We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project!
- TWP is an EPA-registered wood preservative offering exceptional protection for exterior wood surfaces, with performance varying by several factors.
- Proper preparation and application are key to maximizing durability and beauty when using TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series.
- When seeking help, specify your wood structure type, such as a deck, wood siding, or fence.
- Provide the wood species, such as Treated Pine, Cedar, or Redwood, and whether it is new or older than one year.
- Disclose any previous stain brands and types used, such as solid or semi-transparent stains, for tailored application advice.
TWP is a cutting-edge wood preservative and protectant registered by the EPA, designed to provide exceptional protection for exterior wood surfaces. However, its performance and longevity can vary based on several factors, including the type and age of the wood, how well it is prepared, and the application technique used.
To ensure the best possible results with TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series, proper preparation and application are key. Follow recommended guidelines to maximize the durability and beauty of your wood surface, no matter which TWP series you choose.
TWP Stain Tips and Help
When asking questions please give us some information about your wood restoration project:
- What structure is your wood? Examples would be: Deck, Wood Siding, Fence, etc
- What species is the wood? Examples: Treated Pine, Cedar, Redwood, Ipe, etc
- Is the wood new or older than 1 year?
- Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? Please specify brand name and type of stain used: Examples: Solid stain, Semi-Transparent Stain, etc.
- Any additional info that would be useful
Once you supply us with the information, we will able to give you advice as to how to prep your wood and any needed instructions for the TWP application.
Please ask your questions in the comment area.
Thanks
how to apply credit from sample purchases
Here is how our sample program works:
Pick as many colors as you would like by choosing your color in the above dropdown color choice and then click “Add to Cart”. Color swatches at bottom of the page.
Samples are $10 each to cover our shipping costs.
Once you decide to purchase a stain from our site, you can use the money you spent towards the purchase of a 5 Gallon Pail of Stain!
Maximum $15 discount per customer/household. Instructions on how to get a credit will be included with your samples.
*Sample program cannot be combined with any promotional discount coupons!
How To Claim Sample Credit
Enter your sample order number into the “Order Notes” during checkout. The sample credit will be issued after the order for the 5-gallon pail is placed. Typically the next business day and will post to your Credit card or Pay Pal account within 3-8 business days.
My cabin is stained with 101 TWP stain. Can I use the 200 series(Butternut) to refresh or do I need to stay with the 100 series?
If you want to switch to the 200 Series, you would need to strip and brighten for prep with our kit.
Hi and help! I unfortunately spent a ton of money on a redwood fence and should have just used cedar. It came out multicolored striped with color variation everywhere and doesn’t match house at all, just way too much going on. I like seeing wood that’s natural, earthy, lighter more cohesive so I don’t want to just paint it but this mix of red, light and medium is driving me nuts and hoping there may be a solution to blend it so there is not so much high contrast and stripes. This is such a bummer, I don’t want a red, orange, or dark brown look.
No, you cannot even this out with a natural looking stain. No matter what, it will have different color tones.
I cleaned my 1500sqft deck with the 2 step cleaner about 8 weeks ago. I stained my railing this week with the 1520 stain. My question is if I wanted to clean my deck again with step number 2 brightener before staining it will it ruin my railing that was just stained this week if any over spray gets on it?
It should not but prewet and rinse overspray while working.
20 year old pressure treated deck in good condition. First coating was TWP Light Cedar. Since then it has had several different kinds of oil based transparent stains, the last about 5 years ago was water based semi transparent. Located in north Georgia area, mildew is biggest problem. I am considering using your Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper, brightener, and TWP 100 Cedartone.
Attached are two photos. Do you think the Stain Stripper is best or do I need the Paint Stripper?
Thank you
Try the Stain Stripper Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
But use both additives for the stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
Thank you, I will do that. Another question – Will the Thickening Gel Additive make it too thick to easily flow through the pump sprayer or should I use a different application method? Thank you.
You can spray it with a quality pump sprayer.
