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.
Good morning,
We used the TWP 1500 series to stain the cedar post and shingles, and pine ceiling, on our newly constructed front porch. The porch weathered for 7 months prior to staining. We were wondering if we can/should coat the pine tongue and groove ceiling with a satin or gloss finish to enhance the look of the wood.
No. You cannot add a coating like the over the TWP. It will peel if you did.
Recommendation, please, for product to preserve and seal untreated Southern yellow pine used on a deck. Thanks
Look at the TWP 1500 Series after the prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
New Hemlock siding with battons from a Amish sawmill was used in new construction. A moisture meter is giving reading of 13 -15% .Is this siding dry enough to use twp1500 or do I need to wait ?
Need to wait and prep. It is not about moisture % but about porosity.
It took us 3 months to complete the rebuild of our Redwood deck in the San Francisco Bay Area due to being out of town and doing the work ourselves. The deck boards and steps are now 3 months out and had about 6 weeks of that time at 100 degrees in a full sun hot corner of the property and are visibly a bit shrunken and very dry appearing as evidenced by the grown spaces between the planks. The railings with the 4×4 posts were just completed last week. We did not buy all the wood at the same time and so it has not all been weathering together outside – the railing has more of a new wood appearance currently than the deck. Yesterday I cleaned and scrubbed all including the railing with Oxi-Clean, fully rinsed and followed immediately with oxalic acid crystals mixed into water and applied with a sprayer and again thoroughly rinsed. All is looking beautiful. My plan is to put the 1500 stain onto the deck boards tomorrow (as my husband does not want to wait) if the weather continues dry but not to stain the railing and posts for another 4 months. My questions are: 1) have we waited long enough to weather the deck floor boards 2) will I need to re-clean and re-brighten the railings and posts in 4 months (in March) 3) if so, will it be necessary to protect the already stained deck boards for the rail re-cleaning & brightening 4) will I then be able to get all areas on the same schedule with a second single coat after just a simple cleaning probably in 11 or 12 months?
Wait four months to season all wood properly and then redo the prep using the Gemini Restore Kit.
I am installing new 5/4 cedar decking in a hoft (metal) fence system. I would like to use TWP 1500 on the cedar wood before installing it is that possible? If so what needs to be done to the wood to prep it?
No, you have to weather and prep after install.
On TWP’s advice, I purchased Restore a Deck stripper/birghtener and the booster additive and THickening gel agent. I am directing people from a distance. It is impossible for me to find instructions on line as to how to apply this product. When I try to enlarge the photos of the product, it blurs. Where do I find instructions about how to use these three products together? They are going to be applied tomorrow -Oct 19, 2023
Instructions are on the bottom/containers themselves. Another option is to save the pictures with the instructions to your computer and then open those pics up in a larger format.
Also, under the Technical Info Tabs for each product, there are links for the product data sheets.
Hi advice please- porch-roof-over-screened / cement floor (not level). Climate-Daytona Beach=humid-mostly hot-today-cool-60F. My experience with a log home and decks in hot/humid/wet climate is mold. Have used expensive log home water based and oil based deck stain. New PT framing to level. Using (NOT PT) T&G yellow pine treating under boards pre-installation with Borax in boiling water rolled on for bugs. T&G edge nailed with SS nails. Due to condition of new boards I will sand top after the install with 60-80grit then roll on top & edge with Borax/boiling water/roll-on. I will need to lightly wash loose Borax residue. I would prefer a water based penetrating stain – color choice grey. Bought Behr – tested on a loose board and did not like how it looked – tough to make even & bubbles unless wiped after painting.
ADVICE ?? Stain after Borax, air dry, quick wash, air dry, sand 80 grit, quick damp mop wash ?? STAIN SUGGESTIONS … THANKS
I am sorry but the TWP stains we carry are oil based only.
I have a new cedar barrel sauna. I need a water based stain that will protect it from UV rays, snow and rain. I live in a high desert (Colorado), dry climate. I do not want the cedar to turn gray. What product should I use? Thanks!
Sorry, but we do not carry a water-based TWP stain.
