Best Prep for TWP 1500 Stain and the TWP 100 Stain for Enhanced Performance and Appearance.
When staining a new exterior wood surface with TWP, or refinishing an older one, it is best to correctly prepare the wood. Wood prep is important with any stain and TWP is no different. Using the best prep methods will certify a quality product like TWP stain performs as expected. This helps guarantee a long-lasting, beautiful finish.
To give your wood surface the best prep for TWP stains, the wood needs to be cleaned and brightened. For the best results, use Gemini Restore Kit. Gemini is the largest manufacturer of TWP stain, so they know what it takes to get the best prep possible. Gemini Restoration Kit is a two-part “eco-friendly” system.
Prepping TWP Stains
Step 1 is the wood and deck cleaner that gets down into the wood for a deep clean. Following the cleaner’s directions, use a scrub brush or pressure washer to cleanse the wood. This will rid the surface of any dirt, grime, or gray wood fibers to ensure the best prep.
Step 2 of the Gemini Restore Kit is a wood brightener that will “brighten” the wood and neutralize the cleaner at the same time. This warrants the best prep of the wood surface for TWP stains to ensure excellent protection.
If the wood surface has an existing stain on it that needs to be removed, use Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper. Besides removing dirt, grime, and grayness, RAD Stripper will remove old failed stains prior to applying TWP stain. The RAD Stain Stripper is a two-part system similar to the Gemini Restore Kit. Apply the stripper and clean the wood accordingly, then apply step 2 the wood brightener. Once the wood surface is cleaned and brightened, let it dry for several days before applying TWP.
This is the best prep for TWP stains and a proven method to help ensure good stain performance. Do not risk premature stain failure with inferior wood prepping. When the surface is prepped correctly, the TWP stain will give you a durable, long-lasting finish.
Questions On Prep for TWP Stains? Ask Below!
2,000 sqft deck is over a covered patio so anything I use to strip/prep needs to not destroy the vinyl panels under it (they have holes and will drain). Most of the deck has no stain left like picture 1 but protected areas and corners still have stain like picture 2. Do I need to sand or will Restore-A-Deck strip the old stain without damaging the vinyl underneath? Not sure what prior owner used but I found an old can of Cabot in the garage. Planning on using TWP 100 (South Carolina).
The stripper will work to remove this. Brighten after.
We have a 40 year old deck which has been stained few times over the years. It is time to do it again, time flies. I have come across your product line and am very interested in using them. I have read about the RAD, and brightner ,at what point would I power wash? Which stain would I use, we’re just North of Chicago in Wis. We would like to match the existing color. Thank you Marty and Dar
Sorry but you have a solid stain and that cannot be stripped off which means you cannot use the TWP stains.
Hi there…I am getting ready to prep a deck for a “freshen up” application of TWP stain. I have the Gemini Restor-A-Deck product which I did purchase from you. The current TWP deck stain has been on there since spring of 2019 and the current condition is documented in the attached pictures. It was initially applied after I had belt sanded the entire deck. The current stain does retain some water repellent quality as is clear when it rains. You recommended Restor-a-Deck as the prep in response to my previous inquiry. My question now is whether or not I should… Read more »
Use at regular strength.
So use the whole bag to make 5 gallons for the 500 square feet?
How big is your deck?
Two levels and stairs totaling just about 500 square feet. Spindles and rails have a pigmented oil based stain (Sherwin Williams) on them that I will not be stripping . We will be freshening up those as well with the matching pigmented stain after as well after I do the floors and steps which have TWP on them.
Just mix about half of the powder with 2-3 gallons of water. That will be enough for this.
I have latex based painted aluminum siding on the house abutting the deck. Do I need to barrier this with a plastic drop cloth before rinsing off or will wetting the siding be enough to protect it? Also under the deck there is painted aluminium where the rinse runoff may get on the house should I wet that and contemporaneously rinse it off as well during the rinsing phase.
Wet first and rinse any overspray and you should be fine.
Thanks for all you help!!
Thanks for your great Q&A site. There are many similar questions here, but mine is a bit unique. We put a completely new top surface on our multi-level deck in cedar 3 years ago. We used a competitor’s product for the first 2 years and it was not positive. It looked great for a month and then started deteriorating very fast. We thought that it was the product, so we had it sanded down and re-done 2 years ago, after the first year. After 2 years in a row of that, I went into research mode to find THE BEST… Read more »
Looks good in the pictures. Leave alone until next Spring. Prep with the Gemini Kit and apply two light coats then.
