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Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
Questions on TWP 100 Colors
TWP 100 Series comes in 9 different color choices, 8 of which are semi-transparent. TWP absorbs into the wood grain and “enhancing” the natural color tones of your wood by adding pigments.
Final colors will vary substantially based on:
- Type of Wood
- Age of Wood
- Prepping of Wood
This article will further explain the TWP 100 Colors to help you determine which is best for you. If you have questions, please ask below.
See here: TWP 100 Series Photo Albums
 TWP 101 Cedartone |
TWP 101 Cedartone Natural is by far the most popular of the 100 color choices accounting for 60-70% of the sales. The 101 is a traditional Cedar color. It highlights the natural grain of your wood with Caramel/Golden tones. |
 TWP 102 Redwood |
TWP 102 Redwood is a popular choice for customers who are looking to add a rich red color. We call this color a “straight” red as it does not contain any other highlights. |
 TWP 103 Dark Oak |
TWP 103 Dark Oak is a beautiful Dark Brown that will really enhance your wood. This color is popular for customers who are looking to get away from the traditional golden/cedar colors. |
 TWP 115 Honeytone |
TWP 115 Honeytone is the lightest and most natural looking color. This is a “golden” color that will highlight the natural grain of your wood similar to a clean “wet” look. |
 TWP 116 Rustic |
TWP 116 Rustic is a red color. This color has become more popular than the 102 Redwood as it is a Reddish/Brown color similar to maroon. |
 TWP 120 Pecan |
TWP 120 Pecan is the newest color in the 100 series line and was introduced as an alternative to the 101 Cedartone. This color is what we call a slightly brown/cedar color. Basically a little bit of brown was added to the 101 Cedartone to “tone down” the traditional orange cedar color. |
 TWP 105 Cape Cod Gray |
TWP 105 is a popular gray color that is a traditional gray. This color is heavier in solids than other TWP color choices. We consider this to be closer to a semi-solid. |
 TWP 106 Prairie Gray |
TWP 106 Prairie Gray is a unique color. We would call this a taupe gray with a hint of coral. |
Feel free to ask any questions in the comment area below.
So the 1530 won’t work??
No. Only the 300 Series.
I have honey twp that’s 4 years old. I pressured washed it and want to change to dark oak. Will dark oak cover the leftover honey color?
Strip and brighten for prep with this while pressure washing is the correct way:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
John here again about a recoat on 1 year old 101, April 15 2023.
Will clear 100 over 101 be a better choice?
Same color as prior. You cannot add clear over the stain colors.
I will use your clean & brighten kit on one year old 101 cedar tone before a recoat on horizontal areas. We would like to avoid darkening the cedar redness. Will applying 115 honey tone work for this?
These Q&A messages are very helpful for gaining TWP customers.
Use the 101 again after prep. You. Annoy apply a lighter color over it.
We have a new build home Galveston- Crystalbeach TX, 9 months, On pilings, pretty harsh salt air. We want to keep deck as natural looking as possible( no tint). What is best TWP color and recommendation? How many SF will 5 gallons cover approximately? Thanks
No tint = No UV protection from graying. It must be tinted for this. Honeytone is the lightest color. Coverage based on application, wood type, age of wood, etc. and how many coats.
Can we tint the light cedar darker
Sorry but no, you cannot tint the TWP stains. You can mix another color of the TWP from the same series to darken it. An example would be adding Dark Oak to the cedar. You would have to test it on your need to see how much to add.
Can TWP 100 be used on picnic tables?
Yes as long as the wood is prepped correctly.
Can I add a black minwax to dark oak TWP to get a black stain?
No. You cannot a tint to darken the TWP.
We pressure treated our rather small up stairs deck on our home in Texas, which has never been colored in any way, and is 10 years old. We used the Dark Oak TWP and now we see that it is much too dark. In a week we want to go over the Dark Oak TWP with another lighter TWP on top of it to make it brighter and more pleasant looking. Has anyone done that, and if so what color did you use? Or what color suggestion does anyone have for a top color. Thank you very much.
You cannot make it lighter by adding a lighter TWP color on top. The only way to lighten it would be to strip off the Dark Oak and start over: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
We decided to be satisfied with the Dark Oak color since it is just a small deck. But the sprayer missed some areas, and we want it to be evenly covered. Can we apply another coat of Dark Oak over the first? It has been drying for almost a week. Thank you very much.