I thought that I had the 100 series as the can has a label listing color 120 Pecan (SKU 80162 57115; from 8 – 9 years ago). However, the label says Total Wood Preservative which seems to align with the 1500 series. Which series should I purchase to put a refresh coat on my walls and ceiling to brighten it up? Thanks
120 means it is the TWP 100 Series.
We last stained our deck in 2022 (I think) using twp1500. We finally have some time to work on it again and wanted to confirm that we should use step 1 and 2 (cleaner and brightener) and then can use the 1500 again. Is this correct? We have a bout 800sq ft horizontally and another 150-175″ vertically. Should I order about 7 gallons? We can’t buy it locally so it will have to be ordered.
For one coat as a maintenance coat, about 7-8 gallons is correct.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have an 8 – 9 year old porch that has I believe TWP 100 (120 Pecan) on the walls and ceiling. The porch is completely covered and gets little weather. I’d like to brighten the finish up as it looks a tad dull. I was going to clean the walls and topcoat with a spar urethane. Would that work or what would you advise for a topcoat to make it look newer? There is no graying of the wood, only the finish looks a bit duller than new.
No, you cannot add spar urethane (or any coating) over the TWP, it will peel. Just prep and recoat with the same TWP 120.
Two Questions. I have a 16×24 covered deck previously coated with TWP 101 (5-7 years ago). I also have a 16×24 uncovered pool deck, this is an old deck that given to us 3 years ago, with aging solid stain. When we reassembled it, we flipped the deck boards to the unstained side, and these have weathered gray. So the underside has old solid stain and the tops are aged unstained. Both decks have been prepped with Valspar Deck Prep, pressure washed, they’re clean and bright. My plan is to use TWP 101 on both decks. Question #1: RAIN – What are the guidelines for working around rainy forecasts for TWP 100? (How many days after rain before applying, and how soon can it be rained on after applying?). Question #2: Is it okay to apply TWP 100 to that 2nd deck with undersides coated in some unknown old solid stain?
Wait 48 hours after any rain (or after finishing prep) before applying TWP 100. Once it’s applied, give it at least 12 hours before rain hits — 24+ hours is safer if your schedule allows it. On the second deck, yes, you can do this on the unstained/exposed side.
I may have put stain on furniture too heavy. Overnight drying and it’s shiny in some area and not dry. Is there anything g I can do now!
Tips here: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I have new red cedar shake shingles to apply to my gables. Most of my research suggests dipping (with back-brushing) each shingle prior to installation; however, the instructions on the TWP 200 bucket tell me I must let new wood weather 4-12 months before applying. How do I reconcile these two recommendations? I’m not going to spread out all the shingles to weather for 4 months, THEN dip and install them…. Can I dip the new wood now to cover all sides before installing, then reapply the exposed areas in a year?
The 4–12 month wait is for smooth, milled wood — that’s about removing mill glaze, which shakes don’t have. Cedar shakes are rough-split, not planed, so there’s no glaze blocking penetration and no weathering period required. You can dip and back-brush all sides before installing. Once they’re up, go back and reapply TWP 200 to the exposed faces so those sides get full, even coverage, then keep them on your normal recoat schedule going forward.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I used the non California red TWP stain on the bottom logsish on my cabin 7 years ago. My wife and I would like to go with a darker brown stain over the red. What would be the steps to achieve this? The red still looks beautiful but we can see that it is dry and is ready for attention.
Post some pics in the comments for prep help.
Hi I just received my 5 gallon TWP 200 Series I live in Canada and I noticed it says nothing on it about using it on deck surface. Is it OK to use on the deck?
Yes, TWP 200 is fine to use on a deck surface. It’s labeled and marketed toward shakes and shingles since that’s its most common use, but it’s the same semi-transparent oil-based penetrating finish and works on any exterior wood surface, including decking. Apply and maintain it the same way you would on siding or fencing. Note: The 200 Series can take a few days to fully cure, so stay off it unitl it is not tacky.
What should I do if it rains after the brightening step?
Wait 48 hours after rain to stain. Sweep or blow off any debris.
I have amteco radcon 103 gold stain on my cabin. Do you currently produce this stain or another one like it under the TWP name?
