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.
need a stain for compposite patio very confused on what to do
Sorry but TWP is not a composite stain.
I’ve got 40-year-old redwood on a deck, freshly planed (so the wood is super dry). I’ve cleaned it using the TWP cleaner from the Gemini kit. How long do I have to wait before using the brightener? The Cleaner directions say only to wait 48 hours before STAINING. It’s supposed to be low humidity and 100+ degrees here in Southern California over the next few days.
Brighten right away is correct then wait 48 hours to dry before staining.
2 years ago we had Series 200 sprayed onto our 10 year old pressure treated deck and wood fencing. Two questions:
1. What is the best semitransparent stain to use? We don’t need to use 200 again if you recommend something else.
2. Do we have to strip the deck before applying the stain that you recommend?
Thanks,
Dave
1. Where do you live?
2. Yes: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
live in NC.
Use the TWP 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
And if I may ask just one more question….why 100 and not 200 for my deck in NC?
The 200 is designed for shakes and shingles not decks.
You have been so very helpful and responsive. Thanks!!!!
My painter just told me he plans to use the 1500 series on my deck because it’s the improved version of 100. It does get a bit confusing and I was wondering if you could sort this out. Should we use 100 or 1500 on our deck (pressure treated) that was last treated 3 years ago with 200. As a reminder we live in North Carolina. Thanks again.
The 1500 would work as well. No issues using it.
TWP 151ll is being applied to freshly sanded vintage clear heartwood redwood siding. Some sections the color looks fine, but on another section while still wet it is turning almost black. Boards in this section had all been in good shape and quite uniform in color and texture before the stain was applied. Can you tell me what’s happening and if anything can be done? Thanks
That would be part of the wood itself as there is not any black tint in the 1511. No idea as to why it is happening but most likely you cannot fix it as it is internal discoloration of the wood.
I have decided that TWP 1500 is the way I want to go, and I have color selected. My project is a cedar picnic table and I want to have two tones. Is there a method for thinning the color of the dark walnut so I can have every other board an alternating tone?
You could use the TWP 1500 Clear to thin it.
If TWP sells the cleaner and Brightener how come the instructions on the TWP dark oak stain can label recommend using bleach. Also can the 100 be mixed with the 1500? I am staining my log siding with dark oak 1500 and my wood continues to look orange. Very frustrating and time consuming to strip/ clean/brighten and the wood to look orange.
Bleach is the old school way of prep and the Gemini Kit is the better way. We would not mix different series.
Any suggestions on how to get the orange look out?
There is not any orange or even red tint in the Dark Oak color. If you are getting some of that after applying then it is coming from the wood itself and there is not a way to change that.
What would happen if I mixed the 1500 series with the 100 series. Also I used the TWP stripper this weekend but after the siding dried it left the wood looking fuzzy. I slightly sanded to smooth these out. I’m down to bare wood. Do I still use the cleaner and Brightener?
Yes, lightly clean and brighten. Do not mix different series.
I cleaned/brightened our deck four days ago. It has been sunny every day at about 65-80 degrees, but last night/this morning the surface of the deck is damp from the overnight fog and 100% humidity. Since it is October 1st in the NW, I am generally expecting this to be the last few days of sunshine. 1. Will I be able to stain today when the surface is dry to the touch? 2. Would using a leaf blower for a while on the surface help out to ensure it’s dry enough to apply the stain today? Thank you.
You should be okay to stain today. That is surface dew that burns off in the sun.
Thank you for the quick response!
After the surface dries out, would covering the cleaned/brightened area with a tarp or plastic to protect from overnight moisture be alright? I may not have a good window to start staining after it dries, as it looks like it may be foggy for a few more hours (and then will be a bit hazy from forest fire smoke). Thank you again!
As long as it is dry you can cover it.
Perfect! Thank you for the information. Next time I do this deck, I’ll be starting in the late Spring and not mid-Summer 🙂
Is water supposed to bead up after the TWP 100 stain is completely dried. If not, is it an indication that a second coat is needed? A single coat was applied after heavy but not completely consistent pressure washing. Beading is happening only in a few places.
This was on a 15 year old deck that has has TWP 100 applied 4 times over the years.
TWP is not supposed to bead water but shed water as it is a breathable stain.
So in places this is happening. Over most of the deck, there is low surface tension and the water spreads out and seems to soak in. Is either an indication of mis-application or poor preparation?
It will only do this for a month or less because it has not fully cured. It looks good.
OK. Thx
After reading your application directions for using TWP 1500 Honeytone. You suggest a wet application to be applied 10 minutes after the first. What would be the issues if you waited 30 minutes or applied the second coat the next day? Also, wouldn’t your footprints show and ruin the finish?
