Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
TWP Wood and Deck Stain Update for 2024
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.
is there a difference in quality between your 100 series and 1500 series stains?
No, there is not.
Hi, I sanded deck to bare wood, used the cleaner and brighter then let it dry for 2 days. After that I applied TWP 1500 rustic stain. Now after 24 hours of drying time, I am seeing grayish areas in the wood, mostly around and extending from knots. What can it be and what should I do to correct it. Thanks
That is normal and is not a result of the TWP but the density of the wood around the knots and how it takes the stain. There is not a way to “fix” this.
Recently purchased a house and I am interested in sealing/staining my back deck and cedar poles on the front porch. I’m a novice.. I believe the back deck was sealed at some point as water beads on parts of the deck that are not exposed to sun due to roof. Another portion of deck absorbs water and has obvious sun exposure. What is recommended for prep before sealing? I have pressure washer and was planning to seal with 1500 honeytone.
What is recommended to for prep for cedar poles? Also, not sure which color would best match the natural color?
Thanks!!
Prep all wood with this and pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have 5 gallons of pecan stain , which unfortunately turns out to be much to light. I thought it was fine when I covered the old wood ( which already had been stained) but on the new wood it’s just too light. Is there a way for mix to add a pigment or other stain, or do I need to stain the wood first and then put on the pecan ( which really has no color)so I don’t have to waste 5 gallons?
It is not possible to add pigment but you can mix in a darker color of TWP into the Pecan. BTW, you cannot match new wood and old. New wwould will always be much lighter since it is less absorbent.
Ok, I will try that, thanks! The old color is totally different color, so not sure what I was thinking when I bought the pecan! But too much deck to redo it all, so I will try to make a closer match.
I recently purchased many different gallons of your stain and decided on the cedartone. I have a gallon of 100 series cedartone and a gallon of the 1500 series cedartone. I will need slightly more than a gallon to complete my deck railings. I was wondering if I could simply mix the two 100 series and the 1500 series gallons at the beginning of the job? Both are the same tone and my samples pieces appear the same finished tone.
Brady
The colors are not the same between the series but you could try mixing.
Thank you, the color is slightly different, but they are close enough and we like both of the dried samples we did. I was more concerned with mixing the two formulas and perhaps creating an issue with dry time or finished product. The colors mixed together should yield an superior appearance if differences in formulas will not cause any issues.
thanks for taking a few minutes to reply.
They will mix together.
Do you have samples?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I stripped and brightened my deck 2 weeks ago, and haven’t had a totally dry day since. What process will I have to do for staining with TWP1500 SERIES since so much time has gone by?
Lightly wash the deck and brighten again. Let dry for 48 hours and then stain.
Thanks for your quick reply!
By “Lightly wash”, do you mean with (I used RAD products, stripper & brightener) RAD Cleaner, or just a garden hose – no chemicals?
Thanks for your help.
And just in case, is it okay to let the deck sit “as is” until after winter? (I’m In IL and time is running out) Thanks!!
Wash with water and then apply the Brightener. You can let it sit until Spring but you will have to a full prep again.
I purchased TWP stain last year but I cannot tell from the gallon can if I have series 100 or series 1500.
It says on the container if 100 or 1500 Series.
I have a porch that was covered with Behr semi-transparent product below about 7 years ago and was touched up after that without removing the old stain, meaning that there’s too much stain applied. Will I need the booster additive?
Need pictures of the current condition.
I completely restored cedar deck in July and applied 1 coat of TWP 1500 Clear Stain. I would like to apply another coat. Please advise as to the prep involved only 2 1/2 months later. I was also wondering if I can mix in another stain with color in an effort to get a more even look. Thank you!
You cannot apply a tinted color over the clear. You would have to remove it first. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Then apply two coats of the tinted color you would like. Apply them wet on wet.
What is prep involved in applying another coat of TWP 1500 clear now after only 2 1/2 months of restoring cedar deck and applying1 coat.
Use this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Our contractor wants to use Radcon wood preservative for several decks? Is that the same as TWP 1500?
No, it is not. Closer to the 200 Series.
Hi never stained, rough cut cedar, pickets been outside sometime, rails new. N.W. MT. 1. Which semi transparent to use?
