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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
How long does restore a deck need to dry before staining?
48 Hours.
Hi, Our house shingles have not been touched for 25 years and we have no idea what was originally applied. Should I use the 1500 or 200 series?
Since I have no clue to original product, will I have a problem with your oil based product.
Please see picture.
Hi. That is not shingles but wood boards. Can we get a few more pics for prep advice? Farther away as well.
How do these look? thanks so much!
Strip and brighten all siding for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Use the TWP 1500 Series. May as well do the deck at the same time.
Curious why I’d need to strip? Can’t I just clean and brighten?
Because it looks like you have an old stain that had darkened in color. Stripping would ensure it comes off and is no harder than cleaning.
Hello. We are in Asheville, NC. We had a new (big-box store pine) deck built about 3 years ago but never could get it stained because of covid. Finally ready to proceed. It’s in good shape and will have it professionally prepared. A few questions, please.
— The deck gets very strong direct sun in the summer. Snow in winter but not much. Using the 1500 series semi-transparent, would a lighter or darker color be best re the sun (longevity, etc.)? The choice would probably be between 1525 Honeytone (if lighter is best); or 1516 Rustic (if darker is best).
— One or 2 coats? Much of the deck still absorbs rain; some areas do not. I imagine 2 coats would be best for coverage — but would a 2nd coat hide more of the original wood grain, which we want to show through.
— The railings are held up by a lot of old posts, perhaps 2″ square. They were stained perhaps 20 years ago and are very dark brown-to-black — extremely ugly. I know TWP does not have a fully opaque stain. Anything with transparency will show the ugliness and not take a new color. Suggestions? Just paint them (prefer not to)?
Thanks very much for any guidance you can provide.– Cliff
Hello,
-Darker color will retain UV protection longer in most scenarios.
-2 coats applied wet on wet. Second coats do not maks the wood grain at all.
-Use a solid color stain but TWP does not have one.
Hello, I live in Colorado. I have 330 linear feet x5 feet high of rough new (been up a month) cedar fencing. Has not been stained/sealed. I would like to retain the original color as much as possible. By reading the info here, it looks like I will need Honeytone. Is the 1500 series the best option and how many gallons would I need? 2 coats
BTW, I had a painter spray my Redwood deck with TWP Redwood stain. Looks great!
Yes, you would need the 1515 Honeytone. Doing both sides you would have 3300 sq feet. About 25-35 gallons.
We are staining our deck& I am unsure what is on it, so I am attaching some pics. Do we need the rad stripper or will your other stripper & brighter work? We are thinking prairie gray is the closest? We are in Montana so guessing twp 100 is best?
You have a solid stain on this so TWP will not work unless fully removed and that would require RAD Paint Strip (not the regular RAD stripper) and or power sanding to rmeove.
Do you now offer VOC-compliant TWP semi-solid stains?
Not yet.
Thanks for the quick response.
How long can you wait to apply 100 pro series after power washing with Cleaner/Brightener? We have had rain and are not able to apply stain. Do we have to Cleaner/Brighten again before stain?
2 weeks after prep. Redo prep if longer.
How long can you wait to apply stain after Cleaner/Brightener applied? At what point do you need to re clean and brighten?
2 weeks.
How long can you wait to apply 100 pro series after power washing with Cleaner/Brightener? We have had rain and are not able to apply stain. Do we have to Cleaner/Brighten again before stain?
I have a cedar sided barn turned home. The last time I stained it was 13 years ago, using Cabots semi transperent. Amazingly, it has stood up well. I would like to switch to TWP and try and get it back to its original color. The first two pictures are current. The last picture is the original color. Since it has been 13 years since it was last stained, would a cleaner and a brightener be sufficient prior to TWP? Do I really need a stain stripper? I am hiring a painter to do the staining. ANd I am hiring a separate company to do the cleaning. I tried to find a contractor for cleaning that used your products, but you have none listed in WIsconsin. The soft clean companies I have contacted have their own products. If they use yours, they will not provide any warranties against damage. WHereas, if they don’t use a proprietary formula, they will provide coverage for their cleaning. They use a standard cleaning agent (sodium hypochloride) and then a brightening/ neutralizing agent. They have offered to do a test patch, but it seems I will not know if it is adequate until I wait 48 hours and then apply your stain. Any suggestions????
You must remove the Cabot when switching stain brands. You will need to strip and brighten. Cleaners like bleach (sodium hypochloride) will not work. You should find a compnay that sepcializes in exterior wood and deck restoration, not a soft wash company.
This kit is the correct kit: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Easier said than done. Any suggested resources for finding a pro in Southeastern Wisconsin?
