Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
TWP Wood and Deck Stain Update for 2023
Welcome to the official help site for TWPStain.com.
TWP® 100 Pro-Series will keep your wood beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer! The ease of application and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years to come. Containing unique ingredients that protect the wood from damage, TWP 100 Series has been a leader and respected product for over 25 years.
TWP® 100 Pro-Series provides a broad spectrum of weather protection, is water repellent, and aids in color retention. TWP® 100 Pro-Series resists water absorption that causes warping, cracking, splitting, and prevents freeze damage in colder climates. Use TWP® 100 Pro-Series to Restore and Protect YOUR GREAT OUTDOORS!
TWP 1500 Total Wood Preservative is an EPA-registered wood preservative for decks, fences, gazebos, cedar siding, wood shakes, log homes, outdoor furniture, and other exterior wood surfaces. TWP wood preservative offers outstanding protection from UV fading, wood rot, water damage, and mildew for all types of wood species.
The TWPStainHelp.com site is designed for exterior wood and deck owners looking for solutions to their wood maintenance questions. We have gathered information based on years of experience. From TWP stain tips and wood maintenance advice to prepping new wood and how-to articles, we will guide you step by step to achieve professional-like results using any of the TWP wood preservative products.
Please read our articles and feel free to ask any questions that you may have about restoring your exterior wood or decking surfaces. The information you need regarding wood and deck restoration and TWP deck stains are all here. Please enjoy and remember that we are here to help.
How do I prep new wood for twp 100?
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I applied TWP stain a couple years ago but can’t remember what series I used. I am planning on resealing now. Does it matter what series I recoat with? I assume I use the restore and brightener before but do I need to do any other prep?
Use the stripper and brightener kit to be safe.
I have cedar siding on my home & have used TWP-101 for many years. In the past I’ve always power washed with a phosphate additive cleaner, but think it’s time to use your Cleaner or Stripper & Brightener to get a newer look before staining again.
Can the Cleaner or Stripper & Brightener be applied with a “soft” pressure washer spray? Endwalls are 16 ft. high.
No, you cannot inject them and you will need to be perpendicular to the wood when pressure washing. This means you will need a lift to complete your prep. Post some pics for more advice on which to use.
My log home was stained in 2000, the owner told me he used TWP. I plan to remove the old stain and reapply with a new TWP stain what is the best product to remove the old stain? The current stain is a solid stain.
TWP has never come in a solid stain. Post some pics for prep tips.
i have attached a picture
Looks semi-transparent, not solid. Can you send a few more pics? Some close and some from a distance.
I hired someone to stain my deck with 101. I believe he either applied too thick or the 2nd coat too late. It was hours after the 1st coat that looked rather dry. Now there are wet spots and most everywhere is still sticky 24 hours later. The temperature dropped to 45 over night but it’s been in the 70’s during the day. How easiest to get rid of the stickiness? Options would be appreciated!
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
What happens if we stain the deck when the temperature is 50 (+/- 2) and feel like between 35 and 40 especially in the night time?
It will be fine as long as it does not fall below freezing the first night.
Complete deck is sanded using 60 (outside)-80 (interior railing)-100(decking) grit sand paper and cleaned using Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener. I opened a 5 gallon stain on Oct 2nd and used just less than a gallon to finish staining the railings alone. I could see that the temperature forecast drops below 50 degree for rest of the reason. So, wondering about the following and appreciate your advise.
The stain will probably go bad since it is opened. Best to finish now. If you cannot, you will most likley need to completely redo the rep and order new stain.
What do you recommend regarding minimum outdoor temperatures for application? And can one add a solvent or other additive to increase penetrating action?
Minimum is low 50s. Do not add any additives to the stain.
Can the stain color be changed? after it has been stored for a few years is it still good to use?
Changed? No, you cannot add pigment to the TWP stains if that is what you are asking. See here about shelf life:
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
How many hours after cleaning Cedar fence can I top coat
Also how would the prospects of rain factor in to delaying staining
48 hours after prep or rain to stain.
