal. TWP is designed to be breathable and not bead water but shed water.
Thanks! Since I have about 4 gallons left when would you recommend that I should reapply.
A couple of years.
what is the difference between the 100 series and the Pro-Series
The 100 Series is the 100 Pro Series, not two different things.
Please explain what is considered as “Northern Virginia.” Interested in the TWP Semi-Solid ProSeries but not sure whether we reside in that designated area.
All counties surrounding DC in VA cannot use the 100 Series.
Thank you! One more question, I read an article that said Trex should be sealed after a couple coats of stain. Do you feel this is necessary or will one coat of TWP Semi-Solid ProSeries do the job?
You can never apply a sealer over a deck stain. It will peel if you do.
Older redwood deck/stairs, previously stained with TWP, but overdue for re-staining. Workers sanded first. Can RAD cleaner and brightener be applied now before stain?
Yes.
What is the difference between between the 1500, 100 and pro-series stains. I have a 30 year old deck to refinish.
https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
2 years ago I stained my deck using the TWP preservative cedartone. I replaced 2 boards last year. I can’t find the preservative. Can I use the protectant on those 2 boards? What is the difference?
Same stain, no differnce.
About the question below, would the 1504 Black Walnut complement the triangular patch on the right in the picture as far as color, or would Cabin Fever of the Pro Series be better? Thank youf for your help…. .
The 1500 info I read says for all wood types, but “cedar siding” is specifically mentioned. I was going to use the new semi-solid Pro-Series for my cedar siding but I might change my mind. I’m more interested in whichever would be best for mold/mildew prevention, better water repellent, and the practical aspects of lower maintenance.and better wood preervation. Is the Pro Series thicker to apply maybe? . .
They both have the same consistency and will give the same results with water and mildew protection. Better UV protection with the semi-solids.
Hopefully I can use your Gemini strip and brightener to prep this 80-year-old siding that has what’s left of Sikkens Cetol 1 and 23 on it from the late 90’s (only one coat). Would it be wise for me to try the kit first? I’m hoping what’s left is so old, that I won’t have to sand, but the old Sikkens instructions said I’d have to sand to remove the coat. If I use your kit and there’s still some “varnish left” and I just sand those spots, it won’t be even, will it?
You need the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kit, not the Gemini kit. I should take it off in addition to pressure washing.
Either color would work well for you.
Can I mix TWP 1500 clear and 1501 Cedartone ? Are they compatible when mixed and applied?
Yes, you can.
thanks
I’m using TWP semi solid. When I put it down on the deck boards it seems like it wasn’t mixed enough and looks more like a transparent or semi transparent. It doesn’t look bad but I want to know if I am getting the full UV and water protection. Would it even be possible to do a second coat(it’s already dry) without completely starting over. Thanks.
Post some pictures.
When washing my outside windows,I use a solution of water and vinegar,if the solution gets on the 100 series deck stain will it have an effect on the stain.
Possibly so try to avoid.
I have a new section added to my deck in Georgia. The entire deck old and new is PT Pine. The original deck is 25 years old and has been treated with TWP products (1501 Cedartone for the last several years) throughout the years.
Is it okay to use TWP Semi Solid on the floor decking on the new and old decking? How should I treat the old decking? What color Semi Solid will most closely match 1501 Cedartone? Thank you.
You will need to strip and brighten the old and weather and prep the new. See here about the new wood.
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
No color matches the 1501 exactly.
Thanks for the reply. The color doesn’t have to match exactly. I’m just looking for the closest semi solid to 1501 cedartone.
Color varies based on wood type and age so no way to answer correctly for your wood. Best to test samples.
What color in the TWP Semi-Solid Wood Stain group is most similar to Pecan in the TWP 100 stain?
Nothing matches. Close would be Earth, Musket, Appalachian Trail.
Thank you.
In July, we stripped our cedar deck using Restore-a-Deck stripper followed by their brightener. Then we stained using TWP Cedartone 1501. It looked beautiful. Now the deck has darkened quite a bit with what appears to be mildew. We have had a wet summer and with the cool fall nights, there is a lot of moisture that sits on the deck for a good part of the day. The part of the deck that is covered and not subject to the standing moisture still looks beautiful. What should we use to remove the mildew without harming the stain?
Try “Wet and Forget” but do a test spot first.
I am in Connecticut . I have my deck prepped and ready to go. the day temperature for the next few days is in the mid 60s and predicting a low of 46 deg over nite. will this affect the drying.
No issues.
