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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’m installing a new mahogany (cumaru) tongue and groove porch floor. Which product do you recommend and also does this type of wood need to age before staining?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the 100 or 1500 Series.
What should we use on a brand new cedar split rail fencing? Do you have a product for that?
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
Which twp product do you recommend for 1 yr old untreated pine that has been freshly sanded?
TWP 1500 Series.
We have a 3 year old PT deck that was coated with RainCoat 2 years ago. (That was garbage.) We stripped with Restore a deck stripper, brightened, power washed, and sanded. The prep looked great. Then we stained 1500 dark oak over two days. The first day was ok and that section looks pretty good, but the second day section is tacky, splotchy, and the boards furred again after staining even though we sanded out the furring before. It did rain about 8 hours after we finished that section. I tried to fix some of the sections with mineral spirits which helped the spotted parts, but the furred parts and the other parts look awful – some are visibly spotted, some have dark black sections that look molded, and others are scaly. What happened – and what can we do? (Application was 4 days ago, rain was 3 days ago; we alternated between us applying on the two days so technique might have differed.)
Looks like it did not cure fully before the rain came. You will need to strip and redo this section to fix it.
I have a 5 year old deck with primarily wood, but a landing and stairs with Trex composite. Hired someone to put TWP 1503 (refreshing it from the original staining) and it looks great.
My problem is that TWP 1503 was accidentally applied on the Trex landing and stairs. I am concerned that it will not dry or soak in, will be slippery, that it will age poorly, it will stick to shoes or be tacky, will ultimately peel, and becomes a maintenance problem (exactly why we got Trex).
FYI – The stain has been in place for about 48 hours.
Q1: Should TWP 1503 be applied to Trex at all? Is it a must fix problem?
Q2: What are consequences of not fixing?
Q6: The stain has been on the Trex for 48 hours. Is there a time limit after which the drying is complete and it changes your recommendation?
Q3: Are there dangers of damage or similar if the TWP 1503 is removed?
Q4: Are there special treatments if it needs removed. My wife saw online that mineral oils could be used, but is there a recommended fix? Obviously we want a fix that will not cause more damage than not. I also do not want fading or stains after we “fix” it.
Q5: Any other advice or pitfalls to recommend?
As I said upfront, we are very impressed with your product. The TWP 1503 looks great, has kept our wood decking look great over the past 5 years, and we strongly recommend it. My concern is the “maintenance free” composite boards and making sure it is not damaged.
Thanks. Your prompt answers are appreciated as it has only been down 48 hours.
This is all relative to the type of Trex you have. TWP can work on older porous Trex but cannot be used on brand new Trex that is basically 99% plastic like the Transcend version. If you strip it off the Trex it will most likely splash onto the railings as well to the point that will need to be redone or touched up.
If the TWP fully dried and cure on the Trex and you are okay with it then just leave it.
I am searching for a warm honey toned semi-transparent stain for unstained, pressure treated pine that is raw and about 1 1/2 years old. How do I determine what the honeytone 1515 will look like on my deck? Do you recommend a semi-transparent for a semi-solid? TIA
Best to test samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Thank you!
Which light/medium gray color in series 100 or 1500 stain is the least “blue” looking when applied? We are applying this to untreated rough sawn cypress siding on our whole house. Is there a most popular gray color? Thank you for your help.
There are not any gray colors in the 1500 Series and only one true gray (Cape Cod Gray) in the 100 Series. You may also want to consider the TWP Semi-solid colors as there are more gray options.
What is the best way to clean drip spots off of concrete and pavers?
Try Good off.
First time user of your cleaner/brightener prep product. Not sure if I am seeing an issue, but the back porch when dried has lost much of its bright wood color and is very whiteish. Is this normal?
Will the color and brightness return when stained after fully drying?
These porches were stained in 1500 series 3+ years ago (2 coats on weathered, unstained deck). Power washed heavily with spot treatment of mildew using bleach and water.. Look great when wet after cleaner brightener, but 1st one dried looks bleached out.
