Last Updated on July 21, 2021 by TWP Help
TWP 1500 Series
Need Help Choosing TWP 1500 Colors?
TWP 1500 Series is available in 9 semi-transparent color choices that penetrate into the wood while enhancing the natural wood grain. The 1500 Series is higher in solids content which may result in “richer” colors than the 100 Series. In general, the 1500 Series color will not match the colors in the 100.
See here: TWP 1500 Series Photo Albums
Take into consideration that colors are not exact and will vary due to:
- Wood Species
- Age of Wood
- How the wood is prepped
Please read this article that explains the TWP 1500 Colors in more detail. If you have any questions, please ask below.
1501 Cedartone
TWP 1501 Cedartone is the most popular color in the 1500 Series. It is a brownish/cedar color that is darker than the 100 Series Cedartone. TWP 1501 Photos
1502 Redwood
TWP 1502 Redwood is a very rich red color. TWP 1502 Photos
1503 Dark Oak
TWP 1503 Dark Oak highlights your wood with a rich Dark Brown. This color is very popular with consumers who are looking to stray away from the cedar and reddish color choices. TWP 1503 Photos
1504 Black Walnut
TWP 1504 Black Walnut is a stunning dark brown color. Very unique but loved by consumers! TWP 1504 Photos
1511 California Redwood
TWP 1511 is a great color. This is a lighter red color that is not as dark or rich as the 1502 Redwood. TWP 1511 Photos
1515 Honeytone
TWP 1515 is the lightest color in this series. This color will highlight the grain of your wood with golden tones. TWP 1515 Photos
1516 Rustic
TWP 1516 is a very popular red color as the red tones are highlighted with a slightly brown tone. TWP 1516 Photos
1520 Pecan
TWP 1520 is one of the 2 newest colors for the 1500 Series. This color is a lighter brownish/cedar color of the 1501 Cedartone. TWP 1520 Photos
1530 Natural
TWP 1530 was introduced to resemble the 101 Cedartone Natural color. This color is not a “Clear”. This color is a traditional cedar color that highlights your wood grain with Caramel/Golden Tones. TWP 1530 Natural Photos
Feel free to ask any questions in the comment area below.
Hello my deck is weathered which stain should I go with? Also I have a new deck that has never been stained so would I be able to use the same formula?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Make sure to prep before applying. Use the TWP 1500 both after the proper waiting period and prep.
What can I mix with the 1502 Redwood stain to get a lighter more subdued color? I am thinking of getting the 1530 Natural and mixing it half and half with the Redwood but am afraid I might get a weird light orange. What do you suggest? I will be using it on 4 month old redwood fence.
Try mixing clear into it.
My husband would like a mid brown with reddish highlight stain like a Jatoba or Kona brown we have seen in other lines. Has anyone mixed Rustic and Dark Oak together? Does it come out really dark, or medium color? We would be using on pretreated pine deck we build last summer.
You can mix colors but the final result is dependent on how much of each color you use, the wood type you have, and the age of the wood. There is no way to give advice that would make it look exactly the way you want. Best to get a few samples and mix them together for testing:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
which stain has more of the red hue– the 1511 california redwood or the 1516 rustic? Thanks!
The 1516 Rustic.
I have a Mahogany deck that was stained 3 years ago with twp 1502 (redwood). I would like to use a lighter color of twp 1500, maybe Honeytone. Do I need to use the stripper or is the cleaner and brightener kit sufficient?
Use the Stripper and Brightener Kit to gt lighter in color.
We have a pressure treated south facing deck in Vermont. It was laid in October of 2017 and sat untreated all fall, winter and spring. We are wondering if a single coat and 5 gallons will be sufficient for the 800 sq’. Also, we’re waffling between cedartone and California redwood as pigment choices. Could you direct somewhere that you have actual photos of the stains on treated decks for comparison.
Many thanks!
It will be close with the 5-gallon pail and the 800 sq. feet. We do not have the photos but we do offer samples for testing.
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
We have been using 1500 Natural Cedartone on our cedar deck but only get 2 years and have to restrain. It is a west facing surface. My question: If I change to a darker 1501 cedar stain will it last longer. . . 3 years or longer?
The darker colors do give better UV protection but that does not mean it will last any longer. It is normal to have to reapply the TWP every 2 to 3 years.
