Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by TWP Help
The Official TWPStainHelp.com Guide to Prepping a Wood Deck
With wood decks maintenance is vital to the structural integrity of the wood. Cleaning, prepping, and staining a deck are the 3 main keys to deck care. With any deck stain, including TWP the prep work is crucial. No matter how superior the deck stain is it will not perform properly or give you the results you expect if the wood is not prepped correctly. The following is a TWP guide to prepping a deck that has never been stained or currently has TWP stain already on the wood. If you have a stain of a different brand, you will need to remove it with a stain stripper. See this for more info Switching to TWP Stains.
Cleaning the Deck for TWP Stains
Prior to staining with, TWP the deck needs to be cleaned thoroughly to allow for proper stain penetration. Use a quality wood cleaner like the oxygenated cleaner Gemini Restore-A-Deck. These types of cleaners are safer on the wood than bleach-based cleaners and will effectively remove dirt, mold, mildew, and grayed wood fibers. It is important to get back down to clean bare wood. Apply the wood cleaner as suggested by the label instructions. Let the cleaner dwell and soften up the pollutants before using a scrub brush or performing a light pressure washing.
If an old failing stain is present it must be removed. A wore down semi-transparent stain may clean off with an oxygenated cleaner. If the old stain is stubborn then you might have to use a wood deck stain stripper instead of a cleaner. Once the pollutants and any remnants of old stain are gone the deck should look new again.
Using a Deck Brightener with TWP
A deck brightener also called a neutralizer is the next step after cleaning. Because the cleaners and/or strippers are caustic in nature they need to be neutralized. Apply the deck brightener immediately after cleaning and according to the directions. Then allow it to dwell for several minutes before rinsing off with water. This will lower the pH level of the wood and make the wood grain “pop”. This acidic nature of the wood surface will allow TWP stain to dive deep into the wood and result in a more professional like finish.
Dry Time for TWP Stains
After cleaning and brightening the deck it needs to dry prior to staining. With a moisture meter, you want 15% or less moisture content before applying the stain. If you do not have a meter, typically 1-2 days of dry weather is adequate time for the wood to dry completely. Now the deck is ready for TWP stain. Following this TWP guide to prepping a deck will ensure the stain lasts longer, enhances the appearance, and performs as expected.
Hello,
I bought a new home two years ago, and have replaced the surface of my deck with new PT pine. The deck structure still has what looks like semi solid stain from the previous owner. What product would you recommend to remove the old stain and prep for new TWP stain?
Use this to remove the old stain:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper
Use the Cleaner from this kit for all the unstained areas and the Brightener for all wood after the stripping and cleaning:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series when finished with the prep after it dries for 48 hours:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hi,
After I do the restore a deck cleaner, can I use the brightener right after or do I need to wait?
Once I apply the brightener, what is the best window I need to wait before staining? Can I wait a week or 2 before staining?
Thanks
Right after you rinse the deck from cleaning, while wood is wet. Let dry for 38 hours after rain or prep. Stain within 2 weeks of prep.
I have a TWP stained deck that I’m restaining after three years. I”ve lightly sanded sections and have cleaned and brightened it. Should I apply stain wet on wet or apply one coat now and then another coat in the fall?
Pictures?
Should have said the cedar deck and railings have TWP previously “applied” vs installed. 😇
I have a cedar deck (flooring) and railings that have TWP installed previously. In planning to refresh/reapply the next coat of TWP, I’d like to sand the top railings to get them smoother than they currently are. Where in the order of cleaning, brightening and power washing is the correct time to sand the railings and not cause any issues with the new TWP stain or other issues with cleaning and or brightening? Thanks much.
Sand after cleaning, before brightening, and no finer than 80 grit paper.
I applied cedar Twp to new cedarvdeck rails but the stain did not penetrate the wood. How can I prep the wood to accept stain?
Weather and prep tips for new wood. See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have black metal railing around my deck, two inches above the wood. See picture. I am using a sprayer to apply your RAD stripper and brightener. Is the deck stripper going to discolor or damage the railing? Are there precautions to take prior to spaying or should I apply the stripper close to the rail with a pad or brush to avoid overspray of stripper on to railing?
Hard to say for certain so best to test spot first.
what’s the best way to prep a handrail and balusters previously stained with 100. I have a prep kit already, just wondering what’s the best way to apply to apply?
Apply the Gemini Prep Kit with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off.
Thanks for your reply is there a shelf life on your 115 stain? I. have a 5 gallon that is about 2 years old. I do plane on using a mixer before using. I haven’t opened the can yet.
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I just submitted a comment but realized too late that my email was incorrect, it’s judy.fonda@yahoo.com (not Judy.fond@yahoo.com). Thanks
https://twpstainhelp.com/the-twp-stain-guide-to-prepping-a-deck/#comment-31557
I have a cabana that was built 3 years ago with cedar and was never stained/sealed. The wood looked gray but once I started washing it was clear that there was a layer of what appears to be mud (very difficult to get off) and underneath that was a gray “weathered” layer. I’ve been aggressively power washing it for a week (wish I had learned about Gemini Restore a Deck before that!) and after going over the wood 3-4 times the portions I’ve completed are essentially back to raw. Should I still use Gemini Restore a Deck or am I good to move forward with staining? Can I use TWP 1500 (I’m in Raleigh, NC)?
Thanks for your guidance!
Post some pics of the prep in the comments. Yes, you can use the 1500 series for this.
I applied TWP 3 days ago to my deck and when I wipe a white cloth over the deck the cloth still shows some un-dried stain. I want to make sure this doesn’t end up on our shoes or the dogs feet. Do I need to use mineral spirits to clean up the excess that doesn’t seem to be drying.
The day I applied the stain it was hot. Maybe 80-85 degrees. Maybe the oil dissipated too quickly? I really just want it to be safe for the dog and it seems like it is not completely dry after 3 very warm days.
Thank you in advance.
It should fully cure in a few days.
Would I need to use the prep kit on the railings as well or just the deck boards? Prepping to restain w twp after 3 yrs
All wood needs to be prepped when recoating.
I have a 30 year old deck at our cabin. It has never had stain. I replaced some boards. I am not shooting for high quality professional looking finish…. (Wouldn’t go with the rest if the rustic cabin, HA!) But I do want coverage, and protection. I will power wash the deck. Is it absolutely necessary to use a cleaner and brightener for good coverage and staying power when using the TWP semi solid pro series? We are not going for profection look, , just good coverage and longevity.
Yes, use the prep kit for the best results.
I have cleaned, but not yet brightened my 3 year old PT SYP deck. It has never been stained before. Gemini @ 6oz/gal, 10-15 minutes dwell time, then a light to moderate power washing. There is some gray remaining on the wood after this procedure, mostly around knots, and a little bit randomly. It is all thinned out you can “see through it”
Will the brightener take care of this? If not, do I need to go back and reclean, or will this stain OK? If I had to choose cleaning the deck twice, or living with some slight variation in stain evenness or color, I think I would live with some imperfections, but am unwilling to tolerate heavy showing, and certainly not compromised wood protection. Am I ok to stain over this prep job?
Thank you!
Max
Brightener does not remove graying. It will be fine to apply the TWP stain and you do not need to redo. Knots are denser so this is normal.
Thank you for the prompt response! You guys rock!
Also, another quick question – What are the consequences of delayed brightening. I ran out of time and will not be able to finish cleaning and brighten for atleast a week. Is this OK, or is it critical brightening be done immediately?
Max
Best to do right after cleaning but if you do not, then you should still apply the brightener when you can.
In Colorado I’d like to apply either TWP 100 or TWP 1500 to a large redwood deck that will be sanded and prepped. I don’t understand the difference between the two products and which would give me the best deck finish. I’d like to use semi-transparent redwood color.
You need the TWP 1500 for CO.
We live in Canada so I understand there are different environmental laws here than US. We stained our deck with TWP 200, 205 California cedar tone about 3 years ago. It’s been great but we need to restrain it now.
1) What do we need to get to prep the wood?