2. Do it this fall, or wait till next year, with new rails?
3. 200 feet , 6′, 2 sides , 10 gals. Cover? Do I Need the 2 coats?
Thanks !
1. Use the 100 Series.
2. You can do it now.
3. For rough sawn apply two coats wet on wet. You have about 2500 sq feet and that means about 20 gallons for two coats.
Thanks!
Should I try to avoid spraying new 2×6 rails this season, or just 1coat there to extent possible?
Just coat it.
What is the best way to clean old vertical 1×8 t&g v joint redwood siding prior to sealing? What is the best seal?
Pictures of the current condition of the siding will help determine the proper prep. You can upload them here.
Hello. We live outside of Portland, Oregon. We had a deck installed in August 2018, are now going to stain. (We will, of course, prep using Restore a Deck, etc). My question is, would you recommend we use the 1500 or 100 series product? The deck faces East, and is only partially covered, so it will be exposed to sun, rain, etc. Also, is sanding okay, in the areas where there is some cat/dog paw damage? If so, is that done before or after the cleaning/brightening? Thank you!
Use the TWP 100 Series. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Do not spot sand as it will stand out as lighter in color when you stain. Best to just leave as is.
Thank you!
Thanks again for your earlier reply. Quick follow up question. I have received a sample of the 100 series in Dark Oak. It reads really red on my sample board, and I am hoping for more of a dark brown color. Is there a compelling reason why I could not use the 1500 product, as that comes in a Dark Walnut color that I think I might be happier with? Thank you again for your help!
You could use the 1504 Balck walnut. No issues.
Thanks again!
I have 1501 on my deck. Can I repeat without stripping to add more color
You do have to prep when reapplying: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Our porch is southern exposure and partly covered. We have done the restore-a-deck prep 6 days ago and it had more than 48 hours to dry. On the 5th day we had rain. It was not a storm like rain, but it did get half the deck wet. I dried off floor and railings and would like to stain today sometime, 35 hours later. Is it safe to do so? (The deck was erected a year ago and stained with TWP.). This would be a maintenance coat. The cleaning and brightener did the job! Let me know what you think. Thanks!!
48 hours is typically the number of hours to wait but if the wood is fully dry, you should be okay.
I used TWP 101 cedartone Natural and now I need new stain on my cedar siding should I go to the 1500 series. And what are the step in redoing the new the new application.
Use the same TWP 100 Series. If new wood on the siding, see here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Is there a difference in color between the 115 Honeytone and 1515 Honeytone or are they the same? If there is a difference can you explain what it is? Thank you.
No, they are not the same exact color. The 1500 is a little richer in color.
Would richer be darker? I am looking for a stain that helps tone down the orange colored wood in cedar shingles while still providing the UV protection not available in the clear stain. We tried both the 1500 and 100 series Cedartone and Natural. It is too orange on our existing 12 year old cedar shingle siding. We are wondering if either 100 or 1500 series Honeytone would be better? Thank you.
Slightly darker, yes. Best to test samples first. Pictures here:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Hi,
I’m looking to stain a brand new deck made out of pressure treated pine, should I use the 100 or 1500 series stain and sealer? I live in Colorado at 6500 feet, very intense UV rays, decent amount of snow during the winter, ect.
Thanks,
Ian
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
After wait and prep use the TWP 100 Series.
Ok, thanks. What should I do if waiting 4 months will result in it being the middle of a snowy season and my wood will get wet and it will be 20 F outside, which doesn’t seem like an appropriate application temperature.
Hi! Just wanted to pop in and leave a review for TWP 1500 series. We ordered from The Sealer Store and they were wonderful to work with. I asked questions there AND on this website and received instructions that helped make our seemingly neverending project come to fruition. After spending many a night after work sanding down our whole deck we were finally ready for TWP, we chose the Pecan color as I didn’t want anything too orangey or too dark. While applying and probably 6-7 hours after applying I felt like I might have made a mistake, it was looking pretty orange. But, when we got up the next morning and looked at it, wow, it was beautiful. VERY happy with the color and VERY happy with all the help I received. We have vowed to take care of our deck properly this time and hope that it will look beautiful for years to come. Thanks TWP! GREAT stain so far!
Thanks!
