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.
Hi,
I applied the Gemini Restore Kit to my deck and the results doesn’t look great before applying stain. The wood has improved vs the previous greyish look it had, but it has white residual all over the boards, any idea what went wrong or is this normal?
How could I clean this before applying the TWP Stain?
The wood/deck is a year old.
You do not remove all of the oxidized wood cells. Did you use a pressure washer to remove after applying the cleaner. Most likely this will not show anyhow when you stain the wood so it may not matter.
Thanks for your quick answer.
Yes I did use pressure washer after cleaner application and also rinsed the deck.
I’m staining with TWP116, do you think it is a safe bet to apply it or should I try to do some more prep?
Thanks
Does it look okay when wet with water? If so they go ahead and stain.
We have a deck that was built with Yellawood last April (2014) and are ready to clean/stain/seal it, we live in central KY. 2 questions, 1) what stain should we use 100 or 1500, and 2) other than smoothness, would there be any good or bad with sanding the top rail & decking boards?
Use the 100 Series. Sanding reduces stain absorption and could create longevity issues. Best to buff with a sanding pad. No more then 80 grit.
looking at staining a roof not finished 5 yrs old , what will I need to clean and finish roof
Gemini Restore Kit for the prep and TWP 200 Series for the roof.
I sanded my deck and dock before I started. I used the cleaner and brightener before I stained. I purchased 20 gal of product and have about 6 left. I did a double roll a little wet and in a few places it is a little lighter. I finished in the middle of Sept 2014. Can I roll a light coat on this spring? If not when??
Thanks….
Yes you can but you will need to lightly prep first. Clean to remove any dirt but not the current stain. Apply once very light coat when weather is warm enough.
I just built a table using Western Red Cedar fence pickets. These fence pickets were bought rough sawn, but I planed them flat. What will be the appropriate time to allow this to season before application of stain for best results?
Since you planed them you should wait about 4 months and prep first with the Gemini Kit before staining.
I have a new deck built with non pressure treated fir lumber. (Dumb I know. Felll for bad advice) I’ve already coated it with Thompson’s Water Sealer. Do I have to clean off the Thompson’s, and do i have to wait the 4 months to apply? Also, should I use the 100 or 1500? Live in Kansas. Thanks!
Yes to have to remove/strip the Thompsons before applying the TWP. Need to wait at least 4 months. Use the 100 Series for this new deck in KS.
So my plan of action would be,
-after 4 months use the Restore-a-deck kit applied with a power sprayer, then apply a 100 series product?
-What kind of maintenance would you recommend after that and how often?
-After using this product and following your maintenance guidelines, how much life should I expect from my non pressure treated deck?
Thanks so much for your help!
You do not apply the RAD kit with a power sprayer. You apply it with a pump sprayer and pressure wash off. You can clean and reapply every 2 years on average. I would assume it you keep it up it would lats for 10-20 years or more.
Great! Thanks again.
Welcome!
TWP: we had the 14 x 16 redwood deck installed in July 2014. We will be:
1. Use Gemini Restore a Kit 1st
2. Apply 1 coat of TWPStain
3. Apply a maintenance coat of TWPStain early next year
Are these steps correct?
Yes that would be correct!
What should the temperature be when I stain?
45-90 degrees is the range with 70-80 the best temps for usability.
We are in Tennessee and are building a timber framed veranda with Douglas Fir and plan to use TWP 1500 because of the color selection. From the directions, we plan to wait 4 months before applying stain and will clean and brighten the wood before application. Because of the nature of fir to be prone to staining unevenly, do you recommend a pre-stain wood conditioner to prevent a blotchy appearance and provide a more even finish? If so, what product would you recommend? Thank you.
No a pre-stain conditioner will not work with TWP.
Do I need to do the same prep for a new cedar fence or can I apply TWP 100 directly? I am in Montana. Fence is in a mix of shade & sun. Thanks.
If smooth wood on the fence then you need to wait and prep. If rough sawn, you can stain right away with no prep needed.
