TWP 100 Series Stain
TWP 100 Stain Series Wood and Deck Preservative has a coverage rate of 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon. Measure the wood's square footage to determine how many gallons you'll need for your project. On wood decks, be sure to include all the railings and steps.
Before applying TWP 100 Series Deck Stain be sure the wood surface has been cleaned properly using a wood cleaner. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove any debris that may have fallen onto the wood since cleaning it.
Applying TWP 100 Series Wood Stain
The wood must be dry for a minimum of 48 hours prior to staining and the air temperature should be above 50 degrees. Check your local forecast to make certain there will be several dry days before and after the day you want to stain.
On the day of staining be sure you have all the equipment on site that you will need. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses at all times. Mix the TWP Wood Stain thoroughly using a paint stick before and several times during use. Using plastic or tarps to cover any landscaping, siding, windows, or concrete that you don't want any stain on.
Start with the harder to reach areas first. On wood siding, gazebos, or play sets start up high and work your way down. On a deck, start with the spindles and railings first and stain the deck floor last.
Use a brush, stain pad applicator, or pump sprayer to apply TWP 100 Deck Stain. The first coat of stain is a saturation coat. If it soaks in quickly, and the wood seems thirsty, an additional coat may be necessary. If so, apply the second coat within 30 minutes of the first coat, essentially applying them "wet on wet." The more TWP 100 Series Stain that you can get to soak in, the better protection it will provide.
Be cautious of over applying TWP 100 Series Wood Stain or performance may be jeopardized. If you notice excessive stain puddles or drips that aren't being absorbed, use a stain rag or brush to remove them. Stopping in the middle of a piece of wood or board can result in unsightly lap marks. To eliminate the chance of lap marks finish staining each board from end to end once you start.
TWP 100 Series Wood Preservative has outstanding penetration properties and will dive deep into the wood. It is not prone to flaking or peeling like other stains. TWP 100 Series will simply fade after several years and can then be cleaned and recoated as needed.
Ask a Question
297 Comments on "How to Apply TWP 100 Stain Series"
We are building a new house that has several exterior 8-inch, rough-sawn cedar posts. We are considering using TWP 103 Dark Oak stain on these posts. We like the color, but are concerned about putting OIL stain on new cedar. Also, would it be OK to sand at least the shaggy corners and rougher spots to achieve a “less rough” finish without too much glazing? Please provide any advice that you can. Thanks.
Best to not sand. It needs to be porous. You can stain new cedar rough sawn wood right away as long as the wood is dry.
If the temperature is above 50F when applied but the overnight temperature drops below 50F, is it still OK? Trying to get things done this fall and wanting to know if this is an issue. Thanks!
It can drop below 50 at night after applying but not below freezing. The stain will take longer to cure in these temps.
Can I go a couple weeks between using the Gemini Cleaner/Restorer and TWP100 on a new, previously unstained cedar fence (aged approx one year)? Will I lose any/much benefit? Unfortunately I waited until the fall and days where the temps are above 50 are becoming less frequent.
Yes, try not to go any longer than 2 weeks.
Can I apply the Gemini Restore a Deck Cleaner to a new untreated cedar fence now (aged for a year and showing a little gray, no previous stain) and then wait several days before applying the brightener or should it be applied same day? Thanks!
Apply the brightener the same day as the cleaner. Right away after you are done with the cleaninig, while the wood is still wet. The brightener is a very easy step.
I stained yesterday—only 1 coat. (I was running out of daylight to do a wet-on-wet application). Can I apply a 2nd coat today?
Best to wait until Spring. Light wash to remove any dirt first.
Well that’s not what I wanted to hear!
Even if everything soaked in fine and no shiny spots w/ the 1st coat, should I still wait until spring for a 2nd?
Yes. Second coats, if applied need to be wet on wet. It now has started to cure. If you apply a coat now, you run the risk of it not absorbing and having shiny spots.
I stained my deck with TWP 100, 2 coats (wet on wet), it went on well. How long after application should I wait to replace furniture, grill and walk on the deck?
1-2 days. Make sure it is fully dry and not sticky.
I stained my deck with TWP100, i sprayed the deck and backbrushed with a pad and while I protected the house well from the spray, I neglected the black steel picket railing surrounding the deck. The dried stain peels off ok with a little mineral spirits and a rag, but do you have a recommendation on what to use to clean it off metal effectively? Would a wire brush or simply another type of thinner work better?
