Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project!
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 have an older trex deck that has numerous layers of stain on it. I’ve been working on stripping it to the original surface but it’s slow going. Is there a dark stain that would thoroughly cover and not peel off in a year? I’d like a very dark brown but that won’t get extremely hot as I have 3 dogs.
You cannot apply the TWP over a different brand of stain. Thay would have to be removed fully.
I am building a hybrid Timberframe home with Douglas Fir Timbers indoors and outdoors. The Timbers are 8in x 8in. I live in Colorado where the
Wind, Sun and lack of moisture are extreme. I just got the Timbers from Oregon. What surface moisture should I dry them to? Can you recommend a portable meter I could purchase to measure the surface moisture content? The Timbers will be joined/planed as necessary after drying them. I am planning on using TWP-1500 stain. Can I use the same stain for Timbers inside and outside? I will sand the Timbers to 120-150 grit? I am worried about getting pinkish/red/orange undertones. Any recommendations to prevent that? Can you recommend any pretreatment, post stain treatment, or perhaps neither at all? Thank you so much for all the help.
It is not about the moisture % but the porosity of the new wood. For outside wood, it needs to be installed, weathered, and then prepped. See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Don’t sand for prep. You cannot pretreat with TWP or apply any coating on it after.
TWP is not designed for interior use.
Looking to strip and bring out a more natural color, what do you suggest I do to remove what looks like a solid stain and bring out a more natural color?
It is not easy to strip a solid stain, especially on vertical wood. It will take a heavy-duty paint stripper, sanding, and some patience. See here for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-a-solid-color-deck-stain-or-paint/
I have a cedar deck with TWP semi-solid cabin fever applied. I’d like to lighten the color during next the next refinishing.If I clean deck surfaces (deck restore products) can I apply Earth color and get a lighter result? Or, would I have to strip deck is all Cabin Fever? Thank you!
You will have to strip and brighten if you want to go lighter in color.
I had my deck sealed. How long should I stay off of it?
24-48 hours or until not wet or sticky any more.
Pictures show cedar siding cleaned with sodium percarbonate), both wet (golden and rich) and after it dried (dull and gray). I still need to brighten. I’m trying to achieve the golden wet look. Is this possible using the 1500 series and if so, which color? I was thinking cedartone, natural or honey. Thankp you.
Honeytone achieves the color closest to a wet look:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1515-honeytone
You can buy it here:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp1500-5gallon
My deck is 8×23 and recently built within a few months or so. Will 3 gallons enough and what stain color is closest to this pic?
See here about new wood first:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
3 gallons should be enough for the one coat.
I have a Fir Wood door and Cypress wood columns that were previously stained and then coated again 3-4 years ago with PPG Proluxe Maitenance Wood Finish Clear satin that is now cracking/peeling. My contractor has recommended sanding it all down and then applying a wood conditioner such as old masters or minwax wood conditioner first to get a more consistent stain coat with less blotchiness before using the 1500 stain. He’s had good luck with this method on previous staining jobs (hasn’t used TWP before).
-Does using an oil-based wood conditioner before applying TWP 1500 negatively affect penetration, durability, or long-term maintenance/recoat performance? If so, what would you recommend instead?
-I am also considering mixing a small amount of Dark Oak into Pecan to slightly deepen the color. Is this something TWP recommends or supports? If so, what approximate ratio would you suggest starting with (for example 10%, 25%, etc.)? We like the darker brown of the rustic color, but it shows up a little too red on our Fir wood so stuck between pecan and dark oak.
thanks
Sorry, but no, you cannot use a wood conditioner prior to using the TWP stains. It may hinder penetration of the stain.
You can mix colors of the same series. How much really depends on your wood type and how much darker you would like it to be.
Just to confirm, would the recommended prep/application process for TWP 1500 on my fir wood door and cypress columns, currently coated with PPG ProLuxe Maintenance Wood Finish Clear Satin (a translucent maintenance topcoat that is now cracking/peeling after 3–4 years), be:
Also, if some areas appear lighter after the first coat, is a light wet-on-wet second application within ~15–30 minutes acceptable if the wood is still absorbing the stain?
Thank you.
