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 am using Restore A Deck Stripper on a $1,150 Sq Ft wraparound deck. The deck has multiple layers of stain that has to be removed. Following the Restore A Deck Stripper directions of 1 cup per gallon and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes requires some aggressive brushing to remove all of the layers of stain. Too loosen the layers of stain more effectively, can I increase the strength of the Restore A Deck Stripper?
Yes, you can. 10-12 oz per gallon of water.
Can you wait to put the brightener on a few days after cleaning? I ran out of the cleaning material so I have 3/4 of my deck clean but have to wait for more cleaner to be delivered. I’m using the restore-it kits.
In your scenario, it is best to do all the cleaning first before applying the brightener.
I have a 1yr old unstained PT pine deck. Does it matter if it rains after I use the gemini restore kit as long as it drys for at least 48 hrs? How long can I wait to stain after cleaning?
Rain will not harm the prep. Just let it dry for the 48 hours. Try to stain within 2 weeks of prep.
I think I’m ready to prep and stain a cypress fence. It was green, not kiln dried, wood 7 months ago. Moisture meter reads 4-11% now. Not much discussion about cypress here, but I plan to spray and back brush one coat of 1516 and repeat again next year. Anything else I should be thinking about?
Clean and brighten for the prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
If I have stripped and sanded down the boards of 4 year old pine deck, do I need to let it weather a bit first?
Should I do two coats?
Weather for a month and then lightly clean for the final prep. Two light coats applied wet on wet.
i have a pressure treated pine fence in NC, do i need to wait? not sure of the difference between smooth and rough.. i’d say it’s rough to the touch..
If it is rough then you can stain now.
Hi, do these instructions pertain to the TWP 200 as well? It is mentioned to let the wood dry out for 4-12 months…We live in Ottawa, Canada. Our new deck was installed last August 2017. Should we wait a few more months before prepping and staining?
And,have there ever been issues at the Canadian border when shipping TWP 200 to Canada? Thanks.
TWP 200 is legal for Canada so no issues at the border. Same goes for the wait and prep with the 200 Series.
Thanks. And, timeline for prepping for stain? We have a new cedar deck.
Just as the article states above. 4-12 months of natural weathering and prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
What do you suggest for untreated pine deck boards? How long should I wait to stain them? I do not like pressure treated lumber because of the warping I have had in the past. This deck if for my camper at the lake in Iowa
As the articles states, please wait 4-12 months and prep first. TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
Also, TWP 100 or 1500?
100 Series.
Have a Pressure treated pine deck installed 10 months ago in a new house we just bought in north GA. After cleaner and brightener, will it take 2 coats or just one? If I buy 5 gallons for a 32 x 8 deck with no stairs and 10 8ft 4×4 posts, how long will the stain keep in storage to use again? I don’t know if it will take 2 coats or just 1.
Just one coat this first time. See here for Shelf Life: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
1520 Pecan over treated lasted 2 years on flat and looks okay on vertical areas.
I’ve cleaned / power washed all surfaces and allow to dry 2 days
Applied Wood Deck Brightener have a question and wondering was it okay to allow the brightener to soak into the wood and surface to be almost dry prior to a heavy rinse with garden hose?
Question 2
Use only a garden hose to rinse off brightener and how long to allow deck to dry from only a light rinse?
Best to rinse the brightener before it dries. You can rinse with a garden hose. Let dry for 48 hours.
Since the brightener did dry is there any concern?
Should I power wash lightly or apply another application?
Why would the direction on bottle 1. Not read do not allow product to dry 2. It does state to apply to entire surface and then rinse when not knowing how much surface a person is dealing with?
The importance of prep work seems to be very important to the end results and also time consuming. I was also wondering if the deck should be wet when applying the brightener and the direction had no data regarding the question. Just a FYI
How long must it stay dry after applying TWP 205 stain?
Stay off the wood for a few days until it fully cures.
We did the two part prep on Monday. We planned to stain on Thursday(48+ hours). Weather report just changed. It is now raining Saturday and Sunday. So less than 48 hours of dryness if I stain THursday. Should I still stain Thursday and put a plastic tarp over it to protect it Saturday and Sunday or let it rain, deck gets wet again and wait 48 hours to stain? Please advise.
Let it rain and then wait the 48 hours.
Who is a TWP dealer in Kansas City area?
Hello, we are an online dealer for TWP and can ship to you in 2-3 days: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains
New deck was installed August, 2017. Today (4/26/18) applied Gemini 2 step cleaner and brightener per instructions. No problem after using cleaner. However, after using the brightener, there was a distinct green tint to parts of the outside railing. No issues with deck flooring. Hesitant to stain with this issue.
