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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 kind of tool can be used to open (and then reseal) the 5 gallon container?
Flathead screwdriver to pry open the tabs.
Can I find my previous order details so I know exactly the color and type product I need?
Check your email for your last order that we just sent.
I received my 5 gallon container of TWP 100 stain today. How much stirring is needed – what’s the best way to do it?
Buy a 5-gallon drill mixer and attached it to a drill. Costs about $5 at local stores.
I have a pressure treated deck approximately 36 years old in descent condition. In the past I have used Sikkens cedar stain. If I strip the Sikkens off can, I use TWP 1501.
Yes.
Is the TWP 100 a semi transparent or semi solid stain? want to use it on a composite deck. I do not want a solid.
The TWP 100 Series colors are semi-transparent except for the two gray colors. They are semi-solid.
Do you have a file I can print of the directions for use of the Gemini Restore-A-Deck? The printing on the product is so small it is difficult or impossible to read.
See attached.
Hi there! We just moved into a home with cedar shutters that need to be re-stained, badly. I’m leaning towards the 1500 Pecan, but am unsure the best way to prep for the product. Does the 1500 Pecan need to be sealed in with any kind of protective coat? We like in Missouri, if that helped. Thank you!
For prep help, post some pics. You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain.
Hope this helps –
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
BTW, your nails or screws are rusting. You should replace them as they used the wrong type. You need stainless or galvanized.
Added on to my deck late last year, so I have both old and new. I’ve always applied the Gemini restoration kit, then the 1500 in dark oak. I’m not in good health this year, and have an offer from a reliable pressure washing fella I’ve used for that kind of work. He’s offered to pressure wash the deck, allowing me to bypass the chemical prep work I can’t do now. Any downside to pressure washing the deck this year, rather than chemically prepping, before I apply the new stain?
Also, thinking about switching to the semi-solid for better UV performance. How might that change my plan?
You need to use the Gemini Kit while pressure washing. Not just pressure wash for prep. If you want to use the Semi-solid, then use the RAD Stripper/Brightener Kit while pressure washing.
My dock has TWP protectant on it. It is not necessarily time to strip and reapply, but there are areas (in the shade) where boards have a little build up. What cleaner (if any) can I use to “de-slick when wet” these areas without stripping the sealant?
Sorry but that is not possible to do.
I applied Honeytone Wood TWP 115 stain last year to a new deck. I followed all instructions (waiting a year to stain new deck, cleaning, etc) – I have discolored patches of almost white looking all over my decking this year. What is this from and how can it be corrected?
Post some pictures. Also, it is normal to have to apply another coat the year after the first coat for new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Which semi-solid color would be most similar to “dark oak” in the 1500 series?
Colors vary based on wood type, application, age of the wood, and UV reflection. Best to test a couple of samples to see what you like on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hello and thanks for your time and expertise. I stained our deck with TWP 1500 a year ago. 3 days ago I stained it again and it is still tacky. Do we just need extra drying time? Is this a common?
Thank you!
It could be due to not prepping correctly, over-applying, or being too cold to cure. It will cure out but it can take a few days or longer.
Planning on prepping and cleaning existing TWP cedar deck with RAD. How long can I wait until I get 3 non-rain days to stain the deck? I know I need to let it dry out for 2 days before I apply the stain on the 3rd day. Do I also need 1 dry day after staining? Trying to fit it all in between the days of rain chance.
Stain as soon as 48 hours after prep, not 72. No rain for 8-12 hours after. Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
I am cleaning and brightening some older re-sawn redwood siding using TWP Restore A Deck kits.
I may not be able to apply the TWP 1530 at the recommended 48 hour date.
What is the longest period I could delay applying stain after brightening?
Stain within 2 weeks.
I have a pine deck built approximately 1 year ago and a cedar pergola same age. Has not been treated. The more I look through here the more confused I get. I live in Ohio. Deck gets morning sun. I am not happy with the color variation between the pine and the cedar. I understand that the cedar will weather and turn gray over time. My siding color is gray so I don’t want too much gray but not crazy about the stains that are have orange tones. Have used TWP in the past and hooked on it but really having trouble finding the color to coordinate with the cedar and provide UV protection.
It must be tinted for UV protection. See some pictures here.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
What are my color options…Living in Ohio, UV protection, non orange/red color?
