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.
Is there a recommended applicator for TWP 200…roller vs brush vs pad?
Do not roll. Brush and or stain pads are best.
Hi. I applied 1st coat of TWP 101 last year in the fall. Was told to wait till this year and reapply. I am working in sections as deck is very large. It rained today, Tuesday, and is expected to rain tomorrow, Wednesday, too. I have staining scheduled for Thursday….no rain. Deck has been prewashed with Gemini restore a deck already. I used a regular garden hose, no power washer. If decking appears to look dry, will I be ok to stain as boards already have one application of TWP? Or would it be best to wait longer for deck boards to dry out.? Thank you Paula
You should be okay to stain.
We have a re-built wood deck, done about 2 years ago at this point. The carpenter did a great job, but disappeared (literally) when it was time to finish the deck. The original deck had railings which were simply painted, and the old deck was a semi-transparent stain.
After construction, we hired the local painter to stain the deck and paint the railings and stairs. This started peeling and coming off almost immediately, particularly on railings exposed to Northern Illinois weather.
The painter came back this year and power washed the deck and stairs, but not the railings. This didn’t remove all the old deck stain, and although we bought the TWP prep supplies, our painter is reluctant to use them, because of the safety issues with the stripper. He came up with an alternative (Behr) but they slo recommend a stripper and cleaner. So he’s out of the picture.
So now we are at a point where we don’t know who to go to. Is there someone in the NE Illinois area you woule highly recommend for this work?
Sorry but no, we do not have any referrals for you. Try a company that specializes in pressure washing and deck restoration. They will generally be more experienced than painters.
Our lumberyards here in Northern Mi can not keep PT or any other decking in stock. There must be a lot of people putting in decks. I have found some cedar decking at a local lumberyard. Luckily I have a small deck 6 x 16 ‘ , so the high price of this cedar won’t hurt bad. I have looked at the info for new wood staining and I see there is still a waiting period before the deck will absorb sealer. This is kiln dried 5/4 16 foot cedar decking, and the deck is facing west and is in full afternoon sun.
So being new at this, I am not sure how long to wait, and will the sprinkling water test be of any help, or what other signs can I use to see if the board is ready to stain, and when the deck is ready to stain, exactly what preparation is needed before stain is applied.
I think this is a great site to have in my bookmarks
Thanks
Mike
There is not a way to speed up the staining of new wood. It still needs to weather for 4+ months and be prepped just like the above article explains.
I understand your answer, and I am not planning on starting my deck board replacement, for about 2 weeks. Here in northern MI, it is going to be the end of December before my 4 months gets here. The end of December in zip code 48629 could be snow, below zero temps, and very cold. I am not sure this is going to be the right time, with the possible weather conditions just mentioned to be putting on my first coat of TWP 101.
I guess I am in need of some suggestions
Thanks
Mike
Best to wait until the Spring of next year.
So are you saying to wait to apply TWP 101 for approximately 7 months
Yes.
I am new at this, but it seems odd that my new cedar deck would be OK, if it sat for 7 months thru a Michigan fall and winter, before it was treated with something that would/should help it last longer and make it look good.
I guess there is something I am not understanding here………………….
Mike
No issues with letting a deck sit untreated for 7 months. It is normal to have to weather new wood and is not related to TWP Stains only but all brands.
I am putting down kiln-dried cedar deckboards, will that make a difference?
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
It applies to all kiln-dried wood.
If I have to do a prep with your deck cleaner, and brightener, how long of a time period does it take to apply products, waiting time for products to dry, before I can start my actual staining.
48 hours after prep.
I just realized I could use TWP 100 series here in Michigan. I guess I was asking questions in a section for using TWP 1500 series, so do I need to make any changes, or can I start a conversation in the TWP 100 series help section?
Mike
Does not matter.
I am also getting some rough sawn cedar to use as trim around my deck, so if I understand this correctly, the rough sawn board is different from my kiln-dried cedar decking, and I can stain this
rough sawn cedar trim board sooner than I can stain my actual deckboards?
Yes, but best and easiest to do it all at the same time.