Our PT fence has been allowed to weather for 6 months over the winter, and is currently testing at 12% moisture. I plan on applying the Gemini kit and washing down the fence with a pressure washer this weekend, but won’t be able to have the time to apply TWP 1500 for maybe one or two weeks. Is that okay? Or does the stain have to go on right after the gemini kit application?
Yes you can wait 1-2 weeks after prep for the stain application.
Built a new cedar deck, finished around September of 2013. I purchased the pecan stain for the deck and planned to do it around 12 months later to allow seasoning. The weather turned cold too fast so now the new cedar has had two winters without being stained. I’m just outside St. Paul, MN so extreme cold and direct sun most of the day.
My questions are, after I use the Gemini kit, do I just do one application or should I do a wet on wet dual application? How long until I do another coating? The stain I purchased has never been opened and is stored inside still in the metal 5 gallon cans…. Any concerns on the stain?
Thanks!
You are fine with the stain, just stir it well since it does settle some. Do the 2 coats applied wet on wet now since it has been a year and and half. Do another maintenance coat in 18-24 hours months or as needed.
I’m in nearly the same situation. Ideally application of the stain should follow a couple of days after the prep with the Gemini kit. But finding a window of 4 to 6 days without rain can be difficult. Once the two step prep is done, how long can one wait before applying the stain?
You should stain within 1-2 weeks after the prep.
I just built a western red cedar deck and the wood was dry when I laid it down, it has sat for 3 weeks in good weather ,can I apply twp in clear sealer now I am in CA.
As the article states, you will need to wait at least 4 months and prepped correctly.
Just installed a cedar fence with treated pine posts. Cedar has been kiln-dried and is rough cut. Ordered the TWP 101 Cedartone. How long before applying given the two types of wood used? Thanks in advance.
Since it is vertical and 95% rough, go ahead and stain now. You will be fine but only do one coat on the PTP.
What should I expect if I apply a stain sooner than the recommended seasoning period for a new deck? I want to protect for the winter and don’t want to wait for the 4+ months. Can I apply now for some protection then apply again in 4 to 12 months? I’m going to use TWP 101 on pressure treated boards. Also is there no such thing as the Gemini wood prep used to prep specifically new lumber?
Gemini Wood Prep is no longer available. If you apply sooner then suggested then you will need to redo within a year. It also will not apply as evenly as it will not absorb very well into new wood.
I’m getting ready to install T&G cypress flooring on a covered (sides open) porch. The smooth wood is not absorbing stain effectively (TWP 1500). Since the porch is covered, installing the flooring and waiting for it to weather for a few months doesn’t seem like an effective approach. Will rough sanding (like 60 grit or 80 grit) help with absorption or is there a better method?
You cannot speed up the process of waiting for the wood to season. Sanding will not help. Best to wait until Spring until the wood oxidizes some then prep with the Gemini Kit. Only apply one coat.
I have been researching a lot on when to stain a new deck and found various different answers. We live in St. Louis, MO, and we are expose to all 4 seasons. We had the cedar decking put in the middle of June, and I was told (as you mentioned in this article) to wait at least 6 months. These last few winters have been harsh and I am worried that if I don’t stain the deck before then the winter will ruin the deck. Should i wait until March (since we are approaching temps that are unsuitable to staining) or stain now? If not, what stain would you recommend?
Up to you. One Winter without protection will not harm the wood but you will need to prep a little more as it will gray more.
Hey there. Just stained our heart b redwood deck (TWP 1500 Black Walnut, live in CA). Built it in May and it has been exposed to the elements since then (it was a green product when we laid it) We cleaned it using the restore-a-deck cleaner (and brushed it w deck brush),followed by brightener. Let it dry 2 days. The goal was to try and remove much of the mill glaze. We applied one coat of the black walnut. Looks sharp, but now 4+ days later it isn’t drying uniformly. Shiny in spots, tacky and in some cases the stain is just not penetrating on some boards but better in others. Worried that the wood just isn’t dry enough or we didn’t get the glaze off. What do you recommend? Thanks.
When is is shiny then it means the stain was over applied or wood was not prepped well enough. Try wiping down the deck with mineral spririts and rangs to remove the excess stain that has not penetrated into the wood. When done make sure to put all oily rags in water to avoid an accident.
Thanks. When we tried the mineral spirits (as I read in other posts), the stain came right off in areas, i.e. did not penetrate. The deck would look awful. Wondering if we should just remove the stain with a stripper, clean again and let weather more…..if we just left it alone would the stain eventually dry?
Yes it will dry. Leave alone and if still an issue it will be much easier to fix in the Spring.
TWP Clear will not offer protection from UV/graying. You must choose one of the tinted TWP colors for this. all instructions are on this website: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/tips/application-instructions/
Have waited one year since installing my red cedar fence, cleaned and brightened with Gemini. I understand new smooth wood should only get one coat. But the outside of the fence is rough sawn cedar. Is it best to just do a single coat on the rough, or should I apply wet on wet? Using #1504.
Since it is a year old do the 2 coats wet on wet.
Wet on wet on both the smooth and rough sides?
Also, is the viscosity of the 1500 series stain thin enough to use a regular pump garden sprayer for application? And, how in the heck do you keep from spilling stain trying to pour out of the full 5 gallon can into the neck of the sprayer? :/
Yes on both sides. You can spray the 1500 with a regular pump sprayer but you will need to back wipe any drips and to ensure an even application of the TWP. Pour slowly and use a funnel if needed.
Only 1 coat for new wood so more like 4 gallons. New kiln dried needs to season for a month outside. PTP needs 4+ months to season. Both need to be prepped with the Gemini Restore Kit.
You would need to install first and weather: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Before staining, can I/should I sand first?
Clean and brighten for prep is better then sanding.
That will not be an issue.
I have new western red cedar wood decking 5/4×6 with mill glaze. It was recommended by the Western Red Cedar Association to stain both sides of the boards to fully protect the cedar. I have Gemini restore-a-deck kit and TWP 1500 Stain. Can I stain the back of the decking with one coat without using the cleaner/brighter, install the decking and then apply the restore-a-deck kit and stain after the decking is installed? Will the stain on the back of the decking penetrate and protect? What are your recommendations?
There is not advantage to doing the underside. You actually can create more of an issue. Please read this about new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I am in California and built an 1100 sq. ft redwood deck in June of 2014. California summers are very warm. Is it advisable to now stain the deck or should we continue to wait? What product should we use? What are the steps we should follow to ensure a quality finish? Where can I purchase the recommended products?
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and TWP 1500. Please read this about new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You can buy here:
http://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
When I use Restore A Deck cleaner can I immediately use the brightener or do I have to use the cleaner, let it dry then use the brightener, and let it dry?
Use the brightener right after you are done with the cleaning. No need to let dry.
I am installing a southern pine pressure treated and kiln dried tongue and groove porch floor. I was told that the flooring needs to be stained and sealed on all sides including cuts BEFORE installation. If I use TWP 1504 do I need to stain before or after installation and do I need a sealer as well or is this product a stain and sealer?
You do not prestain with the TWP. You do not need a sealer on top. No need.
Best to leave it alone until it full cures in a week or so.
I didn’t read your directions before I applied 2 coats of the Rustic 100 to my new cedar deck. It then rained heavily a few hours after I got done with the second coat. The surface is now blotchy and looks terrible. Is there anything I can do to make the color/coverage look more even?
Unfortunately you will need to strip and remove to fix.
Yes you need to let the wood age for 4-12 months and you you should prep with Gemini Restore Kit first. You do not want the wood overly smooth. That will hinder the stains ability to penetrate into the wood.
Thank you.
That is just bleach with soap. It should be okay to proceed.
I have an older pressure treated deck that I sanded old, worn stain off of 2 years ago and left bare. Some deck boards have recently been replaced with new pressure treated wood. I have scrubbed the pergolas and railings with deck cleaner and would like to stain them now. Do I have to wash with deck brightener first? They already look bright and the grey is gone. I’m concerned about having enough drying time before too many rainy fall days in New England so I hate to wash with something else if it’s not necessary.
You probably are okay to proceed.
So even if I just cleaned with deck wash 2 days ago, I don’t need to neutralize with a deck brightener?
It really depends on the brand of cleaner you used.
I used Behr Premium All-In-One Wood Cleaner that “cleans, brightens & removes mold & mildew stains. It does say that it neutralizes wood after stripping. So I guess it’s a cleaner and neutralizer too?
My new cedar deck was installed 2 months ago in June. How long should I let deck weather before cleaning and staining? I live in Michigan and winter is around corner. What have read is I should wait at least 4 to 12 months to let deck weather. I only have about 2 months before winter weather. Should I wait until next spring to clean and stain or try prior to cold
weather this season? If I try to stain this season the deck will have only weathered for 4 months. Should I wait until spring for proper aging?
Either way will be fine. You can do a light coat this year and another light coat next year if you want too.
We just had new deck boards installed 2 weeks ago. They are pressure treated using micronized copper azole. I would like to know how soon I will be able to stain. I would like to stain before the weather starts getting bad if possible. We live in southern Illinois.
Hello and please read this about new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I would like to know what color (either TWP 100 or 1500) will be as natural looking as possible & still protect my cedar from graying? In the past we used TWP 100 cedartone & it was wonderful protection. We replaced all the deck boards & are ready to stain again, but I want a more natural finish, with all the protection. Thank you.
Honeytone color is lighter then the Cedartone. Problem is that lighter colors will fade faster. Please read this as well for new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Most likely you are ready to go!
We have just installed a new cedar deck (flooring) the spindles and hand rail will not be cedar. I have two questions:
1. Will the spindles and hand rail stain the same color?
2. Should I use the stain this year on the spindles and handrail or should I wait to do it all at the same time….after the designated waiting period?
1. Depends on the other wood type but most likely will be different in color.
2. Do it all at once and use the same color.
Another question, the kiln dried red cedar has been down for about a month, can/should I sand it? there is a mill glaze and some rough spots. I read the moisture content with a meter and it’s less than 10. Will sanding remove the mill glaze? If so what grit should I use? thanks
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep and removing the mill glaze, not sanding.
If you sanded after the kit then rinse with water to remove dust and let dry for 2 days. Stain after drying.
Hi, I am in the process of completely rebuilding a 50’x12′ deck on a log home at 9,050′ in the Colorado Rockies. I have replaced all of the support structure, including 2″x10″x12′ joists, covered them with “protecto-wrap” bitchethane. I am now ready to put down s4s stk Western Red Cedar 2″x6″x16′ & 8′ KILN DRIED decking, raw. Since it’s kiln dried, should I still wait until next year to seal? Thanks.
No, you can wait a few weeks, lightly prep to remove mill glaze with Gemini Kit and then stain.
Please read this: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
yes, using pressure washer carefully so as not to damage wood. Will using Restore-a-deck instead of Cabot help? Should I just clean again?
Yes it should as the white is mostly damage wood cells and that is what you want to remove.
You should clean with both sides. Are you using a pressure washer while using the cleaner to remove the mill glaze and damaged wood cells that have turned white?
You can paint first as long as you do not get any paint on the deck and steps.
I have a new cedar deck that I am getting ready to seal. I have allowed it to weather 5 months. What grit sandpaper do you recommend for sanding the deck surface prior to applying TWP 101?
You should not sand but use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep of the wood.
What is the best natural looking stain for a cedar fence in Houston, TX? The fence is about 2.5 months old. It is already turning gray from the sprinkler system. Tks!
Try the TWP 1515 Honeytone.
http://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Thanks!
Please read this about new wood: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Since it is kiln dried and vertical wood you can go ahead and apply one coat now,
The deck wood is rough sawn? That is not normal for decking. Please confirm as it makes a big difference as to when you can stain new wood.
Sorry – it is a fence, not a deck. Yes, it is rough sawn.
You can stain rough wood right away. No need to prep unless it is dirty or has discolored.
I have a cedar deck railing and trellis that was stained 25 years ago. It was previously stained with Messmer stain. I removed it with Gemini stain remover. I am going to use Messmer brightener, then sand. Or do I sand first then use the brightener? Then use TWP 1500.
Sand first, brighten, let dry, stain.