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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 replaced the staircases and 18 boards on my 35-year-old pressure treated deck last spring. The deck was last stained 3 years ago with TWP 1503 dark oak. What is the best stain to use now to blend the new and old wood as much as possible? I live in NJ.
Strip and brighten the stained portions with this:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Clean and brighten the new wood with this:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain all again with the same 1503 unless you want to change color.
Do I need to strip old twp that was applied to a fence 3 years ago?
Are you recoating with the same TWP and color?
Yes. Some places say clean and reapply. Others say use the gemini restore a deck.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing for the prep.
Is TWP Shingle and Vertical Surface Sealant the same product as TWP Shake and Shingle Sealant? I’m looking for 206 Russet Brown
You want the 200 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series
I have a 12 year old cedar deck, finished every 3 years with Duraseal dark walnut stain. Considering twp and wondering if the TwP 1500 dark walnut series warrants the additional cost over the 100?
Thank You,
Joe
The 100 and 1500 last the same. The difference is VOC levels and what is allowed or not allowed in your state.
We stained our cedar fence in Spring 2021 using TWP 1500 (1501), and want to apply the same stain again in a few weeks, once ambient temperatures cooperate. We think we know the correct prep, but can you please confirm? See attached pics…located in Northern NJ. Thank you…
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and light pressure washing.
In 2019 we stripped our 45 yr old pine log home to bare wood using your products. We restained using the 1501 series Cedartone. It turned out great and looked like a new home. It is time to restain. We plan to use the brightener prior to staining. Can we restain using a lighter color such as the 1500 series Honeytone. If we continue to use the cedartone the house will get darker, which we do not want.
You cannot just brighten for prep. Clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing when using the same color.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
If you want to go lighter in color, use the Stripper and Brightener Kit.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can you polyurethane of twp?
No, and never use a poly on outside wood. It will blister and peel creating a huge mess to fix.
Hi. We have a new deck, built July 2023 with pressure treated pine. It has not been stained or treated in any way, waiting for the wood to dry out. Is there a test to see if it’s okay to stain yet? Also, it has words/numbers stamped on it, I am assuming the 100 series cedar tone won’t hide those , so it be sanded to remove them?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
And this about ink stamps: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-the-ink-stamps-from-new-decking/
Okay, thanks. So we didn’t know this, and obviously, didn’t sand it off right away. Should we not attempt to sand it now before staining or should we sand and then wait again?
The stamps might clean off with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing since it has been 9 months. You could try that.
Any advice on how to remove TWP 1500 drips from concrete? They have been dry a few weeks. Just noticed them.
Try a graffiti stripper and pressure washing.
Last year we built a new deck, we used PWT 120 Pro Series Pecan on it an dare quite happy with it. I want to put an additional coat on this spring and am wondering; I dont see a PWT 120 Pro Series listed on your website,is it the same thing as the PWT 100
It is TWP 100 (Pro) Series and the 120 is just the Pecan color. You can order it here:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I restain my Deck with TWP 1501 and really liked the look, but after we had heavy rains the color has changed, is this normal, and will it return to the original color after it dries. If not, what should I do to correct the problem.
Thanks,
Rick
Rick, we responded to you last month about this on the 29th. See below.
“We are not sure what that is. Did you over-apply it or apply a top coat over the TWP? The one railing picture shows distinct lines from an application like a brush or stain pad under the rail and around the tub.”
Is the semi-solid stain more likely to show scratches, compared to TWP 200? The TWP 200 has held up well, but does show scratches in the high traffic areas.
TWP stains are penetrating and do not scratch when prepped and applied correctly. They would only scratch if they have been over-applied and dried on “top” of the wood which is not correct.
You cannot prevent scratches or dents in the actual wood itself.
can you apply a top coat of cetol 23 plus over twp120 ?
No, you cannot top coat over the TWP. It would peel if you did.
What happens if it is only 55 degrees outside and I apply TWP?
It should be fine.
Should I use cleaner and brightener on a deck stained with TPW three years ago?
Or do I only need to use the cleaner?
Both.