Can I get samples of the 1500 colors?
Hello,
On this link please: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I think I have finalized my decision to purchase the TWP 1500 Stain for my new Redwood fence. Details first:
1. I have about 636 Sq. Ft. to stain. (5 Ft Pickets, 1 Ft. high baseboard, 2 2×4 pressure treated boards to back pickets, pressure treated 4×4 and 4×6 posts)
2. My neighbor has decided he does not want to stain his side, thus the smaller Sq. Ft.
3. Because of my neighbor’s decision, I may have to stain fence using brush and rollers.
Before I make my purchase, I would like you to help me answer some questions:
1. Will I need one or two coats of stain?
2. Unless the shelf life of left over stain is long, I would only want to purchase a little more stain than I need.
3. How mush extra should I plan to have for touch up in the next year?
4. What stain color would you suggest for the redwood fence that would keep the color as close as possible in a semi transparent stain.
5. Last, would 5 gallons stain be enough for my concerns?
Thank you for your help.
1. One coat if smooth wood, 2 coats if rough sawn.
2. If an opened container, the shelf life is 12 months or less.
3. No need to touch up nor can you spot do this and have it blend. Best to just recoat all in 2-4 years or as needed.
4. Honetone is the lightest tint. Similar to as if wet with water.
5. Not for two coats. You will need about 6-7.
Did you see this about new wood?: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
If I have leftover from a 5 gallon pail purchase how long will it last?
Hi Mike, see this please: https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I purchased 20 gallons of 1502 redwood for my log cabin. I tested it on a deck I was building and it looks more orange than I expected. Should I mix some dark oak with it to get away from the orange color or what do you suggest?
The Redwood 1502 is pretty much red pigment only. If you add some Dark Oak into it, it will definitely “brown” the overall tone. How much to add is really dependent on you and what you would like the final color to be.
What is the difference between the 100 series and the 1500 series of the top stain
Mainly VOC content and restrictions for certain states. See these articles for more info:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-stain-comparison
https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
I live just outside Dallas, Texas and I have 237ft of 6ft fence that was stained upon install in 2012. I am want to re-stain this month and have four questions:
(1) I calculated approx. 2844ft (both sides of the fence included)is this correct?
(2) How much stain is required?
(3) How much cleaner will I need to prep?
(4) Is the 1500 a better choice for my area than 100?
1. Yes
2. 24-28 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet
3. 4 of the Gemini Restore Kits
4. You can use either there and they last the about the same.
I’m in the Bay Area. Would like to stain my 2 year old redwood deck with the TWP 1500 series. Can I use the oak or walnut colors on redwood, or are there specific colors that I am limited to?
Roger, you can use any color you want to enhance the grain of your wood.
1500 black walnut on smooth cedar surface when at direct sun small bubbles
Not sure what you are asking?
can i mix california redwood with redwood to get the color i want
Yes you can!
We have a year old cedar fence. We want it to remain the natural color. Which of the 1500 series would achieve that?
Hi Marlene, for you to have UV protection from graying, the stain must be tinted. When it is tinted, the natural color will change or be enhanced based on the TWP color you choose. Best to try a few samples of colors that you think would work for you and test on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
FYI, it is impossible to have a clear with no tint and have UV protection.
I recently put 8×8 cedar posts on my front porch. We like the color as is, but want a good sealer/UV protectant. I hve read good reviews on TWP products. My question is about the colors: is TWP 1500 Cedartone (1501) or Natural (1530) best for preserving the color of the natural wood as is?
The 1501 and the 1530 are tinted semi-transparent colors that will enhance the natural grain of your wood. They do not “preserve” the color of the wood as is but darken or enhance. It would be best to test the colors on your wood so you are able to decide which would work for you:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Are TWP products safe to use on children outdoor play sets?
Yes they are.
Can you recommend any complimentary colors to Cedartone? Have Cedartone siding and looking for a color for front door……something besides shades of grey. Thank you.
Maybe Dark Oak or Pecan? Really depends on what you are looking for.
Lady wants me to renew her deck. Was stained 4 yrs ago by another company with “California Cedar” written on her invoice but previous deck company didn’t indicate what product line. If I prep with Gemini, can I apply 1500 series in
California Cedar? Raleigh, NC
The California Cedar only comes in the TWP 200 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Use this after the Gemini Prep.