2) Would you recommend we switch to a different TWP product for decks (allowed in Canada) and if so, is the prep any different?
3) What is the best temperature to restrain the deck?
4) How long does it take to ship to Canada. Winter is fast approaching so it may need to wait until spring.
Thank-you for your help!
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep. No other series are allowed in Canada. 50-90
f. Depends on where you live for delivery.
Thanks for your quick response to all questions!
I am preparing my deck for its first sealing. I am almost finished with the 1st part of the Gemini kit. However, the directions say to apply the 2nd part immediately after the first. I am one person and it is taking me more than 1 day to get through the 1st part. Is that a problem? Also, I am adding a screened in porch beginning next week. My intention was to clean and prep existing deck prior to construction, then do a quick clean, followed by applying the stain, after the project is complete. The project should be completed in about 3 weeks. Does this make sense? If not, what would you recommend? Also, this is a second story deck, so I intended to seal both top and bottom (cleaning both).
Brighten as soon as you can. New wood cannot be stained yet. Install and weather. Prep after weathering: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I recently cleaned and brightened my white cedar deck in the PNW.
This is the the third year out of where I have done this and per recommendation from this site, re-applied TWP over the prior TWP stain.
However, this year, I got some funny “fuzz” on parts of the deck. Can I just stain over rhe “fuzz” or take some other action first?
I have attached a photo of the “fuzz” and the deck in general.
Thank you.
George
You can stain over it.
After applying 1500 how long does it need to be before the deck can see water again? Trying to plan around the weather.
8-24 hours.
I have read through your advice articles but still need some clarification about MAINTAINING a TWP 1500 series stained cedar deck located on the N coast of Oregon.
First, after deck has been properly stained, how many years until it should be stained again? I’m thinking every other summer?
Second, when planning to stain again with exact same TWP series and color, to properly prep we just use the Gemini cleaning kit, dry 48+ hours and then stain with TWP single coat?
Third, in between staining years, what is the best product to use to simply clean (but not prep for stain) the surface of the deck that will safely remove mold, algae or dirt without stripping the TWP 1500 series finish?
Thank you in advance for your reply!
-Every 2 to maybe 3 years is normal for a deck.
-Yes, use the Gemini Kit for prep.
-Warm water and some dish soap. You can use a very soft car wash brush.
Thank you! So don’t use any deck cleaning products such as “wet & forget” or other surface cleaners? Just dish soap water and a soft bristle brush?
Correct.
Can we use the Restore a Deck to prep our deck (currently has TWP100 on it) and then is there a problem if it rains before we can stain it with TWP 100 again? We understand it needs to dry to 15% or about 2 days of dry weather. Thank you!
Just wait 48 hours after prep or rain to stain. Rain will not harm the prep.
Thank you!
Purchased a house very old and neglected deck, pt pine, greyed, mildew etc. Found an old can of Thompson’s under house and could feel remanentes of sealer. I have stripped with rad and brightened. I now have a bad case of the fuzzies. Current plan is to sand with 80 grit on an orbital brighten, and stain. Good plan?
Any need to wait beyond the 48 hrs the deck needs to dry after the final brightening to stain?
How did I get so many fuzzies? The stripper and the pressure washer removed a lot of material- is this just the nature of using them on a degraded deck or did I just over do it with pressure washer? The thing is I found fuzz even where I didn’t have direct access with the pressure washer wand.
Yes, the prep is good. 48 hours after to stain. Fuzzies can happen when you over strip or over pressure wash.
I applied TWP 100 to pine barn doors last year after allowing the new wood to age 12 mths. The doors have faded and appear to need a 2nd coat. I know you recommend Gemini cleaner and brightener but will that remove the existing coat of stain? Obviously, being vertical doors, they don’t get the same level of dirt that a deck floor would and I really don’t wont anything that would remove the existing stain. I went with TWP with the understanding I can clean and stain over top of the previous coat. In a previous reply to kelliG you stated the cleaner brightener would remove the stain.. Thanks!
You always have to prep when recoating so yes, you will need to use the Gemini Restore Kit. It will only remove the old stain if it is deteriorating so that would depend on how long between coatings.
