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.
I am building a metal roof covered pergola (open rafters below) with non-treated yellow pine for my roof structure. We have purchased TWP to stain it with.
We will also use it for pressure treated post once they dry out.
As stated, it will all be covered with a metal roof, but we want to protect the wood the best we can , even from potential condensation from the metal.
Questions:
#1- Can I pre-stain the boards?
#2- Should I sand the boards first?
#3- If no pre-staining, what’s the minimum time to wait?
Thank you in advance,
Jeff
1. No wood has to wether and be prepped. Cannot prestain.
2. N/A
3. 4 months and then prep.
HI also, the DARK OAK is semi transparent that I am looking for TWP 103 PRO SERIES.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp100-5gallon-detail
Choose Dark Oak in color options.
Hi, we are trying to match stain a client applied several years ago. The color tab on the gallon of paint is TWP103 PRO SERIES DARK OAK. I cannot find the 103 PRO SERIES on your site. Please advise.
What type of applicator would you use to apply TWP200 to an existing, cleaned cedar shingle roof?
A pump sprayer.
Where can I find a local dealer.I reside in Cary,NC which is the Raleigh area. I had been using Cedartone 201. Need to restain my deck again and need around 4 gallons
We sell only only as a TWP dealer: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
New treated pine deck. I have waited 6 months to let it dry out. Any suggestions other than cleaning it off and applying wet on wet?
Just one coat for new wood, not two. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Which solvent do I use to clean my application equipment? Rollers, paint brushes, and paint spraying equipment.
Mineral spirits.
I’m doing my annual cedar deck plank replacement. I’ve been using TWP for years and really like it however I still have trouble with the ends of my planks rotting where they contact the pressure treated wood substructure.
Can I treat the new plank ends with something to prevent this from happening? Thanks!
No, nothing will work to prevent this.
😁 Thanks nonetheless. Now I don’t have to beat myself up for not having taken action earlier – no action to take!
Anyone have experience with exterior posts and rails treated with TWP and carpenter bees!? I know they are deterred to a large extent by paint, but what about stain? We are besieged by the little blighters on older wood not yet treated withTWP any thoughts? Thanks
TWP will not stop the bees but this additive will help: https://www.twpstain.com/bug-juice-insecticide
thanks!
Asking for elderly neighbor in Florida (temps in 90’s now): He had their moderately-weathered 6- year-old pressure-treated deck treated with clear Thompson’s last year. Can semi-trans TWP now be used on the deck, and if so, has sufficient time passed since the Thompson’s and what prep would be needed? Thanks
After you strip and brighen for prep, you can use the TWP: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can I use an airless sprayer for a new fence, cedar, with twp100 cape cod?
Yes.
I have stained my pressure treated deck with TWP 1500 several times over the last five years and been very happy with the results, until now. I stained it one week ago and it is still slippery and tacky. I do not think it is going to dry any further. I accept responsibility, but need to know what to do now? Thank you so much!
Not prepped correctly and or over-applied. See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I ordered 15 gallons of twp 1500 natural after applying a sample and comparing natural and cedar tone. The natural looks nothing like the sample. With the samples the natural was lighter than the cedar tone. With the 5 gallon natural that was shipped the natural is much darker than the cedar tone. See attached picture. (Darker board is natural. Lighter board is cedar tone). I opened all 3 five gallon buckets because I thought there was a mistake but each bucket had the same result and looks nothing like the sample? Need help.
That is because you are applying to rough sawn wood which is way more absorbent. Colors will always vary based on wood type and porosity. You can lighten the Natural if you like by adding some Clear into it.
Our pressure treated deck was stained with TEP cedar stain one year ago. Can it be cleaned, brightened and stained again with the same product? Also any suggestions on preventing black mold? One more, should a sealer be used? Thank you!
Yes. Use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep first: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
How do you calculate the amount of stain on a cedar pergola. It was previously stained with TWP101 Cedartone Natural. Would a picture attachment help in addition to HXWXD?
You will have to measure all wood to get the correct sq footage. Pics would only be a guess.
I have a deck that was built on three years ago and never stained. It is showing signs of drying out. I was told not to stain it for two to three years but I see now that the contractor who built it didn’t know what he was talking about. My questions are what products do I need to prep it how to apply them which stain would be best and how to apply it as well. It is pressure treated lumber and one top rail board is beginning to warp on one end. There are flat metal vertical rods 12” apart which are powder coated black. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. If you could send me the name and address of a dealer near me as well as possibly color samples I’m sure my wife would appreciate that as well.
Thank you for your time
Regards
Steven K. Brewer
For prep, use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
We sell online only as a dealer. You can get samples here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
My deck is only 20 months old. All I know is that the builder stained the cedar posts, rails and banisters with a pecan color stain. There are many cracks and surfaces that look white. How should I go about restaining?
Prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can I just power wash and restain since it is fairly new?
You need the kit for proper prep.
My 5/4 treated decking was previously treated twice over 4 years with TWP 100 (Pecan). No other type of treatment has ever been applied. It had no pretreatment other than pressure washing before stain application by sprayer. What do you recommend for retreatment in the very near future? Do I need stripper/brightener or cleaner/brightener? I need about 2.5 – 3 gal. for my project. If I buy a 5 gal. container, will the unused portion be good to use in 2 years?
Use the Cleaner and Brightener kit. The stain will not last 2 years after being opened.
Covered front porch was done 2 years ago, 2 coats wet-on-wet. I would like to put another coat on this year. Do I use water and Dawn to clean or the Gemini prep before applying same Cedar 100?
Gemini Prep Kit.
About two months ago I posted a picture of my 30 year old deck that I had used an oil based acrylic stain two years ago. Until then I had always used oil based stains about every 2 – 3 years. You recommended the stripper kit with both additives. I used the correct stripper amount but due to not being very smart I mistakenly used only half of the correct additive amounts. The deck is about 400 sq ft and needed three gallons of each of the stripper and brightener. I used an electric 3000 PSI power washer. It was a long and exhausting day but the results were terrific. Thank You. I will soon apply TWP 1500.
Great! Send some pictures as you work and when done. We also have our contest:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-2022-contest-win-cash-and-twp-stain
Hi, where can I purchase twp 100 in Virginia? Thanks
We sell online only as a dealer: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Is twp 1500 safe to use on the exterior of a raised bed? And top railing, but not in contact with soil. However some water coming in contact with stained wood would fall in to the bed.
Yes.
I have a new cedar deck and rough sawn fence. The deck is around a pool and both have set for two winters in Southwest Nebraska. I plan on using your combo TWP 101 Cedartone and Gemini Cleaner/Brightener kit. The fence and deck total 2550 square feet. The wood on the deck is a little rough. Could I sand it, if so, do you recommend sanding first, then clean/brighten, then stain? Also, how much TWP 101 would be necessary?
No need to sand it. You would need rightly 20-25 gallons for the two coats of TWP.
any advise on TWP product, Used Outlast Q oil 5 yrs ago, lot of black on stain , so also which cleaning product do you advise ? Thank-you
Post some pics for prep help. As for which TWP Stain, where do you live?
Deck is 3 year old pressure-treated wood. I applied Valspar 1-coat clear exterior sealer the first and second years. it’s starting to flake. I’m going to use TWP semi-solid this year. I will sand using 60 grit to make sure the old sealer is gone.
1. As long as you remove it fully, yes.
2. After.
I have a 10 year old deck that was previously stained with Sherwin Williams Deckscapes Oil Based semitransparent stain. I would like to apply a TWP 100 stain. I have just completed sanding the deck, can I go ahead and apply the TWP stain? I’m not sure what the prep kit will do for the wood if freshly sanded.
The final prep would be with the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit after any sanding.
On a new deck do which do you recommend 100 or 1500 and why?
Depends on where you live?
New treated pine deck April 2018. Originally applied initial coat of Honeytone TWP 1500 in July. Looked awesome, 2020 recoated again with 1500. Here we are in 2022 and it is looking pretty shabby, can I just clean and recoat again, should it last longer than 2 years? Open for suggestions? Attached are pictures of this spring.
It is normal to have to clean and recoat every 2 years for a deck floor.
I have the same issue as Brian, but I used TWP 100 the first 2 times (still have 1/2 gallon left), and am curious what to do now that it is not available. Pictures attached. Thanks for any advice.
The TWP 100 Series is still available. Just prep with the Gemini Restore kit every 2-3 years on a deck and recoat with the same.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Thanks for the reply, I was under the impression that the Honeytone 115 is no longer available here in Colorado. Is that true? If so, what should I use? Do I need to strip everything off and start from scratch? Certain areas of the deck are fine, so I’d like to avoid having to restore the whole thing.
Thanks!
Yes, you cannot use the 100 Series in CO anymore. You can use the 1515 Honeytone after prep with the Gemini Kit.