I am sure I need to put the stain on dry board, correct?
I plan on doing the staining April of next year. We sometimes get cold weather here in northern Michigan, and it can happen in April. So is there anything else I need to know before I start this project April, 2021 ?
Yes, wood needs to be dry. Just prep in April of next year with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
No snow on the deck when staining. 🙂
I have a large wood work of art that I plan to hang on my fence in a generally shady spot in my garden in the Bay Area, where we have mild winters but frequent foggy mornings. Which type of TWP oil should I use, the 100 or the 1500? This is not a new piece so I’m assuming I don’t need to follow the directions for new wood. Is that the case?
Thank you
1500 only of CA. Not sure if the TWP will work as your wood is already stained in areas and you cannot topcoat the TWP over a different brand of stain.
I ran out of the deck cleaner but still have the Brightener in the sprayer, can I still use it while waiting for the deck cleaner to arrive? How would I know that the Brightener has completely washed off? Ty
Yes, you can leave it in there. Just rinse the brightener well or 20-30 minutes.
I have a newly installed (less than 30 days) cedar fence. The pickets are rough sawn cedar, while the rails and posts are smooth pressure treated. How do you suggest we prep/stain? Should we do the pickets now, then wait min. 4 months to do the rails and posts?
Just prep and stain all at once in the Fall.
I live in Florida and had a large deck (650 sf) redone 4 months ago using pressure treated pine deck board.
1- Will pressure washing it help with prep?
2- Do I need to stain top and underside for wood rot protection?
3- Any recommendation of 100 vs 1500 stain for new decking?
4- Can I get a couple of samples to decide on color?
Thanks,
Charles
1. You will need to use the Gemini Kit and pressure washing for prep.
2. Topside only.
3. 100 Series.
4. https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Comment on the efficacy of staining all four sides of the deck boards before installation vs. waiting
4 -12 months and only being able to stain the top surface.
Thanks!
You cannot pre-stain all four sides. You have to wait, weather the wood, prep and stain only the exposed side. It is also not suggested to stain all sides as the wood needs to breathe.
Can we stain the vertical posts and railing 24 hours after a rain? It is 88 degrees today deck is in full sun. We are using the Cape Cod, on a 16 month old pressure treated deck. We know we need to wait 48 hous on the horizontal boards.
Thank you
Best to wait 48 hours for all.
Making deck railing from very large pallet wood that came from Ukraine. It is some type of unusual pine that is very dense and rough cut. Did not want to have rough surface so recently planed it all. The wood had been sitting in dry barn for over 3 years. Assuming from other Q&A we still need to allow the wood to dry for at least 4 months. Was hoping to stain prior to assembling. Is it possible to dry inside and not U.V. exposure?
It is not about dryness but porosity. Send a picture but more than likely you will need to install, weather, and prep.
Have a 6 year old cedar deck originally finished with Sikkens Cetol Dek finish i have sanded the entire deck to remove the old finish with 120 grit sand paper it is now to raw wood. i am ready to put your TWPcedartone 201 on it Can i proceedor is other prep work necessary? Bob
You over sanded. 60-80 is what is suggested. Let the wood site for a month and then prep with this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
This will open up the pores of the wood for the TWP
I have a new tounge and groove ceiling on my outdoor patio wanted to use twp stain .
1-Do I have to wait to stain the 4-12 months because this area is covered it does not get sun or rain to become weathered ? Also do you have to sand it before staining or any pre-stain prep ?
2-is twp best to use for out door ceilings to seal and prevent moisture mold ?
3- best practices for application for staining ceiling ?
1. Yes, weather and prep as the above article explains.
2. Yes.
3. Use a stain pad or brush. Tarp the patio below.
I am needing a bit more clarification sorry the answer to #1 .. this area does NOT get weathered its exterior under roof. Your answer was weather and prep … are you saying must wait 4 month even though under roof and does not get weathered ?
Yes, correct.
Thank you
I am planning to have a fence around my property and they will be using finished lumber posts. Do I need to let this weather or can it be stained right away?
Let it weather and then prep.
