Prepping New Wood For TWP Stains

by TWP Help

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.

 

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Scott Lazar
3 years ago

Okay, just ordered 3 gallons of 1504. I have a 12×25 pressure treated deck . I’ll be staining the horizontals only for the first time. By the time the weather here is stable warm/dry enough for staining, the deck will be just shy of one year old. If I’m collating your advice correctly: prep first, allow to dry, then ONE coat this year?

Bruce Mcpherson
3 years ago

I am using white knotty pine tongue n groove for ceiling of screen porch in Georgia. The wood has been sanded. I would like a light stain to create color consistency and reduce future graying. Would u suggest 1515 honeytone or 1530 natural or something else

Allison Brundidge
3 years ago

Any recommendations for staining Cypress on a front porch ceiling, siding, and soffits around the whole house? We are deciding between Pecan and Natural and hoped to have a less “stripey” finish. Can you tell me more about when to stain the wood? (Is there a chance that the wood is not new and is stain ready or is that the way it comes from the distributor?) Thanks!

 
Amanda
3 years ago

Do you recommend using TWP 100 series instead of TWP ProSeries Semi-Solid for new wood (age is about 18 months, has never been stained)?

Bryan Smith
3 years ago

I used TWP 1516 stain on a rough cut cedar pergola 1.5 years ago. I was gonna put a tinted plastic top on it so we can add a fireplace and furniture — it gets HOT down in central west Alabama. It’s been stained abt a year and half, I have been noticing a black color on the sides of the 6×6 posts and also the rough cut 2×8’s on the top. It looks like mildew and it’s all over. I went up to add some 1x’s for the plastic roof and noticed that a lot of the stain is peeling/flaking off which I was not expecting after 1.5 years. I waited abt 6 months to stain, maybe 9, but it shows that you can stain right away on rough cut lumber so this should not have been an issue. I’m hoping this black mildew or whatever it is will wash off with a pressure washer. Any ideas or instructions you have that will help me out? We used the Rustic 1516 and we are afraid if we add another coat when we get it cleaned it may make it to dark. Can I use the clear stain to go over when I get cleaned and possibly may have to stain with a lighter color to fill in all the spots that is peeling. Please help and thanks for any help.

We built this deck a year ago and already to treat
3 years ago

We built this deck a year ago and already to treat it with TWP. We live in Arkansas so it is cooler now. What are the current ideal temperatures for application??

 
Thomas Holder
4 years ago

Hi, my question concerns new 16′ x 28′ decking; mine was built in July 2020, however the steps are reclaimed pine decking boards, from my previous deck. The underside is now face up, have been pressured washed and look pretty good, not too dissimiliar to four month old boards, a tad but not too much. 1) Is it too early to clean, prep and stain, if so, when..I live in East Tennessee? 2) Should I only apply one coat of stain to the new but two to the older steps? 3) My kit arrives this afternoon, so I have not seen the prep instructions yet – do I need to power wash the entire deck before I began the prep? Any and all help is appreciated.

Chuck B.
4 years ago

I am in Michigan and had a new deck installed in May, with cedar railings and pressure treated floor decking, currently unstained. I have an opportunity to stain the deck now (early November) as we have a stretch of warm days (60 degrees plus in daytime) with no rain. Do you recommend staining now, or waiting until spring? I was originally thinking to get it done before winter to protect against the harsh elements.

J.R.
4 years ago

What is the best applicator for a vertical cypress post? Foam roller? Nap Roller? Rub it in with a towel?

J.R.
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Something like this?

 
Jim Powell
4 years ago

I’m just finishing a deck with cumaru hardwood and will let it sit over the winter.
Will it oxidize enough under the Minnesota snow to apply twp 100 next spring?

Terry
4 years ago

I am building a patio cover out of rough sawn redwood which is kiln dried. I plan to lightly sand it before staining. Do you recommend a waiting time before staining? Which formulation is available in Southern California?

