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.
I started a new deck in June and finished at the end of August (I added a new set of stairs prior to that so those are older). Using a moisture meter, I checked multiple boards and they are less than 15%. I’ve already prepped the deck and intended to stain it this weekend. I know it’s roughly 3 months since I finished but most of the boards have been down for over 4 months and the boards installed last, are in full sun. Do you think I’m ok to put the stain down?
It’s hard to say for certain. The timeline is 4-12 months. Make sure you only apply 1 coat.
Thanks. We had the wood delivered in April and stored under the deck. If I tested a section of the deck, am I just looking to see that stain gets absorbed?
We are also re-staining an older dock as well and anticipate needing to apply the 2nd coat wet on wet. My concern is walking on the 1st coat and leaving shoe prints behind. Is it ok to walk on (after ~30 min) in order to apply the 2nd coat or do I need to avoid that?
Yes, you can walk on your first coat. Do not walk in the second coat.
The stain needs to soak in fully for the new wood. It cannot dry on top of the wood. If it does, then it is not ready.
I have a deck that is approximately 3 years old, and was never stained. We are getting new stairs added which will have pressure treated wood. I would like to clean and brighten up the existing deck while we wait for the stairs to “dry”. Should we use the gemini restore a deck kit? Then use that again once we are ready to stain all of it? Thanks
Yes, use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep for both areas but do it all at the same time once the new wood weathers. Spring would be best. Dry for 48 hours after prep and then you can stain.
If I don’t use all the product this fall, does it store ok in a unheated garage for next year?
It cannot freeze.
Will the restore a deck ruin a previous stain? I prepared the deck for staining 2 weeks ago but have been waiting for ideal weather to finish.
I realized today before I started that one of the poles on my deck has new mold/mildew present along one side. I assume from the back to back hurricanes.
One – do I bleach before or after restore a deck? Two – if i get restore a deck on a previously stained portion of the deck – will it require recoating?
Thanks so much!
The prep should only get on wood that you plan on recoating.
Our new deck is Western Red Cedar. The finishing & maintenance instructions on the cedar state: All finishes adhere & perform better when applied to fresh, unweathered wood. Never allow Western Red Cedar to “Weather” more than two weeks prior to finishing. Do you still recommend letting the new wood “weather” if its Western Red Cedar?
Yes, you must let cedar weather and be prepped. Their instructions are incorrect.