Thanks for the quick response. It will be tough to break the habit of doing it every year!! ; )) We really like this product, and are glad that we switched.
I applied 2 coats of 1500 on new cedar decking last summer. Horizontal decking is fading quickly and I want to install maintenance coat of same product and color. Can I just applied Restore-A-Deck Cleaner (not Brightner) and then stain; or do you recommend strongly to use the Brightner after cleaning?
The brightener should be used as well to neutralize the cleaner.
I had Australian timber oil used on a deck that is just now three years old. The old stain was sanded off. I would like to use TWP 100 but see that you recommend stripping rather than sanding. Would I get good results if I were to apply TWP 100?
After sanding use this kit for final prep and then you will be okay https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
my deck has TWP 1500 Natural on it now applied in 2017 and it still looks good except for a few areas that are exposed I would like to put another coat on it this summer. My question is do I need to use the cleaning and brightening prep chemicals on it again, or just need to wash it good. thanks
You will need the Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit for prep when reapplying.
Hi, I coated my deck with TWP 1500 Pecan two years ago after sanding, removing the previous flaky brand, cleaning, brightening, eyc.–the whole 9 yards! I would like to re-stain my deck this spring. Do I really need to remove all the existing TWP stain before doing so? Or would it be enough to clean the deck well and then re-apply? Thanks for any information you can give me. I love all TWP products!
Just use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
You do not have to strip it all down to the bare wood.
I can’t find where now, but I thought I read that you should clean and brighten (Part 1 and Part 2 of RAD kit) all in the same day. I’m not sure I can do both parts in one day. Does it hurt if the wood dries for a day or so between cleaning and brightening? I know the wood has to dry before staining, but wondering about between cleaning and brightening.
Best to brighten the same day. It is also very easy to brighten a deck and would take 30-60 minutes. Apply with a pump sprayer, let sit for 15 minutes and then rinse with water.
I am staining juniper post and would like them to have a gloss finish what do I use to get the gloss?
Hello,
TWP does not come in a gloss coating and TWP cannot be top-coated with a varnish.
I have a 5 year old deck that I stripped and prepped. I’m planning to apply twp 100 stain. We have had the wettest year I can remember and it is going on 4 weeks since I have prepped my deck. At this point, do I need to reprep the wood again? It still looks nice and bright and ready to stain. thanks!
Yes, lightly wash and prep again.
do I need to do both steps again or just brighten
Just brighten.
I’m thinking of using TWP to maintain some ikea APPLARO furniture that’s been sitting outside for a year. It’s acacia wood with some type of penetrating oil sealer applied. Should I start with something like RAD first in that case, especially if a pressure washer is out of the question?
If you have a current stain or oil on the wood then that will need to be removed with stripping and pressure washing. Brightener after: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
What is the best twp product to use on a pressure treated wood deck, newly installed and also older pressure treated steps with no finish?
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 100 if allowed in your state otherwise, use the 1500 Series.
What is the difference between TWP preservative stain and TWP extension stain?
Not sure what you mean by “extension” stain.
Applied TWP 1530 on new IPE deck last summer. Lots of discoloring in portion of deck exposed to sun. Plan to redo stain. Any recommendations on top of literature on this site specific to. IPE
IPE wood requires an annual application. Prep with this and recoat: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
We are the third place TWP Stain winners from 2018 and are planning to add a maintenance coat this weekend. Thanks for an awesome product! I have attached a few pics of the weathered areas of our deck and are asking which cleaning method would be best advised to re-coat our deck. The color is TWP 100 Cedar 116. These areas are in areas that get a lot of midday sun and have had problems with mold and algae build up over time. Will we have to completely strip the entire deck to get a consistent finish or will the… Read more »
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. It does not have to be fully stripped. No, it will not get there by Friday. Takes about 3-4 days to Louisiane.
Three years ago we applied TWP stain to the log siding of our house. It’s time for a new coat – if we’re not changing colors or stains do we need to do the Gemini Restore kit before applying TWP this year? Or would simply power washing be enough prep?
Need the kit while pressure washing.
