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.
Reading your instructions for new wood, “applying only a single coat”, then applying again in 9-12 months. How well does the product store? Meaning I only need 3 gallons, then 2 gallons in 9-12 months.
Can I buy 5 now, use it, store it and then use again in 9months?
The shelf life is about 12 months after being opened but it does have to be fully closed, with no evaporation. It cannot freeze.
Are these cedar fence planks rough sawn or smooth?
Rough sawn.
I have new (4 month’s old) pristine cedar shingle roof and series 200 clear twp stain. What do I need to do before staining? Thank you
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
For old wood that has been stripped and brightened, do you apply 1 coat of stain the first year or 2? I’ve seen you advise both in the comments and instructions.
2 Coats for older wood.
We installed our deck in the spring of 2021. Should we apply one or two coats after using Gemini?
2 coats applied wet on wet.
I have cedar decking that was previously stained using another product. I used your stripper as directed and it raised the grain. Your previous comment here says the wood pores must be opened and sanding the raised grain will close the pores. So how do you remove the grain raise and get the wood smooth again prior to staining?
Use a floor buffer to smooth it down with a sanding pad. Brightener after to open up the wood grain.
I have a deck with both new and old wood. The new wood is untreated cedar. The old wood is pine. I stripped the old stain, sanded all of the wood with 80 grit sand paper, then cleaned and conditioned the wood.
Currently, the weather here in Ohio from 7 pm until 11 am is above 50% humidity. From midnight until 8 am the humidity is even as high as 92%.
The moisture content of the pine is currently 12% +/- 2%.
Do I need to wait before staining the wood with TWP semi-solid stain or can I stain now?
New wood needs to weather for 4+ months and then be prepped. You cannot skip this step.
Hi There,
We just build our deck (2 days ago), using Sienna PT wood. When is the right time to stain the wood, do we have to wait for a few months?
We ordered TWP 1500 series Cedar Tone.
thanks
Yes, you need to wait and prep. The above article explains this.
Can you provide the instructions contained on the restore a deck bottle so I can read it?
Which kit?
Both of the restore a deck products please as I have purchased both.
In the pictures on the product pages, you can read all the directions on the labels:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
The images of the instructions on the product pages are far too small to be able to read and cannot be enlarged or copied into another document. Can you please post the instructions in *text* (not an image) on your website so the can be read clearly?
I am replacing deck boards with Select Kiln Dried wood. Lumber yard says I don’t need to wait before using TWP on Kiln Dried. Please advise. How much TWP Cedartone for 240 sq ft of the new wood?
Yes, you have to wait and prep. The lumber yard is incorrect. It is not about how dry the wood is it is about porosity. See this article:
https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
About 2 gallons for the 1 coat.
I am having a Japanese Cedar Deck built. I got the decking from a construction material auction, so i am wondering if it is possibly old enough to not require the 4 to 12 months of weathering described above. I have attached a picture if that helps
No, you have to weather and prep after it is installed.
I am having a cedar fence built in Houston, TX this week. How can I tell if my cedar planks are rough sawn? I want to know whether I need to wait for 4+ months to have my fence stained versus staining it in a couple weeks. My understanding is that if the planks are rough sawn, then I could theoretically apply the stain immediately. I guess the one caveat is that the baseboard at the bottom of my fence is pressure treated wood while the planks are cedar.
Post pics in the comments. We can tell from those.
I have a small job deck project that will be using new wood. This wood will be somewhat visible (not completely hidden nor completely exposed to the elements) when the project is completed and will not be accessible for further maintenance coats in the future. It has already aged 3-4 months and I was curious if sanding the aged wood with a 80 -120 grit sandpaper before applying TWP 200 Series if it would open up the pores sufficiently to provide sufficient absorption to provide a longer lasting protection – something resembling what wood will be able to absorb after 2-3 years as described in your article ‘PREPPING NEW WOOD FOR TWP STAINS’
Thx…Paul
Hi Paul,
Sanding closes the woood pores, not opens them.