Can I mix a color from the 100 series with the 1500 series
No, it is best to not mix between series.
Is there any possibility that stain colors could be mixed up in the sample sizes? I ordered samples of California Redwood and Natural. They definitely look opposite of what is shown on the website. I cleaned and brightened several leftover redwood 2x6s and applied the stains. The “natural” has a slightly redder/darker appearance whereas the “california redwood” has a lighter, more yellowish tint. This is also the case for the color of the stains in the sample bottles. Not sure what to do.
They were not “mixed” and the colors are correct. Natural is a reddish more orange color.
how many sq. ft. will a gallon cover? which product is best for 70 year old reclaimed pressure washed pine on brackish water? Apalachicola river 1/2 mile up river with tides. can I put home depot’s mold retardant in it?
About 100-125 sq feet for two coats applied wet on wet. Do not apply anything before using the TWP. No need as the TWP contains an EPA registered mildewcide.
What type of oil is used in TWP 1500? I understand that some products use linseed, tung, soy or other synthetics. Does one feed mold more than another?
It is a combination of natural and synthetics oils. TWP also uses an EPA registered wood preservative that greatly reduces the chance of mold. TWP is the only oil based stain manufacturer that uses this.
Hi – do you have samples I can buy? We cant pick between the Pecan or the Natural.
On this link:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I have a “black bamboo” fence that has beautiful vaiation of color in it. It is staring to fade though and I wanted to know which stain might be best to refurbish it, but not turn it all into a uniform shade. Can I obtain samples?
The TWP 1500 will not work on Bamboo. Sorry.
Just stained deck 5 days ago with 1 coat of Cedartone. The deck is very very orange. Is there a way to add another coat with a different color to make it less orange?
No, you cannot add anything on top now as it will not cure correctly. You can go darker but you should wait until Spring. Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Interested in using the 1500 on my log home . Previously coated with Sikkens Cetol 1. Do you have any suggestions on this ?
You will need to remove the Sikkens. Strip and or sanding to remove.
Is there a brand of stripper you recommend? Would that need to be neutralized ?
If you have the shiny version of Sikkens Cetol, strippers will not work. You will have to sand or corn cob blast to remove. Feel free to post a picture.
I ordered 5 gallons of 1530 for my mahogany deck, before I saw the recommendation to use the 1516. Should I just send it back, unopened, or will it look okay? It’s not really orange, is it?
On your wood type it will not be orange. You can use it.
I have a mixed 50/50 – 1504 and 206. Painters did that to formulate the color I wanted. Done 3 yes ago. Already fading. What can I use to stain over it?
Best to use the same mix.
No need to strip ?
No. Use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep.
I have a brand new mahogany deck… Would you recommend one or two coats? Are there any special instructions for applying on new wood?
One coat. See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
This information about new wood applies to mahogany? I understand the part about the mill glaze, but mahogany is kiln dried, which makes the part about the moisture content moot. I should still wait until spring, though?
Yes it does apply to Mahogany wood.
My deck has TWP 206 (last coat was in 2012). Can we use TWP 1503 over it?
Not without removing the TWP 200 Series. It is easily removed with this:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
What kind of finish (e.g., glossy, matte, flat) does the 1503 Dark Oak have? I plan on using it on a deck that was previously painted with an Olympic water based stain of that same Dark Oak color. Any problems with that?
TWP does not come in a gloss. It is a penetrating stain with no gloss or a matte. You cannot apply TWP over a stain of a different brand.
Are sample sizes of stain colors available for twp1500.
On this link: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Thanks. I found it and ordered 3 samples.
Can a second coat be applied a few days after the first coat?
Depends. It is not always best as the first coat has already cured and could hinder absorption into the wood. It would be better to wait until Spring to do it. Light wash to remove any dirt.
I don’t know what are cedar deck was stained with previously. It has been a couple of years and it looks pretty bare at the moment. Do in need to strip it or can I just do a good power wash and then stain it with the TWP 1500 Cedartone?
All of the previous coating should be removed so best to strip and then brighten the wood for the prep.
I have a 20 year old deck. We have been using Penofin cedar penetrating oil finish every 2 to 3 years.