No such thing as 103 Gold. The RADCON was a derivative of the 200 Series. Look at the 203 Cedar Gold:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series
This is the old stain. 103 radcon gold. The 203 would still be the best match?
Yes. TWP never made that. Radcon was a concentrate of the TWP 200 Series that Amteco made.
I purchased 3 gallons of 1500 natural color to put on PT. I’m thinking I might wait one more year to put it on. Is there any issues with storing through Freezing winter or do I need to keep them from freezing?
I applied the 1500 honey tone on our 20-year-old cedar deck and it looks amazing. Your product is great.
Glad to hear the 1500 Honeytone turned out great on your cedar. For storage, do not let the cans freeze — keep them in a temperature-controlled space. Unopened, the shelf life is about 2–3 years stored that way, so waiting another year is no problem. If they ever do get near or below freezing, just check for clumping before use; if it mixes completely smooth, it’s still good.
Thanks. I opened one of the cans to see if we wanted to shift do the rails in that color. Will it keep for a year if opened?
Once opened, TWP keeps about 6–12 months if stored in a tightly sealed container in a temperature-controlled area. Transfer it to the smallest container possible to minimize air space — an empty 1-gallon can is ideal — and close the lid all the way. There’s no firm guarantee since it depends on storage conditions, but stored that way it should be fine for the rails next season.
What stripper do recommend to remove Behr semi transparent waterproofing stain and sealer from con heart redwood horizontal deck boards?
For a Behr semi-transparent waterproofing stain, use the Restore-A-Deck Stripper followed by the Restore-A-Deck Brightener. Behr is water-based and can be stubborn, so it typically takes the RAD Stripper with both additives to fully remove it. Always neutralize with the Brightener after stripping and before applying any new stain. If some areas won’t come fully clean, post some pics in the comments and we can advise from there. If you want to confirm, add some pics in the comments. Behr does lie about its opacity and some cases their semi-transparent will actually look semi-solid or fully opaque like a solid color stain. In those cases, the RAD PaintStrip will be needed.
Hi, stained my deck with TWP 1500 3 years ago and want to clean and brighten and do a maintenance coat this summer. But I’m also considering whether to shift to TWP semi-solid instead. 3 questions: 1) If I change to TWP semi-solid do I have to strip the 1500 first? 2) Also, how much longer does semi-solid tend to last on a deck surface vs 1500 series (pine, in Knoxville, TN)? 3) And, can I clean and reapply semi-solid over semi-solid in future years, or do it have to be stripped each time?
1. Yes, you’d need to strip first. Switching from the 1500 Series to Semi-Solid counts as switching products — use the RAD Stripper + Brightener Kit to get back to bare wood before applying semi-solid.
2. The recoating schedule is the same — roughly every 2–3 years on deck floors regardless of which TWP series you use. Semi-solid does offer better UV protection and holds color longer, which can mean less fading between coats, but it’s not a different maintenance interval.
3. No strip needed for future semi-solid maintenance. As long as you’re staying on semi-solid, just clean with the Gemini Restore Kit (Cleaner + Brightener) and recoat. Strip only if you’re switching products again or have uneven buildup.
I have a treated wood deck…part of it is new wood and parts are 20-30 years old. We sanded Restore stuff off with a diamabrush/hand grinder. When we complete removal of old “stuff” plan to do light sanding. I believe the TWP 1500 translucent stain will be best for us (but open to suggestions). We are attempting to match as close as possible the California Redwood plastic lattice that we have installed on fence (purchased from Lowes Home Improvement several years ago) for the railings and the band around bottom of deck and use the Weathered gray for the deck floor (the deck gets a lot of sun here in our location – It’s already been a lot of works so trying not to mess it up…my husband and I are 75 so we want something that will not require a lot of maintenance…we are also beginners at doing this type of work. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Boards on right -old wood – left – new – all pressure treated
TWP 1511 California Redwood or 1520 Pecan are the right colors in the 1500 Series for the railings and band.
