Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
TWP Stain Tips for New wood Decks in 2024
When applying TWP Wood Stains for the first time to new wood there will need to be proper steps taken. New smooth wood or decking is not ready to be pre-stained prior to installation or stained right after installation. It is best to follow the directions of the TWP Wood Stain when it comes to applying a coating to new wood for the first time, not the lumber yard or the paint store’s as they do not understand the proper prep needed.
TWP and New Smooth Decking or Exterior Wood
It is important to understand that new smooth wood is not absorbent enough for the TWP Stains. New wood contains a higher moisture content and a “mill glaze”. Mill Glaze is a waxy film that results from the fast turning blades that cut the profile on a manufactured log. The high speed of the turning blades produces heat that draws sap and moisture out of the log. As it cools and dries, it creates a film or coating on the logs. This will hinder the TWP’s ability to penetrate into the wood grain.
Note: New Rough Sawn vertical wood/fencing can be stained right away with no wait and with no prep as it does not have mill glaze and is very absorbent. Just make sure the wood is fully dry. If Rough sawn wood has aged or oxidized (grayed) then it will need to be prepped with Gemini Restore Kit. One coat for most instances of newly installed 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.
Question about the following: “Make sure to back wipe any excess stain that does not penetrate properly into the wood after 30 minutes.” What does “back wipe” mean? Back brush to spread excess over more surface area? Wipe with a rag to absorb excess?
Wipe off excess stain with a rag. Make sure to saturate any oily rags in water when done.
i had a gate built for a fence about 13 months ago. I was going to stain it now. The label on the 1500 can says I can spray on mixture of water/ bleach and pressure wash it off. on this site you seem to be saying i need the cleaner/ brightener. Please help.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
How long is the drying time with no rain in the forecast?
4-12 hours.
I stripped and brightened my deck with the recommended RAD product. I am in the 2nd day of waiting the required 48 hours of dry time. Unfortunately, a significant chance of rain has appeared in the forecast that would fall within 12 hours of TWD 1500 stain application. The long term forecast has rain showing up every couple of days. How long can I go before it would be necessary to clean and brighten again before I stain?
About 2 weeks.
I have a 8 year old redwood deck that I have sanded with 80 grit to like new condition. Do I need to do anything thing else before I stain the deck?
Yes, use this kit to make the wood more absorbent: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I used the gemini cleaner/brightener kit on new cedar deck boards after aging for 9 months. I noticed some boards were still quite gray, but I stained them anyway after they were dry with cedartone 101. After staining they are still quite gray. I plan to re-stain in another 9 months with one light coat as suggested. If I use the cleaner/brightener again at that time will I be able to get the gray out or am I stuck with it? Should I do something else?
Post some pics.
Pics attached
No pics.
Oops
You would need to strip and brighten the wood to fix this next time you do it.
If the newly laid Kiln dried pressure treated Yellawood decking is allowed to dry out enogh on the surface to sand with 120 grit sandpaper could I go ahead and use TWP 100 on it without waiting 6 months?
Thanks,
Marc
See this as it applies to your wood type. https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
You cannot skip the steps in the article. Do not sand for prep, that makes it less absorbent.
Do I need to wait to apply 1500 honeytone to my cedar dock. I bought the boards last summer and stored them inside. I just sanded top with 60grit sandpaper to remove planing glaze. I made 4′ x 4′ panels to install on aluminium frame dock and panels have not yet been outdoors.
Yes, 4 months after install and then prep.
I am replacing deck boards with red cedar. I have been told to wait 3 months, stain immediately, wait until water is absorbed and not beading.
My plan was to use TWP 100 Pro series on the deck boards. Now that I have researched both on line and at lumbar yards I am confused.
Thank you in advance for your assistance
You must follow the directions for new wood of the stain brand you are using, not the lumber yard.
Hi, I replaced an above ground pool deck with double kiln dried deck boards last september. I want to stain it now, do I need to use a brigtner first?
You have to clean and brighten:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Brightener alone does not prep for recoating.
What’s the best stain product for new Yellawood PT lumber decking? The 100 or 1500 series?
1500 Series.
Is there a test that can be done to see if pretreated wood on deck is ready to be cleaned and stained?
See if water soaks in or beads.
I have a deck more than 10 years old. I power washed, but still have mildew green stains. How should I clean and prep for the 1st time staining deck? The deck is just off beach, has sand and trees.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Hello! Do I need to use Gemini cleaner/brightener kit for deck installed about 1 year ago? Can I simply clean with soap and water? Thank you!
You need the Gemini cleaner and brightener. Soap and water will not remove oxidation that has occurred.
Clean up? …thinner, mineral spirits’, zoap& water.Whats best? Thanks
Mineral spirits.
can you use a paint sprayer to apply the 1500 stain?
Yes.
For years I purchased from your dealer/distributer here in Atlanta.Name? & are they still in business?
No, they are not. We can ship to you directly from our website.
Will 200 work as well as 1500 on new wood?
The 200 Series is designed for vertical siding, shakes, and shingles.
I have cleaned and brightened treated pine deck; have noticed a couple of knot holes, about 1″ in diameter, that are holding water. Seems like I should repair these before staining? Using TWP 101. If so, any advice on best procedure?
You cannot “repair” those or use a wood filler. Wood fillers will not work with exterior stains and will not “stain” to blend. Leave as is or replace the entire board.
I have a new treated wood deck. I was going to lightly sand the surface with 80 grit before applying TWP 1500. Is this a good idea?
If you sand, make sure to clean and brighten after with the Gemini Restore kit.
I have 2 new marine-grade treated pine decks totaling about 600 sq ft (well, 7 months new); have purchased prep kit and TWP 101; question is this: It’s Friday now and I’d like to go ahead and clean/brighten today or tomorrow. Some weather possible Sunday-Tuesday but clear skies for days beginning Wednesday. Is it okay to go ahead and prep this week, and then plan to stain in about 7-8 days, with some rain possible between now and then?
You have roughly 2 weeks to stain after the prep. If it rains, wait 48 hours for it to dry before stain.
Is it possible to prepare the wood siding (RAD Strip and Brighten) during light rain?
Yes.
I have a 16×24 deck treated 3/4 bd new wood and I ordered semi solid and a restore kit deck is about 6months old what is the process I should use
Prep with the Gemini Kit as directions state and then stain with the TWP Semi-solid after the wood dries for 48 hours or more.