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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
Hi
I’ve a cedar deck that I used TWP 100 on a few years ago (great product)- now it looks like it needs redone again. How should I prep the deck – is stiff brush clean sufficient before application with TWP 100 again?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep when recoating: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I would like to use the Safe Strip for the floor and steps. Does this replace using the deck cleaner? Or would I strip, clean and then brighten?
Thank You!
What prep products you should use depends on the condition your wood is in and if stained prior? Post some pics as well in the comments.
Recommended air temps to apply TWP is 60-80 degrees( optimal) , 50-85 degrees okay?
What about applying early in day at these temps but it will be hotter later in day- possibly 95 degrees.
Does optimal temps include drying time after stain has been applied?
50-85 is okay. Hotter or colder later after the application is okay as well.
I have left over TWP Total Wood Preservative Dark Oak that I need more. I do not see it on your website. Is this a semi-transparent or a semi-solid? What is the equivalent for an Ohio application?
You want the TWP 1500 Series in Dark Oak for Ohio: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Can I place the semi-solid over the TWP Total Wood Preservative? It must be a semi-solid as the wood has aged considerably. Thank you.
The TWP Semi-Solid is not allowed in Ohio. Dark Oak has never come in a semi-solid color, only semi-transparent.
The UV rays are not providing enough long term coverage to last two years. Will I be able to place a semi-solid over the last semi-transparent coating?
No, you would have to remove the old coating first and you cannot use the TWP semi-solid in Ohio. It is not allowed there.
Hi–the item needing to be stained is a log porch swing. The wood type is non-treated, kiln dried, white cedar. I am looking for an authentic-looking cedar stain. The postage stamp-sized color “swatches” on your web site aren’t that helpful to me. Which oil-based cedar color would provide the most “natural” and warm cedar color?
Colors vary based on wood type and age so best to test some samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
A couple more questions:
1). Can we wear those (typically) blue shoe/boot covers to protect the deck and our shoes?
2). I see that your tool for staining between the planks is out of stock. I was wondering if you had other suggestions.
3). Do you have recommendations for the sequencing of doing the crevices and then the planks? Can we do the crevices of three or four planks and then go back to cover the plank surfaces?
Thank you for your help.
1. Sure.
2. We do not and typically you do not have to stain between the boards.
3. Just do the top f the boards, the stain will run down the side of the boards.
Is there anything we should/could do if there an unexpected rain shower within minutes/hours of applying the stain?
Nothing you can do.
I have an old deck that (about 20+ years old). I have used both TWP 1500 and TWP100 in the past, but the wood is getting a lot of cracks in it and looks like it might be better to use TWP200 this year to help restore it. This deck gets a lot of foot traffic from my dogs. There nails do scratch it sometimes. I am located in MI. The deck gets morning/early afternoon sun and then late afternoon/evening shade. I don’t know the wood type, but I suspect 20 years ago it was treated pine. Would a better stain choice be TWP 200 or TWP 100? Since TWP200 is high solids I am afraid that with the foot traffic it might now hold up.
There would be no advantage to using the 200 over the 100 or 1500 Series. Stick with the 100.
Where do I find care and maintenance instructions
Numerous articles on our help site: https://twpstainhelp.com/tips/prepping-for-twp-stains/maintaining-twp/
Where do I find a copy of the Manufacturer Warranty
It is on the Labels and Product Data Sheets: https://r8h8e4x5.stackpathcdn.com/pdf/TWP-100-PRO-SERIES.pdf
Using a semi-solid stain on an old deck that quickly absorbs it. After applying a second coat, wet on wet, how long does it need to dry before it could be rained on without affecting its performance. The deck is on the south side, so receives a lot of sun in the Iowa summers.
8-12 hours.
Live in WV, stained 10 yr old deck in October after stripping, cleaning/brightening then applying one coat of TWP semi-solid. I feel like it needs a second coat, (have extra). Do I need to use the restore kit again to clean/brighten of just wash and stain? Or do I need to wait a year? Thank you.
It looks fine to wait until next year but if you want to do it this year, then use the Gemini Prep first.
How can I remove excess stain that didn’t fully absorb into the wood? There’s a few spots that are sticky with the excess stain but the rest looks great.
