We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project!
- TWP is an EPA-registered wood preservative offering exceptional protection for exterior wood surfaces, with performance varying by several factors.
- Proper preparation and application are key to maximizing durability and beauty when using TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series.
- When seeking help, specify your wood structure type, such as a deck, wood siding, or fence.
- Provide the wood species, such as Treated Pine, Cedar, or Redwood, and whether it is new or older than one year.
- Disclose any previous stain brands and types used, such as solid or semi-transparent stains, for tailored application advice.
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
Looking for TWP dealer on Long Island NY
We sell online only as a TWP Dealer. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I love the Prairie Gray in your 100 series but live in a place where I’m apparently not allowed to use it. Is there a mix of colors in the 1500 series you recommend so I can try to approximate it? I also like the lighter Cape Cod gray option available in the 100 and wish there were more color options in the 1500!
Also, I am sure you wouldn’t recommend it, but is there any danger to mixing from the 100 and the 1500 series?
No, you cannot get a gray color in the 1500 Series. Best to look at the grays in the Semi-Solid Low-VOC stain. See here:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-5-gallon-low-voc
I just had a redwood privacy fence installed on May 27. Can I stain that right away?
See here about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Is the wood rough-sawn, cut, or smooth?
Smooth
Then you have to follow the directions in the link we sent prior.
It’s either way too difficult to find or you have 10,000 way too many words. Can you please list the steps for staining and the pre-prep steps for washing and sanding a deck with one year-old cedar wood. Some of it is smooth some of it is rough. What is the order of steps recommended to achieve the best results
All teh articles for each are on this website. Do not sand for prep. See here about prepping for new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for the staining, see this for application tips:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
and
https://twpstainhelp.com/how-to-apply-twp-100-stain-series/
I have a cedar deck that is 18 years old. I have removed the old stain and sanded down the surface. Should I brighten the wood before staining? I want to use a semi-transparent stain. Would you recommend an oil based stain or water based stain? Thanks
Yes on the brightener. Use the TWP 1500 or 100 Series. They are oil.
We would like to restrain our deck using the same TWP stain and color we used two years ago. Do we need to do any special preparation?
Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
In response to your previous reply, 1590 for Maryland, did you mean 1500 series?
Yes. Typo.
I need help selecting the best product for our deck. The deck has aged 2 years and constructed of #1 pressure treated pine. We power washed 2 days ago. We live in Maryland. Which of your products would you recommend? I am looking for a stain and sealer. Thank you!!
The TWP 1500 Series for MD.
We Recently Purchased this cabin. My Wife does not like the Red tone on the cabin. It is made from Pine Wood. It has solid logs on the sides and some siding on the top.
In 2014 It was pressure washed with water and then spray applied the Redwood TWP 100 series to the cabin nothing as been done to it since 2014.
We are wondering what the suggestion would be to reapply maybe the rustic to reduce red color.
I will attach a photo of the current Condition of what it looks like today.
Use this kit while pressure washing for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Then you can use any color you like.
tried to order samples and received this message: *** Forbidden. Fraud prevention. Sender blacklisted. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk. ***
That happens many times when your IP or VPN is on a blacklist. It has been cleared now.
Where can I buy 100 series Cape Cod Grey in michigan. I understand that it can no longer be shipped. Or North East Ohio
You can’t as it is not allowed in MI anymore. You may want to look at the semi-solid gray colors in the LOW-Voc:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
I live in Houston, Texas. We just moved into a house with a very large deck in the backyard, and we just had to replace about half of it. Now about 50% of the deck is new treated wood and 50% is old/previously stained wood with some crack and imperfections. Do you have advice on how to move forward and get the old and new pieces to match as close as possible? I know it won’t be perfect, but would love to figure out how to make it close enough. I also wanted to avoid using solid stain since I saw this can lead to peeling. Would love any advice and tips! Thank you!
Hello,
You cannot stain new wood right away. See tips:
https://twpstainhelp.com/need-some-help-with-twp-stains/
When ready, clean and brighten the new wood:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Strip and brighten the old wood:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
You may want to consider our semi-solid colors, so you achieve better uniformity between the old and the new:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Thank you! Will the semi solid stains peel like paint would?
