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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
Please excuse the typo….”I read “about ” the wood preservation properties….
Why did you delete my question?
We didn’t.
Hi there, I have new cypress T&G 8″ boards to use as our soffit and porch ceiling. The mill recommended TWP. My question is, should I stain all 4 sides of board and then install or Install soffit and porch ceiling – then stain in place? Should I use a TSP mix to wash boards or just sand with 80 grit sand paper before installation? I have had these boards under a tarp appx. 5 weeks. (I am overwhelmed by all of the how-to’s and recommendations, there is just so much that conflicts or is not clear.) Thank you.
See here about new wood.
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Install, let weather for 4+ months, prep, and then stain the exposed wood only. Do not use TSP to clean or sand for prep.
Also a follow-up question and more background, if I may. There doesn’t appear to be any remaining stain on the weathered treated pine wood. I recognize a thorough pressure cleaning with an appropriate prep wash- treatment is in order. We’re open to anything from semi-transparent to fully pigmented. Will likely go with some shade of brown in color choice. I’ve attached a photo this time. Thanks again.
Hello, what’s the recommended stain to rejuvenate a several year old treated pine deck that is gray weathered and cracking. There’s no apparent rot yet, and we’re trying to get a few more years of use so preservation is the priority. I like the sounds of oil based products. We purchases the home last year and live in the Southeastern US. Im sure it was stained in Prior years. The deck gets several hours of direct sun each day. Also, what’s the recommendation for a pretreatment cleaner. Thank you in advance.
For prep, use our Gemini Restore kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Than stain with the TW 1500 Series in Dark Oak.
Thank you for the feedback… I had read abort the wood preservation properties of the 1500 series stain. I should have also mentioned, we live in a state with no VOC product restrictions. Does this expand the options?
You can use the 100 Series as well.
I am getting ready to restain my home using TWP 1501 Cedar Tone stain.
First I need to pressure wash everything. What is the best cleaner to use prior to using the brightner agent.. I do need this info ASAP. Thank you.
Use this kit for prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
interior sun porch stained with twp 2 years ago can i clean and go back over with twp again?
Yes.
Can you please tell me if your stain is still available in the Light Cedar color? I have stained 1/2 of my fence with it, but it seems to no longer be available! Thanks.
Look at the TWP 1515 Honeytone as that is basically the same color as the old 515 Light Cedar.
Reposting because I think I messed up the first time. My apologies if there’s a duplicate.
Hi, I’m planning to use TWP 100 on a timber frame style arbor I’m building. Using kiln dried rough sawn Douglas fir. I’ve gotten samples and am planning to use Pecan or maybe a mix of Pecan and Dark Oak (does that work well?). I’ve seen different comments about needing to let new wood age for awhile, but I think that’s just for smooth cut undried wood. Is that correct? Am I good proceeding without waiting longer? Also, would you recommend 1 coat or 2 for this application?
Yes, you can mix colors of the same Series. Since your wood is rough sawn, you can stain now. 2 coats wet on wet.
My deck seemed ready for a clean and re stain. I have done this before I have used twp pecan since deck was new. This year I cleaned and put brighter on but some boards seem to be semi beading water. Can I put stain on top of this it is mostly vertical boards that face away form sun. I hate to strip whole thing. Other borads and reverse side of spindles no Bead at all
Post some pics in the coomments.
I just had my deck build 3 years prior. I stained 1 year after build wit stain 1530. When should I stain again? This year or 2 years. Thanks
Only prep and recoat as needed. If it looks good, then wait another season. If you want our opinion, post some pics in the comments.
I live in SOuth Carolina and need 10 gallons of stain for my new fence. How long are shipping lead times?
3-4 business days.
I plan to stain a one year old deck for,the first time with TWP 100. It’s 150 yards from the coast in NC. Most of the deck is covered with a roof but there is a section 8×20 that gets full sun all day. I’ve cleaned it with 30 Second Outdoor Cleaner. What do,you think about using TWP 100? 1500? And do I need to do anything else as far as prepping goes? Thanks
Use the 100 series. As for the prep, 30 seconds (it is basically bleach) is not good for the wood. Can you post some pics in the comments to see if addtional prep is need.
Do you have samples of TWP Natural Effect Impregnating Stain?
I am sorry but we do not.
How many square feet of coverage in 1 gallon semi solid? Skirting has never been treated.
About 200-250 sq feet per gallon per coat.
I used TWP California Redwood a few years ago. I am considering switching to a semi solid cause of the advertised durability.
Do you think it lasts longer? And if so, which color would be a best close match?
Thanks .