Cannot be the next day. Needs to be within 20-60 minutes of the first coat. https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
We have red wood deck. Does twp have stain for redwood color
You can use any of the TWP colors that you like:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I am apply in the 100 seriesTo my deck. How crucial is it that you do not put it on if it’s going to rain within 48 hours
12-24 hours should be okay.
Do the twp clear stain last longer than tsp colored stain on treated pine?
The clear has no UV protection so the TWP tinted colors will last longer
We just finished building a fence in Austin, Texas. Can you let me know how long we should let the fence sit and weather before we apply stain / sealer. We are looking to keep the natural look of the wood with no changes and without something that makes it look more yellow. Could you also recommend a product. We just used run of the mill pressure treated lumber from Home Depot.
Thanks so much
Adam
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
After wait and prep, use the TWP 1500: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
How many hours before light foot traffic after staining
24-48 hours or until the TWP is dry to the touch.
I have a 20″ x 19′ flat deck. I/2 is new treated wood and 1/2 is old stained redwood. Is the 100 series recommended orthe 1500 series. I have purchased your cleaner for starts
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What series to use depends on where you live?
Hello, I’m currently in the process of re-staining my cedar shingle house which is being stripped of the old stain, and washed. I have a can of TWP Black Walnut 1504 (it does not say low VOC formula on the top), and I’m testing it on spare cedar shingles that I use for repairs. When I put on two coats of the stain the second coat stays very shiny, and so far my test is over 2 weeks. Does this mean I only need one coat on my house? Also is the Low VOC formula a new kind of stain, or is it just a new label? Thank you.
Chuck
The TWP 1504 has always been the same formula and low VOC. It is not supposed to be shiny so just one coat will work.
Hi, your answer to the previous question tases another question which I had not considered. I will be staining a new pressure treated pine deck that was constructed last December, 2019. I have ordered sample but had planned to test them on leftover pieces of lumber I saved for this purpose. I was not thinking to prep first as I’m not ready to order anything until I decide on the product and color.
However, you suggest applying the sample to prepped wood. If the wood has been aged but not prepped (actually it’s been kept in a garage) how much difference will this make to determining what the end product will look like?
Thanks.
Yes, apply to the prepped wood as it will dry differently. Teh aged and prepped wood will be darker in color as it will be more absorbent.
I see. Ok thanks.
My 312 sq. feet deck was finished Jan 2019 (20 months ago). Never stained nor sealed- I only use leaf blower to clean it. Here’s a picture of it wet (presently raining here in MD). I’m planning to use your Gemini products to clean and brighten but torn between Cedartone, Honeytone and Natural color result. Deck is pressure treated wood from TW Perry and I assume the Deck will absorb the stain quickly by now. Can you please help me recommend a stain for (assuming after Gemini cleaning) I don’t want it to look yellow like a brand new pressure treated wood when it’s wet? I’m aiming for Golden Brown. Appreciate your time. God bless you!
I would higly suggest samples to test on your wood after the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Also, consider Pecan color.
I also replaced a lot of boards, and still have old ones with 30 year old stain on them, do I have to sand them?
see here about the new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
The previous coating on the old wood does need to come off.
I have 1/4″ gaps what do I use to fill them? or will the stain 1500 do this? thanks Roy
Wood filler will not work on decks and will not blend with the wood stain. The TWP does not fill cracks. Just leave the cracks as is.
I am getting ready to clean and brighten my cedar porch. According to the Gemini restore-a-deck product sheet use 6 ounces of cleaner for light cleaning and 8 ounces for normal cleaning. How do you measure this? Is 8 ounces 1 cup?
Yes, 8oz is in one cup.
We have a new cedar deck (cedar railings, and pressure-treated floor) that we are needing to stain. We also have a cedar pergola over it that is 20+years old. We have prepped both of them and are wondering if the stain will look different colors on the two ages of cedar. What product should I use? Can you give me any feedback on this?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for newer and older wood, it is not possible to make them match the first time stain as the new wood will stain lighter as it is less absorbent. Use the TWP 100 or 1500.
We put twp on a deck and it has been two days it is still tacky and wet . What do I do?
See here for help: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Do I need to remove Douglas-fir tree sap from sanded/cleaned deck boards before I apply cedartone stain to cedar decking? If I do, what are your recommendations for product and procedure for sap removal as the cleaner didn’t remove it?
Yes remove it and you will have to sand it off.
We purchased 5 gallons of the TWP100 clear and 1 gallon of the TWP 100 series in the dark oak in April 2019. We have some left and was going to purchase more to re coat our deck, however, i see the 100 series is no longer available in Colorado- My question and concern is can we mix the 1500 series in with the remaining 100 series we have to make enough to re coat our deck??? Is it mixable without causing any issues to the wood??? THank you- By the way LOVE your product.