What’s the difference between the 1500 Twp and the 100 series twp
VOC compliance for certain states. Where do you live?
I want to refresh a bench I have already used TWP on about 2 years ago. I cleaned it but do I need to sand it before putting another coat of TWP just to freshen up the bench?
No need to sand it.
DO YOU SHIP TWP STAINS TO MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE OR NH ??
Yes, the TWP 1500 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
CAN TWP STAINS BE SHIPPED TO MASSACHUSETTS OR MAINE? CAN YOU PUT TWP
STAINS OVER ALREADY PAINTED A WOOD DECK WITH SEMI-TRANS STAIN ON IT ?
Use the TWP 1500 Series for MA or ME:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
You must remove all prior coatings first.
Yesterday I stained deck wet on wet and it turned out beautiful, 16 hours later we had rain that wasn’t in forecast, so went out blew deck off and now there is water spots everywhere. Is there a fix to clean or am I just screwed til next year.
If the water spots do not go away on their own in the next few days, then you would have to start over by removing the TWP and recoating.
OK the spots went away, what a relief, little more rain this morning and hoping to get same results. Deck looks amazing, love the stain.
We have new, rough sawn Western Cedar pavilion, that needs approximately 800 square feet wood stain coverage. Not sure if we will use semi-solid stain, or TWP 100 Cedartone yet. Can you please advise how much stain we would need for both options? We live in Pacific Northwest (Seattle area). It is my understanding that since rough sawn we don’t need to let wood age at all. Is that correct? Also, this is technically outdoor space, but the rafters and tongue and groove of the ceiling will not get wet or see direct sunlight. Is it still necessary to stain that area, or can it just remain untreated? If left untreated, that would take our square footage down to 600.
You can stain it now as long as the wood is clean and dry. The underside does not have to be stained but you might want to for aesthetic purposes. Go with the 100 Series. About 100 sq feet per gallon for the 2 coats applied wet on wet.
Thank for that information. You suggested going with the 100 series. Is that a better option than the semi-solid? We just haven’t quite decided what look we want based on the rest of the yard/decking etc. Should we avoid the semi-solid for some reason? We used the 100 series Cedartone on the fencing and we absolutely love it. We are just looking for some contrast potentially with the pavilion. Does the semi-solid cover the same way as the 100 series, or does it require more stain per square foot?
Either would be fine. Semi-solid is more opaque. Coverage is about the same.
I have been using twp501-1 cedartone.
what do I use now??
Thanks Roger Prisbe
TWP 1501 Cedartone.
Is it possible to get small sample of 2 or 3 colors for the 1500.
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Here is an additional photo of the deck.
We had work done on our log cabin; log repair, glass blasting and staining. While blasting, the crew failed to properly protect one area on our deck and roughed the surface necessitating reapplying TWP 102 Redwood series 100 deck stain. The decks were last stained with TWP in August, 2022. They buffed and pressure washed the decks and applied a new coat of TWP, wiping excess stain after allowing for penetration. They did not allow even 24 hours of cure time before sanding logs on the cabin, causing drift of sawdust onto the deck surface which they then tried rinsing off. This left areas of sawdust imbedded on the surface and in between the deck boards. It was left to dry that way over a weekend. To try to remedy this, they wiped down the entire deck surface with paint thinner. They did not remove the excess stain deposits between the boards and I have some shiny spots where the excess stain was not properly wiped away. I would like to remove the dried deposits between the deck boards because surface water cannot drain down between them. Not sure if wiping the surface with thinner is adequate for reapplication or if I need to totally strip the decks and begin the process as if it was a first-time application of TWP. Your recommendations? I’m atraching pictures for your reference.
Only way to fix is to strip all and start over. Spot fixing will just make it worse.