Ther is not a matching color but you can test samples to see what is close. Yes, it will give better UV protection from fading.
What is your closest match to TimberSeal Pro-UV Oil Finish – Cedar Gold? Thank you!
I am sorry but we are not familar with TimberSeal colors.
Yes. Stain not drying. Need answers NOW
This happens when you over apply and or did not prep correctly: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I have left over TWP 100 that was last used in June 2021. Can it still be used? It has a skin on it that can be broken up. It never froze.
No, it has gone bad.
I used TWP 100 series on my pine wood deck 6 years ago. The wood is still in good shape but has turned dark. I see that I need to now use only TWP 1500 series as I live in Northern VA. My question is will pressure washing alone take off the sealer? A contractor said he has used outdoor bleach successfully for years with pressure washing. Will that remove all or most traces of the TWP 100?
Use this kit while pressure washing for safe and effective removal:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
Hello, I’ve added my details here below:
Thanks!
How fine of a grit of sanding did you do? You do not need a termite treatment.
120 grit. It feels nice and smooth to the touch.
Thanks re: no termite treatment.
You sanded too fine and it will hinder the TWP’s ability to penetrate into the wood grain. Never sand finer than 60-80 grit. You should let the wood weather outside/exposed for at least a month and then clean and brighten it for final prep with this:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
After, use any color that you like in our TWP 1500 Series.
How many coats of the semi-solid stain should be applied? Can I apply two? Will be staining a cedar deck after stripping and brightening. Wood is 5+ years old.
2 light coats applied wet on wet should work.
Follow-up: we are struggling to remove random small patches of old stain after multiple applications of remover. Do you advise some light sanding on these areas? We used Sherwin-Williams stripper and brightener which tends to leave the clean wood “fuzzy.” Should this be sanded?
Please add some pics in the comments.
what happens overtime when stain is on rope or harnesses? i work on a zipline and was wondering if it could eat away at it?
No, it will not do this.
I cleaned/prepped my cedar deck yesterday with Restore-A-Deck. I’m trying to get the stain on it before the next rain. What’s the minimum time required before I can apply TWP Pro Series 120 (Pecan) stain? Secondly, how long does it need to dry before being subjected to rain?
48 hours after prep or rain to stain. No rain for 12 hours after.
Restaining pergola with 1500 – same as original 5 yrs ago. I have 1/2 gallon left of old stain. Can I use it?
It has gone bad. The shelf life is 3 years after being opened.
Put TWP 100 Dark Oak on deck 2 years ago and looking to restain….can we use the 1500 and does that come in dark oak color?….or should we stick with the 100 series?? thnx
Stick with the same series unless your state has switched VOC regulations.
Need to change our Michigan condo association decks from TWP-101 Cedartone to a more VOC compliant stain. Currently we have used transparent and looking to go to semi-transparent. Decks are treated pine, more than 1 year old. Boards were replaced 3 years ago and stained the next year with TWP-101. What would you suggest?
The same color as the 101 Cedartone in the VOC complaint TWP 1500 Series is the 1530 Natural. You would need this for MI. Make sure to prep first.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp1500-5gallon
Forgot to say that I’m re-staining with TWP 120 Series Pecan stain.
Please post some pictures of your prep in the comments.
It was cleaned yesterday so it’s still a bit damp in areas.
You should remove the gray but do not sand as the hinders the stain’s ability to penetrate. Redo the prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I just cleaned my cedar deck with a solution of water and TSP. I then rinsed it off with a power washer. It looks pretty good but there are some areas that have a white/grey haze on it. Would it be better to lightly sand the deck at this point or will a brightener remove the white/grey areas?
Do you recommend staining the underside of deck boards. I have KDAT decking and wondering if I need to stain/spray the underside after installation. I read that staining the underside may trap water/moisture that gets into the screw holes form the top (that would typically drain through the unstained bottom of the deck board). If the underside is stained then the moisture getting into the screw holes after it rains gets trapped in the deck board. Thoughts? My old deck KDAT boards had a lot of mildew on the bottom so I thought that staining the underside may protect from mildew? Should the rim joists be stained after installation? Also, can 200 Series stain be used on horizontal surfaces like deck boards – or only on vertical surfaces. Thank you.
No need to stain the undersides. Staining will not protect from mildew. You could try this:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon
If you use the 200 on horizontals, only apply 1 coat.
Hi, I completely stripped my cedar deck and sanded it back in 2020, then applied 2 coats of TWP1500 (Color 1501 Cedar Tone). It stood up well for 3 years, but this year it has gotten to the point of needing to be restained. I used Defy Wood Cleaner on it, following all directions. I applied it, waited about 20 minutes keeping it damp the entire time, then used a scrub brush on the wood, followed by removing the cleaner with a pressure washer. I followed that, while still wet, with a Defy Wood Brightener for 5 minutes, then power washed that off several times to assure every bit of brightener was rinsed off. But, not all the stain came off (I did not expect it to since it is a cleaner and not a stripper). So, I have boards that have no stain, and others (mostly where the deck is always in the shade of the house), where there still is some to nearly all of the stain intact, but highly weathered. QUESTION: Can I now simply re-stain the entire deck and get a uniform color and correct protection with the same TWP1500 stain in the same color? Or, do I need to strip the deck to get a uniform coverage/color? It was a lot of work to clean and neutralize it, if I have to strip it, then I really just wasted my time and money on the cleaner, and it makes me wonder if the TWP1500 stain is really any better than any other stain since I can’t simply recoat it after only 3 years. I have attached a few photos to show what sections of the deck now look like. Please advise.
Using the Defy prep is most likley why your prep is uneven. To get it even, we would use the RAD Stripper and then the RAD Brightener. You could get away with just doing the flooring and not stripping the rails. In the future, you can clean and recoat but do this with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I don’t want to have to strip completely every time I have to restain. The question is: with the deck looking like it does now, if I apply a new coat of the TWP 1500 stain will it come out looking uniform or not? If not, then the TWP 1500 stain may not be what I want to use as it will always require stripping before it can be re-applied. Isn’t that correct?
Stripping, FYI, is no harder than cleaning, just a deeper clean. In your case, you didn’t prep with the correct products, so it came out a little uneven, especially in the shaded area. If you stain it the way it is not, it may be slightly uneven, but not that much. No, it does not require always stripping when recoating and prepped correctly. 90% or more just clean and recoat. The need to strip typically happens due to uneven fading/wearing or too long between coats.
OK, Thanks. One other quick question. If I use the RAD Stripper and mix up a gallon, will it “keep” OK in the sprayer for up to 8 hours to use a bit at a time during the day? That way I can avoid getting too far ahead of myself in trying to strip a section at a time. It is not always possible to strip when I have cool cloudy days, and I want to assure the stripper stays wet while it works. Then a second question: can I wait until I am completely done stripping to apply the brightener if I re-wet the already finished stripped areas, even if they have dried? I understand I need to completely rinse them very well before allowing them to dry.
The stripper does not have a shelf life once mixed with water. You can use it over multiple days. You can brighten all when done.
How long should I wait to apply stain after using cleaner and brightener?
48 hours.
I applied the 1500 stain, two days ago April 11, but I neglected to wipe off the access in time. There are sticky/tacky spots.
Are there any solutions to remove the sticky spots, any recommendations would be appreciated.
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
We have used TWP1515 Honeytone on our deck for several years along with the Restore a Deck kit but we still have dark areas and some places have little black spots, photos attached. We also tried the R-A-D stripper. Can you give us some advice, please.
In the pictures, it is not stripped. Using the RAD Stripper and Brightener Kit those black spots and the old stain will come off.
The pictures were after we had used the Stripper and Brightener Kit, then re-applied the stain last summer. Can you tell me why the spots and dark areas keep coming back after we apply the stain?
It looks like mold or mildew is sitting on top of the TWP stain. Stains cannot prevent this but this product may help. You apply it after the TWP dries.
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon
what happens if you apply stain below 50 degrees
It may not cure and dry correctly resulting in it being sticky or tacky.
I first stained my deck with TWP100 in 2017 and have been applying a maintenance coat every other year since then…so in 2019 and then 2021 and again in 2023. Between maintenance coats, I have also applied the Gemini restorer and brightener. This year I had planned to strip the stain and reapply the same TWP 100 stain color, Pecan 120.
What stripper product should I use? Please see the attached photos of the deck.
The RAD Stripper and Brightener Kit. You may need the Booster and Gel additives as you have a buildup of coatings.
Which series is the best for staining a deck in North Flori
The 100 or 1500 series.
I have an old deck that I’m considering using the TWP semi-solid on. After a couple years, does the stain fade away and allow for an easy clean and recoat, or does it begin to peel and have to be stripped and completely redone? Is the semi-transparent easier for maintenance? Thanks.
It is a penetrating stain that can be cleaned and recoated as needed. It does not peel.