I have a cedar deck that has weathered about a year but is sanded pretty smooth. can it be stained?
What grit did you sand with?
I think it was 120 -150
Too smooth at this point to stain. Let is sit for a2-3 months and then clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore Kit. https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Never sand finer than 60-80 grit for a deck.
Hi – i replaced a 300 sf section of dock that’s on a lake in NH with pressure treated deck boards, the boards have been weathering for almost a year now – is it absolutely necessary to prep with the stripper & brightener? i’m concerned about the product getting into the water after rinsing the decking off? the deck really bakes in the sun for good portion of the day and is really exposed to all the elements, so not sure if that aids in wearing off the “wax” mill finish. should i only apply one coat as it’s “new” wood? lastly, i’d like to keep the color of the wood fairly natural but don’t want to use the “natural” color as it appears it doesn’t have as much UV protection – would the Honeytone be good to accentuate the wood’s color? years ago i applied the cedartone to another pressure treated deck and it came out almost a light mahogany color, so i definitely don’t want that.
Yes, clean and brighten for prep. Honeytone is the lightest tint. Golden color.
is the stripper/brightener non-toxic, i.e. – is it ok if it gets in the lake water? also, should i apply one or two coats?….thanks
You need a cleaner, not a stripper: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
They are eco-safe
ok – so i should use the Gemini restore a deck kit?
and how many coats, 1 or 2?
thanks,
Yes. 2 coats applied wet on wet.
sorry, one more question – what’s the shelf life of an open can of stain? redoing another section of deck this year so will need to stain that next year so debating whether to get a 5 gallon can which will cover both sections or just get what i need this year, also, it would be stored in an unheated shed in the winter – would that be harmful as well?….thanks
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I’m applying 1500 to an old stripped cedar fence (two coats). The can says to not apply if rain is expected within 48 hours, which is often hard to know, especially with thunderstorms. How important is this?
Typically 12-24 hours will work.
I recently cleaned and prepped a new deck. I waited 2-1/2 days before staining. Looked great. A week later and we had our first light rain. Now there are places that are white and feel sticky. What has caused this and what can I do about it? Thank you.
It is most likely just mineral deposits from the rain on top of the wood. Wipe off with a rag.
How much time after applying a cleaner/ brightener should be allowed before applying 1500 series stain?
48 hours.
Is there a minimum maximum time to wait after applying cleaner/brighter to new wood? I know 48 hours is the recommended wait time. What about 4 to 6 days?
Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
Installed a new deck 7 months ago. Purchased the gemini restore kit and the 100 series stain. Is it ok to sand down the spots where the screws made splinters in the deck boards before we clean and stain? Thank you
Yes but hand sand lightly, not power sand.
This is our porch after laying down new wood (Cedar), letting it sit for 12 months and then stripping and brightening. ANy advice? Look ready to stain?
Looks good to stain.
Thanks!
My 10-year-old cedar deck has been stripped, sanded and I plan to use brightener before staining with TWP 100. Since I sanded, is it considered “new wood” and I only apply one coat vs. two? Apply another coat next year or will I get multiple years out of one coat?
One coat now and another as needed in 1-2 years.
Can I stain new rough sawn cedar with knots soon after installation with 1500 stain since it is rough or do we still need to wait the 4 month or better weather dry out period? Also same approach regarding preparation for staining new rough sawn fir pine plywood siding. Also since both would be new wood do you recommend one coat initially or two?
Thanks
Rough sawn you can do now. One coat.
Sorry about this – asked this question, posted it, then lost track of where it was. 4-yr old treated pine deck of 2x6x8ft members. When new, stained with Rescue-it. Numerous boards have rotted. Replacing rotted boards with extra boards that have sat under a covered porch, then will flip the remaining deck boards over to the underside that was never stained. Do not have to install any new wood. Will use the Gemini Restore Kit prior to staining with TWP 100. Do I need to treat the deck as new wood, or can I consider it ‘seasoned/dry’ and proceed with two coats of stain? Thanks!
Treat like new wood.
Can sand or grit be added to TWP 100 to reduce slipperiness of stairs
No, it cannot.