No, they are penetrating. Just one coat for this.
Thank you so much! Will the old part of the deck need 2 coats or if I strip it, then the entire deck should only need 1 coat? Also, when purchasing samples, are we able to get multiple colors for $10 or each color sample is $10?
You have to strip the old stain no matter what. We would suggest one coat for all wood. Each sample is $10.
Also, the new wood was installed around April 1st. I was thinking I could stain around end of July/beginning of August. Do you think that will be long enough?
Yes, it should be fine.
Do you think I would be able to stain it this month in June or is that too early (I’m in Houston)?
I live in North Carolina. Preparing to stain a new treated wood deck that has dried for 8 months. Color will be Pecan. Deck faces south and in sun. Do you recommend the 100 or 1500 series for my region. Thanks.
Either Series can be used in NC, and they both work very well.
How long can I store the TWP 1500 stain?
Also what are idea storage conditions?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I’ve ordered and used your stain before on my deck. I used the dark oak stain then, but would now like to use again the dark stain for my railing and verticals and use a lighter colored stain for the horizontal boards. What is a good color combination for a two toned look?
Also, not sure the last time i ordered, but have some of the dark stain left. Will it still be ok to use?
And last question, I also had ordered your stain remover and brightener, (step 1 & 2) but never used it. Will it still be ok to use as well? All have been kept in my basement so no hot/cold temp variations.
Thank you
Honeytone is the lightest colored tint, you could use that for the floors. The stain, if opened prior, has most likley gone bad. The shelf life is 12 months or less if opened. The prep should be okay as long as it is in powder form and has not been mixed with water yet.
We have 1500 stain left from in a 5gal bucket we used on our deck, and want to use it on the bare pine bead board wood ceiling of our porch, which was installed 1.5yr ago, and washed in preparation.
We live east of Dallas, TX, and the summers are hot and humid, but it is an open porch on 3 sides, so it gets a good air flow. We already know about prep, etc.
Use a stain pad. Only one coat is needed. Tarp below as it will drip and can be messy.
Do I need to strip the deck from TWP 101 if going to TWP 1500 Cedartone? Or can I just clean and brighten it for prep?
Stripping and brightening would be easiest and give the best result when switching:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Greetings! I purchased 6 gallons of TWP100 in November 2021. I only ended up using 5 of those gallons.
I am now preparing to stain again, will that one gallon of stain leftover from Nov 2021 still be usable? It has been kept in garage, temp range probably 40-80 degrees F.
Most likely no. The shelf life if unopened is 3 years.
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
Contractor has sanded the cyprus wood columns down, used the brightner, and washed well, however there are still “sticky” areas that we can not get out with sanding. What should we do at this point? Starting to believe its resin/sap as I can scrape it with my finger nail and its still sticky underneath. Will the stain still pentrate or am i out of luck
I believe it is just wood pulp. You should be okay to stain over it. Try a test spot.
It’s definitely got a “tacky” feel to it, the picture makes it look dryer then it really is. I scraped some off yesterday and it’s still sticky today. We just tried sanding down the worst areas again this morning and it’s already back after an hour in the sun. If it is resin/oil, what will happen to the stain in those areas? I’ve been reading more about cypress and it appears that it can have much more resin/oil then other woods that come out of the grain/knots. Now my painter is pushing harder to use a old masters or minwax wood conditioner again as he feels it will make it mitigate the chances of it being extremely blotchy with this new issue. Any other advice?
You should not use a wood conditioner with TWP stains. If it is resin, the TWP will not stain or penetrate as well there. We would still do a test spot to see what it looks like.
In addition to my question below, I’ve also read it might be a good idea to use mineral spirits to wipe down area where resin is found before staining. Is this something that could be done without affecting the look between an area thats been wiped down with mineral spirits and an area that hasn’t? Just not sure what to do at this point as the contractor has hit a roadblock.
You could try that, it should not harm the TWP.
Good to know on the mineral spirits, thankyou
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?
,
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.