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Last Updated on April 11, 2022 by TWP Help
TWP with Wet on Wet Application Tips
TWP Stains are to be applied “Wet on Wet” when the wood is absorbent enough to handle more than 1 coat of the stain. This is typically for wood and decking that is older than 12 months and has been exposed to the elements. Applying the TWP “wet on wet” is similar to applying 1.5 coats of stain. The second coat covers twice as much square footage as the first coat.
Applying TWP “wet on wet” is very easy and not complicated once you understand the simple steps.
How To Apply TWP Wood Stains “Wet On Wet” to a Deck:
- Apply the TWP to the verticals first. This would include the railings, benches, and any vertical walls.
- Lightly apply one coat of stain to the horizontal flooring. Apply to the entire floor surface. If your deck has multiple levels, do one level at a time before moving to the next level.
- Wearing shoes that are disposable, walk back onto the “wet” stain and reapply another coat to the “tops” of and railings, walls, and benches. You may walk on your first coat of stain 10 minutes after finishing.
- Apply your second coat of stain to the horizontal flooring. Take care to not step in or leave footprints in your second coat!
- Finish stairs last, repeating the above steps.
TWP Staining Tips
- Do not apply 2 coats of stain to new wood or decking or to recently sanded wood that was sanded finer than 60-80 grit as the TWP stain may not be able to fully absorb into the wood.
- In most cases, a second coat only needs to be applied to horizontals as the verticals will last twice as long.
- Apply your second coat of stain within 10-60 minutes of the first coat.
- Watching for puddling on the floor. This usually happens under railings and benches.
- Wear shoes and clothes that are disposable. Do not wear shoes that have black soft rubber soles. The TWP can “soften” these soles, leaving black residue marks on your deck if you step in the stain.
- TWP Wood Stains can be applied with a stain pad, brush, roller, or sprayer.
If You Need any Help, Please Ask Below!
How long before I can put furniture back on the deck.
24-48 hours or when fully dry.
I applied 1500 yesterday but even no rain in forecast for next four days my luck it drizzled after one hour I finished I can still see water beads and some sections looks on even what would you suggest I should do
After the rainwater dries off see if any water spots or not in the stain. If so, send pictures. If not, then no worries.
it is cedar clean and sanded like new
Only one coat on sanded wood.
would second coat of pecan 1500 get darker
I have a brand new rough sawn fence. Do I need to wait for it to weather before applying TWP 1500 clear or can i apply right away? Do I need 1 coat or 2 on a fence?
You can stain rough sawn wood right away. 2 coats wet on wet. Use a tinted color if you want to prevent UV graying.
What pressure do you spray tip clear pro series
I have a 5 Gallon Bucket of Cedar Semi-transparent Deck stain from last summer. I used about 4 gallons last year but when I opened it this year to stain another deck, about a 1 Inch thick film developed on the top of the stain. I punctured the film and used some of the stain below on some vertical rails but when I went to use it on the deck itself, the solidified stain would have made spraying impossible and using a roller problematical. is there some method such as sunlight or minimal heat to melt it. if not if I strain it out will the remaining liquid still be usable or did the solidified material contain some of the necessary chemicals for a horizontal deck stain with a long duration?
It has gone bad and cannot be fixed.
I used the product without reading instructions and now it is dried but shiny. What can I do to fix it?
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Cleaned deck 2 weeks ago. But now it’s graying already. Do I need to clean again before applying 100 pecan. I’m only home 2 days a week. Thanks
Yes.
I’m planning to apply TWP 1500 to an outdoor table that I’m making – the wood is deodora cedar. I’ve sanded the wood to 240-grit, but I read above that anything higher than 60-80 grit and the product may not fully absorb. I’m hoping to keep the 240-grit sanding that I’ve completed, as I’d like a smoother surface than 60-80 grit for furniture. Is there an application method that is recommended for furniture sanded to a smoother grit?
