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.
We are in the middle of prepping to stain a new deck and railing to get it ready to stain. The deck is two years old and has not yet been treated. We have just used the gemini restore a deck and as the deck boards and railing have dried there appears to be a whitish film on all the boards. We have not yet used the brightener. What is causing this and what should we do? Can we just go ahead and apply the brightener and then stain? We are puzzled by this result.
Most likely it is oxidation that you are not removing fully during the prep. You may need to go over it again with the cleaner and with more pressure. Feel free to post a picture.
Hello, I have a new cedar deck. I allowed it to weather for 4 months, then I used the Restore-A-Deck cleaner followed by the brightener as recommended. I followed the directions on the prep. I find that now that the deck is drying I have some wood furring (looks slightly fuzzy and a little silverish). It isn’t terrible-I used low pressure and a soft scrub brush. My question is, will I be able to go ahead and stain (planning on 1 coat of 100 in cedar tone) or do I need to sand or do something to get rid of the fuzz first?
That is oxidation that was not fully removed. You should redo the prep and remove more, especially on those steps. Use a little more pressure with the pressure washer when you redo..
Hello there. My pressure treated pine screened in porch (20×12) and open deck (10×10) was completed in mid July. Should I stain in early October, or wait until spring? I live in Northern VA, and I am somewhat concerned about the winter snow and rough weather.
Wait until Spring. It will be fine.
WE are staining our deck with TWP100. We are doing the deck spokes and the covering around the bottom of deck and was wondering if would be ok to put a second coat on these about a week apart. New wood yellow pine approx. 4 months going to wait on horizontal wood till cooler weather and more time to dry. We are two toning deck with pecan and dark oak,but we were wondering what you would recommend for the cedar pergola.
No, do not do a second coat a week apart. Just do one coat.
no answer on cedar pergola cedar is rough cedar
2 coats for the rough sawn cedar. You can do that now.
I had a fence installed about a year ago & wonder how to calculate the amount of stain I need. It’s approximately 136 ft overall. I live in Vancouver, WA – would I use the TWP 100 series?
We need a total sq footage, not linear. Length x height x 2 for both sides = ?
It’s a 6 ft fence so if I’m doing the math right it would be 1,632.
Use the 100 Series. About 15 gallons for two coats and all the wood. Prep with these kits. 2 will cover the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Thank you.
What is the best range of moisture content in cedar boards before applying stains. Website states to weather new wood because of moisture content. Im using kiln dried wood and do not understand why i should let it be exposed unprotected for so long before staining. I could not find ideal moisture content ranges anywhere. Is it a bad idea to apply a light coat if the wood is already dry enough? I plan on using 100 series.
See here about KDAT: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
It is not about moisture content but the porosity of new wood.
I have a patio cover that I’m installing cedar tongue and groove on the under side of the rafters. I also have 6×6 cedar posts. The posts are in partial shade and the tongue and groove will not see any direct sunlight. Will the 4-12 month weathering time be the same? I’m planning to use TWP 100 cedartone.
Thanks.
Yes, you still need to weather and prep.
I am re-staining a post & beam home in western NC. Will be washing first to remove mildew and mold. Need to get a recommended TWP product and is this wet on wet or other?
Use the TWP 100 Series. Wet on wet.
We just replaced our steps and several boards on our deck at the beach with wood the builder called “Dry”. He says the boards can be stained right away. I want to use your TWP 1500 to help the older stained deck after it has been power washed. The deck is in full sun and gets a lot of weather at the beach and our Cabot’s semi-transparent stain looks splotchy and has not held up well. I have a professional power washer coming to clean the deck properly, but I don’t know how much of the old stain he’ll be able to remove. He thinks we’ll need a semi-solid oil stain to cover old and new boards. Please advise which TWP stain we should use and when. Thanks
Hello,
The new wood needs to season for 4-12 months and be prepped first. It would be best to do it all in the Spring. Clean and brighten for the new wood and strip and brighten for the Cabot. TWP does not come in semi-solid but semi-transparent colors.
