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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!
Can TWP1500 be used on wood patio furniture? Does it fully dry so it can be used on furniture?
Yes, and it does fully cure. Just one coat.
I stained our new deck 3 years ago with TWP 1515 Honeytone. I’m going to stain it again this year. I will be doing the Gemini restorer and brightener. Should I count on doing another “wet on wet” application? Or do you think I could just get by with a single coat? Thanks.
Probably wet on wet will be needed.
What sq ft coverage per 5 gal with semi solid stain
Coverage will vary based on wood age, type of wood, and how many coats you are applying. What is the sq footage of your deck?
What does “wet on wet” mean?
The above article explains the wet on wet staininig process.
350 sq.ft. deck, old wood, stripped, brightened, how much TWP 101 do I need for wet-on-wet. Also, which do you find to be better wide stain brush or stain pad?
3-4 gallons of TWP. We like the wide floor brush best.
Thanks. Is minimum 50 degree temperature for TWP-101 application air or surface temp.?
Air.
Any other weather related precautions like freeze or rain before application?
No rain for 48 hours prior to staining.
TWP-101 turning out nice! Today is Friday around 70 degrees, supposed to have 31-32 degrees Sun morning (6-7am) for a couple of hours. Can we stain through 5pm Sat.or need do what we are able to today (Fri) & finish next week when no freezing expected?
Freezing temp 31-32 degrees for Sun morning, today is Fri…any stain concerns?
It cannot drop below freezing the first night after staining.
I do not have a pair of shoes that I want to dispose of after walking through the stain. Will these disposable shoe guards suffice?
Sure.
I will be applying 1500 with a brush. After taping off so that I can cut in along the vinyl siding, do I go ahead and apply both coats for those areas first and then do the remaining horizontal boards? If I feather the edges of the cut ins in front of the patio doors will that be enough to prevent dark lines?
Edge out along the house upper level and then immediately do the rest to the flooring for that level for the first coat. Repeat for the lower level and then repeat the exact same for the second coat for both levels. Tailings should be done first.
Does it matter if the low temp goes below 45F after TWP 100 has been applied?
It cannot drop below freezing the first night after staining.
Can you please give the precise instructions regarding what the temperature and moisture levels need to be to apply TWP 100 stain?
Temps are 50-90F. Moisture less than 15%.
Hi,
My contractor applied the second (wet on wet) coat for 1500 and did not wipe off any build up or puddling after as he assumed it would absorb and dry. It has be a few days and there is a lot of the build up still on the deck and now it is sticky and not dry. Any suggestions on what I can do to clean or get those areas to dry?
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Have a cedar deck that was installed two years ago. Cleaned a year ago, but left deck looking like it had a beard. Shoveling over the winter removed the beard and have now cleaned the deck a second time. Do I do this wet on wet method, or put a coat on now and do a second coat next spring? The deck is 24 ft. by 24 ft. So I assume I will have to do sections if I have to do the wet on wet method.
Wet on wet. Do all and then walk back on and do the second coat within 20-60 minutes of the first coat. It will not take more than 30 minutes to apply a coat to 500-600 sq feet when using our floor brush.
We have a newly installed redwood fence in Northern California (Bay Area). Is it ok to stain it with a single coat of TWP 1500 series in about 2 weeks OR should we wait for 4-12 months before we stain for the first time? It wasn’t clear if the TWP recommendation of waiting 4-12 months was for smooth decks only OR also for somewhat rough fences.
Is the wood rough sawn or smooth? Post some pics.
It is rough sawn. Please see attached pictures. Should we sand it first before we stain it? If yes, please suggest grit.
Do not sand but you should clean and brighten with the Gemini Kit to remove the dirt and mildew. No need to weather new rough sawn wood.
Great, thanks. To confirm, we will use the Gemini Kit first and then apply only 1 coat of the TWP 1500 series. We will do this in a couple of weeks (without waiting for the wood to weather for a few months).
Correct.
We have a deck that was installed 12 months ago-decking is Outdoor wood. 1)Do we need to strip and brighten? If so how soon after Brightening can Stain be applied?
2) do we apply one or two coats?
1. Clean and brighten with the Geminin Restore kit.
2. 2 light coats applied wet on wet.
I applied Semi-solid Pro Cabin Fever according to the directions with two coats wet on wet on a 30 year old deck that was sanded with 60 grit . After seven days the deck still feels tacky. The deck was tented to be moisture free 3 days prior to applying the stain and 3 day after. My question is will it dry eventually dry?
I would also recommend that you update your instruction to clearly state the staining requirements for a sanded deck, not have to hunt thru the comments.