Do I need to sand my new deck before staining it? Also should I apply the Gemini restore a deck kit before I stain? (New pressure treated lumber)
See here about new wood and prep: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Can I use two wood protector over twp wood preservative?
As long as you prep correctly first.
Shelf life of 5 gallon 1500 series? The label says 2019, is this still good if stored properly?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
TWP Cedar mulch needed
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
WHAT TPW SEMI TRANS CAN BE SHIPED TO MAINE ?
TWP 1500 Series.
Do you provide or sell color samples for the 1500 series semi transparent stain.
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I stained my deck last night, 2 coats wet on wet, TWP 1516. I think it could use a 3rd coat. Is that permissible? Also, I need to order more stain. If I can do a 3rd coat, will waiting a week be a problem?
No. More is not better and over application can lead to issues with drying and curing.
I recently started to refurbish an old deck. Some boards were OK , some I flipped, and some had to be replaced with treated 2×6’s. What is the best way to get stain to match on the different substrates? I have stripped the old stain , oxilic acid neutralized/brightened , and sanded the deck. I plan to brighten one more time immediately before staining. I will allow two days dry time before staining.
You will not be able to get the different wood ages to match exactly. The new wood and flipped wood will be less absorbent so it will stain lighter in color.
Hello. I am using rough sawn Eastern Red Cedar boards for my deck. The wood has been air drying for 10 months in a garage. The boards were installed yesterday. They were stained yesterday with 1500 Red Cedar stain. We finished staining them at 5:00 pm. We did 2 coats of wet on wet 25 minutes apart. This morning we are seeing a white film on the boards. It was humid this morning. The humidity was 97% at 9:00 am this morning. Is this a problem?
Post some pictures.
I have a 3 year old pine deck that has been stripped and will be brightened. I intend on sanding the deck. What grit is okay for 1500? Also, what if it takes longer than 60 minutes for a coat? Should I let it dry before second coat?
Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit. Only one coat if you power sand.
What I’m saying about the coat is the TWP second coat. It says to apply while it’s wet a second coat. Should I keep my areas small enough that I can do two coats without it drying? Or is it okay for it to dry and then apply the second coat?
Do not apply a second coat if you power sand.
I would like to test a sample of the semi-solid stain in weathered cedar,, is this possible? and why doesnt chace building supply carry this product or show interest in it,, they seem to also be pushing semi solid by benjamin moore.
Samples are here:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Powerwashed Deck then waited 48 hrs to Stain deck , been mid 80’s temp wise. The boards seem to have softened and when I set heavy things on deck it making marks as if the stain isn’t dry but it is dry and not sticky.
Give it more time to cure fully.
How many square feet does 1 gallon of semi-solid stain cover? Is this info on the website?
Yes, that info is on the website.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-1-gallon-detail
Thanks
Using TWP 1502
1000 sq ft redwood deck.
I have purchased two 5 gallon containers due to size of deck.
I have two different lot numbers due to purchasing at different times.
Will the resulting color be that much different if I do not mix the two cans? Seems like a difficult process due to size and weight of cans.
Thanks.
As long as you premix them well before using, they will be the same color. Do a small test spot first.
Do you recommend a water sealer after applying your TWP® 100 Pro-Series
No need and that is not possible. Never apply a sealer over a deck stain, it would peel.
How long will the 1500 stain stay usable if stored?
I have a deck with upright lattice, I’ll be staining the lattice this year, then replacing the decking boards and let them season over the winter and plan to stain next April or May. If I buy a 5 gallon drum, only use 1 or 2 gallons on the lattice, will the remaining stain remain effective and keep color consistency after 7-8 months?
Cheers
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
what is the recommended dry time after washing with cleaner before applying TWP 1500 Stain ? ( the Deck is in 100% Sunlight).
48 hours.