Hi. We just had a new large deck with a couple of levels built with premium pressure treated pine. We live in Memphis, Tennessee which is on the Mississippi/ Tennessee state line. It is hot and humid and this summer we had a lot of storms. We get snow or ice maybe twice a year in the winter. Our deck is not covered. How so we tell when it is ready to be stained and which type of stain would be best when it is ready to be done? Thank you so much! Also, do you have small containers to buy so we can sample a few colors?
Weather until Spring anf then prep as the article above explains. Use the TWP 100 Series. Samples:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I have a house with new red cedar shingle siding, the trim is red cedar, the soffits are Douglas fir.
I would like a transparent finish. Siding installation was completed in March 2023. House is in western Washington. Fairly well protected.
Whats the recommended product and procedure using TWP ?
Prep with our Gemini Restore Kit and stain with the TWP 1500 Series.
Deck with new lumbar was built June 2021. Waited and applied TWP 1500 June 2022. Looking to do the final coat this month. It was pressure washed with water only three months ago.
1- Do I need to pressure wash again?
2- There has been a lot of fading in the first coat since last year…especially the deck boards compared to the railings. With this second coat, will it finally retain its color?
Thanks!
1. Yes.
2. It will restore the color but you will need to prep and redo the flooring every 2-3 years or as needed.
Coming back here from last year – do I need a deck cleaner or will pressure washing with water be fine?
2021 – new deck
2022 – first stain 1500
2023 – no work, water pressure washed once
2024 – looking for prep advice to apply second coat of stain
Thank you.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for prep.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
For the cleaner and brightener, does the deck need to be dry or can it be damp or wet?
It can be wet or damp.
i stripped deck with your stripper and then did the brightener step. After that i let sit a couple of days and cant believe the white buildup of i think oxidation. I went to all the work of sanding and when i got done there is still white in the wood grains. ( i sanded with 80 grit mainly and some 60
my question is look at the picture and can you tell me what i did wrong that i should have so much white stuff on the wood. it is cedar as you can see the white and the part i have sanded
Done sanding and of course some rainy days ahead
? 1 do i apply brightener know and then seal when i have a couple of days with no rain
? 2 when i apply i am only to do 1 coat right?
? 3 in between the boards there is still sealer that didn’t get cleaned and it is a little scalely can i leave that and not have to worry about it peeling
? 4 does twp have a site that actually shown the processes and problems that come up like this or is there a stain deck forum that people have the opinion on what to do etc
Thanks you in advance for your advice.
By the way when the wood gets wet it looks beautiful
1. Apply brightener and then stain 48 hours later.
2. Correct.
3. Yes.
4. You are on our help site or you can visit other deck help sites.
The oxidation does not show when stained, similar to when wet.
I have a new pressure treated deck and pergola in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I know to wait several months for it to dry. I’m thinking Spring as it’s August and temps are in the triple digits here now. I want to know three things 1. Would it be a good idea to use the Semi Solid Maximum UV Protection? (I ask because everything I read here seems to indicate I should use TWP 100, but I like the idea of that extra UV protection) 2. Do I use the same product on the pergola as the deck? 3. Are you aware of local contractors that use TWP products or will allow me to purchase for them TWP products to use that I can hire to do the work as I am not physically able to do it?
1. Yes, the semi-solid is good for your scenario.
2. Yes.
3. We are not.
ok thanks but the one thing i cant get over is how much white stuff after i stripped and did the brightening. it was very excessive and the grains stood up so high it was all over and hard. i cannot believe i could apply stain with that much showing . i would like to know could i have gotten by without sanding or did i do to much pressure washing and should i have just used a standard hose to clean and had better results.
Probably over stripped or too high of a concentration. See this article: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
I have an older deck I’ve stripped, sanded and will use brightener before applying the semi solid, I ordered some samples. My questing is, I have a couple boards to replace, will I be able to stain them or will they need to weather first?
They will have to weather and be prepped as the article explains.
Hi,
We live in Missouri and have Western Cedar rough sawed beams that we just installed to support our second story porch/deck. These beams will be exposed to the weather. We don’t have to let these weather, correct? What kind of stain would be the best? After staining do we need to apply some sort of protective coating?
