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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
Can’t figure out the difference between 1500 and 200 stains? Are they basically the same? Same results?
No, not the same product. They do last the same on a deck surface.
Hi. We used the restore-a-deck cleaning kit last year prior to TWP 200. We love the results and it wintered beautifully. We are preparing for a second coat this year. We still have half a jar of brightener. Is it possible to purchase the cleaner separately? We are in Canada. Thank you.
Sorry, but we do not sell it individually.
Which 1500 series stain will negate the red tone on a mahogany deck and give the wood a Browder tone
Dark Ooak or Black Walnut colors.
How can I get your stain off of my wife’s white car?? Thanks
We would suggest taking it to a place that does car detailing so they can remove it without damaging the paint.
My Deck is 30 Days old , it is treated Pine , I purchased Natural 1530 and plan on Staining / Sealing at end of May , what is your recommendation of prep before applying ?
We replied to you prior. You cannot stain for 4-12 months after installation. See here for more info on this and prep:
https://twpstainhelp.com/need-some-help-with-twp-stains/
My Deck was built the last week of March ( pressure treated lumber from Lowes ) I live in Ohio , what is your recommendation of prep before using Natural 1530 which I just purchased ?
See this first as you cannot stain it yet:
https://twpstainhelp.com/need-some-help-with-twp-stains/
I have an old deck that is being redone. Our guy has sanded and yesterday applied primer. Is your product oil based, and do I need to use a solid stain? Thanks
Our products cannot be used over a primer. Thanks
Looking to stain a 15 year old mahagony deck that will only show a minimal red tint.I like its look when wet on the now clean boards. I want to be able to resstain in 2 years with little fuss.
For a look similar to a wet look, us the TWP 1515 Honeytone color.
I have a 35 year old deck that has a solid Behr brown stain on it for at least 5 years. The deck was made with treated lumber from Home Depot. I am in the Chicago area. There are also wood spindles around most of the deck. The deck is about 16′ by 32′.
I would like to have my deck restained such that the wood grain would show through. What is the best way to get the old stain off and treat the wood to apply a new stain/sealer?
You will need this to strip and possibly a little bit of spot sanding when done:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-strippers
Hello. I am trying to determine the best product to use for sealing the posts, beams, and t&g ceiling of my porch. The posts and beams are rough sawn white oak, the t&g ceiling is cypress. All new wood, installed about 2 months ago. The white oak was cut and milled about 4 months ago onsite, the cypress came from a lumber supplier. The home is located on the MS gulf coast. I want to preserve the rough sawn look, so I don’t plan to sand any higher than about 80 grit if I don’t have to. I want to maintain close to the natural color of the white oak and the cypress using a single product, if that is possible.
Use the TWP 100 Series. Use the Gemini Kit for prep on the smooth wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have an older deck that I am refinishing. I just stripped solid stain, my next step will be sanding, then staining. Which product/series would you recommend for best outcome? (I am not looking for solid stain since I like the visible wood grain). Is there a section on website that easily compares products?
Where do you live?
Massachusetts
You need the use the TWP 1500 Series in MA: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Can I use TWP over Sikkens, provided I use TWP cleaner to prep?
No. You always have to remove the prior coating when switching brand of semi-transparent stain.
can i use twp 200 on new presure treated wood ?
After wait and prep: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have been using TWP 201 (Cedartone) on my cedar deck for the last 20 years–a great product. For the last ten, I have power washed the deck every spring before applying the product. The cedar is starting to show “ribs” which is likely due to all the power washing. What products and process do you recommend to clean the deck other than power wash? The cedar is getting darker every year and there is some green (maybe mold) build up in the parts that get more shade. FYI the deck size is 45 ft by 14 ft.
Thanks
Use this kit while pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
To clarify, i do not wish to power wash given the ribbing of the cedar. What products do you suggest to clean the deck without power washing.
Hi,
You need to strip off the coatings that have built up and that will require the kit we mentioned and light pressure washing to do it properly.
Can your restore a deck cleaner be used with a 2400 psi rated presure washer?
Not injected in it. You pump on the cleaner with a manual pump sprayer and then you pressure wash it off.
How often is it recommended a cedar deck be retreated? We last did ours year before last. We live in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.
Every 2-3 years is normal for a deck.
I stained our new pressure treated pavilion 3 years ago after a year of aging using TWP 1500 in 1516 rustic. It came out fantastic, but now it’s time to redo it. I have the same stain ordered via email. My question is what would be the best and easiest way to prep the wood. It’s just showing dirt and has some fading but no mold or algae. Please advise asap.
Thanks,
Bruce
Use this kit while pressure washing for prep.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Does any TWP stain have a glossy,shinny finish ? I have been using 200 series for years and need to re-stain my northern wi. lake home, but like the way some homes have a gloss appearance.
No shine. Gloss coatings will peel outside wood.
2 years ago I stained an older deck with BEHR semi transparent Russet brown stain. I live outside of Albany, NY where we have snow, cold and ice. I did all the correct prep, pressure washing, deck cleaner etc. It all looked great throughout the warm weather months. After every winter though there are peeling spots particularly where melted snow drips off of awnings. Is there any way to avoid this peeling after every winter? I usually sand the peeling spots and stain over them. Can I use TWP stain over the BEHR stain and can you match the color? Will it make a difference or will TWP peel after winter as well.
You cannot apply TWP over the Behr. You would have to fully strip or sand it first.
I live in the north east .Do you make a stain for older composite trex decking if so which one do you recommend thank you
The TWP semi-solids can be used on composite older decking that is porous.
Thank you
We have applied 3 coats of TWP on an outdoor cedar grill table and it is still tacky after a week in a heated shop building. What should we do? The outdoor table is 10 years old and was sanded down before applying TWP.
You will need to remove it all and start over. Sanding is not the best way to prep as it closes the wood pores for stain penetration. Also, if you sand only one coat should be applied. Never more than 2 coats with TWP.
Can this product be used on a table that a grill sits in the middle of or will it catch fire?
The wood would catch fire before the stain would.
I gave cedar columns that are under a year old on my house. They were left bare by the builder. What stain would be best for these?
Make sure to prep. Use the TWP 1500 Series.
Hello, i have a mahogany deck and cedar fence that is a year seasoned and ready to be treated. I have the prep products ready to go. I am looking for advice on the appropriate product to stain both. Is it the TWP100? what color. I love the rich red look of the mahogany and want to maintain that. Should i be using the redwood for that? I assume cedar is the right choice for cedar fence.
Thanks!
Any color you like will work on the cedar. For a rich red on Mahogany, try the Rustic color.
We used TWP stain in the fall 2022. I want to clean the winter dirt from the deck. Should I use kitchen soap or laundry soap and a sponge or a soft brush?
Warm water with some dish soap. You can use a car wash brush as well.
Hello l am ready to stain my deck l have 2 questions
1 should l power wash my deck before cleaning and brightening ?
2 how l can get rid of dark stuff on the board please see the attached pictures should l use stronger nozzle ? I am using15 degrees it’s too much or too little
1. You pressure wash while using the Cleaner.
2. You should strip and brighten instead to remove all the stains:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I am confused l striped my deck 3 years ago. And l was advised by the twp help that this year l need to just clean brighten and put a new stain
Stripping would help to remove the black dirt runs. Stripping is no harder than cleaning, just a deeper removal.
Hi – We are committed to restoring our garage door and not resort to painting it.
Any advice?
You will need to strip it off with this: https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-strippers
Once fully removed, you can use the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
Location: Isle Of Palms SC
March 2020 installed New pressure treated grilling deck, stair treads and outdoor shower (house on pilings & shower fully covered underneath cottage); Cleaned & stained in March 2021 with TWP 201 Cedartone.
Grilling deck is shaded by Cedar tree and have some mold. Plan to use gemini restore and then apply new coat of TWP 201 since it’s been 2 years.
The outdoor/underneath shower area is a bit slippery-ish, but color still looks good. Should I use the Gemini restore or the R-A-D in the shower area? Thinking the R-A-D might not be good on the feet?? Gemini all purpose and better prep if restaining?
Appreciate your confirming best prep plan and if I’m on correct path with cleaning then applying new coat.
Thank you.
Clean and brighten the wood with the Gemini Kit. If the area in shower is slippery then strip and brighten there would be best.
I just cleaned, but I’ve run out of time to brighten today. Is it ok to do tomorrow? how much time do I have? Thank you.
Yes but always best to do it right after cleaning.
I stained my dock deck 6 months ago and still have some stain left. Should I reapply once the weather gets nice? Quick cleaning via pressure washer 1st.
Only reapply if needed. If you reapply then you should use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
I have an 18×30 deck that was stained for the first time in May of 2020. A portion of the deck is undercover (covered porch), the other half gets direct sunlight for about half the day.- house faces the east.
Home location: IL
Couple of questions –
1) How long does a stain application typically last?
2) If it’s time to reapply, what would be best process (steps) to take and would I need to apply to both the covered and uncovered portions.
1. On a deck, about 2-3 years.
2. Clean and brighten all wood for prep when recoating.
I have pressured wood and I belive is 5 to 6 years old. The deck was previously painted so it has peeled along with some algae. Can I sand the wood to get rid off the rest of the paint and algae? What steps would you recommend I should take and what product should I use? I want a black deck.
P.s. we get all the seasons where we live
Thank you
You cannot use TWP unless you remove the paint first. Use this stripper and then spot sand if needed to remove any difficulty spots. Much easier than sanding all of it off.
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-strippers
The Darkest TWP colors would be 1504 Black Walnut:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp1500-5gallon-detail
or Charcoal in the Semi-Solid Colors.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-5-gallon-detail
How long is unopened stain good for
About 2-3 years.
I used TWP wood stain in dark oak several years ago. I’m having my deck pressure washed now, can I used a semi-solid TWP stain over the old stain?
If switching it is best to strip and brighten for prep. Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
150 to 300 SF — I found it.
How much square foot does 1 gallon of TWP 101 Cedertone Stain cover?
I want to stain my front door which is Fiberglass. What would you recommend for that? Im trying to match it to the post on the front porch that will be stained as well.
Sorry but our products will not work on fiberglass.
is it ok to apply a acylic latex primer before applying the TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series?
No. Never use a primer with a deck stain.
How do you read the production date on your Twp pro series cedartone?
The date shown is when the TWP was made.
Do you have any staining that works for bamboo or have any samples?
We do not.
I live in Catskill NY 12414. Wondering where I can buy your product which is near to my house.
Hi. We sell online only as a TWP dealer.
What color is the dark oak color sold on amazon equivilant too on your color chart?
We do not suggest buying on Amazon as most dealers are not authorized TWP dealers.
I stained a new deck two years ago using twp pecan 1520. The deck is beside our pool so it gets sun and chlorine. Should I restain the whole deck or only areas where it’s needed? Will I need to prep it? Also, we have an unopened gallon…can we use that?
You cannot spot prep and stain. You will need to prep and stain all. Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
I have a sailboat with exterior teak rails and lockers, on the water in the Florida Keys. Wondering if anyone has experience, how to prep and product selection. Stripping old Cetol finish to bare wood.
Sorry but TWP stains are not suggested for boats. They also do not add a “shine” or a varnished look which is the norm for boats.
Hello I am looking for a dark grey or black color to stain a new cedar board on board fence. Can you please recommend some for me. Can you also tell me if I am able to purchase samples.
I am in New Jersey.
The darkest black would be the Black Walnut in the 1500 Series. No dark grays.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
Hello TWP. We have been using TWP 100 Series, Cedartone, for many years on our town home community decks. Can you clarify for us what the difference is between 100 Series and 1500 Series? Is 1500 an upgrade? Should we overcoating our older 100 series surfaces with 1500? Thanks very much.
Where are you located?
Coast of North Carolina
You can use either series in NC. The difference is VOC content for certain states. They last the same on a deck.
We have a cedar deck with a worn, peeling non-oil based stain. We live in Washington state so we have long wet seasons.
Questions-
1) best stain to use and application method
2) best way to prep for the new stain
Thanks
We would need to see pics of the deck for proper prep help. You upload them in the comments. As for the TWP, use the 100 or 1500 Series.
I have a deck that was built 3 or 4 years ago by a contractor. I think they used kiln dried pine, but not sure. They then stained it with Behr solid stain in a grey that my wife picked. It is very close to the Mount Rushmore color of TWP.
What is the process to remove the Behr and then stain with TWP Mt Rushmore?
To be able to use the TWP stains, you will need to fully remove the solid stain that you have. This will require power sanding it all off.
Thanks- here’s a pic
Do you know what brand the old stain is?
Behr
Behr is water-based and can be tricky to strip but it is failing so that helps. Use the RAD Stripper with both additives and then the Brightener last:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Stain with the TWP 100 Series or Semi-Solid colors when done.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains
Thank you for your help!!
One more question- are both additives used in 1 step or is it first strip then brighten?
Additves are only added to the Stripper.
We have been in this home for 5 years. It has log siding that appears to be a darker TWP stain than cedar tone, maybe dark oak. It also appears to have been applied poorly. The log siding shows some parts shiny and other parts neutral. I do not know how long since it has been applied. What do you recommend for surface prep and application?
Strip and brighten all the wood for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Thank you! Please remove my pic.
I am staining a new deck that was installed October 6, 2022. It’s 2x6x12 treated #1 Yellawood yellow pine. TWP 100 has been recommended by my brother, a cabinetmaker. From reading, looks like you recommend cleaning, brightening, 2 coats of stain. Rookies. Need confirmation.
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
TWP 207 Butternut was used on my 15 old pressure treated pine deck in 2018 and 2020. I like that color and want to use it again. I don’t see that product on your website. What product should I use? What color? Which cleaner?
It is on the website and you can order it here: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
I am making some outdoor furniture out of regular untreated pine. Will your products help protect properly?
Used your stuff on my deck and really like it and trying to avoid having to use poly on it because in the past I used poly and it didnt hold up great.
Use the TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
I would like to use TWP 1500 on my gazebo. Can I use a garden sprayer with this type of stain?
Yes.