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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.
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.
I’m in Virginia. I want to use TWP 100 on my new deck this year, and want to recoat a year afterward. What happens if the VOC regs change next year and don’t allow the 100 in my state? What stain would i then order in order to do a simple recoat after brightening?
The VOC will not change anytome soon. If it did, just use the TWP 1500 Series.
What cedar oil stains are offered in a solid color
Sorry but TWP does not come in a solid stain.
How soon after the first application can a second coat be applied. Painter put a good first coat but appears to have been a thin coat. If i want to come back on the top, upper deck with a second coat in a month is that ok? As do i need to use the two part prep prior to second coat?
Best to wait about 6-12 months, lightly wash, and apply a light coat.
Is it possible to get samples of twp color choices
Yes. See this link:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Does this product work on bamboo…..it not being wood but believe it or not it’s grass. I have 600sq mtrs and have had great difficulty in finding a winner. Even linseed oil is a no no. Thanks for help from experienced bamboo fencing lovers.
Sorry, but it does not work for Bamboo.
Please advise Which 100 stain is more medium brown? I don’t want red or yellowish stain. Thank you!
TWP does not have a medium brown. Dark Oak is a darker brown. Pecan is a cedar brown.
Is the gray thicker and more app to peal
The grays are closer to a semi-solid but are not prone to peeling.
I am applying 115 honeytone wet-on-wet to my deck. The deck is 35 years old pressure-treated), but it was covered with solid stain all those years and I had it all sanded down to bare and power washed. How long before I need to re-stain? If keeping the same color, what prep would be required? Also, is it OK to stain when hot and humid?
Redo every 2-3 years. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Do not apply when over 85 degrees.
What happens if it is over 85 degrees?
Could dry unevenly.
I used dark oak today on my deck out of a five gallon barrel. I stirred before I started applying but not again after that. When I started applying it was much more transparent then what I have in the last gallon. The deck has a bit of a reddish tone where the last gallon is a rich chocolate brown. Any thoughts?
Most likely it was not mixed fully at start and it settled during the application. The pigment can settle to the bottom and a drill mixer is suggested to mix the pigment into the stain evenly.
Can I mix in a gallon of a darker TWP 100 series color to the pail of 102 “redwood” to reduce its redness? If so, which color would you recommend?
Yes you can. Try Dark Oak 103.
I recently used 102 redwood color on a con hrt rdwd deck and the colors redder than i like. when i recoat in 9-12 months can i use a lighter color, like cedartone. thanks c.r.
To go lighter, you will need to remove the Redwood by using the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit.
We applied twp 116Rustic two years ago to our cedarwood deck. The verticle surfaces have retained the color but the horizontal surfaces are fading and need redone. We are wanting a more brown tone…thinking of applying 120Pecan. Will the 120Pecan tone down the existing 116Rustic after we have cleaned the wood? Do we need to apply deck stripper and brightner or can we just clean and brighten?
No it will not. Best to strip and brighten for the prep.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can I mix clear and dark oak to lighten the color of the dark oak a bit without creating any issues for myself?
Yes, you can mix the TWP colors of the same series.
Brian, If you ended up mixing the clear and dark oak, do you have a picture of your deck with that combination?
Is the cedartone semi transparent? Thank you, Aaron
Yes it is!
How do I go aboutgetting (3) 1/4 pt.samples?
We have small sample bottles (not 1/4 pints) on this link for testing:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Is cedartone 101 the same as Cedartone natural 101?
Yes it is.
I bought 3 gallons of TWP 101. Should I mix all together for even color on my deck? Or will that not be an issue?
Yes that would help.
Cumaru deck: We are building a Cumaru deck and would like to apply TWP 100. We are thinking a clear coat. Which colors in your chart MOST closely resemble the natural color of Cumaru? I’m thinking maybe the 102 or the 115. Lastly, will a pigmented stain provide better and longer protection than the clear?
The Clear 100 without tint will not provide UV protection from graying. 115 and 102 are tinted and will provide UV protection
Thanks. WHICH color is the CLOSET match to CUMARU ?
All the colors will enhance the grain of the wood. Not sure which way you want to enhance? More Yellow, Red, Brown, etc?
Love the dark oak. Not sure i want it that dark however, but i DO NOT want red or gold in my stain. Alternative? Yesterday our deck was partially stained until i saw the color and nearly died. please help me.
You can add the clear into the dark oak to lighten the color.
I’ve stripped, cleaned, sanded, brightened, then applied ‘wet on wet’ TWP 101 Cedartone on a cedar deck. I’m unhappy with the color. Probably should have gone with Honeytone. It seems overpoweringly orange. Is this expected?