I just stained my 2 year old pressure treated deck that has never been stained before with Thompson water seal natural cedar semi transparent deck & siding wood sealer , what a mistake, it didn’t cover in one coat & I found out I can’t put on a second coat because I waited to long . people online are saying your company sells a product that I can use to re stain my deck .if this is true can you tell me which one of your stains would help me out ? Thanks Dean
Post some pics in the comments for prep advice as the Thompsons has to be removed fully.
Can TWP 1500 be applied with the sun shining on the deck?
It can but is has to be below 90.
My Rad Stripper and Stain will be here this week, my question is here in Montana things are heating up what is the ideal temperature to apply stripper and stain. What would you consider to be to hot of a temperature to apply.
Above 90. Best to do in am or later part of the day compared to middle of the day.
Can I apply a new coat of TWP over an older TWP stained log wall. I’m using HoneyTone
You must prep first and how is determined by the current cndion and the color of the stain used prior. Post pics for prep advice.
My deck was newly built in may of 2022, I stained it on June 30th, 2023 with full sanding and prep. Turned out great however I did not mix the can enough when staining the deck boards so when I got around to doing the railing, the railing turned out darker. My question is, when can I put a second coat of stain on the deck boards and what level of prep is needed?
Next Spring. Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
My contractor purchased TWP cedartone stain yr ago at Dunn Edwards paint in Santa Fe, NM and stained several large exterior doors. We opened the 1gallon container this year to re-stain after UV deterioration over the winter and spring/summer and the remaining 1/2 gallon had congealed. We talked with the retailer and they no longer carry TWP cedartone. Their Albuquerque store does not as well. What should I do? I do not want to change stain on all my doors and wood surfaces. Please advise? Thank you
The opened container has good bad. Buy a new one of the same series and color from our website.
We have older vertical cedar siding on our house that has been “stained” with TWP 101 in the past.
Our painter recently applied the TWP 101 with one coat and is now planning on applying a second coat. He did not use the 2 coat wet on wet method. How long should he wait to apply the 2nd coat,
or should he apply a second coat at all? If so, what technique would work best. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I love your site, it is very helpful. Thank you.
Rob
It may not take a second coat now since the first coat has cured and dried. Post a picture.
I need guidance on which stripper to order and which stain product to apply after, I don’t know what product was used previously. I am in Montana & considering the prairie gray 100 series but see your now carry semi solid as well? Attached are pics of what I am dealing with? Thank you
We did respond earlier to this same question. You have a solid stain. TWP cannot be used unless you sand this off.
I have TWP Cedartone 101. I have not used it in a couple of years and it has changed in viscosity…still the same color..Can I still use the product. If I add mineral spirt to thin the viscosity will this hurt. I plan on using this product to do my rails only and buy more product if need be if not fit to use. Thank You Mac
If it has been opened then it has gone bad. You cannot thin it.
I’ve just finished applying a mix of TWP 1500 dark oak and honeytone on an old Redwood deck in northern CA. The deck has (much) previously been treated with an oil based stain several times. I completed all the recomended prep step.
It’s been about 2 hours since application. There are no puddles or any obvious excessive stain but each deck board has areas with a sheen, and other areas that are more dull, with no sheen. Have I mis-applied the TWP 1500, or is this normal a short time after application? If it’s normal, great! If not, how should I correct?
And, thanks! This is a great site, and it’s so clear you really want the best outcome for every customer..
It can take a day or two to fully cure. See this for tips when over applied: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I’m considering using the TWP1500 on a newly built board and batten shed. Wood is rough sawn white pine.
I know coverages are nominal, but looking for a guesstimate applying with a brush.
Opinion on brush applied versus sprayed ?
Regarding color availability, do you have a clear ? I ask because I didn’t see a clear listed.
If no clear, is the lightest color Honeytone ?
Thank you.
Chris
Coverage is about 100 Sq feet per gallon for the 2 coats applied wet on wet. Clear will nto offer UV protection, it has to be tinted.
Thank you. Is Honeytone the lightest color option ?
Correct.
How long after Power washing and/or rain should you wait before applying stain
48 hours.