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.
Live in Minnesota.
Cedar fence in full sun, stained with TWP redwood 2 years ago
When prepping for maintenance coat is it normal for the restore a deck cleaner to remove a good portion of the previously applied stain?
Thanks
Yes it will if it has been two years and it was in full sun.
We had a new cedar fence installed last October. It has faded in the last month and it is just now starting to grey. We live in Ohio. From what i have been reading, transparent stain does not provide UV protection. What is the best stain type /color to use if I want UV protection but i want it to look as natural as possible? Also should I use TWP 100 or 1500? Also, you suggest cleaning/prepping. Using a pressure washer is best from what i read? Also, how long to i have to wait to apply stain once it is cleaned?
Thanks
Fran, you will need to the 1500 Series for Ohio. The Honeytone 1515 is the lightest tint with UV protection. Prep with Gemini Restore Kits and pressure washing. Let dry for 48+ hours after prep, before staining.
I have a newly installed deck of kd pressure treated pine redwood tone..I want to put a clear water proofing, uv protection product on this deck…when do you suggest I apply TWP 100 and would I need to clean deck first. Santa Fe, NM is location
For kiln dried you should wait a month and prep after with the Gemini Restore Kit. Use the TWP 100 Series. Clear will not provide UV protection. Using a tint will. Just one coat on new wood for the first year. Apply another coat to the horizontals in 12-18 months. Clean and reapply every 2 years thereafter to maintain.
Hi, I have a cedar deck that was installed late October of 2015. I am wanting to stain it this weekend.
Saturday forecast is: 64 High- and 35 Low
Sundays forecast is 69 High and 49 for the low
Monday they are calling for rain.
are the night temps to low to apply the TWP 100 stain?
also, since the deck is new, do I need to put on a wet on wet coat or just one coat? If a wet on wet coat is needed, do you have to do it in sections to keep from stepping on the deck where you already stained?
Thanks
Temps are fine. As the article states, just one coat.
I am building planters out of western cedar here in Iowa. Two questions: I want the lightest color I can get that still provides enough UV protection, which product should I use? I am using boards that are rough sawn on one side and smoothed on the front and 2 sides, Can I apply stain right away?
Smooth wood should be weathered and prepped. See here: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
The lightest color is the TWP 115 Honeytone.
The wood has been kiln dried and has a moisture content of 10 percent, still needs to be weathered?
You need to remove the mill glaze before staining.
When cleaning new wood how is it best to remove the stamped on identification labels that were unfortunately left facing up? Will the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit remove that ink or will it require a belt sander. If belt sander what grit to use?
Cleaners will not remove ink stamp. Sanding will but you should sand now, wait a month, then prep with the Gemini Restore Kit before staining. This way it will not look like you spot sanded. Use 60-80 grit.
I installed cedar 2×6 decking last October and have had plastic laying over the top since, and am starting to get ready to think about finishing it. Do I need to let it weather and dry out more, say with the plastic off? If so, my fear is the brightened and cleaner won’t restore the wood to the color it is now. Thoughts?
Yes you should let is weather naturally. Covering hinders this. The cleaner and brightener will remove any mill glaze and oxidized wood cells, restoring the color.
How long do you recommend leaving it weather now, since it’s been drying per se since October? What’s the best way to apply the cleaner and brightener? Will I need a pressure washer? Will I need to lightly sand too? If my state allows 100 and 1500, should I use 100 if I can get it?
3 Months at a minimum. You can apply the prep products with a scrub brush or pump sprayer. Pressure washing after makes it faster for the cleaning. Only lightly sand if needed. Yes on the 100 if allowed.
We had a double level cedar deck built this summer and are ready to stain. the stain people came out yesterday to prep the wood as i wanted him to use TWP stain and had purchased the stain and Gemini Kit. I had provided him printed instruction and also a link to the website. Today, the deck had dried, it appears a very light grey with spots of the natural cedar color coming through. i have called him and have not been able to reach him as of now. I suspect, that he let the first application of the Gemini Kit dry on the wood before he applied the brightener. If this is the case, how do I fix the problem and if not the problem, what should i do? HELP!
Re wash again with the cleaner and apply the brightener after completed. Did he scrub or pressure wash off after using the Step 1? You do need to remove the oxidized wood cells.
I’m currently building a new deck from KDAT southern yellow pine. With winter approaching I may not have a chance to stain this fall. Would I be better to hold off till spring to install the decking or should I install now, and stain in the spring. I’m in Ohio so I’m planning on using TWP 1500. In either case I assume I still need to do the prep with the restore kit?