I applied one coat 1520 Pecan on new treated pine after waiting twelve months. I am planning to add a second coat about twelve months later.
I believe the preparation is the same as the first coat. Apply the cleaner and power wash and follow with the brightener, wait 48 hours for drying and then stain. Is this correct?
Yes, correct.
Hello, This is is Sunshine Exteriors Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta Canada. How much would it cost for a shipping and how long would it take to get the stain? Thank you so much.
Hello, best to add products to cart and enter your shipping info there to see the total cost. Only the 200 Series is allowed in Canada: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Shipping takes 3-4 business days.
I recently bought a home in an area of California where redwood siding and decks are very common. Obviously, these are older homes since redwood siding is practically unobtainable now. Redwood for decks, though, is readily available (though very seldom is it kiln dried any more). Some of my neighbors tout “Radcon” as the preferred preservative for their homes, but I can’t find any information about “Radcon” on the web. When I search I get directed to TWP. What is “Radcon?” Has it’s name been changed to something else? Is it an obsolete preparation now superseded by TWP?
By the way, as I prepare to restain/preserve/protect my home’s exterior I have found your website to be very well organized and helpful. Thanks for that!
Carlo
Radcon is a TWP 200 Series concentrate that is not available to the public and is very limited to a few dealers around the country. Best to use the 200 Series as it is the same thing: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
I will be re-applying TWP 100 to my redwood deck soon. Since the deck has scratches from dog claws and the wood is older, I want to sand to renew the surface. The same applies to the top surface of the railings as these are easy enough to sand. My question is: If I sand the old wood, is it necessary to use a cleaner/brightener? I would plan to use the cleaner/brightener on any areas I do not sand. (ie the vertical skirts on the outside of the deck and the vertical parts of the railings.
Additional question after seeing your answer to another poster. I originally used the Cedartone TWP 100. I am Colorado at about 7200ft. Would TWP 1500 be a better choice?
Yes, clean and brighten after sanding. Sand with no finer than 80 grit.
No, stick with the 100 Series.
Can I apply TWP 1500 over TWP 100 Stain that was put on 4 years ago?
After using the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing you can.
Whats the best product to use on new cedar siding to be installed in Colorado at 7500ft?
The TWP 1500 Series https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
What’s the deciding factor(s) in this choice?
Slightly better UV protection for vertical wood based on solid content.
Hello. Two years ago I stained my log home with your product. Today, 3/4’s of my home is covered in mold. I have read several articles about the causes, treatment, etc. Almost all articles recommend contacting the stain manufacturer for the best way to deal with this. Any suggestions?
Strip and brighten for prep and then recoat. TWP stops mildew from growing in the stain due to EPA mildewcide but no stain can stop prevention from mildew growing on top of the stain.
Okay. Any suggestions as to how to strip, how to prep and how to recoat or what to use?
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
After, restain with the TWP again: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-wood-stains
Where can I find instructions how to use the Stripper/Brightener? Also, I have brown metal trim work and white vinyl windows. Will the chemicals affect those things or discolor them in any way?
On the product page, you can view the instructions in the pictures: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Should not harm the trim.
I have a pergola over my deck that is stained with TWP stain. After 4yrs it is still in great condition my question can I clean and use brightner on it but not stain it. All the boards are vertical it’s just dirty.
No, the cleaner and brightener are for reapplication only. Try just using some soapy water with Dawn and lightly water rinsing.
Thanks
Have a home with pine log face siding that has been previously stained with Cabot semi- transparent oil base tinted stain. The original stain had a reddish tint.
It has darkened consideribly over time to almost dark brown. I want to uyse TWP…I need recommendations for cleaning and new stain product as well as color?
Thanks.
You will need to strip the Cabot: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
As for TWP, use the 1500 Series. Any color that you like: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I completed the Restore a Deck stripper and brightened last year prior to applying a coat of TWP 101. How should I prep the cedar to apply a second coat this fall?
Use this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Is house paint compromised with the cleaner and brightener?
No.
what would you recommend for a new western red cedar log siding on a cabin in central Colorado at 11,000 feet elevation?
Use the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
please elaborate on why you recommend the 1500 over the 100 thanks
Better UV protection with a high UV index.
