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 have a 20 y.o. deck in good shape in butte montana. i used shermin williams semi transparent stain with sad results. it is a huge deck with plants everywhere around it, so i want to sand before using twp 1500. what grit should i use, thank you.
Start with 60 and finish with 80 grit. The SW must be removed fully before using the TWP.
I just stained my log cabin with TWP100, cedartone. What Chink do I need to select?
Any brand should work.
What is a recommended wood putty to use on western red cedar being used outdoors that can be stained with TWP 1500 series semi-transparent stains and will hold up to the weather?
Just to confirm: I like a 50%/50% mix of two sample stains better than the sample stains alone when all were applied to a western red cedar board. So I can do a mix of a gallon of each stain in a clean 5 gallon paint bucket and apply, with a china bristle brush, the resulting 2 gallons mixed stain to 60 – 80 grit sanded new western red cedar boards.
Tech support, besides recommending the 60 – 80 grit sandpaper to use remove mill glaze and increase wood stain absorption, said new stained boards should dry for about 2 weeks. They also recommended applying a single coat of stain to the new wood.
Hello,
Wood putty will not work with exterior wood and will not “stain” with the TWP to blend. It will look like white patches everywhere.
You can mix colors together of the same series.
For new wood, see this: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You will need to weather 4-12 months and prep correctly with a cleaner and a wood brightener. Sanding is not the correct way to prep.
Only one coat on new wood.
A detail I forgot to say is the new wood (kiln dried) is not being used for a deck floor but for a fence/privacy screen with a horizontal cap that runs the length of the screen. The top section of the privacy screen will be a red cedar grid lattice and the bottom section will be connecting vertical red cedar tongue and groove panels.
The following link calls for a reduced wait time to stain kiln dried new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
“To avoid having to wait months to stain your new wood you can use KDAT wood instead. KDAT (kiln dried after treatment) is wood that is dried in a kiln after it has been treated with the proper bug deterring chemicals. The wood is then put on the market and sold. It is slightly more expensive than regularly treated wood but it may be worth not having to wait as long to stain it. The wait time for staining new KDAT wood with TWP is about one month. This cuts down significantly on the wait time and may be the right option for you.
After the month waiting period for KDAT wood, you should prep the wood with Gemini Restore Kit. This will clean the new wood and remove any mill glaze that occurred during the sawing of the wood at the mill. If mill glaze is left on the wood it can hinder proper penetration of the TWP stain and jeopardize its longevity and performance. Always clean and prep new wood just as you would older lumber.
Whether using KDAT or standard treated lumber, be sure the moisture content of the wood is below 15% before applying TWP stain.”
Correct. For KDAT, wait the one month, prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. This opens the wood grain compared to closing the wood grain if you sand. Just one coat of the TWP the first time.
Even though my western red cedar is not pressure treated I’m guessing the kiln dry feature of it makes the above advice still applicable. I’m also assuming the waiting-a-month period starts after I’ve installed my privacy screen outside, otherwise there is no knowable starting point in time (like when the wood finished kiln-drying at the saw mill) to reference if I’m staining the wood before installation.
The bottom 1/3 of each 4 x 4 cedar post of the privacy screen during screen installation will be inserted into and attached to a high density polyethylene (plastic) Post Protector tube to prevent rot of the untreated cedar post. The covered post will be inserted into a hole in the ground and made secure by filling the open space with concrete which will form a swale at the top where it meets the Post Protector in order to direct water away for the post. I’m thinking of applying a sealant to all surfaces of the bottom 1/3 of the post before it’s inserted into the tube. The top 2/3rds of each post will be stained with a TWP 1500 series stain. Silicone sealant will be applied to cracks between the post and the top of the Post Protector to prevent water penetration. Any issues with this plan?
With regards to wood filler, Minwax has told me that they have a stain-able wood putty that can be used outdoors. If the TWP stain used does not stain the putty-ed holes I could apply close-matching (to the TWP stain) paint or solid stain on those putty-ed holes to make them less noticeable.
The wood filler will not stain with the TWP. It is strongly suggested to not use wood filler as there is no need for outdoor wood and it can create more issues than actually doing any good.
The post plan should be okay
I’m going to use 1500 Dark Oak on my new log home. My porch ceilings are rough sawn boards and will absorb much more than the log walls. Can I mix the Dark Oak 75:25 with 1500 Clear for those ceiling to get more transparency? UV isn’t an issue there. Thanks!!!
Ues you can mix the colors of the same series.
Hi.
I am almost finish doing the 2 level deck and a walk way…NEVGER Again.. I strip the old semi tranparent stain,( I used Techniseal For Wood )(Not Cement) than scrub brushed it by hand and than power washed it.. A site told me to buy TWP 200.. Its suppose to be tranparent, now since I live in Quebec area I supose this product (TWP 200) will last 2 years if I am lucky… Question is Do I have to strip it again,?? brush it to remover harder spots?? and power wash it.. or just clean and add another coat??? I do NOt want to add color to the deck ever again, way to much work just a good protecter.. Can you help svp..(please)
You can just clean and recoat as needed.
Oh great .. what do i clean it with??? and thank you again
The Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We have an intricate front door we would like to strip.
It has a type of stain that seems to be flaking off. Im not sure
what the previous owners used.
Would your stripper be a good choice for something like this?
We do not plan on pressure washing it.
No. That sounds like a polyurethane and that will need to be sanded off.
Staining a second-story new redwood deck. Should we clean, brighten, and stain the underside too? And if so, should we stain the underside before the top in case there is overspray between the boards?
No need to stain the undersides.
I have a PT deck that I built last summer. I want to stain it so I went to my local hardware store and they suggested “Arborcoat”. I took a sample of their “Natural” and was not happy with it. It was not a clear stain, it has pigment and the wood looks like it has a honey color. I like the natural color of the PT wood (a yellow color). Does your “Natural” have pigment or is it a clear oil product? Also, can I get less than a 1 gallon so I can test it? Can I purchase it in a store? I live in the Captial Region of NY.
The TWP 1530 Natural is tinted. TWP does come in a Clear but “clear” without tint means you will not have any UV protection from graying. See here for samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I have some left over mixed cleaner solution. How long do they last? Can I use it in next 4 – 6 weeks? (I apologize if you already answered as I cant find the precious post.)
No. The cleaner is only active for 12 hours once mixed.
Thanks for your reply. With regard to Honeytone, Cedartone, and Natural, which stain is darkest? Which is lightest?
See this for color tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-1500-colors-explained/
Does the 1530 Natural stain have any anti-UV properties? I believe your discontinued “clear” stain (can’t remember the series) did not have any. As a general rule, the darker the stain, the more UV protection? Thanks.
The Natural is tinted and has UV protection. The Clear is not tinted and will not have UV protection. It is also not “discontinued” and available for sale.
Yes, darker colors will give longer UV protection.
Can TWP be used on Epoch, EverGrain composite decking? Which of your stains should I use?
Sorry, but the TWP products are not for composite decking.
I used TWP on my deck about 4 years ago and am not sure if it was 100 or 1500.
If I want to use 1500 this time, what should I do to prep?
Thank you!
Use this for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Last year I applied your “California Redwood” to my deck. Unfortunately the wood (redwood) was too new. Now I have a deck where about 50% is fine and the other 50% apparently did not penetrate and has peeled and flaked off leaving bare wood. What is the best remedy? I have gotten advice to apply a stripper, then a wood “brightener”, before re-finishing, or, just sand and/or power wash the whole thing, then re-finish. Which, in your opinion, would be best, or would you recommend something else entirely? I really like the portions of the deck that accepted the stain.
Use this for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I don’t know much about wood work. So my question is, does lower voc mean less results? I live in a desert and need strong UV protection for my exterior doors and furniture.