Hello, the green is from the wood itself and is part of the PTP internally when it goes through the pressure treatment.
Thanks for the quick reply. So do I go ahead and stain?
Yes. It may show a little bit it seems the green is just on a few areas of vertical wood railings so it should not be a big deal overall.
We are putting up porch columns and corbells of cedar. We plan on sanding the rough cut lumber so that isn’t quite so rough, but not necessarily perfectly smooth. Can we apply stain right away or will sanding generate too much heat and cause it to not take the stain well.
You should be fine as long as you do not over sand, reducing the stains ability to soak in.
Our cedar deck was built in May 2015 and has not been touched since then. We are planning to stain it this summer. Our painter has never used your product, but plans to power wash the deck, sand a bit, and then begin staining. You mentioned that only one light coat should be applied after 9-12 months, is this the same for a deck that is untouched and 3 years old?
Hello, two coats for this deck. Applied wet on wet.
I am REALLY confused…the new wood prepping article says new wood has a “mill glaze” and you should wait 4-12 months before treating. Then, the next paragraph says new rough sawed wooden fencing can be treated immediately…
I live in Florida and just had a new PT pine fence installed that looks rough sawed. It has a slight greenish appearance, but many pickets look dry and are beginning to crack…
Should I treat it with TWP 100 and should it be treated now or wait 4 months?
Hi Jerry,
Smooth wood = 4-12 months wait and prep.
Rough Sawn = No wait and prep. Stain as lonag as the wood is clean and dry.
So I’m building a small all cedar pavilion in my backyard. We are doing the posts, fascia and soffits with 205 california cedar since they get exposed to the sun more. For the ceiling we used tongue and groove. Today I had an idea to bring some contrast to the pavilion.
Could we stain the t&g ceiling a lighter color, maybe something from the 100 series?
Is this too complicated?
Will the look of 100 and 200 clash too much?
And am I asking for trouble by doing the ceiling in a 100, which I understand won’t protect as long from greying?
Thx so much for any advice.
You could stain lighter if that is what you want. You would not have any issues as long as you like the colors you choose.
If i stain the t&g with 100 and everything else with 200, then if, later, i decide i want the t&g to be the same 200 color, can i stain 200 over the 100 in a year or so?
I have different aged boards. The oldest looks much better after power washing so I feel like with the cleaner, it will look pretty good. I will need to try the grey boards as well but they are newer boards. I also replaced 3 new ones. I’m trying to decide if I can get them to look good with a semi transparent or if you think there are too many variations going on with the wood. I am in Alabama and looking at Rustic
Hello, it is not possible to have new and old watch match exactly with a semi-transparent stain. The new wood will be less absorbent and will be slightly lighter in color. It will be close but not exact. When you recoat in 2-3 years, it will all blend then.
Putting on new deck boards, YellaWood. It is kiln dried and the manufacturer says to use an oil based stain immediately after installing. I know your instructions say wait 6+ months. Can I use TWP 1500 or 100 right away?
No. See this article as it applies to your wood type: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Planning to build pergola using new cedar wood. Carpenter says for us to stain all pieces prior to his cutting and assemble. That way we only have cut ends to touch up with stain.Makes sense but can we do that with TWP 100 ???
No. New wood needs to weather and be prepped. No need for ends cuts to be stained.
I have a new deck that was completed about 6 month ago. It is made of 2×6 SYP treated lumber. It is uneven so i am preparing to rent the vibrator floor sander
probably with the final sand being 80 or 100 grit to cut it down for a level surface. I will be using the 105 semi transparent stain.
I am in south Eastern Virginia.
Can I put the stain on immediately after Sanding?
Do I need to do two coats?
Thanks
No. The wood needs to be prepped with the Gemini Restore Kit after the sanding. Use 60 or 80 grit paper. Just 1 coat of the stain.
With a rough sawn redwood fence, how soon do you recommend staining the wood after installation? If I wait a month, will I need to clean off any dirt/soot residue from rain, air pollution, etc?
Rough sawn wood can be done right after install as long as the wood is clean and dry.
What if we get kiln dried cedar decking that’s new. Can we apply the stain immediately?
No. Wait about a month and prep. See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
I am installing a horizontal cedar fence, 1” x 6” planks with a 3/4” gap between each plank(see attached photo for example), over a CMU block wall. I am anchoring the 2” x 4” posts directly to CMU wall then attaching planks to the post, so there will be an 1 1/2” gap between CMU and the back of the plank. I will not have access to the back of the planks once they are installed. Can I seal the backs, ends and sides but leave the face unsealed to allow the wood to age before sealing? If not, what would you recommend? I am planning on using the TWP 1501. I also live in Las Vegas where it is very hot and dry. Thanks
Yes, you can but just do a very light coat and make sure that the stain soaks in fully.
