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.
Your site suggest that it’s mandatory to coat all sides of a deck board in order to protect it properly. You’re not really suggesting that customers get Underneath their decks to coat the bottom side of the deck boards,I originally came to this site to try to find out the normal curing time for this product and couldn’t find the answer. What is it???
We do not state that you have to stain all sides of the wood. In fact we say the opposite. Just the wood that is exposed. Curing varies on the Series, age of wood, and the weather but it is normal to be 12-36 hours.
On vertical white pine siding, age ~ 6 mos: 1. Stain both sides or is staining the outside-only adequate? 2. One coat, wet-on-wet, or two coats?
Just the exposed sides is needed. Smooth wood or rough sawn? Depends on the coats to apply.
Live in Illinois but have a vacation home in North Central Arkansas that I just finished a Western Red Cedar deck. We bought 4 samples of the 1500 stain since the 100 can’t be shipped to Illinois, plan on using the 100 since it can be shipped to Arkansas. My wife liked the Pecan color,question is how far off is the Pecan color in the 1500 to the 100.
Jus an FYI, it is against VOC regs to use the 100 in IL. We have to say that. The 120 is slightly lighter than the 1520 but not much.
Can TWP stain be applied on a sunny day with temperatures up to 84 degrees?
Yes as long as you keep a wet edge and move fairly quickly while applying.
Where can I buy TWP 100 Series stains in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area?
Hello, the TWP 100 Series is not allowed in PA. You can use the 1500 there. We ship directly from this link:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Have a 10 year old cedar deck. Stopped and bleached the wood last week. Applied 2 coats of 1504 with a brush 12 hours ago. First coat got absorbed quite well. Second coat was put on 20 min after 1st coat. Product is not tacky, still wet to touch. Manufacture date of product is 6/14. What can I do to correct this problem.
Temps have been 90 in the day and 60 overnight with humidity between 60-85%
See this for help: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
My deck has several stamped labels on the treated pine, would the Gemini Restore Kit take this labeling off? If not, what would be the best method for removing?
No, the cleaner will not remove ink stamps. Sand them first off. Is this new wood? If so sand them now and let weather. See this for more info on new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
i have a PT pine deck. the client pressure washed the deck and applied cabot stain twice over 4 years. they believe there was a water seal product. they did not use any treatment to remove the water seal befor staining. what is left of the stain looks as if it is laying on top instead of penetrating the grain. area exposed to the sun in high traffic has worn to bare wood and weathered. Will the TWP deck restore system and a 5000 psi washer remove the two layers of cabot stain that is left? if not is there any product that will? It is our hope to apply TWP 1500 series stain.
Hard to say for certain. Can you post a picture? it varies on what type of stain the Cabot was and the solid/opacity of it.
cabot “wood toned deck and siding stain” 19202 cedar. no other product numbers or titles are found. all with blue labels with notes to only mix with other blue label cabot products soap and water cleanup.
You will need the Restore A Deck Stripper kit and pressure washing. It should remove most, but since it looks like a semi-solid acrylic, you may need to sand some stubborn areas.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Does TWP 100 come in a clear sealer and, if so, can it be shipped to Georgia?
Thanks, Gary
Yes and yes.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Hi deck is 10 month’s old I will use gemini restore kit to clean and brighting. I was going to use a garden sprayer to apply clean and brightning and use a brush and pole with a hose attached to it to scrub any tough stains. After I Brush clean the wood I will wash it all away with a garden hose. For staining (TWP 1500 is this the right stain for time period 10 month’s) I will use garden sprayer for all the uprights and for the deck a brush(Defy makes it) and work the stain into the boards. Is this ok? Will it leave marks where I stop and go. What do you think is the best way to apply?
Thanks
You can use a deck brush applicator. Also stain pads work very well.
Using the deck cleaner and brightener on a pergola, will either product discolor or ruin pavers? Just wondering if when applying both products if i need to tarp the area or if i can powerwash after cleaning and brightening.
Also, can i use the cleaner and then immediately use the brightener
No you will not harm the pavers. Apply the brightener as soon as you are done with the cleaner.
I used TWP 1500 on my deck 2 years ago and it worked great. I now want to do it again. Do I need to strip it or will the cleaner and brightener kit prep it properly? Thanks
You can use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep.