No need to clean first. Sand off current coating, no finer than 80 grit when done. Too fine and it will not penetrate. Apply Brightener after. One coat of the TWP since you power sanded. Typically when sanding, two coats will not absorb in the wood.
Understood, thank you.
as a follow up, just talked to my contractor again and he further clarified that after sanding with 60-80 grit, he would normally do a final sanding with finer grit mainly to reduce visible orbital swirl marks and improve the finished appearance since it is on a front door and large front house columns.
Would a very light final pass around 100-120 grit still negatively affect penetration with TWP 1500 on exterior fir and cypress, or do you still recommend stopping fully at 60-80 grit? He said he’ll often do 220, so he was surprised to hear not to even do 100-120. Maybe your oil stain hides imperfections more?
Appreciate your further clarification for my situation feedback to my contractor
It will reduce penetration of the TWP if you sand too fine. Semi transparent stains like TWP, do not hide imperfections.
I believe you contractor is used to prepping and applying for interior wood stains which are much thinner then exterior coatings like TWP
Our deck was stained with TWP cedar tone 3-4 years ago. We would like to use the same color but not sure what to do for prep. Some boards are nearly bare and others have some stain remaining. If we need to use a stripper would it remove paint from our under decking as well? We want to avoid that… thank you
Best to strip and brighten.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
It does not remove paint.
The deck was stained with TWP in cedar tone
3-4 years ago and would like to use the same color again. You can see that some boards are nearly bare and others still have stain. What is the best prep method? Also, if stripping is recommended will it damage our painted under decking? Thank you
Best to strip and brighten.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
It does not remove paint.
Deck was stained with Cabot Australian Timber Oil 3+ years ago by previous owner. Do I need to use the RAD stripper kit after pressure washing or Gemini?
This kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I bought this old outdoor patio set. I’m not sure what kind of wood it is. The previous owner said she had it on her deck for many years. I have just completed sanding it. Here are some photos. Please let me know which TWP 100 series color you would recommend.
Any color you like would work. Just one coat.
I have a 10 yr old redwood stairs and deck that has only ever had Armstrong Clark Semi Transparent Cedar stain applied (cleaned and restained ever 2 years). We are restaining this this year. Will Gemini Safe Strip work to clean and strip the deck?
Better to use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener kit for this.
For a brand new mahogany entry door, do I need to use the wood brightener or can I just go in with the 1500? Thanks!
You need to prep to remove the mill glaze.
Thank you. Do we need to lightly sand or use the cleaner before the brightener?
Clean and brighten would work.
New unfinished mahogany entry door, what is the best product to use? Covered porch. Thank you!
The 1500 Series in Rustic color.
WHICH PRODUCT TO USE, I USED BEHR TRANSPARENT CEDAR WATER BASE, AND WANT TO USE YOUR TWP productWATER BASE OR OIL WHAT WILL WORK?
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You cannot apply TWP over the Behr. It has to be removed fully first. Add some pics in the comments for advice on how to strip it off.
I have used TWP 1500 stain on my deck and its time to apply another coat. Can I apply the semi solid pro series stain without stripping the existing stain?
Best to strip and brighten. Stripping is no harder than cleaning, just a deeper removal.
Been using TWP 1503 for years now, and recently had to replace some deck boards. What is best way to try and get the new and old look decent.
And one snag, the better half wants to switch to water based.
Any thoughts, please?
It is not possible to get new wood to stain the same color as the older wood. No matter what, the new wood will stain lighter as it is less absorbent. Water-based stains will not penetrate as deeply as oil-based stains will.
Can an insecticide be added to TWP1500? If so what is your recommendation?
Also using new rough cut cedar..how long do I wait before treatment?
Yes, you can add this:
https://www.twpstain.com/bug-juice-insecticide
I have a seasoned 400 square foot cedar deck. It currently has 3 coats of semi transparent stain on it. Should I use paint stripper to remove the old stain? Then use brightener to prep ofr stain? Should I use two coats of TWP 1501 as a wet of wet application? I am replacing a few boards should they only have 1 coat of them to match the older boards? How much stain do I need?
Add pics in comments for prep advice.
