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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!
2 questions
Fence is 8 months old and not very weathered. When using the Gemini Restore Kit will I need to pressure wash or will a hose work?
Is it necessary to stain the top of the fence?
My deck was stained with TWP 100 Series Cedar Tone 2 years ago by 2 different people (husband & I) causing a mismatch tone. I don’t think the stain had been stirred frequently during his application. After the RAD steps 1 & 2, I will be ready to stain. Can I expect this mismatch to continue until I strip the whole deck?
Most likely, yes.
I’m going to opt out of stripping this year. We are the second owners of our cottage in northern Michigan. I contracted deck staining previously and in 2017 I wanted to strip everything off and start with TWP. We never maintained a wood deck before and I sure appreciate the service, knowledge and products you provide. Thank you.
I’m going to skip the strip this year. We are second owners to this home in northern Michigan. I never knew what products were applied. I stripped, cleaned, brightened, sanded, power washed between those preparations and enjoyed doing it. This is our first experience with a wood deck and I’ve learned a lot from your web page. Thank you for making a great product and very helpful information you provide. Photos from 2017.
Hi, I plan to apply 1500 series on the railings of my deck tomorrow and the day after, July 20-21, 2019 . In my town, Boston Metro area, MA, for these two days the forecast is: sunny, humidity 55%, max temp 101/102 degrees F, feels like 112/115 F, min 81/82 degrees. Is it a good idea to apply in these temperatures?
Best to not apply above 90-95.
can i use deck brightener twice on same wood and how long after i brighten the deck can i stain with twp100
Yes, you can brighten twice. Stain 48 hours after it dries.
I power washed and Brightened my deck about a month ago. Is it OK to Stain or has it been setting to long ? Do I need to powerwash again?
Prep again.
I have a 500 sq ft deck with 3 year-old, Behr Redwood Semi-transparent. Don’t know what the wood is. Deck is peeling and greying, but the railing is fine.
I am in CT. I plan to use the TWP 1500 series Redwood stain.
Questions:
1. Should I strip the railing as well to make sure the color matches the boards? (Using Restore-a-deck)
2. How do I protect the house siding from stripper and stain? Plastic sheets?
Thanks
Brij
1. Yes, you should strip. TWP cannot be applied over the Behr. As for removing, Behr can be hard and sometimes impossible to strip so sanding may be required as well. You will need to use the additives as well: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-stain-strippers/rad-stripper-additives
2. Just pre wet and rinse any overspray while you are working.
Thanks a lot.
Hi, Two follow on questions please:
1. If I expect to sand, is it better to sand before using the stripper or after? Is 80 grit sandpaper what I want – my deck is a few years old and the wood has a few cracks?
2. If I sand in addition to stripping, any more steps before I stain – or can I just blow stuff off and stain?
Thanks
Brij.
1. Sand after stripping. Brightener last.
2. Pressure rinse well, apply the brightener, rinse.
I intend to use the 100 series to preserve the exterior of an 80 year old log cabin that is long overdue for staining. Do you think that one coat would be sufficient or would two be better? Would the “wet on wet” process be necessary and, if so, how should that be done on the vertical sides of the cabin? It seems that getting the second coat on within 10-60 minutes of the first coat might be difficult’
Thanks
Yes on the 2 coats and has to be applied wet on wet. Do one side at a time. Spray on the first coat and then apply the second with a stain pad.
How soon prior to forecasted rain can I apply wet-on-wet TWP100 to well-prepared old redwood decking?
12-24 hours.
I Have a cedar deck aged 10 months. I cleaned and brightened it about 24 hours ago with deck-wise cleaner and Brightener. Is it okay to stain 24 hours after? Trying to work around the potential of rain!
No, 48 hours after prep or rain.
Okay great. If there is potential for rain in the forecast in the future after we stain, what is an appropriate amount of dry time??
Finished striping acrylic stain off a 15 year old deck, have burrs of wood from too strong of pressure washer spray, know this needs to be sanded before TWP application, what grit sandpaper should be used, is a brightener needed before staining ?
Sand with 80 grit paper and then clean and brighten for the last prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Had a large wraparound pressure treated pine deck installed in April 2019. It has shrunk considerably, is beginning to warp slightly at some of the ends and has developed typical small cracks. I tried a sample of 3 colors-103, 115, and 120, and none of them seemed to darken the wood very much, not even 103 which is dark oak. I assume it’s because the wood hasn’t dried enough to absorb sufficient stain, but the shrinking, cracking, and warping seem to indicate otherwise.