The issue is your cedar wood is naturally orange/red. It is not possible to have a tinted sealer and not enhance the natural grain of your wood. You would have to get into dark browns to get away from this. Dark Oak for example.
We have a large pier on lake in Louisiana. We have just replaced approximately 2/3 of the pier with pressure treated pine about 3 weeks ago. Should we use TWP 100 or 1500 series? See pics. Old wood has been pressure washed. Any other recommendations for helping the old and new blend? Old wood did not appear to have any product applied. Thank you!
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the 100 Series when ready after prepping all wood.
I just have a quick question. Which of your products would provide the highest level of protection for the greatest length of time.
Deck and Railing
Treated Pine
About 3 years old
Never treated
Look at using the TWP Semi-Solid stain:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
or the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I need my Cedar Deck restained it was done about 3 years ago with TWP 100 most of the decking stain has worn and faded I have full morning sun. I’m thinking of going with twp semi solid, but I don’t want to use it if it will peel as it age’s .I see the absorption rate is a lot longer is that because it’s a lot thicker like paint.
The TWP Semi-solid is not like a thick paint. It fully soaks into the wood grain and does not peel.
Hi – I bought a Wooster Wide Boy Bucket from you along with TWP 1500 stain. Can I leave some stain in the bucket for a few days with the lid on? Some unexpected weather caught me halfway through the job. Thanks!
Yes, you can.
I am unable to allow new douglas fir to weather 3-6 months and need to use a coating. What product do you recommend?
You must weather and prep new wood when using the TWP. Douglas fir as well.
What product would you recommend for park furniture custom fabricated from new douglas fir timbers- 4×12 and 16×16? Must be compliant in CA & WA.
The TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I have an old (25+ years) 550 sq ft treated wood deck in central Indiana. After years of fighting peeling solid stain, 7-8 years ago we sanded it to bare wood and stained it with Defy Extreme Exterior Semi-Transparent wood stain (color: cedar tone). It always looks very good for a season but doesn’t last long on the horizontal wood exposed to the sun. I don’t know if a different stain that better penetrates the old wood will work better, or if the wood is just too weatherworn to hold stain. Any recommendations?
For prep, use this kit to remove the Defy: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Can you please look up what I purchased in the past? I need another 5 gallon pail but I do not have the exact information. Thanks
TWP 100 Series 5 Gallon
Stain Color Cedartone 101
Treated my 1 year old, new, pressure treated deck with 1500 TWP stain two years ago. It’s time to restain. I want to be sure I do this correctly. Should I use the cleaner and brightener kit, then reapply fresh stain? Do I need to power wash the deck before the cleaner?
Also, I see you have discontinued the power mop. I have one mop pad left, but do you recommend the brush over the mop?
Yes, for prep, use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Pressure wash while using the cleaner.
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
The Speed Mop is not sold anymore. You can still use what you have, they work great.
I M steipping and brightening my deck,3 year old two 100 rustic,would like to go with the new 1500 pro.Question is what color in the 1500 pro would substitute for the (beautiful) 100 pro rustic?
The TWP 1500 Series has a Rustic color as well.
After reviewing the new semi solid product I believe we will change to that…Is there a comparable color for Rutic in the pro series 100?
There is not a matching color. You can test samples here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
We have Native Texas cedar on our house (has a very red tone). We would like to keep it as close as possible to the natural color. What color stain in the 100 series would you recommend?
Colors will vary based on wood type and age so it is best to test samples on your wood to see which is the color you prefer:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I am ready to check out with my order. Confirming that 2 gal of TWP 100 will be sufficient to cover a 270sf deck stained 2 years ago with TWP 100. No railings or post. Will use RAD prior.
Yes, for one coat. If doing two coats, get 3 gallons.
What is the difference in the two staining brushes
Which brushes?
Sorry, I meant the staining pads. Deco Pad and Staining Pad. I am using 100 cedar stain,
Do you mean these pads?
https://www.twpstain.com/padco-stain-pads
One has synthetic lambswool while the other does not.
Which is 10 pad recommended for re-stain of TWP100?
Either one.
Thanks. Should 2 gal cover a 270sf deck stained two years ago with TWP 100 in St. Louis?
No railings or posts. Just deck
Yes.
We put first coat of TWP 115 on two weeks ago. Can we put second coat now or is it tool late?
You should not at this point. You can clean and reapply a light coat later in Summer or early Fall. Just not right now.
Two questions….