The last coat has been on one year and needs redoing. I’d like to switch to TWP 1500. Would that work? and do you recommend the two coats on the same day?
You will need to remove all the Penofin first with this:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Once removed, apply two coats wet on wet of the TWP 1500.
How long in between each coat?
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I have mahogany decks what color would you recomend?
Rustice 1516.
My deck in Atlanta area was stained with TWP 200 series about 3 years ago, (1/2 butternut and 1/2 gold.) I’m looking to restain using TWP 1500 (1516 to be exact). Can you go over the prep requirements for this scenario? Is this considered maintaining, or does the 200 series stain need to be completely stripped? Can we just clean with thorough pressure washing, and using the Gemini Restore-A-Deck cleaner product recommended elsewhere? Or would a stain stripper be required here?
Thanks,
Dan
You should strip if switching from the 200 to the 1500. Use this:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Just had a new fence installed week of August 8th, 2017. This is what the installer told me about the wood:
1. Your cedar fence is a mix of white & red.
2. It is rough sawn.
3. It was milled or cut in the spring of 2017.
I want to preserve the natural color as much as possible. I understand that a “clear” stain will not provide UV protection so I plan on using the “natural” or “honeytone”color. My questions are as follows:
1. How soon can I apply the stain?
2. I’ve read different estimates for coverage so what should I plan on for this type of wood?
3. Will 1 coat suffice?
4. How soon will I need to reapply if I want to make sure the wood does not fade to grey?
Thanks for the advice.
1. If Rough Sawn Cut, you can stain now.
2. About 150-200 sq feet per gallon on rough sawn.
3. One coat should go okay.
4. About 3-4 years for the fence but this varies on UV exposure.
the flooring for my deck is a composite (timber tech). I will be staining the railings and everything that is wood. Will the cleaner or brightner products damage the timber tech flooring if it comes into contact with it?
No they will not.
Will going over a semi transparent stain with a clear give it a wet look
No it will not.
Have ordered 3 samples (cedar, natural and pecan) in 1500 series and all turn the 11 yr old redwood deck even redder, And am trying to minimize RED. I love the natural color of the deck once it has been sanded so would like to stay very neutral. Any suggestions, or do I just go w”natural” and forget my obsession! (Am in TN and deck gets full sun)
The TWP colors will enhance the grain of your wood and since you have redwood, it will enhance it more to the reddish side with the colors you choose to test. You could go more “brown” with the Dark Oak but really cannot keep the light/unstained look as that means it will not offer UV protection.
Use the TWP 1500 series for CA. See this article about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I just got a new redwood deck built about 4 months ago. I live in California right by the bay. So lots of moisture. What is the recommended stain? I would like at least some of the wood gain to show. But not have a red deck. Should I be using any cleaner before the stain because it is a new deck and still has it’s natural color? or just power-wash it before staining? Appreciate your advice. Thanks!
I have a home in Northern Ca that has 1×8 horizontal siding.
I unfortunately used a waxed based stain/seaker many years ago.
I have had it pressure washed recently and am ready to restain and seal.do i need to use your cleaner(there are gray areas) or can i just usr your stain and sealer?
It would be best to prep to remove the gray and the old sealer fully. Use the Stripper/Brightener kit.
Suppliers in sonoma county,ca?
I have a cedar wood fence that was last stained professionally by Roof-to-Deck Restoration in 2012 with an oil based “semi-transparent penetrating pigmented sealer/stain”. I want to re-stain the fence myself this year using your TWP 1500 Series; the fence is in good condition with only minimal “graying” where apparently stain application was missed. Is cleaning the fence sufficient, or do I need to use a cleaner/stripper product (and what product do you recommend)? Also, the fence is approx. 450 sq. ft. (75′ L x 6′ H); how much of the TWP stain (cedar color) should I get for adequate coverage? Thank You!
Use the Stripper and Brightener kit for the prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Are you doing both sides? That means 900 Sq feet. You would need roughly 10 gallons for 2 coats for the 900 sq. feet. Two of the stripping kits. if only doing one side, cut amount in half.
Hi, we have South American mahogany (house built 40 years ago). Is the TWP good for hard. Woods? Can I get samples of this stain? Thank you
You could use the TWP. Just one coat. Many use the Rustic color for this wood type. See samples here:
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples