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.
Would it be ok to add a non-slip additive to TWP for stairs? There are several on the market that are advertised as working with paints but I’m wondering if TWP has any suggestions too.
TWP is a penetrating stain (not a paint) and a non-slip additive will not work.
Dear TWP,
I am still very interested in placing an order. Do you have any update on when you will be accepting new orders?
Thanks,
Charlie Faulkner
205 837-1533
You can order now. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-wood-stains
I used Cedartone in the 100 series on my new cedar deck after 1 year of curing. That was 7 years ago. I repeat this each year and it always looks great. However, I’m wondering if there’s something I can do to get it down to every other year. I have the deck power-washed every year and use the Restore-a-Deck brightener after, then re-stain with 2 coats, wet-on-wet according to your directions. The deck is in beautiful shape. This year, because of severely uneven fading, I had to use the stripper. The north end of my deck gets a lot of sun and by fall, the stain has almost completely faded down to bare wood. The south end, some of which is covered by my deck furniture and an awning, barely fades at all. It would not work to place the furniture on the north end periodically to help even up the wear. Would you recommend using some sort of outdoor carpet on the end that fades? If so, is there a certain kind that is better to put over the wood? I had always assumed that carpets were not the best thing for the wood because they hold moisture on it. It would be nice to be able to just stain every other year, as opposed to every year. If not carpet, is there anything else you could recommend? Thanks! P.S. I find the question & answer section on your web site very helpful.
There is not a way to prevent eh uneven fading outside of covering it or have a roof over it. The carpet would be fine. Any should work.
How often do I need to re-apply stain?
Typically every 2-3 years on a deck unless the wood is brand new. The first time staining a new deck it will need another coat in about 12 months.
How much twp will I need to do the exterior and small deck/porcha 24 x32 log cabin. Second floor loft and walk out as well… I want to use the same product on all parts of this new build exterior…
We would need a total sq footage added up for all wood that is being stained. Include all railings, floors, steps, etc.
Also, see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I recently stained my deck using TWP 1503, the dark oak. The deck has a cover, so some of the deck receives direct sun while other areas do not. The deck had not been stained in the past 4 years. Now that the stain has dried, it is 2 different colors and looks terrible. The full sun area is the dark oak color, while the covered area is more of a reddish brown color. How do I get the dark oak color on the covered area. The deck boards are all the same age, just a different exposure to the sun.
Strip it all down and start over so it is even in color: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a 1500 sq ft pressure treated boardwalk that is 4 yrs old. It was previously stained with a water based semi transparent stain. I am in the process of preparing the wood to be re-stained and have pressure washed, applied RAD stain stripper. Next I will be applying RAD Brightener , I would like to use TWP100 Cape Cod Grey once finished prepping.
1. How quickly after applying the brightener product can I apply stain?
2. How many coats of stain should be applied?
3. If two coats are used should the entire deck be stained first before applying second coat?
4. I plan to brush apply the stain using a deck brush, is this the best method?
Regards,
Jim Smith
1. 48 hours of dry time.
2. Two light coats applied wet on wet.
3. No wet on wet. https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
4. Stain pads or brushes do work best.
Last fall I planned on cleaning and adding stain again, but had a total failure of my sprayers and ran out of Restore-A-Deck. Then life got in the way.
Looking to get the deck back now. Deck is 4 years old. Used TWP 1500 California Redwood 1511 year 2.
What’s the best process to get the deck ready to re-stain with the pictures you see?
Do I need to strip? Just Restore-A-Deck kit again and then stain??
Thank you,
Andy
Best would be to strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thank you! That’s what I thought, but wanted to confirm. Stay safe!!
One other question. If we wanted to change the color of the stain, can we do that after using deck stripper RAD kit??
Yes, correct.
Thanks again!
Would we be able to change the color of the 1500 stain now after using stripper and RAD?
Will Restore a deck remove semi solid stain using a pressure washer?
No, it will not.
I called TWP today to see when new orders can be placed and the recording said TWP is actually considered essential personnel and new orders will be accepted, however, on-line only. Yet when I try to order on-line, I immediately get the screen that says everything is on hold now and it won’t even let me enter my payment information. Please advise. I really need to get my project started.
End of the week (May 8th), you can order again. Thanks for being patient.
Thanks
Which TWP stain would be the closest match to my fence? My fence was stained with super cedar dark using Bakers Gray Away brand.
Strip and brighten for prep and try the TWP 1520 Pecan.
If I apply stain with temp above 50 but it drops in the 30s at night will it dry/cure properly?
It cannot drop below freezing the first night and if the stain has not dried.
I have a log home stained with cabot semi-transparent stain. What would need to be done to prep it for applying the twp 1500 product ?
You will have to remove it. Do you have pictures?
Here is the back wall, with some recent repairs at the bottom
Here is a pic of the back wall, with some recent repair work at the bottom
Use this kit with both additives. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
can this stain be used on a Red Wood Deck?
Yes.
I have a deck that is in rather bad shape. But I am not going to replace it, or any boards on it – except the top railing. It has a good bit of deep cracking – but not rotting anywhere – after the power wash. And I am wondering if I should use the 100 series or 1500 series stain on it. And if I should use a semi-transparent or solid stain on it.