Should I actually wait until April 2020 before putting any finish on the deck? I’d like to get some protection on there but don’t want to prevent it from seasoning completely by staining too soon. It gets sun most of the day; we’re right on the water in coastal NC if that makes a dif. Thanks for the help.
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
New wood is not very absorbent so it will always stain lighter. If you did this in April, then 4 months would put you at August or September.
Thanks, will wait til fall then hit it before winter.
Hello there…I just finished applying TWP 1500 Natural to my deck. We wre able to get in in among the raindrops just fine with a couple good days of 90+ heat before it rained. Picture attached. Generally I am very pleased with th results. The deck is 25+ years old and was previously stained with a Sherwin Williams oil based product. I spent a couple of weeks belt sanding that off with VERY coars sandpaper last summer and those old board weathered over the winter. I applied the 1500 wet-on-wet as presecribed. Those old boards soaked it in pretty good and in rtrospect I may not have applied enough stain as I can see that some areas are a bit thinner in coverage that other. Water definitiely gathers and does not sink in on the cupped board, but doesn’t bead uniformly on the a few others. So I may be a bit thin in a few areas. My question is whter or not it is ok to add a bit more 1500 in the areas that look thin now, or would it be better to wait inutil the fall or next sping, let it weather a bit and the apply a “maintenance coat” being careful not to over apply? Also, in applying a annual maintenance coat, what prep would be required and what do I need to be careful not to do? Thanks for any advice you can offer!!!! 🙂
Wait until Fall or Spring. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Lightly pressure rinse off.
Thanks!!
My cedar fence is now 10 months old, and I’ve just finished with your cleaning & restoring products. As its the first application of your 100 pecan stain, should I do a wet on wet 2 coat, or just one coat and then recoat next spring?
Rough sawn wood or smooth?
Small semi rough pieces in the lattice and trim but mostly smooth. Some panels are slightly rough.
Just one coat this year.
Thanks very much… this is an awesome service!
You are welcome!
I’m in the process of sanding all my cedar decking and Douglas Fir porch prior to applying restore-a-deck cleaner and brightener and then a Weatherwood reactive oxidizing stain (Reclamation) followed by TWP-1500 in clear. I’m replacing a few rotten boards with new cedar and tested one of those by doing the RAD cleaner and brightener and then applied the Weatherwood followed by TWP-1500 a few hours later. After 24hr the TWP seems to be drying blotchy and not drying completely (See pictures). This happening on the other side of the plank that isn’t treated with Weatherwood. Is this because it’s new wood? Will it just take longer to dry or should I sand the new boards with 80 grit sandpaper as I’m done to the rest of my 14yr old cedar deck?
You cannot use the Weatherwood prior to applying the TWP Clear. Basically, the TWP cannot be applied over a different brand of stain.
My flats are 2x cedar. Posts look to be fir. Any issues with color in this csse?
Different wood types can stain slightly different when the stain is applied.
How long after brightening can i wait to stain?
I plan on brushing but saw where spray and back brush are preferred?
If i apply in early am then temp goes over 90 in an hour or two will that affect proper drying?
Can i stain deck that is in both shade AND direct sunlight at same time?
After prep, wait 48 hours to stain and stain within 2 weeks. You can brush all. Temps are for application not later on. You can apply in the shade and direct sunlight at the same time.
what is drying time for 1500 stain
4-8 hours is normal but does vary based on wood type and age.
We are building a new deck with western red cedar. I am seeing conflicting advice on when to apply stain /wood preserver. Some say stain whole boards before using and some say wait for a few months. We want transparent or semi transparent and live in harsh climate. Warm summers and cold snowy winters. Advice please!
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thanks
How long will your Red semi transparent stain hold its color. In Sun and Shade. Thanks
2-3 years on horizontal wood. Longer for vertical wood.
God Morning..On a fifteen year old cedar deck, I sanded the deck boards down to bare wood, and as per directions applied both deck restore to clean up previous stained areas I could not get with the sander, then deck brightener. I used dark oak, TWP 103. The first coat soaked right in, and used a light second coat as per directions, within 30 minutes of the first. After four days to dry in clear weather, the deck is still tacky and I cannot walk on it without picking up stain on my feet and leaving footprints behind. What can I do?