The bottom of the deck boards is painted and I’m afraid stripping the top will leak down and mess up the paint. I hope my power washer can remove some of the Cabot when he washes it down. Can you recommend a semi-solid stain that will cover the remaining Cabot and work on the new boards next spring?
Sorry, but we do not have good suggestions for semi-solid brands.
I had 3 – story outdoor porch built last year and stained with 1501 TWP. Porch is treated pine wood. I decided to do a maintenance coat. I washed the deck with restore a kit cleaner then rinsed thoroughly with water. Since drying, the deck has dulled and there is a slight white cast to it. In 48 hrs, can I put a coat of 1501 on it. Will the gorgeous color come back? Can I skip doing the brightener? I can’t bear to get everything all wet again!
No, you have to brighten the wood. The color will come back when stained.
It is raining now after I cleaned deck with Gemini, and it may rain tomorrow too. Is it okay to do the brightener a day or two after cleaner? I hope so!!
Yes, that is okay.
I’m planning to dip new cedar shakes before installation on my hundred year old house, and will then use a solid latex stain. The shakes have been in bundles in the garage for the last nine months or so here in MN. Any comments?
You cannot stain over the TWP with a solid stain.
Hi,
We just stained some new boards of redwood that were kiln dried and had been sitting out for awhile at this lumber yard we purchased them from and I think we put too much stain on the boards. They started to develop these little black bumps that kind of feel like dirt, but isn’t. Is there a way to clean the boards up without having to redo them or is redoing them the best way to fix the problem? We put 2 coats on, but it looks like the coats were doubled because of how dark they are. Please help? Thanks.
Kiln-dried wood still needs to be weathered, prepped. and only one coat. You will have to remove the TWP fully for these boards. Strip or sand off.
I built a new cedar deck in July 2016 and let it season for a full year. July 2017 stained deck with one coat of 1516, looked great. I guess its time to redo the deck with the same stain. Gemini cleaner then immediately apply brightener, wait 48 hours after wood is dry to apply stain? Am I using 1 or 1 1/2 coats of 1516? I remember I had to back wipe the entire deck, does this need to be done with this application? thanks
Correct on the prep and stain steps. Two coats applied wet on wet this time.
Hi! I just installed a new PT deck three weeks ago. I’ve been reading that I should let the deck weather before I stain it. My question is can I stain the deck now if I remove the mill glacé and the deck has less then 15% moisture in it determined by a moisture reader? I’m concerned about the deck getting damaged by the weather by waiting to stain it.
No, you cannot do it now. It has to weather and be prepped. It is not about moisture % but porosity. There is not a way to speed this up.
Ok. Thank you.
Hello! We have a new 300 sq ft KDAT cedar deck. I’ve done a lot of research and I need some clarification regarding “weathering time”. The goal seems to be getting the wood under 15%. My boards were put in 6 weeks ago and we had to swap out a few due to suntan oil getting in them. They are all under 10%, even the newer ones, even the skirts. I’ve gotten 4 samples from TWP and the test boards all took the stain very well after Gemini prep. I have a 5 gallon of 1500 arriving today and prepped the deck last night. Was planning on staining tomorrow after work. If my samples look great and my boards are dry, shouldn’t I be good to go? And how long after application do I wait to put new teak patio furniture on? Thanks so much for your time.
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
You can prep and stain now. One coat. Furniture is 24-48 hours.
Yes, thanks – I had read that and thought I was good to go but I appreciate the approval!
We had a cedar timber frame carport with cedar covered vaulted ceiling and support posts built in Nov 2018. The ceiling is protected, but posts and support beams can catch dust, since we live on a gravel road. What’s our best approach for cleaning prior to staining?
Use this kit for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Thank you!
I used the tone 1501 ceda tone on my dock. I’m building a gang plank from ceda wood. Which is kinda the same color as the stained dock. My question is what color should I use on the new gang plank so it matches? My dock colored ceda tone 1501?
You can use the same color but it is not possible to match different wood types 100%. It will be close though.