Yes you will need to prep with the Gemini Kit. For KDAT, it probably would be best to install in March and prep/stain in April.
Just bought (3) 8′ and (3) 4′ 5/4″x12 Doug Fir KD stepping, all gorgeous VG. All will be outdoor deck stairs. The 8′ set will be west facing and bear a great deal of intense sun for 6 months of the year here (1/5 mile from the CT shoreline). According to what I’m reading in these other posts, this wood should get one coat of a semi transparent stain now, then again in the spring? What prep is necessary, if any? I’ve been reading so much about how to prepare and stain these boards from this and other websites that I can’t keep it straight. I’d like to know what I need to do (specific to your product, of course).
Wait about a month and prep first with the Gemini Restore kit. Apply one light coat then another coat in 6-12 months.
My new redwood fence was installed 2 months ago. I live in Southern California and we are expecting el nino soon so I would like to get it sealed before the rains come. I’m looking to acheive as much of the natural look as possible, without compromising the length of time the stain will last. The fence is about 1200 sq ft. What is the best color semi-transparent stain I can get? How many cans will I need? I plan to apply with a sprayer.
Is the wood rough cut or smooth like a deck? Honeytone is the lightest tint with UV protection.
it is smooth
If smooth then as the article states, you will need to wait until next Spring and prep first before applying the one coat. You will need to use the TWP 1500 Series. About 5-7 gallons for the one coat.
We are building a new deck with ipe deck tiles. Do we follow the same prep procedure as above (wait 4 to 12 months, apply cleaner and brightener and then one coat of stain)? Any special considerations? Thanks!
Yes that is correct. IPE is very dense so one light coat and the coverage will be 300-400 sq. feet per gallon.
I have a cedar-sided workshop that has one coat of TWP 100 clear. The painter was paid to do 2 coats but flaked out on me after one quick one. The cedar looks dry and chalky in a lot of places, so I want to put on a second coat. I want the siding to retain a natural golden cedar look and I don’t want any greying in the cedar. Should I use TWP 100 honeytone or TWP 1500 honeytone or will the clear prevent the greying? Is it OK to change from TWP 100 to 1500 or from clear to honeytone Another question I have is that it has taken a few weeks to find another painter. Is there a problem putting on a second coat now?
Clear does not prevent graying so you will one of the tinted colors for UV protection. Best to wait until next Spring. Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit and use the 100 Series.
Just finished prepping my pressure treated pine deck with your Gemini deck prep products. How long do I need to wait to apply stain? Deck has weathered for six months. I rinsed deck very well and would like to stain in two days .Is that long enough for the deck to dry out? Expect temps in the mid 70’s the next few days here in Middle Tennessee.
48 Hours should be good.
My 12′ x 15′ deck was just resurfaced with 5/4″ x 6″ “Grade C & Better” Clear Cedar. Job was completed last week. I live in North East near ocean. Total surface area, vertical and horizontal, is approximately 300 Square Feet. It’s not a big deck. I want to use TWP 100 Series (Cedar Tone 101). How much coverage per gallon can I expect?
Also, today I was hosing off the deck to clear saw dust, some leaves and dirt. I noticed that water hitting the new Cedar seemed to create what looked like soap bubbles (almost like bubble bath) before it dissipated and dried clear. It seemed like the efflorescence that you get with new paving stones. Anybody have any idea what this was?
FYI, you cannot stain this right away. You have to let it season and prep accordingly. As the articles states, only 1 coat on new wood. Coverage is about 200-250 on new wood.
I have a newer cedar deck that I used your stripper and brightener on. Wood is now bare but after the final wash (using a pressure washer) and giving it a few days to dry I noticed that the grain is raised quite a bit in some areas due to the pressure washer. I am considering a light sanding to knock down the rough grain before applying the stain. Do you recommend this approach and if so what grit should I use?
Try a floor buffer and a white sanding pad. This is much less aggressive and very easy to do. You can rent the buffer at HD or a rental yard.
Could be algae growing. Hopefully the prep products will remove it.
Is there anyway to stop new wood from checking and cracking as it dries out so I can apply the stain?
No there is not and checking and cracking happens no matter what eventually. It is normal for outdoor PTP wood to do this.