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I just received the 3rd 5-gallon pail of TWP 1500 I’ve ordered in the 10+ years I’ve owned a cedar deck. I’ve been stripping and neutralizing every 2-3 years prior to staining and am wondering if I’m overdoing it. If I am restaining the deck with the same TWP1500 stain every 2-3 years do I need to strip the deck as well? Or can the cleaner/brightener be used without stripping? The well-traveled areas of the deck that also get the most direct sunlight tend to look more worn out over time and some discoloration and maybe even flaking of the stain will be evident if I wait 3 years to restain. I guess what I’m asking is when should I just use a cleaner/brightener vs. stripper/brightener? Thank you. Jim
You can strip and brighen or clean and brighten. The only difference is a deeper removal of the current stain. If you have uneven wear, then stripping is better for appearance after.
Stained my deck a month ago with TWP cap cod. I restained it using the cleaner/brightner and it turned out great. Just moved a hot tub off deck, and underneath is non stained wood. How do I get it to blend well with the TWP stian I put on?
You can’t. The wood thre have never been exposed so no matter what, it will stain lighter or different in color since it is less absorbent.
What’s the best process to get it close as possible
You would have to remove all of the stain that you just applied and then power sand the deck evenly at 60-80 grit. Even then, it will not blend perfectly.
What’s the best process to stain the area that was covered?
Clean and brighten, and apply one coat.
I’m a TWP 101 user/believer in Florida with a quarter can left. I have a strip of raw rough cypress I was going to leave underground to shore up the underground end of a mailbox post. If I soak or brush the 101 on the Cypress before I use it and bury it, would it help to preserve the wood strip? Many thanks.
It would not hurt if you did.
Good Morning, I’m looking for an authorized dealer in Elizabethtown Pennsylvania
We sell online only as a TWP Dealer:
http://www.twpstain.com
I purchased a cedar hot tub, 60″ diameter x 48″ height, manufactured by Canadian Hot Tubs. This is a lined hot tub meaning that the cedar wall slats are not exposed on the inside to the hot tub water. I used 1501 Cedertone, two coats, applied with a brush & wiped clean with a cloth, on both the sides & the top slats. My question is about the top slats. The finish was applied in a garage @ 60 degrees. The tub went outside in December (Upstate NY – zip 12804 is the location) Here we are in June, so call it 6 months later. The sides, which are vertical (of course), are doing fine – spectacular even!! The roll-top cedar slats, which are horizontal, are doing much less better meaning that they look like they are already in need of another coat. Question 1 – this seems unusual to me, is it? Question 2 – if I recoat the top slats, should I lightly sand them prior (or?) or simply put more product on them. The slats are mounted on a thick ‘vinyl’ carrier (pics if you would like to see them), which means they do not sit in water, ever, however are continuously exposed to whatever weather is happening.
Thoughts??
Thank you
John
Continual water will cause swelling and premature wear. Might want to just touch up this top rail every year or as needed. A light sand with 60-80 grit should work.
Hi,
I have a new cedar fence that was installed 4 weeks ago. Based on previous posts, I see that you suggest waiting 4 months before applying TWP 1501. I would like to apply your product before the cedar starts to grey. The vertical panels absorb water quickly. Water on the top rail on the fence (there is lattice on the top 15 inches of the fence) beads for about 3 seconds before absorbing.
Can cedar fences be ready for staining before 4 months? I am not sure how long it will take the fence to start turning grey.
Thank you
Bob
Smooth wood or rough-sawn wood?
Smooth wood for the vertical boards. The rail on top is a 2×3 board but I do not know if that is considered rough-sawn.
You cannot stain it if smooth wood. It has to weather and be prepped. The prep will remove any graying if it occurs.
I have a 16 year old deck in Michigan that has never been stained. I like the color choices of the semi solid pro series the best. I’m looking at doing a combination of Earth and Charcoal for Deck and railing combo. Would this be the appropriate product for my area? Also what sets your products apart from something I could get at a big box store? I want to make sure If I am going to invest in the project that it is going to last and hold up to the elements.
Yes, the semi-solid will work well for you in MI. You can read lots of reviews online about the TWP stains and products sold at Home Depot or Lowes. Lots of info out there. TWP is a penetrating stain while many of the products you buy at big box stores are filming acrylic stains that tend to peel, making reapplication difficult.
Is it ok to apply 100 Series stain if rain is expected 14 hours from application? Drying temperature will be in the high 80’s
It should be fine as long as you do not over-apply the TWP.
I need to re-stain a 25 year old cedar lap sided home. The house and deck was stained 4-5 years ago with Superdeck redwood semi transparent oil based stain by a previous owner. The siding and decking is in good shape except for the graying of the wood on the south and west sides of the house. Those areas should have been re-stained a few years ago but weren’t. I live in the Black Hills of SD. No mold or mildew, our climate has low humidity but wide swings in temperature. Not very happy with reviews of Superdeck nor durability on vertical surfaces and would like recommendations on which TWP product to use and any problems using it over Superdeck? Leaning towards TWP 100 redwood. Thanks for any help.