Yes, it will dry and cure. The TWP Semi-solid is 1-2 coats depending on porosity. When you sand, you reduce the porosity, which can result in only 1 coat needing to be applied. This can vary.
https://r8h8e4x5.stackpathcdn.com/pdf/TWP-PRO_SERIES_Semi-Solid_SDS.pdf
Cedar Deck is near 10 years old, last finished with Australian Timber Oil 2 years ago.
Deck is over 1000 sq ft.
I’m in Minnesota, so TWP 100 is OK. Price difference between 100 and 1500 does not concern me.
At 78 yrs-old refinishing a chore for me. I’m hoping next finish will last longer than other finishes.
If I need 2 coats of TWP 100 how many gallons do I need ?
Previous color has been transparent Cedar. Deck gets lots of sun. Will a Darker stain last longer than Cedar tone ? Perhaps a color to go with Driftwood Roof or Tope/Light Brown house trim ?
The 1500 seems easier to apply, but I want the BEST and LONGEST lasting.
How long will I need RAIN FREE conditions ?
Please, your recomendations.
Make sure to remove all the old Cabot first. The TWP 100 and 1500 apply the same and last the same. You will need about 10 gallons for 2 coats applied wet on wet.
I’ve sanded our deck to bare wood using 80 grit paper two months ago. Since then, I’ve measured a few days of 113F on the deck surface and we’ve also had intermittent rain showers. In some place on this site, I’ve read one coat is advised, but two coats if sanded with no finder than 60-80 grit. Which is advised when applying RAD brightener followed by 1500 black walnut? I’m also staining the garage door with the same product. Because it’s a vertical surface, is one coat all that is recommended? Thanks.
One coat for sanded wood is best. You can do one coat for the door unless the wood is rough cut.
I live in Austin, TX and have a wrap around porch about 600 sq. feet. The porch is 30 years old and still in good condition (mostly) as it is covered. Mold and mildew are not a problem. I am sanding off the prior SuperDeck semi-solid stain and only going to 80 grit. I would like to keep to a transparent or semi-transparent stain and reapply every year or two rather than have to completely sand the porch again. A few questions:
-100 Series but the 1500 will work just as well.
-Yes.
-Best to use ours.
-One coat when the wood is sanded.
-Wood fillers do not work well for exterior wood and will not “stain” to blend with the TWP. We do not suggest it.
I live in the Seattle area. Finding a weather window where it doesn’t rain for 48 hours so the deck can dry before I stain, followed by another 48 hours after I stain so the stain can dry is proving to be very difficult.
I used the RAD stripper and brightener yesterday. Today it rained even though there was no rain in the forecast. I presume I now need to let my deck dry for 48 hours after the rain has stopped before applying the TWP 103 Dark Oak stain. Is that correct? Can I stain sooner than 48 hours if the wood moisture content falls below 15-20%?
You do not need 48 hours after staining to dry. 12 hours will be enough. 48 hours after rain or prep is correct. Not sooner.
My decking has only “seasoned” for about 5-7 months. Should I only apply one coat of stain? If so, should I apply 2 coats next year?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Here are some pics of my log cabin. It has not been treated in at least 12 years. can you please walk me through the steps to clean and then stain and seal the logs?
1. Which product for cedar shingle siding
2. How many sq ft does one gal cover
3. Are two coats of stain recommended
4. Is second coast applied over wet first coat
5. is brush or roller used?
Use the TWP 200 Series for shingles. All info is on this page:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
When doing the wet on wet application… what if all of the second coat doesn’t soak in? How do you get back on the deck to wipe off excess is my question.
You can walk on it just make sure to wipe your foot prints as you back off the deck. FYI, all oily rags must be saturated in water and laid fly to dry outside when done.
I am ready to stain this morning but the railings are damp from dew. Is it ok to go ahead and start or should I wait until they dry?
Thank you!
Must be dry.
I prepped my previously TWP stained deck by cleaning and brightening. It then rained for two days.
Because of having to wait at least 48 hours after raining and my work schedule, it will be 9 days between brightening and when I can stain.
Is this ok?
Yes.
I need to apply this to an older log cabin that has not been treated in at least 12 years. Do I need to prep it in ay way other than cleaning with TSP prior to applying the 1500 series stain? Should I use the “wet on wet” method?
Post some pics for proper prep tips.
Here are some pics. Thank you for your help.
Strip and brighten for prep using this kit and pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Apply two coats wet on wet.
Here is a pic. I have more but having trouble getting them to load. Thank you for your help
I’m using 1502, can I apply one coat today and the next coat tomorrow?
No, it has to be wet on wet if doing two coats.
Do I need to take 1 yr old unopened twp stain to the paint store & have shaken or shake & stir myself before using
Stir well or use a paddle mixer attached to your drill.
Hi. My redwood deck is two years old and was stained once. After prepping the wood with Restoration kit, I am ready to restrain the deck. your customers support told me deck that’s is less than 5 years old is considered new wood and should only apply one coat of stain. However the instructions on this page says wet on wet on woods that are older than 12 months old. Can you clarify please?
What stain did you use prior?
Just a follow up- do we HAVE TO sand first or can we skip that?
No you do not have to sand.
Last June, 2023, my husband built a lovely 18X18 deck, with railings, and put up a large fence around our entire yard, all using treated wood as we live in very cold and wet Wisconsin.
We have not done anything to any part of this project since it has been built. I have read that we need to use the Gemini Restore Kit on all of the wood, and I am clear on those directions.
We are ready to stain. Do we HAVE TO sand first or can we just use the Gemini kit, wait until the deck dries from the cleaning/brightening for 2+ days, then within 14 days assuming no rain in the forecast, use the TWP 1500 to stain it?
Thanks.
Yes, that is all correct.
Restained deck 24 hrs ago, did the RAD, then brightener for prep waited 3 days to stain. After 24hrs floor still feels wet. Thinking maybe shouldn’t have done 2 coats on floor. What would be my solution at this point?
Let it cure out. It may take 3-7 days.
I have 5 gal unopened from 2018 is it any good
Shelf life of the TWP unopened is 3 years. We cannot guarantee it is still good.
Good morning, I am going to sand my deck that has not been sealed for a number of years. The wood is in great shape but has surface weathering. I would like to use the Pro-series Semi-solid stain. Any tips I need to be aware of?
Post some pics for prep help. Thanks
I’m installing new clear doug fir T&G on a new porch in CT. Your application says “Do not apply 2 coats of stain to new wood or decking”. If only one coat is recommended on new wood, when should I apply the second coat?
See here about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have an 1100SF pressure treated pine deck that was previously stained with TWP 100. I sanded, stripped, and brightened the wood, then applied one coat of TWP 100 in a new color – Cape Cod Gray. It looks good, but probably would have looked better with a second wet on wet coating. But, I just ran out of daylight. How soon can I apply a second coat?
6-12 months after it has already fully cured. Prep first as well/
In a previous reply, you had written that a light washing would suffice for the prep under similar circumstances. Does that apply to this situation? I have nearly a full 5 gallons ready to reapply.
Yes, a light wash will work in this scenario.
Thank you. And, as a guy who also answers online questions, I’m amazed at the speed of your responses!😀
You are welcome!
I might not have been clear. We rerolled with a dry roller to remove as much residual stain as we could because we were concerned it wasn’t absorbing the stain. It has dried overnight now and is still a bit oily in areas close to the house where it is shadiest. The temperature dropped to 50 last night but should hit 75 today. There are a few small dents I can see from my door that have wet stain in them. Is this normal, or should it be dry by now? Thank you, Georgia
It can take a few days to fully cure and dry, especially when in the shade.
We just sanded our old deck down to all fresh wood with 60 and 80 grit and then applied 1500 Natural with a sprayer and rolled it out. It is 65 degrees here in California today and windy. We stopped with one coat because the deck did not seem to be absorbing the stain very fast. We rolled it a second time because we wanted to make sure we didn’t have too thick of a coat on it. How long should it take the stain to dry?
After sanding it is important to do the final prep with the Gemini Restore Kit to open up the pores. Only 1 coat is correct for sanded wood. Let dry for 1-3 days before using.
So after I used the Restore A Deck last Friday and it’s now raining again, even though the day started out as a 5% chance of rain, and will rain the next several days. So after the 7 day window of a “clean deck” has passed do I need to us Restore A Deck Cleaner again or just lightly power wash with water or both soap and water prior to trying to stain once again? Thank you
Just rinse with water and let dey for 48 hours. No soap is needed.
Sounds good…..Thank you for getting back so quickly. It may be another 7-10 days before I actually can stain it…..I hope 🙄
I have added a picture of the only rain we got and should be done for the next 48 hours…..Roll the dice and stain in the morning? High of 75 degrees tomorrow.
And here is another picture after the light sprinkle of rain…….30 minutes later.
Safest is to wait 48 hours.
Thank you……Unfortunately I need to wait until the fall. So will I need to do both the cleaner and brightener over again then? And The 5 gal stain I bought a week or so ago I assume will still be good in 2-3 months. Thank you
Yes, redo the prep. The stain will be good for 2-3 years unopened.
I have a large 1400 sf deck that needs to be stained. It was sanded to 120 grit on railings and floors. should i only apply one coat? or do i need to go back over it with a 80 grit?
Yes and then use the Gemini Kit for final prep.