That is the correct color for the Cedartone. It does tone down in color after full cure.
We live in the Sandhills/Piedmont area of southeastern NC. We just last weekend finished building a 544 sq. ft deck using PT yellow pine. This deck gets partial sun/shade. We really LOVE the way it looks after a rain and would prefer to keep that look as long possible. What do you recommend we use to seal and protect that will let the wood keep it’s beautiful light honey color and still protect it from the elements, deterring the graying? We’re not against a small bit of coloring in the product, especially if it adds protections from UV.
Thanks so much for your time.
Closest tint/color to a wet look is the Honeytone 115. See this about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have really enjoyed reading the information you folks have on your site. It’s straightforward and informative, and I have bookmarked several pages. We’ll definitely be using your products when our deck has dried sufficiently for prep and protectant.
Thanks for your quick reply.
🙂 🙂
I just had a brand new rear fence installed with all redwood materials. I am looking to get the fence stained but did not want to use the redwood color stain. I’ll be ordering the TWP 1500 series, and was looking at the rustic or pecan colors. Any suggestions on which one of these colors might look best on the redwood fence? I’m looking for a more brownish tint, and trying to stay away from the golden and orange colors. Thank you for your help.
Try the Pecan or the Dark Oak for a brownish color.
What is difference 1500 between clear and natural?
To make dark oak lighter should I use natural or clear?
Clear does not have any color. Natural is tinted. To lighten the Dark Oak, use the Clear,
I have 4 year old cedar decking that was previously stained with TWP dark oak. Have sanded the decking down using 100 grit and like the weathered look it left. Looking to use TWP again but don’t want an “orange” color. Is honeytone the right choice?
Honeytone is a golden tint. We do have sanples on our site so you can test.
Is there a clear instead of colors in the 100 series??
Yes there is a clear option. You can choose this when ordering, under color choices for the 1 gallon or 5 gallon size:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Can TWP 100 stains be custom-tinted to match a previous stain?
No, it cannot be custom tinted.
Thank you. Is the Cedartone in the picture at the top of the page the 100 series or the darker 1500 series?
I would like a suggestion regarding 2 color choices. One color on floor and top rail, another for the spindles. Not too dark or light for the floor color. Thanks!
I am looking to stain a table I am building that will be staying outside year round. I have read excellent reviews of TWP 100 for use on decks, but I am curious if it is a suitable stain for a table surface where people will be eating.
I tested an area on my weathered deck rail. It was recently stripped and sanded. The color seems to have too much rose or coral color. Could this be a mixing issue? I was hoping for a more tan and gray tone as depicted on color samples. Suggestions to tone down the coral hues?
I live in Denver, Colorado, and have 10-month old deck and fence. Deck is in shade in afternoon, fence gets intense sun all day. Can the 100 be used on both or is the better to use 100 on the deck and the 1500 on the fence?
With TWP 101, do you apply 1 coat or 2; if 2, how long until you apply the second coat? On average, how long does the 101 take to dry? Is the 101 Cedartone more orange or caramel/yellow?
Hi is the TWP TWP 120 Pecan a semi-transparent? It does not state. Also, how often does it need to be reapplied? The can or web site does not state how many years an application is good for before reapplying is required.
Is twp 101cedar tone a semi transparent stain?
Our older deck is pressured treated wood that has never been stained. My husband does not care at all about color but it’s very important to me. Our home is cream colored vinyl siding with our shutters and roof a wine/maroon shade. We are planning to use TWP 100 Stain and I am waffling between 3 colors, Rustic, Prairie Gray and Pecan. Without paying for samples, I would like some input as to what might be the best choice.
I live in Minnesota and have a new cedar deck that I will be staining. Someone had recommended using a clear for the first couple years then use a colored semi transparent a couple years down the road. Since you do not have a clear what would you recommend and would it be the 100 or 1500?
We have an old redwood deck. I have prepped and want to bring out the color without making it too dark. Will Honeytone color work with redwood?
We are planning to stain our deck, screened porch, and front porch columns and railing. They are cedar with no previous stain, 2.5 years old. We live in Iowa.
I’m looking at using TWP 100 or TWP 1500 for staining my cedar fence. The fence is about 3 years old and its not peeling and only slightly grayed on the top cap. Would I have to strip the old stain first or just power wash it before applying your product? The colors you have don’t match exactly, so I assuming I will have some type of blended color if I apply it over the existing stain, presuming you say I don’t have to strip the old stain off. Thx
You would need to strip and brighten for the prep. This way the TWP is able to properly penetrate into the wood grain.