TWP 1500 Stain
Update on Best Application tips for applying the TWP 1500 Series
First, measure your wood surface to determine the square footage. TWP 1500 Series Wood and Deck Preservative covers approximately 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon. Buy a little more stain than you need just to be sure you do not run out at the end of the project.
Prior to using TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain, clean the wood using a brush or pressure washer along with a quality wood cleaner. Preparing the wood properly will ensure your new TWP Wood Stain will perform optimally.
Once the wood surface is cleaned it must dry for a minimum of 48 hours before any stain can be applied. Be sure the temperature is at least 50 degrees and that dry weather is forecasted for the next several days.
Remove any leaves or debris that may have collected while the wood was drying. Wear protective gear like rubber gloves and safety glasses while completing your wood staining project. Thoroughly mix the TWP 1500 Wood Preservative using a paint stick until it is well blended. Be sure there are no clumps at the bottom of the pail. If the TWP stain has been sitting for some time, a paint store can shake it up for you.
Use plastic to protect any windows, landscaping, concrete, or siding that you do not want to stain. Begin staining the higher areas first. On wood siding, gazebos, wood shakes, and playsets start at the top and stain your way down. On wood decks, it is best to start with the railings and save the deck floor for last.
TWP 1500 Series can be applied in several ways. Use a brush, stain pad, or pump sprayer to apply. With TWP 1500, the first coat is a saturation coat. It should soak in fairly quickly with the exception of new wood which may take longer. If the wood absorbs the first coat with no problem, a second coat of TWP 1500 Stain may be applied. The more stain that is absorbed the better. Apply a second “wet on wet” coat within 30 minutes of the first coat.
Be wary of over-application of the stain. If you see puddles or drips of excess stain that isn’t absorbing into the wood, wipe them away using a brush or stain rag. Do not stop staining in the middle of a board. Doing so can leave lap marks. Finish each board from end to end once you begin staining.
TWP 1500 Series Wood and Deck Preservative is the only wood preservative registered by the EPA. It is designed for all exterior wood surfaces. It has outstanding penetration properties and excellent UV resistance from wood graying. It has superb color retention and is not prone to cracking, peeling, or flaking. TWP 1500 Series will only fade in time and can simply be cleaned and reapplied as necessary for maintenance.
After applying TWP 1500 stain, what should you do if it rains unexpectedly within the 48 hour drying time?
Did it rain on it? If so send some pictures after the rainwater dries off.
It has not rained, yet. I applied the stain today at noon, thinking I was clear for 48 hours. However, there is a chance of showers tomorrow morning and agin in the afternoon. Will send photos if it rains and damages the finish.
Can an airless sprayer be used to apply this product? If so, will I need to backbrush?
Yes and yes.
I will be purchasing 6×6 & 6×8 kiln dried Douglas Fir timbers for use in a pergola. Please clarify the process I should take to stain. This link, ( https://www.twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/ ) states to let the wood weather for 1-2 months, use your restore kit then stain with one coat of 1500 series. Then I read that I should wait 9 months or so, clean the wood then do a “wet on wet application, ( https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/#more-3447 ). However, the info above, ( https://www.twpstainhelp.com/how-to-apply-twp-1500-stain/ ), states I can “saturate” the wood on the first coat, and, if absorbed, apply a second coat,… Read more »
Since it is new kiln-dried wood, follow these instructions: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Every couple of years or so is normal.
You mention letting the wood “weather” before applying TWP. Is the same necessary for cedar, or just pine? They are going to be columns and will be under roof (though one side will be subject to afternoon sun).
All new wood has to weather, does not matter the type. https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi, I have a 17yr old cedar deck. I used Olympic maximum waterproofing sealant every 3 years until a few yrs ago when the local store stopped carrying it. They sold me on the Benjamin Moore Arborcoat classic oil finish translucent Natural finish. I’m considering using TWP 1500 series semi transparent stain now. Would a DeckBrite cleaning be sufficient, or must I strip what’s left of the old stain? Thanks!
You will have to strip and brighten for prep. You cannot apply a different stain over the BM without removing it first.
The brace supports are new wood…
If new wood, you will need to weather and prep.
So wait till spring? Then use which products?
In Spring, prep with this first: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Is it okay to stain under-deck thick cedar curved brace supports now? We are in NC. There is slight checking and wood appears to be dry enough to absorb.
And, if it rains before I can coat the deck, I assume I need to allow the deck to dry another 48 hours?
Correct.
Can I apply TWP if rain is forecast for the next day ?
Yes but it does need about 12-24 hours to dry before the rain.
I need to stain these boards on the front of my house. I’m not sure where to start. I’ve stained different woods before but nothing like this. I’m in central Texas, and the weather is finally nice enough to work outside.
Prep with this kit to remove the current stain: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I stained my deck as new in late summer 2018. Cleaned and brightened, applied the honeytone as directed, and it turned out good. Attempted to do the maintenance coat yesterday, blew off the deck, washed two days earlier with a detergent/water as suggested. The stain didn’t soak in very well, and still quite wet. Was planning on getting some shop rags to try and soak up excess. Any other suggestions?
