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.
Which seeies should I use? I live in Northern Alabama, my deck gets full sun in this summer, from 9 am til the sun goes down. Also, my deck is 3 years old, what do I need to do to prep it? thanks
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep and stain with the TWP 100 Series.
Are you sure its the 100 series? The zip is 35645.
I asked a similar question a few months ago (couldn’t remember the answer), but it seemed I had more colors to choose from.
Can you double check? I want to make sure I get the correct series for the climate. thx
You can use the 100 or 1500 for Alabama. Both will work equally the same.
My painter put too much 1500 series and now its 4 days old and still pooling. We tried to wipe up what we could but its a sticky mess. What do we need to do? thx
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I believe when I ordered some samples, I was told that the price of the samples get applied to purchase of full product. I am in the checkout process, but I do not see any credit applied for my sample orders I had previously placed. Do I need to do something else to receive this credit, or am I mistaken about the credit? Thanks.
See here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
What is the best way to clean drip spots off of concrete and pavers?
Try a graffiti remover cleaner like Goof off.
application temperatures?
50-90 F.
I have replaced my PT SYP decking 6 months ago, It has dried and weathered adequately at this point. I want to use your semi-solid stain. Prior articles addressed using TWP 100 or 1500 inre prep. Should I do any special prep other than a light pressure washing to remove any grime? Also, the railing will be replaced with KDAT lumber to guarantee minimum warpage. It is kiln-dried already. Any prep? Lastly, the exposed understructure framing was stained with TWP 100 several years back. I want to cover it the semi-solid as well. Any restrictions there?
See here about KDAT: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Strip and brighten if you want to apply the semi-solid where the 100 Series is.
I have 575 square foot redwood deck. All the joists were replace and variety of redwood was used (some from the original deck 1984, some from 2000 and some that is at least two years old). I power sanded using 36 and 60 grit. It has been 14 days since the deck was sanded and dust was cleaned it with 60 V blower. I applied a sample of redwood 1502 to a part of the deck and put a second coat on it 15 minutes later. The stain is almost dry after 4 hours. Do I need to further prep the deck?
Clean and brighten after sanding. Only one coat to sanded wood.
Hi, I have a deck that has been previously stained with a latex semi-transparent stain. (long story, bad contractor) I’d like to put either TWP 1501 or a similar color 100 semi-solid series over it. I am using 1501 on my cedar siding. A couple of questions:
What prep is needed for the deck?
What is the closest 100 series color to 1501? I looked at Cedar Mulch and Super Cedar but they do not seem very close to 1501.
Thank you!
You cannot apply it over the old stain. It has to come off first. Post pics for prep advice. The TWP 100 series and the TWP Semi-solid are two different series. There is not a close color to 1501 in the semi-solid colors.
Sorry. I meant the semi-solid. Thanks. I will get some pics and post.
Here are pics of the deck.
That is a solid opaque stain, not semi-transparent. You cannot use any TWP products here unless you power sand it all off.
Thanks for your help. Sounds like I am USC.
After installing a 900 sq. ft. redwood deck two years ago, I prepped and stained it with one coat of Superdeck Transparent Stain (redwood color). There are some high traffic areas where the stain seems to have rubbed off with bare wood showing.
it seems as though that company is no longer in business, so I want to switch to a TWP product—-not the solid. In that case, do you have a recommendation of which of your products would work well for me? I live in a suburb of SF Bay Area, so the summers are hot and winters do not get below 30.
Lastly, would using a cleaner and, then, a brightener before staining be OK?
Thank you.
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Use the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
Do you still make the semi-transparent stain?
Is that product #1502?
I don’t want the semi solid. ThT sounds more like a redwood colored paint.
I want the grain to show through.
Also, how do I order a couple of samples of redwood and rustic?
Thank you.