You can mix it as long as the older 100 Series is still good.
how do we know if the 100 series we have left over is still good??
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Our contractors are in the middle of prepping our deck but ran out of product (brightener). I ordered more brightener, but it sounds like it’ll take a while to get here. How long can we wait before staining?? 14 days? Would they need to power-wash if it’s more than 7 days since prep? (No way are we going to have them re-do the whole prep.) Also, is it possible to use another commercial brightener in a pinch, in situations like this, instead of the TWP brightener? Thank you so much!
Stain within two weeks of prep. Use the TWP brightener. Reply to your order email about being in the middle of a project and will work to get it to you as soon as possible
I have a new deck built with red cedar. I have found diffrent information regarding how soon I can apply stain to red cedar. What is your recommendation if I plan to use TWP 100 stain? Also can you direct me to prep procedures for new cedar decks. Thank you
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I used twp 120 pecan on my deck. Verticals look great. I used a stain pad for flat and small brush for gaps between boards. Gave 2 coats wet on wet. I have some areas where stain is lighter for a 3 foot stretch like it may have absorbed more stain. So it looks like I have some end lines from my pad application. Any way I can fix this now- it is 2 days later.
No, there is not a way to even out the uneven application ouside of removing and starting over.
Our deck is over 15years old and has some cracks. Can you recommend something that will fill the cracks? We’re looking at Pittsburgh Revitalizer and other acrylic paints but worry about the threat of peeling and bubbling.
Is it too late for sealant?
Wood fillers will not work for decking and will not “stain” to blend with a deck stain like TWP. Just leave as is. It is normal to have cracks on exterior decking and is not a big deal.
On a cedar sided home that previously had CWF transparent stain that is failing, I am going to use the RAD kit to strip the old finish off followed by a brightener to neutralize the stripper. Should the siding be completely dry before applying TWP100? The painter seems to think that it is OK to apply the TWP100 to the siding while the wood is still damp. I believe it should be 100% dry to promote the best absorption. In either case, we will wet on wet a second coat. So should the siding be dry first or not?
No, you can never apply the TWP to damp wood. It will have to dry for 48 hours after prep.
I have a 7yr old cedar deck. It is all under a roof, except for the portion that extends beyond the rails. I used Australian Oil twice and did not like the color or durability. I have sanded it off and am in the process of using a cleaner to remove gray areas. For most of it, it is looking like new wood. I would like a penetrating oil stain with as little color as possible to look natural. I would like it not to show overlap marks, and I want a finish that has no sheen and does not peel. I am in the snow belt south shore of Lake Superior with significant snowfall. We do try to keep the snow removed. What product would you recommend and what specific application methods for our Wood condition.
Look at TWP 115 Honeytone color: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Applying california cedar 205 now. It was not supppose to rain. Now it might. How long must stain be on before it gets rained on.
4-12 hours.
Is there anything í can put on my newly stained with TWP deck for extra protection for the harsh winter here in Michigan
Sorry but no, that is not possible.
I have 2 levels of deck for a total of 435.48 sq. ft. I have76.92 ft. of railing; the height varies, but highest is 3.18 ft. I have 1 set of 5 steps that are 4 ft. wide and .916 ft deep. Another set of 7 steps that are 4.48 feet wide, .833 ft. deep with .5 ft.riser (back). There are 9 6×6’s; 6 4×4’s; and 211 2×2’s (railing verticals).
The deck was built last September of pine and has not been painted or stained.
Am I correct that 2 coats of 100 series is the way to go?
I am ready to order, but need your help for the amount needed.
The first picture has odd lighting, which makes it look like the deck has been stained; the red path is from the dogs tracking red clay.
I bought the Gemini Restore-a-Deck 2 step kit. We will sand before using kit. Way to go? 1 kit enough?
Thank you. I want to order 101 😐 😐 ASAP so it will be here when the crew and the weather make a schedule.
One prep kit should work. 5-7 gallons of stain for two coats. Use the 100 of allowed in your state otherwise use the 1500.
Thanks. Virginia, so going with 100 series.
I used cabot stain on my deck last year and it is basically gone. –
-Do I need to sand what little bit is there or would a good power wash be sufficient?
-How long will your oil base last on my deck. I get snow in the winter and sun hits the deck in the summer and do you sale it in my area of California. Zip is 93222 Pine Mountain Club ca
You need to remove the Cabot. Strip and then brighten. Use the 1500 series for CA. Redo every 2-3 years.