In MN. Last year I rebuilt part of the deck with new wood. Will use gemini kit to clean and brighten before applying 100. I stripped the old part last summer, used gemini and applied 100. For maintenance coat I should use gemini to clean and brighten? And just one coat of 100?
Yes. Prep again with Gemini and 1 coat of stain.
3 years ago, I stripped, cleaned and brightened my large deck , then applied TWP1500 in Cedartone color. I am planning on cleaning and using the brightener again this spring, (not stripping) however, this time I want to use TWP100 in the same Cedartone. The deck is currently very faded . Is this the correct process to re-stain if I am switching from TWP1500 to TWP100?
I’m in Texas, deck faces south and catches extreme afternoon sun and heat.
If switching from 1500 to 100, you will need to strip and brighten the wood.
My deck has TWP 1520 Pecan stain which was applied 3 years ago and its time to re-stain the deck. I would like to know what needs to be done to the deck before applying the same stain? Do I need to strip the stain or will cleaning and brightening be good enough?
Use the Gemini Cleaner and Brightener Kit for the prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I live in northern Washington state the temperature during the next five days is predicted to be mid 60s with lows in the low 40s no rain. Fog in the mornings sun in the afternoons. My question is, are these conditions too cool for preparation with restore a deck and a maintenance coat of the TWP 1500
Temps are fine.
Hi,
I’m getting ready to stain the exterior siding on my house. We removed the previous coats of stain and varnish by sanding down to bare wood.
I stained a few boards with TWP to test various tones. My plan was to pick a color and take the samples off by sanding.
However, when I tried to sand it down the wood completely filled the sand paper immediately – picture below.
What’s the best way to remove those few test samples of TWP 100.
Sanding is the best way. The stain is not fully cured and that is why it is gumming up. Another week and it should come off better.
You would try stripping if that does not work:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I had a 4 month old Alaskan White Cedar deck that I stained last year and had a problem with when I went to clean it this Spring. After trying many options, I power washed it, let it dry, completely sanded it down, and applied your brightener. That was a little over two weeks ago and we’ve had rain consistently enough that I haven’t been able to apply the TWP 100 stain. Dry weather is forecast. What do I need to do to re-prep? Thanks! Seattle
Lightly pressure rinse again with water and apply the wood brighener again.
At this point deck is over a year old, should I apply wet one wet? Thank you.
Yes. Two light coats applied wet on wet.
I am preparing some red cedar I obtained from a sawmill in Ky. for a privacy fence in Fl. It is rough cut but I am running it through my planer to improve it’s beauty. Is it necessary to clean such fresh wood and will one coat of TWP 100 be adequate?
You should treat this like new smooth wood. See this article for tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have used the Gemini Restore kit on 10/2 for our cedar fence. We had an insane amount of raining days that we never were able to achieve a 48 hour dry time with a 24 hour cure time. Is it too late to stain on 10/19. It will be 3 days after the 2 week period.
You should be good to stain!
I have an older deck with a worn coat of another brand of semi-transparent stain. I’m planning on sanding rough spots before stripping and brightening, then applying TWP 1520 after it dries.
Does the entire deck need sanding for the stain to soak in properly, or can I just do the rough spots?
Sanding the whole deck would be best so the TWP soaks in evenly. If you spot power sand, the stain could be lighter in those areas. If just a light hand sanding, you are most likely okay.
I used TWP on my new deck about 3-4 years ago. This past weekend I pressure washed everything (getting ready to reapply TWP). At this point the wood looks pretty clean – not quite a bare wood look since I used the Dark Oak stain. At this point, am I good to stain or do i need to brighten before? This is my first maintenance coat of TWP so want to make sure I am doing it right.
Can you send a picture?
Just took this…..the clean looking board is new un-stained wood from a new gate that we just added. So you can see the contrast between the previously stained deck floor (pressure washed) and the new wood.
Hello,
You will need to clean and brighten for the proper prep using the Gemini Restore Kit:
I see alot of your guidance says to use the Restore Kit while pressure washing. If I order today, and maybe receive by end of week, is it ok if apply a week after pressure washing?
You use the Kit while pressure washing. Waiting a week after the prep to stain is fine.
I already pressure washed the deck – did that last weekend. So do i have to pressure wash again in order to use the gemini restore kit?