I completed the first two steps using restore a deck kit. After drying I noticed there is wood fiber film on some of the boards (see photo). What do I need to do to fix this?
That is oxidation that you did not fully remove during the cleaning. You will have to redo Step 1.
What. regular maintenance is required with a Pressure Treated Wood Deck.
Clean and recoat every 2-3 years or as needed is normal.
I purchased some 18 year old redwood 2×6’s for my deck. This redwood is quite dry but not weathered, been setting in shed. Seems to need minimal prep work but is probably dirty after setting so long. Small amount of graying on a few pieces but most have no graying. Nice heartwood color but not clear of knots. I am ordering 100 series either clear or redwood (probably redwood 102 as I want U.V. protection for south facing deck). What prepping do you recommend?
Install, let it season for 4 months, then clean and brighten the wood for prep.
I am installing Western red cedar shingles on the gable ends of my home. They are smooth sawn. Would you recommend treating them prior to installation or would I need to wait months for them to weather? I was planning on dipping them to cover all surfaces.
Weather and prep since smooth.
Yesterday I cleaned my deck, about 8 months old since installed, using the gemini kit. Followed instructions and used a pressure washer for cleaning part and water hose for brightening step. This morning I wake up and find that a few of the boards have a green layer on them, I am assuming a mildew. At this point I am thinking the tempature was not high enough to promote fast enough drying. Is there something I can do to apply the stain tomorrow or what advice do you have.
It is probably not algae or mold but the green from inside the wood. Just stain over it.
Can I stain over the “green” color which I read is a chemical in the PTP wood, or should I wait till the sun dries it out?
You can stain over it.
Where can i buy TWP 100 or … in Canada.. British Columbia.?
You cannot. The TWP 100 is not allowed in Canada. The 200 Series is but no dealers in Canada. Shipping only.
I don’t see your 200. Is it fairly good? Im doing railings mostly
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Works great.
I have newly cut rough sawn Fir posts, beams and railing material. I would like to keep it as good as new with a semi-transparent stain.
Can I put the first coat on right away and next year when it is dryer do a 2nd coat… ?
thanks
Syd
I would like to avoid having to use a restore product on this new wood.
If rough sawn you can do now. Another coat in 1-2 years or as needed.
Where can i buy in British Columbia canada??
You cannot. Online shipping only.
Where can i buy in BC Canada???
You cannot. Only shipping from the states via our website.
So no problem with cross boarder on 100 or 1500 products?
They are not VOC compliant for Canda. Only the 200 Series is.
So how does that compare to the 100 and 1500…?
Again rough fir.
Works great.
Have not seen it on your website. What is the cost? And same semi- transparent colors as the 100?
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Colors are the same as for the others?
And how much USD$ per gallon?
Is it a water base ? Or how does it vary from the 100 & 1500?
And can it be applued to rough sawn wood immediately as the others can?
Thx
PS i don’t see it on the website.
Pricing and colors are on the link we sent above. It is oil-based and works as well as the 100 and 1500. You can apply to rough sawn wood right away.
Great. And after reading about it i must ask about applications to Fir. Rough sawn green. You talk about the Grain absorbing the stain but fir has a fairly dense grain so I’m wondering if it will seep in enough to have the preserving effect needed.
Second, may i get a quote on shipping 3 gallons to Kimberley BC V1A 2L3 Canada?
Please advise estimated days for arrival too. I believe it’s coming from the East Coast. Unless you have a dispensary in Western US
Thank you!
For shipping costs and taxes, add products to the cart and enter your shipping info. It will show the total cost. 5-9 business days for arrival.
if the rough sawn is dry you can use the stain.
any quick way to figure out the sq ft of surfaces on the post, beams and railing framing?????
6X6
4X4
2X12
2X6
2X4
THANK YOU, trying to order today.
or and 2X8
No, you would have to total this all up for us. We cannot do it as we cannot see it. Thanks
I have a ptp deck installed 8/2019 … I recently cleaned and brightened the deck with anticipation to stain it… but the weather has been uncooperative, now I am going on two weeks since the cleaning…. how long can I go before I need to clean and brighten again before staining? Thanks
If longer than two weeks then lightly pressure wash for prep again.