1. With Series 100 stain, the directions say to apply the first coat on all the horizontal decking, then walk back on it to apply the second coat? Wont that leave footsteps that cannot be covered w the second coat? From my previous experience, it stays tacky for several hours afterwards and if I wait until it dries, it wont be “wet on wet”. ???
1. No, it does not leave footprints. Do not step in your second coat while applying.
2. Difference is VOC content and what is allowed in certain states.
But I would think stepping on my first coat to apply the 2nd coat would cause footsteps in the tacky 1st coat which would be tough to cover.
This method is different than in the past when u recommended doing wet on wet by doing smaller sections and goin back over them without stepping on the first.
It will not leave footprints in your second coat. We never suggested sections in the past so not sure where you saw this?
Read tips here: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I bought a sample of TWP semi-solid “Cedar Chest” stain color. To test it, I applied about a tablespoon to a roughly 14″ x 5″ area of wood that was sanded with 60 grit paper. See attached photo. I tried to coat the wood as evenly as possible but as you can see from the photo some areas are more heavily coated than others. The more heavily coated areas are still a bit shiny and tacky after 2 days of drying.
My question is: should I apply TWP semi-solid to achieve the ‘look’ of the more heavily-coated area, or the less heavliy coated area?
It is not supposed to be shiny so apply to the point that the TWP does fully soak in.
I applied TWP1515 1 YEAR ago after power washing, stripping, sanding, and using cleaner and brightner on a 20 year old cedar deck 20×25 ft. 10 -15 boards were replaced with new cedar planks. Two coats of TWP were applied.. New boards did not take stain same as old. After 6 month I reapplied stain to nly to new boards. Deck looks good except new boards are still a lighter shade. Im in the Hudson Valley of NY. Daytime temps now greater than 50F. Should I 1. power wash entire deck with cleaner and apply a spray on coat to the entire deck and new boards or 2. power wash, skip cleaner and only recoat using pads the new boards.
Love the TWP 1515 product. Deck had never looked better after using Behr products and peeling coatings for 20 years.
Best to just leave it alone for now. Prep and redo all with another coat in the Fall or Spring 2023.
I have just used the Cleaner and Brighter Kit on my deck. About 450 sq ft made from pressure treated pine 5/4 boards. Put boards down about 6 months ago. I finished prepping today about
4 pm. Do I need to wait the full 48 hrs before applying my stain? The reason I ask is I can put it down in 2 days, but at a time where it would only be about 42 hours of drying time b/c of work. My deck is covered with the sides open. It is very breezy so seems to be drying out well. Temps are hanging in the 50’s and 60’s. Rain is expected the next day so I would then have to wait several days. So basically I’m asking if I can stain a few hours early😀…I’m okay with waiting if I must, but would like to get it down if possible. I’m looking forward to seeing what the TWP 100 Pecan looks like. Thanks for your help!
42 hours should be fine as long as there is no rain and then temps are about 60 during the day.
Thanks!
I have a follow up to my question. The weather has not cooperated to allow me to stain today. Temps have stayed in the mid 40’s in Alabama in April. Not very common. My question is: I splattered some water in 4 or 5 spots on my deck. It took about 5 minutes or so for it to soak in. Will this be okay for staining with the TWP 100 Pecan? I will be pump spraying and then back brushing. My understanding of back brushing will help it soak in. My deck has aged about 5 months (pressure treated 5/4 pine boards).
Thanks!
You cannot stain in the 40s. Above 55. Just one coat for this new wood, not two. Make sure you prep correctly as well. See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Yes I prepped properly 3 days ago with cleaner and brighter. I was just wondering if it taking a few minutes for water to soak in if it was ok to stain. If I brush the water it soaks in faster as I’m assuming the stain would. Am I correct?
You need at least 48 hours after prep to stain. If the water soaks in right away in a few seconds or so, then you can stain. If it takes a few minutes, then no.
How do you clean brush/roller/floor(pavers) etc after you apply the TWP stain.
Clean the brushes and stain pads with mineral spirits. Do not use a roller to apply. Not sure what you mean about pavers?
I have floor made up of pavers. The floor contains Pergola.
I am planning to paint the Pergola.
So if needed, what should I use to clean the floor.
(I will have drop cloth before starting the painting but still want to make sure about cleaning floor)
You cannot clean TWP easily or at all if you spill onto concrete or pavers so tarp well and you should have no issues. Use plastic, not canvas tarps.