The deck of our porch is smooth treated pine. Do we need to let this weather? Then can we use the same stain as we used for the cedar beams? Does it need a protective coating?
Thanks!
If rough cut you can stain now. Use the the TWP 1500 Series. For the smooth wood, it has to weather and be prepped as the article explains.
Hi I recently purchased a new home with cedar beams and shutters. Some of the wood has faded from the sun in less than a year. I need to seal the wood but want to fix the fading so it all matches. What product should I buy and how to fix the fading?
Prep with this kit: http://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series in any tinted color that you like: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hi, I’m using new #1, eased edge kiln dried cedar decking. Can I just start with 1 coat I’ve read all the new wood installation, but I would like to pre stain befor install,,, not deck it and let it weather first before staining. I guess I’m just a little confused. But I do understand I need to test to see how well it’s absorbing first.
No, you cannot prestain and kiln dried wood does have to weather (1-2 months) and be prepped.
https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
We cut cedar trees and had milled last year (2x6x16) for a new deck. Current Mositure level at around 8%. The deck was installed last month. Because it is a rough hewn wood product do I still need to wait 4 months before staining? I’m concerned because we will be entering rainy season (we’re in the Pacific Northwest) and will likely not have a chance to stain until next year. Would like to get, at least, one coat on. Also, the cedar planks look a bit rough and we were thinking of sanding using a 60 or 80 grit – what would you recommend.
Please post some pictures of the wood.
I used the stripper to remove a water based stain from my 4 year old cedar deck, then brightened. there appears to be some residue remaining. see attached photo. What is it? Do I have to strip again? etc.
That is not old stain but wood fibers.
So I just stain over it?
Yes, you can. Or lightly sand when the wood is dry to remove.
do I just stain or do they have to be removed?
They do not have to be removed.
We had our own lumber cut by a Wood Miser portable saw mill. It has been curing for over a year now in the humidity that it will be installed in for a deck.
Does it still have “mill glaze”? Is it technically “new wood” even if it’s been stored outside under cover (so minimal UV exposure) but with full air circulation?
The wood has to be installed, weathered, and then prepped. Storing ouside under cvoer does not weather the wood properly.
I had 2 gallons left in the garage and it got really cold, perhaps even frozen. Can I still use the stain?
Shelf life is 12 months or less if opened. Most likley, it has gone bad.
I am building a privacy fence from new planed western red cedar that has been kiln dried. Do these boards need any further prep before using an oil stain. A test board produced shiny areas where you see the grain. Is this inherent to the board? I have tested by sanding with 120, 100, and 80 grit and still the same effect. Any thoughts?
You have to weather and prep the wood as the article above explains. It is not ready to take the stain.
I have a 4 year old cedar deck that I have power washed and power sanded, 80 grit, off the old water based stain completely. Should I clean and brighten before applying Twp 1520 or just brighten or just apply the stain? 1 coat or 2?
Clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore Kit for best results. One coat since you sanded.
In MN I can use the 100 series. Which would provide the best results, 100 or 1500?
You can use the TWP 100 Series in MN. Both provide the same results.
I’m ready to stain my deck with a maintenance coat. It’s been about 3 years since last stain. I cleaned, lightly sanded to get off the fuzzies and brightened. 2 questions. 1. is it best application to use a stain brush or stain paid. Or do I only use a stain brush if spraying on the stain, which I don’t plan on using unless it is recommended. 2. I plan on 2 coats since this deck is cedar and is 5-6 years old and this will be the 3rd time staining.
Thank you
Angie
1. Either.
2. Make sure it is wet on wet and do not over apply.
thanks for the reply. should I do 2 coats since I lightly sanded the whole deck with 80 grit? Or just one coat.
Thanks
Angie
Power or hand sand? Power sand then one coat.
It was a power hand sander but did each board. One coat is sounds like then.
Yes. You can always lightly clean and add another coat as needed.
When you say lightly clean and add another coat do you mean do the clean and brighten steps again or just a power wash clean without the steps 1 and 2 restore process
That would vary based on how long it has been and how dirty the wood is.