You will need to remove the Super Deck first. Use this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain after with the TWP 1500 Series for all wood: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hi,
Longshot to see if someone is answering questions today. We have been struggling to find the perfect time re: weather to stain our new deck. The deck is pressure treated pine and has seasoned for 18 months. It is cleaned and prepped and ready to go.
Scenario #1: It last rained late Sat. night. Since then it has been warm and dry and the deck gets direct sun. If we stain late today, Monday afternoon, it will be slightly less than 48 hours, maybe 35 hours.
Scenario #2: If we wait a day until tomorrow, then appx. 24 – 24 hours after we stain weather says there is a 65% of late day showers. They could or could not happen.
Are we OK to stain with Scenario #1? I feel like in New England, we could wait forever to get 4 dry days.
Any help much appreciated.
Hard to say if the wood is dry enough.
Customer had replaced a few cedar shakes last year and had me apply Sikkens in Red Cedar as that is what he had used on the house prior. Fast forward to this year and he wanted the whole house stained and I convinced him to use TWP 1500 in Dark Oak. We properly prepped/washed the house prior to applying the TWP but the few shakes that were done in Sikkens did not take the same uniform color as the rest and stand out. Obviously brand new siding will take the stain differently to begin with but the Red color from the Sikkens is blatantly obvious. What would be the best option to blend them in?
You should not apply the TWP over the Sikkens. It will have to be removed by stripping or sanding.
Hi, I just purchased 10 gallons of Cedartone TWP100 to refinish my deck. The old deck had a solid superdeck coating on it. I stripped and powerwashed the stain off, but there are still some small marks left of the superdeck. If I sand those spots, how long should I wait to stain after?
Clean and brighten after any power sanding and then 48 hours later you can stain.
I built a small deck 6 years ago. Have been using RAD and TWP 1500 each of the last 5 years (no treatment first year – pressure-treated Pine). The first 4 years I used RAD CLEANER/Brightener then TWP 1500 Cedartone. Last year I used RAD STRIPPER/Brightener then TWP 1500 Cedartone (didn’t intend to use the stripper just ordered the wrong kit). Needing to restain again this year. Wondering if I need to strip/brighten, clean/brighten, or just clean or just brighten before I stain.
Clean and brighten should work.
I love my 1500 for my deck, picnic table and other wood things in my yard. Can I use it on teak chairs? I have put tongue and danish oil on them each year, but wonder if TWP 1500 would give me a richer color. Advice?
You can but you will need to remove the teak oil first. Just one coat as well.
how long should i keep my 5 gallon of semi transparent stain before it is no longer effective
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Hello. On an existing cedar roof that has been cleaned, is it one coat or two? Its the TWP200 because we live in Canada. We’ve purchased the TWP200 and its enroute.
Thanks, Geraldine R.
Depends on how dried out the wood is. Typically one coat.
I sanded, cleaned and brightened cedar deck. Waited 48 hours and applied 1 coat of twp 1500 cedar tone. It’s not absorbing completely after a day and the deck is tacky and sticky. How do I resolve this problem. You can’t walk on the deck without making a mess and leaving marks.
See tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
How do I claim the cost of the samples I ordered against the main order? It says that instructions will come with the samples. But I found none.
On the sample page you can find instructions: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I have some 200 series stain left over, how long does it last? I used it on my shingled house exterior. I need to stain prt of the house due to weather, do I have to clean first then apply new stain?
12 months if opened. 36 months if unopened. You always have to prep first before coating.
prep? meaning? does it remove the stain and does it harm my painted window trim?
Prep is determined on the condition. Post pics for help.
sent some pictures
Use this kit while pressure washing for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
What about this side of the house?
Same prep but it really does not need a new coat yet there.
I allowed a contractor to talk me into a solid stain right over my TWP100 stain. Needless to say it didn’t last long. I decided to take it all off to the bare wood, have sanded, stripped, power washed, stripped again to get most of the old TWP and the solid stain removed. There is still very little amount of solid stain in the deeper grains and around the nots on the cedar. My question is should I be okay to use the brightener and then stain with the TWP100 over these areas or will it be an issue?
The Solid Stain should be removed 100% otherwise it will show through the TWP.
Thanks…I thought that would be the case….I am more concerned with adherence and flaking of the TWP stain in those small areas.