5 gallon TWP 207 Butternut has clumps in it after opening and resealing in same container 1 year ago. I mixed up and strained out clumps. Does it have to be thrown out? If I applied to railings and pickets last stained with Twp 207 about 7 years ago, would it offer any benefit to the wood? Just hate to waste 4.5 gallons.
It has most likely gone bad.
I’m using a dry clear verticle grain Hemlock Fir 2 x 12 for fascia that I would like to stain with a semi-solid reddish brown. Information online strongly recommends a pre-stain conditioner to avoid blotchy results. Your thoughts on obtaining best results with your products? Thanks, John
Hi John,
TWP is a penetrating semi-transparent wood stain. It does not come in any semi-solid colors. A conditioner cannot be applied prior to using TWP. Best results would be as the article above suggests. Install the new wood and let the wood season for a few months. Before staining, prep the wood with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Can I apply TWP100on a new kiln dried pressure treated pine deck immediately after it’s installed or do I need to wait a few months?
Wait one month. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit after the wait and before applying the TWP. Just one coat of the TWP.
Built a deck using pressure treated lumber this summer. Completed in late June. Planning to stain next spring. Sounds like I should use the restore a deck kit first. Do I allow it to dry between cleaning and brightening? Sounds like a pad is best for application? Any particular pad? Wait 48 hours to stain? Does this all sound correct?
It does not have to be dry for the prep. Use a deck stain pad for application. We sell some on our website.
Can you tell me how many coats of stain for deck that’s never been stained and is about a 10 months old? Will use TWP 101. Thanks!
Just the one coat the first time.
Ok I used the cleaner and brighter and applied one coat of TWP 100 series last May. What should I do next? Also, when?
Same. Light prep again and 1 coat this year. When the weather cooperates.
thank you!
by light prep do you mean clean, then brighten? Should I power wash before cleaning and brightening?
Pressure wash lightly while using the cleaner and the brightener.
Also, should I apply cleaner/brightner with a deck pad?
Pump sprayer.
So year one I cleaned, brightened and did one coat with TWP 100. I’ll do the same this year. What do you recommend after that?
Every 2 years.
thanks!
I’m having a new redwood fence installed in Southern CA. How long do I wait until after installation before applying TWP 1500?
I’ve used the first of the two Restore a Deck products and cleaned/prepped my deck for TWP (101). How long can I go (timewise) between Cleaning Step 1 and Brightening Step 2? How long between Brightening Step 2 and application of the TWP product? Reason for asking is that I plan to do all three during the 2017 fall season, but since it’s in a seasonal cabin that I cannot get to except periodically, I am breaking the project into hopefully 2, perhaps 3, parts: Step 1 Clean; Step 2 Brighten; step 3 stain. I’d like to combine steps 2 and 3, but it will be about a month after step 1. Is that OK to do, assuming I give the deck 2 full days of sun after the Brightening before applying the TWP stain? Thanks …
Brighten as soon as you are done with the cleaning. Same day. Wait 48 hours to stain. Stain within 2 weeks.
When using kiln dried lumber for your new deck project, do you still need to wait the 4-12 months before applying the first coat of stain? We are using composite decking, the stain would only be on the uprights, railings, and trim.
See this article: https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
This is for kiln dried and pressure treated. Our base is pressure treated, but the wood above the floor is not. What is the protocol for plain kiln dried pine?
The same.
Hi
We had a new cedar fence installed in CT 2 months ago and some of the top pieces have started to turn black and warp slightly. Is it time to treat it? Either with clear or cedar color…which product, and does it need to be cleaned first. Thanks
Yes, you should prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Use a tinted color.
My deck is two years old, made with pressure treated lumber.
It has never had any kind of finish applied.
After cleaning and brightening, should I apply one coat or two? I have to use TWP 1500 because of where I live.
2 coats applied wet on wet.
Thanks.
Can I use a roller to apply, or is a pad better? My deck is 700+ sq ft, a brush is not an option. 🙂
Stain pads are better than rollers.
We had our deck professionally stained with TWO 100 and the color is very uneven. Company does not seem to know how to fix this, today they tried mineral spirits. What should we ask them to do?
You will need to strip it and start over to fix their mistakes.
I am using tulip poplar as board and batten siding. The wood was rough sawn on a bandsaw mill in March and stacked to allow it to dry. It is around 12%-15% moisture now. Should I stain now or wait until it’s been installed 4 months or next spring? I live in Kentucky, would the 100 or 1500 series be best?
Rough sawn and you can do now as long as it is clean. Use the 1500 Series.