I have new western red cedar log siding at a cabin in Colorado at 11,00 feet
It has been on the cabin for 12 months, it is very clean and dry and I do not plan any additional cleaning before coating with TWP 1500, can I get by with this?
Also, in 24 months when I plan to re coat with TWP 1500, can it be applied over the old coating?
You have to prep new wood to remove oxidation and mill glaze. Use the Gemini Restore Kit. When applying a maintenance coat, it will need to be cleaned as well.
Is TWP safe on food?
Why would you put TWP on food? No, you cannot eat it. It is safe for a wood table after it fully cures.
I used TWP-120 Pecan to stain my new cedar deck (installed 1 year ago). I cleaned it with a power washer and your cleaning solution before applying the stain. The cleaning solution did a great job. When I applied the stain, the wood registered on the moisture meter at 3% or less. It did not rain for at least 72 hours following application of the stain and the stain was applied when it was not sunny (around 8:30 pm).
Problem: It appears, despite my working the stain into the wood, that the stain was not fully absorbed by the wood around the knots. See pics. One pic was taken in the sun and one when it was not sunny. Is this okay or do I need to fix it? If I need to fix it, what should I do?
Thanks!
That is normal as is doing this based on the density of the wood around the knots. Not an issue.
I’m using TWP100 It’s a very big project .So I’m staining in sections. These last few morning I found my deck damp from overnight dew.I waited until the end of a very hot day,Temps were 87 degrees with a nice breeze. I stained the top 2×6 on top of the railing as well as the spindles .I was surprised to see areas of tiny bubbles coming through the stain on the 2×6 but found none on the spindles. How long should I wait for it to dry after I get dew on the wood, I’m concerned if this continues it could push me into the fall and I won’t finish the project.Or will it harm the stain process if I go ahead stain and not worry about the bubbles .They do dry out and leave a tiny blemish, My concern would be will this degrade the stain or wood ? I’m not sure how to handle this problem, I don’t want to end up with a third of the deck stained and the rest left & exposed to a winter because of dew.
Typically let dew dry off the wood for 4-6 hours if a hot sunny day.
I applied first coat of TWP, after power washing, then using the restore a deck and Brightener, then sanding some roughness from our power wash, it then rained 12 or so hours later. I waited to dry and saw some water beading on the deck. A good thing. I wanted to do a second application to make sure I got all the grooves and grain. I brushed off the water and let dry. Then applied a lighter second coat. Then some 8 hours later it rained again. Now after wiping dry I have what looks like water stains on my deck. How do I clean that off. Do I scrape, power wash, sand?
Probably need to strip that off as the water spots are in the stain, causing separation rings.
Wow, thanks a lot. (sarcasm). So you recommend I buy more restore a deck stripper, and more TWP1500, and start over?
So how long must the TWP be down before or after any rain? It was more than 4-6 hours, but a partly sunny day.
Yes, you will have to start over, sorry. TWP want about 12-24 hours in most scenarios.
I’m located in south east Michigan. I have a two year old cedar fence. I’m hoping to stain it in August/September. Since it has never been stained do I need to do anything more than power wash it? Do I need to use a cleaner before staining? I understand the importance of cleaning a deck, but does a fence need the same prep since water doesn’t sit on it like a deck?
Prep with this and pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We have a 20 yr old deck in PA that we replaced with new pressure treated wood floorboards and steps. When prepping we sanded all original railings, spindles, step sides, etc. We stripped and sanded all those non-new wood parts. In staining the floorboards with your TWP1500 in pecan, the new boards were soaking up a lot of stain. Until we finished the 1st coat it was dark outside and rain was headed our way by the following morning. So we only got 1 coat finished on the whole deck. What is best way to put down the 2nd coat since we obviously missed doing the wet on wet application. The first coat has soaked in and dried for a week, you can see it needs a 2nd coat to properly repel water.
Thanks.
Did you follow the directions for new wood? https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Also, a second coat will probably not take right now after it has cured. It would be better to lightly clean and recoat in the Spring.
What are the oils in the twp 1500
It is a blend of natural and synthetic oils. We do not offer the full ingredients do to trade secrets.
How long after it rains can I do the clean/brighten steps and then wait 48 hours to stain and how long then is needed before it rains again for it to dry? If it rains within 48 hours after the clean/brighten step is that a problem? Thank you!