Your pressure washing without the Step 1 Cleaner was not sufficient prep based on the pictures. You will need to redo and use the Deck Cleaner (Step 1) of the kit while pressure washing.
I am currently renovating a finished basement in Western New York, and due to the humidity levels in the basement, I would like to utilize TWP 1500 series stain to finish the walls, ceiling beams and ceiling planks. During the summer months, the humidity level in the basement is typically 40-50%, and it is 20-30% during the winter months. Those levels are with a large dehumidifier running. The new interior walls of the basement will consist of Amish-made T&G half log siding, while the ceilings will be Amish-made pine beams and T&G Knotty pine. All of the wood is non-treated… Read more »
TWP is an exterior stain. Not suggested for interior use. It can be done but since it is oil based, it will have a strong odor that could linger for weeks.
Prep by sanding with 60-80 grit. No need to stain all sides, just the exposed sides.
I am painting my deck rails and staining the deck surface with TWP 1500. I am prepping all surfaces with the Gemini restore kit. I understand the deck surface needs to dry 48 hrs after prepping before applying the stain and needs at least 12hrs of dry weather after applying….Do the railings , which will be painted, need to dry 48 hrs after the prep before repainting and 12hrs of dry weather after application of paint also?
Great sight you have here
Most likely, but that really depends on the brand of paint you use. I would follow their directions on this.
I live in Seattle. What is the longest time one can wait between sanding, Cleaning & Brightening before actually staining. ?
It is dry today and I am already 1/2 done sanding and could easily finish the prep work today but the next 48 hr dry period might not be here for another 2 weeks. Would 2 weeks of rain cancel out the sanding and prep work I do today??
Thanks
2 weeks after the prep is about the max you would want to wait. If it goes longer then that, you may need to lightly re-clean and re-brighten.
what is the best way to remove black mold from pressure treated wood. this wood is part of the frame work of our deck and we do not plan on staining it.
Also, there is green mold on the painted verticals of the railing The paint is not peeling yet. Will that mold be ‘neutralized’ with the gemini cleaner we are using to clean the horizontal deck surface prior to restaining.
Thank you for your advice.
Using the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing should remove the mold well. It should help remove the algae as well.
I am sanding my deck before staining. We are expecting rain in the next day. Will rain on the sanded wood damage it. I plan on cleaning and brightening prior to staining and then waiting for a dry spell prior to staining.
thanks for your help
Rain does not harm the sanding or any prep.
My location is upstate SC with a one year old pressure treated pine deck facing south. I have about 2 1/2 hours in the morning before the sun starts on the west end before its completely in the sun in less than an hour after that. In the evening, I probably have the same time constraints just on the opposite end of the deck. Last year when the wood was new (KDAT), I used TWP 100 pecan series for a one coat application and planned on a maintenance coat this summer. Due the amount of staining/graying from trees I have… Read more »
Drying of 12 hours is not enough. About the same amount of stain as last time. Just one coat should do it. Stain with a stain pad for the deck floor.
Just one coat or one wet on wet coat?
Two very light coats. Apply the second coat within 20-60 minutes of first coat.
We have completely sanded the old stain off our 20 year old deck down to new looking wood. should we use Restore a Deck cleaner too, or is the fresh sanded surface fine to continue. We will be using TWP1500.
It will hep the TWP to soak into the wood better if you prep with the Gemini Restore Kit after the sanding.
How long do I need to wait after cleaning and brightening my deck with the Gemini system to apply the TWP stain? Thank you in advance
48 hours.
what exactly do you mean by a “failed stain?” I’m trying to determine whether I should use the Restore a Deck Cleaner or Restore a Deck Stripper. I currently have TWP 1515 applied to my deck
If wearing unevenly, then best to strip and brighten for prep.
In 2013 we sanded our old redwood deck down to bare wood, (new house to us, located at Lake Tahoe, CA). We then applied TWP 101, 2 coats, then 2 more coats about a week later. Now May 2016, after a hard winter, 10 to 15% of the boards have peeling TWP finish. How should i prep the deck prior to applying more, TWP101, and how many coats?
FYI, you applied way to much on this. TWP is a penetrating stain and should not be over applied. In your scenario it was over applied and it “filmed” on top of the wood. This is why it is peeling. Best to strip and start over. Use the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper. Remove down to the bare wood and use the Restore A deck Brightener to neutralize. Apply two coats of the TWP using “wet on wet” application.