We are in NE Ohio, btw. Had a stretch of warm dry weather
See this: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I’m wanting to stain my deck before winter gets here. Is the 50 degree rule for 24 hours or just during application? The nighttime temperatures are starting to dip below 50, but daytime is well above still.
It can drop below 50 at night but not below freezing.
Outstanding! Thank you very much!
I have a new P.T. deck that has sat for 12 months. I just finished using the cleaner and brightener. I saw some where in your articles that the wood should meet a certain moisture content but couldn’t find it again. Can you tell what that moisture content should be before staining? Thank you very much.
Is 24 hour dry time before expecting rain enough time for twp 1500 to set up?
Yes.
How do you clean the dripping from the stain that’s on concrete? And how to clean the stain on the vinyl railing?
Try a graffiti remover cleaner for both areas.
I stained with natural cedar tone three days ago. Did not do wet on wet application as it was discouraged by the dealer I purchased from. Stain went on nice and dark with consistent color but has lightened up considerably on the floor of the deck, so much so that it looks like a different color than the railings. Can I apply a second coat to the floor in a week or two, before a hard Michigan winter? If I need to wait until spring, what would be the prep necessary before applying?
Thank you!
No, leave alone until Spring. Do a light wash to remove dirt and apply a coat then. Just use water.
We built a Redwood deck … let the boards dry for 4 months … stained with TWP 1511 … and we have wonderful results! The color and tone are perfect. One or two years from now we will clean and re-stain. For that future maintenance re-staining, should we use TWP 1511 again … or will the resulting two layers of pigment make the deck color excessively dark? I realize it’s hard to know exact results. Any advice appreciated.
Use the same color and prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. It does not get darker.
I’m going to be applying TWP-1500 in clear over a 14yr old cedar deck that I’ve sanded (some boards were flipped), treated with Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener and will be using a rented floor buffer to get out the fuzzies (I wasn’t able to do the cleaner and brightener in quick succession). I have also replaced a few rotting boards with new cedar that was also cleaned and brightened with the rest of the deck. I’m planning to use the floor buffer this Saturday morning and then applying the TWP in the afternoon. There will be at least 48hrs of… Read more »
Can you apply stain where the deck has sun??
Yes.
Surprised at answer since other TWP info says “no” do not apply in the sun. I was just hoping to get verification and a little more info than I’ve been able to find so far. For example: it’s okay if it’s not going to be in the sun for long ……. or something a little more decisive than “yes”.
A little bit of sun is okay. 90+ degrees and in full sun could create issues with uneven drying but this would vary based on the applicators experience.
I have a 15 year old cedar deck. 4 years ago I stripped it and applied Australian Timber Oil from popular brand. I want to use TWP 1500 (Illinois). Do I need to strip it again and how long can I wait between prep and sealer? I can’t get the 48 hours in one weekend. Thanks
Yes, you have to remove the ATO: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain after 48 hours and within 2 weeks.
Thanks, I also have to replace a few deck boards and they should weather before I twp them. Do you have any suggestions how to go about this as I want to get the twp on soon this fall? Should I replace the boards after and then do the whole thing again in the spring?
Since it a just a few boards, do it all now. Lightly recoat the new boards in the Spring.
I recently applied the 1500 natural series to my cedar log cabin after I stripped the old stain off.
It looks great but is there something I can apply to give it more of a sheen now?
Is there a sealer that could be top coated to give it that shine look?
No, you cannot add anything over the TWP nor can you add a sheen to any outside wood. It will blister and peel.
My contractor added three support posts to my deck today that was stained three weeks ago with TWP 1500. My contractor commented on how good the deck looks and stated that I could stain the new posts in a few days. He was told at the lumber yard that a new process is being used to treat the pine wood (Severe Weather, ground contact general use 6×6 posts). I did wait one year after the deck was constructed before applying stain. Are you aware of any changes of how the new lumber is treated? And what would you recommend? Thanks
No, you cannot stain new wood right away: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
He is incorrect and it doesn’t matter how the wood is treated, it is a porosity issue that needs to be addressed by weathering and prep.
I am about to stain a deck that has new wood (it’s been aged for a year, treated with the Stain-A-Deck, and had a light sand). I understand that I should only apply one coat this year – what is the recommended method for applying the stain? Brush, roller, or pump sprayer? I’m inclined to spray it with a pump sprayer and then brush it out.
You can spray and back brush or stain pad it.
Spray and back brush is the verdict. Thank you!
I have powered washed my 2 year old treated pine deck which still has some gray boards. Should all gray boards be clear before staining twp 1500 semi transparent deck stain. Power wash has left some glaze mill so I will sand prior to staying. What do I do now before applying twp 1500 stain to never stained 2 year old deck. Appreciate quick response as getting deck ready this month to stain
Can 1500 be applied with a roller
Rollers are not the best way to apply the TWP as it is penetrating stain. Best would be a flat exterior stain pad or brush.