Not with the TWP stains.
Just used Pecan TWP on my deck , 1 coat, and think it may be too light. Can I use a second coat of TWP Dark maple which I have or mix some pecan and dark maple and apply a second coat?
Best to not do this now. Wait a few months or Spring. Applying now and it may not cure correctly or dry shiny. Lightly wash before reapplying to remove any dirt.
Your deck stain calculator told me I would need 10 gallons of TWP100; color Redwood #102. Calc’s must have assumed I would use a sprayer (having used sprayers before I know there is lot of waste and over-spray, especially on the railing). I did not spray but used a brush and pad. Therefore, I used the first 5 gallons (within a quart) but never opened the second 5 gallons. Do you accept unopened returns? Should shipping costs be prohibitive and I keep the product, how long will it store? Will it store in temps in my storage building between 110 in the summer to 20 in the winter? Thanks
See this about shelf life: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
See this about returns: https://www.twpstain.com/refund
Has to be stored in a temperature controlled room.
I have 5 gallons of 1500 clear and want to get a color additive to make it red cedar color? Can I buy a color additive?
Sorry but no, you cannot tint the clear and we do not offer a color additive. You can intermix colors though of the same series.
I stained my new cypress log home in 2010 with Series 200, Russet 206 at the recommendation of your staff. The good news is that, after 8 years, it’s held up well. Photos from 2013 and 2018 look almost the same. The bad news is that it faded to, quite frankly, ORANGE, even on the north side, within a year or two. We need to re-stain and want a dark brown … that stays dark brown … definitely not orange. We live in Central Texas. Three questions:
1. Which stain and color is best for the dark brown we want?
2. What is the best way to prep to get and maintain that color?
3. Percentage-wise, how much stain will a re-coat take vs a first coat?
Thanks!
1. For a dark brown, use the TWP 1503 Dark Oak: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
2. Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
3. The same amount
how do I get it in Canada?
Only the TWP 200 Series is allowed in Canada and we ship it directly to you from this link: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
What is the difference between the 200 and the 100? Is there a difference in the formula? something missing in the 200 that allows it to be shipped to Canada? thank you
VCO complainct is the main difference. The TWP 200 is 250 VOCs, which is what your country allows. The TWP 100 is a 550 VOC product.
are they both oil based products?
Yes.
Is it advisable to put down a third coat? The cedar was very dry and was sanded clean before I stain per the instructions.
The old adage more must be better?
Thanks
Brent
Derry, NH
No, do not do that. More is not better as the TWP needs to soak into the wood grain. Too much stain applied, it will not be able to soak in fully.
I completely refinished my deck last year ( ‘Restore a Deck’ stripper, power washing, sanding brightening followed by to coats TWP 1520). Several sections of the deck are now mildewed. Is the ‘Spray and Forget’ product compatible with TWP 1500? What do you recommend? Thanks
The mildew is on top of the stain and the TWP contains an EPA mildewcide that prevents growth in the stain. You can try the wet and forget to remove it. It will not harm the TWP.
My pressure washer is rated 2800psi. How do I limit the pressure to the recommended max of 1500psi.
Washing at 8-10 inches away from the wood will cut the pressure by 1/2.
Is twp petroleum based?
Oil based.
Who are the dealers in Minnesota, near the Twin Cities? Sherwin Williams is no longer carrying the product.
Hello, we are an onlie dealer that ships to your area. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Can TWP 100 or 1500 be applied over Armstrong Semi-Transparent Stain?
No but you can easily remove the Armstrong with the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kit.
I am using 1500 series.
My questions is about applying a second coat after the first coat has dried. I tried to get two coats on this weekend, but by 10am it was already too hot (over 90) to apply the second coat. Can I apply a second coat at this point or is it too late? Should I have just applied the second coat at those temps? We now have rain in the forecast for the next 10 days, so I am not sure what to do at this point.
Best to not do it now. Wait until late Fall or early Spring. Lightly clean and reapply another coat.
I stained my new pressure treated SYP deck last October with 100 Dark Oak and want to do a maintenance coat now (cracks in some of the boards)what do I need to do…..
Lightly prep with the Gemini Restore Cleaner and a light pressure wash rinse. Apply just one coat.
What series would you recommend for a 2nd year old virgin cedar fence starting to grey up wanting to get back to natuarl wood color what would you recommend thanksb
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
We have a pine log siding that we put on are home in 2005. We have powerwashed it with a bleach wash. Which stain would be better the 100,1500 we would like oil base. We live in Iowa. So we have a 4 seasons. Hot summers and cold winters.
Use the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hi, I have a 12 month old cedar deck ready to be sealed. I do t want to pressure wash due to the vegetation around the deck and the proximity of the house etc. can I use a deck sander and then brighten before staining, or sand and then just lightly strip and brighten?
Use the Gemini Restoe Kit for the prep. If sanding is needed, do it before the brightener, after the cleaner. You will need to scrub to remove the oxidized wood cells while doing the cleaning if you are not using the pressure washer.
The wood is 18 years old. It is western red cedar siding. The wood is in very good shape but has faded particularly those sides of the house receiving the most sunlight. The siding was first stained front and back prior to installation in 2003 with TWP 101 Cedartone Natural. The siding was re-stained in 2010 again using TWP 101 Cedartone Natural. We are looking to re-stain again. Should we use the 100 or 1500 series product and should the siding be washed before staining? Thank you.
Yes on the prep. Use the Gemini Restore Kit. Stay with the TWP 100 series.
I live in Florida. Can I apply TWP 1500 in the summer or do I have to wait until Fall? Temps are in the application range early in the morning but heat up to over 90 by early afternoon. The deck is in the shade so is a bit cooler. Can I apply before temps reach over 90 or do I need to wait until the Fall?
You can do it in the Summer. Avoid direct sunlight if possible if temps are in the 90s.
I have a 12/24′ redwood deck that was installed 8/15 and never been treated or touched with anything. In reading over your site I am confused a bit. in your directions for prepping new wood you don’t say anything about sanding or power washing. But many people write in and say that they have performed those steps. Since my deck is almost 3 years old should I do these steps? And if so, BEFORE I use the wood deck cleaner and wood deck brightener? I am leery about power washing my deck because, from the responses on your site, it is easy to overdo it and strip off your wood…. Same seems true with sanding the deck before prep. Please advise.
Also, since my deck is 3 years old, would you agree with applying 2 wet on wet coats of TWP 100? If so, how do I calculate the amount to buy?
Also, I can’t seem to find the temperature window that is acceptable when doing all of this. I live in Missouri. I would like to do this in the fall and have seen that it shouldn’t be above 85 degrees, but what is the lowest temperature that will be acceptable?
Thank you for your response to all of my questions.
For amount needed, use the calculator tot he right of this comment page. Stain between 55-85 degrees. You prep by using the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing to remove the gray oxidized wood fibers.
Do I pressure wash BEFORE using the Restore Kit? So, do I need to sand the deck?
No need to sand before. You pressure wash while using the kit.
How long is the mfg warranty on TWP 100 Series?
Lasts about 2-3 years on a deck and twice as long on verticals wood.
Hello,
I have an old deck (about 20 years old) that I have prepped with an cleaner/brightener (Behr) using a power washer, applied wood filler to fill in some deep knots, and have sanded the boards with an orbital sander. I came upon your website AFTER I have already performed the above tasks and read the other bad reviews of the product I was going to use. Can I go ahead and purchase and apply your TWP 1500 product or do I have to reapply the cleaner/brightener or RAD stripper/brightener before using it?
The wood filler is the issue. TWP will not stain or blend wood filler on a deck so it matches. It will not look good.
Oh! Any suggestions on how to remedy? Will your stripper product ‘remove’ wood filler?
No, you would have to replace those boards.
1. Do you have small sample that I can get to try a color match with my log home?
2. What is the difference between TWP 100 and TWP 1500?
3. Is one better for a deck?
1. https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
2. https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
3. Either one will work for a deck.
Can I use 100 Formula in California?
No. Only the 1500 Series.
The current stain on my outside wood (posts, gables, etc ) is superdeck DB 1907 Canyon Brown. What is the closest color in twp 100 stain?
Hello, sorry but we are not familiar with Super Deck Colors. Maybe Dark Oak or Pecan. The TWP cannot be applied over the Super Deck. It will have to be stripped off first.
I have a new western cedar deck I put in last August and it’s time for a sealer. Will the twp 100 clear give me the same protection as the color tinted 100 series products?
No. The clear will not provide UV protection. You must have a tint for this.
I live in Central Illinois. Do you have a local retailer within an hour of Peoria?
We ship to your area. Only takes 1-2 business days.
I have a small wood shed in a shady area in back of a house I recently bought. Doesn’t look like it’s ever been treated with a preservative. I don’t really care about the color or how it looks otherwise, I just want to put something on it that will protect the wood from rain. Hoping you will suggest a product or two.
The siding panels have these notations: NOV 10, Hartco APA The Engineered Wood Assoc. Decorative 19/32 inch Group1 Sized for spacing Exterior 473 PS1-95
Thanks!
Tom
Try the TWP 1500 Series. Any color:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hi, we live in NC. The ceiling for our covered porch is tongue and groove pine with a MinWax Golden Oak stain. What stain colors would you recommend for the pressure treated wood for the decking that might complement the ceiling color? Thank you in advance!
Try TWP Honeytone color.
I live in Montreal, Canada. We experience it all here weatherwise, the cold, the heat, the humidity. Snow will be sitting on top of our deck for several months causing mold. Which of your product is the best to use for a 5-year-old deck which had another company’s product on before?
Hello,
The TWP cannot be applied over a different brand of stain so that will need to be removed fully. How to remove depends on the brand and type of stain it is? Once prepped, use the TWP 200 series for Canada.
I am staining deck for second time. There a a couple areas that we’re covered by furniture that still bead up water. What should I do to these areas before staining again?
Strip and brighten all the deck for the prep. Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I would like a clear sealer not a stain. Do you carry?
The TWP does come in a clear.
What is the Gemini Restore Kit?? I am sanding off the old finish on my porch deck. Do I need to use this restore kit? If so, what does it do? I also do not get the difference between TWP 1500 and 1000. Thanks for any info. the phone number is disconnected
Yes, use the kit after the sanding:
http://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Our phone number is not disconnected: 866-856-3325
Feel free to call with any other questions.
Hi. I tried calling the number many times. Left a message. I never got through. Would like to know what materials are in the restore kit. TX
Hi Beth, You may be calling the wrong number as we always call back if a message is left. As for the ingredient in the Gemini RAD Kits, it is a trade secret to give away the full formula and we do not offer that. The main ingredient of the cleaner is sodium percarbonate with additional properties that help it to work much better on exterior wood.
Hi this is Jeannette, I just asked a question about a second coat and while waiting for an answer started reading info. I then came back and can’t find my question or answer. Did I do something wrong?
Two months ago I had TWP cedar applied to my new screened in porch both rough uprights and the smooth tongue and groove floor. All is great however, I am considering adding a second coat of clear to the floor for added protection from rain, sun, etc. What do you think about this idea and if you agree that it is wise, is there a special way to handle the application?
I installed new salt treated pine deck boards on a 12 x 20 ft deck about 6 months ago and am thinking about using TWP 1500. Should I sand the deck before I clean/brighten with restore-a-deck? Also, how difficult is to re-stain the deck after a couple of years? Thanks.
No need to sand. When time to redo in the future, just use the Gemini Restore Kit again.
Thanks. One last question — If you want to darken the color a little, can you put on a second coat?