See attached photos of wet front porch vs dry rear porch.
Normal and will be fine once stained.
Mid October in Minnesota.
I have read different temperature parameters listed in the answers. I need to know if the parameters apply to the RAD products and the TWP1500 equally. I’m at a point where temps in the daytime are in the 50’s and nights are in the low to mid forties. I’ll be doing stripper, brightener, stain. Apologies if this specific question has been answered somewhere.
No below 50 when applying the TWP or prep products.
why can’t I find the TWP 315 on the website. (this is stain/sealant that you carried for bamboo)
We do not sell the TWP 300 Series on the website. Sorry.
How long after staining can put furniture and a large BBQ on wheels on the deck? Tomorrow I will apply twp 1502 on a redwood that had been sanded, cleaned and brightened.
As soon as it is fully dried and cured. 1-2 days.
I used 100 series stain on my fence about 4 years again. I’m looking to stain the same fence again same color and wondered if used 1500 series stain on that fence would cause any issues to the finish.
No reason to switch, just use the 100 Series again. If you want to switch, you will need to strip and brighten for prep.
I have used TWP 501 Cedartone stain for years. The last time I refinished by 2×6 cedar deck I could not find it, so used a different semi-transparent stain from a Big Box retailer. Was disappointed from the start. I now can’t find the 501 but seems like only the 100 series or 1500 series is available. I live in Georgia and would love to get the 501 Cedartone. If not available which is the closest available? That is regarding color as well as product similarities.
The 1500 Series replaced the 500 Series 10 years ago. The 1501 Cedartone is the same color. You will need to remove all prior big box stains first before using the 1500 Series.
What, if any, is the difference between 501 and 1501? I just found an unopened can of 501 would it still be good (if shaken) and could it be used with the 1501?
It is not good. Shelf life is 2-3 years and that is over 10 years old.
I have one gallon of TWP101 that states coverage 300-400 sq feet. Your website says 100-200 square feet. Which is correct?
100-200 is for two coats. For one coat it is closer to 250-300.
I have four 12″x12″ columns outside and one inside – all rough sawn pine. They are all aged. I sanded the interior one and it cleaned up really well…nice and bright and looks like pine again. I think I will leave the exterior ones rough instead of sanding. We are also having a double barn door, a cabinet, and stairs made from the same wood which will probably all be sanded.
After doing some tests with some different stains from Lowes, I was about to buy a 5 gal bucket of the Valspar Semi Transparent Stain and Sealer in one in Cedar Natural Tone. Then I read some reviews and needless to say, I’m looking at TWP now. I really liked the color of that Valspar one though so I am hoping your cedar tone will look pretty close.
My questions are:
1) I am in Arkansas so should I get the 100?
2) Will the color be the same on sanded vs rough sawn?
3) Can this product be used indoors? Perhaps because of the lower VOCs, I should use 1500 for the inside?
4) Can a finish be applied to the stairs, cabinets, and barn doors?
5) What is the best application method for rough sawn wood? (brush, roller, sprayer)
1. Yes.
2. No, darker on more absorbent rough sawn wood.
3. Not suggested indoors due to the odor. Does not matter the series.
4. If exterior then yes.
5. Stain pad or brush.
If I have left over TWP 100 Cedartone stain when I finish my deck, how long can I keep it to use again for my next deck staining?.. I re-stain about every 2-3 years.
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I have purchased the 1500 cedartone and love the look on my redwood fence! However, my gate is a mix of milled and rough sawed wood. How do I stain this if milled is to age 4 + mo. and rough can be stained immediately? There is no practical way to separate the two. Also, what can I use to remove stain from concrete?
Wait the 4-12 months and then prep and stain all at the same time.
Thank you! But will that require a restoration or stripper application?
Clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore Kit before staining.
Okay, thank you. Could you please explain the difference between the Gemini Restore Kit and the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit? Are they the same?
Gemini Kit is a Cleaner and Brightener. Not stripper.
