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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
What is the difference between TWP Wood Preservative and TWP Wood Protectant? We used the wood preservative 103 Dark Oak a few years ago. We need to restain and I can only find the wood protectant locally in zip code 63069.
They are the same.
I have prepared the screened in porch and deck with the products you recommend and am ready to stain. I am wondering about the white sealant the contractor used in joints. What will happen when I apply the 1500 stain?
You cannot stain over caulk. It will not take. Stain around it.
Hello, I have a newly installed redwood fence and I would like to have it treated with TWP 200 series semi transparent stain in the color Russet. I live in Los Altos, California. Can you tell me where I can find this product near me?
Hi, we sell online only as a TWP dealer. See here to buy: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
Hi, is your stain available anywhere retail? We live in zip 92024. Also is there a guideline for how much a 1 gallon will cover? We have a third party that does our deck so am just buying for a sit wall and a couple of chairs and touch up. Thank you!
We sell online only as a TWP dealer. You need the TWP 1500 Series for CA. Coverage and info on this link:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-1-gallon
I had someone strip and restain my deck. They pressure washed and used TWP Total Wood Protectant, but did not do any other prep. They used dark oak and it is the wrong color, wanted black walnut. How do I fix this and how long do I need to wait?
Remove all and start over with this kit.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We have a cedar deck and use TWP. love it. But cedar railing has Sikkens on it. Can I stain over the Sikkens?
No, you have to fully remove the Sikkens first.
I have a new deck that I need to stain for the first time. Our previous deck had a lot of damage due to carpenter bees and I want to do everything to protect this new deck from my pollinating friends.
Is it safe to use an additive like NBS-30 in TWP 1500 stain?
Use this: https://www.twpstain.com/bug-juice-insecticide
I have an older redwood deck that we have maintained fairly well over the years but with a different product that required annual treatment. We let it weather for the pasts 2+ years and have now power washed, treated with the TWP prep product, sanded and now have applied 2 coats of TWP 116 wet on wet per instructions. It has cured for almost 2 weeks and looks great. But I am considering applying a third coat (wet on dry) to darken the deck a bit more and to add to the protection going into winter. I tested a third application on a very small portion of the deck and soaked in with no puddling or shiny spots. Would it be OK to apply a third coat of TWP 116 at this point (wet on dry)? Is there any benefit (other than adding to the color richness)? Or would this 3rd coat harm the effectiveness of the first 2 coats in any way?
You cannot add a third coat and you cannot add wet on dry. More is not better. Leave it as is.
OK. Thank you for a quick and definitive response! Awesome customer service. I’ll leave it as is, which looks really good actually, and will re-evaluate in the spring.
I use series 100 rustic on my deck. Was thinking of semi solid on siding. Was wondering what color best matches the rustic?
Since the final colors vary based on wood type and age of the wood, there cannot be a matching color between a semi-transparent and a semi-solid.
Just bought a 5-gallon pail of 1502. Found an unopened 1-gallon of 1502 that is 5+ years old.
Could I mix the old and new if I find that the 5-gallon comes up a bit short for what I need to stain?
That is to say, can I mix them without causing a problem with color consistency and overall protection?
Hard to say as the shelf life is about 3 years, not 5+ years.
The restore cleaner and brightener advises that the product should not dry on metal or glass. The balusters on the deck I am staining are black aluminum. The posts and rails are cedar. Do I need to cover the balusters or can any solutions that gets on the balusters simply be rinsed off when rinsing the deck after the brightener?
Prewet and rinse any over spray should work but always test a spot first.
I have been using Superdeck every 3 years on my deck for years. As you probably know Superdeck was acquired by Sheman Williams and the formula changed into something inferior. Can I use TWP on top of Superdeck that is 3 years old?
No. You have to remove the Super Deck. Strip and brighten.
My redwood deck/porch in California is about 18 months old and has never been stained/sealed. I’d like to do that. It definitely needs to be cleaned prior.. I dont know that it’d need to be brightened (?) before staining, not sure what warrants that. Sap and such was bleeding out of some parts. Note the almost “black” looking handrails as those probably get the most sun. Lots of afternoon sun on this porch. Also not sure about 100 series vs 1500 series. Any advice? Thanks!
Clean and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
You need the 1500 Series for CA.
Thank you. and I assume probably no need to sand being so new with no prior stain?
Also, can you confirm that using a pump sprayer is preferred method to do the cleaner and stain? From what I gather, spray cleaner then use power washer. Havent read brigthener instructions yet but will follow. Then stain with sprayer followed by a brush? and apply another coat shortly after?
