Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project for 2025!
TWP is a cutting-edge wood preservative and protectant registered by the EPA, designed to provide exceptional protection for exterior wood surfaces. However, its performance and longevity can vary based on several factors, including the type and age of the wood, how well it is prepared, and the application technique used.
To ensure the best possible results with TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series, proper preparation and application are key. Follow recommended guidelines to maximize the durability and beauty of your wood surface, no matter which TWP series you choose.
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 bought a 5-gal 1500 honeytone 2 years ago and applied half of it. Since then, it’s been tightly sealed and stored inside in a temp controlled area. I took it out a couple weeks ago, stirred it up, and did a test board. Everything seemed fine. But I keep reading on your site that it’s bad. What makes it bad? Seemed OK to me. Not looking for an argument, just trying to understand or learn about things that may be less obvious. Thanks!
When it goes bad, it clumps and or skins. You may be fine in your scenario, but we cannot guarantee it 100%.
Will Safe strip remove TWP 303 Dark Oak from bamboo fence. It was peeling and had major mold. Once off what would work to achieve same coloration?
No, it will not remove it. We do not carry the 300 Series, please contact the manufacturer directly for assitance. Gemini Coatings.
Why is TWP 300 not detailed? has it been replaced by another formulation?
Sorry, but we do not sell it on our website.
Hi my name is Portia I live in dekalb county GA. I had a pressure treated deck built about 3 weeks ago in my back yard which is very sunny and little to no shade. When can I stain my deck using the 1500 series.
See here for tips on this:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a 1 year old new pine deck. How should I go about prepping and sealing it? What is the difference between the 100 and 1500 series?
Use this for prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
The difference is VOCs and what is allowed in your state. Where are you located?
I’m located in Madion, Virginia.
You will need the TWP 1500 Series for this area.
Thank you. Should I hold off on staining if there is still a lot of dew overnight and early mornings?
Yes.
Moved into a new house with a 25 year old deck. I don’t think anyone ever did anything with it. Last fall I stripped, sanded and strained with two coats of 1503 Dark Oak. It looked great but the wood is so porous, it already dull and faded.
What would you recommend II apply now?
Lightly wash to remove any dirt and apply 1 coat of the same TWP.
I am planning to use Spanish moss pro semi solid over this very aged stain. Under the eaves on the east side of the house the stain looks pretty good still, and that is where I did my best to match colors.
The siding is rough sawn cedar? With cedar car decking eaves and fir 4×8 beams. I would prefer to remove as little finish as is required to simplify the application under the eaves, but as I am planning to clean/strip, brighten, then stain. I will do what I need to do.
The pictures attached show roughly what I have breifly attempted with Penofin granular/mix cleaner and a low pressure power wash.
The stain must be at least 10 yr old, with the the bottom getting lots of sun. I applied cleaner to the bottom or top of the window depending on the picture, but then used the power washer from the bottom to the top. You can see where the higher up stain protected by the eaves is still in pretty good shape. I was considering that just spraying over this with cleaner and power washer everywhere may be sufficient to get a good finish with semi solid, but wanted some input before I order the materials from you
Thanks!
You will need to remove the current stain fully and that means you need the Stripper and Brightner kit, not the Cleaner and Brightener:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
Use the Gel additive with the stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-thickening-gel-additive
My name is Hank Malone, I live in Clarksville, TN. I had a deck built with pressure treated pine. It has been drying since. My house is in a woods surrounded by trees. I want a semi transparent stain in cedartone. I don’t know weather TWP 100 or 1500 would be best for me. I’m planing g on getting cleaner ang primer with my order, Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hello,
Make sure to weather the new wood for 4 or more months and then prep:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 100 Series.
what is the best product to use on bamboo outdoor fencing
TWP 300 Series only for bamboo.
We can find it anywhere locally. How can we purchase a gallon? Don’t see it in your website. Only the 1500 series or 100 series
We do not sell it on our website, sorry. For assistance, it is best to contact the manufacturer directly: Gemini Coatings.