Have Used TWP Stain on our San Antonio Tx deck 2 times. The Sun and severe heat was very hard on it this past summer .. Using past instructions from TWP we have hand sanded with a High power hand sander. Bought the Restore-A-Deck kit… Can we just use the Cleaner ? or would it be beneficial to do the Brightener as well.
how long does it take for stain to cure.
About 24-48 hours for full cure but that can vary based on the thickness of the application and temps.
I need a wood preservative for outdoor furniture and would like to maintain the natural wood look (minimum color change from the preservative). What product do you suggest I use?
The TWP 1515 Honeytone color.
Does 1515 have the same UV and other protections as 1530 Natural?
Thanks!
Yes.
testing comments
reply to comments
I need to talk with a technical advisor on a clear coat to go over semi-solid TWP.
Please call 770-617-6093
You cannot add a clear coat or any coating over the top of the TWP stains. It will peel if you do this.
Hi, I live in Southern California pretty close to the beaches, installing a pergola with western red cedar. I’m looking for the best stain available with UV protection. Also, I’m going with a Spanish mission look and need a very dark brown stain.
See here about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You would want the 1500 Series in Dark Oak or Black Walnut.
If only one side of a cedar fence was stained w/ twp100 this summer will there be any issues or things to be aware of in the meantime or when the other side eventually gets stained probably early next summer? And will a previously opened and resealed 5gal pail of twp100 survive 10-12 months in storage?
Yes, the cleaner and the stain can bleed through to the other side, causing discoloration. No way to prevent this. When doing a fence, you should always do both sides at once.
Unfortunately I can only control when my side of the shared fence gets done, not the neighbor’s. So I’m basically asking these questions for him. You said there’s no way to prevent the bleed through and discoloration, so is there a way to limit it? And will a previously opened and resealed 5gal pail of twp100 survive 10-12 months in storage??
No, that is not any way to prevent it. Shelf life info:
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Not prevent, limit. Is there any way to limit (minimize, reduce, lessen, decrease) bleed through? Like don’t slop it on or being careful around edges and knots etc.?
What stain would recommend for use on a mahogany deck to enhance the mahogany natural color but also protect the deck from the environment.
The TWP 1530 Natural.
What color would you recommend to match this original teak stain color? I stripped a section using RAD and tried rustic but it was way too red.
Maybe Pecan or Dark Oak. FYI, you can mix colors.
I have used the Restore cleaner and Brightener kit on my deck. The pictures show the brightener after 24 hrs of drying. I have enough product left for a second application of brightener. Do the pictures indicate a need for a second application of brightener?
No need.
Good news. Thanks for the quick response
I have 15 year old vertical teak siding on my building that I want to stain using TWP 1500. We are going to strip the previous duck back stain using RAD and then brighten. When I apply the 1500 using a pump sprayer do I need to back roll using stain pads? If so do I do it after the first coat or the second wet on wet coat? Or both?
We would spray on your first coat and then use a stain pad or brush to apply your second wet on wet coat.
Thank you. How long would you wait between the first coat and the second? 30 min?
20-40 is normal.
Can I apply a clear exterior coating over TWP when it dries??
No, you cannot top coat over a deck stain. It would peel if you did.
Hello!
We live in Minnesota and used the TWP 1500 stain on the posts of a gazebo. I was wondering if you would recommend a sealant on top of it to allow it to last longer and survive the harsh weather, and if so, which product would you recommend? Thank you very much!
No, you cannot top coat over the TWP. It would peel if you did.
We are having our redwood deck refinished and are choosing a stain. We love the bright and natural color of the wood.
We live in CA Bay Area. Lots of sun exposure.
The samples in the photo just went on:
On left is 50-50 mix of 1530 natural + 205 california cedar (our guy said this will last longer between applications than 1500 series by itself)
On right is 1530 natural
It’s hard to tell how dark the stains will be. We don’t want the stain to be too dark and cover up the natural wood tones too much. He said these will dry much lighter and look great. Any suggestions?
Don’t mix series. Use the 1500 Series. Honeytone is the lightest color and is lighter than Natural.
