- TWP® 100 Pro-Series resists water absorption, prevents warping, cracking, splitting, and freeze damage, while providing broad spectrum weather protection.
- TWP 1500 Total Wood Preservative is EPA-registered, protecting against UV fading, wood rot, water damage, and mildew on exterior surfaces.
- TWPStainHelp.com offers step-by-step wood maintenance guidance, stain tips, and how-to articles for achieving professional-like results.
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.
TWP products have been independently tested and reviewed at DeckStainHelp. Read independent wood and deck stain reviews to see how each series performs across deck types, climates, and conditions.
when can i place furniture back on deck after stain applicaiton
Give it 2–3 days for a full cure before putting furniture back on. Use felt pads or sliders underneath, and avoid dragging furniture across the stained surface.
I have used TWP on multiple projects. We have a log home and other wood structures. I have a 5 gallon bucket of TWP 100 series that was opened approximately 18 months ago with the metal lid put back on it stored in a climate controlled environment. I have a brand new pale TWP 100 that’s never been opened but also been stored for approximately 18 months in a climate controlled environment. How do I know if they’re still acceptable to use? I don’t want to apply them only to realize that they were not acceptable for use.
The unopened can at 18 months is within the 2–3 year shelf life for unopened product — should be fine.
The opened can is past our stated 6–12 month window for opened product. Open it and stir thoroughly — if it mixes 100% smooth with no skin on top or clumping that won’t blend, it’s still usable. If there’s skinning or unmixable clumps, discard it.
Do you have a solid color stain that will go over Cabot’s solid color stain?
TWP does not make a solid color stain — our most opaque option is the Semi-Solid (covers about 70–80% of the grain). More importantly, no TWP product can go over Cabot’s or any other brand — the old stain must be fully removed first. For a solid stain, pressure washing/scraping/sanding alone won’t cut it; you’ll need the RAD PaintStrip Gel to break it down: https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-stripper-1-gallon. Once the fence is stripped down to bare wood, TWP Semi-Solid would be a good fit.
Will the Gemini deck restore products damage the finish on Power Coated/painted aluminum balusters?
It should not, but test spot first.
What is the procedure for applying TWP Natural Effect, followed by Top Coat?
See here:
https://www.twpstain.com/pdf/TWP-1800-NaturalEffect-Stain-PDS.pdf
https://www.twpstain.com/pdf/TWP-1800-NaturalEffect-TopCoat-PDS.pdf
I have a log home and is it ok to add a carpenter bee additive to the TWP Semi Solid??
Yes, as long as it is compatible with oil-based stains. This one works great for all insects:
https://www.twpstain.com/bug-juice-for-5-gallon-of-stain
My deck is older and elevated. I live in the deep south. Should I use a 1400 series semisolid stain underneath since it will be visible?
No need to stain undersides unless you want to for aesthetic reasons.
Should I seal the underside? It’s pressure treated pine but it is over ten years old.
No need.
The last two times I used TWP 1500 Honeytone ,within 3months it started to turn black . Am I over applying ?
There is nothing in the TWP that would cause it to turn black, so it has to be something else on top of the stain. Dirt, grime etc. Do you have any pics that you can add in the comments?
If I applied only one coat of two 101 can I apply another coat one week later?
No, second coats if applied need to be applied wet on wet, not wet on dry. You can lightly clean and recoat next Spring.
I live on a green belt and my deck get a lot of black mold. Last time I restaurants I was used an oxygenated bleach which really helped minimize the mold. I can’t remember at which step this should be used. After stripping or after brightening before the stain.
The stripping will remove any mold or mildew, so there is no need for an additional step. Just brighten after. When it is stained and dry, you can try this to help prevent the black mold:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon
I am planning to stain my deck with a different color of TWP semitransparent stain than I did three years ago (cedartone to pecan). Do I use the Gemini stripper and brightener or cleaner and brightener?
The Stripper and Brightener kit.
Where can I buy twp semi-transparent stain in Florida?
We sell online only at twpstain.com
I am switching from Cabot’s Australian to TWP on a pressured treated screened porch, 20 years old. After using the RAD system I see areas of white on some horizontal pieces. What’s my next step? Thanks
Add some pics in the comments.
I hope you received the picture and video
You did not fully strip off the old stain. You would need to redo the prep, but before you do this, it may actually blend okay with the TWP. Can you do a test spot with the TWP stain to see how it looks?