We had a new Redwood deck installed about a month ago. It is supposed to be kiln-dried but should we still wait the 4-12 month period before applying TWP 100? Also, some little varmint, a squirrel possibly, walked over our deck with probably an injured foot and bled leaving little bloody spots about pea sized to penny sized! I haven’t been able to budge the stains and am hoping that the “Rustic” #116 might cover them next spring when we stain. Any suggestions on this problem?
You have to clean and brighten the wood before staining with the Gemini Restore Kit. It should remove the blood stains. Only once coat of stain for the first time staining. Kiln dried and you can prep and stain after 2 months but be careful that all the TWP absorbs into the wood grain.
I’m not POSITIVE it is kiln-dried so would it hurt to just do it all next spring?
Yes if you are unsure then wait until Spring. Prep then and stain.
And still only one coat?
Most likely. Depends on how absorbent it is next year.
We recently had a new deck built with a combination of Kilndried and Pressure-Treated Pine. We were told to stain the kilndried wood immediately. When our TWP stain guy came out, he told me our pressure-treated pine deck boards would be fine to stain with one coat as well ( he said he would come back in a few months to do a second application ). Without thinking twice I let him go ahead, however now I’m a bit concerned that we stained too quickly. It’s been about a week and I’ve noticed a few spots where some green is pulling through the stain color (The pressure-treated chemical, I assume?) I can also rub a paper towel on the deck boards and transfer a good bit of stain coloring onto the towel. That’s really the extent of it at this point.
Did we make a mistake by staining to early? If so, is there anything we can do other than letting the boards dry out for several months?
Thank you!
Yes you did stain too early. Leave alone and redo in the Spring. Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Good news (I think). We learned recently our deck boards are, in fact, Kilndried to 19%. I hope this means we were quite as premature as we first thought. I am, however, still confused by the green in one spot if our deck. Have you ever seen this?
Just one coat of the TWP 1500 Series. Most use the 1516 Rustic on Mahogany. Do in Spring. Clean and prep with the Gemini Restore Kit first. You wood type requires a light coat annualy.
We are building a new redwood deck right now. It will have built-in boxed seating similar to this photo. How/when can I make sure that the wood platform underneath the seating receives proper staining to preserve it?
https://www.google.com/search?site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=905&q=deck&oq=deck&gs_l=img.3..0l10.708.1684.0.1878.4.4.0.0.0.0.165.571.0j4.4.0….0…1ac.1.64.img..0.4.567.Br5WQeUMNfY#tbm=isch&q=deck+built+in+seating&imgrc=UOt29rIPU9vGyM%3A
You do not need to stain the unexposed areas. Only need to apply to the areas that will receive rain, sun, snow, etc.
If kiln dried then you can wait 1 month after install of wood then prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Just one coat of stain.
I have a new cedar fence up at my house and am looking to stain it. It is #3 grade kiln dried ship lap cedar and we ended up with the smooth (mill glaze) side of the fence on our side. I live in Boise Idaho and we have harsh wet cold winters. Should I stain the wood now or wait 6-12 months (over the winter) then stain next spring. Also if I stain now or next spring what steps should I take to prep this wood for accepting the stain better. I don’t want peeling and would prefer not to have to sand the whole thing. Thanks for your help.
Since it is smooth then wait until Spring of next year. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Even though it is kiln dried?
How many days after it rained do I wait to stain a cedar fence installed 1 month ago? The temperatures are around 80 degrees and the weather should be sunny for the next week at least.
48 hours after a rain.
I have a prep questions before I stain my deck. I ended up sanding my entire deck which is pressure treated wood (cedar I believe). Should I just go ahead and use the wood brightener before I stain? Would there be any need for any other steps if all of the old stain is removed? Also, is there a recommended waiting time between using the deck brightener and applying the stain? I live in Illinois so I am planning on getting this done soon. Thanks.
Use both the cleaner and wood brightener after the sanding. You have to tet the wood dry for 48 hours after the prep before staining.
OK – I assume it is the Gemini kit with the cleaner and brightener you are referring to?
Yes that is correct.
Try 40 grit then wash again.
I just built a new pine pressure treated fence. I noticed in some cases (new, smooth, horizontal applications) you are supposed to wait 4-6 months before application. Does this apply to new, rough, vertical applications as well ? And if so should I use the Gemini kit before stain application? Thanks.
No need to wait or prep if the new wood is rough cut. Just make sure it is fully dry.
Great thanks. I noticed as the fence dries sap is leaching from it. Would you recommend pressure washing it ? Also would you recommend one or two coats and how many sf can I get out of one gallon. Thanks again.
