TWP Staining Help | TWP Stain Help and Instructions

Official Help Site for TWPStain.com

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Welcome to the official help site for TWPStain.com. TWP Total Wood Preservative is an EPA registered wood preservative for decks, fences, gazebos, cedar siding, wood shakes, log homes, outdoor furniture, and other exterior wood surfaces. TWP wood preservative offers outstanding protection from UV fading, wood rot, water damage, and mildew for all types of wood species.

The TWP stain help site is designed for exterior wood and deck owners looking for solutions to their wood maintenance questions. We have gathered information based on years of experience. From TWP stain tips and wood maintenance advice to prepping new wood and how to articles we will guide you through step by step to achieve professional-like results using any of the TWP wood preservative products.

Please read our articles and feel free to ask any questions that you may have about restoring your exterior wood or decking surfaces. The information you need regarding wood and deck restoration and TWP deck stains are all here. Please enjoy and remember that we are here to help.

Need Some Help With TWP Stains?

posted by TWP Help 3,795 Comments

We are here to help you with your exterior deck or wood restoration project!

TWP is an advanced wood preservative registered by the EPA. Performance and longevity can vary though depending on the wood type, how the wood is prepped, the age of wood, and how the TWP is applied. We want everyone who has decided to use TWP to have the best possible results. Continue Reading

Prepping New Wood For TWP Stains

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When applying TWP Wood Stains for the first time to new wood there will need to be proper steps taken. New smooth wood or decking is not ready to be pre-stained prior to installation or stained right after installation. It is best to follow the directions of the stain manufacturer when it comes to applying a coating to new wood for the first time, not the lumber yard or the paint store's as they do not understand the proper prep needed.

TWP and New Smooth Decking or Exterior Wood

It is important to understand that new smooth wood is not absorbent enough for the TWP Stains. New wood contains a higher moisture content and a "mill glaze". Mill Glaze is a waxy film that results from the fast turning blades that cuts the profile on a manufactured log.The high speed of the turning blades produces heat that draws sap and moisture out of the log. As it cools and dries, it creates a film or coating on the logs. This will hinder the TWP's ability to penetrate into the wood grain.

Note: New Rough Sawn vertical wood/fencing can be stained right away with no wait and with no prep as it does have mill glaze and is very absorbent. Just make sure the wood is fully dry. If Rough sawn wood has aged or oxidized (grayed) then it will need to be prepped with Gemini Restore Kit. One coat for most instances of newly installed Rough Sawn wood. Continue Reading

TWP Stains and Moisture Content

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Moisture Content of Wood When Applying TWP

Whether the wood you are staining is new or more aged, the moisture content is an important factor in the timing of stain application. Applying TWP or most any wood stain for that matter to a wood surface that is still holding too much moisture can result in many problematic issues. Trapping moisture in wood can promote the growth of mold and mildew. A moist and mildew infected environment can lead to wood decay and rot. This should be avoided at all costs. Wood rot will most likely progress to structural damage causing expensive repairs and replacements.

After the wood surface has been cleaned and prepped correctly prior to staining, it should be allowed to air dry for several days depending on the age, condition, and porosity of the wood. A good rule of thumb is to let the surface dry for several days before staining and do not stain if rain is expected. A deck that is mostly shaded may take a day or two longer to dry than a deck that sits in full sun all day. Weather and climate can also be a factor. Continue Reading

How to Apply TWP to a Fence

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How to Apply TWP to a Fence

Wood fences have been around for many years and can provide beauty, protection, and privacy to any home. Like other wood structures, wood fences need to be treated to keep them from becoming weather damaged. The key is to block out harmful UV rays and moisture. Using an easy to apply TWP formula wood stain can help preserve your fence for many years. Continue Reading