Hope I have that right 🙂
Typically not needed to sand. Your steps are correct ✅
Sirs,
I would like to mix a couple or several of your 1500 series stains. Trying to achieve a more rustic lighter walnut/oak tone. Would a mix of pecan and black walnut work. Or cedar tone with dark and rustic oak. The deck is 8 months old and I’d treated 2×6 pine. Pictures would be great. Thanks
You will have to test this on your wood as the final color will vary based on wood type and the age of the wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I ran out of TWP 100 semi transparent. Rain is expected for the next couple days. I did finish benches and under benches. Deck was stripped and brightened 2 weeks ago. What must I do to finish application without damaging what I’vealread completed ?
Under the benches will not blend when you finish the rest of the floor. You would have to remove it if you want it to blend.
What must I do to finish application without damaging what I’ve already completed ? Blow Clean and stain ?
I’m ok with not blending under benches
If you do not care about blending, then just stain the rest when the wood is dry.
My pressure treated southern pine fence in Tennessee has weathered for over a year waiting for me to prep and stain. For multiple reasons the front and back sides of the fence will have to be stained separately. I’ve prepped the side of the fence facing me using the Gemini kit cleaner and brightener and pressure washer. I will be staining with cedar tone 1500 series.
When the back side is prepped can I clean with only with pressure washer? If I use Gemini cleaner on the back side that can or likely will affect the treated sides since the slats have a small gap between them after dry weather. However when it rains the boards will swell and the space between boards is small to non existent. the Gemini cleaner would not affect the front boards. Then I would use brightener, allow to dry then stain.
attached is photo of my side of fence prepped and ready to stain.
The back side will be required to be stained separately, not now, before cold weather and I want to know the best way to do prep on the back side that I will not see, but I want to protect by prepping and staining the best I can given the circumstances.
thanks for advice and options.
The only proper way to to this is to do both sides at once. Not doing boths sides at the same this will create issues for the other side. Cleaner bleeding througt and the stain will bleed through as well creating discoloration spots.
I’m going to apply TPW 1500 to a cypress table I am building that will be used outdoors. It is kiln dried lumber that I expect to have a fairly low moisture content. Should I still allow the table to age outside for a few months before applying the finish, or can I do a single coat after sanding?
Let it weather outside through the Winter and the prep and stain.
Hi there – we are about to install 680 sq ft of rough cedar as soffit and siding on our house. It hasn’t been treated or stained. I’m curious about the TWP 1500 series (seems like you recommend it for new cedar, right?). I’d love to see photos of the Dark Oak and the Rustic on this same material, but having a little trouble navigating the website to find them. Can you help at all?
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Should (or can) the “Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener” be used on the sanded deck before applying stain? I understand after using the brightener, deck should be dried for 48 hours before applying the stain. Is that correct? Please advise.
Yes, brighten after sanding.
I read in the application instructions for 1500 series that, “once after the stain is applied, dry weather is forecasted for the next several days.” The question I have is how many dry days we should look for? In worst case, what happens if it rains in that dry period as forecast could any time.
No rain for 12-24 hours after applying.
I am staining my PT pine deck that is 4 years old with no previous stain. Cleaned, brightened, sanded the furry stuff off. Should I do one coat or the wet on wet application? Do I do the main horizontal boards twice as well as all or the vertical? It’s a covered deck besides the stairs.
If you power sanded, do 1 coat for all wood.
Hello, I need advice.
I created Shou Sugi Ban B&B shutters in 2020 using cedar wood untreated. I created my own stain color using a mix of TWP 100 Pro Clear with TWP 103 Pro Dark Oak and applied after a flap sand. The problem I am having is I need to remove the stain from two of the shutters since they are sun bleached and reapply just the Dark oak for sun protection. Is it possible to remove TWP without sanding? If not, would it be safe to re-burn over the stain and flap sand again then apply the product? I’m trying to find the best way to save the wood and since it is a flap sanded Shou Sugi Ban the grain does not sit flat.
Thanks
-Kimber
You can sand it off or use the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit. Easier to just sand since it is a small area.
I live in KY and have 242ft of pressure treated pine split rail fence (3 rails) that is one year old that was just pressure washed. My estimate of the surface area of the rails and posts is about 1000 sq ft. I am planning on using the TWP 100 series in Cedartone. I saw on the staining tips page “In most cases, a second coat only needs to be applied to horizontals as the verticals will last twice as long.” 1) Is one coat sufficient or would this application require two coats wet on wet? I am planning on using a Graco Airless sprayer to apply the stain with a 211 or 311 tip (0.011″). 2) Is that the correct tip for this stain? 3) How much stain will this require?
Probably 2 coats since split rails wood is very porous. Either tips should work. 8-10 gallons.