Jenn
4 years ago

I have purchased the TWP pro 100 stain for my fence. They are round fence posts placed in the ground with a single vertical round post between them. The posts have been in the ground from 1-3 months. They were purchased from Tractor Supply and Lowes. We need to get them stained before we put the wire up on them. I am not sure how to tell if they are rough sewn or not. Do they sound ready to stain? Thanks!

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Chrissy Blankenship
4 years ago

We just had a cedar wall put up on our new deck. We want to stain and seal it with the rustic 1500 series. Reading about prepping we are getting that we are supposed to let it weather for many months first? Help!

David
4 years ago

I have a one year old (untreated but now weathered) deck, ready to prep and stain. I used the two part Gemini kit, and with the help of a pressure washer (w a 40 degree spray head, held at least one foot off the surface at an angle) I was able to remove quite a bit of oxidation. I was careful not to gouge the wood. The Gemini kit really brought the deck back to life yesterday! But today I’m dealing with really fine fuzziness – it doesn’t seem to be the wood fibers, but it’s patchy here and there (pics attached.) It seems to come off some w a little leftover cleaner and a stiff nylon brush – but at 400 sq/ft I don’t necessarily want to hand scrub the whole thing unless it’s absolutely the only way to go. Should I pressure wash it again and then stain? Or pressure wash and repeat clean and brighten? Or sand it off? At a loss on this, but want to get it right. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

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David
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thanks for the quick response! Will I need to apply a new Gemini kit after that, or should a good water rinse do the trick?

Julie Tidwell
4 years ago

I used TWP steps 1 and 2 on my deck. (The Gemini cleaner & brightened) There is now a green tint on parts of the wood. What do I do to fix that? It is a new deck about 18 months old and never been stained before.

robert simms
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

You didn’t answer Julie Tidwell’s question about what to do about the green tint.

 
c voges
4 years ago

i basically have a brand new treated lumber deck , except for the floor joists, i have been working on it thru the summer, it looks great right now, do i have to wait till spring to stain it, if i do, will the brand new wood become weathered where i have to do a bunch of prep work on it next spring to get it to look like what it does now.. i certainly would like to get something on it now so i don”t have to go thru all that work next year…what are my options and what should i do, i”m reading all kinds of conflicting ideas on what i should do, could you please help me out as i am running out of time before winter comes

Greg
4 years ago

Hello, I’ve built an outdoor table from western red cedar posts cut to 3”x3”. Posts were in an outdoor but shaded lumber yard for the summer, then in my garage since August. I routered all edges and then sanded posts thoroughly with 60 and 120 grit sandpaper until outdoor-furniture smooth. Table has been finished for a couple weeks, but should the wood still be left outside untreated to weather for the Canadian winter? It feels like the wood will get pretty waterlogged….

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Julie Tidwell
4 years ago

We have the Gemini Restore a Deck Kit to clean our 1 1/2 year old deck prior to staining. My question is will this harm the black metal spindles under the railing?

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Dee
4 years ago

Can this be used on a fence? I’ve seen only information on decking.
I’d like to know how much I would need for a six foot tall fence and 136 ft long.
Thank you

Dee
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

It is new. It was installed the past June. I pressure washed it yesterday.
I’m not sure if rough or smooth. It is pressure treated dog ear fencing. Not sure if that helps.

Sheri
4 years ago

I want to PRINT out the help guide for TWP1500 for staining a deck . What should I print? Do you have a complete guide?

Peggy
4 years ago

Applied the gemina restore a deck but due to weather, it was 6 weeks ago. Do I need to do both cleaner and brightener or just brightener before I stsin it?

 
Confused in Iowa
4 years ago

I am getting ready to stain my 4 month old deck. The product can states to clean it with bleach to prep it…the website says to clean and brighten? Which info do I follow? Confused In Iowa

Steve P Burtis
4 years ago

I did the cleaner on my 4 month old 14 X 28 cedar deck this weekend (tested approximately 10 locations with a two probe moisture meter and it averaged 13%). As the cleaner sat on the deck for the recommended 15 minutes I noticed a film forming (mill glaze coming off?). After pressure washing it still felt somewhat slimy. I then used the lightner and rinsed it off with a hose after 15 minutes. This morning the deck was dry but extremely blotchy with a white coating and cedar color coming through. I attempted to pressure wash it again with only minor improvement. If I stain it as is in 48 hours it will look horrible I assume. Do I need to sand the entire deck down before staining?

