Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
TWP Stain Tip:Â Why Remove Old Deck Coatings When Switching to TWP Stains
TWP Stains have been around for over 20 years. They are one of the only EPA registered wood preservatives on the market today. Using the highest quality raw materials, TWP offers superb protection from UV discoloration, fading, rot, decay, and water damage. It can be used on nearly any exterior wood surface to enhance the wood’s natural beauty and provide years of protection.
When switching to TWP Stains for your outdoor wood project it is important to understand the fundamentals of stain application. In order for a stain like TWP to work effectively and give the most protection the wood surface should be cleaned prior to staining. All dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and graying should be removed completely. In addition, any old coatings should also be removed when switching to TWP stains.
Why remove old coatings when switching to TWP stains?
This is so TWP can dive deep into the wood pores for maximum protection. If any old coatings of stain are left on the wood surface it can prevent a penetrating stain like TWP from doing its job. The new stain would simply sit on top of the old coating and would not be able to perform to its full potential. Removing any old coatings will reveal bare wood allowing TWP to penetrate and protect, as it should.
To remove old coatings when switching to TWP Stains, use a product like Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper. Unlike a wood cleaner, a stain stripper will also clean the wood in addition to breaking down any old coatings so they can be removed during the cleaning process as well. It’s crucial to remove all the old coatings so TWP can perform as expected. Once this process is complete, maintenance with TWP is a breeze. The wood can simply be cleaned every few years and recoated with fresh TWP. This will result in a beautiful long lasting wood surface for many years of enjoyment.
How long after stain application do I wait before putting my large planters and patio furniture back on my deck?
2-3 days.
I have 2 story deck and I am getting a large part of my deck replaced with Deckorators mineral-based composite technology boards and Trex composite railing. The support post pillars, Joist and stair stringers are all stained with TWP 1504 Semi Transparent stain in Black Walnut.
We will be choosing a gray color and possibly going to more of a solid stain.
Will the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit be the best approach at removing/stripping the current stain? When is the process of getting the composite decking installed should the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit be used? Before installing the new composite or after?
My assumption is that if the stripper is safe for composite it won’t matter when it’s done.
Thanks in advance!
Yes, the RAD Stripper/Brightener kit is correct for removal. You can use it before or after the composite. As for the next stain, look at our semi-solid gray colors.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Thanks for the feedback. What is the difference between recommended RAD Stripper and TWP SAFE-STRIP?
RAD Stripper is much more effective than the Safe Strip.
I own a log home in upstate N.Y. and I need to stain it. The stain is starting to come off in spots and I want to use TPW. I believe the present stain is water based but I will determine that. Is it required that I strip all the present product off? That seems almost impossible to do. I also want your opinion on which stain to use. Thanks.
Yes, you must remove the old stain when switching brands. Post some pics for prep help.
I am going to be sanding off a layer of SuperDeck semitransparent stain from my Thermory Ash porch floor. What else do I need to do before applying TWP stain?
Clean and brighten after sanding is best to open up the pores.
I am restoring a deck that had Behr solid stain and sealer, I live in ontario, what is best prep for this, It was paited 3 years ago and flaking off
You will have to power sand off a solid stain. Strippers will not work.
A 5-inch orbital sander is the best size for being able to follow the conure of each board and removing blemishes. One in each hand with make the project go a little faster.
What is the Semi-Solid Pro Series? Why would i switch to that from the 100 Series? What are pluses and minuses of each?
Semi-solid 30 custom colors.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
More options in color and better UV protection from fading. It will show less wood grain due to higher pigment.
I have sanded off an old semi-solid coating with 36 and 50 grit. I plan to power wash with deck cleaner. Do I need to commence any additional prepping before applying TWP-1500?
You would be okay to stain after.
I see other comments where you recommend waiting a month after sanding off paint. I ordered the reconditioning kit in the hopes of staining earlier than that.
You should be okay since you do not sand too fine.
We just stained a deck with this stain and the guy that applied the stain left puddles and now it’s dry and shiny looking. What can be done to fix this problem?
See here: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Placing 120 Pecan TWP on deck that had Cabot Semi-transparent stain. Can I just sand the deck and then place on TWP or do I need to brighten before staining with TWP? It is going on a Western Red Cedar deck.
Clean and brighten after the sanding: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
It started to sprinkle as I was putting on a second coat of TWP. The stain now has a yellow tinge. What can I do?
Wait until the rain dries and then recoat.
I have a 3 story home with 2 decks that wrap around 2 whole floors (approx 2000 sq.ft, each floor is identical) We rebuilt the deck using Doug Fir because Redwood is too expensive (Our home burned down years ago and we’re just now rebuilding after an insurance debacle. We cannot afford to hire anyone to do it professionally). We stained the wood last year and used PPG Flood deck semi-transparent stain in Mahogany because we thought it was a good stain and we wanted the wood grain to show. We applied it on all 4 sides of the wood before building the deck. The stain is very dull looking with the 1 coat. Our plan was to apply another coat after lightly sanding it as a final coat. We’re not thrilled with the product itself and researched a little more, finding TWP as top rated.
My question: Is it ok to lightly sand the walking areas and apply one of your stains over the existing stain. Should we put a sealer on it after another coat of stain? I appreciate any recommendations, I am at my wits end trying to figure this out without professional help!
No, you have to strip or fully remove the PG first before switching to the TWP. You also cannot topcoat a deck still with a sealer.
I have a pressure treated pine deck that is painted. I am looking to switch to TWP stain. What is the correct process/steps of making this switch?
You will have to power sand off the paint as strippers will not remove paint. Once fully sanded, wait a month and then clean and brighten the wood for final prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
How long after the cleaner and brightener can I apply the stain?
48 hours.
We used Ready Seal stain last year and it didn’t last through the summer on the deck around the pool. We are purchasing the 1500 Series Rustic 1516, since prior stain was not TWP we are also purchasing the Restore a Deck Stain Stripper. Is there anything we need after the Stain Stripper before applying the TWP 1500 Series Stain? Before Ready Seal we used Arbor Coat Semi-Transparent 3 years ago. We need to finally get this right, please help!
Strip and then brighten for prep. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I stained my deck wtih TWP years ago and it is time to restain. Can I just clean it and apply? Do I need to do two coats?
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Two coats.
Do you need to use a pre stain conditioner with your 1500 series stain
No, it will not work to use a pre conditioner prior to the TWP stain.
I bought the Restore a Deck Kit WITH the thickener . Our old stain is Maxum 7600 Semi Transparent that was oil based. It has been on 4 years…It is breaking down from the hot Texas sun…Very tough to get off…Hard to sand off…Does the Restore a Deck Stripper with thickener usually get tough stain off? I will mix a batch and try, but don’t like chemicals and wondered how successful I will be…The strippers I bought at the big box stores for past redoes with same stain hardly touched it… We did concede and rent a walk behind sander for the big areas …just have the hard to get areas under railing etc… 700 Sq Ft deck.. Thanks
Best to use both the Thickening Gel and the Booster additive. Let sit on the wood for 30-60 minutes (maybe longer if needed), keeping it from drying out by misting with water as needed. If it has time to dwell and break down the coating, it will work as long as the current stain is not a solid stain.
What twp stain color will enhance the mahogany characteristics of a 15 year old cambara mahogany deck that is preped and ready to stain?
TWP in Rustic color. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-wood-stains
I have an aging fence near the end of its useful life and would like to preserve it for another 3 years. Is TWP a good fit, or should I find something else? I’ve pressured washed it and allowed it to dry for several months. If TWP is a good choice for this type of fence, how much (and what type of) product will I need to cover 2650 sq. ft.?
Thanks!
TWP would work very well for this. Use the 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
About 25-30 gallons for the 2 coats.
We stained our deck using TWP 1500 Rustic color 3 years ago. Now we want to change it to Cedartone. Do we use the Stripper or the Cleaner as the first step? Then use the Brightener as the second and stain?
The stripper then brightener: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
If switching from TPW100 (which no longer allowed in my state) and 1500, is stripping necessary?
No, just clean and brighten for prep.
A client’s deck is stained with Cabot solid color oil based stain. Most of which looks in decent shape. But they want a new semi transparent color to match a new wood shop.
Will your RAD stripper take off this stain? And help me with those verticals… I saw the word, “thickening agent” or “gel” somewhere on the site. Please explain. Thanks.
No. No stain stripper will effectively remove a solid stain. You will have to power sand to remove this down to the bare wood.
can cetol 1 and cetol 23 be applied over twp?
No, it cannot.
I have used the Gemini Restore-A-Deck and TWP stain on a cedar fence about 6 years ago. It is looking like I will need to re-stain again soon. Do I need to do the whole Gemini Restore-A-Deck again or can I get away with just pressure washing and re-staining?
Also, I have a 5-year old Rainbow Play Systems playset. Rainbow playsets are made of California Redwood and come pre-stained with a water-based stain. Similarly, I am wondering if the Restore-A-Deck process needs to be applied to Redwood or if just pressure washing and re-staining will be sufficient?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit again. You will need to strip and brighten for the playset: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thanks. On the playset, can the stripper damage (pit, corrode, tarnish, etc.) the nuts/bolts holding it together? Would taping them off with painters tape be sufficient? There are also some braces/brackets that have a rubberized protective coating.. Should those also be taped off or otherwise avoid contact with the stripper?
Thanks for the info!!
No, it should not harm any of the metal hardware.
I am about to place my TWP order and have a few questions. I am restraining a deck, railings and pergola. All things were previously stained with a latex stain.
1. I assume that I need to strip everything. Is this true? Can I get by without striping the pergola and railings but just clean them?
2. I plan on using the RAD Stripper and Booster followed by the Brightener on the deck surface. Would I still need to use the Deck Cleaner first?
Misc notes: The deck is cedar and about 15 years old and has been stripped and stained several times. Currently most of the stain has flaked or worn off-the last coat being water based. The railings and pergola are pressure treated pine about four years old and have only been stained, with a water based stain, once.
You have to remove all of the current stain. What brand and type of stain is on the wood now? Do you have a picture?
The stain is Olympic Maximum Stain and Sealant in one. As you can see from the photos why my reluctance on trying to remove the stain from the pergola.
The Olympic is not an easy strip but it will have to come off if you want to use the TWP as it cannot be applied over the Olympic. You would need the Stripper, Booster, and the Thickening Gel. You may need to strip a few times.
Another option is to just work on the floors. Strip and stain those, leaving the rails and pergola alone. The Rustic color would be close to the color you have on the verticals.
Thanks–I am thinking I will use TWP on the rails and floor but use the Olympic on the pergola after cleaning of course.
If my deck was painted will your stripper take that off so I can stain the deck.
No, deck stain strippers will not remove a paint.
If the deck was sanded down to wood would that do the trick?
Sand first all the way to bare wood. After you would want to use the Gemini Restore Kit for the final prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
TWP 100 was applied to my porch deck 5 years ago and still looked good but slightly faded. Professional painters pressure cleaned the deck two weeks ago and applied TWP 100 8 days ago. I noted that the product puddled on many boards. They assured me it would be absorbed. The puddles are gone but the surface is tacky and shiny. Today I wiped a small area with mineral spirits as recommended by the local paint store. That area is still tacky and shiny. My home is located in the mountains of western North Carolina. What do you recommend to remove the tackiness and shine?
See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I am switching to TWP 100 on a our siding which is pine. The old stain was a semi-transparent of unknown variety and on top of that was a layer of badly cracked/pealed varnish.
I sanded the board down to the wood – but had some deeper crevices on the weathered side of the house that I couldn’t get to. So I tried a stripper to get the rest of it on that weathered side – applied the stripper and then removed it using a water hose, not a power washer.
I still got some fuzzy stuff from the stripper application. I’d like to not have to re-sand – but if it’s a problem I guess I should know now. Should I take all the siding back to smooth by re-sanding the entire side? I was thinking I could do just the wood that’s closer to eye level as the further away stuff can’t really tell.
Post a picture.
First picture is unweathered side that was just sanded. Looks good to me. Second picture is weathered side that got the stripper and has some fuzzy stuff. It’s not too bad and you can’t see it from a distance (third picture). But would it be a problem when I apply the stain?
You should be fine without sanding. Stain tends to darken the fuzzies anyhow so they do not show.
First pic is unweathered side that’s smooth. Second pic is weathered side that got the stripper. Third pic is from further away.
Should I use an orbital sander on all surfaces before I restain?
You do not have to sand.
Will the Restore a deck stain stripper work on rough sawn cedar wood that is used vertically to create walls for a planter and cabinet?
It should work here.
I bought a condo with a 20+ year old deck here in Michigan. It faces North, has quite a bit of mold/moisture build up in the first few feet near the house, and needs about 20% replacement of rotten deck boards with new cedar. There also is some residual stain left on the rest of the deck. Just trying to get some advice as to the proper steps to make this deck look as good as possible. I’m guessing…1. Replace rotten boards. 2. Clean/strip deck? 3. brighten. 4. Apply finish coat of stain.
Also, I was considering using a solid stain on the rails and spindles do to the deck’s age. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!
You have the correct steps. How to strip and apply the TWP is on our help site:
TWP Stain Help
I have redwood hand rails that were previously stained with what is now a badly weathered oil based Sikkens product. Since I am only refinishing rail caps, I was going to remove them and sand them clean. Will that suffice as prepping for TWC 1500?
Yes as long as you remove all of the Sikkens.