TWP only comes in semi-transparent. As to which stain to use, that depends on where you live: https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
The Northern Neck of Va.
How can i determine if the previous stain on my pergola was oil or water based? Im fairly certain the brand was Cabot, but thats it.
It does not matter as either way yo have to remove it if using the TWP stains.
I have a pre-built shed that was stained with ProWood Duracolor 2 years ago. Would this need to be stripped if applying 100 series rustic? In the state of Georgia.
Yes, you will have to remove it.
I live in Co and I think the 100 stain is still OK to use at this time. If I use 100 now, is it compatible with the 1500, or would I have to strip it ?
Mark
The 100 Series is correct for CO and will be in the future.
I live in Cary, NC and have two decks:
1, Attached to the house, replanked in 2013 and unfinished. 250sq.ft. This deck gets midday sun in the middle of summer, otherwise is shaded.
2. In a wooded area, built in 2010 and unfinished. 340 sq.ft. This deck gets no direct sunlight but collects a lot of fall-off from the trees.
Both are in good condition but get a lot of algae. Both were powerwashed today. I’m thinking of using TWP 1500.
– How much product will I need (I’ve calculated 6 gallons)?
– Will I need to clean them before applying TWP?
– What can I do to prolong the period between cleanings, about 3 years?
Thank you …
-Yes, about 6 gallons for two coats.
-No pictures.
-Nothing can make it last longer.
Pics attached – upper, ladder, lower steps, lower (dark stain is an old grease spill)
Yes, you will need to prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Thank you.
I would like to know what stain is your best product? Can’t find the difference between The Pro 100 Series, The 200 series and the 1500 series. Which product will have best UV and mildew protection?
They are all excellent products and provide the same UV and mildew protection. The main difference is VOC compliance for certain states.
A number of years ago – I used the TWP 1500 on two fences. On the long fence i used Honeytone. On the shorter fence on the other side of my property i used Black Walnut. The Honeytone fence due to Southern Exposure is ready for more stain.
I would like it darker. Can i put the Black Walnut 1500 over the Honeytone fence after cleaning?
Yes, you can.
Ok, I would like to know how many coats and how much product to buy.
Fence is 6’tall, 250 feet long, one side only.
thank you,
About 15 gallons for the two coats.
My TWP has thickened over winter storage in heated garage. Is this a laquer based stain and if so can i thin it out to correct consistency so it can be applied with my hand pump sprayer?
If it has thickened then it has gone bad and cannot be restored.
ALSO 325 SQUARE FOR SQUARD FOOT ILING INVOLVED THANKSARE OF NEW DECK SURFACE, FENCE IS NEW ALSO. NO RA
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Just one coat, not two after weathering and prep.
HOW DO I FIGURE GALLONS FOR A PINE PRESSURE TREATED FENCE? ABOT 300 FEET LONG AND 4 FOOT TALL
You have 2400 feet for both sides. You will need about 20-25 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet.
Hi there, I have a new redwood fence, I used Olympic Waterguard clear wood sealer on it. It’s starting to discolor and grey, however the water still beads up. I’d like to apply TWP 1500 Semi-Transparent stain. What would I need to do to prepare this redwood fence for staining?
Thank you 😊
Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Installed a new cedar deck in November and now ready to stain it. I understand the need to prep the deck with the Gemini two step restore a deck kit but I am not clear on which series stain is right for my project. Live in northern Illinois and the deck get partial shade from house and nearby tree. Looking for a long lasting deck.
For IL, you will need the 1500 Series. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I want to apply TWP 100 stain to a deck previously stained with Armstrong Clark semi-solid and semi-transparent stain. Should I prep with RAD or Gemini?
This one:: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hello,
I stained a cedar fence with TWP 1500 in the color “Rustic” 3-4 years ago. It is about time for restaining, and we discussed going with more of a brown color. If we choose to stain the fence with TWP 1500 in the color “dark Oak,” would you guys see any issues in doing that? Any insight would be much appreciated.
Thanks
You will need to prep with this and then you will be fine: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Ok i see, what would happen if i were to just pressure wash the fence and then stain with “dark oak”?
The red will show through.
I have a deck that I stained with Cabot New Redwood and would like to match the color as close as I can do you have a close match, and if so can I get a sample.
Thanks
We are not familiar with Cabots colors. You can get samples here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
My beautiful new deck, stained with TWP 1516/Rustic, has mildew on the railings, post caps, and in spots on the deck itself. Suggestions? It was built in 2017, stained after waiting a year in 2018, and was given the second coat last fall, 2019. I noticed some mildew last summer but it has much more this spring. Curiously, mildew is significantly worse in areas that are in full sun, almost nonexistant in shady areas. There is no mildew under the chairs that were covered all winter.
I am in Bethesda (DC metro area) where we have hot, humid, rainy summers and this year a rather mild winter.
Thank you for any suggestions.
Try a product called Wet and Forget.