Thanks
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
how long before rain contacts it can the stain be applied
12-24 hours.
Weather reports call for medium chance of rain every day the next two weeks but I have my deck prepped now. What is the minimum drying time for the stain?
12 hours.
Applied twp 100 series on steps and ran out of paint. Painted the next day and painted over steps. Now the steps look darker where it has two coats. Should I repaint area where the steps are lighter? It’s been 18 hours. No pooling at all just lighter color stain where there is just one coat.. Ideas, tips?
Yes, you can try that but a very light coat.
Thanks for the quick response
Thanks for the quick response.
Have your Russet Brown 206 from 3 years ago on my deck and is still in fair shape. Thinking about going to redo with maybe your 205 or something that has less red. How will that look over coating russet? Will it stain lighter or get muddy or non uniform because it is a different base color? Should I use a different series?
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Try the 1500 Series.
I used your wood prep kit I did my best to keep the fence wet for 15mins before rinsing it off but in some places their is a light white powder on the fence. Will power rinsing the fence again remove the film?
Hello, after applying the cleaner, you pressure wash it off for best results. Not rinse off. You may need to go over it again.
a) I can’t receive TWP 100 Pecan in Canada anymore. Therefore what would you recommend I put over TWP 100?
b) I used a deck cleaner/brightener and it turned a lot of my deck white. I had a little TWP 100 left over and gave it one coat but it doesn’t cover/penetrate the white areas very well. Any advise?
-Try 200 Series. Cedartone or Butternut.
-You should strip and brighten the wood at this point so it is even in appearance: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I need to sand should I do it before or after cleaning?
Sand first.
I have a company adding 1530 after a couple years. However they are applying only one coat on the horizontals and it would be a couple hours on the areas that I would want a second coat. I saw you put “wet on wet” but how much harm would it be adding say 5 hours later?
It may not take and dry spotty or shiny if you do not do it wet on wet.
So should I re-clean or just wait until next year?
Wait until Fall or Spring. Lightly was to remove dirt for prep.
I have a large deck and plan on doing a wet on wet application. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to complete one full coat before the first coat cures. Is it OK to do section by section even though it’s one continuous deck so that I can properly apply wet on wet?
Do it all at once. Lightly spray on your first coat. It will be very fast. Do your second coat with a stain pad or brush.
i am putting up a new cedar deck. a) can I apply this to a new deck? b) Ive read several places to first stain all sides of the lumber then build the deck resealing the cuts. any advantage to that?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do not prestain or seal all sides.
I just applied a coat of TWP 100. how long should I wait to apply a second coat?
20-60 minutes after the first coat.
How long before furniture can be placed on stain?
24 hours is normal. Just make sure it is fully dry.
Are there local dealers of TWP stains? I need to see the color selection first hand. Colors not true online.
We are an online dealer for TWP products. We offer samples for testing: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Can we apply a 2nd coat after the first one 12 hours later on our deck?
Not always a good idea as the first coat has already cured. May dry with shiny and thick spots.
We have a 3 year old deck which was stained using a single coat of TWP1500 2 years ago and are now planning on a maintenance coat using the same product. Should we use a single coat this time around or wet on wet?
Just one coat.
I have a freshly stripped, 18 year old, Cypress Deck that I am staining with TWP1520 and a friend told me that I should do two “maintenance” coats over the next two years to get the best stain finish and seal. Do you agree that this would be a good idea?
Just one maintenance coat.
Ok, what would you suggest as the amount of time to wait to apply that one maintenance coat?
9-12 months.
Hi, I applied 1500 series two days ago. Yesterday some rain occurred, not heavy, though it does not seem to have made any damages to the stain, maybe because it was 24+ hours after the end of the first coat application and is hot outside, 75-80 degrees. Now the water, which is not much, is drying. Would like to apply second coat (did not do it wet on wet two days ago). Can I do it in the next few days, i.e. within less than a week after the application of the first coat? Of course, I will make sure the first coat is completely dry.
No, you can only apply wet on wet when initially done. Best to leave alone and do a light wash and recoat in the late Fall or early Spring of next year.