I just received new exterior fir doors for my home and am considering staining the outside of them with TWP 1500. The siding on my home is 45 year old redwood T-111 and also needs protection of some sort and I was thinking of the same TWP 1500 stain to be somewhat uniform. Question: would I need to install the unfinished doors and wait the 4-6 months recommended above before I stain the doors or can I go ahead and stain the outside door and door jamb now before they are installed? (The inside of the doors and door jambs will be painted.) And, would I still need to use the Gemini Restore A Deck on the new doors’ wood if I can stain them now? I’m assuming I would need to use the Gemini on the older siding even though there is no product on the siding…it is naturally aged for 45 years.
-Yes, install, wait, prep, and stain.
-You will need the Gemini Kit for all wood for prep.
Hi, I live in south Louisana where it gets 103 to 110 with the heat wave. What is the appropriate temperature to put TWP on my dock?
Thanks,
Michael
50-90 f.
Just used the two step restore a deck on our previously TWP stained 2 year old deck boards. Plan to restain with pro series. How long must we wait before we can apply stain?
48 hours after prep.
Hi, after researching your site it seems to me that a cedar deck here in NW Oregon should have #100… Is this correct, and is ‘new’ wood that has been stored in the basement for 2+ years ready for staining? ThanQ
New wood has to be installed and then weathered outside for 4 or more months. You then need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit before using the 100 series.
Wow, a reply in 2 hours… at 1:00 in the MORNING!!
Thank you so much for such a rapid response,
Marko
(P.S. You may want to let your web guy know that the orange letters should say either “Awaiting approval” OR “Waiting for approval”, not both.)
Hello. I just put TWP 100 Series 1 Gallon Stain Color Dark Oak 103 on my deck. The stairs were recently rebuilt and I let them age for about 9 months. I only put on one coat as directed. They are now lighter than the rest of the desk. My question is how long I should wait to put a second coat on them.
9-12 months.
I am planning to stain my two year old pressure treated deck which has never been stained. It is very large (3500 sq ft) with two covered portions along with an uncovered pool deck. I am in Pittsburgh. Would I be correct in ordering 5 Gemini kits and 100 series – 36 gallons (two coats wet on wet)? Am I also correct that balusters only need one coat and undersides of deck do not need to be treated? Do all areas which have been stained with a sprayer need to also be wiped with a stain pad including balusters? How long before finished deck can be walked on/handle rain? What is the time frame to stain after Gemini treatment? Thank you.
You need the TWP 1500 Series for PA. About 30-35 gallons if doing two coats wet on wet. Prep kits you would need about 5 of them. Once coat for verticals should be okay. No need to stain undersides. If you spray, back wipe drips and runs. 24-28 hours to walk on after staining, possibly longer.
I cleaned and brightened my cedar deck last night using RAD along with a broom and hand brush to get some of the gray and what not off the surface. I previously did this 3 years ago but mistakenly used a pressure washer which resulted in me having to painfully sand off all the white fuzzy stuff before applying TWP 100 clear.
The attached photos are 16 hours post cleaning and brightening… The deck looked beautiful when it was wet last night but now appears to be a bit white/gray and some fuzzy stuff in areas..Planning to use cedar tone 101 this time for the UV protection. Do I need to sand this thing again or will it turn out ok even though its looking pretty dull post clean?
Your are good to stain now.
This doesn’t look kind of off white/gray to you? Last time after i prepped and sanded the wood was almost red/yellow looking which is what I was expecting this time.. I’ve got a few fuzzys again too. You don’t think I should sand this before putting down 101?
No need. Go ahead and stain.
A few more photos just to be extra safe 🙂 Don’t want to stare at a mistake for a few years if I don’t have to.
It does look more prominent in those pics. You can still stain over it and it typically does not show. Maybe try “buffing” off the fuzzies instead of sanding? Much easier. See this article.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
Ok so I ended up doing a light sanding with 80 grit to clean up the fuzzy stuff and all looks good now. Unfortunately we got around a tenth of an inch of rain over night and we have a decent chance for rain again late tomorrow. I was planning to stain this evening. Today is going to be 85, sunny and windy most of the day.. Think I’m still ok to stain this evening given the low amount of rain and weather conditions today? Most of my deck is covered so we are really just talking about the stairs having got a light rain. surface is already dried visibly. Second question, now that I have sanded after doing both cleaning and brightening + the little rain, do I need to brighten again before staining?