Sounds good. Really hope that will work.
97 degrees today will try that tomorrow. Question, how long does the mixed stain stripper last?
Thank you for your help.
Months or longer.
We applied Sherwin Williams Exterior Super Deck Clear Sealer to a new cedar fence in 2024. We want to use TWP 1500 (New York state) semi-transparent this summer. What prep will be needed? Do have a retailer near 13045 zip code?
Strip and brighten for prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We sell online only.
I just finished a deck staining job and when I went back to do a walk over to see if everything came out properly I noticed that only the edges where I used a smaller brush took the stain but the top part did not and also in some spots it looks shiny like it’s wet from a distance how to fix this nightmare!!!
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
My deck is still sticky weeks after my deck gas sealed? When entering my shoes make a sticky sound on my hardwood floors in my houses. Any suggestions?
See this for some tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
That can happen when over-applied and/or not prepped correctly, resulting in the stain not fully penetrating the wood grain.
I am putting up a pergola style covered patio using rough cut cedar. (2) 30′ 4×12 beams and (4) 12′ 8×8 post. Whats the best one to use 100 or 1500 series? How many gallons? Also do I use cedar tone or a clear?
Where are you located? We would need the total sq footage of all wood added up (for each side stained) for tips on how much to buy. Clear offers no UV protection from graying. Use any tinted color that you like.
Im located near St. Louis
Look at the TWP 100 Series.
So the 1500 series offers better UV protection but the 100 series is better?
UV protection is the same between the 100 and 1500 Series.
Can I use the semi solid oil based twp stain over a latex Cabot semi solid on a deck?
No, you must remove all prior coatings first before using the TWP stains.
I have a paint sprayer, what is the nozzle
recommended for the TWP 1500 stain
A wide fan tip.
I have a 6′ pressure treated pine fence. I sealed it 9 years ago and it needs cleaned and sealed again. I originally used TWP 1500. Is it alright to apply the same product again after cleaning or does the original stain need scrapped off before resealing??
Use this kit while pressure washing for the prep: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/restore-a-deck-package-300/
Hi! Getting ready to stain my cedar fence. It is one year old and has just been cleaned/brightened. Should I use a wood conditioner before staining? Thanks!
No, you cannot use a wood conditioner with the TWP stains.
Do you offer sample sizes for TWP 100?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Thanks so much!
I have twp semi solid. Can this be applied with pump sprayer? Which tip?
Use a wide fan tip when spraying. Back brush for uniformity and to catch any drips or runs.
Ok – the Chapin model says for semi transparent stains. Just trying to determine if semi solid would be better to apply with an airless sprayer but I am worried about overspray if I do that.
Would the heavy duty chapin sprayer be better with a semi solid stain ?
Yes.
How long does an unopened 5 gallon can of 100 series last?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I have a wooden fence that was installed 6 months ago. Pressure treated pine. I like the color of the TWP 120 Pecan, but I was thinking about buying something from the 1500. series. What is the comparable color in the 1500 series?
Are both the 100 series and the 1500 series one coat applications for the type of fence that I have. If a scond coat is recommended, would that be a wet on wet application or would I need to wait a period of time before applying a second coat?.
Both are 2 coats applied wet on wet. Both Series have Pecan color.
I have a new pressure treated pine deck and would like to color it with the redwood in your 1500 series. Is this a good option? When should I apply and how should I prep? Thank tou
See this about new wood and TWP: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Any color in the 1500 Series will work!
I have a cedar deck, about 700 sq feet, that is 20 years old, never stained and in good shape just grey. I added a side deck that is PT pine and has weathered for 1 year so it should be dry. Cabin in north so gets lots of snow in winter but is a summer retreat.
If I properly clean the cedar (and PT), what product would you recommend and should I put the same product on the cedar and PT. The decks do touch. I know there will likely be a slight color difference because of the wood type, but that is OK
Yes, same for both. Look at the TWP 1500 Series after the prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I’ve used 1511 California Redwood in the past and really like it. However, is there a 1500 stain that might cover better and last longer? Would the 1530 natural be a better choice?