Depends on how much solid stain is left so hard to say. Most likely is okay.
Thank you…
You are welcome! Post some pics when done!
Any suggetions on how I get Cedartone 101 stains off my concrete patio?
Try Goof Off stripper.
hello, my redwood deck is covered by snow thought the winter. what is the best product to stain and seal it. do I need an additional sealer after first coat to increes the protection before winter arrives? thank you
Where do you live? You cannot apply a sealer over the top of the TWP stain.
hello I live in th Mt. Shasta area winter conditions effect deck badly. what should I apply? thanks Scott
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
are there any advantages to the pro series?
Do you mean the semi-solid colors?
yes
The semi-solid colors give better UV protection.
hi, so this deck receives max snow in winter and max sun in summer . what is gooing to give the best long term protection?
The Semi-solid.
can I apply 1500 first coat and pro as second coat?
No.
I have previously used the TWP 1500 Cedartone to stain/seal our deck for the last few years, but we didn’t stain it last year. We bought the TWP 100 Cedartone to update the deck this year. Are there any special instruction or issues for switching from the 1500 to the 100? We also have the Gemini cleaner/brightener kit and will be using that first.
Use the Gemini Kit and pressure washing and you should be okay.
How long does TWP 100 clear stay good for after opening? I have a half can left from last summer that has been stored in my garage.. Above freezing temps but cold over the winter. Would it still be good?
12 months after opening. Hard to say if still good at this point. 50/50. Look to see if skinning or clumping. If so, it has gone bad.
How can I get color charts of TWP products
You can view the color charts directly on our website but since color vary based on wood type and age of wood, it is best to get actual samples for testing: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Finished my deck restoration this weekend ( PT Pine) and coated with 1500 honey tone. Looks great but as always I didn’t read the instructions and just did a standard one coat on the floor not wet on wet, should I do a second coat? If so, now or wait a bit. Before and after pictures attached.
Leave alone for now. You can always lightly clean and coat next Spring.
Perfect, will 3/4 of an open gallon last a year in storage (no freezing)? Also it saw it’s first rain last night but the water doesn’t bead up at all, if this because of the single coat? Wish I found you guys years ago before I fell into the Valspar One Coat nightmare
12 months is shelf life if opened so no way to say for certain if it will still be good. TWP is not designed to bead water as it is breathable.
I cleaned up and applied TWP 100 Clear to my cedar deck last year and its again starting to turn a bit white on the surface. I understand this was to be expected as the clear has no UV protection.
My question is what is the process for cleaning this up now? It is too soon to apply more I’m sure. Can I use the wood brightener on it or how should I proceed to get the natural wood color to show through again?
Use the Gemini Restore kit for prep.
Just to confirm… I would use this even if I’m not going to apply any stain or sealer after?
Again I just did all of this and used TWP 100 Clear last summer so I assume the cedar wood won’t soak up any additional sealer this year already.
Thanks!
Whenever you prep you have to recoat. You will need to apply again.
Sorry if seems like a repetitive question, but everything I’ve read would say that the wood won’t soak up another coat of TWP clear again this soon?
After you prep it will.
Last question.. If I clean the deck with the Gemini kit tomorrow, and it rains tomorrow night and Wednesday, am I still ok to apply a fresh coat of TWP100 Clear on Friday as long as its dried for 48 hours?
Basically the question is will the rain post cleaning impact the cleaning?
Wait 48 hours after prep or rain after prep to stain so Friday should work for you.
I have a new redwood fence about 5 weeks old now. My wife wants it to look just as close to it looks now with no paint. What 1500 color would be the best. Also, do you sell the 1500 without any color added and how will that look like? Also, is there a way I can get small samples of paint to check for colors first. I have already gone through 4 Behr samples from Home Depot and my wife did not like any of them. We finally settled on the clear Transparent Behr which only darkened the wood some. But now that I saw a bad review about Behr and recommendations for TWP, I am putting the project on hold till I can decide on what paint to get. I am in California Bay Area.
Clear coatings will not provide UV protection from graying. It has to be a tinted color or the wood will gray in months.
Thanks for the reply. Is there a way to get Samples of a couple of colors before I comit to buying a color?
https://www.twpstain.com/woodsamples-detail
I have a 20-yr. old pine treated deck which I stripped last year and stained with TWP 1500 series in pecan late last summer – (2) coats, wet on wet. The results were good but there are a few shabby boards that I think need replaced. Also, it seems as if the stain really penetrated and needs another coat, which is fine with me. Please tell me how to proceed. I’m assuming I need to clean/brighten the whole deck – and should I do it after new boards are laid down? Please let me know which cleaner/brightener I should use. Also, I still have 1 unopened can of the pecan stain. I will need 1 more. Can I mix another color of the TWP 1500 series with this to obtain a more custom shade? Thank you for your help!