2nd coats have to applied wet on wet. Applying another coat to a dry coat could lead to shiny spots and tacky spots.
Can i apply twp over weathered thompsons clear coat?
Strip and brighten first. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I stained this deck for the first time last year here in north ga. It is pressure treated deck. I used cabot water based stain, hate hate hate it, peeling and chipping. I have ordered a pressure washer with disk to clean, I would like to use twp over it, what steps do I need to take, thank you.
You will have to remove the Cabot fully and that will require sanding. You cannot apply the TWP unless you remove the Cabot.
wood a stripper work instead?
What you have cannot be stripped fully. It is on the wood excessively heavy, like a varnish.
It’s just a really dark color with two coats.
Yes but the only way to fix it is to sand it off.
I applied redwood twp1500 to my Epi deck that I sanded, cleaned and brightened.
I was previously told it would take (vs. epi oil, and I want it to match the rest of my decks in hue)… I also tested it and it seemed fine.
It looks good… Though not great. It seems like maybe it can take more stain?
It also has odd rain blotches (I think) that look like water stains.
All in all… Not super happy with it.
Should I apply another thin coat?
Any ideas?
What color did you use? Post a picture or two.
Sorry… I thought I did. The color was CA redwood. Photos attached.
Test spot by applying a light coat on one board to see if it makes it look richer and to see if it will dry evenly. If okay, then recoat the rest.
What is the difference between twp101 and twp101-1 ?
The “-1” just means 1 Gallon size of the TWP 101.
Can you supply brown tint and the recommended amount per gallon so I can tone down my on hand 101 cedar tone to that of the pecan 120 color?
“TWP 120 Pecan is the newest color in the 100 series line and was introduced as an alternative to the 101 Cedartone. This color is what we call a slightly brown/cedar color. Basically a little bit of brown was added to the 101 Cedartone to “tone down” the traditional orange cedar color.”
Sorry but no, we do not supply tint. You can add some Dark Oak into your cedartone to brown it out some.
I have a log home that was stained with TWP about 5 years ago. I am looking to re-stain it but the stain used was Rustic Brown #206. I don’t see this as a color option. Is it still available
TWP 206 is Russet Brown and is an option here: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
I used the TWP 100 stain/101 Cedartone on a new deck about 2 yrs ago. The stain when applied was a brownish color but the deck floor and steps have turned a grayish brown since then but the handrails have not. We are getting ready to recoat the deck with the same color. We have cleaned and pressure washed the deck but it still looks gray in alot of areas-primarily where the grain in the pressure treated lumber is. Do you think we should lightly sand the deck before recoating? Would that get rid of the gray color?
Post a picture here.
Should I strip the old stain off(which is TWP 101) to get rid of the grayish color that the deck has now-we have already pressure washed it or would using a Brightener get rid of the gray? This is a 2 yr old deck and we plan on re-applying using the same stain and color TWP 101.
No need to sand. Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
So no need to sand or strip the old stain off? Would we get a better result from using a stain and sealer remover like the Sherwin-Williams Super Deck ( rather than just cleaning )and then a “Brightener?” they have a product called Revive. I’d prefer to use the Sherwin-Williams products to clean the deck and prepare it to stain again just to save time instead of waiting on shipment from you. Thanks
Our previous reply linked to the stripper kit. Super deck products are not as effective.
To prevent graying if we recoat again with the same TWP dark oak stain should we use two coats this time we only used one last time and should I clean the deck once a year and how often do you think I should have to re-coat ? I would rather not have to strip every two years so how do I prevent that ?
Hello,
Sorry, the link we sent was for the cleaner kit. That is what you need. No need to strip.
Question regarding the TWP 105 Cape Cod Gray stain: we have a new pressure treated pine deck which needs to dry out 4 – 12 months. After that, I use Gemini Restore Deck kit. Then apply a coat of Cape Cod. Since Cape Cod is close to a semi-solid, my understanding from a previous question is that the one coat is the only one needed. After that first coat, a ‘maintenance coat’ is needed every 9 – 24 months? Is that the correct sequence for the Cape Cod stain? Thanks!
Once coat. Redo in as needed around every 12-24 months.
Could I apply TWP 120 Pecan directly to a 3 year old deck that has never been stained? After powerwashing of course…
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Dark oak 100 looks orange on pt deck. Can I add color pigment to get rid of orange?
Sorry but no, you cannot tint it.
Can your TWP100 PRO-SERIES CLEAR be custom tinted at a retail store?
No, it cannot.
Testing Dark Oak 103 vs Black Walnut 1504 expecting them to be similar but finding them to be VERY different (see pics). The Dark Oak 103 doesn’t have any dark tones at all – mostly red, and the Black Walnut 1504 is so dark it looks black. Should these 2 colors really be this different or is is possible I received the wrong Dark Oak 103 sample? I made sure to mix both bottles thoroughly before testing and did notice the Dark Oak 103 was very watery compared to the Black Walnut 1504 but that could just be because of the series difference?
It looks correct as colors do vary based on wood type and age. Alos the 1503 Dark Oak would have been a little darker than the 103 as it has more solids in the 1500 Series.
Is it possible to get TWP 200 in black?
Not a standard colour but can it be made ‘custom’ somehow?
Thanks
Neal.
Calgary, AB.
No, sorry that is not possible.
I have 2 issues I really need help with.
I have new cedar exterior siding with 6”x8” beams in a very high difficult location to reach so I want the best most long lasting semi transparent stain I can get . This is all new wood. Im in South Texas, hot and humid weather, area gets direct sun/shade throughout the dayI’m. looking for a dark grey color such as Dark Oak. Will TWP 100 or 1500 work best and what kind of prep is necessary for new wood?
Next issue: I’ve used 100+ Year old reclaimed beams for a small balcony deck. Looks awesome but the wood has lots of fine splinters. Used several coats of Sikkens on it but it still is splintering. A professional painter did the work. I think they pressure washed the deck then applied stain. Is there any material that will seal the material and prevent splintering? If not I’ll have to replace the reclaimed beams. Any ideas?
1. See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Dark Oak is dark brown, not dark gray. There is not a TWP color that is dark gray. You would want the 100 Series.
2. No, TWP is a penetrating stain, not filming like a varnish. Coatings that film will peel on a deck.
how can I get color samples?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Can I apply pecan over old worn cedar color?
As long as you prep first. https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We just stripped our 300-sq-ft porch down to raw wood. I like the look of the wet cedar, very knotty with some naturally dark boards. Lots of character. We have reddish stain on the siding of the house, so I want something very light and neutral to protect the porch wood – not yellow and not red. Is there anything you can recommend for me?
Honeytone is the closest color to a wet look. See pictures on these links:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Hi – would you happen to have a mixing formula for creating a Mahogany color using TWP-100 stains? Thanks…
We do not.
Hello.
Do you have any customer photos of pecan and honeytone mixed?
No, we do not.
Cedartone is too orange and pecan is too brown for what I’m looking for. I’ve mixed the two together and it’s better but looking for more golden shades. Will honeytone add any golden tones to the pecan or just lighten it? Thanks
Most likely lighten it but it is a golden color in general.
Ok. I might try the first coat in honeytone and then the second wet/wet coat in pecan and vice versa on some test boards. Thx
That will not work. Doing that and the Pecan will dominate in color throughout.
Ok, thx
Ryan, do you have a pic of the pecan/cedartone blend? I am in the same dilemma. Thanks.
Cedartone and Pecan mixed
Thanks for the pics! I like the color BTW.
I stained a deck today with redwood and found out I had used the wrong color the customer wanted dark oak can I cover redwood with dark oak I only applied one coat.
No, you will need to strip it. Use this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Is the gal size “cedar tone natural,” the same as “cedar tone” w/o word “natural” in five gal can?
Cedartone and Cedartone Natural is the same thing in the 100 Series.
Which do you use for cumaru?
Many use the Rustic color.
I just bought two gallons of Rustic and it says Rustic Oak. So these two cans must be old.
Could you post a picture of the can and there also should be a small sticker with the date on it.
Is TWP rustic and TWP rustic oak the same color?
Yes. The “oak” was dropped from the name years ago but just an FYI, the “oak” was used in the 1500 Series version, 1516 Rustic.
How much will a gallon of TWP 101 Cedar tone natural cost me shipped to
Tripoli, Iowa
Around $15 for the shipping. You can add to cart and enter the full shipping info to see the actual price:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I have a newly built pressure treated pine deck and two wall panels of the same material…which stain would best match my twenty year old cedar fence?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Once you weather the new wood and prep, try the TWP in any color you like.
Does anyone have pictures of the pecan color on there deck?
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Can you mix the 2 grays with each other or any other colors?
Yes, you can intermix the TWP colors as long as they are from the same series.