Is there an easy trick to removing the plastic shipping seal holding lid of stain in place? Or just a hacksaw?
It pops off. Pry inwards.
Which series is the best for pressure treated pine fence?
They all work great for PTP!
Sorry – my Question is does TWP Wood & Deck Stain Semi-Solid come in an oil-base and what is VOC?
It only comes in oil-based. https://www.twpstain.com/voc-states?
Does TWP Semi-Solid come in an oil-based? What is it called and What is VOC?
It only come in oil-based.
I’d like to match this pitched below. Please direct me to the correct product.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp1500-5gallon
Do I need to seal the wood after using TWP stain?
No need and you cannot apply a sealer over the top of a wood deck stain.
one year old pressure treated picnic table. what series do you recommend and how would I need to refinish it in three years?
Use the 1500 Series. Clean and brighten when time to recoat.
I’m in Minnesota. Still use 1500 not 300?
1500 or 100 Series will work for MN.
I have a pressure treated deck made with southern yellow pine. It’s aged exactly 12 months. I would like your recommendation on clean/prep prior to using your TWP stain. The deck was never coated with any stains or sealers. Also, which of the 3 types of TWP products do you recommend for the best longevity?
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Use the TWP 100, 1500 Series, or the semi-solid colors. They all last the same.
Hi,Another question – TWP has determined that new pressure-treated wood does not allow stain to penetrate well unless it weathers for 4 months. That might work for a new deck but it makes older deck where you are replacing boards very challenging. Will a primer coat address this issue? Thanks.
No,and you can never use a primer prior to using a penetrating stain like TWP. Let the new boards weather and then prep all wood at the same time. BTW, no matter the stain brand, new wood needs to weather and be prepped.
True for semi-solid too? It also penetrates?
Yes, it does.
Hi, I have 3 questions. We estimate we need 15-20 gallons of stain for 2 coats. We plan to use RAD Wood & Deck Painstripping Gel. Do we need same # of gallons of stripping gel? Does TWP 100 series come in semi-solid and solid as well as semi-transparent? Is there a big difference with semi-solid and solid? Thanks.
Post pics of the deck in the comments, and what is the square footage for prep advice?
TWP does not come in a solid stain. The TWP 100 Series is semi-transparent, we also have semi-solid colors.
We used cedartone 4 years ago on our deck. Looked great, but considering a slightly darker color now that we need to re stain. Which color in the 100 series would be the next “darkest”? And which color in the semi solid would be similar or slightly darker than cedartone?
Pecan 120 is not really darker but has a little more brown. After that is the 103 Dark Oak. The solids are completely different, so it’s best to test some samples there.
I have a deck that about 4 years old would clear stain be okay
If you want to prevent graying, you must use one of the tinted colors, not the clear.
Hi, I have flipped over my pressure treated deck boards that are 20 years old. They seem to be in very good condition. I did have to replace 4 boards. I want to use your new product TWP 200 semi solid. The boards have no stain, just raw wood. I was just going to sand and apply the stain. Do I still have to do prep work before applying the stain? Thanks
You have to treat it like new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi, 4 years ago I I sanded my older treated wood deck ( located in Northern Wisconsin) and after applying TPW 100 series pecan stain it looked good. 2 years ago I used a generic deck cleaner and reapplied the TWP pecan stain again with good results. The deck now is dull brown, no grey, with bare areas from wear. ( see photo) I would like to reapply the TWP pecan 100 series stain. What would you recommend?
Use this kit for prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
Than apply the TWP 120 Pecan.
Hi,
After carefully reviewing all oil-based deck stain options, we’ve decided to use your product that seems far superior. Our deck was built in 1998 and appears to have a solid stain that looks like paint on it. We are hoping that if we use a chemical stripper, sand down and replace boards, we can use your semi-transparent, 2 applications. Will this prep allow it to look good? or do we need to do additional prepping? Or do we have to use a semi-solid or solid. We are pretty sure it’s constructed with Southern yellow pine. Thanks. 828-246-0808
Need pics uploaded.