New wood needs to weather for 4-12 months. Prep all with the Gemini Kit after. You can mix colors if you like.
Can TWP 100 be used on teak furniture? My table is about a year old and has been sitting outside.
Yes, make sure to prep first and only one coat of the TWP.
Thank you for the immediate response. Would using the Gemini step 1 cleaner and step 2 brightener be okay?
Yes.
Trying to find the best stain/sealer for Black Locust decking in a commercial environment in North Carolina. The wood will presumably be older than 1 year, but not previously finished. The ideal scenario would be excellent UV protection and a color that can get close to a transparent-finished Redwood (used in nearby benches). Client is willing to refinish every 2-3 years as needed.
Exotic hardwoods like Black Locust will have to be redone annually. No stain will last more than a year on exotic hardwood decking due to the density of the wood. For colors, best to test samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Thanks, I’ll grab some samples to test. Does it matter much about what series we use now if re-staining annually is required?
Use the 100 series
My concern with TWP 100 series is the short-lived water repellency. It beads water initially but after 6 months, it no longer repels water; the water tends to soak in. I stained my deck with TWP 100 series semitransparent stain using 2 parts 101 and 1 part 116 to obtain the desired color about 6-8 months ago. Prior to the application I stripped the old TWP stain (I waited too long to re-stain and the deck had weathered to grey in some areas) and neutralised the deck with RAD stripper and neutralizer before applying two coats, wet on wet, waiting 30 minutes between application. I used a Padco synthetic lambswool stain pad which does a great job of rubbing-in the stain. The deck is over 3000 sqft, is 9 years old and is made of yellawood. I live in west central Arkansas and parts of the deck are exposed to sun, shade or a combination. The color is beautiful and the deck shows no evidence of weathering but I’m concerned about the apparent lack of water repellency. How long should I expect the deck to be water repellent and is there anything I can to improve performance?
TWP is not designed to bead water but shed water. This is normal for stains like TWP that are able to breathe. 100% sealing your wood so it beads is a very bad idea and will cause dry rot. Do not believe the Thompson’s propaganda that you see on TV.
I stained my wood Cabots Semi-Transparent oil deck stain and am not happy, didn’t last a year. What would recomend to use in it’s place. The deck is pine, I’m in the Southern Ohio area.
You have to remove the Cabot first. Send pics for help with that. After use the TWP 1500 Series.
I am prepping my pergola for TWP staining. My question is with the application of Gemini RAD cleaner and brightener. Can I put these two applications on to boards with a pressure washer? Because of the pergola’s location I have access to only two sides. Thank you Paula
No, they cannot be applied through a pressure washer. Apply with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off.
I applied the TWP 100 Pro in the Dark Oak color (1 coat) to a new deck around 2 years ago and it looked great. After a year my deck needed cleaning so I had it cleaned with your Gemini cleaner and added another coat of stain. Now 2 years since applying the first coat of stain the deck has darkened a good bit…it is a dark gray/almost black in some areas. I pressure washed it and it didnt get rid of the graying so I cleaned in with a bleach based cleaner-let the cleaner sit for about 10-15 minutes and scubbed it with a stiff brush and then rinsed it off with a hose. It is cleaner than it was but still have the graying. I do have a couple of tall trees hanging over about half of my deck. Maybe that has caused the graying? How do I get rid of the graying? Is stripping the only solution? I wouldn’t think I would need to strip it after 2 yrs?
You would have to strip and then brighen all the wood to remove the darkening that was caused for dirt/grime from the trees. Restain after.
I have been using the TWP 207 Butternut Brown and need more but don’t see it on your site. Do you still have it?
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
Do your products work for protecting outside wood windows?
Yes, as long as the prior coatings are removed and the wood is bare.
Thanks for your prompt answer. Which of your products will protect my exterior windows against rain and UV, and keep the original wood grain (neutral color)?
This is not possible. You cannot keep the original color as a clear will offer zero UV protection. The stain must be tinted for UV protection and that means the color will be enhanced based on the color you choose.
Understood. Are you familiar with the tropical wood “parota”?
We are not but almost all other exotic hardwoods.
Which of your products would you recommend if we want to keep the original grain?
They all show the grain and all enhance the color of the grain based on the color your choose. It is not possible to maintain the original color and have UV protection.