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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
I had about 1/2 of a five gallon bucket of TWP Cedar Tone stored in my basement for about two years. When I went to use it I found the product jelled. What happened and is there anyway to recover the product?
Shelf life is 12 months after bing opened. It has gone bad and it cannot be used now.
Best roller for applying on decking board?
Use stain pads or brushes. Not rollers.
Constructing a new wraparound front porch using rafters and beams with live edges in Eastern Red Cedar. The wood is newly cut, we live in very hot and super dry Central Texas. To weather the new wood, do we put it in the blazing sun or outside exposed to air and light but under a tall canopy area? Since it is so hot and dry, wouldn’t it take less time to dry out? We cut a cedar post, took the bark off and in two weeks in the sun it was cracking, etc. We plan to be testing your 100 Series when wood is ready. Thanks!
To weather you install it all first and then wait 4-12 months.
I have a previously stained my deck with TWP 100 Cape Cod Grey. I am going to recoat. Do I need to use the Wood and Deck Cleaner and wood brightener before restaining or will the Cleaner do the job?
Use both.
We have a composite deck with Douglas fir skirt. We applied TWP 103 in 2019 and it needs to be reapplied. We also have a couple of spots that initially took the stain but now look bleached, pictures attached. We plan to use TWP 103 again. Suggestions on how to prep wood before restraining.
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I am making some outdoor benches from white oak that has been cut and air dried for a year. Is the 100 series an appropriate product for this use?
Yes.
Appreciate it.
Hello, any estimate on when you’ll have semi-solid 5 gallon back in stock? Thanks!
Looking at 2-3 weeks.
Website will not allow me to choose state (Nevada) for
shipping address
We just checked and Nevada is an option.
picture
Hello,
I’m switching from Cabot to TWP in Colorado. I plan on sanding the deck. After sanding, can I use the Gemini cleaner/brightener kit and then apply the 1500 stain?
I have never been able to keep a stain for more than one year. I’m not sure if it is just because of wear and tear from my dogs or if it’s just poor quality of stain combined with Colorado sun.
Lastly, can I prevent termites with the bug juice additive?
Thanks!
Sand no finer than 60-80 girt and then Gemini Restore Kit. The Bug Juice should help prevent all bugs.
We installed a new deck in July 2021 (2×4 cedar) and have let it weather 12 months. It is now time to prep and then stain it per your recommended process. However, we just added a railing that is new wood, and we re-installed the very top of our steps, which is also now obviously new wood. Do you advise that we go ahead and prep and stain these newer sections along with the rest, so that the entire deck is done as a single piece? Or, should we let these new areas weather first, then prep and stain separately at a later date? Either way, color variation could be an issue. I welcome your advice.
Also, if I understand correctly, we should NOT sand the deck surface, as this could result in uneven penetration of the stain (again, new wood installed in summer 2021). Is this correct? Or, is it okay to sand lightly or, perhaps, sand select areas that have become rougher (e.g. from a cat scratching). Please let me know about sanding, too.
Thank you!!
Do not power sand but clean and brighten for prep. If you need to lightly nad sand splinters, that is okay but do not be aggressive or spot sand with power tools. The new wood should weather and be prepped at a later date. See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We applied the 1500 series to our 20+ yr old pressure treated deck in NY in June 2021. 2 coats wet on wet. Went on great and still looks good but could use a refresh. What prep should we do? Should we use the Gemini 2 step cleaner/brightener again? 2 more coats wet on wet? Thanks! (I originally put this comment in the wrong thread so reposting it here).
Yes, that is correct.
I used TWP 100 series to stain my cedar dock boards. Stained last August, installed this week. Looks beautiful but is slippery when wet. Thinking about mixing sand with more stain and re-coating the top of the boards. Any thoughts or other suggestions? Thanks
You cannot add sand or any grip into the TWP as it is a penetrating stain, not a filming stain that dories on top of the wood. The reason it is slippery is you did not follow directions. New wood cannot be prestained. It has to be installed, weathered, and then prepped: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You will need to strip off, weather the wood, and start over to fix: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a 30 year old deck that I believe was pressure treated pine. It was originally painted and has been repainted over the years with an oil base deck paint. We plan on sanding off the paint, clean and brighten. Would the 1500 series be best as a finish. Silly question on the wet on wet application. If it needs a second coat won’t foot prints show if it’s still wet. Is the 1500 series easy to maintain, with just cleaning and brightener down the road. Thanks for your help.