Here are the pix
Yes, you have a solid stain. A deck stain stripper will not work to remove it. You need to power sand and or use a Paint Stripper. Example:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paintstrip-paint-solid-stain-stripping-gel
Hi. Thanks for responding. We are still uncertain re what stain product we can use after we follow your advice, Can we use semi-transparent or semi-solid and what is the difference?
If you can fully remove the current coating, you can then use the TWP stains. Semi-transparent or semi-solid colors. Both work great.
I am looking for an oil base TWP stain that came in the color: Hill Country.
There is no such color in the TWP stains.
After my research, I understand that your product has been reformulated for use in Michigan. I have a new can of TWP101 Pro Series “cedartone” . My question is can i mix this with the new 15-30 Natural or….use one or the other as a second coat?
No, you should not intermix the different series.
Hi – I’ve only used your product since building my deck over a decade ago. Unfortunately, there were some issues that didn’t see us able to maintain it for the past 4-years.
The last stain we did we first used the restore a deck & strip a deck & were not happy w the results so we sanded the entire deck down but STILL had these black marks / spots in the wood. At the time we were told stain anyway & use wet & forget. So we did, but the marks never came out.
Last year I pressure washed w the restore & brighte, it seemed to remove some stain. This is what it looks like now, what is your best advice please?
Strip and brighten should remove all:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
Hello TWP,
I oiled my deck and rain unexpectedly started the next morning. It has been raining every since. I squeegeed it but it just keeps raining. I am worried. What can I expect?
It should be fine since it was the next day after staining.
What TWP deck stain color will be closest to Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Teak (ES-30)?
[Arborcoast now rebranded as “Woodluxe,” but teak is available only in translucent).
We want to switch to TWP but need a pretty good color match with the previous use of Ben-Moore.
Thanks
Hi, sorry but we are not familar with BM deck stain colors. Do you have a picture?
Hello,
I am getting ready to stain a 400ft plus deck and 400 feet of fencing. Can you recommend a good sprayer? Preferably not one of those weed ones I have to pump.
Deck is pressure treated pine. 3 years old and never been stained.
Also, how do I figure out how much stain I need for 200 feet of 4 ft tall fence with the 3 inch space in between – need to stain both sides.
Thanks!
I am getting ready to stain a 3 yr old pressure treated pine deck for the first time. Used Gemini cleaner and brightener. While the deck was still wet, it looked great, but since it has dried, I am seeing white spots and streaksI am getting ready to stain a 3 yr old pressure treated pine deck for the first time. Used Gemini cleaner and brightener. While the deck was still wet, it looked great, but since it has dried, I am seeing white spots and streaks that looks like residue. I had rinsed very well after using the brightener. Is there anything I should do to this before giving it a light sanding (for furring) and applying TWP semi-transparent stain? that looks like residue. I had rinsed very well after using the brightener. Is there anything I should do to this before giving it a light sanding (for furring) and applying TWP semi-transparent stain?
You should be fine as it does not show when stained.
I stained deck with TWP 1502 last fall. This spring I got “dirty rain”. It has left dirt and mud. I dont want to stain again. What is the best way for me to wash the deck and restore the original stain color? Thanks in advance for your help
Please add some pics.
Here are a few
You could try some dish soap and water to see if that works. Anything else would probably be too aggressive and you would need to recoat.
4 years ago sanded older pressure treated deck in Northern Wisconsin to bare wood. Applied TWP 110 Pecan and looked great. 2 years ago used generic deck cleaner and applied another coat of the sameTWP stain. Deck has darkened (pecan color, not grey) but still lookes pretty good. Would like to thoroughly clean and brighten and again restain with TWP Pecan. Please advise.
Pics?