All colors in the TWP 1500 Series are semi-transparent. Samples here: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I stained a 14 year old deck with the semi-solid series. The old wood was sanded and power washed prior to staining. There were a few new pieces of wood as well. I noticed after stain dried that the deck railing was darker than the deck floor. It’s too late to apply a second coat wet-on-wet. Can I now apply a second coat on the deck flooring?
It would be best to lightly clean and apply another coat to the floor in the Spring.
Are you able to advise on what color in the TWP 200 series gives just a natural “wet” look similar to the TWP 115 ? It’s $100 USD to get a few samples shipped to Canada and photo galleries of the 200 series seem to be lacking across the internet. Thanks!
Cedar Gold is the lightest tint, similar to a wet look.
I originally applied TWP 100 stain first time to a new wood deck 4 years ago and have applied 3 maintenance coats over the same period. At what point is it recommended to stop with the maintenance coats and strip the old stain and start over? Also, should I strip the old stain first and the clean and brighten before apply the new stain. I will be sticking with the same 100 stain color as the original coat if that makes a difference.
Thanks for answering.
You can strip and brighten know if needed. No need to clean if stripping.
Our contractor applied one coat of TWP 100 Cedartone to our deck about an hour before a heavy rainfall. We asked them to fix it, so they returned several weeks later and added another coat, which is now pooled on the surface of the wood and is not drying. This was done despite our effort to direct them to your website for proper instructions first. Can you please let us know how this should have been handled and what steps can be taken to correct the issue? Thank you for your help!
Give it a week to see if it fully cures and dries. If it does not, then you will need to strip and brighten all to remove down to the bare wood.
Thank you for the prompt response! If the second coat does cure, will there be any risk of the wood rotting prematurely due to the water exposure following the initial coat?
No, that is not an issue.
We bought the 5 gal semi transparent stain. We want to apply with a sprayer, but there is no pour spout on the lid. Do you have recommendations on getting it from the 5 gal pail to the sprayer?
Pop off the lid entirely by prying up the tabs, mix thoroughly with a 5-gallon paint mixer on a drill, and pour into your sprayer. Use a funnel if needed.
Thanks. We were not confident with using a funnel, as our sprayer container is very small and the volume of stain pouring out is high from a 5 gal. We got a battery operated transfer pump. Worked great. The stain goes on super easy with the sprayer and back brushing.
Looking to restain deck and fence in background. Which stain would you recommend? Want to keep the dark color. Afraid it won’t take on the spindles if I don’t sand , Previous stain was made by United Paints in Spokane,Wa. Applied 10 years ago.
For prep, you will need to strip and brighen all wood. Use the RAD 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
Stain after with the TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
After completing my new deck staining project using the 1500 series I see many areas of white spots. I am assuming this is the residue of the whitener? How do I remove this.
That is your wood grain and how it is taking the stain and it not related to the Brightener.
Guys stained cedartone 1500 on railings yesterday. I noticed a glistening after 40 mins – so and went to wipe off what looked like overapplication and was told it wasn’t necessary so I stopped. 8 hours later I thought I’d check to see if spots had dried it was still wet and some had a gooey look. Any suggestions? There were about 30 spots that I found after more carefull reviewing. If it is over application – how is this repaired? Also, this cedartone looks more like redwood. Thoughts?
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
What is the best product for Cedar shake on a roof oil base preferably
The TWP 200 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
I have a deck in Wisconsin in shady conditions. Not sure exactly the type of wood possibly pressure treated but wonder if the 1500 series or the pro series would work the best here?
Use the TWP 100 series.
Looking at putting TWP 101 Cedartone on new cedar shake siding for our house. We’d like to protect the wood, but also want it to eventually fade to the the light silver gray. Is TWP 101 Cedartone the best option for that?
If you want it to fade to gray then you would want the TWP 100 in Clear.
Thanks. Main goal is that we keep the natural cedar now and that it fades to gray, but would prefer it not fade to black. Is clear still best for that?