I have ready seal color walnut on my cedar playground. Ready Seal is a commercial grade oil based, semi-transparent sealer and stain for exterior wood. It is a unique blend of resin, finely ground transoxide pigments, oil and algaecide that penetrates deeply into wood to protect and preserve it from the elements. The cedar playground is needing to be stained again but NOW I want to put TWP 103-5 pro series in dark oak over the Ready Seal. Can I do this? If so, are there steps I am required to take before staining? Both products have similar descriptions and are oil based.
You have to remove the RS first. Very easy as it is a non-curing stain. Use this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thank you
I’m charring 1×6 cypress I’m the Japanese shou Sugi Ban method and would like to further seal the wood to better maintain the alligator char finish. Was going to use a traditional exterior clear polyurethane but looks like TWP would be a better product- I live in Virginia- thoughts?
You can use the TWP over it.
Ok thanks – which type?
100 or 1500 Series.
Can you apply the semi solid stain over small areas of old stain. The deck has been stripped and brightened. Very small areas of old stain remain. I used restore a deck products.
Post a picture or two.
Here’s pictures
You are okay to stain with the Semi-Solid.
I live in middle Georgia and have a screened in porch with SYP PT floor.
the floor is 8 years old and has never been stained or painted and is in very good condition. I now want to stain to add color to the space.what stain do you recommend and what prep procedure?
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and then stain with two coats of TWP 100 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I live in central VA. I have kiln dried yellow pine pt deck that I last stained 2 1/2 yrs ago with 1 coat Armstrong Clear. I plan on using Restore cleaner & brightener & pressure washing before staining. It’s already getting in to the 40’s at night. I’m afraid the stain won’t have time to cure. I have a dog that needs the deck to go in and out continuously. Can I apply 1 coat & reapply a second coat in the spring? Would I need to use both the cleaner & brightener again or just pressure wash? The main part of deck is about 10 yo and gets sun and shade with a lot of trees around. I was going to use TWP 100 pecan? Is this best for a deck that gets a lot of water and green mold?
You need to use the RAD Stripper and Brightener if switching to TWP stains. Use the TWP 100 or 1500 for your area.
Zone 6, Wheeling, WV. I have a 9 yr old treated pine deck previously treated with Olympic Maxium deck, fence and siding stain, penetrating acrylic/oil formula semi-transparent. Removed with Behr #64 wood stain and finish stripper, then with Behr all-in-one wood cleaner #63. .Will do a mild sanding if needed. Plan on applying TWP 100 semitransparent? Should I do a 2 coats wet on wet? I’ve got samples and don’t like looks of just 1 coat. Do them right after each other, wait 24 hr or more? The Olympic held up very well for all those years, breaking down where it was not covered with the pergola or covered roof. There were some mildew issues in few areas. I don’t want to have to go through all that stripping again. How many times can you recoat with TWP 100 if needed, every 1-2 years? Does it get to the point where you have to strip it off? Since it’s already been stripped and cleaned with Behr products, do I need to redo with your stripper/brightener? See photos. Do you feel TWP 100 is appropriate?
Prep looks good to stain. Apply 2 coats wet on wet. Reapply every 2 years using the Gemini Cleaner and Brightener Kit. No need to strip. Use the TWP 100 Series.
Having new wooden garage door installed. Clear Cedar. I live in San Diego.
What stain do you recommend?
It’s recommended I stain it right away.
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 1500 Series for CA.
What type of TWP to use on a new car hauler trailer with pressure-treated pine decking? I live in New Orleans. Can I apply TWP immediately? Or do I need to wait?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 100 Series for your area.
What is the maintenance on twp1500? Does it need stripped beach time before re coating for maintenance?
Clean and brighten for prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
On new, bare Cedar (south facing deck), would it be best to use 100 pro series (light Cedar tone) or 1500 series (same color) uv protection is important.
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Which stain to use depends on where you live?
My pressure treated deck has been pressure washed, but guy said there was still some TWP left in the wood. Should I recoat anyway? He recommended that I wait until spring to coat.
Post pics.
pics of deck you requested
No pics.
Spring is fine and make sure he properly preps next time with the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing.
I used TWP 1501 on my cedar deck and am very happy with it. I have a hemlock handrail that I want to stain, but I heard that I should seal it first. Is that necessary with 1501? Should I seal then stain, or stain then seal?
You can never seal before or after using the TWP stain. No need as well.
Can I roller brush the 1501 stain on pressure washed fencing or does it have to brushed on?
Stain pads and brushes work much better than rollers.
Thanks