Hello,
After waiting several months for our new deck to age a bit, we finally selected a day where the forecast was 0% chance of rain for the next few days. As luck would have it, not 5 hrs after staining with TWP 200 a random, unexpected thunder storm swept through the area soaking the deck.
Needless to say we’re thoroughly bummed. What if anything should we do and or expect? We’re extremely frustrated at this since we spent $500 for a contractor to stain it, plus the cost of the stain.
Thanks,
Steve L
Raleigh, NC
Wait a few days after it dries and see how it looks. If it dries evenly without water spots, you are good. If not and the application is uneven and blotchy, you may need to strip and start over.
Restained deck last summer, with TWP 1500, after 5 years of neglect. It was highly recommended that to maintain the deck I just put another coat of stain on again this summer. Looking at your website your recommendation for maintaining deck is cleaning deck and then apply stain. What is recommended for cleaning deck, pressure washer? hosing it down? or use restore kit?
When reapplying it best to use the Gemini Restore Kit and lightly pressure wash. Gives better adhesion and overall deeper clean.
Hello from Raleigh NC
Two questions if you please…
I am staining my new deck tomorrow with TWP200. New wood, aged about 6 months since install. How long must I wait before moving furniture back onto the deck? We expect temps in the low 80’s/upper 90’s for the foreseeable future (humidity between 70%-85%).
Secondly, it’s virtually impossible to plan a rain-free slot this time of year without the daily threat of t-storms. The forecast for the first 24 hours after application is no rain, however there’s a 50% chance of T-storms the next day. Should I delay or will the initial 24 hour period be sufficient?
Thanks in advance for you r response.
The TWP 200 can take 2-7 days to fully cure. Wait until not tacky before replacing the furniture on the wood. You are most likely okay if it does not rain within 24 hours.
Would a dog be able to walk on newly stained deck say after 24 hrs (or when it no longer looks shiny)?
As long as the TWP is not wet or sticky, you are okay to use.
what PSI pressure washer do I use to clean my deck?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit when pressure washing to clean. You can use a pressure washer up to 3500 PSI, but you will need to wash at a distance that is about 8-12 inches away. This effectively reduces the PSI in half. The actual pressure by the time it reaches the wood should be around 1500.
I still have been getting mildew on my sunny southern exposed cedar deck.
Can I add anything to the TWP to stop this?
I realize TWP has mildew inhibitors but can i add more.
PS. Deck is always swept of leaves during fall and winter
thanks
Hello, the mildew must be on top of the TWP. TWP already contains an EPA registered mildewcide that helps to prevent mildew from growing in the stain or underneath. Adding more into the TWP will not prevent mildew from appearing on top of the TWP.
How can I get a small color sample?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Can you use the twp 1500 series in a graco truecoat 360ds airless sprayer? Is it a flammable sudstance?
It can be applied with an airless sprayer. It is a combustible stain.
What is meant by “Wet on Wet” for a deck staining?
See this:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I was mistaken on the dates of the new deck & TWP application. Deck completed 7/2015. Waited full season to age. Gemini Restor-A-Deck kit & TWP 1500 6/2016. 2017 discolored and dirt. See picture. Please advise. Thanks!
Prep with Gemini Restore Kit and apply another coat of TWP.
The research on TWP stain products indicate reapply every other year to maintain color and protect decking. Suggested cleaning for element residue was also followed. This is most disappointing that the TWP product did NOT provide the protection or last any longer than other products as stated on the website. The labor cost to re-apply Gemini Restore Kit and TWP product annually are not the results for which the TWP product was purchased. Any suggestion as to why the TWP products did not last one full season?
In the picture above, the TWP did not fail and it will protect for 2-3 years and is still protecting in the picture. What happened here has nothing to do with the TWP, but a dirt issue. No deck stain can stop dirt from sitting on top of the wood.
Great to know that it’s not the TWP. In the picture, there is no longer any “beading” of the water as it used to. Recommended cleaning was mopping (no harsh & non-abrasive), which has been done twice. We did notice that the dirt/grime did not budge if at all. We really want to protect the investment of this new deck and we are very hopeful the TWP product is the way to do that. Should it be cleaned with a brush? Would that harm the TWP stain protection of the decking? Thank you for your time and answers.
You may need to clean to the point that a light reapplication is needed. Use a scrub brush or light pressure washing to remove the dirt. Do you have a lot of trees nearby that could cause this dirt issue?
The closest trees are approx. 40 – 50 feet or more away from deck. We will use a scrub brush. If that doesn’t remove the dirt/grime then we will apply Gemini cleaner (maintenance ratio). Is it necessary to also apply the brightener?
You do not have to use the brightener, but you can.
Pressure treated deck. Thirty years old. Cabot oil base semi-transparant honey color stain done three times, last time five years ago. Deck just power washed and sanded. Some old stain remains. What do you recommend?
Remove the rest of the Cabot by using the RAD Stripper and pressure washing. Brightener after:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
New deck 7/2014. 6/2015 Gemini Restore-A-Deck kit & TWP 1500 stain. 4/2017 dirty looking. How to clean TWP 1500 stained decking? Is it already time to strip, clean, and re-stain?
TWP does need to be reapplied every 2 years. Prep with the Gemini Kit and reapply another coat.
Which product is best for new shiplap rough sawn siding for my Montana cabin. The shiplap is doug fir.
Thanks
M
TWP 1500 Series for this.
I have a southwestern style home with log dormers, tung-n-groove soffits and wrap around porch supported by logs. All logs and soffits are pine and were treated with marine grade teak oil about 3 years ago. Some of the supporting porch logs and dormers are graying. Wondering what the best way to proceed. Would All wood need to be hit with a restore kit and then 1500 series? Also not sure how much the TWP stain would change wood coloration? What type of clean up of equipment is used (soap/water, mineral spirits, etc.)
Hello, you would have to remove the old coating. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper kit and pressure washing to remove. Brighten all wood after. Color change depends on the tint of TWP that you choose. We do have samples for you to try and test:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
How to apply over other — very old– oil based stain?
Prep with the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
This will remove the old stain so the TWP can properly work its way into the wood grain.
Rain is forecasted in about 28-30 hours. Will I be okay to finish? Also how long until you can put furniture back out on your deck?
You should be okay as long as you apply correctly and do not over apply. Wait 24-48 hours for furniture.
Can I use left over twp for new indoor stair treads? Can I put polyurethane over them if indoors?
TWP is an exterior stain and you cannot apply a polyurethane over it.
When applying TWP 100, what size tip should I use for my Wagner airless sprayer?
Does not matter. Wider fans apply easier.
What should I use to clean the deck in the spring?
For reapplication of a new coating? Use the Gemini Restore Kit.
What is the slip resistance when wet on this product? We have someone that has a slippery fir porch and it’s a concern.
TWP is a penetrating stain not a filming stain. It is not prone to being slippery because it does not film on top of the wood.
New home with new cedar wood fence,about 19,000 square feet, in
Austin, TX. I think I need about 15 gallons of stain. I should prep wood with Gemini restore kit and then apply stain. Same amount of sealer will be needed if I spray or roll stain, correct. Which sealer would be recommended for a fence?
Do you mean 1900 sq feet or 19000? For 1900 you will need about 15-20 gallons for 2 coats. Yes on the prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. If you spray, you will waste some stain. Do not use a roller. Deck Staining Pad or Brush. Use the TWP 1500.
https://youtu.be/RQIxFEj2GGc
Help! Our deck was stained last year and looked beautiful. It is now really dark and grimmey- possibly from acid rain- we’re not sure what caused it, but the areas under the eaves are still clear. Can we power wash the stained deck? Is there a recommended cleaner to use? THANKS!
What is the difference between the TWP Series 100 and the TWP Series 1500?
I have a cedar deck I applied TW paid to last June. I let it weather for 8 months I used the deck restore and brighter before staining It really looked great. During the winter it has a black film on it like mold which I washed off with some soap but it is come back. is it too early to put a second coat a TWP on the deck. Should I use the deck restore before I put the second coat on.
Thanks
Dennis
Applied TWP100 Honey tone to a newly build treated pine deck, and now a year later I see what looks like dark stains (possibly mildew) under the stain in certain places . I need to do a second coat this year. My question is if there is a way to remove the black looking stains, before I apply my second coat?
We stained our new cypress siding when it was installed in March with TWP 1500. We love it by the way. Based on a previous response from you it is now time to apply a second coat. Please give us information on the preparation and application steps. We live in North Carolina. Thank you.
We built our cedar deck in the summer of 2014 and went by TWP instructions to wait 6 months before cleaning and staining. We used Gemini products to thoroughly clean and brighten the deck as instructed. We allowed a few days for drying. Twp California Redwood 1511 was used. The deck was stained around May so the temperature would be as recommended. Within 3 months the deck boards are starting to darken almost like it has mildew on it! I didn’t over apply the stain and wiped up any excess that did not soak in. The horizontal cedar boards look beautiful! What can I do to stop the darkening and restore the color?
Thank you for your help.
Hi, we applied TWP1500 to our newer redwood deck and are embarrassed to admit we missed the instruction to wipe off any excess/shiny parts within 60 minutes of application. It was too late at 8 hours and now the deck finish is shiny in spots. Is there any remedy short of sanding the whole thing and starting over? Super fine steel wool was one suggestion we received but haven’t tried. Thanks.
I am sanding Behr semi off my deck as stripper wouldn’t do anything.
There are some boards that look brand new, but there are a lot that have grooves in the wood where the old stain is sitting in and I cannot sand it off…
Should I keep sanding these areas ​to try and smooth out the grooves and get the stain? Or will I be OK leaving these boards as is and will the new stain look good? See 2nd pic showing boards with minimal stain remaining in grooves. See 3rd pic of a closeup of the grooves in a lot of boards.
How long before I can walk on deck treated with 1500?
Hi, my husband and I had a deck built last year, first picture. We are looking for two colors that would help us achieve the look of picture #2. Darker rails & lighter floor, but that would still have the rustic look and make the knots in the wood pop. Any suggestions?
I have a 1200 sq ft pressure treated deck that is 10 yrs old. It was stained 2 yrs ago with unknown product. It has faded and is 50% covered with green algae and mildew due to shade. What products do I need to buy to strip, clean, prep and stain this deck? And how much? Also, I have a new pressure treated wood fence that is 10 months old. What do I buy to prep and stain it?
I stained my deck this summer with TWP 100 cedar tone. I used the Gemini restore a deck as preparation. The deck is pressure treated lumber and was installed approximately eight months prior to staining. A single coat of stain was applied and excess wiped off within a few minutes of application. I started seeing black mold growing on the surface after a couple of months of staining and is getting a lot worse. I wonder if I did something incorrectly like staining before the wood was dry enough or if it is a product issue. What can I do to correct this?
Can someone answer my question as it seems to have disappeared. We have a beach house in Belmar, NJ. A block from the beach. We installed a pressure treated 20×20 deck in June. We went to stain it last week so we cleaned it with Behr cleaner. When I went to put the Behr stain down I hated it so washed it off and have been doing research on best stains. Came across TWP. However the gentleman on her from the southwest said he did his new deck last yr after 3 mos and has to strip and redo this yr. that sounds strange to me if the product is so good. If we use TWP and get by next weekend do we need to reclean with-another cleaner? Do I need a brighter? Is it too soon to stain, the deck already is cracking. We also are already getting 60 degree days.
Toledo, OH. 858 sf pressure treated pine. Installed 1997. Was coated with solid stain acrylic latex around then, but stopped applying for many years as peeling occurring. Belt sanded all off with 40 grit. 50% sun and shade. Some mildew algae issues. Plan to purchase TWP 1500 Honeytone and Restore a Deck Kit. Questions: Can I use cleaner and brightner on same day? Do I need to pressure wash while I remove brightner…or just hose off? Do you recommend 1, 2 coats or wet on wet? We are totally gassed after the lengthy sanding process and would really just like to put on one coat before winter. Running out of time weather-wise as well. Any concerns about the stain penetration after using 40 grit sandpaper? Four questions: sorry! Thanks!
I see that 1500 is recommended for fences, why is this preferred over 100? (in MO
posting as guest, can’t seem to get a password reminder emailed
I am putting 1/2 log siding that is knotty pine on a playhouse for the kids. Do I need to let it wait 3 months before I use TWP?? And I live high in the mountains in AZ so would 100 work best??