I’m getting ready to re-stain the rail top and floors of my deck with TWP 1500. The spindles and vertices don’t need it. Which power wash product shall I use if I plan on power washing everything? If I can’t get a TWP product because of timing, which one is recommended that can be purchased at a local retail store?
Thanks for your help!
For proper use, we only suggest the Gemini Restore Kit for prepping when reapplying the TWP: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
So this won’t take away my existing stain?
Yes, it will. You can only use this if recoating the floors and tops of rails. Just use light water wash rinse with some dish soap if not recoating for the verticals.
Ok good to know! Thanks!
Do I rinse ?
I used the Gemeni Restore a deck it turned my deck green
Use the brightener and then let it dry, it should be fine when you stain. The product itslef cannot turn the wood green so that would have to be part of your wood internally.
Do I rinse
No need to rinse after the brightener is added.
Thank you 😊
I just sanded our 10 yr. old 300 foot cedar decks.
Is it necessary to use cleaner before the brightener on newly sanded wood?
Is sanded wood treated the same as New wood?
Yes, clean and brighten and 1 coat of TWP stain.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stained my deck a few years ago with 100 series pecan. Prepping to restain it, but want to go with cedar tone this round. How would this work?
Strip and brighten for prep in this case: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Dang! Was hoping I wouldn’t have to strip it? Any way around not having to strip it?
No and stripping is easy.
Gotcha. If I just went with pecan again would I still need to strip?
Not if using the same color. Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
There is no difference between stripping or cleaning when it comes to difficulty. The same.
I applied series 1500 TWP stain in 2017. The deck needs restaining. Should I use Gemini Restore-a-Deck prior to restaining? Thanks.
Yes, that is correct.
Thanks. How much of the original stain will this process leave on the boards?
Not much. Most will come off.
What can be done to avoid the long wait times for “new wood”/”smooth wood” applications, i.e. 4-12 months? Can the mill scale be removed by rough sanding or rough sawing the surface?
You cannot do anything to speed this up. New smooth wood has to weather and be prepped.
Even if it is not untreated wood-yellow pine?
Wood type does not matter. You still have to weather and prep.
Also, our porch is on an A-frame two-story so we can see the underside. Is weathering it for a year enough to deal with the underside that is not exposed to direct sun?
No need to stain the underside. Also, it is not a year for weathering but 4 or more months.
The underside is my porch roof! All new wood is going up.
Not pressure treated, new pine you suggest leaving untreated?
No need to stain it unless you want it for aesthetic purposes.
Forgot to add photos for question do I need to remove old stain completely before cleaner/ brightener steps?
I have a different big box store transparent stain ( cedar tone) on my cedar deck. I have spent 2 days sanding it off with a belt sander. What a job! I have removed 85 % of previous stain ( killing my muscles) Each surface has been sanded but still some stain remaining. Does it all need to come completely off? Will the cleaner remove any of the previous stain? ( got the cleaner/ brightener also from you folks. Maybe I have to do the stripper or power wash too? Ugh
You will need to get more off. 95-100%. Use the Restore A Deck stripper with both additives and pressure washing.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I power washed fence before I read about this product. Can I skip steps one and two? Took me a million hrs already to pw 1400 sq ft fence. It looks clean and bright to me.
Post pictures.
The one problem I see is surface is hairy in places as a result of washing too close.
I cleaned, brightened, and stained our deck last summer. Overall it still looks great. We have a few areas that are a bit green. What’s the best way to clean that will not remove the stain. I can’t go through that entire process again this year. Thanks!
I applied TWP stain on to a new deck 2 years ago. Now after 2 applications of step 1 cleaner, I still have a lot of black mildew. What’s your recommendation for next step to remove the mildew? I’d like to reapply same stain after this prep stage.
That looks like internal water damage. It will probably not come out. You could try some bleach but you will have to apply it to all the wood to make sure it is even. 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Apply with a sprayer to a damp deck and then rinse it off after 10 minutes.
What is the shelf life of twp 100 series pecan
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
The instructions for Step 2 call for 1 cup of powder per gallon of water. The label says the 2 lb container will make 5 gallons of Step 2. The container does not hold 5 cups of powder! What is the correct concentration for Step 2?
One entire bag will make 5-gallons of brightener.
My deck is 400 square feet and my sprayer holds 2 gallons so I have no need or desire to mix all gallons at one time. Your label says that the product weighs 32 ounces which means I should be mixing 6.4 ounces of product for each gallon of water. My container of Step 1 weighed 32 ounces for both the product and the container. My container for Step 2 weighed 30 ounces for both the container and the product. In other words neither container contained the correct net weight of product in accordance with the label. Please send The missing product.
The products are measured by volume when adding to water. You can use between 6-8 oz per gallon of water or 3/4 of a cup to one full cup. You have plenty to do your project.
BTW, do not mix the powder in the sprayer. Mix it in a bucket and then transfer it to the sprayer. This way it will not clog the sprayer.
Hi, i have a 10 year old pt deck that was only sealed once (water-based and failed). The gemini cleaner brightener/pressure wash mostly cleans up the gray and black weathered wood, but doesn’t really get back to a bare-wood look on the decking. So, will the stain still take and look ok? i’m using the Rustic TWP 1500 series stain. Do I have to sand also to get back to the fresh wood? Also, I’ve been advised that stain/seal frequently fails because the underside of the decking wasn’t sealed and allowed moisture to erode adhesion from below. I had been thinking therefore that I would clean/bright/pressure wash/stain the deck as is, then turn all the boards over and do same, thereby sealing all the wood top and bottom. Is this step really necessary? I have 1500 sq and it’s already a lot of work.
No need to ever stain or seal the undersides and that would not have any impact for the exposed stained side. Bad advice actually as standing all sides is not suggested and causes dry rot as the wood needs to breathe.
As for the prep, we would need to see pictures.
Forgot to add photos- before and after
I have a western red cedar deck built last August. The step one restore a deck was applied with a mop, soaked for 15”, and then rinsed, and the brightened applied. We live along the coast so the temperatures are in the low 60’s. The section of the deck this morning now looks blotchy and uneven; under the eaves one color, and the rest a “calico” effect. I’m hesitant to apply TWP tomorrow. Should I have applied with a garden sprayer instead of a mop? I used a pressure washer to moisten it but a hose to rinse. What tool do you suggest for a scrubber? I have 4 sections of decks, including stairs so I want to get it done properly.
Thank y’all!
You did not remove the gray oxidation. Apply the Cleaner with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off until it removed. Rinse well when done and then apply the brightener. Rinse that after 15 minutes.
Is 48 hours the maximum time before the stain is applied?
48 hours is minimum to stain after prep.
Hmm. What is the maximum time ??
About 2 weeks.
Thank you. That changes everything!
If I use the RAD stripper do I need to also use the Gemini cleaner and brightener before I stain?
Just the brightener.
This is the first time I have owned a home with a deck. I replaced all of the deck bords with new cedar. If I’m reading the articles right, I should wait 12 mo the before cleaning and staining, yes?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I just finished cleaning and power washing (step one of Gemini kit). I’m left with a fuzzy look ok much of the dimensional lumber. Can I still brighten and stain?
Yes.
We have a 4-yr old, 400sq ft deck of treated pine 2x6x8ft. Also have 13 boards that have been stored under a front porch. When new, used a product called Rescue-it, a type of solid paint-type stain. There are several places where the deck boards have rotted and need to be replaced. I can use the stored boards to replace the rot – no new wood is needed. Then plan to take the remaining deck boards and flip them over to the unstained underside of the deck. I would use the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner/Brightener system first to get the deck ready for stain. Can I treat this wood as ‘seasoned/dry’ wood and proceded to apply two coats of TWP stain, or do I need to follow the steps for new wood decks? Thanks!
Treat like new wood.
I am using Step 1 stripper and step 2 brightener on my log siding. It will likely be over 2 weeks from the strip/bright stage, then sanding, then staining. Do I need to brighten again prior to staining?
Yes.