You can prep while wet from the rain. Stain 48 hours later. If it rains again after prep, wait 48 hours after the rain. Rain has no issues on prep.
I recently applied TWP1500 clear stain to my cedar deck. We power washed and sanded first. I am wishing now I had put on 2 coats. At this point we thought we would wait until September. What sort of prep will be required?
Lightly pressure wash rinse.
I treated my cedar deck with TWP -101 cedartone 36 hours ago. Mostly looks great but . . . Have some shiny spots and sounds like mineral spirits is the best for them. I also have some areas that are lighter, didn’t get a second coat or not as much. Can I reapply a very light coat to get a more uniform look?
No. More is not better and if doing a second coat, it should be applied wet on wet unless the wood is still very absorbent. In your case, it does not seem that way.
So I just need to live with it?
For now. You can lightly wash and recoat in 3-6 months if you would like.
Is there a difference in color between TWP 120 Pecan and TWP 1520 Pecan? I ask because we read that the TWP 1501 Cedartone is darker than the Cedartone in the 100 series. You explain that on your website. Just wondering if it is the same for the Pecan and should I order samples of the 100 series and 1500 series to compare the color?
Yes, the colors are not exactly the same between series but close.
The only cleaner/Brightener I have access too is Benjamin more. I know it isn’t ideal but is it ok to use for twp1500
No, not as good. We can ship our products to you: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
How long do I have to cancel an order once it is placed?
Depends on the day and time of day the order was placed. We do not ship over the weekend so if it has not shipped yet, you would have to Sunday night to cancel.
Thanks. I ordered it last night after 5pm. How do I cancel? I need to compare color again.
Reply to the order email to cancel it.
Where is there a dealer in oklahoma
We are an online dealer for TWP that can ship directly to your home: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-wood-stains
Can I apply 1500 to a mahogany deck?
Yes but just one light coat. Most use the Rustic 1516.
I ordered 1502 Redwood and 1511 California Redwood. Will these be ok for an old mahogany deck? ( I intend to sand the decks) . How many square feet of coverage can I expect per gallon?
Yes, those will be good. Do not sand for prep. This reduces the penetration of the TWP stain. Strip or clean for prep, Brightener after. Coverage for Mahogany can be around 250 sq feet per gallon, maybe more.
Too late. I already sanded the deck. Should I apply an alternate product instead of TWP 1500?
Nope.
Can I transfer the 5 gallons of TWP 1511 into a 5 gallon plastic bucket with cover? I find the metal pail it was sent in very difficult to reseal and work with.
Yes, you can do this.
We have applied wet on wet stain to our deck and it is tacky after 24 hours, what do we do with the tacky deck boards we still have???
See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
After 6 days of drying time after a wet on wet application method, a part of my deck has resulted in the stain lifting due to rain in spite if the 6 day drying duration. Attempt will be made to attempt to have Gemini ibdustries/AMTECO provide me with a small quantity of 1501 series cedartone to replace the lifted stain so I can reapply the stain after I buy and use a stripper containing sodium hydroxide or sodium methysilicate. I have used two stain exclusively in my deck for over 20 years which indicates I have been satisfied with this product to date and am familiar with application of said stain wherein overaopplying results in stain lift which is not the case per the stain lifted on my deck. With any hope, Gemini / AMTECO will back their product through shipping me a small quantity of 1501. result of their action in this regard will be posted as well as the stripper I have yet to select and then reapplication of tfe stain occurs and the results.
This site is not operated by Amteco/Gemini but TWPStain.com which is an official dealer for TWP products. Best to contact Amteco/Gemini for help directly.
where can I find pictures of stain colors that you offer?
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Is your stain available in stores?
We are an online dealer for the TWP. We ship US and Canada.
I have a new Gorilla playset.It is made of cedar and has very light stain.The company states that within 90 days a oil based sealant or semi-transparent stain needs to be applied.What do you recommend?Warren
You cannot apply over the current stain. Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain with the TWP 1500: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I am completing a project using 1500 Natural on rough sawn red cedar columns. I would like to stain our front door a shade darker or to closely match the columns. The door is fiberglass. Any suggestions?
Sorry, TWP will not work on fiberglass.