You cannot sand this fine and you cannot stain need wood right away. The stain will not soak in properly. See for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Sorry if this is a repeat question but I couldn’t find it in the 100 FAQ’s I read. I thought somewhere on this site I read that you shouldn’t apply stain if rain is expected during the next “few days”. How long do you recommend? Should we hold off if rain is expected within the next 24, 36, or 48 hours? We did the restore-a-deck stripper & brightner and are ready to apply TWP 1500.
Thank you!
TWP can take a rain typically in 8-24 hours.
Can I add a second coat a week after the first coat was applied?
It may not take and dry correctly as TWP should be applied wet on wet if doing a second coat. Do a test board and let it dry for a couple of days. If not sticky or tacky then your wood can take another coat.
I plan to use 1500 California Redwood on our log home. Our logs are 130 years old and are cypress. 30 years ago we put a clear coat of TWP on the logs. We have not put anything else on the logs since. The logs were grey and recently I power washed the logs and now they are a pretty honey brown. I did a sample on the logs in an area under the porch. The honey tone did the best job of not making the logs dark but I was told that honey tone did not offer much UV protection. I decided to go with California Redwood because I was told it offered more UV protection and it did not darken the logs too much as compared to Redwood and Cedar. If I just power wash the logs and then wait 48 hours and then apply the stain will that be okay or do I need to do additional cleaning products?
That will be fine.
My screened porch is 12 x 16′ on a south facing, fairly shady side of the house; it gets some east/west sun in Wisconsin. The porch is about 15 years old and is now grey. Do you recommend that I use the 100 or 1,500 series and what combination of brightener? Do I need to strip it? Would you recommend power washing first? Food crumbs and dirt collect in the crevices between the boards. How much product do I need?
Please reply back with some pics so we can help with prep.
I’m an old lady. I can’t possibly prep and stain an 11 x 25 deck on the same day. Can I prep one day and stain a dry deck the next day? Also I cannot possibly remove my large Weber grill (on wheels) from the deck. So can I stain (with semi solid) half on one day, then move the grill to the stained part the next day and finish the rest?
TWP stains cannot be stained the same day as prep. You need to let the wood dry for 48 hours after prep before staining.
any suggestions on that grill on wheels?
You can do half at a time. Make sure you have a clear distinct start and stop point.
Does this wet on wet application is necessary also for TWP 200? I have a 5 year old deck that will get stripped and brightened before staining.
If doing two coats, then yes.
I have a new 1500 square foot pool deck with AC2 boards. Do I put one or two coats on. How many square feet should the average new deck absorb on first application.
See here about new wood. https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Having a hard time finding this answer. i need a second coat in some areas, mainly around knots that seem to have soaked in quickly. I understand the wet on wet approach which i did but probably not enough – so my question is why can i not hit a second light coat over some areas where i can wipe off & blend it together ?
Knots will dry lighter in color due to the density of the wood there and that is normal. We would not suggest spot touching them up. It will probably not blend and they will still be lighter in color when it dries.
We have a very large single level deck. It will take us longer than 40 minutes to finish it before we can get back to apply the second coat. How much time can expire before applying the second coat? We are using the 1500 series.
40-60 minutes is okay.
Can you apply oil-based poly over TWP 1500 Series stain?
No, you can never apply a sealer or poly coating over the TWP.
I live in Ohio under a canopy of trees and next to an ever flowing creek year round. What is the best product 100 or 1500?
For Ohio, you need the 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Is that because of the moisture and will two coats last 3 years? Thanks.
No, it is because of VOC laws in Ohio. 2-3 years is the norm for a horizontal deck. Longer on vertical wood.
I have a 12 x 16 deck with railing. It will take several days due to weather to complete. How is it possible to do wet on wet,unless i do in sections. Also how to apply a continous stroke on a 12 ft board, more product at beginnng of stroke,less at end of stroke? Thank you
A 12×16 deck should not take more than a couple of hours to stain. If you want to break it up then do any railings first. The flooring would take less then 30 minutes to coat for each coat.