Ok two years ago I use California redwood stain starting to fade so I’m gonna go ahead and strip it with your kit. My question is the deck is right next-door to my house do I need to tape the side of my house before stripping it? I normally put paint tape up around the exterior of my house when I am Staining only
The stripper will not remove paint from a house.
Thanks much!
Hi I am in Seattle,WA stained a cedar fence with Penofin transparent Red Label 2 years ago. It has turned black with mildew and I want to switch to TWP. Which cleaning system and which stain do you recommend? How much stripper/brightener will I need to do approx 2,200 sq ft. of fence. Both sides would be 4,400 sq. ft.
Strip and brighten the woof with this. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
You will need about 5-6 of the Stripper Kits for 4400 sq feet. For two coats of the TWP 100 Series applied wet on wet, you would need about 35-40 gallons: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Can I purchase small/can samples to test the semi-transparent stain on a piece of new cedar ?
There was a store in the Auburn Hills/Troy Michigan area which provided these services.
We are located at this address and you can get samples here.
2388 Franklin Rd
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
248-858-8900
all set. found the stain samples on your website
If stain looks shiny 4 hours after wet on wet application, did I apply too much or is it just drying still
Still drying. Wait at least 24 hours.
Drying time for one coat
4-12 hours.
I am stripping off TWP100 rustic on a cedar deck to treat some rust staining. Got thru all but 20 sq ft, and ran out of stripper. I can’t get restore-a-deck locally, and don’t want to wait 2 weeks for it to arrive (nor do I need 2 pounds). Can you suggest another stripper that is more commonly available at Seattle hardware and liumber stores? Would penofin or another stripper for oil based stains work ok?
Thanks
steve
I am sorry but we do not know what they carry (have not tried the Penofin) and if they will work well or not. Best to try one and see. Make sure to brighten all when done.
I have a sun room that is all done in redwood. I am wanting to re stain it. Can I use your product on this room or is this for outdoor use only?
It is mostly for exterior. While it can be used indoors, it will have a strong odor until it fully cures in a week or so.
I stained this deck about 2 months ago and these white spots are just now showing up. Any idea what’s happening and what I can do about it? Thanks.
Sap leaching from the wood. Nothing you can do to prevent it. You try to lightly sand those areas and touch up with stain to see if that will hide it.
Hello
I am constructing louvered exterior wood shutters from cedar. The Cedar Wood color variations are from a very light cream color to a shade of red. When I applied the TWP 100 series dark oak as a test, the color variation stands out in some cases like Zebra stripes.
How can I make the color more even???. I”m using dark oak because it gives the cedar a Mahogany color appearance which I really like.
It is your wood causing the different color variations, not the stain. There is not a way to even it out.
If the stripper gets on windows, what will happen, will it damage the glaze
It should not damage anything as long as you prewet and rinse right away any overspray while working.
Can you use twp to stain very old teek wood
Yes as long as you prep correctly first.
Power washed and sanded .is that enough prep for the teek.
Post a picture.
Here are pics of old teek benches
Looks good to stain.
Thank you
Live in the Pacific Northwest Coastal region of Washington state and our small town only receives about 12-15 inches of rain a year. Just had a 6ft x 300 lineal ft cedar fence installed and can you stain one side a darker stain that the other. The vertical boards are tightly spaced and a roller/brush application could be used.
Thanks for your help in this matter.
Chrys
You should stain all the same color as the stain will bleed through when applying to the other side and will look unsightly if tow different colors. Use the TWP 1500 for the fence: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
A friend stained our deck with TWP at least 3 or 4 years ago. We are getting ready to stain it again. How many coats do we need? Can we use the 1500 series if we are unsure which one was used before? It was either the 100 or 1500.
Thanks,
Jenny
Prep with this and apply two light coats to the floors and one to the rails: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Looks like the 100 Series in Honeytone or Cedartone.
I’ve got ‘stacked’ decks (2nd floor over 1st floor) measuring +/- 1500 sq feet. 2 questions:
1) Should I apply the sealer to the lower deck first, to accommodate drippings from the 2nd level deck?
2) The deck boards (weathered several years) are typical salt-treated lumber. I’d like to maintain the color as best possible, BUT obtain some U.V. protection. Should I use the semi-transparent sealer?
My math tells me I’ll need at least 20 gallons.
1. No, cover lower deck with large tarps and do the top first.
2. Yes, try the Honeytone color.
Only product ever used on my deck is TWP 1500 I don’t remember having this problem 3 years ago. Problem is Deck is still sticky its been 24 hours, what is the normal dry time recommended, should I wipe it down with a rag or just give it more time to cure, will these sticky spots eventually cure / dry. I did use the cleaner and prep as recommended Thanks
Hello,
That would be due to improper prep or over-application. See here for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/