If you can get all the paint off, then yes, use the 1500 Series. Footprints will not show: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Just a couple more questions. When I mentioned the 1500 series I was referring to the semi solid pro series, will this be my best choice? I ordered some samples from the semi solid. I see they dry to a flat finish. Just curious as to why when most other deck products I’ve seen/used seem to have a slight sheen to them.
Thanks
Linda
The 1500 is not the same as the semi-solid. We are out of stock on that right now as well until a few more weeks. If you can wait, then the semi-solid will work very well.
No deck stain will have a shine as that leads to peeling.
I’m concerned about the “few more weeks” as the floor is being sanded down to the raw wood this Thursday. What’s going to happen to the surface in a few weeks. I’ve hired someone to do the sanding I’ll never get him back if I put if off.
You can always use the 1500 Series as that is available now: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
If you are out of stock for weeks what happens to the deck that is being sanded down this Thursday to the bare wood? I can’t put him off, I”ll never see him again.
All wood needs to be cleaned and brightened after sanding so this can be done just prior to staining.
So this is my sanded down deck. Do I still need to clean as well as brighten. Also, it appears the 1500 series of the semi-solid stain are on back order with no certain restocking date. Considering how clean it sanded down (although there is some color variation in the boards) do you think the semi transparent stain in a dark color would work? Is a dark stain a good color choice against the house color?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for final prep and then one coat of the stain. Any color you like will work.
I have a customer that is looking for a product that will protect his cypress doors from water but will still let them go gray. is there such a product?
Yes, use the TWP 1500 in clear: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
Can TWP be used on new Mangaris eaves and siding? If yes, which product for a clear finish?
Yes, but it has to be a tinted color for UV protection. Use the 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
I am refinishing a cedar deck (2 years old) that was originally stained with Australian Timber Oil which started to peel after the first year. What is the best prep for restaining the deck with TWP 1500. I need a color between Rustic and Dark Oak. Is it possible to mix colors?
Prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
You can mix TWP colors.
I’ve used TWP 103 on my deck since 2008, reapplying every other year. Two questions:
1. Best to strip and brighen for prep when switching series: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
2. Shelf life if opened is about 12 months so it has probably gone bad.
I am looking for someone who carrires twp stain in my area. Lafayette la . I have tried home depot lowes and stines none have it.
We sell online only at a TWP Dealer: http://www.twpstain.com/
It is not sold in any big box stores like Lowes.
Cedartone, California Redwood and Pecan all look very similar on your website. What is the difference between the shades? Applying it to a sanded redwood deck and trying to not be too yellow in color and “rustic” was more red than I would have thought. Thanks!
Colors will always vary based on wood type and age so best to test samples on your wood to see how it will look:https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
You can also visit our photo galleries: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
I bought your TWP 1500 Series 5 Gallon (Stain Color Cedartone 1501) to stain my deck. Before I stained it, I cleaned/washed it, applied the Minwax stainable wood filler and sanded it completely. However, the stain cannot cover the wood filler. There are lots of light color blotches that look extremely ugly. This has ruined the entire project. What should I do now to save my deck? Thank you!
Wood fillers will never work to “stain” to blend on an outside deck with an exterior wood stain like TWP. See this article: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-filler-for-decks/
There is no way to fix this outside of removing the filler somehow or possibly finding a matching interior wood stain that will darken to blend with the Cedartone color better. Spot apply only to the filler.
Which color would you recommend blending with the cedartone color? I have applied the TWP1500. Could I apply another coat of solid stain to cover the filler after the TWP1500 completely dries? If so, which one would you recommend? Thanks!
Sorry but no idea as to which interior stain color will blend. You cannot apply a solid stain over the TWP or wood filler. You would have to strip off the TWP.
Can I use over pine tree sap on deck?
Yes, but it will not “stain” the sap so it blends.
We are going to be cleaning and sealing our older log furniture which greyed, etc
will you clearer be suitable for the prep and which series of sealer do you recommend
thanks for your hel
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
I applied the TWP semi-solid redwood stain on a Sunday afternoon (finished by 12.30 pm) and there was an unexpected light drizzle this morning around 8 am; the water seems to bead on the surface. Should I plan on reapplying another coat once the wood dries. It is a 35 yr old redwood deck that I had pressure washed and cleaned prior to applying the stain. Thanks in advance.
No, it is fine.
I have used SuperDeck Transparent oil based stain on my cedar deck, dock, and log siding. They don’t make that product anymore. Are any of the TWP products transparent? they all seem to be semi-transparent and i’ve never liked that half stain/half paint look. thanks for your help
TWP stains in the 100, 200, and 1500 Series are semi-transparent and fully show the wood grain, they are not “half” transparent or mask the grain.