I stained my deck with TWP 100 Cedar tone Stain 4 years ago I recently pressured washed and cleaned the deck to restain and noticed were we had a rug under a table the color is different. My question is do I need to use a stripper or the deck restoration to attempt to get the best results. The area I’m refuting to is in the top right of the photo . Thank you
Yes, use this kit to even it out: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I’m unable to order the 100 series in Maryland can I use the 1500 series stain after I use the restore a desk stripper and brighter ?
Yes, you can.
Existing: cedar deck stained with twp1500 three years ago. Now needs an update coat. I ordered and received the same twp1500 colour. The can says to use a bleach and water mix to wash the deck. I plan on using a deck sprayer to apply. How much time should that solution be applied to sit on the wood…. before rinsing with the power washer?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep, not bleach and water.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Decking made of PT pine. 5 years old. 3 years ago Deck was burned Shou Sugi Ban style and the treated with a single wet on wet treatment of Boiled Linseed Oil. I followed the ill advice of using the BLO unaware of its tendency to mold. In the fall of 2024, I bleached the molded areas with 30 second outdoor cleaner
I purchased TWP 1500 with cleaner and brightener. Following the instructions, I let the cleaner dwell for 15minutes and power washed under 1000psi with a 40deg tip. All that surface mold came right off as intended. However, i have some railings and deck areas that have some deep mold/mildew staining that has not been removed with additional applications of the cleaner.
What is your advice in my situation
Try applying 1 part bleach to 4 parts water to entire deck. Let dwell for 20 minutes and then rinse well. It should kill the mildew.
So what I have here is mildew that has not been killed off resulting in the staining? Effectively killing the mildew will release it?
I have tried several bleach products and applications without any improvement. It appears that the BLO had mildewed below the surface. Do i need more applications of the Restore-a-Deck cleaner or will this require sanding due to the depth of the mildewing?
You cannot sand that out. Try the bleach idea but use pool shock of 12%.
My new deck was stained 3 years ago with twp102. Very slippery when wet (Seattle area). Can anything be added to this product for better traction?
Ct
TWP stains are penetrating coatings. When prepped and applied correctly they will fully soak into the wood and never be slippery. In your scenario, it was probably over applied if it was slippery. You should remove down to the bare wood and apply properly.
Im putting up a cedar greenhouse that does have stain applied. TWP was recommended to me. Which of your products do you recommend and do you have a retailer in the Lansing Michigan area?
See here about the new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Once weathered and prepped, you can use the TWP 1500 Series. We ship to your area from our website.
Hi, my contractor applied Shermin Williams solid stain to a section of fence and painted over it with TWP stain. There was also a pre existing color on the section of the fence shown in the photo. Is there a way to make this look like one color using the TWP? He wants to apply a third coat. The otber sections of the fence look ok and are the TWP stain only (no prior colors). He used the wrong color and HOA requires TWP color. The paint over the archway is pre existing but stark color contrast. Not acceptable- needs to be fixed. Do you have any suggestions?
You cannot apply TWP over a different brand of stain, especalliy a solid stain. Your contractor should have known better. He needs to remove everything down to the bare wood and start over.
Thanks, how should the stain be removed?
Power sand it all off. The contractor made it extremely difficult to fix this by applying the TWP coating, which is not compatible over a solid color stain.
Or replace the wood if it cannot be sanded or removed.
Can I add tint to an existing 5 gal I currently have? I have pecan color and red is still showing through on the cedar. Designer told my wife to add some green tint. Can I get this from you?
No, you cannot add tint or custom tint the TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
I have two gallons of TWP 1500 cedartone in unopened, factory sealed cans that have been stored in my shop for roughly 4 years. Would this product still be viable for use?
Shelf life is 3 years if unopened, so no guarantee it is still good.