How do I prep and stain a 5 year old fir deck that has been sanded down. Thanks.
Let it weather for 1- 2 months and then use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We have rough sawn cedar fence in Tennessee, new 2/2018, stained 8/2018 with one coat TWP 1515 with great results. Water still beads, but sun is intense here. Now 21 months since stained. Should I restain this summer? If so, should I prep wood 1st? Thanks.
If it still looks good then leave it alone for another year.
Thanks. By the way, I love your Q & A sections.
We are putting down a new cypress deck. Does it take longer to dry? Should I sand it at some point?
Same as above when it comes to weather and prep. No need to sand.
I want to stain a deck. Here are the details:
530 sq. ft
50 ft railing (all wood)
constructed in mid-February 2020
Redwood, construction heart
close to the coast in Pacifica, Bay Area, CA – plenty of fog & rain in winter
I am planning to stain in mid-June. Is this sufficient time after construction? Initially there were some beads of sap coming out of the boards but this seems to have stopped.
Is the Gemini 2-step needed before applying TWP1500 in this case? The wood is still quite clean.
For this area, what application method would you recommend.
Thanks for your assistance!
4+ months after construction. Yes, you have to prep. Use a stain pad or brush.
Thanks!
I have two sets of old stairs and originally planned to use a semi-transparent stain and used a sample to stain a few of the boards. I have seen that I should use and oil and have switched to TWP 100 pro series – cedar color. Can I apply this over the boards with the semi-transparent stain, or do I need to try and remove that stain somehow? If so, do you have any recommendations on how to remove it? Thank you
You cannot apply the TWP over the older stain. Best to just sand off the sample spots.
My new deck is 9 months old. How long should you wait between applying the wood deck cleaner and the wood deck brightener before applying the TWP 100 seris
48 hours after prep.
I applied deck cleaner and brightened to ptp deck that was built 8/2019….. but it’s been raining on and off, I am going on two weeks without staining it due to the weather … how long do I have until I need to clean and brighten again before staining?
I just used the Restore-a-deck cleaner and then the brightened on my deck and now I have green streaks showing up. Do I need to re-apply cleaner? Deck is 2 years old and never had anything on it. It did rain after the brightener application/rinse.
That is internal and part of the pressure treated. It cannot come out with a cleaner.
So do you recommend just applying stain as is?
Yes, correct.
Thank you for the quick response!
I am currently building a deck which will be using new red cedar kiln dried deck boards. I am under the impression that TWP 100 series would be the best for penetrating a tight grain cedar wood product. I my assumption correct?
It depends on where you live. Also, see this about new kiln-dried wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
What about pressure treated wood?
Works great for PTP.
Naw I meant, does it need to be installed and just sit for 4 months before staining? Cause I installed the deck the past few weekends and stained it yesterday…..
Yes, let sit for 4-12 months after install. If you did not weather and prep it you will have to redo within 6-12 months.
I have a 16 year old pine deck. Live in South Carolina. Deck gets direct sun for a few hours each day. Its never been stained. Deck has been recently cleaned with deck cleaning solution and pressure washed. I’m going with either Rustic or Pecan. What should I use, the TWP 100 or the 1500? What additional preparation do you recommend? Thanks.
Use the 100 Series for SC. If clean it should be ready to stain.
I have a all cedar deck built in 2012. I live in a Chicago suburb. It originally had a clear coat on it for the first two years. In 2015, we switched to TWP 1500 dark oak. It was sanded and power washed before applying that first coat of TWP but never used a cleaner. The deck has been power washed and stained every spring since with same color stain but a cleaner was not used. This year we needed to replace one board. Also, last few years right after the deck has been stained there seems to be dirt marks all over and looks horrible. I’m not quite sure why? Is there too many coats, was it applied incorrectly or is the marking due to the dark color now? It didn’t look like that the first couple years at all. It also seems like it isn’t as fresh appearing as before.