I just received three samples of semi solid stain
(Forest Ranger Khaki, Driftwood and Mt Rushmore). After applying to pieces of the wood from the project which I wish to stain, the degree of staining (the “solids” part of semi solid) was substantially more pronounced with the Driftwood color than the other two. The proportion of pigment to the oil carrier was quite different between the three samples: the Forest Ranger Khaki was mostly oil with just a bit of pigment, the Mt Rushmore a bit more pigment, and the Driftwood with what is perhaps the proper proportion, with more pigment than oil. I wonder if the parent container(s) from which the samples were dispensed weren’t adequately mixed? Or do some colors” cover” more completely?
Thanks – Doug Long -Virginia
Are you applying the sample to a new piece of wood? If so, you are not going to get a true color representation as new wood needs to weather and be prepped.
Thanks for the response: the samples to which I applied the stain are weathered and were scrubbed/prepped: applying “wet on wet”, the wood absorbed the stain. The question is, should the three samples vary in the proportion of coloring/solids to the oil carrier? (the little bottles in which the samples are packaged are transparent, and one can see the proportion before shaking).
Solids or pigments do vary per color. Please reply back to your order email (not in the comments here) for the samples and will send some new ones to be sure no issues.
I have a wood cedar fence that I stained with TWP 1500 series Stain Color Honeytone 1515 5 years ago. I would like to re apply the same stain. Do I need to use both the cleaner and brightener products befpre staining again? Is there an advantage to using these products verses a good cleaning with a power washer?
Yes, use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep while pressure washing. Pressure washing alone is not good for wood and can damage it.
What non slip or non skid additive do you recommend? I am using cedar tone 1500 on cedar.
I am looking at some of those powdered polymer types. Most of them say they are for paint or expoxy or solid stain and dont directly address a semi transparent stain.
thank you.
You cannot add a non slip into a penetrating stain like TWP. It will not work.
I got a good amount of the 100 series stain on concrete. Tried pressure washing it but its pretty stuck. Any good way to try removing it from concrete?
Try Goof Off Graffiti remover or similar.
I will be applying TWP 1501 on a pressure treated pine deck that was coated two years ago
with Ready Seal (RS) semi transparent stain. Most of the RS color is gone. What preparation do you recommend to prepare the surface for the 1501 staining? Location is NE Pennsylvania.
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kit.
When using TWP200 on cedar shakes for a roof, would you cover each shake entirely, just the ends exposed to the weather, or is it a personal preference?
(Small 10 x 10 gazebo project)
Just to the exposed wood.
Is it ok to to put the brightner on stained wood? We’re leaving the old stain on after cleaning.
Yes.
I used the bug juice along with the stain. My deck finishing project went very well. However, it looks as if there is a white residue that is coming up from around knots and other imperfections in the wood. How do I remove these?
That is sap leeching from the knots. Not much you can do to stop or prevent. Sand to remove or use mineral spirits.
I live in Washington State.
My COVID stay-at-home project was building three solid cedar raised planter boxes. They were then sanded, and given several coats of MinWax Helmsman spar urethane (clear satin).
They looked great for one year. Now they are peeling (in sheets) and oxidizing to a light gray. Photos attached.
I am planning on sanding, using a brightening agent, and then applying a semi-transparent stain.
Based upon my location (Washington State) and needs, what process/products do you recommend?
Thank you in advance.
Rick Horsman
Ferndale WA
Rehorsman@comcast.net
(360) 561-9733
Use the TWP 100 Series after removing the coating.
Hi, I apologize, as I’m sure there are answers to this among the thousands of previously questions. I am about to start spraying with the stripping and brightening steps for our previously TWP100-stained deck. Instructions say to pre-rinse the house. Our house has painted cedar siding – do I also need to tarp the house above the deck before spraying stripper or brightener?
It does not remove paint but prewet and rinse any over spray while working.
I have just done my second coat of stain (on old wood). Would a 3rd coat help preserve the finish longer?
Thank you.
No, too much stain creates issues with drying and curing.
I had a deck built last July. We live in Nebraska and couldn’t get it stained before winter so we let it sit for 12 months. It has trex for the decking but the fascia and railings are cedar. Is has not been stained before and we are thinking of a pecan color. What stain do you recommend and any prep that need to be done before the stain can be applied. Do I need to avoid certain temperatures or humidity levels when I apply the stain?
Use our Gemini Restore kit for prep. Stain with the TWP 100 Series. Temps no higher than 90 when applying.
I live in Washington State deck gets sun all day. Can use either the 100 or 1500. trying to decide which would be better for my project deck is 4 years old yellow cedar stained with sikkens originally was not happy with results. going with dark oak. Deck wash then complete sanding before new application
They will both work the same for WA state.
Hello,
I am looking for help on what type of stain to use. I am looking for something to bring out a little warmth of the deck but not have a yellow or orange glow. However, I also dont want a dark stain.
Our deck is 25 years old, pressure treated, and in good condition. It has always been taken care of, pressure washed, and at times sealed with a clear sealant but never with a colored stain.It is not too gray after a good pressure wash either. Here is a picture of it after pressure washing. Living in Midwest.
Try the TWP 1500 Series in Pecan color.
I’m trying to refinish a cedar deck originally coated with cedartone TWP over 10 years ago. I think it was the 100 series. There are worn are areas and some uneven appearance and damage from large flower containers. Also it was a lot more gray than originally. I goofed and cleaned with a bleach cleaner and sanded with 60 grit. It doesn’t look very good or uniform, but I applied twp 100 cedartone on some of the deck to test. It looks bad, very darkish gray with a hint of cedar color. Should I use the RAD stripper and brightener on everything including the freshly stained boards? (I also coated several new boards to replace some rotted wood and they look good. You can really see the contrast with the recoated dark old wood). Thank you.
Strip and brighten all. See here about the new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
1) Do you recommend using either of the stripper additives? 2) Should I clean before the brightener 3) should I pressure wash for any of the steps?
1. Yes, it will make it easier to strip since it is newly applied stain.
2. No need.
3. Yes, you have to pressure wash.
I have cobble stone driveway it got painted with stain and mineral paint removal isn’t working? Help!
Try Goof Off.
What is the drying time for TWP 100 stain, before furniture may be put back on the deck?
24 hours should be okay.
How many years should the TWP stain 100 last on a wood privacy wall?
3-7 years on a vertical wall.
How long does an open 5 gallon can of TWP stain 100 last? I’m not sure we will use the entire can this year.
12 months or so.
I have a redwood deck that I have finished multiple times with 50/50 pine tar and linseed oil. That finish barely lasts a year and takes weeks to dry. I’m hoping to replace it with something more durable and easier to use (quicker dry time). Could I use TWP 1500? And, what would you recommend for prep? I live at 8400’ in CO. The deck sees sun all year and goes through numerous snow/melt cycles during the winter. Thanks for your advice!
You cannot apply the TWP (or any other stain) over this so it all has to be removed. Try stripping and sanding. Once fully remove, you can use the TWP 1500.
I have a log home i stained with TWP Pecan. I would like to put a clear Top Coat application over.
What do you recommend
You cannot top coat over the TWP Stains.
Do I need to use stripper to take off Ready Seal stain or can I use the cleaner. The ready seal was put on over 10 years ago.
Strip and brighten.
I have a clear cedar fence. First applied twp 100 about 5 years ago. The fence still looks great but it’s time for another coat of twp 100. I gave it a light pressure wash last week to clean off dust and dirt. What is the best way to apply the stain? Brush or roller? I didn’t put it on 5 years ago. Any other tips would be helpful. Thank you!
You can use a pump sprayer to apply and then back wipe any drips or runs.
Do you sell 207 Butternut brown ? If not, what would be the closest to that ?
We do: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
I have a non-treated pine tongue and groove (kiln dried) ceiling in a screen porch. I tested your 100 product on it. If I sanded it first, it absorbs the stain more consistently and looks best, it may not penetrate as well though. Its a ceiling so not sure that is an issue, but am concerned about mold and mildew on the ceiling as I live in GA on a lake where the humidity is no joke. Is there a prep process and ideal product you recommend for a pine ceiling? (I prefer the matte finish of the 100, but open to something with a little sheen if best for preventing mold). Thank you!
Sheen does not prevent mildew and actually can attract it as the wood is not breathable. If you want to sand this for prep, then use no finer than 80 grit. There is not an ideal prep process for a ceiling, none of it is easy due to the upside-down issues. 🙂
Hello, I have a 2 month old Yellawood Pine pressure treated covered porch and deck and will be letting it cure for 4-12 months per your article. I’m considering Dark Oak as the color. I saw where you said not to sand as it would close the grain. I have a few boards slightly higher than others that I either need to plane or sand. I don’t want them to appear different than their adjacent boards because of this. Is planing or low grit sandpaper (80) and option now considering the weathering will re-raise the grain? Also, any tips on removing the wood stamps from the mill (premium, grade, etc) or will they fade as it ages and not be an issue? Thank you!
Sand anything you want to sand now with 60-80 grit, including stamps, and then let weather for the 4-12 months. It will even out after prep.