Try a Google search for “wood and deck restoration with your city name and state“
I have very aged green treated deck wood. It was really cracking and graying and cupping. I decided to take up the entire deck boards and run them through my surface planer to get rid of some of the pitting and cracking and gray weathering. What do I need to do now and should I I use your 100 product or 1500.
Treat this like new wood. See tips:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
A for which series, where do you live?
I am redoing a Monkey Pod wood deck that probably needs re sanded even thou it is only 2 years old. what is the best product to use.
Any prior coatings?
New home build in TN.
I am looking to protect the wood railing on the front steps, front porch and the covered rear deck. TWP100 or 1500 for my application?
TWP 1500 Series.
Thank you!
Just curious, why the 1500 over the other choices?
Slightly better UV proteection for vertical wood.
I have an 11 year old deck (treated pine) that has never been stained. What stain would you recommend and how much stain is needed for approximately 865sf?
It was power washed a few weeks back, I think they used to much pressure or sprayed to close to the wood. A lot of the wood now looks fuzzy and the flying cotton is sticking to it. How would I correct this?
Use the TWP 1500 Series for this: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
About 7-9 gallons for the 2 coats applied wet on wet.
A couple days ago I painted the railing of my porch with white paint (Rustoleum)… I got some white paint drips (now dried) on my existing TWP stained floorboards.. what’s the best way to remove the dried white paint stains without damaging the TWP stain beneath? Thanks in advance!
Sorry but that is not possible.
My deck is 5-6 years old. Always have used TWP. I’ve never have sanded my deck. Should I or do I ever need to sand my deck. If so do I sand then power wash or powerwash then sand. Thank you
No need to sand.
We always use the cleaner and brightener but I have noticed the last time there was little wood fuzzies after I do this. Can I sand these off. What causes the fuzzies. This is cedar wood.
Thanks
Not an issue but from oxidation removal. You can buff sand the floor if you want to.
Which TWP product can be used on 17 year old noncapped composite decking?
TWP Semi-solid colors only.
I have a 1500 sq ft redwood deck including posts & railings that is 11 years old and hasn’t been maintained well. Originally an oil based stain was used (don’t know the brand) and then Messmers oil based stain was used over it once or twice. I have ordered a Gemini kit for cleaning. This deck is at high altitude 8800 ft and it takes a beating by the sun and snow. I would like to use a semi transparent to give a little more UV protection. What product and how much product would you recommend? Also do you have product samples I can buy?
Thank you
For prep, you have to remove the old coatings fully. Post some pics for prep advice. Use the TWP 1500 Series for this. You will need about 10-15 gallons for the 2 coats applied wet on wet.
Here are few pics Some of the deck is proctected under the wave and some has received blistering Sun.
You will need to strip and brighten to remove this coating fully first:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
How long after I clean, strip, and brighten the deck, should the it be stained?
How can I be certain of the stain color on my deck? Do you have samples of the TWP 1500 I can buy?
After prep, let dry for 48 hours to stain. Stain within two weeks of prep.
Samples:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hello! Thanks so much for this forum, it’s been a great read and the help is much appreciated.
We are having the exterior of our log home professional restored using TWP 200 series in August. The contractor recommended we refinish our adjacent deck with the same TWP 200 series. I cleaned the existing boards, but they are badly bleached by the sun (without protection for probably 10 years under the prior owner, though the boards are still very much intact). I used 201 and 205 and the colors are a bit lackluster / lacking warmth. I’m wondering if you have suggestions for how to make the color warmer, similar to the attached pictures. Also attached is a picture of the existing deck and the color samples. Appreciate any help! (note that the railings will be removed and replaced as they are badly rotted. The decking
You are not prepping the deck correctly. Use this kit while pressure washing to restore the wood and remove the gray oxidation.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Hi, I stained my deck a couple years ago with 120 Pro Series Pecan color. What is the closest color to that in your semi solid? Is the Pro semi solid the best or should I stick with the 100 series. My deck is not in full sun as a tree had to come down that provided tons of shade.
There is not a matching semi-solid color to the 120 pecan. Best to order samples to test. The semi-solid colors will give the longest UV protection. Make sure to strip and brighten for prep if switching.
I have the stripper from TWP. Does all the old stain need to be removed?
I know they don’t match but is there a close color?
Yes, strip it all down. As for colors, maybe Earth or Musket but colors vary a lot based on wood type and age of the wood.
Thanks in advance for taking my question. Here’s what I have, 17 year old PTP deck & pergola previously treated with big box store yellow can deck stain, i luckily found your site over the winter and trying TWP this year, I used RAD stripper kit with pressure washer, then sanded deck & pergola with 60 grit, everything looks ready to go, had 12 gallons TWP delivered, different colors for pergola & deck.
6/28 treated w/RAD kit, and by 7/5 finished sanding everything. Looking at the weather forecast there’s no chance of staining this week or next week.
Questions; 1) how long can I wait to stain? 2) If I have to wait too long, what would I need to do before applying the stain? I’m hoping to get a window within the next 2-3 weeks if Mother Nature cooperates.
1. 2 weeks.
2. Lightly clean off any dirt and brighten again.
I have two 7 year old decks. I just completed staining it for the second time with TWP 115 honeytone. My decks are covered but both were pretty much entirely gray’d wood before I started the cleaning process. I used restore a deck cleaner and brightner. My issue is with the areas up next to the house that are the most protected from rain or sun. I intentionally went very light on the second coat (wet on wet) in these areas but they still turned out to be very shiny. In 2 to 3 years when it is time to stain again, what do you recommend?
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I will be replacing an existing wood fence, southern yellow pine ground contact treated posts and horizontal boards. Gulf coast of Texas location, about15 miles from the coast with a sandy loam and clay soil substrate. My existing fence wasn’t treated prior to installation 10 years ago and many of the 4×4 posts are rotted – which product would be best to treat the posts with to keep water from rotting them from the inside out like they are now?
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
We have a redwood deck 10 years old, never stained, in CA. Has been cleaned and brightened. Thinking about using 1500 clear for a natural look. Question, when deck eventually grays like you say it will, next year can the gray be cleaned and brightened and then re stained with clear?
Yes.
will twp damage plants?
Yes. Cover them while working.
I stained my deck in May using TWP 100 in Rustic using the application instructions. The color is more red than I would like. Should/can I apply another coat to see if that helps and if not try darkening it up with 50/50 mix with Dark Oak?
Second coats have to be applied wet on wet, not wet on dry. It probably will not take right now but you can clean and recoat next Spring with a mix.
I applied 2 coats of TWP stain using the “wet on wet” process. It’s been about 20 hours and most of the stain has absorbed and is dry to the touch but there are some areas mostly in more shaded areas that is still wet. Will that eventually dry or do I need to wipe it up? If wiping up is needed can you explain the preferred process. Thank you.
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Is what’s identified in the image a date of production or expiration date or something completely different? Is there any kind of production or expiration date for reference somewhere on the pail? If 5/19 does identify some notable date, is this stain approaching its expiration or is that not yet a concern? The pail is still factory sealed and probably kept at around 60* or so.
That is not the date. The date is on a stamp or sticker. 2-3 years is the shelf life of unopened TWP stains.
Would the date on the stamp or sticker that you’re referring to be the expiration or production date? And is the shelf life then 2-3 years from that date? I’m still unclear on what that date represents. Thanks
Production date.
I recently stained a new (9 months old) yellow cedar deck with TWP 200 Clear. I prepared the deck prior to staining. Can I add a coat of coloured TWP 200 over top of the clear coat?
No, you would have to remove the clear if you want to go tinted.
I have a cedar fence that is 185ft long, 6ft tall. I need the TWP 207 butternut per my HOA. Approximately how many gallons would I need to stain both sides of the fence?
20-25 for two coats. 15-20 for one coat. Varies based on how porous the wood is.
Hi, i have cedar wood deck and just finish one coat of twp 100 semi transparent today but not enough time for second coat, can i apply second coat at next day, thank you
It needs to be wet on wet for a second coat. You can lightly clean and apply a coat next Spring.
You’ve answered several questions already and I appreciate your help. Another question….I read where it’s suggested only one coat of stain after prepping a 7 month old pt pine deck. We have finally found the color of stain we want. Dark oak. But it took 2 coats on a sample board to get the color we want. Do we still need to only do one coat?
Also we are paying to have it stained and having to pay now and a few months later is not ideal. But we want to do it right!! I’m just making sure I understand the best way. We like the 2 coat color.
Thank you!!
Yes as new wood is typically not absorbent enough to fullt accept 2 coats of stain. The TWP needs to soak into the wood, not dry on top of the wood.
Hi there,
A couple questions. New cedar deck built here in Minnesota in June. We are going to wait according to your new wood instructions. My questions are:
Thoughts?
Thanks for your help,
Cory
No, you cannot varnish over the TWP or any exterior wood stain. It would peel.
Either series or the semi-solids woould work well for this.
I prepped my siding for TWP stain using your 2 part restoration. I did not mask my windows and now I have a film on the glass I can not remove. I rinsed the window well immediately after siding cleaner peocess. I have tried vinegar, baking soda and lemon with rock salt. I also tried a window washing company with lime away unsuccessfully.
Please recommend a solution to my problem.
There is nothing in the product that would leave a “film” on the glass so not sure what it is.
Have a 20 foot area to cover. Do you have a sample size available.
