Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by TWP Help
TWP Stain Tips for New Wood Decks in 2025
Preparing New Wood for TWP Stains
When applying TWP Wood Stains to new wood for the first time, following the correct preparation steps is crucial. New smooth wood or decking is not ready for staining before installation or immediately after. Always adhere to the TWP Wood Stain guidelines rather than relying on advice from a lumber yard or paint store, as they may not fully understand the prep requirements for optimal results.
TWP and New Smooth Decking or Exterior Wood
New smooth wood is not sufficiently absorbent for TWP Stains due to higher moisture content and the presence of “mill glaze.” Mill glaze is a waxy film that forms during the milling process when high-speed blades heat the wood, drawing out sap and moisture. As this cools and dries, it creates a coating that prevents TWP Stain from properly penetrating the wood grain.
Important Note:
- New Rough Sawn Wood/Fencing: Unlike smooth wood, new rough sawn vertical wood or fencing can be stained immediately after installation without waiting or extensive preparation, as it lacks mill glaze and is highly absorbent.
- Ensure the rough sawn wood is fully dry before staining. If it has aged or oxidized (turned gray), prep it using the Gemini Restore Kit before application. For newly installed rough sawn wood, one coat of stain is usually sufficient.
Proper preparation ensures your TWP stain delivers its intended durability and beauty, whether you’re working with smooth or rough sawn wood.
Tips for TWP and New Wood
Let the Wood Weather First
TWP wants the wood to weather and dry out for 4-12 months after installation. This will allow the moisture content to drop and the exposed wood cells will oxidize from the sun’s UV, turning slightly gray.
Prepping New Wood for TWP Stains
After letting the wood weather it is time to prep the wood. This step consists of using the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit. This kit contains both a Step 1 Wood Deck Cleaner and a Step 2 Wood Deck Brightener. The Step 1 cleaner will help remove the dirt, graying, and mill glaze from the wood while Step 2 Brightener will neutralize the cleaner and help restore the natural color.
Staining New Wood and Decking for the First Time
Even after the waiting period and the proper prepping, new smooth wood is still not as absorbent as it will be in a few years. We strongly suggest only applying 1 coat of the TWP Stains the first time. Do not over apply as the TWP may not penetrate into the wood correctly. Make sure to back wipe any excess stain that does not penetrate properly into the wood after 30 minutes. For new smooth wood, the TWP 100 Series if allowed in your state, otherwise use the TWP 1500 Series.
Maintaining TWP Stains
Apply a light maintenance coat to the flooring in 9-24 months. If just slightly dirty prep with soapy water to remove grime and reapply one light coat. If you wait 18-24 months make sure to prep again with the Gemini Restore A Deck. After the first year or two, your wood will be able to absorb more TWP stain which results in a longer stain life and protection!
TWP Pro Tip:
TWP is a penetrating wood preservative. It performs properly when it penetrates 100% into the wood. Over applying will not result in longer protection.
Have a Question? Please Ask Below.
Putting in a new deck and wondering if I can stain the wood that will be the bottom then wait a few months before doing the top. New and smooth cedar
No, do not do this and not needed to stain to the undersides/bottoms.
We are refinishing some large posts, corbels and headers on our southwest facing front porch in eastern Tennessee.They were installed in 2022. We believe the initial products used were an oil-based Minwax penetrating stain and a top coat of Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane to match the T&G wood porch ceiling. The clear urethane coat and stain on the vertical surfaces is now failing and peeling extensively, especially in areas of highest sun exposure and we are planning to sand off all existing product. We would like to refinish with a stain that does not have a clear coat to simplify future maintenance and are looking to order the TWP Semi-Solid Stain in Boulder. Once we have finished sanding, do we still need to use a cleaner or would prepping with a brightener afterwards be sufficient? Would one coat of the new dark gray stain likely be sufficient on 3 year old vertical surfaces?
Yes, cleaning and brightening after sanding is best for the stain penetration. One coat.
Hi, We will have a combination of new kiln-dried pressure treated wood and old wood. We are using TWP 100 oil-base blue label semi-transparent – after stripping with your gel and sanding. Do we apply a single coat to new and 2 coats to older?
One coat on all wood is best. See this about the new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
And restain sooner because of new and old wood combo?
1 year?
Correct.
Thanks. Can you effectively store stain for a year or wait to order additional in a year?
Not if opened. Unopened, it has a shelf life of around 18-24 months if stored in a temperature controlled room.
Re this from above article “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 1-2 months. This cuts down significantly on the wait time and may be the right option for you.” We have learned a lot in purchasing KDAT. Having visited quite a few lumber yards, we learned that many lumber yards do not store KDAT inside or at least under covered protection outside. This means you can pay more for KDAT and it’s actually soaking wet. We purchased a non-prong moisture meter. Good thing we brought it along because not one company had one. We spent a whole day in the different yards using our moisture meter, board by board, post by post. So the KDAT label only gets you so far and the rest is up to you.
I have a new deck surface that has now weathered a little over six months, most of which has been very dry in this present “exceptional” drought in central Texas. After I prep with the restore kit, is there a particular moisture content that is desirable when applying the 100 series? I have a mini-LIGNO to measure the moisture content.
Less than 15%.
Thanks, showing 6.5% now, temperature corrected.
Also, should I wait for the area to be shaded in this hot sun, or does that matter?
It is easier to apply in shade compared to full sun.
Hehe. Easier on both the deck and on me!
I have well aged Mahogany decking (5+ years). It was previously protected by an outdoor urethane coating that we had sanded off last Spring and replaced with semi-transparent TWP1500. The area gets a lot of sun and after one season the finish has faded dramatically so we’re going to apply a second coat now. Based on reading the help articles on the website, there seems to be some conflicting information – given that the last application is only 12 months old, can I just clean it with soap and water first before applying the new coat, or do I need to chemically clean it and use the brightener before applying the new coat? Either way, how long does it need to dry before applying the stain, and how long do we need to ensure that it stays dry afterwards (thinking about all of the rain that we’ve had).
How to prep varies based on current condition. Please add some pics.
You need to let it dry for 48 hours after prep or rain to stain.
Here are the pictures of the stairs and porch landing. The porch landing is darker because it is more protected from the sun. The sanded and treated Mahogany is a deeper reddish-brown. It was protected last May for the first time with TWP1530 – Natural.
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I bought new treated wood (spindles and 2×4’s) about 6-7 months ago to repair my deck. I stored the wood in my garage over winter to keep it clean. My understanding is that by now the wood should be dry and can be installed. Then I will let it weather for 4 months before staining. My questions are: 1) would it be advantageous to power wash the new wood to get rid of the mill glaze before installing it? and 2) can the 4 month weathering step be replaced by sanding with 60 grit sandpaper? Thanks
Yes, go ahead and install it, let it weather for four or more months, and then prep it afterward. It would be a waste of time to try to pressure wash it before installation.
No, you cannot speed up the natural weathering by sanding.
I have a mix of new wood on railings and a bench (installled for ~6 months) and the deck/stairs that I stained 12 months ago with TWP semi solid.
I’m planning to clean the part of the deck that was stained with soap and water, and use the cleaner and brightener kit on the unstained wood. Are there any issues with getting cleaner brightener on the already stained wood? Will it cause any damage?
Are you recoating the stained part?
Yes. That is the plan.
You cannot just clean with soap. When recoating, use the Gemini Restore Kit.
What moisture content is ideal for re-staining a deck?
Less than 15%.
When it comes to new wood, it is not about moisture %, but porosity. You cannot skip the weathering and prep stated in the article for new smooth wood.
Hello,
I applied this time last year (2024) the first time TWP stain to a new redwood deck after is seasoned for a year before. Though I asked my neighbor to help and he applied the wrong stain from another brand semi transparent and also the wrong way – it was a mess.