A couple questions.
1- Should the whole deck be re-sanded then cleaned with Gemini cleaner/brightener with a power wash , then stained?
2- Clean the deck with cleaning solution/ power washer and then stain?
3- If I don’t sand the deck the new board will not match correctly.
I’m also wondering would the cleaner help the dirt mark issue?
I have attached pics. Thanks!
1. No. Strip it all off with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
2. Stripper and brightener for prep.
3. You will not be able to catch new and older boards no matter if you sand or not. New boards will always be lighter in color.
If the deck needs to be sanded, do you recommend the deck stripper before or after sanding? If we decide to sand what would the order you would recommend to prep? Also, did you receive the pictures?
No pictures were uploaded. Strip what you can first, sand if needed after, brightener last.
We ended up palm sanding the deck, it needed to be done.
Should we use a cleaner/brightener before applying the stain?
Yes.
Hi. I have 2×4 pressure treated wood deck. No previous coatings. About 4/5 have been installed for over 12 months, but I still need to replace the boards on the remaining 1/5. I would like to protect the weathered part asap, as it is already drying up and cracking a bit.
Here are my options:
1. Assuming I can get the 1/5 done within the next few weeks, I could let it sit for about 4 months and then treat the whole deck in Aug/Sept. However the weathering time would be very different for the new vs. old sections (4 months vs. 1+ year)
2. Alternatively, I could finish the 4/5 of the deck now and let the 1/5 part sit through another winter before finishing, but this will probably lead to different results.
3. I could let the whole deck sit through another winter it but that would probably cause more deterioration (potentially too much) for the older part.
What would you recommend? I live in the Pacific Northwest so lot’s of rain and some snow during the winter season. Thanks!
#1
Hi! We’re installing new floor boards on our 10.5 x 14 above ground deck. We got new 5/4 boards a year and a half ago, stored them under a nice tarp-tent and stacked the boards with thin wood strips in between to let them dry out. The wood stack is maybe 4 boards across and 5 high and they have not greyed, look okay. Just now getting motivated to install the new boards. I’m assuming we need to clean off the mill-glaze, but do we need to use a brightner just to neutralize the cleaner? Is there a prep shortcut here or not?
– Several years ago, the original deck boards were cleaned/prepped but it raised so many wood hairs that we sanded the boards, then stained. Those original boards started rotting in less than 2 years. That’s why we’re replacing them. (Those boards were one of the first batches of pressure treated wood when the toxic formula was changed – perhaps why they failed so early; lumber company replaced for free.)
– Lastly, we’re in Florida, deck is mostly in the sun – do you recommend TWP 100 or 1500?
You cannot prep and stain this until it has been installed and weathered for 4-12 months. No shortcuts.
Use the 100 Series.
We are installing a new kiln-dry white oak porch floor, it is covered (but will still get wet with blowing rain and snow). How long do I have to wait before applying TWP 1500 (TWP 100 not permitted in my state). What prep do I need to use,- maybe the Gemini Restore Kit?
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Hi!
We just built a brand new redwood deck in Northern California. We are just at the tail end of winter (1400 elevation so no snow) and it’s about to start heating up. Where the deck is built will be in the direct sun light for the most part so it will take a hot beating.
My question, TWP appears to need the wood to dry 3-4 months before staining. Well, thats fine perhaps for the flooring of it but our rails are built from redwood with black balusters. Do you we need to wait the 3-4 months then disassemble those and stain them? I assume we’d get stain all over the balusters if we didn’t disassemble. Or is it best to stain now before assembling? What will noticeably happen by staining before the wood is dried enough?
We did have rain about 4-5 days ago as well if that matters.
Thanks!
Just stain around the balusters. If you get a little on them, wipe clean right away with a rag.
Do not prestain, you have to wait the 4-12 months and prep first.
I’m going to apply TWP 1500 semitransparent on a 2 mo old redwood fence, I’m not able to stain the other side of the fence, does it effect the wood or make it warp only having one side done?
Your biggest issue is it the stain may bleed to the other side and look unsightly with drips, etc. It will not warp.