All the colors in the 1500 Series will last about the same. You would need to go to the semi-solid colors to achieve better UV protection: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
We have just renewed our large Cedar beams with your semi-solid Pro Stain- it is perfect. Old beams cleaned and this was a great experience. Now we want to clean and freshen our cedar garage doors. These have had Penofen semi/transparent stain and have needed re-staining almost yearly. They face the afternoon/setting sun and are altitude 7,000f but just don’t hold up in this severe sun facing / altitude setting.
We want a light cedar I’ll but feel your semi-solid might provide that plus last much longer. However, while we will once again order samples- we feel that even your lightest color in that product might not look natural enough.
Question: can we custom mix 1:1 semi-solid with a lighter 100 Pro semi-transparent to lessen the solids ??
There would be no point in doing that, just use the TWP 100 Pro Semi-Transparent colors.
The point is to have a penetrating product that has higher solids content than your 100 Pro. Am I wrong in assuming your 100 Pro doesn’t have any higher solids content than most semi- transparents? That is to say, not much to none. Such as Penofin.
There would be no point, as there is really no middle ground between semi-transparent and semi-solid that would work well for appearance and any added UV protection over the semi-transparents. Just pick either one. It is already vertical wood, which is a huge positive over horizontal wood.
What is the best way to apply TWP 200 series stain? brush or low volume hand sprayer?
Stain pads, brushes, or a sprayer will work. If you spray, you will need to back brush any drips, etc.
Thank you for your advice, I appreciate it.
I did have some cupping on some boards, tried to level it out the best I could. After sanding I plan on using TWP Restore -A-Deck 2 step process
Just do one coat of stain.
How do you know if you have over sanded?
Just don’t sand finer than 60-80 grit and clean and brighten after sanding.
Can Twp 1500 be applied over 4 year old Penofin with just cleaning? It’s a smooth cedar deck. Was planning on using 30 second cleaner and use a brush and hose.
No, you need to remove it. Very easy with this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I am using 8×8 douglas fir posts on a porch and carport project here in east central Missouri. They were installed in mid-January. These are new wood posts, rough cut, but a couple sides are smoother than the others, but still not that smooth waxy feel like dimensional lumber. After receiving samples from you, I was leaning toward 1500 series in Natural color but my local store only carries the 100 pro series. I have a couple questions:
-Either the 100 or 1500 Series.
-The 101 Cedartone is the same as the 1530 Natural. FYI, Honeytone is the lightest tinted color in both series.
-You can go darker as long as you prep accordingly.
Thank you!
with the TWP Natural Effect stain, I see that it is a 2 step process. My question is do you apply 2 coats first and THEN that second step ? Or only 1 coat of the first step then the second step?
That depends on how dried out the wood is. In most cases, one coat will work.
Thanks a million !!!!
Do you sell sample sizes?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I stained my spruce log cabin siding several times over the last 20 years with Velvit Cabin and Deck finish- it is no longer available – I use TWP 1500 on my deck. Would this be a logical finish now for my cabin ? Should I consider the product with solid color?
You cannot use the TWP unless you fully remove the prior coating. For help with this, add some pics of the cabin in the comments.
Should stain be applied yearly?
Every 2-3 years is normal but it does vary based on wood type, if vertical or horizontal, and weather conditions.
I have a Cumaro deck with prior applications of IPE oil. would like to use a water based sealer over the existing seal. Your recommendations?
thanks
You can’t do this without fully stripping off the IPE Oil. Use this to remove it:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I need help matching a color or finding Cedartone 201. Can someone please call me
940-337-1911
On this link you can order the 201 Cedartone: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Brush or roll 1500 rustic on redwood
Brush or stain pads. Do not roll.
We just used restore a deck stripper and brighter then applied TWP 200 series to our deck. This is what the original deck builder used for the color, California Ceder. The color is good but there’s a lot of black in the grain and some of the boards seem darker than the rest. I don’t think a second coat would make a difference and it would probably not take it. Please advise.
No, you cannot get the black out by adding more stain. That is deep in the wood grain.
So I used the restore-a-deck system and it seemed to work. I also used a Jomax deck wash to get mold off of some of the surfaces. When I redo the deck again in a few years, what can I different to get the color more uniform?
The darkening is internal and part of your wood grain. It cannot come out with prep products.
Want to clean cedar deck stained one year ago with cedar tone 101. Deck is simply dirty and want to clean-up and possibly touch-up wear areas. What would you recommend?