I have a 500 sgft deck with railing. Stained with Flood Water based transparent stain 3 years ago. The sun has completely faded the stain. I think the 2 Hillbillies I paid to stain it watered it down. It’s gone after pressure washing. I just purchased TWP Semi-solid in Lighthouse. What is the best application for my 57 year old back??
Make sure to strip and brighten for prep. Use a stain ad or brush to apply the TWP.
What should I use??
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a 20 year old log home made of pine has had Thompson water seal and prior to that motor oil and Disel fuel( not by me!) I have pressure washed a few times, front of home is nice pine side where full sun is a lot darker anyway to get home uniform color in light natural pine?
Use the Restore a Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit for proper prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We are in SC. Our lake dock is 6-7 years old. Pressure treated pine. We used Cabot Australian Timber Oil approximately 6 yrs ago.
What do we need to do and what do we need to order so we can use TWP
Stain this time? We’d like to do this ASAP as our lake is low bc of spillway repairs but will be coming back up within a month or two
Use the Restore a Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit for proper prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thank you! One more question. How much stain do I need? We have approx 300 sq ft of flat dock/walkway. There are 6 posts and the sides of the dock.
*old pic after we stained it
2-3 gallons for the two coats.
Which series & color do you recommend ? We’d like to stay close to the color of the old stain if possible.
Rustic 1516 in the 1500 Series is close to the dock in the pic.
Thanks- last questions- I hope! What’s the difference bt 100 & 1500? Which would be better for our dock?
Also, our dock was installed with a black thick braided rope on posts and in between posts. Do we need to cover this somehow? Will the stripper or stain discolor or unravel it?
*if you zoom in on last pic, you can see rope.
Difference is VOC content. You can use either in SC. The 1516 Rustic is closer in color to your original pic.
200 Series
We are in BC, Canada and are going to be siding our home with cedar shingles. The shingles have been outside in bundles under cover for about 8 years. We recently moved them into a shop and uncovered them – they look fine, except for some aging on a couple pieces that were open to the elements.
We are planning on using the Butternut 200 series. Our house has some very tall peaks, and we are doing it ourselves. I think it would be more difficult to apply the stain after the shingles are up.
Our question- would dipping the shingles beforehand make sense? I know twp recommends stain pad or brush, but is dipping an option, or no?
And, is it better to apply the stain to the shingles before they go up? or after? Does it make a difference say, in coverage? Thanks.
In your scenario since the wood is rough sawn and dried out, you can dip the shingles first. Back brush any drips while it is drying.
Okay, and I have read of many ways to do dipping. Is there a link that shows me a way that TWP would recommend? When dipping, is it expected that the whole shingle will be dipped, or is it okay to leave an inch or so at the top? Or more?
How many gallons would be needed to do 30 bundles? (approx)
We are trying to decide between butternut and russet. I was going to order a sample, but it would be 100$ by the time it got here. Is there a way to describe the russet colour?
TIA, heather
We do not have a link showing how to dip. Dip all and then let dry. Not sure about the quantity needed as well and we would need sq footage amount for all sides of all shakes that need to be stained. Bundles mean nothing to actual sq footage.
Russet is more red than brown and Butternut is more brown than red.
Be careful when drying. TWP is a combustible stain so oily rags can be an issue. Dry outside after dipping.
Thanks for this, last questions.
How many gallons twp200 would be required for 1000 sq feet?
And, although I will be doing the dipping, my partner is really reluctant to do it that way, and wants us to stain after all the shakes are up. Bad, okay or good idea?
H
About 7-10 gallons. No issues doing it after they are installed.
I have a picket fence that I stained with TWP 102 back in 2014.
Thanks, Doug
1. Correct.
2. You pressure wash off the Cleaner. You rinse the Brightener. Do both about 10-15 minutes after applying.
3. https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I have a cedar deck that was previously stained with TWP products. The deck was then improperly stained by a company using a Sherwin Williams solid stain right over the top of the TWP Clear. The only prep done was a power washing. The solid stain is now peeling and showing the original TWP100 Clear below it. I want to redo it myself and remove the stains and reapply TWP100 Clear or Cedar tone. What is your recommendation to remove the stains and then reapply?
You will have to power sand to remove a solid stain.
