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.
Hello, I’m trying to decide when to stain Pine ‘peeled logs’ used for railings and posts at a cabin in AZ. They were installed only 2 months ago, but apparently peeled while green, then sit “for a while” I’m the lumber yard before being sold. Do you think we’re okay to stain the posts before winter sets in?
Thank you!
No yet, it has to weather for at least 4 months and then be prepped.
I’m prepping a 7 year old fence for TWP 100. The fence has never been stained. I’ve gone through the restore a deck process and it knocked off a lot of grime and lightened the color, but some of the more sun bleached areas are still pretty gray. Is this acceptable or does it need more prep?
We would suggest another round. Make sure you are pressure washing after applying the cleaner step.
If we have previously used TWP on our siding & deck, can you then apply a different oil based wood preservative stain (Outlast). Our contractor is not familiar with TWP and will not use it since he warranties his work,he doesn’t want to be responsible for any yellowing?
That would be more of a question for Outlast, as we do not know if it will work over the TWP.
Pine car siding in exterior cover patio. Contractor wants us to stain & seal before installed. Is this possible with this stain? Would I need to apple a wood conditioner. How many coats of stain. What sealer or is there a sealer in stain. Color light to medium. No orange, yellow or red.
No, you have to install and weather the wood first, as the article explains. Do not use a conditioner with TWP stains. You cannot apply a sealer over a wood stain like TWP. No need, as well as exterior wood stains, will help to seal the wood.
We have a 4 year old pressure treated pine deck. It has never been stained or painted. I read where you recommend only applying one coat of TSP 1500 if the wood is only several months to a year old because it is not ready to fully absorb the stain. Since ours is 4 years old, is it okay, or even best, to apply two coats!
For your wood, you will need the two coats applied wet on wet:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
New, 600 sqft redwood deck in central AZ, 6000 ft elevation. The wood feels like it’s dried out sufficiently, is two months seasoning time enough? It is going to get cold and snow soon.
Nope, needs the 4-12 months and then prep. It is not about how dried out it is, but the porosity of the wood. Do it in the Spring.