Try goof off.
Is there a really efficient/ good way, to apply protective sheeting around windows, including the brickmould? What type of TWP is the best for older cedar siding which has always been done in TWP? Should I just continue with the same? I have 15 gallons which will probably do it all.
Thanks, Floyd
Keep with the same as before. Not sure what you are asking with the sheeting?
We have cleaned/brightened our new cedar deck and plan to stain in 48 hrs when it’s dry. It could rain here 24-48 hrs after we stain. Will the stain be ok? Thanks–
It should be fine as long as it is 24 hours or more. Did you see our article on new wood? https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What’s the best way to keep the stain pad applicator from dripping all over the deck after you dip it in the stain and then try to get it delivered to the deck.
It is okay to drip as long as you coat those boards and even it out withing a few minutes.
For a cedar fence application, would a roller work for application? The fence is newer and hasn’t yet been stained (it’s been approx 6 months old). Should I do 2 coats, wet on wet application as described? I have also read that a coat now and a 2nd next season would be good. Can you advise?
Rollers are not the best way to apply. Flat exterior stain pads are better. You can also lightly spray on the first coat and then apply your second coat wet on wet, about 20-40 minutes later with a stain pad or brush.
Doing the two coat now since it is rough sawn fence wood, is the correct way.
I installed my deck in Jan 2017. Should I do one coat or two wet coats?
Thanks
1 coat. See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I purchased the applicator pads. What is the best way to get TWP 1500 on the pad? Should I pour the stain into a roller pad and dip in the applicator pad? Or is it best to use a spray and then back roll with the pad?
Dip into a tray is best.
I have seen a video with a broom like brush to put on stain but I can’t find it anywhere. Do I need to use a natural bristle brush for TWP stain? Where can I find that broom like brush it looks perfect for the floor of the deck
Not sure on the broom. We do offer stain mop pads:
https://www.twpstain.com/speed-mop-pad
You can use a natural or synthetic brush.
We pressure washed our deck and plan on sanding, do we still need the brightener? Also with the TWP 100 do we need a clear sealant afterwards?
Thank you
Using a wood brightener will help to open the grain of the wood. No need nor can you apply a sealer on top of the TWP.
We are preparing to apply TWP wood preservative this morning. The deck has evidence of overnight dew. Can we towel off the surface and proceed applying the TWP? Would there be any resulting harm if we do???
The deck has to be fully dry and not damp or wet to stain. If it is still wet when applied, it will not soak in and will dry/cure incorrectly.
Can you clean and redcoat 100 series with a 1500 series stain? Or, does it have to be removed?
Yes but use the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing for the prep.
I have started applying TWP 120 Pecan to portions of my deck. The water beads nicely on the wood except for the knots. The knots absorb the water. Is this normal? If so, is there any danger of the wood being damaged by the water? If it is not normal, how should I fix it?
Knots are much denser so they do seal and stain slightly different. It is fine as the TWP is designed to breathe and shed water, not bead water.
My twp wood preservative is jelly consistency what can I do?
That means it has gone bad. The shelf life of an opened container is 12 months. It cannot be fixed.
can you apply a third coat 24 hours after the initial coat of TWP
More is not better in most scenarios. it may not dry correctly or absorb into the wood.
I have finished cleaning my deck with your cleaning and brightening kit. It has been stained with TWP twice before. Some of the areas are down to bare wood and others are not. How will I get two coats on the bare areas without overcoating the places where the old stain still looks intact?
Lightly apply the two coats wet on wet. Any areas that do not dry in 60 minutes can be wiped off with rags. Saturate any oil rags with water and lay flat to dry outside when done.
My deck is cedar and 28 years old, in good condition. We have used TWP product previously; however, it has not been sealed/stained in many years. We have power washed it down to bare wood and need advise on which product to use. Is there a sealer we should use before staining?
TWP is a stain and sealer. Use the TWP 100 Series if allowed in your state. If not, use the 1500 Series.
We’re getting ready to stain and seal with TWP100, a cedar fence that we put up last summer. Have washed with water and dish soap and rinsed with water on one side. Waiting 48 hours to dry. Is it ok to stain the washed side and then wash,dry and stain the other side of the fence at a later date. How long would we have to wait after applying stain to start the process on other side of fence? And what is the best way to clean out the sprayer after using the stain in it?