I have 2 year old treated pine deck hot floor 6 hours a day in summer. Never stained. I have pressure washed and treated with olimpicia deck cleaner from home depot. I have lightly sanded floor to remove some fizzy from power washing. Deck dry and clean. Will TWP 1500 work for my deck. I am 72 years old and need all the proper advice as possible. I pray for a great outcome. Help gram have nices deck in Ohio. Respond soonest as deck is pretty much ready to stain. Thank You
Yes, the TWP 1500 would work very well for this deck in Ohio.
What type of wood are you referring to when you require waiting 4-12 months? I have just installed a kiln-dried cedar deck and I have sanded it with a vibrating sander. How long should I wait and do I still need to prep it?
See her for kiln-dried wood tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Can I apply pecan for the first coat and then apply wet a coat of the lighter grey stain? I tried that with samples from you and I think it’s better than just the grey. Not as light and wood texture more exposed.
No, you cannot do this.
I just had a fence built with pressure treated pine and want to stain it with 1500 to match my deck, however, the carpenter used some wood filler on the nail holes. Suggestions?
Wood filler will not work with a semi-transparent stain. It will not “stain” to blend with the TWP.
I applied the stripper and brightener about 7 weeks ago and have been impatiently waiting for a break in the rain. It may come this week. Do I need to reapply the stripper and brightener…or some other type of cleaner before staining, or just move on with the staining? Many thanks!
Lightly wash with water and apply the brightener again.
Appreciate the quick reply!
do you put the brightener on a dry deck or wet?
Wet deck after the cleaning is done.
Problem #1 We have a deck we constructed in two stages. The first section was built 3 years ago. in June of 2016. That was built of KDAT lumber. We let it weather until October and used the Gemini Restore A Deck both steps, then applied 1 coat of TWP100 Honeytone.
After a long winter, we applied one more coat of the TWP 100 Honeytone, in 2017. We thought we followed all the directions correctly. The deck was beautiful and we were very pleased with the products. Was that the correct way?
Problem #2 In June of 2018, we built the larger part of the deck with the same KDAT lumber, to finish our planned deck. It has weathered until now, July of 2019. We planned on finishing it the same way we did the first section.
But, now we are totally confused, because all we seem to hear or read says we should have put the stain on wet-on-wet. I understand the difference between new wood, which is our new addition, and the already stained wood on the first section, and I understand they have to be treated differently.
What I need to know is, “Did we do the new first section of the deck correctly or not?” Do we repeat what we did on that first section, when it was new wood, or have the rules changed and do we need to put this first coat on this new part of the deck using the 1.5 coat with the wet-on-wet method?
Or is the wet-on-wet method only used on the older section of the deck, which we do plan on re-staining this year?
Problem #3 In preparing to put the first coat of TWP100 Honeytone on the deck section we built in June 2018 and want to stain now, July 2019. we ran into a problem with the Gemini Restore A Deck system and can’t find any answers. How long after cleaning can we wait to do the brightening. We were hoping to get it all done in one day and we were not supposed to have rain today. So, started step one of the system, cleaning and rinsing off. Halfway done we had a sudden storm develop. We decided to try and finish the cleaning at least, since the solution gets rinsed off anyway. But, we will not be able to do the brightener, step 2, until tomorrow or the next day. First question: will the cleaner work okay if used in the rain and rinsed it off as normal, even though it was still raining? Second question: After this cleaning, can we still do the brightener, even if the deck dries out in the next 2 days or so? Or will we have to do something else to prepare, before we can apply the second step and brighten?
1. Yes.
2. Only one coat for new wood. You did it correctly the first time.
3. Yes, the cleaner will be fine. Just brighten when you can. It will be fine.
How to apply TWP series 100 on new pressure treated wood?
One coat only for new wood after the wait and prep. https://twpstainhelp.com/tips/application-instructions/how-to-apply-twp-100/
I have a brand new log home with kiln dried logs . Log home company says to treat within 6months. What is your recommendations.
Same as the article states above. Wait for 4+months, prep and then stain with one coat.
If there are mature maple trees and a Bradford pear tree near my cedar deck will that cause the deck to turn black after deck is treated with oil based deck stain?
Not sure what you mean? Why would trees cause a stain to turn black?