I have a treated wood privacy fence/screen on my Trex deck in place of a standard railing. The wood has been up for the summer and is now seasoned. I want to prep it for stain. If I use the Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener on the treated wood privacy screen it is going to drip onto the Trex deck and will wash over it when I rense it off the treated privacy screen. Will the Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener damage the finish of my Trex composite decking?
You need both the Cleaner and the Brightener. The brighener alone does not prep the wood. It should not harm the Trex.
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Meaning the cleaner and brightener should not harm the deck?
Correct.
I over-applied in some areas. Now, when I walk on those surfaces, the stain will lift off and stick to my shoes. What’s the best way to clean those areas?
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Stain dripped down back of neighbors cement retaining wall. How can I fix
Try a graffiti remover stripper in the paint aisle.
In the summer of 2021 I installed a new redwood deck on the north side of my house. The following summer (2022) I stained the deck with TWP stain. After a wet winter, this spring I noticed black streaks and blotches on some of the redwood boards (see attached photo) which persisted through the summer and into fall. Is this mold or mildew? If so, how should I remove it? My guess would be to use RAD Guard, but I wanted to be sure. Thanks for your help.
It is either dirt or mildew. The deck will need to be redone next spring so use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep and then recoat. You can always use the RAD Guard after.
The companies “Cali Bamboo” and “Forever Bamboo” sell a TWP product that is listed as the TWP 300 series which costs about twice as much as the TWP 1500. As you don’t seem to have a TWP 300 on your website I’m wondering what, if anything, makes the TWP 300 a better choice for a bamboo fence.
Only the TWP 300 will work fo bamboo. None of the other series will.
We have used twp cedar on our cedar sided cabin. But that was at least 8 years ago. I just bought 5 gallons of twp 100 clear. Do you have an additive to change the color to cedar for some sun protection or will clear work ok?
No, we do not offer additives nor can you tint the clear. Teh Clear offers no UV protection from graying. You need a tinted color for the UV protection.
Can you mix a can of cedar tint with the clear Twp 100 ?
Our cedar has a cedar tint now on it so it has turned dark brown.
Will that color fade with only a clear coat?
Yes, you can mix it but the issue is you need to prep the siding first. This means your current color will not be the same but much lighter or even possibly fully removed after the prep. You will need the full cedar color tint for proper protection. Also, you cannot apply the clear over a tinted TWP color.
To prep, use the Gemini Restore kit and pressure washing on all siding.
What is the best way to maintain your deck in the spring after winter. Do you use a cleaner and power wash it? And what’s the best cleaner to use.
Best to use warm water and some dish soap. You do not want a regular deck cleaner as it could remove the stain.
Hi, I bought a shed last year in March. I had the builder use TWP total wood preservative to stain the doors. (Rough plywood) in Dark Oak. I’m thinking the doors need another coat or 2. I can see bare wood showing through in places. How do I apply another coat? Thanks.
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and then apply 2 loght coats wet on wet.
Do you mean the Gemini deck restore product?
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Hello TWP. I’m adding steps to my existing deck (which has been stained with your 1500 series Dark Walnut). The stair stringers will be custom cut from a fresh pressure treated 2×12 lumber. Such lumber is quite “wet” as stocked by Lowes in our area in Maryland. I’m told that the fresh cut (open face) of the stair stringers should be treated before installing the treads. Obviously I won’t be able to allow the stringers to season (dry) before installing the treads. Should I just go ahead and apply the 1500 series stain to the fresh cut stringers anyway? I figure this is better than not treating them at all. Do you recommend any prep before I do this? Any comments or advice? Thanks
No need to stain the unexposed stringers. Only stain the exposed wood after proper weathering and prep:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I need to resurface a 20 year old clear cedar siding house withTWP stain in CA. It was last coated 3 years ago and areas are absorbing water. The house has had 1 coat of Cabot and lately 2 coats of TWP in its life. Do you recommend TWP 1500 or 200? I am getting conflicting advice.
The TWP 1500 Series.
We just stained our new Pine wood deck with Natural 1530 and it has come out too orange. Can we put another coat of a browner stain like Pecan or Rustic to make it more brown without making it too dark?