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Steve P Burtis
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

What exactly is oxidation and how does it form on the wood AFTER cleaning with your product?

DON
4 years ago

NEW WOOD- 12 MONTHS OLD
Which method is best to apply?
Spray then brush it
Brush Only
or Roller

Thanks

 
Mark Sheinbaum
4 years ago

I received RestoreADeck containers for my project. Both containers indicate contents to be 2 pounds or 32 ounces for 5 gallons of mixture. I weighed each container and they only weigh 30.8 ounces. Is that sufficient for 5 gallons?

Richard
4 years ago

Replacing 18 window frames and trim in Maine on a lake (water front) property. All the new wood is pine. I have not installed the glass and glazing yet. Assume I have to wait the 4-9 months for new wood. Should I install the glass and glazing now or will the prep affect the new window glazing? Would the pine wood weather if I stored the frames inside or should they be exposed to the elements? Do you suggest a 1500 product?

Kevin
4 years ago

I’m kinda of disappointed that my deck now looks like this after applying your 1500 stain after eagerly waiting 12 months.

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Kevin
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Ok that’s a couple weeks after application so
I will heed your customer service advice and ignore it

 
Leonard Stambler
4 years ago

I cleaned my new deck boards with Step 1, The area which was underneath an umbrella stand is still noticeably lighter than the boards that were exposed to the sun. Shouldn’t the cleaner have lightened this area? I also noticed some green straks on someboards. Again shouldn’t the cleaner have removed these streaks?

Eric
4 years ago

I built a new deck with treated pine, it weathered for 10 months , I used a cleaner and brightened prior to staining. I used Twp natural 1500 stain In February 2020 , just one coat and it absorbed great.. I need to clean and put second coat on prior to winter…. what cleaner should I use? And should it use a brightner with the cleaner again or just a cleaner ?

Nick P
4 years ago

Have a fence about a year old looks new still has a few spots that stay in the shade all day that have little grim, gonna lighty powerwash and stain it. i am in a very dry climate how long should i wait after the wash? planning 2 coats, its over 2800 sqft of fence. can roll it on and brush it out? was thinking maybe using a full size roller, instead of a mini. please advise on fastest application thanks. i dont want to spray.

Nick P
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

ok, i have never had any luck with a staining pad, i get little to no coverage and it pushes it on the surface. spraying is out of the question, its by plants and a pool area. i guess i will brush 2800 sqft of fence. one coat? or 2 coats wet on wet? which would you reccommend? in a dry hot climate.

 
Nicole M
4 years ago

I live in Detroit, MI and put in a new treated wood deck Sept 2019. It has been 12 months, do I need to stain it before winter or would it be better to wait until spring 2021? Will it cause any damage or issues if I wait until next spring?

Daniel
4 years ago

We have a new fence that is aged and ready to stain. Cleaned and brightened over the weekend, allowed to dry for 48 hours. We were planning to stain this morning, but the horizontal surfaces are wet from dew. Do we need to wait another 24-48 hours to stain those surfaces? Assuming no more dew the next few mornings… thanks!

Dennis P
4 years ago

I’m getting ready to clean my deck and bought the restore and Brightener. The instructions say do 100 sq ft at a time. Does that mean that I do both clean/brightener at 100 sq ft or do I clean the complete deck at 100 sq ft at a time and then do the brightener the same way?

 
Robin Brooks
4 years ago

Are you talking also about applying to pressure treated decking?

Robin Brooks
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thanks.

Also, just to reiterate, I think I am understanding that as long as you use the 1500 (OR 100, too???) every 2 – 3 years, you should not have to actually remove it, is that right?

You should only need to reapply it?

Thanks for your help!

Robin Brooks
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

I read through this. Thanks. It sounds like this is for bare wood, though, not the TWP stained wood. Please clarify. Thanks!!

Philip Potts
4 years ago

I am having a new deck built and it will have a covered roof. It will basically be a screened in porch. How long do I need to wait for the deck to cure even though it will receive minimal sunlight? The contractor is going to use 5/4 PT deck boards from Lowe’s.

Harry Matthews
4 years ago

Hello,
We have been following your recommended methodology for new wood:

The decks were installed in September, 2018.
The first coat of TWP 1530 was applied in September, 2019 after cleaning with Wood Deck Cleaner and Wood Deck Brightener.
September, 2020 is just around the corner and it is time for the second maintenance coat. We have a few questions before ordering more product.

You indicate using soapy water for cleaning before the second coat. Can you recommend a good soap or soaps to use? Or, should I use Restore-a-Deck products again? The decks are not very dirty and there is no mildew.
We have a full gallon of TWP 1530 remaining from 2019. Are there any changes In 2020 to the 1530 formula that would cause adverse interactions or coloration issues if used side by side? I was thinking we would use the older gallon on the vertical surfaces which still retain good color and the new gallons on the horizontal surfaces.
We have a single 13 foot long step separating two decks. I am always concerned about someone missing that step and falling. Yet, I don’t want to use a yellow line as might be used in an industrial environment to indicate the step. I was thinking of staining the leading edge of the step (it is 3 boards wide) a darker color, such as 1516 Rustic, to make it stand out. Your thoughts or opinion? Any other ideas are welcome.

Harry Matthews
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thanks much for the quick response. Just to clarify…the PREPPING NEW WOOD FOR TWP STAINS calls for using soapy water if recoating after 12 months, but you are now saying to use the Restore-a-Deck product instead, correct? Use both the Cleaner and the Brightener? Or, only the Brightener? How much of the color from the first coat will be removed? Or, is this not something to be concerned about? Thanks!

 
Sondra Stever
4 years ago

Hello, I have a few questions related to our fence/arbor/lattice staining project.

1.) We live in Western Washington. Is 100 series most appropriate product for our region?
2.) Approximately 1600 sq. feet of new, rough sawn cedar, and 200 sq. feet of old unstained cedar. Please help me calculate how much stain we will need for all that vertical wood.
3.) I plan to use the Gemini kit to clean/brighten the old wood, but I don’t need to do anything to the new fencing do I? It has been standing in place for about two months, and we will be staining in early September.
4.) Is it correct that we only need to do one coat for the new wood, but two (wet on wet) for the old cedar?
5.) If #4 is correct, how long should we wait until we apply a second coat, and do we need to clean it before doing so?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

bob simms
4 years ago

We have a new redwood deck and pergola. We have your stain and cleaner. Is there a difference in prep between the deck and pergola? Also, is sanding a process that would improve application?

Tony Woodard
4 years ago

I am building a bench with cast iron ends and cypress slats as a gift to my daughter. The bench will be used in an outdoor sitting area. Location is middle Georgia. The cypress slats are approximately 1” thick and were cut from board’s purchased many years ago, so plenty dry. Can 100 series be applied to the slats after cutting to size and sanding or does the wood need to age after sanding? Intending to use 100 series dark oak. Thanks.

 
Chris Robertson
4 years ago

I just ordered several TWP100 stain samples to start testing colors on wood scraps as construction of our pressure treated pine deck in Kentucky is nearly completed, finally. The deck boards, 6×6 posts, and 2×12 bandboards/joists were delivered in late February 2020 and construction started in March, but the deck boards were not completely installed until the end of June. Although we have had a fair amount of rain these deck components are dry or drying out and getting that grayish patina. The challenge is that the 2×12 treads and 2x6s, and 2x4s making up the guard rails and step guards were recently acquired, and are not yet dry…….

Question: Can I use the Gemeni cleaner/brightener on the deck boards, posts, and bandboards and then stain these components this November and then wait until the Spring to prep/clean and then stain the remaining components ?

Thanks, CR

Kris Barber
4 years ago

Nearing the completion of my spring/summer project: a multi-level raised bed garden built with pressure treated pine boards of varying width. The seat at the gate includes scrap wood from an old cedar box. Am also nearing completion of a driveway/sidewalk handrail with pressure treated 4x4s. Will mount solar lamps on posts when finished.
(Pictures reveal that I am obviously an “amateur” carpenter. 68 yr old retired nurse w very little experience building/painting/staining.)
What would be the best process for prepping/staining/maintaining this project? I want a great look with minimal future upkeep.
Have not been very impressed with reviews from several other stain manufacturers.
Thanks. Looking forward to your response

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Brian
4 years ago

I had a new Cedar deck built a month ago in Minnesota. Looks like I could go with either 100 series or 1500 series. My neighbor has a great looking porch she stained with 1500 series Cedartone. It has a slight visual sheen to it that I’m after. Which series do you recommend for Minnesota? And if it’s 100 series will that have more or less sheen than the 1500 series look that I like?

Brian
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

It’s not “really” shiny…it kind of appears that it might be from the street, but when you get up close it’s not actually glossy it’s matte. Does this still sound like over application?

 
Elaine
4 years ago

I have a new cedar fence, installed 3 months ago. I’ll be staining with TWP 100 series. Can I go directly to staining or should I use a cleaner first? The wood has not grayed any and has a clean appearance. Thanks

Elaine
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thanks so much for the speedy reply. The cedar fencing is rough sawn. I’d found this info about staining rough sawn cedar on your website:

“Note: New Rough Sawn vertical wood/fencing can be stained right away with no wait and with no prep as it does 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.”

Is 3 months still considered “New”? If I can avoid doing the cleaner and brightener steps, that would be a big plus.
thanks again

Elaine
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

You’re right, the exterior side (rough cut/long fence pic) upon closer inspection has faded a little more than I had thought, so would probably benefit from the cleaner and brightener.
Not sure about the interior side, though (with stringers and plants). It looks a lot better-Gets a lot less sunlight. What do you think?
thanks!

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Elaine
4 years ago
Reply to  Elaine

a couple more pics…

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James Visger
4 years ago

I am applying cedartone TWP 100 to new rough sawn cedar before I construct my pergola. Should I do only one coat or do I do the wet on wet process?

Lynn Mayer
4 years ago

Installed new eastern cedar deck 12 months ago. Now ready to stain with clear stain. Love the gray weathered wood which matches house perfectly. Afraid cleaning prep will remove gray. In this case do I need to do the prep you recommend?

 
Ben
4 years ago

Even though I kept all untreated surfaces wet and rinsed after clean, I still have residue and spotting on my composite deck and metal spindles. What is the best way to clean step #1 and step #2 off of those surfaces?

Mark
4 years ago

Just replaced my old deck with composite with cedar railings and fascia boards. I understand I should wait 4-12 months before using Restore-A-Deck and TWP 100. Can I sand the new wood now and just do the prep work in May or wait to sand. If I should wait, how long do you recommend?

Stephen C Aiello
4 years ago

Hello, I have a new pressure treated ACQ pine deck with cedar railings and cedar ledge. Several questions, should I use TWP100 or 1500 series? How long should I wait to stain/seal the different types of wood, as I was told to stain the cedar right away or it will turn gray. Also, since its all new will it require prepping or should I be fine with just powerwashing? Thanks.

Stephen C Aiello
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank you. Im in long island NY. The rails are cedar but are rough cut, not smooth. I suppose I can stain those right away?

 
Cristine Striebel
4 years ago

We have a new cedar deck, we prepped it by cleaning with a brighter, then it rain on and off for a month, we finally had no rain in forecast and stained it, then a pop up shower happened about 8 hours after! Water beaded up and we swept off excess water. It’s been about 5 days, is it cured yet; there is one spot where it looks like stain didn’t take and kinda rubs off. Am I in trouble, did rain ruin the whole deck?

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dave riley
4 years ago

We sanded 2 coats of old stain from our 12″ x 20′ deck and steps. It’s down to the bare wood. Was finished it a month ago. Is it ready to stain with TWP clear stain now ? Any more prep needed ? Can I buy TWP stain in Halifax, Nova Scotia ?

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