Hello, It is best to wash and stain all at the same time. Also you should prep with our Gemini Restore Kit. https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
As for cleaning out the sprayer, use mineral spirits.
I had “professionals” i use this word lightly, stain our deck and pergola last year with TWP. Within two months, the stain had faded and in some spots looked like it was never stained. Our pergola, they stained unevenly and then when we pointed it out, they tried to touch it up. Now it kind of looks like paint on the pergola. Do we need to strip the stain off, or just pressure wash and clean. Thank you for any help you can give us.
Best to remove and start over. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper kit.
I installed a pressure treated deck in August last year. Location: Wisconsin Would like to stain the deck cedartone 100 series. What should I do to prep the deck? Also, should I put two coats on right away with it being a new deck?
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do two very light coats since it is about 10 months. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I had professionals stain my deck with the TWP 203 about two years ago, can I go ahead and do a maintenance stain by cleaning and brightening the deck then using TWP 101, or do I need to strip the 203 and then use the 101?
Pressure treated pine
3 year old deck
Atlanta, GA
If switching to the 100 Series, you will need to strip it off and then brighten the wood using the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit.
I have a large deck with several levels. I completely sanded it last spring and applied TWP 100 honeytone. It lightened considerably in the high sun exposure areas so applied cedar tone after using the Gemini cleaner and brightner this spring.
It looks great, with the exception of one level which didn’t take the stain well the first go round. I decided to start over on that level and sanded it down to bare wood with a square buff sander.
Question is… After sanding do I need to apply the brightner before reapplying the stain?
Yes that would be best. Also, sanding is not the best way to prep. It reduces the ability of the TWP from soaking into the wood. This can reduce longevity.
So sanding is not recommend after cleaning?
Not unless needed to remove splinters or fuzzies.
day temp is 65 , night temp is 40 , is it ok to stain if the low temp is 40 at night
Yes, that is fine.
I live in Santa Fe, generally dry, some precipitation during the winter. It’s early January, now. I just had a fence built (pine). Finished about three weeks ago. The weather here can be unpredictable, but the next time it looks like we won’t have any rain/snow for 48 hours, I plan on putting a coat of TWP 100 on. Temps are 50 during the day, 20s at night. Is this wise? Should I do a wet on wet coat?
Please read this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You can prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and go darker in color. If you wanted to go lighter, you would have to strip.
Can I use my Graco Sprayer, if so what tip?
You can spray the TWP. Does not matter on the tip, but wider fan sprays are easier.
We just bought a house with a deck. It looks like it hasn’t been treated in years. There is algae and dark mildew. There is also some spots where the previous stain lasted in the shade. My question is how should I prep the deck for staining with TWP 100? Do I need to sand? Or will Gemini products take care of the old stain and the algae/mildew?
Try the Restore A Deck stain Stripper and Brightener kit with pressure washing. Sand if needed only if the old stain does not come off all the way.
New cedar deck installed and allowed to weather for 5 months in Nebraska sun. Was prepped with Sherwin Williams Revive, washed dried for 2.5 days, and then sanded before application of TWP 100 Dark Oak with a Sprayer and brush backed. Concern that the look is not as uniform as I anticipated. Looks like uneven absorption. Knots look abnormal. Rained today after drying 3 days and water protection is good but concerned about look. Do I wait until spring now and apply another coat?
It is normal that knots are light in color. The wood is a different density there so it can come out lighter. Adding another coat probably will not darken them. If you want to apply another coat to try, it would be best to do it in the Spring.
New cedar deck, I know ideally I should wait until Spring to apply stain, but what is downside to applying stain (TWP 1500 series) now? Put some of sample on scrap wood and it looks ok, I know it will absorb better and be darker if I wait but if I’m willing to re-apply next spring/summer would this still be ok? (I did look at the other brands that allow for staining sooner but they weren’t absorbed as well as the TWP and we like the Rustic color the best).
Thanks for the help.
If you apply it now without the 4-12 month wait, you will need to redo next Spring or Summer. Make sure to rep to remove the Mill Glaze with Gemini Restore Kit
So apply the Gemini Restore Kit now (to remove the mill glaze) but then just clean and put on another coat next spring/summer?
Thanks for the reply.