Our deck was built in November 2018. We used the Gemini prep kit as per the label directions, power washed between cleaner and brightener, allowed full 48 hour dry time. Applied one coat of TWP1500 in dark oak color using a stain brush. The finish is very uneven and does not look good. What did we do wrong? Will the second coat in 9 mo even out the color?
Another coat next Spring should help even it out. Not sure that you did wrong but the wood did take the stain unevenly. Not a stain or application issue but the wood itself.
Thanks for your reply. I just noticed a white substance on the floor boards in several places. The staining was finished on 7/17 and this started showing within the last 2 days. We had a hard rain yesterday but not much else since the staining was complete. It does not rub off easily. Do you know what this is?
Sap leeching from the wood. Nothing you can do to stop it. Sometimes you can clean it off with lacquer thinner.
Is sap leeching normal? More and more areas are leechng. We supposedly used a premium deck board, but based on your earlier reply about the uneven finish, I wonder if a lower grade wood was used. Thanks so much for your help.
Not really normal but there is not a way to predict it will happen, stop, or prevent it. It is 99% of the time pine wood.
TWP 1503 was laid down on my deck two years ago. It needs a refresh. Do I need to use the cleaning and brightening kit before I stain the deck again or can I just give it a good cleaning with mild detergent beforehand? The cleaning kit has a mild stripper in it, right. I’d rather not put my wood through that every two years as the wood could be damaged.
Use the Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
It does not contain a caustic stripper.
I just purchased some sample stains and we have decided on TWP 1520. I am staining a cedar deck that was previously covered with Flood water based clear finish when it was new 4 years ago and refinished almost every year after that. It looked great the day I stained it, but went down hill very fast. Lesson learned. So I have pressure washed and sanded the deck and rails with 60 grit and then 80 grit and am down to bare wood and it looks pretty good. My question is, can I apply the TWP 1520 in direct hot… Read more »
We would suggest avoiding the hot sun and direct sun as it could lead to a “blotchy” appearance when drying. This would depend on how fast it is applied. It would be best to do later in the day or the first part of the day if over 90 degrees.
I stained my deck about a month to 2 months ago, I used the twp wood cleaner and brightner 2 step. I used the twp 1500 natural stain. I applied one coat with a brush and look amazing. I am now seeing areas with mold forming. What is a safe way to clean the mold with out damaging the stain? Why I am i seeing mold already? I thought that the 1500 stain prevented mold. The deck is full sun from sunrise to 5-6 pm in the spring. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you
TWP will prevent mildews from growing in the stain but not deck stain can stop mildew from growing on top of the stain. You are most likely a victim of pollen. This feeds the growth of mildew.
Try warm water with dish soap and a car wash brush to clean. Try a product called Wet and Forget after to keep it away.
we stained our deck with 1503 dark oak, we ran out of stain to do the second coat, I just ordered now, can we apply the second coat when it arrives?
TWP is applied wet on wet, not wet on dry: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
If you apply after it has dried, you could run into issues with penetration and shiny spots. It would be better to leave as is and do a light wash in Fall and recoat it then.
It has only been 24 hours since cleaning the deck. It has been very windy for 24 hours. Can I stain today
No. 48 hours after prep.
Had a painter apply stain and after 7 hours it still looks very shiney and wet? Is this normal?
See this: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Hello looking at buying TWP 1530 because I am worried about getting too dark of a wood look. I am unsure what kind of wood the deck is or if it has been treated in anyway at the yard. It has been build nearly three years now, parts have grayed, others molded particularly under the side rails and I am just trying to salvage it before its a total loss. I plan to scrub brush it with…30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner For Algae, Mold and Mildew, 1 Gallon Concentrate after I pick out all the stuff between the boards and thoroughly… Read more »
That is not the correct prep. Use the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Tint color is up to you. No need for darker. No need to sand.
Hi. I stained my boards about a week ago but am unable to install due to rain. Is it ok to stack them smooth face to smooth face under cover for a week or so?
Thanks!
Did you prestain your boards before install? You are not supposed to do that: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I would not suggest stacking them.
This is home milled redwood cut into 1x material, stickered and air dried under cover for about four years, thicknessed, then sanded to 150 for siding. Moisture content around 10%. This ok?
Still needs to weather outside if smooth cut wood. It is not about the dryness of the wood but the porosity of the wood. Sanding at 150 is also a bad idea. Too smooth and does not allow proper penetration for a wood stain like TWP.
Hi, not a handy man, so I’m hiring one to stain our deck. He will power wash and stain it. In the past we have used big box stain with fair results. I’m willing to invest in quality, so will purchase TWP 1500. The deck hasn’t been stained in three plus years .
It’s not a dark stain, and we are thinking redwood or California redwood. Is there anything else we should be considering since we aren’t doing this ourselves ?( we know we need five gallons).
Thanks