My cedar deck is 4 months old. I bought restore a deck kit. After using the cleaner, I applied the brightener. Two days later I saw the deck had what looked like white powder that seeped into the wood. I rinsed and brushed the wood to no avail. Is it alright to go ahead with 1500 cedar stain?
How long after applying stain should it be before the next rain?
That is most likely wood fibers that did not come off all the way during the prep. You should be okay to stain though as the TWP will darken it. Let it dry for 12-24 hours before rain comes.
We are installing new “Roasted Poplar” (Google it) on our porch floor and steps in NE Pennsylvania. Porch floor is under roof, with open sides. Steps are not covered and get about 4 hours of sun. We want to preserve the grain and rich brown color, hence something clear or transparent seems appropriate.
1. What protective/preservative product(s) do you recommend?
2. Should we apply the product to all 4 sides & cut ends prior to installation, as we have intended? If not, how long should we wait? We really want to coat it ASAP so we can avoid major cleaning & prep work.
Thanks
1. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and stain with the TWP 1500. Possibly Honeytone for a light tint.
2. No need to stain all sides and as the article states, wait 4+ months to weather and then prep/stain.
I built 2 covered decks approx. 8 months ago. I ordered the TWP 1520 and the Gemini cleaner/brightener kit. Is 8 months enough time for weathering since both decks are covered or should I wait at least a full year? thank You
It will be fine to do now. Just the one coat.
One more question, what kind of window do I have between cleaning and staining ? Thanks again.
Let dry 48 hours after the prepping. Try to stain within 10 days after prep.
Great site, thanks. Live in the Pacific NW (WA State) so lots of winter rains. Slacked on maintaining my deck (“outdoor wood”, hem-fir) so have cleaned and sanded it and am excited to get it stained. Do I have to wait until it “weathers” as now that it is sanded – it is down to raw wood. There has been good sun so the wood is yellowing a bit. Also, TWP 100 or 1500?
You are okay to stain as long as you did not sand too smooth. What grit paper did you use?
Went up to 80 grit on most of it but there are a few areas (under railing) I used 100 because it was all i could get for my sanding block. Should I rough those areas up a bit?
Let it sit for a month and then prep to open the pores with the Gemini Restore a Deck Kit.
New decking installed is redwood con heart s-dry. Do I have to wait 4 months to stain with TWP 1530 Natural stain?
Yes and prep.
Hello,
We just received a load of redwood siding for a rainscreen application. Should we stain before installing (all sides?), or wait 4-6 months before using TWP 101? The boards are smooth.
Best,
fritz
Wait as the article states. Thanks
I installed a new PT deck beginning of June, so it’s been 2 months. In reading, through some comments here, it seems there are two paths to treating:
1. Wait at least 2 more months and use TWP 1500. I’m in Virginia and the weather temps can vary. This would put me into October. Would this still be too early apply? Should i wait til spring? Any worries about the deck until then? Most of our bad weather here is ice.
2. I saw a response that for New Wood, use TWP 100. What’s the difference between the two?
I guess my overall question is, what is your recommendation for my 2 month old PT deck? Do i stain this fall? If so, how late should i try and wait? Or wait til spring? And which product should i use?
1. Wait until Spring would be best. It will be fine through 1 Winter.
2. Difference is VOC laws between the two. If you are in Norhten VA, near the DC area, you have to use the 1500 Series. All other areas of VA can use the 100 Series.
Just to be sure – my deck is less than 1 week old made of KDAT pine. Can we just sweep and hose it off or do we really need the Gemini kit this first time? It is really pristine and beautiful.
Yes. See this about KDAT:
https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Hello. We are installing a new PT main deck and pool deck in MD. I know that you recommend waiting at least 4 months before staining with TWP 1500, but I’ve also read that it’s best to stain prior to snow. If we wait the full 4 months, we will be in winter. What should we do?
It will be fine to go through the Winter until Spring.
I have a deck in CT., part of it under grape vines, the other exposed. Put the pt deck in august 2016, applied TWP 1530 natural in May, 2017. The deck portion exposed is black, while the deck under the grape vines looks great. Help?
Picture please.
I bought new clear heart 2×4 redwood to use for rail caps screwed to a 2″ powder coated flat steel rail. To get rid of the mill glazing I used 80 then 180 grit sandpaper. The redwood looks good and is dry. Will your 100 series TWP penetrate well in your opinion?
You over sanded. Please let weather for 4-12 months and prep with the Gemini Kit for the correct prep.
I applied TWP clear on a cedar picket fence. I didn’t realize the clear doesn’t provide UV protection. Can I apply TWP Cedartone 101 over the clear?
No. You will need to prep by removing the clear so the Cedartone can soak in correctly. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit.