Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
What is the Shelf Life of TWP Wood Stains in 2024
After an exterior staining project with TWP, Total Wood Preservative Stain you may have some extra leftover. Or you may have bought some TWP wood stain intending to use it and just haven’t got around to it. Whether you have some leftovers or the season ended before you could use it, TWP wood stain will store and keep fresh with proper care.
TWP Wood Stain Shelf Life
TWP Wood Stain Shelf Life
TWP Wood Preservative has a shelf life of several years if it has been unopened. So if you ran out of time at the end of the season do not worry, you can still use it when you are ready. If the TWP stain has sat around for a while, it is recommended to take the stain to a paint store and have them shake the cans up before using them.
If you used TWP stain and have some leftovers, the extra will last about 1 year as long as the lid is completely resealed. If the lid is not sealed properly evaporation of the stain solvents will occur and the stain will become thicker and be rendered useless. Be sure the lid is completely sealed to stop any evaporation from happening. This will ensure the leftover TWP can be used on your next wood maintenance project.
Note: Unopened TWP Stain has a shelf life of about 2-3 years as long as it is stored in a temperature-controlled room.
Tips for Storing TWP Wood Stain
When storing TWP stain it is best to keep it in a cool dry place preferably at room temperature.
It should be kept out of direct sunlight if possible.
Oil-based stains like TWP can be stored in colder weather and in some instances even below freezing. The oil formula will simply thicken, unlike water-based stains that would actually freeze solid. With that said if you have a choice and can bring the stain into the basement or partially heated garage for the winter that would be best.
If you have several partial cans of TWP stain it is best to combine them to make a full can. The less empty space in the can the better. The air above the stain will cause skin or gel to form on the surface. This can be removed but it is better to have one full can and just a little left in another than to have two partially half-full cans of TWP stain.
Be sure the lid is on tight to eliminate the solvents from evaporating.
As soon as you finish a project it is helpful to mark on the lid what you used the TWP stain for. This way when you use the stain a year or two later you won’t have to guess.
Follow these storage tips to increase the shelf life of your TWP wood and deck stains and they will last for several years saving you money.
Is there a manufacturing date on the can so I can tell if my stain is expired?
Yes, but it is not easy to explain. Look for a string of numbers and send a picture to us.
Is there some sort of sealer that can be applied to increase the longevity of my TWP 100 stained cedar deck?
No and it is not possible to add sealers over a deck stain. It would peel if it did.
What should the outside temperature be when I use the Restore kit brightener and the 1500 series stain?
50-90 F.
Where can I find the date of manufacturing on a can of TWP
On the lid or on a sticker.
Our weather did not allow me to completely stain my deck. When purchasing empty paint cans, many are described as lined. Is that ok for TWP semisolid stain?
Yes.
Here’s one more pic of the stain on the deck railing.
Thanks Gary
My contractor purchased 6 gallons of 100 series Prairie Gray Semi-Transparent stain from a local distributor to apply onto my cedar deck in west MI. My concern is that it may be too old as the tops of the cans were rusted/corroded, it doesn’t have any level of gray, pretty much a pinkish flesh color, and covers the wood like a semi-solid stain instead of a semi transparent. By looking at the attached pics & code dates, can you tell me if this is old stain?
The stain is at least 3+ years old. Prairie Gray is pinkish in color and is a semi-solid so the coloring is correct.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-106-prairie-gray
Can TWP stains be held in a sealed 5 gallon plastic paint pail for 3 months?
Plastic 5-gallon pails, yes. Not cheap plastic single gallon containers. It can “deform” the containers over time.
Can I apply varnish after TWP 102?
No, it would peel.
Thanks, last one, Can I previously apply Moth protector? Or with TWP is enough? I live in a City with Moth threat.
Add this to the TWP: https://www.twpstain.com/bug-juice-insecticide
Hello, I was told to use Restore A Deck or Gemini
Cleaner and brighter kit and then TWP or Restore A Deck semi transparent stain, on my never before stained, 2 year old 20×16 floating, west facing, dock. I however was never told which TWP stain series to use? Also, since I don’t have running water or electricity to the lake for a pressure washer, can I just scrub the prep with a brush and then rinse off with bucket of water?
Where do you live?
Is there a way to tell if the opened 5 gal can of stain is still good. It’s over 3 years old but was sealed tight. There is some coagulation but not much. It is thicker and I applied it to a sample and it took the stain. Bur will it last and us it worth the risk?
It has probably bad. We would not suggest using it.