Not sure. Ours did and that is what our contractor told us. Built our deck last summer had it stained and it was already black this summer. Had to power wash it and start over.
Well if it is dirt from trees then nothng can stop that. Some brands are prone to turning black though. SuperDeck and Penofin are a couple. TWP does not turn black.
We bought TWP to stain our new deck. On the directions is says to use bleach and water to clean and prep the wood.(1:1 ratio) Also, to rinse and power wash and then let completely dry for 48 hrs. I do not see anything about that on this site, so I wanted to check here first before we continued. I’m hoping this does the same as the Restore-A-Deck product you mentioned above. Thanks!
No, you need the Gemini Kit for the proper prep.
Shouldn’t this information be removed from the directions, then?
It is dated and will be.
I stained an 8 month old dock with 1500 cedartone. Prepped by bleach/water pressure wash the day before & let dry. I thought 8 months was enough to let wood dry but After 3 days it is still tacky. Anything I should do at this point or just let it sit until tacky stain dries out?
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Regarding the brightner, do I need to keep it wet until I rinse it because it drys fast on the “cleaned” wood. Also if I spray it on the verticles will it cause streaking in the color?
It does not streak. Apply, keep wet and rinse after 10-15 minutes.
How do I apply the brightner?
With a pump sprayer.
We have 30 yr old rough sawn natural edge siding on our home. It hasn’t had anything done with it since it’s original seal many years ago. I would like to know what TWP stain preservative to purchase? And maybe some advice on preparing the surface for the new stain. Thank you in advance!
Prep with this and pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain with TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
It will look great!
Hello. I have s new cedar deck installed last summer, left to weather until this summer. We just used the Gemini cleaner and brightener and have been left with graying still around the knots and white fuzzing after it drying.. I will attach photos. How would you proceed?
That is wood oxidation that was not fully removed with the first pass of prep. You can go over it with the cleaner and pressure washing to remove more or try to lightly sand the deck. FYI, much or all of this will not show when stained as the TWP will darken it.
Thank you for your fast response! I was worried that the pressure washer would damage the wood, or was causing the fuzzing. Also, should I lightly scrub those areas with the cleaner on it to better remove the graying and fuzz…trying to figure out where I went wrong… really don’t want to sand it.
Apply the cleaner and pressure wash with a little more pressure to remove the oxidation. I do not think you did anything wrong, just did not get it all off with the first pass.
Can I put on a second coat of TWP in 24 hours time? I am using Cape Cod Grey and want to re apply the next day,
Best to do not do this. Seconds have to be applied within 20-60 minutes of the first coat.
used 1501 in past but want to use 1504. do i need to use stripper instead of cleaner
Yes, https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have used 1500 in the past and used the l501. I now want to use 1504. Do I need to strip in order to do this or can I just clean and brighten as in the past
What is the best way to protect painted walls adjoining a deck when prepping and staining?
Mask with a plastic trap when staining. The prep should not be an issue.
Pressure treated deck installed one year ago. Pressure washed, allowed to dry, then applied a transparent oil from our hardware store to a section ~300sqft, and changed our mind about the brand and we desire semi transparent.
Still 800sqft to go, what are your recommendations?
Moving forward, if we pressure wash, do we need to use your restore kit for the remaining untreated portion, before applying the 100 formula?
Wish we were recommended TWP sooner.
~High altitude, monsoons, snow and brutal sun.
As for the removal of the current stain? That would depend on the brand and type? Pics would help as well.
The unstained area should be prepped with the Gemini Restore kit.
One coat rolled on of transparent cedar tone SuperDeck by Duckback. The boardwalk is stained the wider deck portion is not.
Thank you for your support!
I let my new deck age 10 months, I than applied the Gemini restore a deck product with the intention of staining after the wood dried. EXCEPT, we have not had three days without rain since cleaning the deck. If and when it ever dries out here in NE Ohio. do I need to reclean the deck with the Gemini product or is there something else I can use for a another cleaning? Or should I just go and apply the stain? Thank You
No need to reclean. Just let it dry and then stain.
he We used TWP several years ago and loved it! This year we had someone soft wash our deck and after letting it dry completely, we stained it again and noticed that in many places the stain did not penetrate well, but left tiny raised spots of stain that looked wet, but are in fact dry. I gently used a trowel and lifted off some of the spots, but I am not sure this is the best practice to keep the stain intact. Please tell me we don’t have to start over and what we can do to fix it? Thanks!
You should be fine as long as it fully dry.
We applied TWP 1500 a few years ago and love it. However, we recently hired someone to softwash our deck and we aren’t sure what he did, but we waited until the deck was dry and reapplied more TWP 1500 and it is “gloppy” in spots. Meaning, it left tiny raised spots that were not absorbed, but dried. Can this be fixed? We ran a metal trowel gently over it and the spots come up somewhat, but we aren’t sure what to do and we certainly do NOT want to start over. Thanks!
I let my new deck weather for 7 months then put on TWP100 last July 4th weekend. If I understand right I need to do it again. What is the best procedure this time around? I would assume wet on wet for the surfaces?
Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
One coat should be sufficient but the horizontals may need two applied wet on wet.
I live in Ontario, Canada and am installing a raised deck with concrete patio underneath. Two questions: 1/ if properly stained, can I shovel snow off the deck during winter? How might this impact maintenance / restaining schedules. 2/ if the deck is pressure treated, would I really have to stain the underside? If yes, can it be pressure washed to de-glaze, clean and open the wood pores?
1. Yes. Should not have any issues.
2. No need to stain underside.
how long after cleaning deck with restore a deck can I begin applying stain..no rain in sight and 70 degrees
48 hours.
Three years ago I used 1500 to coat a fence. Can i recoat the fence?
Yes. Prep with this first: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I applied a latex stain (starts with b ends in r) on a new cedar deck. Don’t think I let the cedar dry long enough (maybe one month max) and the stain began peeling off about 50% of the boards within a year. I applied more of the latex stain on the exposed sections. I just stripped it all off after three years. Should I now let the deck weather for a minimum of four months before staining with TWP 100 and apply just one coat then a maintenance coat in 6-12 months…basically treating it like a newly built deck? Thanks. – Mick
No, it is not new anymore.
I live in Columbus OH and working on a cedar deck that is about 25 years old. The deck boards are 2″x6″. The deck has been maintained by others, probably not often enough. And probably not great products. Many boards have rotted. So in September of 2018 I replaced about 25% of cedar deck boards. I then sanded the old finish off the old wood and sanded off the mill glaze on the new wood. It has now been weathering for 9 months. I realize that the new wood wont match exactly the old wood. I put test samples on scraps of both the old wood and the new wood and left them on my patio table for the last 9 months. The color, 1530 natural, looks surprisingly similar on both new and old boards after 9 months. My customer is getting anxious to get a finish on the deck so they can enjoy it while they are home for the summer. I plan to use the Gemini kit to prep then apply 1530. All that being said my question is, can I apply wet-on-wet process to both the new and old wood? Or is the new wood still too fresh for wet-on-wet. Maybe 2 coats on old and one on new? Or one coat on all then perhaps another maintenance coat next year?
Thoughts?
Thanks
Greg
Best to do one coat on all and a maintenance coat in 6-12 months.
Thanks. That’s kind of what I was thinking.
I want to coat a new 8 x8” beam that will be used as a exterior vertical column. Which TWP DARK OAK stain is best for Louisiana?
TWP 103 Dark Oak.
We just replaced our deck boards with pressure treated #2 pine. How long does it need to cure and which product do we seal it with? TWP 100, 200, or 1500. We want as natural a color as possible. We are in NW Arkansas.
3-12 months. Prep after. Use the 100 Series. Honeytone is the lightest color.
Hi I built a 12 x 20 deck with 2 set of sets front and back last year in July, now I need to seal it, and what do you recommend for the cracks. I want to seal it so it looks like the natural color of the wood. about how much will I need to seal the whole deck thank you
You cannot use a filler for cracks on a deck and then a semi-transparent stain. It will not work nor will it blend with the stain. Leave the cracks as is as they are normal.
Use this calculator for the amount needed: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-deck-stain-calculator