So I did a water test for the presence of mill glaze on the finished redwood and there appears to not have the wax glaze, for no beading transpired and wood seemed to absorb it. Can I stain the toppers and gate along with the fence without waiting if there is no glaze?
No, you still need to weather and prep new wood.
Can TWP semi-solid be shipped to California?
No, it cannot.
We have a problem with mildew on our deck. I attempted to fix that by cleaning with a solution of bleach, borax and a pressure wash then re-applying this spring. The deck was fine for the first few months, until we had a rainy spell and the mildew returned. This is pressure treated wood on a deck in a woodsy location. Tx.
That is an issue with your environment, not the deck stain. Mildew can grow on top of any surface. Try a product called “Wet and Forget” from your local hardware store.
Thanks, will give it a try!
TWP,
I have added multiple projects to my property needing periodic stain application using 1500 series stains. Have customers had good results in using airless sprayers for stain application on larger fence and deck jobs?
Have they seen significant time savings vs a hand pump sprayer and pads?
Do you need to increase the estimated usage of the stain per square foot? If so, how much?
Quality impacts?
Any other Downsides?
What solvent is best used for cleaning the equipment?
thx, don
You can airless sprayer. Not much savings in time vs pump sprayer. Coverage is the same if applied by stain pad or sprayer. You are overthinking this. You still need to apply the same correct sq footage if using hand tools or spraying. You will need to back brush if spraying to catch any drips or runs. Cleanup with mineral spirits it thinner.
I’m interested in the TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series. I have spoken with two deck restoration companies and neither have used this particular series and are reluctant to recommend it as they don’t know how it will stand up to the elements. Has this product been thoroughly tested so I can have confidence to use it over another tried and true TWP series? Thanks.
The TWP semi-solid is the same as the TWP 100 series but the colors have more pigment. This means you have the same formula as the 100 Series but better UV protection since it they are semi-solid colors.
Hi, I restained the deck at our lake cabin about 5-6 weeks ago. We aren’t here regularly so didn’t notice anything till this week. A few days ago I noticed what look like heavy water spots on the finished deck. I washed it off yesterday with soapy water and floor brush, rinsed it well and let it dry. This morning the spots are a little better but still very visable – attaching two pics but you have to enlarge to see the spots. I’m assuming they’re from rain or something before stain fully cured. (I’ve been using the same TWP product for 8 years on this deck with excellent results so I know it isn’t the stain’s fault.) Question is, what is the best way to removed these water spots? I’m not opposed to pressure washing and restaining if that’s recommended. thx.
These are mineral deposits from water drying on your stain. Try a light pressure wash with a little bit of dish soap to remove.
Thanks. That’s what I did last night. It helped some and maybe I just need to do it again. I was just curious as I’ve restained all our decks every other year for 8 yearswith TWP and never had this happen before. Main concern is it doesn’t/didn’t get “into” the stain and now won’t come out. Thanks again for your reply.
I applied TWP 120 Pro Series PECAN to my new cedar deck in July. Looked great but the other day I attempted to clean it with a TSP and water solution since it sits under a tree cover and started to accumulate dirt. Looks like it removed much of the stain. At this point I believe I need to re-stain the deck. It looks very clean and even (not blotchy) but wondering what, if anything, I still need to do before I re-stain it?
Second question is that I have metal cylindrical risers for my railings that I believe are powder coated. If I decide to use Restore-A-Deck prior to re-staining, will it damage the metal risers?
Send pics for prep help. The RAD products should not harm the metal but always test first.
Here you go. There appears to be a white haze on some of the wood. Perhaps left over from the TSP solution.
I would leave it as is until Spring. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and recoat then.
Thanks for the advice. For the future what is your recommendation to clean my deck without removing the stain… more maintain the finish of the deck rather than prep for re-staining?
Warm water and dish soap.
After thinking about it, we’d like to apply a maintenance coat of stain now before the winter. The product data sheet says to not apply below 40 degrees. If we apply this afternoon while temps are in high 70’s with overnight low around 52 degrees tomorrow am, will this be ok for TWP 120 Pecan?
Yes, that works.