I am sanding and refinishing 12 year old vertical pine siding siding TWP. I have two of your products. 1. TWP 101pro cedartone and 2. TWP 1530 natural.
I have done a couple of side by side sample mock-ups on the siding and the two products look exactly the same. Do the two products have the same tint? Will they wear equally?
The 101 Cedartone Natural does match very closely the 1530 Natural. They will wear and weather the same.
What is the difference between between protecting and preserve stain
Not sure what you mean?
We have just installed new red cedar decking
We are thinking about using twp stain. Could you tell me if the 1500 series is the right line to look at. I’m also looking at the clear and natural tones could you explain the difference between these two. I would also like to know the difference between the clear and the cedar tone.
I was also reading that you shouldn’t stain new wood right away. What is the recommended time to wait before applying stain.
Thanks for any help you can provide
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
The Clear has no tint and therefore has no UV blockers from graying. The rest of the colors will provide UV protection since they are tinted stains
Need help with a largish order. Do you have a number for a rep that I can call to help me place the order?
You can call during our open hours at 866-856-3325
I have been using TWP stains on my deck since the 1980s but my wonderful original contractor moved. I want to use TWP Restore a Deck cleaning and brightening system, then reseal with TWP 1501 but I can’t find any contractor who will use your cleaning and brightening products or anything similar. They want to use some sodium hypochlorite based solution like 30 second Outdoor cleaner and no brightener, and I believe this is an inferior product from everything I’ve read. I also think the brightener is necessary because I think I have tannin stains. Only one will use your 1501 stain, but he also won’t use your Restore A deck or similar. Can you give me a lead for a contractor using any or all of these products in Northern Virginia? Thanks!
Sorry but we don’t have any contractors that we know of in northern VA. Closest would be one in Germantown MD. Not sure of that is close enough for them. See Dirt Run is their name.
I applied set one of the cleaner on my deck, but with Painters coming to stain it, I don’t have time for step two. Is it a big deal if I skip the brightener?
It is best to do both, as the brighter neutralizer neutralizes the cleaner and makes it look better as well.
Well shoot…is it ok if its done 5 days apart then??
Better than not at all.
Four years ago I used the products in the pictures to restore my previously stained deck and then I applied TWP 101 Pro Series. It is time for a refresh – what products do I need today? Do I need to use the liquid additives? The attached picture of my deck is how it looks today. Thank you.
You can use the same prep but no need for the additives this time.
For step 1, you recommend I strip it again? Or should I use the cleaner since I stripped it 4 years ago? Are the Gemini products in the round containers what I should buy? Thanks.
Since it has worn slightly uneven and it has been four years, it would make sense to strip. It is the same amount of work as cleaning, just a deeper clean. This will ensure an even appearance when done.
Thanks!
6 month old cedar fence with one coat of shingle oil. Which product would be best to apply over the shingle oil for adding color and protection.
You cannot apply TWP (or any penetrating stain) over the shingle oil. It has to be stripped off first. Use this product while pressure washing to remove:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
After removal, use the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
We are cleaning a 40 year old thick cypress shingled roof by soft wash with using sodium chloride/ bleach. It has a lot of lichen on it. Trees around it have been cut in new England Can you recommend a sealer preservative that would help the longevity once the roof is clean
Or a preferred cleaner Thank you for you time
Use the TWP 200 Series for shingled roofs.
Will your product work on composite decking?
The semi solid colors will work on uncapped composite decking such as the first generation Trex. It needs to be porous.
New to decks as we just purchased the home. Wood is ~10 years old. Can you give me some suggestions? Backyard gets quite a bit of sun, any color recommendations? Do I need to strip? Brighten? What kind of grit for sanding (if I need to sand).
For prep, strip and brighten using this kit and pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
As for the stain, look at the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
You probably do not need to sand unless you want to remove any slivers here or there.
Would you recommend TWP 100 if it is allowed in my area?
Yes, the 100 Series works great as well!
I have a 2 year old deck that is in complete sun, we have sanded down to bare wood since the stain we used didn’t hold up (it wasn’t twp). We are thinking a lighter color like pecan but love the darker wood like dark oak. Would a lighter or darker stain last longer with the Utah sun? Thanks!
Darker colors will hold color longer than lighter colors in full sun.