2 very light coats applied wet on wet. You cannot stop sap not can you clean it out. Coverage varies from 150-200 sq feet per gallon for the first coat and 250-300 for the second coat.
So failed to read the “don’t stain your new deck” and began with the vertical spindles, but no deckboards yet. So about 1/2 done with the spindles, thinking that I will finish those and then wait the allotted time. This deck is tying into an older deck that has been prepped and ready to be stained – does this approach make sense and then of course reminding myself to read directions before starting on a project. Thanks
That is fine. It is more of an issue on the horizontals anyhow.
Wait until Spring and prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
How does knotty pine T & G to be used for outdoor porch ceiling need to be prepped before staining.
If smooth wood then you should prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and light pressure washing.
I recently purchased and assembled a large swing/play set (http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/Navigator-Swing-Set-p/01-0020-ts.htm). It’s cedar and comes pre-stained. The manufacturer recommends staining it within 90 days “using an oil based sealer or preservative”. My question is whether I would need to perform any special surface preparation before using TWP 100. I’m concerned the newness of the wood and existing stain wouldn’t allow TWP to penetrate. Should I wait longer than 90 days for it to weather first? Any other guidance/recommendation? I’m hoping to avoid needing to strip it if at all possible.
You have to follow the directions in the article and you will have to strip it. You cannot apply TWP over a different stain.
Unfortunately I allowed a portion of one board to dry and absorb the Gemini deck cleaner during prep. I scrubbed, applied brightener, and rinsed as directed afterward but after everything dried I can see that portion of the board is darker than the rest of the prepped area. Will this affect stain application? can I fix this somehow?
Applying the brightener to entire area my even it out. It will not harm the stain.
I am about to order several samples of the 1500 series. Looking to preserve/protect the western red cedar (all untreated) and have installed rock underneath and on both sides of the fence, held in with aluminum edging, so the fence doesn’t contact or rest on the ground. Lot slopes down to edge of a pond so fence had to be stair stepped a bit. The fence company advised waiting a month or so before treating. It has been about 6 weeks since finished. Already noticing the boards and tops lightening up especially across the western (full sun 6+ hours daily) exposure. Inside the colors in the cedar have faded less. Want to be sure you are not recommending waiting 12 months for the wood to cure. I have finally found a painter who will work outside as you had no referrals for me being near East Lansing. It’s about 380 total feet, 6 feet high and I am determined to start off right and keeping it looking good. Thank you for clarifying.
If the fence wood is rough sawn then you can stain now. If smooth like a deck then wait 4 months, prep with Gemini Kit and then stain.
Hello,
We are having a Doug Fir pergola being built in the pacific northwest (full sun and exposure to elements). We will be using the TWP 1500 product, is it necessary to weather the wood before application? If so how long (minimum time)? I fear leaving the structure unprotected during the rainy season.
Thanks,
Ash
Yes as the article states above.
Strip now, let weather, then clean and brighten in the Spring for the prep.
Hello,
I just applied a coat of Dark Oak 1500 series, to my Penta Porch flooring. I was going to wait several months to apply the second coat but wondered if adding a little satin poly to the mix would be ok to do.
Porch is covered. In North Carolina.
Thank you.
No you cannot add poly to the TWP.
I just bought kiln dried cypress for my deck. I haven’t been able to find info about prepping it. Does it have mill glaze like PT? Should I install it, weather, clean brighten and then stain? Or can it be pre stained on all 6 sides?
If it can be pre stained how do I get the dust and dirt off it? Simple water and brush?
Also, I’m in GA. Hot, humid and more hot. Would I be better off with 100 or 1500?
Thanks!
Yes it should be prepped to remove mill glaze with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I resurfaced my 25 year old deck with new cedar boards. After waitng 3 months, I cleaned the wood with Restore a Deck cleaner, scrubbed and power washed it. I got lots of white sticky stuff off and there still seems to be a good deal of it remaining. Is this mill glaze coming off, and is it best if I wait a couple more months, clean and scrub it again, before I attempt to stain and seal with TWP?
That is wood cell oxidation and it you still have some on the wood then yes you should clean again. Do now as if you wait, the oxidation will return from the UV exposure.
Could you elaborate a bit on this wood cell oxidation? Does this appear as white looking fibers on the wood after prep? I have that issue on some of my boards. I did notice that sanding afterwards removed the white fibers. Not every board has them either. Should I re-do the Gemini prep on the whole area before staining?