I have an unopened 5 gallon can of TWP 1501. It’s at least 6 years old. Is it any good?
No. The shelf life is about 2 years.
How long do Restore-A-Deck cleaning solutions remain “potent”? Can I mix a large batch in the morning and use it throughout the day?
The Cleaner is only active for a few hours. Tee Brightener will not go bad.
Hi, after research and doubts about the big box store stains, I stumbled upon your product. Which series is allowed in my area ? (Pennsylvania). I just removed old paint with a dimabrush. I would like to use your stain. The bigger concern is once I finished stripping and sanding, it rained for days. Still raining. Should I do another sand before application? 1 or 2 coats of twp?
Use the TWP 1500 Series. Rain does not harm anything and actually helps. Stain 48 hours after rain or prep/
Thanks for the quick response!
Can I use Restore-A-Deck cleaner if the wood is wet from a recent rainstorm? I would think so but thought I’d ask.
Yes.
My redwood deck has water standing on it. See Photo. Do i need to remove the water before cleaning and the brightening?.
No.
I can apply your product between temps of 50-90 but at night the temp is in 39-49 is this OK for drying? Or should I wait until spring time to apply? I live in Maine.
Yes, that is fine. Cannot drop below 40 the first night.
We are preparing to restain our cedar log sideded dog kennel but have some problem areas. We have “bleached out” areas (close to the ground) that do not accept stain well. I have tried sanding but that does not help. We also have darkened areas that look dried out and also do not accept stain. I have attached photos. What do you suggest we do to prep these areas?
Not 100% sure but it looks like the white is sap leeching out and the dark area are water stains. There is no way to fix water stains and the sap would have to be sanded off.
I have deck boards that are green treated. Will the twp cedar stain look good or do I need to tray them with something or ??
The wood will be fine to stain but your joist’s stains will show through and cannot be removed.
I used your TWP Restore -A-Deck cleaner and brightener on my deck the other day. I applied the brightener immediately after rinsing the cleaner while deck was still wet. I didn’t see a difference after using the brightener. Should I have waited for deck to dry before applying the brightener? Also, I spot cleaned a few mildew areas with a bleach and water mix after the brightener. Should I re-brighten those bleach treated areas?
No, you apply brighener as soon as possible to you did correctly. You may need to brighten all the wood if the bleach discolored the wood. Check by wetting down the deck with water and see if any color issues where you spot-bleached.
Thanks for your fast reply. I wet the deck to check for color issues and didn’t see any. However, I did see two small areas ( approx 6 – 8 linear feet of board length) where some stain remains deep between the wood grain, so I’ll try to spot clean with stain stripper, scrub, rinse and apply brightener to those areas. Thanks again for your excellent help.
You are welcome.
Hello!
In late April 2020 we installed a deck made of wood we got at Lowes (model # 476209), description is: “premium Hem fir with virtually no wane; pressure treated for exterior above ground use – not intended for ground contact; pre-applied attractive browntone color; can be painted, stained or sealed over, allow treated wood to dry thoroughly prior to application”
The color has faded from many of the boards, while some still look fairly new. We would like to stain them and based upon advice I got back in 2020 we should use cleaner and brightener before applying the stain. Since the wood is now over two years old, should we do just one coat or can we do two?
In case it matters, we live near Seattle so have typical PNW weather, including maple leaves and incence cedar needles/cones.
Thanks!
Stacy
You need to strip and brighten to remove the old stain. Then apply two coats wet on wet.
Thanks! Do I need to use the additives too, or just the stripper / brightener kit?
Use the additives as well.
Can we use twp100 on a pressure treated wood field fence? If so, can it be sprayed on or is rolling a must?
Thanks
Yes, and spray or brush is best. Do not roll.
I commissioned 2 beautiful wood sculptures created by a chain saw artist for my son and daughter this year as a wedding present. Now I need to treat it so it lasts forever. Sculpture 1 is a 175 yr old oak stump that had been completely dead for many years and cut to a stump level about 2 yrs ago. Sculpture 2 is a 60 ft white pine that was dead to the top, but we felled the tree at 6’..the 6’ stump is now a sculpture.
What is the best system for these? Do I use a stain or spar varnish(I do NOT want gloss). Assume I need more of an oil based product?
Do need a borate based product to protect against termites?
Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks,
Phil
Use the TWP 1500 Series. Do not use a borate.
Thanks for the lightning fast response. What is the problem with borate? Some are saying this is good for termites?
The stumps are still attached to the earth if that matters….
You can use it but usually not needed.
Greetings – I have just used the Gemeni Cleaner and Brightener on our 2-3 year old deck that was stained for the first time last Fall. After the cleaner, I noticed numerous areas of “spotting” mostly on the verticals. I assume this was from the cleaner. They remained after the brightener.
Question: Will this spotting go away when I re-stain ?
Also, I am assuming I can do another wet-on-wet application, as long as the wood takes the stain, correct ?
You will need to strip and brighten all to fix this so it stains evenly. Two coats applied wet on wet.
Use a “stripper” or another round of cleaner and brightener – ?
Stripper and then brightener.
What did I do wrong to cause this ?
The cleaner misted over onto the old stain and then “spot” cleaned it. You will have to remove the old stain now it fix it.
Two years ago, I stripped, cleaned, brightened a cedar deck (that was perhaps 5 years old) and applied TWP 100 Series in Dark Oak. It still looks great but no longer beads water, so I want to protect it before winter hits (Minnesota). I also don’t want it any darker, so instead of applying another coat of Dark Oak, I am thinking of just going on with a coat a clear. Any issues with that? Can I prep but just washing it with a mild soap, let it dry for a few days and then apply the clear?
You cannot put the clear over the stained color. You also have to properly prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit. Do this and then apply the same color as last time.
Can you have a local dealer tint a 5 gallon container to a desired color? My neighbor has several gallons he is willing to sell me, but it is just a clear coat.
Sorry but not possible to tint the clear.
Hi, I stained my deck with the TWP 1500 Honeytone in June. Looked great at the time, but Now in Sept the color has faded noticeably and the boards are moldy and cracking. (See pics before/after) Posting here to see if I can get some advice before I re-stain. I am willing to give TWP another go, but the change to my deck is pretty drastic in just 3 months time so I am skeptical about the strength of the product.
I originally did the stripping/brightener several days before before staining with a pad. I applied the stain once the weather was clear for at least 2 days before/after staining. I did 2 coats wet on wet with a good 10 minutes waiting between coats. After the second coat I waited another 10 minutes before wiping the surface down with a rag to prevent pooling. I wonder doing this made the coats too thin. Any thoughts?
Was this deck brand new?
No it came with the house we bought last year. It does look fairly new. It had a clear stain that I removed with Valspar stripping agent
It looks like you have dirt and grime on top of the wood from your surrounding trees and bushes. Also, It looks like a very thin coat was applied. Best to redo the prep and apply two coats wet on wet in the Spring. Might want to switch to a richer color as well as the Honeytone being the lightest will fade the fastest.
I am restaining a 2008 cedar deck . Over the years I have used Super Deck, Cabot Timberoil and in 2022 applied Super Deck Waterbourne all with disappointing results. I have used a Defy Stripper together with brightener. There is still some old Acrylic remaing. If I sand now will I have to use a brighter again or clean before using TWP
Clean and brighten after sanding.
Are your deck strippers safe for decks over an EPDM roof membrane?
Yes.
Thanks. Just to be sure (because I realize my question was ambiguous), I am asking whether the EPDM membrane will not be damaged from the stripper. For example, the BEHR branded strippers WILL damage EPDM (based on BEHR’s response to the same question). Thanks again for any clarity on this issue. A lot of people have rooftop decks and I’m sure others might want to know.
We have never tested it but we have had many other people use the stripper over this without issues.
I am in the process of restoring my mahogany deck -I have used your product in the past (1500 series Clear) I have prepped it with the Restore a deck products (clean and brightening). I just want to make sure that before I apply the stain that there is nothing else I should be doing. The pictures attached show some white spots on the deck – not sure what they are – the deck was power washed after the cleaning phase. The deck still has to dry in some places – the moisture meter is saying that the wood is 15%. thanks for your help
Need some pics in .png, .gif, or .jpg format.
Here are the pictures
The white is oxidation that was not fully removed. You should redo the Gemini prep one more time, getting a little closer to the wood while pressure washing.
do I have to do the whole deck or just spots that are white?
All so it is even. Also, you may want to strip and brighten instead of clean and brighten to remove the Clear TWP that has oxidized. It will be easier.
Strip it with what product?
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Just moved into a new home in North Liberty Iowa in July. It has a second story raised 10×10 ft patio. I want to stain it next spring or summer and was wondering if it’s a good idea to also stain the underside
No need unless you want for aesthetics.
We have an old deck of pressure treated wood like what you would get from Home Depot , I assume it is pressure treated pine. We pressure washed the deck as it had a lot of mold on it, then replaced some rotten boards with new boards, then cleaned and brightened but with other brands than yours before I found this website. Then ordered sample 1500 TWP stains but am now finding out the new wood stain color would look totally different and needs to weather and then cleaned and brightened. The old wood also looks white now after pressure washing, cleaning and brightening. Pictures are attached. What do you recommend to remove the white and have an even stain color on old and new wood?
Leave it as is until Spring. Prep all wood with the Gemini Restore Kit before staining.
Ok thanks. Would 1500 stain work then or should I stain with semi solid stain to make new and old wood match best after waiting till spring and using Gemini restore kit?
Semi-solid will blend the wood better.
I have new cedar porch posts. Can I go ahead and stain them or should I let them weather some first. Anything I need to do in before staining them?
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Have 4500 sf deck of 15 year old TREX, it has recently been power washed. The color is a rust/pinkish color and we are wanting to stain it gray. It has never been treated, will one of your stains work on this. Thank you for any advise you can give. Do not want a painted look.
TWP stains will not work in this scenario.
Hello,
I have a 1200 sq ft.home sided with kiln dried hemlock (vertical board/batten) style that I would like to put a semi transparent stain on —it’s never been treated and has been on the house for a yr. I live in eastern Canada in a maritime climate ie. on the ocean. I see you now ship the twp 200 to Canada. Would this be an appropriate product for this application? And are there any photos that would show the twp 210 slate grey colour. thank you!
Yes, you can use the 200 Series here. We do not have any photos.
HI TWP
I am using marine grade plywood as a top rail/counter top for my deck railings. These are doubled 3/4 thick (1-1/2″ total) by 24 inch deep. They will be in direct Utah sun all day 365 days, we had 31 days over 100 degrees this summer. I am looking for primarily UV protection as the UV is my greatest concern. How do you think oil based “solids added” TWP would perform applied to all surfaces? And if you believe in the product, how about some applications tips please.
Sorry but no idea what you mean by “solids added” TWP? TWP stains are excellent For Utah, use the TWP 100 Series or TWP Semi-solid.
Solids added = semi solid which I understand gives better UV protections.
And any thoughts about applying to marine plywood?
No issues using it on plywood.
Deck installed 2021. One floor board warped and was replaced in 2022 when the plan was to stain. With the one floor board newer than others, do I wait for it to age or do I proceed according to one year instructions? If I wait, how long? Is there another method?
See new wood tips here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Can I apply TWP 100 Pro Series Clear on a Mohagony Front door that has previous varnish? I plan to sand the front door, clean then apply the TWP 100 Pro series clear.
No, it is not designed for mahogany doors and a varnish cannot be applied over it.
Purchased 1 gallon of TWP 100 Pro Series Clear. I was was planning on sanding my all wood (mohacany) front door with this clear varnish. I plan to sand the door and then clean. Next day apply the varnish. I used this product for my pine deck and it looks beautiful. Will this product work well on my front door? I see no reference to this varnish being applied to front doors. My front door is a little darker and I assume it will continue to be dark with the use of this clear varnish.