I’ll be covering old barn board (pressure washed) to be used for the sides of an outdoor kitchen and rough cut cedar planks for a tall wall screen behind it. I want to make sure that the stain doesn’t alter the natural color of the wood too much. Do you sell half pints that I can use to test with?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Can I get a sample card with colors for TwP semi solid pro?
We have actual samples that you can test or you can view the brochure online.
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hello – Repeat customer. We used TWP at home on new porch. Looks fantastic still few years later. We want to use TWP on a deck at our trailer we are redoing. It is an old deck with some weather wood used, new wood, and existing painted deck with Behr Premium Color Waterproofing Solid Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer used on old deck. The new wood/steps was added this past Sept. We also will be adding railings this May. What should we use to get deck pretreat, remove or restore, and what stain to use to try and get deck to match in color. Treated wood used on complete deck. See attached picture. Your expertise in what we should do is greatly appreciated, so we can order the correct combination.
You will have to power sand to remove the Behr fully with 60-80 grit paper. Do this first and then prep all wood with the Gemini Restore Kit. The TWP Semi-Solid colors would get the new and older wood to blend the best:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Hello – Thank you for your response. We are finally ready to start our project. I went on to order TWP Semi-Solid color paint samples. It stated we could not order in our area. I’m in Ohio. Said we should chose from the 1500 series. It’s not what you suggested above. Will that cover as well as the semi-solid stain to blend our decking?
Yes, only the TWP 1500 Series is allowed in Ohio and it does not come in semi-solid colors. Only semi-transparent colors and they will not blend new and old wood as well the first-time staining. After a year or so, it will blend much better.
Hello – thank you for keeping up with the many good questions here. Very helpful. I just had a new deck built with kiln dried PT pine. Given the wood was dried prior to installing, it would appear I only need to remove the mill glaze before applying TWP 100. What is the recommended steps/products/tools?
No, see here for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
We have an old 30 year deck and fence with new deck boards 2 years ago and some recent new wood on the fence and a new step rail (see photos). I gather we need to remove all the existing many coats of cabot oil semi transparent stain on the fence (the new low VOC version did not take really on the newer deck boards) with RAD and the new wood parts after curing should be treated with the prep and clean. Could we just put a quick coat of stain on the new wood just to help it blend in better until the autumn until we redo the whole or would it not take? Thanks.
TWP will only work here if you remove all the current stains and prep the new wood after proper wethering for 4-12 months. There would be no point in just staining the new wood. Do it all at once.
Cure time for 1500 series stain? When can you walk on it?
12-36 hours.
We stained large deck areas at our lake property last April with TWP 1500 Natural and looked beautiful. Wood deck was 2 years old at time of staining and cleaned before staining. The deck is partially covered however any exposed area of deck and stairs and pool equipment enclosure is very dirty 10 months later. Covered areas of the deck have remained clean and still look freshly stained. What is best product to use to clean? Thank you
Use the Gemini Restore Kit to prep all and then apply one coat to all wood.
Are you saying clean with the Restore kit and then restain with another coat?
Not sure I follow as we loved the TWP product however spent a lot of money to have this prepped and stained last year. It is somewhat cost prohibitive to have to restain again ten months later. Thanks
You cannot clean with the Gemini Kit without recoating. TWP cannot prevent dirt from accumulating on top of the stain so that is not a TWP fault. If you want to try to clean off the dirt lightly without harming the stain, then use warm water with a little bit of dawn soap. Use a car wash brush to lightly clean and then rinse with water.
thank you.
My privacy fence is 20 years old and still looks great. I have only used TWP (Natural) and have stained it four times over that time period. I am due to stain it this Spring but do not know which of your stains I should purchase. Also, the total square footage is approximately 900 sq ft. Which TWP stain should I use (I want the best) and how much should I order?
Use the TWP 1500 in Natural. About 10 gallons for 2 coats.
I have a 4 year old fence in South Florida that has been sealed twice with clear Thompson’s water seal. Last time was in July of 2020, so more than 18 months ago. The fence has been cleaned/bleached and pressure washed. Will TWP 100 be able to penetrate past any possible remaining water repellency of the Thompson’s product?
No, if still old Thompsons on the wood then you need to use the RAD Stripper and Brightener kit for prep.
Do you think I need any of the additives? Also, do you recommend TWP 100 or 1500 for my application? If I used TWP 100 for better penetration, next time would I be able to use 1500?