Im using brush, but open to better suggestion. Took me 3 hrs to brush a 6ft section of railing would it be better to spray or roll on horizontal deck section thank you
Use a stain pad or sprayer is fine. See this article for some help on staining faster: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-stain-a-deck-fast/
How long after using the brighter should you wait to apply stain 1500? Also my deck is 2 yrs old and never stained or painted how many coats of stain, I will be sanding it with 60 or 80 grit paper.
Wait 48 hours after prep to stain. 2 coats applied wet on wet.
Can TWP be applied in direct sunlight?
Yes but you do have to watch out for flash drying. Move quickly and always keep a wet edge while applying.
Rough cut is very absorbent so two coats wet on wet are typically needed. Do on all.
Our contractor must have had black shoes because after staining this morning I got home and we have lots of footprints on the newly stained deck! How can I get them off? (BTW, they said the product was great!)
Many thanks!
Sorry to tell you this but the only way to fix is to strip it down and start over.
Can application be sprayed for both the 1st and 2nd coat?
Best to spray first coat and then back brush your second coat. This ensures an even application without puddling.
Can I apply TWP when it is in the upper 80’s and sunny?
Yes.
Two questions
1. New deck just built and stained (one coat) with 1500 series. Contractor didn’t do two wet-on-wet coats. How do I apply a 2nd coat of stain at a later date? Do I have to prep the deck for the 2nd coat?
2. The new deck joins a portion of the old deck. The old deck is much darker and needs to be revived. I don’t want to strip it. Do I just clean it and re-apply stain? Can I lighten it before staining?
1. Sounds like directions for new wood were not followed: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
2. If the old deck has an old stain on it then you have to strip it and then brighten it. If not stained, then clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Is coverage rate for each coat of TWP 100 or for the recommended two coats?
Each coat.
How soon can I start 1500 series staining after brightener applied?
48 hours.
My mistake forgot to mention that is the 100 series pro I’m planning on using for my deck.
Thanks
My deck was installed and stained with some cheap deck oil about 5 months and was already dull and peeling , it was sanded down by my contractor, not sure right now what grit they used, but if they did go 60-80 grit. You recommend only to apply 1 coat. So should I apply another coat in a certain amount of time in particular or just when worn and in need maintenance ?
Regards
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for the final prep and then 1 coat of the TWP. Add another oat in 12-24 months or as needed.
what is the suggested prep for the coat added in 12-24 months?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit.
I stained my deck with a single coat of pecan 1500 series in April 2021. I’d like to re-stain the horizontal pieces again with the same product/color. What are the recommendations?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep and then recoat: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I’m having parts of my deck sanded. Then the entire deck is getting 2 coats of stain. What are the guidelines for staining around areas that have been partially sanded?
You cannot partially sand as then the TWP stain will take unevenly and lighter in the sanded areas. It has to be all sanded evenly and no more than 60-80 grit paper. Final prep to open up the pores with the Gemini Restore Kit.
The old wavy cedar siding in Florida has been prepped and ready to stain — like in the next hour. The wood looks damp, could be dew as I’m writing in early daylight. Is it okay to stain the wood when it’s not completely dry?
No, has to dry for 48 hours after prep or getting wet.
I have a fence that has been stained with TWP 100 series several times. It’s time to stain it again. Can I use the 1500 series this time around or do I need to stick with the 100 series?
Stick with the 100 Series.
Apparently I put on too much stain and it is still sticky after 3 days. How do I resolve this situation?
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Just bought pressure treated 2×6 lumber for mailbox post. Feels heavy and looks wet. Can I use your TWP stain on this wood right away, but must I wait some period of time?
Wait and prep: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What application method do you recommend?
How to apply is explains in the above article. Use one of these applicators: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
How dry does the wood need to be before application? We are dealing with humidity issues. And, if we do stain dry wood, but are hit with a heavy morning dew the next morning, will this affect drying time? Thanks!
48 hours after prep or rain. Humidity does not matter. Can take a dew 8-12 hours after applying.