We have a a southern exposure 2 yr old pressure treated deck in Florida. This is the second stain on the deck. It was cleaned and brightened and then 2 coats of twp100 (wet on wet). It looks great, but seems quite dry like it needs another coat or possibly a sealer? Are sealers ever used over stains? If so, what do you recommend? Also, what can I do to slow down the mold and mildew? We are in a high humidity area. Thanks for your help! Karen
Hi,
No, you cannot add a sealer over the TWP stains. You can clean and reapply another coat. See this for preventing mildew/algae:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon
Does brand new cedar decking still need to dry for 4 months before applying or can the mill glaze be sanded off and then applied?
Yes, please see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do not sand for prep, use the Gemini Restore Kit.
I want to refinish a cedar deck in California? Which TWP product should I use
The TWP 1500 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
How long is the stain good for in an unopened container?
About 12 months.
I’m a little confused on how to properly prepare a deck for application of TWP. Last year we power washed, used Gemini Restore-a-Deck and applied 1500 Clear—first time ever. The wood was mainly old, 2 x 6 CCA salt treated pine (50 yrs.—fortunately we live in the woods with a lot of shade), with some of the rotting boards replaced by newer salt treated pine over the past couple of years.
I am assuming we should power wash again? Assuming yes: Safe Strip, ready-to-use in a power washer OR Gemini Restore-a-Deck combo package of wood and deck cleaner along with deck brightener OR Restore-a-Deck Stripper/Brightener kit? Overkill? Most cost effective?
Last year, 10 gal. of TWP just about covered all my deckboards. However, some of the decking is a dock over a fresh water lake, which the State Department of the Environment can get concerned and testy about chemicals over the water. Was thinking of adding the Bug Juice to the 1500, as we do have sections of the deck with carpenter ants. Counsel? PS: nice product you make.
When recoating, use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep and pressure washing. The Bug Juice can be added and will help to prevent ants.
I stained my new deck last spring with TWP. It is now almost a year later and I am getting ready to stain it again! Do I only need to clean it since I am reapplying the same stain or do I need to clean and brighten over the stain from last year?
Best to clean and brighten.
Hi there!
I purchased TWP 304UV Black Walnut from a bamboo retailer in San Diego California. They didn’t tell me that it doesn’t retain color. Do you have recommendations on a replacement that is a similar color that will retain the color? I know my options in CA are limited. Thanks!
Only the 300 Series can be used on bamboo and it does have UV resistance.
I am looking to stain a deck that is right at a year old. It does not have dirt build up or mold on it yet. I think the twp 100 in cedar tone will work well for this project. Should I plan on applying 1 or 2 coats and will I need to still use the 2 step cleaning process first? Thank you
Yes, use the Gemini prep and 2 light coats applied wet on wet is best.
I can’t find my post from yesterday on this page, but you all replied and said “The blotchiness is part of the wood grain after prep. To fix, you would have to sand it all evenly with 60-80 grit and then recoat.” So, question on that answer… Should it have been prepped and then sanded or sanded, prepped and sanded again? Also, since we have to put the second coat on later in the year, should we sand before doing that, will that work, or will it mess up the 1st coat and make us start all over?
You would sand the wood and then add the 1 coat. No other prep is needed.
You do not need to add another coat until 1-2 years later.
Thanks! So my contractor is just trying to figure out if they did it wrong? Should they have prepped then sanded? Or was it just bad luck that it turned out like that?
They didn’t do anything wrong. It happens when the wood oxidizes and you remove the oxidized wood cells.
Is there a difference in TWP total wood preservative and TWP stain? I have used the TWP 120 Pecan preservative in the past on our cedar siding and was needing to order more but do not see the can/type I used before. Can someone help so I purchase the correct product? See attached picture of previously used product. Thanks
They changed the label. Use the TWP 100 Pro Series. Same color and stain:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
The pro series is semi-solid. I’m thinking what I used before what more clear so the wood grain shows.
No, it’s not. The 100 Pro Series is the same as the 100 series and the colors are semi transparent not semi solid. Follow the link we have you in the prior response.
We added a covered patio to our house 4 months ago. The ceiling is tongue and groove pine. We are looking to preserve the wood. Would TWP be a good fit? If so is one coat sufficient? Since the ceiling is well protected from the elements, how long should we expect the application to last?
Yes, TWP would work well here. 1 coat is enough for this new wood. For a ceiling, you can get 7-10 years.
Can you mix driftwood with a 100 series or 1500 series dark brown (or similar in the semi-solid) to slightly reduce the gray tones in Driftwood semi-solid? How gray is the Driftwood in real life? I am trying to create a gray-brown Restoration Hardware type color.
If you are mixing colors, it has to be mixed within the same Series. ie: 1500 colors can mix with other 1500 colors. Colors vary drastically based on wood type, age of the wood, and UV reflection. We do not custom-mix colors.