It is white areas that the cleaner did not take off the oxidation completely with your scrubbing or pressure washing. You could try and re clean or lightly sand area.
I have now recleaned my floorboards on my deck a second time. Things have improved, but there is still some residual white oxidized fibers on the boards. I don’t have easy access to a power washer (rather not rent one). If I choose to sand this stuff off, what do I need to watch out for? I read other comments where you say I could reduce absorption rates of the wood, but you do not say not to do it. Can you guide me as to how to sand without messing up? My guess is that you don’t want the boards to get too smooth of a surface on them, correct?
Yes that is correct. Try 60-80 grit paper and lightly hand sand or use a pole sander.
You will most likely have the stain not soak in and fail if you do not wait. You will need to strip it off and brighten the wood to redo properly.
1. Yes if you take the top off
2. End to end and back and forth for even application
3. Just apply evenly. You are making this too hard on yourself 🙂
4. That is up to the solid stain brand you are using
5. Does not matter. Just apply evenly keeping a wet edge
6. Two “light” coats or one solid good coat. Apply as much as the wood will take but too much that it will not absorb.
7. No
My deck is made of pressure treated wood and I need to replace the boards on 2 steps leading up to the deck. If I use cedar, will the TWP stain I use on the existing pressure treated lumber look drastically different when applied to the new cedar step boards? I plan to use cedar so I can stain within a few months rather than waiting for at least 1 year with the pressure treated wood. Unless I have been misinformed about needing to wait 1 full year with pressure treated versus 1 month with cedar for staining??
Either wood type and TWP wants you to wait 4 months or more for weathering and prep. So you can use the PTP.
What is the recommended brand for a solid stain for a 2-tone deck? Anything available at the big box stores that is reputable?
TWP does not make a solid stain. We do offer the Deck Revive: http://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/gulf-synthetics/deck-revive
I know TWP doesn’t make a solid, I am using TWP Pecan on my horizontals but need to do a solid white on the verticals. What solid stain brand would you recommend just for the verticals to match the TWP stain on the horizontals?
Any solid stain brand should work.
Excellent, thanks! I have a large lattice privacy fence I will need to stain solid white as well – can I use a garden sprayer to apply a solid stain? If so, will I ruin the garden sprayer – I need to to use it later on to clean and brighten the deck once the weather is looking good to prep for stain…
I do not think you can use a garden sprayer for a solid stain. Too thick. Probably best to roll or paint it on.
OK, thanks again for the prompt replies!
welcome!
It’s been about 3 weeks now since I stripped and brightened our 5 year old cedar deck. Due to on again, off again rain I have not yet been able to stain it. I’ve got TWP 100 ready to go, but am wondering if I need to repeat any prep work this far out from the original prep. I likely will be able to complete the staining this upcoming week if the weather holds out.
Lightly wash with water should be good enough to prep now for the stain.
So you don’t think I’ll need to reapply brightener again? Obviously I’d rather not, but I want the staining to go well. 🙂
You could but you do not have to.
I am restaining a 3 yr old deck that weathered 1 yr and was stained 2 yrs ago with TWP. I don’t remember if I used 100 or 1500. I live in Michigan and my deck is in the sun 8 hrs a day. Which should I use?
Use the 100 Series and prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Just a brightener if you are using a stripper. You will need closer to 3 gallons for two coats wet on wet. Steps seem correct!
Brand new pressure treated pine deck in east Tennessee with plenty of exposure, what stain should I use, 100 or 1500 ??
100 Series but please read this article about new wood: Prepping New Wood For TWP Stains
Thanks
We built a cedar deck last summer. Now we are ready to stain the wood this year. We have TWP 1500 ready to go. We used Restore-a-Deck for cleaning and brightening. Now there is something on it in places that I’m not sure what it is or what to do about it. I think it’s wood pulp or wood fuzzies. I’m positive the stain will not work correctly with these remnants. What should I do? See attached picture please.
You have to remove all of the gray oxidized wood. You have not cleaned it all off. Reapply the step 1 cleaner and heavy scrub or lightly pressure wash.
I have a new deck made of treated pine that is smooth planed. Which product should I use to coat it after 4 months?
Where do you live?
HI! I’m in Atlanta, Georgia. Our treated pine fence was put up about a month ago. Is it too early to have it stained? Thank you!
Smooth or rough sawn wood?
Rough
If rough sawn wood you can stain right away with no prep needed as long as the wood is clean.