Last year I stripped cleaned and brightened my redwood deck using your products, then applied 1500 series Rustic stain. I plan to reapply stain this year since much of stain wore off and now is very blotchy looking.. Attached are current pics. Should I clean and brighten before applying? Any other advice?
Yes, clean and brighten for prep.
I put TWP Series 100 Rustic stain on my deck 1st time 2 hrs ago. I want to do a maintenance coat on it again. SAME series and color. What do I need to do?
Let me know. Thanks
You can use the Gemini Restore Kit to clean and brighen while pressure washing for prep.
What TWP stain would best replace Proluxe transparent satin mahogany 045. Thanks
Try TWP 1500 Series in Rustic Color.
Wood deck. 1000 square feet.
Redwood.
Installed in 2011.
Stained four times.
Stained with Sikkens first three times. Stained three years ago with PPG Prolux Natural 078.
We live in the Nevada high desert at 5,300 feet.
Weather is freezing and snow in winter and 100-degree days in summer.
The deck receives direct sunlight throughout most of the day in summer.
The deck was stripped, brightened and sanded each time before staining using Cabot products.
We are going to again strip with RAD stripperwith both additives before this next staining.
Questions:
Would you recommend using a brightener? If so, which one?
What stain would you recommend?
What color would closely match the Prolux Natural 078?
Do you have any application instructions or video? This is huge since we have had bad experiences with the Sikkens and PPG stains of being put on too thick with overlaps.
Thanks for your help!
-Yes, you have to use a brightener. Use the RAD Brightener.
-TWP 1500 Series.
-Not sure what matches Sikkens colors but you can order samples from our website to test.
-We do not have videos but lots of help articles on this site.
Wood drying out and splitting.
Try the TWP semi-solids for better color retention: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Currently are using TWP 100 in Rustic 116. Need more of a solid stain due to the 100 not holding up in sunlight. Was is your most durable product and does it come in Rustic 116?
TWP does not come in a solid stain but it does come in a semi-solid stain. Test sample colors here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Is it possible to get semi transparent samples in your 1500 line?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I have a home that I’m told is stained with oil base TWP honey tone, which is in pretty good shape, but I’ve been told it needs redoing. I also have a newer garage that I’m told was done in water base TWP honey tone. The garage is quite a bit lighter than the house, and is in much worse condition. Finish is peeling away and graying underneath.
What do I need to do to re-seal the house with oil base?
What do I need to do to strip, clean, bleach the garage and re-seal with oil base? Or would I have to use water base over water base on the garage?
Stay with the TWP 100 Series or 1500 Series oil-based for all. Strip and brighen for prep using Restore A Deck Kits.
I have a PT pine deck that was last stained about 5 seasons ago. But I am not sure if the contractor used an oil based or Acrylic based stain. I wish to redo the entire deck with TWP 100 Series, which I understand is oil based. I am also aware you should not apply an oil based stain to a previously acrylic based stain and vice versa.
My plan was to purchase the TWP 100 Series 5 Gallon and RAD Stripper/Brightener Kit. IF the old stain was indeed Acrylic based, will the RAD Stripper & Brightener get the job done and prepare the surface for the TWP 100?
Any other tips, or prep you wish to add would be helpful.
Use the stripper kit with both additives and then you should be able remove all.
Hello, I used TWP 101 stain on some new garage doors made of PT lumber, about 2 years ago. One piece recently developed what looked like black mildew spots. When I tried cleaning with vinegar, I scrubbed some of the stain off. Do I now need to sand all the stain off this piece before restaining with the same color – and if so, what coarseness? Or use a cleaner?
Do not sand. Use this kit for prep and then restain:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Thank you – I already have this kit from when I first stained it. The instructions say if there is an existing finish I’m trying to take off to use Gemini Safe Strip first. If I’m just trying to stain the spots that I scrubbed off do I need to strip the whole thing? Or is the kit enough?
For stripping, you want this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
This would give the uniform appearance when restaining.
Thanks again. This is just for one plank of wood out of the whole door and I already have the brightener from the other kit. What is the smallest container of the stripper I can get?
We only have the one size: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-detail
I tried the product on this one plank of pressure treated wood (vertical, on a wood garage door). When I had trouble removing the stain, I used a pressure washer but got too aggressive. Now there are raised wood fibers along the length. Can this be sanded before staining and still have PT protection? Or should I replace with a new piece of wood?
Sand or buff off the raised fiber. 60-80 grit.