No need for the additives in your scenario. No need to switch to the 1500 at a later time. They last the same,
I have a home I built a couple of years ago that has cedar siding with TWP 1500 stain.
Is there a clear finish I can apply to extend the life of the stain?
You cannot apply a clear over the tinted TWP colors and that would not extend the life if you could. You can clean and redo it with the same color you used last time.
I have a deck that was built last March. Never been stained. I want to stain with semi solid stain. Just purchased sample of semi solid Driftwood on line. I will be staining over factory treated pine decking. I am hoping for a neutral beige/tan/ taupe color, is the semi solid driftwood the best color for this project.
Attached are two pictures to help with the color decision
Thanks in advance
Andrew
Colors will vary based on wood type and age so there is no way to say for certain what the color will look like on your wood until you actually test the sample.
Two years ago I used an Olympic Semi trans acrylic. Not too happy. What prep do I need to use TWP 1500?
You will have to remove it fully. For help with this, post some pics in the comments.
See prior post
No pics were uploaded.
Tried again
No pics. Have to be smaller than 4 mb.
2.8 mb
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit with both additives:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Previously used what was described as semi-transparent stain – color 102 Redwood Pro Series. Is TWP 100 Series – 102 Redwood the same product? OR is the new Semi-Solid Pro Series – Redwood Forest the intended replacement?
You want the 102 Redwood in the 100 “Pro” Series.
Your product is listed as a stain, does it seal as well? Is a sealer necessary after the application of the stain or is your product an all in 1 product? It looks like I would be using the 1500 series as the Semi Solid Pro Series cannot be shipped to my state (Illinois), would rather use the Semi Solid Pro Series thought.
TWP seals as well and you cannot add another sealer on top of the TWP.
I recently bought 5 gallons of semi solid in driftwood. We bought the deck prep from you and used it. The color came out as a grey rather then the tan shown on the color chart. We didn’t have enough stain so I have ordered another 5 gallons. The problem is that the first 5 gallons was much more of a grey than the tan shown on the chart. I expected there to be a difference shade but this is a totally different color. If there something I am doing wrong and should correct on the second coat?
Colors on the color chart vary based on a computer screen and sun reflection. As for a second coat. It has to be applied wet on wet if doing a second coat, not wet on dry. This may be the reason for the color difference.
I stained our deck (new in may 2020) in April 2021 with 1500 and the stain/sealer is very splotchy and nearly gone in some areas.
-Is this normal?
-Can I just clean and add another coat?
-Should I expect to have to stain every 6 months to maintain water protection?
Thanks!!
New wood has to be recoated after the first year. See here for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Does the temp need to be above 50 degrees for 24 hrs after application?
It can drop into 40s the night after but it cannot drop into freezing temps.
If I have some cracks in the deck posts, should I attempt to seal with mastic. And if so, should this be before or after the deck is stained. (TWP101). Any type of mastic preferred?
No. Leave the cracks as is and do not fill. It is normal to have cracks and not an issue.
I recently installed a cedar fence in mid September. It’s now getting small areas of mold. I’m concerned that by next spring (after a good seasoning period) the mold will extensive.
Should I clean it now with your Restore a deck kit? I’m ok with having to clean it again before staining. Also I’m thinking of applying a more dilute solution of “Bora-Care with Mold Care” to keep the fence mold free until staining. Any thoughts on the “Bora-Care with Mold-Care”.
The active ingredient for mold is dimethyl ammonium chloride. I see that other cheaper mold products like “Wet and forget” and “Spray and forget” also use a similar Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride.
Just clean and reapply in the Spring. It will be fine. You can then apply Wet and Forget over the TWP once dry to help with mold and mildew.
twp 1500 for cedar siding – paint up or paint down?
Paint down.
I used TWP 100 cedartone to stain a 70 ft Bamboo fence, it has been about 24 hours and the stain is still very sticky and does rub off when touched. Will this eventually dry/soak into the Bamboo, and how long should I wait to apply a second coat?
You cannot use the TWP 100 on a bamboo fence and is not designed for bamboo wood. It will not soak in and dry correctly. You will have to remove it.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
This is the product the Bamboo company recommended
Only the TWP 300 series can be used on Bamboo and we do not sell that on our website. They either gave you bad advice or you bought the wrong series.
Love your stuff will not use anything else! Is there a woodfiller you would reccomend that will accept cedar semi solid stain? Thanks,
Sorry but no wood filler will work to “stain” with TWP and blend.