Thank you. Will do. Please, can you tell me why the mildew is worse in sunny spots? What can I do to prevent or lessen in the future.
Mildew grows wherever it wants, no way to predict where or why. The Wet and Forget will help in the future as well.
Thank you.
Are you still shipping? I know it might take a little longer.
Yes, we are at the moment.
Purchased a big swing set
I would like to stain/waterseal so this lasts. Any recommendation for TWP stain (natural tone?). Would you do the restore-a-deck cleaner on this first? Or use some other product to seal the wood? Thanks.
Hello,
See here how to treat new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi, I have a 5 year old deck that had a previous stain on it and I was able to remove most all of that stain using a pressure washer. Should I now use the restore a deck stripper/brightener or would the Gemini Deck Restoration Kit be the better option before using TWP 100 to stain the surface? I could also sand the surface and if i did that what would you recommend?
Thinking of staining with TWP-100 in clear. I see it has no UV protection. Would that cause it to discolor or age prematurely?
thanks!
The Clear will gray in months. It must be tinted for UV protection. If you still have old stain on the wood you will need to remove it first.
thanks for the heads up on the Clear. Remaining question is how to ensure old stain is removed sufficiently….restore a deck stripper/brightener or the Gemini deck restoration kit?
That depends on the previous stain brand and type of stain? Pictures would help as well.
Can any of your products be used on composite (Trex) products?
Sorry but no.
Do all the stain colors have UV protection?
All but the Clear.
How long for delivery to 31419
2-4 business days is normal.
Can twp 100 be used for cedar chairs?
Yes. If new wood, see this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What is your recommendation for regular maintenance cleaning of the deck? We stained it two years ago with TWP 100 Series and it still looks good, but we need to scrub and clean it for spring and I am worried about using something too harsh.
Also, if we decide to put another coat on it after cleaning, do we have to do anything specific to prep for it?
When prepping for recoating use the Gemini RestoreKit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
When trying to just remove dirt, use warm water with some dish soap and a very soft bristle brush like the ones used to wash a car.
Looking for a clear sealer for composite decks
Sorry but we do not have products for composite decking.
Where can I purchase BWP locally? 43724 or 43230
Hello,
We are an online retailer for TWP. Shipping takes about 1-2 days to you in Ohio. You will need the 1500 Series for Ohio: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Can TWP be bought anywhere in upstate New York?
Hello,
We are an online retailer for TWP. Shipping takes about 2-3 days to NY.
I used the TWP 100 product on these posts just last spring. Can I reapply stain over it again to get a uniform color or would I have to do some prepping?
Lightly pressure wash first for prep.
Just bought a house in Texas (78133) that has vertical board and baton style cedar siding.
There are 2 major problems:
1. It appears to have been spray with a semi-solid stain of which 15% is still remaining in protected areas such as under the eves.
2. Areas protected are very black and desiccated.
I have a pressure washer. Where do I start?
I used to own a KOA campground and used your product on the cabins so I am a returning happy customer.
Jeff
Please send some pictures of the siding and current stain that is on there now.
I just had about 120′ of 5′ high cedar fence installed around my house. I”m just outside Seattle, WA to the north. I found TWP while looking for reviews on what my contractor suggested as a brand of stain, CFW. Reading your Prepping page, I can stain the vertical rough cut boards right away, but how do the horizontal 2×4 Cedar boards and Pressure Treated 4×4’s come into play? Would it work to my advantage to wait until a dry week in the spring to apply a stain, when it is more likely to stay about 50 degrees at night? And with the size I gave, approximately, how many gallons would I need for a fence this size along with how many years I can expect to get before restaining is necessary?
Yes, it would be best to wait until Spring and then prep and stain all then. Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep. 2 of the kits will work for this. Staining both sides comes to about 1200 sq feet. For two coats you will need about 10-15 gallons. Vertical wood lasts about 4-6 years with the TWP.
I used twp 100 series stain on my 10 yr old deck. Did first coat yesterday. Because I ran out of time Can I do a second coat today ?
Thanks
TWP when applying as second coat needs to be done wet on wet. It would be best to not do it now. You could lightly wash with water and applying another coat in the Spring or Summer of next year.
Thank you
What happens if you apply TWP 100 with temperature less than 50 degrees?
It may not dry or cure correctly.
Are you a consumer or a TWP spokesman?
TWPStain.com spokesperson.
My cedar deck has been staned twice with cedartone. Since it has been about 2 years it needs it again. If I used dark oak what can I expect the color to look like over the cedartone. Don’t like cedartone very orange. Please advise. If I lave the spindles cedartone and do the rest in dark oakwhwt do yo think?
When switching colors it is best to strip it down: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We would do it all in Dark Oak.
Thanks
What is your shipping charge policy? I need to know what shipping costs are before clicking to allow charging my order.
Add products to cart and enter your shipping address. It updates with any shipping charges prior to entering any payment info.
What is the best way to restrain a deck that has been stained with twp 2 yrs prior ? Can I just pressure wash gently dry and restain or do I need to treat with oxygenated bleach
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Is TWP 1500 the correct product to seal new ipe wood deck in the northeast?
Yes, but see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/