Hi, years back I have used your TWP100 Semi Transparent Honeytone on my cedar fence. It’s in a sunny area (Walla Walla Washington). The original stain has faded over the years. Can I over-coat with a lighter colored TWP Semi-Solid (I’m thinking of “heartwood” or “lighthouse”) without the color of the (faded) Honeytone coming through and impacting the overall look? Or, is this too light a color, or, do I have to first “strip” the fence? The wood is not gray or weathered, so I’m not sure using Gemini Restore Wood Brightener, is appropriate.
If switching, you should prep with the Stripper and Brighener kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
If staying with the same color and series, use the Gemini Restore Kit.
FYI, stripping is no more complicated than cleaning, just a deeper “clean” by removing the current coating.
stained my cedar deck 2 years ago with 100 and want to refresh horizontal surfaces? will 1500 work ok without stripping the prior product? Or best to use 100 again?
Use the 100 Series again. Prep with Gemini Restore Kit.
I have a 5 year old rough surface Cedar Fence that was stained 4 years ago with a waterbased semi-transparent stain. I want to restain the fence using TWP 100 Series Rustic stain. Need to know the process to prep (prep products) to stain the wood fence.I used this same TWP stain on my deck and want the fence to match.
You will need to remove the current stain. Please post some pics in the comments of the stain on the fence for prep help.
Here are a few Pictures of the fence… stain has definately faded. I also live in San Antonio, TX
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
What is the total square footage to be stripped? Length x height x 2 =?
Approximately 1,500 total square foot.
2 of the kits should be enough.
Thank you for the prompt replies. After you stated the stripper and brightner would be requred, I figured I would need two kits.so thanks for confirming that. I’ll place my order next week along with a 5 gallon container of the Rustic stain. I am really impressed with your products.
Thanks!
Can I add a non-slip product to TWP? Looking at the Rust-olium 279847 anti-skid additive
No, you cannot. TWP is a penetrating stain. You can only add anti-skid additives to coatings, such as paints that film.
Hello, we have Cape cod on our deck but it appears it can no longer be shipped to Michigan. We wanted to touch up, is there anything else we can use for a maintenance coating?
The closest would be the TWP Semi-Solid VOC in one of the gray colors:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-1-gallon-low-voc
Can this be applied over the current 100 series after a clean, or does the 100 have to be stripped first?
It would be best to strip and brighten for prep.
FYI, you can pick up products at our location in Bloomfield Hills, MI if you like:
2388 Franklin Rd
Ok, maybe I’ll try a test section and see. I appreciate the help.
Sure thing!
Hi there. I recently had my front porch redone in January with rough sawn pine posts and beams. I want the best product to protect it from the elements in the north east and to achieve a light to medium brown color that still shows off its natural wood elements. What products do you recommend for the rough sawn pine and how/when is best to apply?
Look at the TWP 1500 Series in the Pecan color. Apply with a stain pad or brush.
The wood was cut and installed in the winter time, about 5 months ago. It is rough sawn. Is it ready for stain now and can I just apply the TWP 1500 or do i need to do anything to prep it for stain?
As long as it’s clean and hasn’t turned gray, it should be okay to stain now.
I received my samples and do like the pecan color. Looking for the best applicator for staining rough sawn pine? It was a little lighter than I thought after the one coat I put on with a rag. Not sure if a different applicator would make it darker. Its the 1500 series stain. With new rough sawn wood ( installed in January), should I apply multiple coats or do a wet on wet technique??
Wet on wet. Use stain pads or brushes for applying:
https://www.twpstain.com/brushes-stain-pads
Once I get the stain applied on my deck how long does it take the stain to dry. Is there a time frame where there should be no rain after staining. Thanks
4-12 hours.
Hi
We are about to use the Gemini wood cleaner to clean our deck. Does it matter if the wood is wet? Or does that only matter when applying the stain?
You can apply the Gemini prep to wet or damp wood. To apply the TWP stain, make sure you wait 48 hours after prep or any rain.
Quick question, Does the brightener need to be done right after the cleaner? If not how many days after cleaner could I wait to put brightener on? Thank you
Brighten when done with the cleaner on the same day and while the wood is wet is the best way.