All tinted colors will enhance the grain so cedar will not maintain the current color but make it richer. Since it is tinted, it will take many years to turn gray and even then, it will not all be evenly gray. The only way to do that is to use clear. If it gets too gray for your then prep to remove the gray and recoat with clear again.
Thanks! Last question(s) from me: If you use the cedartone, when it does fade, will it be a lighter or darker gray than if you used the clear? Also, does using the clear cause a lighter gray than if you just left unfinished? Thanks!
It does not fade to gray if you use the cedartone.
Graying comes from oxidation. The more oxidation or longer it sits without UV protection, the darker the gray will become over time. It is not an either-or of lighter or darker.
Using clear would not make a difference in the graying over time as opposed to not having it.
I applied the cedar tone stain over a previously rustic stained porch. I only applied one coat and tried to wipe up the extra stain but 48 hours later deck is still wet and sticky. How can I fix this? Please!
Rustic stain was applied over a year ago and had been pressure washed three weeks before.
When switching colors (especially when going with a lighter color than the first color) you should have stripped off the old stan fully first. You will need to do this now.
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
With both stripper additives: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
Brightener is last.
We accidentally ordered the cedar tone and we were not trying to lighten the deck. We test spotted the cedar on top of the rustic and liked the change in color.
I then applied one coat with a roller and stain did soak into some areas. In shaded areas it was not absorbed so I removed excess with a dry roller and rags. Stain is still not drying and is very tacky.
We do not want to strip the deck- we like the result where it did soak in. Just want to get rid of tacky areas?
Any other suggestion rather than stripping, please?
Not sure if it will work but see here: https://twpstainhelp.com/help/twp-is-shiny/
Have been restaing every year. After I clean and brighten the existing stain do I need to do a wet on wet second coat or is one coat sufficient?
That varies if you have a based coat still visible after the prep or not? If yes then 1 coat.
Hi, we probably over applied 101 Cedar 2 years ago, peeling badly now. Should we strip or clean with RAD before brightening? We want to reapply same stain, only one coat this time?
Strip and brighten would be correct: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Sanded an older cedar deck, to remove a failed stain/finish that peeled, to prep it for your stain. What are the next steps for the best job?
Could I have used your stripper instead? Very labor intensive sanding a deck!
Use teh Gemini Restore Kit for final prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Without seeing the condition of your old stain prior, there is no way to say if it could have been stripped or not.
I live in SE Texas, and current temps for August 2022 are running 98-103 degrees.
I need to stain and seal my rebuilt/replaced deck (replaced last year), so this is the first application. I noticed your recommendations for applying TWP 100 state to NOT apply this when temps are above 90 degrees? I am curious why, as I think the application would dry well in these temperatures.
I’d like to get this project done before tropical systems are due to hit (late August/September).
The deck was built last year, wood = pine, has not been treated, and have done preliminary sanding and screw anchoring. I’ve got some trim and railing work still to do, and I’m going to be power-washing the sides of the house around this deck this weekend, and give the deck a light cleaning.
Please advise.
Too hot and the stain can flash dry unevenly.
Older treated pine deck. Put Cabot transparent sealer on last year and was a failed product. Deck is now bleached from weather. We live in Wisconsin. Want to use TWP semi transparent stain. Proper prep? Water ansorbs in deck so do I need to strip off finish or clean and brighten. Do you use power washer?
Strip and brighten while pressure washing.
How do I get credit for samples on my order?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hello. I am quite relieved and happy with the results so far on removing the peeling old stain on my cedar fence that is close to 20 years old. The cedar is smooth cut on both sides. After stripping the stain and brightening many boards are now quite furry. P!ease remind me what your advice is to remove this before staining. Sorry I know it has been posted, but can not find the info. Thank you.
You do not have to remove it but if you want, you can lightly sand it with 60-80 grit paper.
We have a 410 ft2 clear cedar fence in Portland,OR that was built last Fall, when conditions were too wet for staining. Uprights are rough sawn, but the cedar posts, top boards and gates are all mill finished. Significant graying now, mostly on the sun exposed areas. Very concerned about the stain darkening in 1-2 years. Such marked darkening is reported now on reviews of some oil based stains (eg Penofin). What kind of prep and stain would you recommend? Thank you.
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. TWP does not darken in color but fades lightly through the years, making recoating easier.
I live in central North Carolina. Built new deck of pressure treated yellow pine. When deck is aged some would you recommend TWP 200 or the TWP 100? I want the finish product to a darker finish as my western red cedar log home is stained with Chesnut color now and kinda brownish. Very humid climate here. Whats your advice? Thank you for responding. Fred
The 100 Series. see this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Maybe Dark Oak color.
I just used your Gemini cleaner and pressure washed but noticed places where there is like green algae. If I treat a second coat of cleaner, will this take the algae off? If not, I read you could use 4 parts water and 1 part white vinger for removing the algae. If I use this solution, I can I follow up with just using the Brightener? Thank you.
Try the brightener and then let dry, it should go away.
How consistent are 1500 series colors? I ask because I used 1501 Cedartone on new wood. I ordered several samples and placed them on the same wood. The stain I ordered and used is very definitely different from the sample stain. I ordered a second sample and applied that to the same wood, again, and that looks different from both the first sample and from what I used on my project.
I am wondering if there are variances in colors or if I did something wrong somehow.
Colors are the same between samples and actual gallons. Colors vary based on the age of wood and type of wood. New wood also cannot be stained right away: https://twpstainhelp.com/official-help-site-for-twpstain-com/
Have successfully used TWP 100 stain on our deck. Recently installed a 10 x 12 shed with rough sawn T-11 siding. Can I use the TWP 100 on the shed exterior? Also, how do I calculate coverage as you calculator is for decks, rails, stairs etc? thx
Yes. Width x height for each side.
I live a block from the ocean in Jacksonville, FL. I am staining a deck, handrails, and corbels. We get a lot of sunshine and it is very humid most of the time. Should I use the TWP 100 or 1500 and why?
Either will last the same and you can use both in FL so up to you.
What is the shelf life of the stain in both of the following cases?
Unopened container
Opened container
I have a 3 month old fence that has rough sawn pine 6″ wide pickets that are spaced 1.5″ apart. The fence is 6 ft high and 210 ft long. How much TWP 1500 stain should I purchase? Do I need to perform a 2 coat wet-on-wet staining process?
What is the estimated transport time to Buffalo, NY?
Thank you.
Unopened about 2-3 years. Opened, 12 months at most.
For two coats applied wet on wet to 2400 sq feet (both sides) you will need about 20-25 gallons. Shipping takes about 3-4 days.
Getting ready to re-do a Farmer’s porch and have some questions. Would it be enought to sand, clean and prep this porch with the Gemeni kit, or does it need to be stripped, and if so, with what product? It was stained once about 7-8 years ago. The wood is mahogany, what is the best color to get it back to a color similar to the one it had when it was new? Also, would this be a single coat, or two of wet on wet? We are in MA so have to use 1500 series.
Strip and brighen for prep. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
One coat, they Rustic color.
We just stained our deck with TWP 101 Pro Series. The lower part of deck looks like it needs another coat. Do you recommend this????
If the wood is still absorbent, then you can apply another light coat.
Posted a question earlier but it seems to have disappeared. How long does wood need to dry after stripping and brightening with RAD. Deck is in full sun for about 8 hours daily and temps are upper 80s- low 90s.
48 Hours.
I have an unopened can of twp1502 that was left over last year. I stored in in my house in the laundry room. I noticed a date on the bottom of the can jun10 2121. Can that still be used now as my deck needs a couple of coats put on for this year?
Yes, make sure to mix well first as the pigment can settle.
Thank you so much….I did order some more as I thought about it and 1 can won’t do 2 coats.