Is it ok to apply a thin coat of TWP 1501 Cedar Tone, let it dry then 24 hours later apply another thin coat?
When applying a second coat of TWP, it needs to be applied wet on wet, not wet on dry:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Thanks, so series 100 clear is out. I am currently going to evaluate the Cal 200 series. DO you think this product has enough pigment for UV protection? Thanks.
The amount of tint is directly related to UV protection. Clear has no UV protection. Lighter colors/tints will fade faster than darker/richer colors/ tints.
Have new (month old) Kiln dried new smooth cedar for under covered porch decking and inside the house decorative inside the house. What product is best achieve the original smooth cedar look and also preventing greying? We don’t like the orange looking type stains….
Hi,
What you want to do is not possible. It MUST be tinted for UV protection and when you use a tinted color on cedar wood you will enhance the natural color of the cedar which is a yellow to orange color. You can go darker red or brown but you cannot maintain the natural cedar color.
Hi, I have a deck (planks, posts and railings) that has been coated with TWP 200 series. Some wood has to be replaced and I have read all (I think) your instructions for applying to new wood and have two questions regarding:
1) Your instructions state: . “For new smooth wood, the TWP 100 Series if allowed in your state, otherwise use the TWP 1500 Series.” Since my deck was coated with 200 Series in a color not available with the 100 or 1500 Series do I need to be aware of any additional steps to prepare new, smooth wood for 200 Series?
2) Do I understand correctly that I DO NOT want to apply a water sealer such as “Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer” after the 200 Series has dried? That all is needed is to refresh the 200 Series application every couple of years and nothing more is needed to keep the wood protected from the elements?
Thx. in advance…Paul
1. Same directions for the 200 Series if being used on new smooth wood.
2. No, you cannot apply a sealer over the top of the TWP stains. Just clean and recoat as needed.
Wow, thx for quick response. One more question, since we need to stay with the TWP 200 Series (for color matching purposes) when we replace the decking itself and – since TWP 200 is designed for vertical surfaces – is there any additional steps prior to applying or after applying to these horizontal surfaces that we should be aware of to ensure maximum protection and life of the product?
Thx…Paul
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
With the 200 series and decking, it may take a few days to fully cure for drying, and the final color can take 1-2 weeks after curing for it to stabilize. It goes on dark but fades to the final color over that time.
Hi, I have new Cedar R/S – Rough on one side, smooth on the other. Being used for a pergola. I’ve had it under a tarp for 3 months. Can I go ahead and stain it? Will be really challenging to stain when it is installed. Thanks
The smooth sides need to be exposed, weathered, and prepped before applying the TWP stain.
Question about the following: “Make sure to back wipe any excess stain that does not penetrate properly into the wood after 30 minutes.” What does “back wipe” mean? Back brush to spread excess over more surface area? Wipe with a rag to absorb excess?
Wipe off excess stain with a rag. Make sure to saturate any oily rags in water when done.
i had a gate built for a fence about 13 months ago. I was going to stain it now. The label on the 1500 can says I can spray on mixture of water/ bleach and pressure wash it off. on this site you seem to be saying i need the cleaner/ brightener. Please help.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
How long is the drying time with no rain in the forecast?
4-12 hours.
I stripped and brightened my deck with the recommended RAD product. I am in the 2nd day of waiting the required 48 hours of dry time. Unfortunately, a significant chance of rain has appeared in the forecast that would fall within 12 hours of TWD 1500 stain application. The long term forecast has rain showing up every couple of days. How long can I go before it would be necessary to clean and brighten again before I stain?
About 2 weeks.
I have a 8 year old redwood deck that I have sanded with 80 grit to like new condition. Do I need to do anything thing else before I stain the deck?
Yes, use this kit to make the wood more absorbent: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I used the gemini cleaner/brightener kit on new cedar deck boards after aging for 9 months. I noticed some boards were still quite gray, but I stained them anyway after they were dry with cedartone 101. After staining they are still quite gray. I plan to re-stain in another 9 months with one light coat as suggested. If I use the cleaner/brightener again at that time will I be able to get the gray out or am I stuck with it? Should I do something else?