Prep with Gemini Kit now. Lightly apply one coat. Redo with same prep and one coat next Spring.
I have a cedar deck that was previously stained with Sikkens. We stripped and washed it using the Gemini restore kit. But I also sanded it all down with 80grit and it looks like a new deck. I didn’t realize that may have been a mistake? Do I need to wait for the deck to re-weather 4-12months before I stain it with twp?
Lightly clean for final prep and apply just one coat this year. You can lightly clean and apply a second coat in 6-12 months.
what if you do want a glossy finish can I go over the top with a top coat ?
No and having a gloss finish is a very bad idea for outside wood. It will peel, flake and trap mold.
Leave it for now, Lightly wash to remove any dirt and apply one coat to all wood in the Fall. It will even out then.
When you say lightly wash do you mean just sweep with broom then hose of to remove dirt or use a deck wash let it dry and then restain all the wood? Thanks for your help. This is a great product and the issue i have was operator error.
Lightly wash with soapy water and rinse. Use dish soap.
I have a lap line! I ran out of stain, and had to get more.. Is there any way to help fix this?
Sorry, but you would have to remove all and start over to fix
Rollers do not apply that evenly. Use a stain pad or brush. We like the stain pads best. Just one good coat this year. Follow up with another light coat in 12-18 months. 90 may be too hot and could flash dry. Best to do in lower temps and not in direct sunlight if possible.
Thanks. I’m in GA so there’s no good way to avoid the high temps unless I do it early in the morning. Would that be OK? If I start at 7AM or so it won’t get 90 until noon or so. I would think I’d be done by then.
Yes that would be fine.
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep when reapplying. It is a Step 1 Deck Cleaner and a Step 2 Deck Brightener. You can buy it from our site.
I hired someone to stain a deck with wood that’s at least 5 years old. The first coat looks good the day after. I did not have enough stain for them to apply an additional coat “wet-on-wet.”
I think it could benefit from another coat, but am I too late to do this?
It would be better to wait until Fall, lightly wash to rinse of dirt, and apply a light coat.
Built a new deck with PT Pine last spring and am planning on using TWP this summer. Do I need to use the Gemini restore-a-deck prior to stain application or would pressure washing suffice? There is no greying and the wood looks great. The deck will have approximately 14-15 months of weather when I stain and I live in MO so all weather is covered. Also, would you recommend one coat or two on the first round?
Just one coat this time and you can apply another light coat to the horizontals in about 9-12 months or as needed. Yes you need to prep with the Gemini Kit. You will need to remove mill glaze that is on new wood and the kit will help to do this.
I just prepped my deck for staining and have the stain ready to go. Will it hurt to wait until spring to stain? I am afraid of frosty nights, lower daytime temps, and we seem to be getting in to weight weather patterns.
You will have to re prep in the Spring if you wait. It will not harm the wood to got through one Winter.
Great! Thank you.
If they are that wet then yes. In general you want a moisture content of 12% or less if you want to check with a moisture meter.
1. You should be fine with the prep
2. Two coats wet on wet to horizontals and one coat in verticals is good. 3. Reapply every 2-3 years to all wood is normal. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit when you do this.
Thanks so much. One last question. I used some of those rough cut dog eared boards to enclose the back and front of my steps just recently. When I screwed them in I could see factory moisture come out around the screws. I assume that I should not stain these boards until late fall or early spring. Is that correct?
You need to use a deck cleaner for the prep, not a stripper or brightener.
Thanks
New pressure t related deck 2years ago….TWP 100 used last year. But needs a light re oat this year….do I need to strip or just use wood brightner before applying new coat ofvTWP?
I just finished prepping my new PT deck with the gemini kit. It has been 4 days since I applied the brightener. I’ve been busy and haven’t applied the TWP 100 stain. It hasn’t rained and the temps here in Knoxville has been in the 80s-90s. Weather forecast is 20% rain over the next 2 days and 50% over the labor day weekend. Temp will be in the high 80s-low 90s. Any advice?
Make sure it is dry for 24-48 hours after a rain and that it will not rain on the deck within 12-24 hours after applying.
Deck is ready to be stained. I’m planning on using a Shurline or Padco pad to apply but was wondering what the standard practice is to get between the deck boards. Should I use a thin pad between the deck boards first and then hit the top?
You can use the Pado crack and groove tool.