What is the better stain to use for a exterior deck open to the elements in western North Carolina. TWP pro 100 series or TWP 1500 series?
Both last the same but many use the 100 Series in NC.
We did all the prep and put one coat of stain on already. The lower boards that are in full sun look like they need another coat. Wondering if we should apply another coat?
Second coats should be applied wet on wet. Not after the first coat dries. It should be fine and you can always lightly clean and reapply a light coat next year if needed.
Should you apply a sealant after using twp deck stain? What are the pros vs cons?
No, you can not apply a sealer over the TWP stains. It would peel if you did.
Hello, cannot find the TWP representative I talked to last week on staining my deck but I need advice!!! I used the TWP 116 Rustic Stain and I have over 600 sq feet so did one half of my deck and it looks fantastic but on the second half, I did a very Stupid thing, I used some primer over the bare spots and after using 3 coats of your stain, wet on wet, it did not cover up the primed spots. I an thinking the only other alternative is to PAINT my deck, with the first half looking so good, can I just paint the adjoining deck with a matching paint!!! I need to finish it soon as I am entertaining soon.
Barbara A. Graves
No, you will have to strip off the TWP before applying a solid color deck stain over your wood.
Thank you!!!
I am getting ready to refinish my cedar deck with your semi-solid pro series in cedar mulch. I will be prepping with RAD stripper to remove 3 yr old TWP pecan 1520, & follow-up with RAD brightener.
Because of the size of my deck,800 sq ft plus the railing, what would be the best way to strip & brighten without going over time limit for each? If I do rail first do I need to strip & then brighten while still wet? Then do the deck strip & brighten? How about over spray on the deck when stripping & cleaning rail? I will be using a pressure sprayer.
Thanks for your help
Strip all and then brighten all when done. You can split the stripping into sections if you like. Brightening all at once after the stripping is done will be easy.
Regarding TWP Semi-Solid Stain Pro-Series
I was about ready to order five stain samples when I noticed that the stains in my cart may not be PRO-Series. (screenshot A)
Then I noticed that the Pro-Series samples are $10.00 (which I expected) but that others are $8.00 (screenshot B)
Is it true that I can only recover $15.00 of the $50.00 samples cost when I place my order (2 kits) (screenshot C)?
I was also wondering why there is a separate $10 shipping charge for each sample instead of shipping all of the samples together, saving your customers some money.
Cheers,
Stewart
All samples are $10 as of this year due to rising costs of transportation, labor, and materials. $15 is the max sample credit you can receive.
There are not any additional discounts on samples.
Are the samples in my cart the PRO-Series?
Thanks,
Yes.
What is the difference between 100 series and 1500?
VOC compliancy for certain states. Where do you live?
What is the shelf life for TWP in factory five gallon cans
2-3 years.
I have been using TWP 1500 Redwood for years on my pool deck. I now need to refinish my 25-year-old covered, not enclosed, porch which has only ever been painted. I have removed (sanded off) all of the old paint down to bare wood. Most of the wood looks OK but some of the ends are splintered. Do you recommend staining or repainting? If I stain it, can I use the TWP 1500 again or something else? Lastly, since I am down to bare wood, do I need to use any prep products first?
Clean and brighten using the Gemini Kit and then apply one coat of the TWP 1500.
If I need to apply a wet on wet within 15 minutes, I will need to walk on some of the deck that I have just stained. Will that leave footprints? Also, what type of a brush or pad do I use? Thanks
See here for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
These brushes and pads are suggested or similar: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
Hi,
I rebuilt my deck using the AC2® CedarTone Premium pressure treated deck boards from Menards. They are 3 years old. No additional stain products or sealers have been applied. The manufacturer recommends Pittsburgh Ultra Advanced Semi-Transparent Stain & Sealant In One. Which of your products would be best to freshen up & treat the boards long term? Thanks.
The TWP 100 or 1500 Series depending on where you live. Make sure to prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.