Post some pics.
Pics attached
No pics.
Oops
You would need to strip and brighten the wood to fix this next time you do it.
If the newly laid Kiln dried pressure treated Yellawood decking is allowed to dry out enogh on the surface to sand with 120 grit sandpaper could I go ahead and use TWP 100 on it without waiting 6 months?
Thanks,
Marc
See this as it applies to your wood type. https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
You cannot skip the steps in the article. Do not sand for prep, that makes it less absorbent.
Do I need to wait to apply 1500 honeytone to my cedar dock. I bought the boards last summer and stored them inside. I just sanded top with 60grit sandpaper to remove planing glaze. I made 4′ x 4′ panels to install on aluminium frame dock and panels have not yet been outdoors.
Yes, 4 months after install and then prep.
I am replacing deck boards with red cedar. I have been told to wait 3 months, stain immediately, wait until water is absorbed and not beading.
My plan was to use TWP 100 Pro series on the deck boards. Now that I have researched both on line and at lumbar yards I am confused.
Thank you in advance for your assistance
You must follow the directions for new wood of the stain brand you are using, not the lumber yard.
Hi, I replaced an above ground pool deck with double kiln dried deck boards last september. I want to stain it now, do I need to use a brigtner first?
You have to clean and brighten:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Brightener alone does not prep for recoating.
What’s the best stain product for new Yellawood PT lumber decking? The 100 or 1500 series?
1500 Series.
Is there a test that can be done to see if pretreated wood on deck is ready to be cleaned and stained?
See if water soaks in or beads.
I have a deck more than 10 years old. I power washed, but still have mildew green stains. How should I clean and prep for the 1st time staining deck? The deck is just off beach, has sand and trees.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Hello! Do I need to use Gemini cleaner/brightener kit for deck installed about 1 year ago? Can I simply clean with soap and water? Thank you!
You need the Gemini cleaner and brightener. Soap and water will not remove oxidation that has occurred.
Clean up? …thinner, mineral spirits’, zoap& water.Whats best? Thanks
Mineral spirits.
can you use a paint sprayer to apply the 1500 stain?
Yes.
For years I purchased from your dealer/distributer here in Atlanta.Name? & are they still in business?
No, they are not. We can ship to you directly from our website.
Will 200 work as well as 1500 on new wood?
The 200 Series is designed for vertical siding, shakes, and shingles.
I have cleaned and brightened treated pine deck; have noticed a couple of knot holes, about 1″ in diameter, that are holding water. Seems like I should repair these before staining? Using TWP 101. If so, any advice on best procedure?
You cannot “repair” those or use a wood filler. Wood fillers will not work with exterior stains and will not “stain” to blend. Leave as is or replace the entire board.
I have a new treated wood deck. I was going to lightly sand the surface with 80 grit before applying TWP 1500. Is this a good idea?
If you sand, make sure to clean and brighten after with the Gemini Restore kit.
I have 2 new marine-grade treated pine decks totaling about 600 sq ft (well, 7 months new); have purchased prep kit and TWP 101; question is this: It’s Friday now and I’d like to go ahead and clean/brighten today or tomorrow. Some weather possible Sunday-Tuesday but clear skies for days beginning Wednesday. Is it okay to go ahead and prep this week, and then plan to stain in about 7-8 days, with some rain possible between now and then?
You have roughly 2 weeks to stain after the prep. If it rains, wait 48 hours for it to dry before stain.
Is it possible to prepare the wood siding (RAD Strip and Brighten) during light rain?
Yes.
I have a 16×24 deck treated 3/4 bd new wood and I ordered semi solid and a restore kit deck is about 6months old what is the process I should use
Prep with the Gemini Kit as directions state and then stain with the TWP Semi-solid after the wood dries for 48 hours or more.