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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!
I have a cedar deck installed about 5 or 6 years ago. It has been treated with TWP annually ever since. This fall I had to replace one board which had a rotten spot in it. Fortunately I had one of the extra original boards and was able to replace the rotted one with it. I have a number of original boards where the TWP is very thin in spots and the finish is very uneven as a result. I was contemplating sanding the entire 550 sq ft deck before staining this all with the cedar stain. Is that what you would recommend? Thanks so much!
It would be better to strip it off with the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washer. Brighten after and lightly sand then if needed.
I have a bride from the parking area to the front door, build with deck materials. The decking (treated yellow pine) is more than two years old. I have cleaned by pressure washing. I would like to use Gemini Restore kit, but am concerned that the chemicals will harm plants (especially ferns) growing below the bridge.
Advice, Please.
Best to tarp if you can otherwise pre-wet and rinse well if any of the cleaning products gets on the plants.
Never use a wood filler on outside wood. Cracks are normal. One coat now of the TWP and another light coat next season. After that you should be on a 2-3 year maintenance schedule.
I did the vertical spindles first with 1500 then I did the horizontal. As some dripped as I did the verticals I brushed it it so I wouldn’t see drops. Well i think that dried before I did the horizontal because it is glossy in those areas…it is like a third coat that is sitting on top of the stained deck. I stained my deck last weekend. Will this glossyness go away or peel off over time? or is there something I can do to make it more uniform with the rest of the deck?
It is not possible to just remove the spots. Just leave alone and it should be okay and less noticeable with time.
Bought 6-year old home with deck already coated in solid that is pealing/flaking. 80 grit orbital sanded every piece but the old solid still mostly shows even after 1500 pressure wash. In Seattle area now getting colder, wetter and more desperate by the hour. Recommendation? Thank you!
Unfortunately you cannot use TWP over a solid stain even if most is removed. Have you tried to strip off the remaining? Most strippers will not remove solid stains but if you just a little left it may work.
Yes I tried the strongest stripper I can find at the local hardware store but it doesn’t seem to do much except make a bit more flakes. The coating is still strong (and ugly). Are there any other solids you offer? Thanks!
Sorry but no.
TWP is a penetrating stain that does not film like a paint. You can wipe excess stain that has not absorbed after 30 minutes.
I’m getting ready to stain a new deck, built 4 months ago. Do I need to sand any or all surfaces of the deck? Maybe just the rough places that could splinter? And do you recommend only one coat? I have already power washed it and used a deck cleaner to remove the mill glaze.
Only one coat for new wood. Make sure to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit on the new wood. No need to sand.
Although it isn’t expected to rain for the next several days, is it necessary to cover the deck the night before application of the stain to prevent dew from gathering on the prepared deck surfaces?
No that should be okay. If dew in morning, let it dry off first before staining
Some websites I have visited warn against wearing dark soled shoes when walking on the first wet coat during the application of the second wet-on-wet coat due to the risk of leaving dark spots and residue from the shoes. Apparently, some oil based stains can dissolve some of the dark rubber. Is this also true of the TWP 100 series products? If so, would simple slip covers or “booties” over dark soled shoes prevent blemishing the stain? Thanks.
Black soft rubber shoes can be an issue where the oil would soften the rubber, leaving shoes prints on the wood. It is not all dark soled shoes but more or less soft black soles from hiking boots or similar. Booties would work but might be slippery.
I stained our deck the last couple of days. Very pleased with how it looks!:) However, I was running out of daylight and it was not possible to start the second coat on the floor before it got dark. Will I ruin what I’ve done if I apply the 2nd coat today??:(
It might be best to not do it now but rather apply a light second coat in the Spring.
I replaced all my railing and deck last year. I used cedar on all my railing and treated for the floor/deck. I put one coat on my railing a few months ago, but due to the weather i was unable to get to me floor/deck until last night. We started around 5:30 in the evening and ended about 7:30. I live in the St. Louis area so the nights are getting cooler. I was unable to put the second coat (wet on wet) last night due to the temps and poor lighting. I was going to add the second coat to the railing and deck, but reading some of these posts I wanted to make sure I should continue. It looks really nice this morning except for of the trimming we did around the bottom of the posts towards the end of the night. Should I move forward with adding a second coat or just leave it alone?
Best to leave it alone and apply a light coat if needed Spring of next year.
Possibly but then the half that looks good now may look slightly different. Might be better to wait until Spring, lightly rinse off dirt, and apply one light coat to the entire floor.
Can I use twp 100 now on a six month old cedar deck that has had full southwest Midwest sun exposure? Thank Keith
Yes but only one coat and you need to prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Nothing will happen.
Question about Deck Prep.
We bought a house with a neglected deck. It had no stain on it whatsoever and was dirty and gray. To prep the deck, we applied Gemini Cleaner, waited 15 minutes, and then washed it off with a 1500 psi pressure washer. That barely worked. We reapplied the Gemini Cleaner, waited 15 mins, and then used a 2400 psi pressure washer. It worked better but we found that it was still not stain ready.
Now we’re wondering if it needs to be sanded prior to cleaning it. We’re thinking of sanding it with an orbital sander using 60 grit sandpaper, washing that off, and reapplying the Gemini Cleaner (followed by the Brightener). Would that be OK to do? Thanks!
That would definitely help.
Thanks!
Since it is a year old now I would suggest two light coats applied wet on wet:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We’ve been having very humid weather. I know that applying stain in humid weather means it will take longer to dry but will it affect the ability of the TWP to adhere?
Not it will not affect the ability to adhere.
Once the stain begins to fade (over the course of years), how does one prep to stain again with twp 100? Should I use a deck brightener/light power washing? Thank you!
Yes you would use a cleaner and brightener such as the Gemini Restore Kit we sell.
Thanks!
Welcome 🙂
I moved into a house with a rather large deck. Last owner (just before selling the house) painted it with paint (some HD brand) which was not even meant for deck. It was just exterior wood paint meant for railings. Paint is peeling over all over the place and is an ugly mess.
Deck is made of pressure treated pine and is largely in good shape (15 year old deck). I have already sanding the deck and mid way through. After heavy sanding with 50 grit (belt) sander the wood is coming out nice and clean.
What are the next recommended steps after sanding to stain it with TWP 100. How many coats are recommended
I live in Seattle and we have another month of sunny warm weather left.
thanks
S
After the sanding use the Gemini Restore Kit to help the TWP absorb better. apply two light coats wet on wet application.
New Cedar Fence in Wisconsin. Last winter we had actual temperatures of -30, 50 days in a row below freezing, and 82 days in a row of continuous snow coverage. Is the TWP 100 better for me? I guess I just assume that the higher VOC means it works better. What would you recommend? Also should I stain it in the fall or wait until spring? Water is still beading up now on July 31, and I bought the wood 2 months ago back in May. I was not going to sand 200′ feet of fence both sides, but I am going to clean it with deck cleaner and a wire brush a day or two before staining. What do you think?
Do not use a wire brush. Is the cedar fence wood rough sawn or smooth wood? Use the 100 Series.
The rails are rough sawn. The pickets are smooth-ish (not as smooth as plywood or pine 2x4s). Also, I have PT 2×6 half-buried in the ground as a kickboard going all the way around the fence. So if not a wire brush, what should I use to clean the dirt and mill-wax off the wood?
You prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and a light pressure washing. Wait a couple of months to weather a little, prep, then stain.
The rails are roughsawn and the pickets are somewhat smooth – not as smooth as 2x4s or plywood, but nowhere near as rough as the roughsawn. So what should I use to clean the pickets? Oh yes, also, I have kickboard 2×6 pt half buried in the ground all the way around the fence.
I notice you recommend wet on wet for the second coat. Is there an issue with applying the second coast several days after the first coat? Cedar deck 7 years old..stripped and power washed.
Yes that could result in over application and “shiny” spots. Not for sure though as it depends on the age of your wood.
Should the wet on wet (1.5 coats) method for TWP 100 series be used on new rough cut western red cedar?
Yes that will be okay.
Wait a few months, lightly clean to remove dirt, apply a light coat.
You should leave it alone for now now and next Spring do another coat to the floors after alight cleaning.
Try wiping off the excess stain that did not penetrate with a rag and some mineral spirits.
I used cedar for my deck I just finished. The 2X6 cedar had been in the local lumberyard for 7 months, outside but mostly covered by opaque plastic. Because there were some wear and tear spots with marks in the wood and sun/rain darkening of parts of some boards I sanded the whole deck. I’ve used the two part cleaner and restorer over the sanded wood. May I now apply TWP1500? One or two coats? How long do I wait for the deck to dry following the “Brightener” treatment? It is very dry here with extreme sunshine and temp’s in the mid 90’s.
Did you read this about new wood?: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Brightener is applied right after the cleaning is done.
No TWP is not supposed to be shiny and you cannot add a top coat to do this. It will peel. Apply two very light coats for this. make sure to apply wet on wet: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Yes.
What is the recommendation on disposal of rags with TWP stain on it? to clean the brushes/rollers with stain on it? how to prevent spontaneous combustion/fire from any residual stain left on these?
Saturate oil rags with water and lie them down flat on the ground to fully dry.
what about cleaning the brushes/rollers? also use water?
No you do not clean with water. Mineral spirits.
You need 24-48 hours after a rain and after applying TWP, it should not rain for 12-24 hours.
thanks!
=New Wood Application Question=
I have TWP 100 (rustic-116). I bought new pine boards (untreated) that I’d like to use for a small step bridge over a stream. I’m high up in the rocky mountains and the UV damage can get serious up here. I’d like to stain and finish the boards before installation so they’ll last longer. I read a lot about prepping wood to take stains. I’ve kept the wood out of sunlight and have sanded it as per popular methodology. I read that TWP is designed for older and weathered wood but I’d like to get this project done this summer. Aside from what I can read on the label of the container, do you have any suggestions as to how many coats I should use, and if/when I should sand between coats?
Please read this about new wood and TWP: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You should not stain right away.
Good to know. I’ll just install it then. I can finish it next summer. Thanks for the prompt response.
Jane, since it is a year old you should apply two light coats to both newer and older wood. Use the 100 Series as it will penetrate better. Would love to see pictures when done!
What is the best way to fill large checks and cracks in my deck flooring? Can I use a wood putty? Will the stain adhere to it?
Wood putty does not work on outside wood. It will not stain either with the TWP. Do not do it as it will look bad.
Then how do you recommend fixing cracks?
You cannot “fix” cracks on outside wood. Just leave alone or replace wood if really bad.
I need a little clarification about deck prep please. I have a couple decks which were in poor shape. We’ve cleaned, stripped, and then brightened them, and then sanded them with 60 grit sandpaper. One of the posts says that sanding closes the wood’s grain, and recommends the use of Gemini Restore after the prep. Does that mean my deck requires an additional step before we can apply the stain? Thanks!
Best to lightly clean and rinse well to open the grain after sanding.
Welcome!
I have just pressure washed my 250 sq ft porch, tongue and groove mahogany that was coated with ATO 3 times in seven years. The last coat was 3 years ago. I was able to get most of it off. There a few spots that still bead water that were under a rug. I want to use TWP 1500,
1) Where to go from here
2) What color choices do I have with my hardwood.
The current color is lighter mahogany with a few darker slats in between.
I want as much grain to show as possible.
Must use the Rustic Color for the Mahogany wood. If you were able to remove 95% of the ATO than you should be able to use TWP If not you will need to re strip and brightener.
Thanks!!
Pressure Treated Pine Deck is 11 months old. 500 sq ft horizontal and 250 sq ft vertical. Never been stained or sealed. In Niagara Falls New York so It has to be the 1500 series (cedertone).
1. How should I prep?
2. 1 or 2 coats on the horizontal?
3. 1 or 2 coats on the vertical?
3. How many gallons would you recommend?
4. Any other tips?
I’m a newbie so I really appreciate the help! Thanks!
1. Gemini Restore Kit and light pressure wash
2. 2 very light coats for horizontals
3. One coat
4. 5-7 gallons. One Gemini Kit
5. Have someone help with the staining 🙂
You can apply coats to verticals but they usually only need one as they will last twice as long as the horizontals. Clean and brighten after the sanding. The new wood cannot be prepped faster. New wood will always be lighter in color.
Yes you will need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and a pressure washing before applying the TWP.
Hi! My deck is about 6 months old and has never been stained before. Do I still just need 1 coat or two coats? And how long after final coat is it safe to use as normal?
Just one coat for the new wood.
For a 2 years old deck best to do the proper prep and two light coats applied wet on wet.
Yes it can.
Just stain the few new boards now with the rest of the deck. Apply another light coat to these new boards late in Fall and possibly next Spring.
Terri, how many coats did you apply to the horizontals?
How long before I can stain new PTP boards I had to replace on a 10 year old deck? Will the color match? I f I do it at a later date what is the best way so I don’t ruin the boards that have been stained?
You cannot get new wood to match old wood initially. They will be lighter in color. After a couple of years it will match.
Can I stain the new boards now with the rest of the deck or do I need to let them season for a while? If so how long?
Is it ok to apply a second coat on an old deck, a week after the first coat?
Mark, possibly but hard to say for sure. If you do, make sure it is a very light coat and wipe off excess stain that does not absorb after 60 minutes.
I would use the 100 series. They both last about the same and look the same when done.
I bought a house with 14 year old cedar siding that has been previously stained two times with semi-transparent stain of unknown type. I plan on stripping and brightening the wood prior to application with TWP100. Any suggested additional steps?
I know this is subjective and difficult to specify but how much time can I expect before needing to reapply? How much additional time is gained from wet on wet second coat versus a single coat. My other question is whether you can and if there is an advantage to a TWP100 first coat and a TWP1500 wet on wet second coat. The idea here being that the TWP100 penetrates much better and the TWP1500 has more solids and better UV protection.
Patrick, there would be no advantage to mixing the series. Just stick with one. Best to apply the two coats wet on wet for longevity and overall finished appearance. On verticals it can last 4-8 years.
Which of the two products would you recommend for longevity of the wood first and aesthetic second.
Alex, is this interior wood smooth or rough sawn. This article explains new wood better: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Can you apply wet on wet with paint pad?
Yes you can apply wet on wet with an exterior stain pad applicator.