Ok i used gemini kit yesterday for the last piece of the deck. so 120 grit shouldn’t be an issue with the stain? I assume its going to dry to fast for a 2 coat wet on wet application.
120 is too fine. 80-60 grit.
oh no, so i need to resand this thing?
It would help if you did so the TWP can soak into the grain deeper.
So my deck is 12-14 months old. It’s mostly in the sun and shade after 5pm. Should I do one coat of stain this year and then in 12 months do one coat? Or do a wet on wet (2 coats) this year? I have already used the Cleaner & Brightener (this morning)
Hard to say for certain as you are on the fence with new wood. Safest would be to do 1 coat now and another as needed in 1-2 years.
I figured so……Here are two pictures of the each deck. They have been through Step 1&2 this morning. Granted it’s in the shade but they are really faded in the sun.
We would suggest one good coat now and another next spring after a light wash.
Just sanded cedar deck down to bare wood with 60 & 80 grit. Do I still need to use your cleaner / brightner before applying TWP 101 pro series cedartone ? Also, will this require just one coat or 2 (wet on wet) ? Thank You
Yes, you need to prep after sanding. Just one coat of TWP when sanded.
Have a large cedar deck that I’ve been using 1500 honeytone on. Didn’t do a restain last year when I probably should have, so I sanded it down completely with 80 grit. Going to use cleaner/brightener and then wait 48 hours to stain with honeytone again. I’ve gone through comments and a little unclear if I should be doing one coat or a 2-coat wet on wet application in this scenario?
Probably 2 light coats applied wet on wet.
I was not expecting an answer within 15 minutes at 8pm. Thank you, really excellent.
Welcome!
I have been using your 1500 stain for two separate applications on my 50 year old deck over the last decade. Yes 50. This year we had to replace a dozen boards which are just 2×4 with new wood. I just cleaned the old wood, getting ready to apply lightener and wondering, can I apply my stain to old and new wood the same way? Wet on wet, will the new 2x4s absorb OK? I don’t mind cleaning up a little puddling, I have had that before. And would you suggest stain pad or sprayer or roller?
See here about the new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hello. For a new (weathered for 7 months) cedar fence should I go wet-on-wet or single coat this year and another next year?
Rough-sawn or smooth wood.
Rough. I’ll clean & brighten too. Thanks!
2 coats applied wet on wet.
What are the optimal conditions in terms of pre-application wood moisture for wet on wet with Restore-a-deck semi-transparent stain? Classic stains prefer fairly dry wood (less than 25% moisture) for lasting results. Wondering if similar applies here. I sanded our deck last summer but never got around to applying the stain. Planning to use the RAD cleaner. Wondering if I should also use the brightener?
Alaway brighten after cleaning or stripping for best results. TWP stains need 15% or less moisture content to apply.
I just received my stain and Gemini kit to bring wood back to its original form. How long do you wait to apply step 2 after completing step one. Is this done right away or a day later. The second part of the question is after step 2 is completed (brightener) and dried.; how long should you wait to apply the 1500 series stain.
Right after using Step 1. Wait 48 hours after prep to stain.
I applied 2 coats wet on wet and it’s beautiful! I was a bit stingy with the stain until I got the hang of it. That was a week ago and that area is lighter than the rest of my stained fence. Can I go back and give the lighter area a 3rd light coat after a week or do I need to wait longer? I used 100 series on old prepped never before stained fence
No, you cannot add a 3rd coat. More is not better and it will create issues if you over-apply.
If I use a prayer to apply TWP 1500, do I still have to use a brush to even it out?
Yes, you should.
I have a large 750 sq.ft. deck. In applying via wet on wet, you state that the second application should be done 10-60 minutes after the first. With a deck this large and all on a single level, should I apply wet on wet to a portion of the deck before moving on vs applying a first coat to the entire deck? Also, do I need to make sure I coat the full length of deck boards to avoid overlap marks? The length of my deck is 50-60 ft long.
Do all the floors at once and then walk back on and repeat. It should not take more than an hour to coat 750 sq feet of flooring. Full length of each board.
After applying the 100 series -cedar tone 101 do I need to buy a sealer to go over the stain on my deck and fence? Or is there already sealer in the stain?
How long do I wait after staining to seal it if so?
I didn’t see a sealer sold by itself on the site.
Thank you.
Hello,
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain. TWP is a stain and sealer as well.
I think my contractor over applied TWP due to inexperience of his labor force. I am afraid it will soon oxidize and dust/flake off making a mess on shoes and such. He is proposing a light sand and re-stain. What is your best recommended best solution?
It will not oxidize and dust. You cannot light sand and reapply. The only way to fix is to remove all and start over and the best way to do this is to strip and brighten all wood.