Greatly appreciate the help here!
Hard to say for certain as we always suggest 48 hours after rain or prep before staining.
No need to brighten again.
What stain and what prep do you need for new western red cedar shingles for siding.
Rough cut wood is smooth wood?
The label reads Ceritgrade 100% edge grain, heartwood, Western Red Cedar Blue label Grade 1.
That would not matter/explain as to rough cut or smooth. It is a visual. Post some pics in the comments.
Stained 300 ft cedar privacy fence 5 years ago with TWP 100. Most of fence still looks good.Some parts still beading water which is ridiculous after 5 years. Those parts look like they could go at least another 2 years if not longer.
Back inside section that gets moist moisture and no sun now showing some green and bare wood. Bottom of fence and cross supports. Outside still going strong as it can. Looking at switching to a semi solid. I’m sure I know the answer but how well would it work to do just one side of the fence now and the other side down the road? Would the cleaning and pressure washing one side affect the other side that much? Would not staining the “bad” side make the other side not last as long vs. the washing and cleaning?
You need to do both sides when restoring as the prep and the stain will bleed through to the other side cuasing discoloration and or “staining” if only one side is done.
Sanded cedar decks down to bare wood with 60 and 80 grit then washed decks with the Gemini Kit (used both cleaner and brightner) waited 48 hours to dry and then sealed with one coat of TWP 100 (Cedartone) just under 2 weeks ago. Now seeing staining that is occuring (black circular water spots) all over the decks (see pictures). It did not rain for over 2 days after sealing the decks — fyi. What is causing these spots and how do we get rid of them ? Thanks
That is rust from your screws. When you sanded you must have removed some of the protection coating and now when water gets on the deck, it will rust and this casues black marks. You would have to replace the damaged screws.
It is mid June and I am getting ready to build a small 8’x12’ deck at our cottage on the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio. I am planning on using pressure treated lumber for the framing and decking. I just want to make sure I understand how I would use your products based on my application and location (yearly weather).
If I complete the deck this year, I should wait to apply ANY finish until at least next year?
I would start by using the Gemini Restore-A-Deck kit?
Then I can apply the TWP 1500 Series stain?
Am I missing any steps? Sanding, etc…?
Thank you
All correct! Not missing anything.
Thank you. I guess I will be placing an order in a year or so.
Just received 1 gallon of semi-solid pro-series for a PT pine deck, 12 months old with no prior finishes. Instructions on the back of the can say to use bleach solution to prep new wood but instructions for staining new wood on TWP website says to use restore-a-deck cleaner and brightener. Which is better?
Use Gemini Restore A Deck Prep Kit is correct.
Going with TWP again, and I have used 1500 for years on my Dock. Now we are adding Pine Log Siding to the Cottage, and I am reading that a good measure is to treat all 6 sides prior to installation of siding. But I also read that the ‘Mill Gloss’ will prevent good adsorption of TWP on this new wood. Should I treat the back side now, and then wait for time to help with better adhesion / adsorption of the TWP for the front side? Or skip the back side of this siding as it may not be needed and then TWP the outside only in a few months
Thank you!
Eric
No need to stain all sides. That is incorrect info. Only need to stain the exposed wood after installation, weathering, and prep.
We are building a new house and planning to use western red cedar vertical plank subduing.
We are going to prestain before installation.
Can we use 30 second cleaner to clean the wood before treatment?
Also, do you recommend using wood conditioner before staining? It is rough sawn.
30 Second ia a very poor cleaner and burns your skin. Do not use it for prep and you do not need to prep rough sawn wood if it is clean. No need for a preconditioner.
My deck is 5/4×6 treated boards. It needs stain badly and can’t afford to replace the entire surface. So I want to replace a few boards; but don’t want to wait for them to dry out because the summer will take its toll as did last winter here in Minnesota. The deck is in full sun. I read about staining new lumber. Not sure what my step by step should be since I can’t wait months for it to dry out.
If you do not wait then you will have to redo the new boards next year as the TWP will not take properly. Always prep with the Gemini Restore Kit or Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit.
I’d like to use your TWP 100 deck stain on some Adirondack chairs I’m making out of untreated southern yellow pine. In your application tips for “new wood” you recommend wetting the surface of the wood twice and then letting dry for 48 hours. Do your also recommend that when applying it to untreated southern yellow pine? Question 2: Should you allow 48 hours of drying between each wetting?
You need to let the wood weather and then be prepped. See the article above. Wetting the surface 2x does not prep new wood.
So TWP isn’t a good choice for untreated southern yellow pine lawn furniture? I plan to sell these chairs. I don’t think it’d be feasible to build a chair then let it weather 4-12 months before staining it.
Yes, it works great on pine furniture but TWP cannot be applied to new wood right away unless the wood is rough-sawn wood. No exterior wood stain can. They all should weather and be prepped.
I’ve got just under 1000 sq.ft of deck, built last summer so only 1 year old. The deck stain calculator recommends 10 gallons of TWP 100 (for 2 coat wet-on-wet, so ~7 gallons for 1 coat) and the new wood deck page recommends a maintenance coat in 9 months.
Will the leftover 3 gallons of stain still be good in 9 months for the maintenance coat, or would I need to buy fresh stain?
Fresh stain would be best but the shelf life is around 9-12 months if opened container.
After application of one coat of TWP 95% of deck absorbed the stain 5% of the planks are still shiny after three days of clear sunny weather
What do you suggest
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Sanded cedar decks down to bare wood with 60 and 80 grit then washed decks with the Gemini Kit (used both cleaner and brightner). Decks look fabulous but live in MN and the weather is certainly unpredictable as well as the forecast is not very accurate most times. What if it rains before the 48 hours after using the brightner prior to staining ? How do you deal with making sure it dries for 48 hours before staining with the weather ? Should I cover the decks with tarps prior to staining so in case it does rain they don’t get wet again ? Looking for suggestions ??? Thanks
Wait 48 hours after prep or any rain after prep to stain. Do not cover.
Good morning…….If I stain my deck, after 5pm tonight, and it rains in 12 hours or so will that still be ok? It’s not supposed to rain but you never know (It shows 5-10% chance)
We would not suggest that. It needs sun to help cure and dry.
Follow up question: My deck is in full sun from 0800-1700 est. When should I stain it then? I thought applying in the direct sun is not the best application. Thank you
You stain first thing in the am so it is not in the high heat of the day.
Thank you………These conversations have been greatly appreciated!
I cleaned and prepped my new deck with deck restore yesterday morning. Was finished by 10. My deck sits in direct sunlight. Do I have to wait the full 48 hours before I stain? Could I stain it this evening?
48 hours. Do not stain same day.
Can TWP100 be used in a residential paint sprayer? For ballisters primarily . Thanks
Yes.
Can TWP be used on tongue and groove pine ceilings? I am using it for my 8×8 cypress columns and would like to use it for the ceiling as well. I’m assuming it should be fine but want to clarify
Yes, works great for ceilings.
I have a 9 month old deck that we are prepping to stain. I followed the instructions on the twp 100 can and cleaned deck with a bleach water solution and then power washed. I’m just finding out about the gemini prep product. Would it be beneficial for me to use that at this point prior to staining ?
Post some pics fo your prep.
Hope these help. Also a bit concerned about the fuzz on the wood.
Hope these pics help. A bit concerned about the fuzz on the wood also.
Yes, you need to remove the gray oxidation so best to redo it with the Gemini Kit.
I put one coat of 103 on my new deck (8 months old) after using the cleaner and brightener. Am I understanding this right that I just need to clean with soapy water and don’t need to use the cleaner and brightener kit this year for the 2nd coat? Also, this deck gets a lot of sun and dry’s out fast, should I put 2 coats on this year?
No, when recoating you need the Gemini Restore Kit. You can put two light coats applied wet on wet.
Please explain it says under “Maintaining TWP Stains”
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.
Use the prep kit for proper results whenever recoating. Thanks