I’m sorry but unfortunately, you won’t be able to add more coats. TWP cannot be over-applied as it will have issues curing and drying. You would have to remove it first if you want to change color.
Thank you for the response. Are we able to apply a darker color when we have to re-stain the deck in the future?
Strip and brighten for prep when changing colors.
Hello I have 1501 Cedartone and was only able to apply 1 coat to a little more then half of the deck boards before having to stop due to an unrelated emergency. My plan was to apply 2 coats as these are 10 year old pressure treated pine. Can I simply sand the boards that having the single coat using 220 and apply a second coat on top?
No. Second coats need to be applied wet on wet. You cannot add another coat until next year and you need to clean and brighten for prep, not sand.
Thanks. Is it necessary to wait 1 year? Can I just clean/brighten and reapply today? Or do I need to start over completely by stripping + clean/brighten again?
You would have to strip and brighten if you want to do it now.
I used TWP 1520 stain last year (2022) on a woodbench. I would like to give it another coat. How would I prepare the wood?
Prep with the Gemini Restore kit.
On your advice, I am purchasing and stripper and all additives to tackle the stain that I have yet to succeed in removing. HOwever, it is OCtober in Wisconsin and I doubt that the time will permit me to restain with the 1500 before the temp falls below 40 at night. Is leaving the cedar siding clean but un stained until spring bad for the cedar siding?
It will be fine but you will need to redo the prep in the Spring.
I have a customer who has this cedar deck that was originally stained with TWP. I am cleaning and restaining the deck for them, but they do not have the old stain bucket for reference. Does it have to be the same series for it to match? Also, can you advise on what color this may be and what series should be used to for restaining?
Strip and brighten for prep to be sure as you cannot assume it will adhere if you do not. Looks like Dark Oak. Use the 1500 series.
I’m planning on staining my new (~6 months old) treated pine deck with a TWP 1500 series stain, hoping to get it done before winter sets in, but may or may not get a good weather window. How many dry, warm days do I really need to make sure the stain doesn’t get ruined while drying? How soon after coating can it be rained on?
12-24 hours after applying to dry.
How can I change my recent order? I have ordered many times in the past and usually it is a little cheaper to buy the five gallon bucket versus five one gallon buckets but this time it works out to be the same price. I ordered a five (5) gallon bucket of the twp series 100 cedar-tone and would rather order five separate one (1) gallon buckets of the twp series 100 cedar-tone for storage purposes. Please advise how to make this change ASAP.
Anthony O. Strickland
The price is not the same. 5-gallons ship free while 5 single gallons do not. To ship 5 single gallons gallons to NC, you are looking at around $40 additional. If you would like to do this, then reply back to your order email. We will email you as well.
Following up – is it safe to leave stripper on until spring? I doubt it, but thought I would ask.
No.
In preparation for TWP 1500, this cedar siding has been stripped three times. While a lot of the old stain has been removed, as you can see, some remains. I can get the names of the products used by the company (probably sherwin Williams) but they claim it is their strongest stuff. What do I need to do to get it in shape to apply your product?
Use our stripper and brightener kits:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
With both additives for the stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Let dwell for 30-45 minutes and then pressure wash off. Do the stripping in sections of a couple hundred of sq feet at a time. Top to bottom.
Whick TWP stain would you recommend for refinishing a teak table and chair outdoor dining set? Previously used a product designed for marine use, but still get mildew over winter & spring and thinking of trying something new & hopefully better.
The TWP 100 or 1500 Series. Just one coat for teak wood. Make sure to remove the old coating fully.
I live in Illinois and had a new cedar deck installed a few weeks ago. The decking company recommended using your product and said they can stain the deck now without waiting. But from what I’ve read the deck needs at least 4 months before using your product. I’m nervous going through a Chicago winter without the protection staining provides but also don’t want it to be ineffective if applied too early. I’d appreciate your advice.
They are incorrect. You must weather and prep in the Spring. It will be fine.
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Spring it is. Thanks so much for the quick reply.
Welcome. Let us know if you have any questions in the Spring.