Yesterday I applied TWP1520 Stain to a 16 year old, Cypress Deck that was thoroughly Pressure Washer stripped, Sanded, Cleaned and Brightened so that none of the previous stains were left and it looks like some of the boards actually sucked in all of the Wet-on-Wet two coats I applied and some have slightly “wet” looking spots across the deck. What should I do the make the boards look “evenly” coated?
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I applied the stain with a 5 inch deck brush and made sure that I applied the stain very evenly. What seems really strange is that the dry spots and wet spots are right beside each other on the same board. Should the boards all have the very “dry” look, or should they be slightly shiny at all?
Shiny means it was over-applied in those areas. Too much stain and it could not soak in. It is supposed to not be shiny.
Thanks for that info…Any chance that time might heal this problem? Also, if I have to remove the excess with a mineral Spirits soaked wipe, does this remove the stain that did soak in and I need to perform some sort of re-coating of the “wiped” areas?
You are only removing the excess with the mineral spirits, not the stain in the wood grain. It does dull over time.
Hi, I applied yesterday with a spray gun one coat of 1500 series black walnut stain on my 20+ years old deck, in Massachusetts. Prior to that, the deck was stripped of its old stain and sanded, as much as possible. I see that now there are some small spots, which did not get any paint or enough paint. They are almost entirely in between the boards. Can I apply paint with a brush on these spots after 2-3 days? Thus, the project will be completed. Or, should I wait more time before applying?
You can touch up but wipe off any excess stain that gets on the already stained areas right away. Saturate any oily rags in water and lay flat to dry outside.
How to calculate coverage for a maintenance coat
Use the calculator on this page. Just one coat is needed.
I have applied a maintenance coat after 1 year. Used roller and brush. bubbles are forming on the deck boards. Tried to go over with rush and roller and they come back. Bubbles are lighter in color than the stain. Would applying wet on wet help?
The bubbles will dry and go away
How do I remove a coat of TWP that I applied incorrectly?
Use this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hi! I applied a coat of your oil base TWP to our new deck. It absorbed very quickly and looks good. I need to go over a few places with the mineral spirits to remove some excess stain. The problem is that it now appears I did not adequately stain in between some of the boards. I can see raw PT wood now that it is dry. I know if I go back and try and fill in it will be very noticeable. Thoughts? Should I wait a few months and apply a second coat? I have waited too long for the “wet on wet” approach. Any help is appreciated! Thanks.
Wait a few months, light wash, apply one light coat.
Perfect! Thanks so much.
I have cedar log posts on my porch. They were cut and installed in 9 months ago. What TWP product should I use to seal my posts?
Also, what does it mean that TWP 1500 clear is “*no UV protection” ?
Clears have no pigment and that means it cannot prevent the wood from graying.
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
How soon after the stain, TWP 100 Cedar, is applied that rain won’t affect the finish? This is going on a 10-year-old deck which is mostly bare wood now. Prepped with TWP cleaner and brightner (Wow, worked wonders).
No rain for 12 hours after applying.
How long does it have to cure with the second coat before being able to walk on it?
12-36 hours as it varies based on air temp, wood, etc.
We are going to install rough sawn channel rustics cedar on our house. With the rough side showing. Can we stain one coat to the cedar prior to installing. Does it require two coats if rough?
In a couple of years do we clean and then apply another coat?
I’m wanting to use cedar tone. Will it darken as new coats we applied?
Forgot to say but I was going to use TWP 1500 series cedar tone.
Also exactly what is the maintenance procedures?
Install first and then stain. 2 light coats. When time to redo, clean with the Gemini Restore Kit and recoat. It does not darken.
I applied TWP 1504 on my then-new deck 2 years ago. Need to reapply. There are some places on the deck that are lighter than others now. For example, the area under the table is darker as it wasn’t exposed to sun as much. What steps do I take to reapply and what if anything special needs to be done to account for the uneven wear?
Strip it and brighten. See this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hello,
I have a 20 month old pressure treated deck that has never been stained. The deck looks aged can I put 2 coats on or should I still use 1 as you recommend for the first time?
Thank You
John Dut
2 Light coats applied wet on wet.
Hi,
I have a new (6 months old) pressure treated lumber deck and considering the 1500. I’m confused about the wet on wet. Should the deck be wet for the initial coat or only still wet when applying the second coat?
For the second coat, you apply it while the first coat has not fully dried.