Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by TWP Help
TWP Stain Tips for New Wood Decks in 2025
Preparing New Wood for TWP Stains
When applying TWP Wood Stains to new wood for the first time, following the correct preparation steps is crucial. New smooth wood or decking is not ready for staining before installation or immediately after. Always adhere to the TWP Wood Stain guidelines rather than relying on advice from a lumber yard or paint store, as they may not fully understand the prep requirements for optimal results.
TWP and New Smooth Decking or Exterior Wood
New smooth wood is not sufficiently absorbent for TWP Stains due to higher moisture content and the presence of “mill glaze.” Mill glaze is a waxy film that forms during the milling process when high-speed blades heat the wood, drawing out sap and moisture. As this cools and dries, it creates a coating that prevents TWP Stain from properly penetrating the wood grain.
Important Note:
- New Rough Sawn Wood/Fencing: Unlike smooth wood, new rough sawn vertical wood or fencing can be stained immediately after installation without waiting or extensive preparation, as it lacks mill glaze and is highly absorbent.
- Ensure the rough sawn wood is fully dry before staining. If it has aged or oxidized (turned gray), prep it using the Gemini Restore Kit before application. For newly installed rough sawn wood, one coat of stain is usually sufficient.
Proper preparation ensures your TWP stain delivers its intended durability and beauty, whether you’re working with smooth or 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.
Thanks. Also, if I apply the stain on a day when it’s above 50 but the following days are below 50, is that still ok?
Yes, as long as it does not drop below freezing for the next couple of days.
Forecasted to stay above freezing. Thanks
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.