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

What’s the shelf life of an unopened 5 gallon can of TWP 100, and an opened can?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I have a seven year old treated pine deck. It has received two treatments of Cabot semi-transparent stain/sealer. The first a few months after installation, the second three years ago. It is due, showing cracks and starting to gray. I have recently cleaned it with Cabot’s deck cleaner and power washed. Which of your products would you recommend and why? I was hoping to increase time between treatment but am learning two years may be the most I can hope for. I have used a cleaner will I need to use a brightener? I live in western VA so VOC does not apply.
Did you fully remove the Cabot with your prep? It has to come off to use the TWP stains, and a cleaner does ot typucally remove the prior coatings fully. Add some pics in the comments for prep help.
Old deck, been previously painted, deck sits 20 feet from main drive and is in direct sun most of the day. The previous covering only lasted a couple years before peeling. Being a professional residential remodeling business I want what is best. It seems TWP is that. Should I sand down to bare wood to create a easily bondable surface? Would pressure washing be suficient to clean? I do not want to keep coating year after year.
If it is painted, you will need to remove it fully before using the TWP. See here for some tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-a-solid-color-deck-stain-or-paint/
We were trying to get the staining done well ahead of the rain, but just weren’t fast enough. We stopped staining on Tuesday evening and had rain Wednesday. You can see the blotchy, light areas where the rain puddled. Is this a cosmetic problem only? Should we try to stain over the light spots again? This was the very first stain, about a year after the pressure treated deck was installed.
You can’t spot-fix and have it blend. To fix, you remove all from the flooring and start over. By adding more on top of what you have, you risk it not drying or curing properly, as TWP needs to be applied wet-on-wet for second coats, not wet-on-dry.
Is this primarily a cosmetic issue, or will it be a long term wood protection problem (assuming we restain next year)?
Is this primarily a cosmetic issue, or is this a wood protection issue at this point?
Mostly cosmetic. The other (and easier) option is to let it sit like it is until next Spring. At that point, you could do a light cleaning and then apply one coat to teh floors. It will take another coat then, and it will even the appearance. 😀
Can you put the semi-sold stain over the 100 series, if it has been on for a couple of years?
When switching, use this kit for prep. It is very easy:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a new pressured treated pine deck that is three months old. I would like to use TWP 203 series stain. I live in Georgia with high humidity. Can I stain it in July and is there anything that I need to know when applying this stain and how long does it typically take to dry, Thank you.
The TWP 200 Series is designed for vertical wood like shakes and shingles, not decking. Use the TWP 100 Series or 1500 Series and read this first about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a new cedar pergola that i stained in TWP, 100 series, “pecan”. I only put one coat on because that is all the wood would take, then wiped the boards back. The stain clashes with my house color. I’d like to color correct if possible with a warmer brown color. Is this possible and if so what is the process? Thank you:)
To do this, you would have to strip off the Pecan fully first:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I just stained a new cedar pergola with TWP “Pecan” the color clashes with the house. I only applied one coat because the wood would only absorb that much. I’d like to go darker and more warm brown. Can i apply Dark walnut over it or how could i color correct it? Thank you 🙂
Have built a new simple shelter with new treated pine 6×6 posts and treated pine 2×6 and 1×6’s.
Suggested product and how long to wait to apply. Thanks!
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Look at the TWP 1500 Series.
What is the recommended process for preparing a 10 year old pressure treated pine deck that has Behr deck paint that I would like to remove and apply TWP semi-solid stain. Can chemical paint remover be used or should the paint be sanded off. How long between old paint removal and application of the TWP stain? I assume the process would be remove old paint, (sand?), brighten, dry 48 hrs., apply new stain.
John, paint removal can be done, but it can be a challenge. It has to come off fully before using the TWP stains. See this article for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-a-solid-color-deck-stain-or-paint/
Hello. I have smooth cut cedar porch posts that are 5 yrs old and originally finished in some sore of satin stain and sealer. The majority of the exterior sides have faded and flaked off. The interior sides are in better shape and have some remaining finish. I plan on sanding them down. Would I still need the cleaner if I am sanding them? I do plan on using the brightener but want sure about the cleaner. Thanks
Yes, see this for sanding tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
What type and color of stain would you recommend for my new cedar fence? I would like to keep the original color and prevent it from greying. I live in the Pacific Northwest.
Look at the TWP 1500 Series. For color ideas, see here: https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
Rough cut cedar siding, 40 years old. I’ve used different stain/preservatives over the years. 4 years ago I used Behr translucent waterproofing wood finish. What prep products do you recommend. I want to switch to TWP cedar tone 1500.
Please add some pics in the comments for help with the prep.
Does this help?
Use thsi kit with both additives for the stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
I recently purchased the restore-a-deck stripper and brightener from you. Will either product damage my metal balusters?
It shouldn’t, but always test the spot first.
Can I install 1500 with a roller? If so what nap