I have a 4-month old pine privacy fence (325ft x 6ft) and want to stain and protect both sides. I’d like to avoid doing this process again for as many years as possible, so the semi solid stain is ideal. The new wood prep page says to do one coat for now, but some of the comments say to do two coats. How many coats should I do and how many gallons are needed? Planning to use a brush, roller, and possibly pump sprayer.
Once coat for this new wood. Make sure to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. You will need about 20 gallons for both sides.
How to dispose of empty cans in missouri
Check with your local government.
Hi, we have a cedar deck on a 10-year-old house near the ocean in Maine that’s gathered some mold/mildew. We’re not sure if it was ever treated/stained before we bought the house 3 years ago; it has grayed to match the color of the cedar siding. To maintain that weathered look but protect against mildew (it can get very rainy), would you recommend the clear TWP 1500, or something else? Many thanks
You must prep first and that will remove the current graying. Then you can use the 1500 Clear to protect but allow the wood to gray naturally.
Makes sense, thank you! To prep, is just power washing OK or would you recommend something more?
Use this kit while pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Hello,
I have used your TWP natural stain on my pine exterior cabin three years ago. Next year I’d like to re-apply the same stain but before I do I want to give it a cleaning first. What do you recommend I clean it with?
Thanks,
Ken
The Gemini Restore Kits for prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Can I tint 1500 Natural to match a house colour. This would be for 20 year old cedar siding that currently has TWP 100 (3 parts pecan: 1part dark oak). That stain was applied 7 years ago and has held up well. We live in Minnesota. (Side note, we also have a large wooden cedar deck that wraps around the house and is stained in a similar tone of TWP 100, thus are trying to soften the wood-look of the home)
No, you cannot tint the TWP stains. You can use the same mix that you used prior.
We have cypress solid wood post, rough cut and have TWP cedartone in either 100 or 1500 (can not remember) about 5 plus years old. We would like to upgrade to semi-solid pro. What is best prep application and also which color in the semi-solid pro best matches cedartone 101?
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. There is not a matching color to the Cedartone and since the Cedartone final color varies based on wood type and age, there is no way to offer a color that is close by guessing. Best to test samples.
Can I thin with mineral spirits? I bought 5 gal Rustic TWP 1500 but it is more red than I anticipated. I did a test strip with a 10% thinned application and it is closer to the color I was looking for.
No, it is not designed to be thinned with mineral spirits. To lighten the color, add some of the 1500 Clear to it. One gallon clear to your 5 gallon would lighten the color by about 15%.
I used the power washer to wash off step 2 brightener on the restore a deck. Would I get better results if I just hosed it off. It’s a new deck about a year and a half old. Should I put the brighter on again but this time just hose it off. It’s a small area so it wouldn’t be a big deal to do that part over the right way.
You pressure wash it off, not hose it off.
The directions on step 2 restore deck says after you have treated entire surface, rinse with a garden hose. It is not necessary to scrub or use a pressure washer
Pressure wash rinse is much easier and better.
I just received my color samples. After I choose the color I want, how do I cover over the unwanted colors? I dont want them to show through once I actually stain the decking.
Remove them, not cover over them.
DO you have to put on a cleaner and brightner or can you just powerwash the wood? Only have a year old thompson water seal on it? thanks
You need to remove the Thompsons fully and that means you need the stripper and the brigthener while pressure washing.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I am in Canada, so can only buy your TWP 200, what colours does it come in and can normal oil based pigments etc be added to the colour to change or enhance a colour, if needed?
The colors and where to order is on this link:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
You cannot add more pigment to the stock colors.
Why can other oil based pigments not be used?
Adding pigment to any TWP stain would creating issues with proper drying and penetration into the wood grain. They are not “bases” and cannot be tinted.
Hello, I have two unopened gallons of stain. If stored properly how long will they last?
About 3 years. Cannot freeze.
I had to special order a gallon of twp honey tone but may end up not needing it. If I don’t open it won’t it still be good in 2 years?
Yes as long as it is not opened and stored in a temperature controlled room.
I opened up my 5 gallon bucket that I used last year and the bottom has quite a bit of goop in it. Is it still usable?
Hello,
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I plan to stain new cedar post with your 1500 product. Some suggest sanding the posts with 50 or 60 grit before staining. Would you agree? Do I need any other pre-conditioning product before staining?
Is the post smooth wood or rough sawn cut?
Not sure since I’m 250 mi away. Can you answer for both?
See this link: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We have a set up stairs that was installed last year along with an old deck that has been stained numerous times. The previous color of that deck is similar to your color driftwood. Is it possible for you to send a small container of the driftwood color so we can be sure it is the color we want? It looks like the only stain you offer in driftwood is the pro series – is that true?
Thanks,
Jan
Samples are here:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
There are addtional grays in the semi-solid colors.