So, before I used the cleaner and brightener I actually sanded the first coating of stain off – you might still see some yellow spots on the wood. After that I used cleaner and brightener and applied then one coating of TWP 1500 clear to the deck.
Question: do I have to do the whole procedure again – cleaner and brightener and then stain two coatings?
I would like to be sure before I order. Thank you for your service and support.
Marijana
We would suggest use the stripper and brightener here for application to get it looking even.
Ok. I’m glad that I asked. Thank you!
Can you use a roller to apply the stain?
Stain pads or brushes are better than rollers.
I have replaced a couple of rotted deck boards in the middle of the deck. The remaining deck is 20 years old. I am cleaning and brightening first. Can I stain the whole deck now? What about the new boards?
New wood needs to weather for 4 months and then prepped as the article explains.
My deck is 20 years old. The railings are cedar, and the floorboards are redwood. If everything were run through a bench planer, removing all of the previous stain and about 1/8″ of wood to expose fresh/ unstained wood underneath, do I need to let it weather outside before staining? Do I need to use the Gemini restore kit? Any help is appreciated.
Weather for a couple of months and then use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep. Stain with 1 coat of the stain.
Hello!
I prepped my deck with cleaner and brightener over the weekend and now there is pretty consistent rain forecasted for the next 10 days.
If it rains 24 hours after applying 1500 series stain will that be enough time to dry? (Temperature in the 70s and 80s)
Also if I opt to wait it out, How long after cleaning and brightening can I wait to apply stain?
Thank you!
It can take a rain 24 hours after applying the TWP.
Stain within two weeks of the prep.
I have an old clear Western Red Cedar deck that I stain with 100 series. I need to start replacing some boards. These will be the same species and I will have to plane and then sand them to match the thickness of the neighboring boards. How do I approach staining the deck and/or the replacement boards?
Strip off the old stain on all the wood first, install the new wood, let that weather for 4+ months, and then clean and brighten all wood for the final prep.
Do I apply top coat after first application or after second application or after both 6 to 12 months apart
Top coat? Not sure what you mean? You can’t apply a top coat over the TWP stains or any deck stain.
I had a cedar tone pressure treated lumber deck built in 2020 and will have it stained for the first time this spring. Do you recommend the Restore-A-Deck prep first? The company who recommended your product said he only power washes and then applies stain.
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener kit for prep.
Thank you! What is the difference between the Stripper and the Cleaner?
The Stripper strips off prior coatings fully, while the other is a Cleaner. Yours came pre-stained, so you need to remove that with the stripper.
Would 36 hours – day and a half – after doing the Gemini clean and brighten be Ok to apply stain? That time period is going to be sunny, breezy , and 60 – 70 degrees.
How long after applying stain before we can walk on the deck?
Lastly, lay on stain and wipe off excess 60 minutes after? Temps should be around 70 – 75 for staining.
Thanks
48 hours minimum after prep or rain. After applying, it typically dries in 6-12 hours (possibly longer in cooler temperatures), but wait 24-48 hours for any walking traffic, furniture, etc.
Backwipe any excess stain after 45-60 minutes only if needed. Make sure to saturate any oily rags in water when done and lay flat outside to dry.
I am installing wood to the ceiling of a covered porch. What is the best method to apply the stain (1500) to the ceiling? I’m not a pro, just a DIY warrior.
Apply with a stain pad or brush. Watch for drips while drying.
Follow up with photos to previous questions
New pressure treated top rails and decking installed last summer. Old spindles and posts that we had stained by someone maybe 6 years ago. Not sure if it’s a solid stain that was used. Purchased TWP Restore a Deck Stripper and Brightener combo. Use the stripper on old stained ateas and brightener on all? Will it harm the wisteria and if so, can we paint the stripper on around the vines?
Suggested color to help mask walnut stains from neighbor’s tree?
You need to remove the wisteria to strip this properly. It is not just the stripper that could damage it, but the pressure washing after. There is no way to paint or pressure wash around it.