Can TWP be applied on a pressure-treated beach deck that had Thompson’s Water Seal applied to it last Fall? The Thompson’s has soaken in pretty well and I am not sure it can be be stripped off.
Randy, you would have to remove it. If it repels water then it will repel the TWP from soaking it.
Contractor just applied TWP 100 to house and it is a mess because application instructions were not followed. The house had been stained once before with an Olympic toner–10 years ago. It was pressure washed twice before the application. However, they stained a section of the house at a time and then came back around hours later for the second coat–and did not wipe off excess. The finish is uneven, with many shiny areas. Two sides of the house were coated only once because we didn’t let them put on a second coat the next day. These sides have fewer… Read more »
Nothing you can do but strip and start over. Sorry
Contractor wants to try wiping the siding with mineral spirits and lightly sanding to remove the shine. Ok to try it?
You can try. Hope it works out.
Do we need to scrub the stripper into the wood or just spray, wait then pressure wash off?
Thanks
Spray on, let dwell for 15 minutes, then pressure wash off. Sometimes you do need to scrub but this really depends on how difficult a strip it is based on the coating being removed.
We’re about to use the RAD stripper. Our deck is above a walkout basement patio. Do we need to cover the concrete patio (basement level) when using the stripper on the deck above?
Thanks!
No need to cover the concrete but do make sure to rinse well when done.
I have outside furniture (chairs and table) made of Autralian Jarrah wood. The last time it was resurfaced Man of War spar varnish was used. My intent is to remove the old varnish, prep the wood and apply TWP 1500. Please tell me your opinion on how to remove the varnish and prep for application of the TWP stain.
You will have to sand off the varnish as stain strippers will not remove it 100%. You cannot apply the TWP unless all of the varnish is removed. Just one coat of the TWP.
OK – do not use stain stripper. How about removing varnish with paint/varnish stripper, followed by sanding? Then, would I be advised to finish off with cleaner/brightener combination (or not)?
Thanks for response.
Jim Gibson
Varnish stripper may work some but you will have to sand to get it all off. Clean and brighten with Gemini Kit after the sanding.
You cannot apply TWP over a paint. It would be best to let the new wood season until next Spring as you cannot stain new wood for 4-12 months after the install. Clean, pressure wash, and brighten all wood. Lightly sand after only if needed.
My parents live in michigan and their deck is in bad shape. It is cedar on the visible wood and treated on the structure. It is about 20 years old and hasn’t been maintained for at least 8 years. No idea what type of stain was on it last. I am in the process of restoring the rotted out bits and doing an treated wood hot tub addition. It has a mix of brand new, really old, and weathered new wood that never got stained, Plus the new treated wood section…. I figured if i just wait till the renovation… Read more »
I have a 13 year old pine shadowbox style fence near the NJ shore that was stained/sealed when it was new and has been neglected ever since. The fence was dirty, gray, and covered in mildew and lichen. I used Oxi-Clean and a pressure washer to clean the fence off. The posts are pressure treated but the rails and vertical planks are smooth pine. All of the vertical planks have some feathering on them since they were cleaned so I think I’ll have to lightly sand them. I see that I will need to use TWP 1500 when the time… Read more »
For a fence: Length x Height x 2 (for both sides). About 150 sq. feet per gallon on a rough cut fence and one coat. Apply with a pump sprayer and back wipe with a brush or stain paid so it is evenly applied and to catch any drips. May want to apply a wood brighten for the final prep.
This summer I built a fence, boards running horizontally, staggered pattern, and with a very wide combination of wood. A mixture of newer pressure treated pine pickets (ripcut) and (mostly) oak/poplar/birch/pine/etc natural that is reclaimed from pallets (no chemical pallets). The fence came out great (suprisingly) but I’m more concerned with protecting it than I am with looks (as it has natural wood and building fences are a MAJOR pain). I bought some wood cleaner with oxyclean, and some stripper. I want to purchase TWP but I have a few questions, which stain should I use? I live in Louisiana.… Read more »
Use the TWP 100 Series. Yes you have to brighten after using a cleaner and a stripper. You will need 5-7 gallons for the first coat. Second coat spreads twice as far as first coat.
Thanks for the quick response!