Is the color 105 Prairie Gray considered a solid color or semi-transparent?
It is closer to a semi-solid.
I was thinking about using the TWP 103 Dark Oak stain on some oak I will be refinishing to use for a pickup truck bed. The bed will be covered when not in use, but i was wondering if it (the stain) is compatible with marine varnish or do you have a better product for maximum protection?
The TWP cannot be top coated with a marine varnish. TWP 100 Series is a penetrating stain that will work for the bed but will not leave a shine.
Hello, I am interested in TWP for our new deck (it was installed summer of 2017 and has weathered for 12 months). It’s a large deck, very large, with wrap around front porch. First, I was thinking of purchasing a paint sprayer to apply the stain – will a sprayer work with TWP? Second, we have an old farmhouse, white with black shutters, so I was wanting solid color stain – white on the railings and gray on the deck boards. Does TWP come in a solid white, solid gray? or at least a semi-solid white and semi solid gray?
Yes the TWP can be sprayed but you will need to back brush to ensure an even application. TWP does not come any solid colors or white.
Good evening. I’ve got two questions:
1) Our deck is prepped and ready for stain. My wife and I have looked at the color choices for the TWP 100 series and are torn between the Dark Oak (TWP 103) and the Rustic (TWP 116). We’re wondering … can the two colors be mixed together (50/50 ratio) to create a custom color? If so, anything that should be concerning about taking this approach?
2) When I stain the spindles, hand rails, stairs, and other vertical portions of the deck, how many coats are required? Will one be sufficient? Thanks for your help!
Jim D.
1. Yes, you can mix colors of the same series.
2. One coat is good for vertical areas.
Do you have a picture of your deck after mixing the Dark Oak and Rustic? That sounds like a great combination!
Hi Jim, can you please upload a couple of pictures of your deck after staining? Did you go with the 50/50 mix? Thanks
Hi
I’m needing to do all my railings and window and post trim,I know it was first done with pecan
Can I just go over the top of exciting or do I need to hose it down first
Not sure to use 100 or 1500 ??
Alison
You have to prep with the wood before applying. Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I re-stained cedar deck last year with cedartone. Want to do a maintenance coat this spring without stripping. Thinking about using honeytone so existing finish won’t be so dark (vis a vis cedartone maintenance coat). Do you think that will work or should I just stick with cedartone for light maintenance coat? Want to try and achieve similar color from last year’s re-stain. Thank you!
Stick with the cedartone. Make sure to prep first.
We sealed out deck last year with TWP Pecan and all of the flat surfaces have peeled/weathered. Rails / posts and risers are fine. We have very long and wet winters. Can it just be powerwashed and resealed. What prep work is required ? 😊 Thank you
Use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Hi, I have an old huge deck treated with the unknown stain probably a few years ago. The stain hold up well on the railings. The deck board already weathered a bit.
I replaced a few balusters and changed couple of wooden posts. I want to stain it with darker TWP stain, highly likely dark oak. I have two questions.
1. How do I need to treat my deck and the railings, so I can stain them with TWP. Is is better to use 100 or 1500 series?
2. Can I stain new balusters and posts in 2 months instead of 4-5?
Thank you very much,
V
You will need to remove the old stain first. How to remove depends on the type and the brand of stain that it is. if you post a picture that will help.
Either series will work. You will need to wait the 4+ months for the new wood to season.
Can you put TWP on exotic wood decks
Yes but only 1 coat.
Is twp a penetrating stain also do you make a clear
Yes the TWP is a penetrating stain and it does offer a clear:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains
Does the cape cod gray look like natural weathered wood on cedar?
Similar but not exactly like that.
I have a question – we are restaining my deck that is about 4 or 5 years old. I tested the dark oak – because I don’t care for the red or golden tones – the dark oak is too dark. I have looked at sample of pecan and I’m afraid it is too light. Would you recommend or is it possible to mix the dark oak and pecan to get a medium color?
Yes, you can mix stain colors together to achieve a color you like.
Kay did you end up mixing the Pecan and Dark Oak? I have the same thought… Pecan to light and Dark Oak to dark… would love to see pictures if you have done so.
I’m in Minnesota, and had our deck resurfaced last spring with green treated lumber. We let it weather over the summer and winter, and now are ready to stain it (after a thorough pressure washing). Which stain would you recommend to bring out the natural grain? Thanks!
Prep with our Gemini Restore Kit. Stain with TWP 100 Series.