Try Dark Oak color or Black Walnut in the 1500 Series.. TWP does not “mask” stains but can help blend stains.
I have a new deck made of kiln-dried, construction heart redwood. i will wait 4 months before staining, as advised. Should i sand the deck before cleaning and staining?
No need to sand.
new wood deck put down in sept and want to stain with oil semi transparent- contractor said he would pressure wash it first- it has had a few snows on it. Should he skip that ? It looks brand new to me. Or does he need to use the prep Gemini Restore Kit? Sun is what is so hard on ours- oil based an semi the best? Semi is better looking to me.
You have to prep with the Gemini Kit and a light pressure washing. You cannot skip this step. Use the semi-transparent colors.
Is it possible to store the cedar inside (in garage) for 1-2 months or longer, not exposed to weather, then prep and stain?
No, it needs to installed and exposed outdoors.
Does new STK S4S kiln dried western red cedar for exterior fencing that has no mill glaze need to be aged outside? Also does it need to be cleaned and brightened before staining? If mill glaze present how does prep differ?
Due to fence design, I prefer to have boards stained prior to installing them between aluminum posts. Location is rainy Pacific Northwest, so mildew is a concern.
Thank you!
Yes, you have to weather and prep all new wood. It does not matter if kiln dried. 1-2 months for kiln dried and then prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I started a new deck in June and finished at the end of August (I added a new set of stairs prior to that so those are older). Using a moisture meter, I checked multiple boards and they are less than 15%. I’ve already prepped the deck and intended to stain it this weekend. I know it’s roughly 3 months since I finished but most of the boards have been down for over 4 months and the boards installed last, are in full sun. Do you think I’m ok to put the stain down?
It’s hard to say for certain. The timeline is 4-12 months. Make sure you only apply 1 coat.
Thanks. We had the wood delivered in April and stored under the deck. If I tested a section of the deck, am I just looking to see that stain gets absorbed?
We are also re-staining an older dock as well and anticipate needing to apply the 2nd coat wet on wet. My concern is walking on the 1st coat and leaving shoe prints behind. Is it ok to walk on (after ~30 min) in order to apply the 2nd coat or do I need to avoid that?
Yes, you can walk on your first coat. Do not walk in the second coat.
The stain needs to soak in fully for the new wood. It cannot dry on top of the wood. If it does, then it is not ready.
Thanks. Also, if I apply the stain on a day when it’s above 50 but the following days are below 50, is that still ok?
Yes, as long as it does not drop below freezing for the next couple of days.
Forecasted to stay above freezing. Thanks
I have a deck that is approximately 3 years old, and was never stained. We are getting new stairs added which will have pressure treated wood. I would like to clean and brighten up the existing deck while we wait for the stairs to “dry”. Should we use the gemini restore a deck kit? Then use that again once we are ready to stain all of it? Thanks
Yes, use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep for both areas but do it all at the same time once the new wood weathers. Spring would be best. Dry for 48 hours after prep and then you can stain.
If I don’t use all the product this fall, does it store ok in a unheated garage for next year?
It cannot freeze.
Will the restore a deck ruin a previous stain? I prepared the deck for staining 2 weeks ago but have been waiting for ideal weather to finish.
I realized today before I started that one of the poles on my deck has new mold/mildew present along one side. I assume from the back to back hurricanes.
One – do I bleach before or after restore a deck? Two – if i get restore a deck on a previously stained portion of the deck – will it require recoating?
Thanks so much!
The prep should only get on wood that you plan on recoating.
Our new deck is Western Red Cedar. The finishing & maintenance instructions on the cedar state: All finishes adhere & perform better when applied to fresh, unweathered wood. Never allow Western Red Cedar to “Weather” more than two weeks prior to finishing. Do you still recommend letting the new wood “weather” if its Western Red Cedar?
Yes, you must let cedar weather and be prepped. Their instructions are incorrect.