If a person inadvertently sanded with 120 instead of the recommended 60-80, would the RAD strip-and-brightener “open up the wood” some so that the stain could penetrate in spite of the error?
Sand again to 60 and then use the Gemini Cleaner and Brightener Kit, not the stripper.
If I am re doing my deck after a few years along with the cleaning process do I need to do wet on wet application again?
Yes.
I have a new ground-level deck with new kiln dried wood. We *generously* stained it last weekend with TWP 1530. All absorbed but it took a couple days. Now some of it looks a bit shiny and some of it is not. It is possible to put a second coat over all the horizontal or it’s too late? Thank you
It is not supposed to be shiny at all. Do not add more. BTW, new wood has to weather and be prepped. Sounds like you did not follow these directions?
I spoke with the folks from who I bought the wood and the stain and followed their instructions.
According to them, the wood was kiln dried, with no additional cleaning necessary, did not need to be weathered, and could be directly stained.
This was not ordinary green wood.
This doesn’t quite answer my question though about can a second layer go on top of a first layer if the first layer has already dried.
They were wrong and no, you cannot add an additional coat. It will not take and dry correctly.
See here about new kiln-dried wood.
https://twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Thank you for the information. Well what’s done is done. All of the stain seems to have soaked in. There are no longer any shiny spots. And the wood seems to be repelling water.
This is good information for someone who is looking at the forum in the future
What is the proper method for reapplying future coats as a maintenance and upkeep?
Clean and brighten for prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
At what temperature can the stain be applied? If the temperature falls overnight is it okay?
50-90 for applying. Can drop lower over night but not below freezing.
I purchased 5gal. bucket of 1500. How much time do I need to spend stirring? Is a wooden paddle sufficient, or does it require a drill operated mixer?
We like the 5-gallon paddle mixers that attach to a drill.
I applied a single coat of TWP 100 seris in early May 2020. I just applied wet on wet application. How long should I wait to move back the furniture and how long will the wet on wet application last?
Thank you
Wait to fully dry and cured. Typically 24 hours or so. Redo every 2-3 years.
Hi, I asked a couple of questions earlier. I have two more to add 🙂
1. The contractor says he has not worked with wet on wet application before. I don’t want him to over apply and leave me a tacky mess to have to clean up. How can one tell if the wood is ready fir a second coat if it is still wet (i.e stain has not soaked in yet)?
2. Will a second coat give a darker color and last longer? Can the same result be achieved by a one good coat or is it better to do two light coats?
Thanks!
Soaks in within an hour. Need two light coats for max appearance and life.
Hi, I have two questions:
1. I have applied a couple of twp 1500 colors in a few test spots. How long should I give it to dry before I can see to which color to go with?
2. I have mixed boards of different age, I know they will absorb the stain differently. I can already see the two previously unstained boards of significantly different age, prepped the same way, looking different. I am wondering if going with darker shades would work better for blending than lighter shades?
Thank you for your thoughts and information.
3-4 hours. You will not be able to blend no matter what so stay with same color.
Thank you, please delete my other post with the 4 questions if you can ( I am unfortunately unable to). I will put my remaining questions here:
1. How can one tell if the stain is being over applied to correct ‘as you go’? Is a little bit of pooling ok, especially when applying the second wet on wet coat, but avoid obviously large puddles, or is all pooling to be avoided? Can over applied stain be soaked up with a rag right away?
2. What is the correct ranking for the following twp 1500 colors from lighter to darker: a.natural b. cal redwood c. pecan d. cedartone?
1. If it soaks in right away then apply a second coat. Any excess can be removed after 60 minutes if needed.
2. Honeytone, Natural, Pecan, Cedartone
Thank you again! I am assuming excess can be removed with a dry rag without using mineral spirits, but please let me know if that is not right. Where does CA redwood fall in this list? Some of the samples I received last year from a local supplier seem about the same! Not sure if they were mislabeled.
Yes. Cal Red is between Natual and Pecan.