We do not have a sample that would cover 20 sq feet. You would need a gallon.
Have used RAD cleaner and brightener on 800+ sq.ft. of wood deck and it is awesome. I have enough product left over to clean about 30 sf. of cement patio. What changes in direction would you suggest for such a project that are different than recommended wood treatment?
Thanks,
Phil
Use the cleaner and pressure wash off. No need for the brighener.
If I am reapplying a new coat of TWP on my redwood deck after several years – but use the exact same type and shade of TWP originally applied – do I still have to strip the previous coat, prior to applying the new coat?
Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I applied TWP 1500 to a new Redwood deck last July – looked great for a few months but has faded and worn terribly over the winter-spring ( California so mainly rain)I followed all the steps with cleaner, brightener then applied stain etc but the only places that held up and still look good (colour and water resistance) are the areas that were covered by furniture…. Add to this I have red”rust” spots on the deck from an overhanging redwood tree that will not clean up even with Oxalic acid solution and the deck just looks terrible.
What can I do? I have a couple of gallons of the stain left – can I darken it and apply to help mask the rust spots? can I clean the deck to remove the spots ??? – help . This was a lot of money and effort for poor results
Hello,
Not sure you followed the directions for new wood when it coems to proper weathering and the need for a second coat 12 months later:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for the “rust” spots, post some pics.
Thx for the response, attached a pic of the stains. How can I clean thoroughly and then re stain? I was planning to restain after 12 months but the appearance was turning so bad I couldn’t wait, so tried to clean with the idea of restaining. I have approx 2 Gl of Pecan stain left, can I darken that with adding a gl of a darker stain? I’m afraid I’ll end up in the same place 12 months form now
No pics were attached. You can mix TWP colors together. Dark Oak or Black Walnut would darken it.
I have a hand hewn log home. The logs are very old from the 1800’s. It was restored in 1995 and has been stained with your stain. Not sure which kind right off hand. May have it at home. It is due to be stained/sealed. The back part of my house and garage are wood panel siding and the stain looks the same. I am needing to know how to prep and stain. I need a stain and sealer in one if you have it as the west side is faded in areas. Do I have to tape off the chinking to keep the stain off it? Should I use a brush to apply on the logs to penetrate in the grain?
Post some pics for prep advice.
I put up a privacy fence using rough cut Hemlock, I want to put a stain on it so the board do not turn gray. What product would you suggest that I use?
The TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
Any tinted color you like will prevent UV graying.
I’m about to stain my deck using TWP 1500. The deck treated pine and roughly 20 years old. The deck was stripped in 2017 and stained with TWP 1500 and again in 2021. Which products should I use for cleaning and wood prep prior to staining.
Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We sanded an older deck, found it to be in pretty good condition, but it still had some residual stain, so we stripped it and used a brightener. Can we proceed to apply the stain, or do we need to wait three months so the sanded wood can weather?
You can stain now.
Can you use this on teak outdoor dining table?
Yes, after prep. Only 1 coat for teak.
What coverage can one expect on an older cedar deck in good condition?
150-250 sq feet per gallon per coat.
Which of your products would you recommend for bamboo poles which have been dried, prepped and sanded for outdoor use (as a wall for a gazebo)?
The TWP 100, 200, 1500 and Semi-Solid colors cannot be used on bamboo.
Do you have any products which can be used on bamboo?
what is the main difference between the 100 series and the 1500 series?
VOC compliance for certain states.
I stained my deck about 3 weeks ago with your stain. It is still sticky to the touch and shoes.
I pressure cleaned and sanded certain areas. It dried for over a week (been very dry in Illinois this summer).
I rolled the stain with only one coat. I have 5 gallons left. Our deck is over 1,500 square feet.
Suggestions?
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
It is not spotty. It is very sticky. Like my shoes will be sticky after walking on my deck. If I have bare feet, feet will be slightly yellow on the bottom.
One of your help pages suggested how to maintain TWP Stains
“Apply a light maintenance coat to the flooring in 9-24 months. If just slightly dirty prep with soapy water to remove grime and reapply one light coat. If you wait 18-24 months make sure to prep again with the Gemini Restore A Deck. “
Sorry I’m confused whether I should apply one maintenance coat or do restorations kit and wet one wet stain, to my deck which was stained for the first time 20 months ago.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit and apply 2 light coats wet on wet.
1, I have about 670 sq ft of 2 years old redwood deck that I plan to stain wet on wet. How many gallons of 1511 do I need?
2, can I apply 1511 on walkways that are made of pressure treated redwood too?
1. 5-7 gallons.
2. Yes.
Hi. I saw your reply to my questions a few days ago but couldn’t find it any more. I have checked all the forums you have. Can you email me the link to the page please?