We built an 800 square foot redwood deck last year and finished it with two coats of pure tung oil thinned with citrus solvent (50/50 mix and wood was dry). This finish was beautiful, but lasted less than one year so I am thinking of trying TWP 1500 to see how it holds up. Nearly all of the original finish is gone from the horizontal surfaces. What preparation would you recommend before applying the TWP 1500? We live at 6000 feet elevation in Northern California so we get a lot of strong sunshine and lots of snow in the winter. Thanks.
Strip and brighten with this to remove the oil. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I recently put in a treated lumber deck in Michigan. The deck is mostly in the shade.
I wanted your advice on the best deck stain to use from your lineup. 100 or 1500?
Thanks!
See this first about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
I live in southern Wisconsin and I stained my deck 3 years ago with 1520 Pecan. It’s time to restain and I’m wondering if I should stick with the 1500 product line or if one of the other stains would be better and if so what color would be close to the 1520 pecan. The deck gets full sun all day. Also do I need to prep it like I did before with restore a deck?
Yes, prep with the RAD Kit. Use the same color and series as last time.
I had a new Cedar Picket fence installed a month ago. I want to preserve the wood, but also the color. What is best to get the optimal UV protection and maintain the color? Should I use a Semi-transparent Cedar stain and then do a 2nd coat of Clear, or Natural to maintain the new wood color? I’m assuming I need to use the 1500 series. I’m in Atlanta, GA if that helps.
Thank you, Joe
See here about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You cannot use the Clear over a stained color. You can use the 1500 or 100 Series in GA.
I have a cabin that was stained with TWP 1501 3 years old. It needs to be refinished. What is the process?
Prep with this kit when reapplying:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I just finished cleaning my cedar deck with the two step kit it looks great but I think I got a little close to the top railing with the power washer so it’s a little rough do I need to sand that area before I stain it.
Post a picture.
There’s a picture of that rail I was talking about
Yes, sand with 60 grit.
I asked earlier in a message but I don’t think I was clear so I attached some photos. I used your product last year and I want to reapply because the word looks a little thirsty….. do I have to go through all the cleaning steps or can I just apply on the deck as is? My guess is maybe a pressure wash first? it is not dirty and does not need to remove any stain… just looking to upkeep. Also, I did get a few boards replaced, so wondering what to do about the new wood.
Whenever you reapply you need to use the Gemini Restore kit for prep.
See ehre about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I sanded my outdoor uncovered dock last week and do all prep work. I live in East Texas. Yesterday morning I stained the railings. Look great. This morning from 7am-12pm I stained the boards. Then, because someone must hate me, I got an NOT forecast /unexpected hard rain storm. The last section had only dried 2hrs before rain started. Nothing looked “wet”. I had wiped it down so nothing was glossy. Some parts had dried 4hrs and the last part less than 2hrs.
What is this going to do to my deck? I’m sitting here in disbelief. No rain for 2months and out of nowhere we get hit.
See here for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/it-rained-shortly-after-staining-what-to-do/
I would like to clean and apply TWP 1500 to vertical teak paneling. I plan to use the RAD stripper and brightener to remove the former cabot oil sealer first. I’ve read not to use pressure washers on teak. Will a low pressure wash be sufficient to prep without damaging the teak?
Yes.
Hello I just purchased a house located in New Jersey. I am looking to stain my deck. I am not sure what species is the wood. The wood must br older but I cannot give an estimate. It looks like the wood currently has stain on it and I’ll provide pictures if you can verify that. Also this deck is in the sun all day long. This will be my first time staining a deck as a new and first home owner. I am looking to be directed to which product I should purchase and how to prep/apply stain. Pressure wash first then apply one or two coats? Thank you!
You will have to renove the current stain before using a new stain like the TWP. Use the RAD Stripper Kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
with both additives:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
and pressure washing for prep. Once removed, use the TWP 1500 Series.
I am re-staining an old redwood house with TWP 1500 after preparing it with Restore A Deck. Does a small electric pressure washer produce enough pressure to remove the cleaner from soft wood?
It should be but it really depends on the condition of the wood. Post some pics.
Thanks very much.
Here are two pix. The wood was badly weathered and about five years ago I sanded down to fresh wood and stained with TWP 1500. The first pic is of the current state after five years, the second one another section but cleaned and brightened with Restore A Deck a few days ago.
To help guide me in buying a small pressure washer, roughly how high a pressure is needed to rinse Restore A Deck cleaner from redwood?
You can buy a normal 2700 PSI pressure washer that has about 2-3 GPM of water. PSI is relative to the distance away from the wood. It is only at 2700 right at the tip. When 8-12 inches away, the pressure drops in 1/2 and is good for washing wood.