For the floor, there is no “Weathered Gray” in the TWP lineup by that name. The only semi-transparent gray is TWP 105 Cape Cod Gray in the 100 Series. If you want a gray in the 1500 Series, look at the Semi-Solid Pro-Series, which has 30 colors including gray options. The Semi-Solid is worth considering for your whole deck given the high sun exposure and mixed old/new wood — it offers better UV protection, holds color longer, and does a better job blending boards of different ages.
One thing to know: new wood can only take one coat, while older boards can absorb two coats wet-on-wet. That difference shows up more with a semi-transparent than a semi-solid.
Color will vary based on the wood type, the age of the wood, how it is prepped, and how it is applied. It is always best to test samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Does Gemini Safe Strip expire?
Yes — the Safe Strip will degrade over time. We don’t have a published shelf life for it specifically, but as with any liquid chemical product, we’d recommend using it within 1–2 years of purchase if stored sealed and away from temperature extremes. If you’re not sure how old yours is, open it and check — if it smells off or has separated/thickened in a way that won’t mix out, it’s past its prime.
I forgot to include a photo
I used TWP 1515 on a brand new pressure treated wood deck last summer. It was dry and clean. It gets full sun most of day in NJ. This season it looks faded. Should I put a new coat on ? If so what is application process.
Thank you
Lightly clean and apply one light coat.
How soon after applying restore a deck can I apply the stain?
48 hours after prep or any rain between prep and stain. Best to stain within 2 weeks.
Im looking for Twp cedartone for my deck 5 gallon i live in canada
You would need the TWP 200 Series for Canada: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
Redoing an aged pressure treat deck live in Connecticut can twp 100 pro series be shipped
You need the TWP 1500 Series for CT: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Add some pics if you would like prep help.
I have a treated pine deck about 7 years old. Stripped off the old water based semi transparent stain. I ordered several samples, applied to a scrap treated piece, and liked the black walnut the best. I then applied the rest of the sample to one of the deck boards several days later and it looks so dark it’s almost black. (Pic makes it look lighter than it is) Is that any indicator of a problem with prep? I stripped, neutralized (RAD), then sanded. Will it lighten up at all or is this common? Wondering if I should go with the lighter color at this point. Thanks
There is nothing wrong with the prep. Stain colors vary drastically based on the wood type and age of the wood. The older it is, the darker it can be since the wood is more absorbent and drier.
I recently purchased the stripper/brightener set from you. It states we have to wait 48 hours after brightening before we apply our 100 series. What is the maximum number of days I CAN wait before I stain? Can I wait a week or two, or is that too long?
Best to stain within 2 weeks of the prep.
What if it rains during that 2 weeks? Does that matter? Thanks
Just wait 48 hours to stain after any rain. Sweep or blow off any debris first.
I am in South Eastern Wisconsin. I have sanded to bare wood a cedar porch. Previously stained with a semi solid Cabot. It is gone, no remaining stain on boards. However there is some gray water stains in a few spots.
I need something that is semi transparent or semi solid that penetrates & has the durability of withstanding daily traffic. I also want something that will hide the yellow tone of the cedar. My house is sided with norandex Olive siding. Can you help me choose a durable, penetrating, oil based product? It does not have to be semi solid, as I prefer a semi transparent. Thank you!
Look at the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Hello TWP. I have used TWP103 Dark Oak to refinish my deck ever second year since the deck was built in 2007. Unfortunately, I’ve missed the last few years due to either bum health or laziness, probably a combination.
Question 1. Should I do prep work/steps any differently this year, as I have not cleaned or reapplied for three years?
Question 2. I have a one gallon can of TWP 103 that is about 85% full, last used in 2022. Can I use it, or should I toss it? If I use it, I assume I should mix it with some of the newly purchased TWP – correct?
Hi Paul,
Please add a few pics in the comments of the current condition for prep advice. The opened gallon has gone bad.
Thanks. Here’s a photo
We would strip and brighten this. It is easier, and it will give a clean, uniform appearance to work with: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Hello again. I’ve purchased both TWP 103 and the stripper and brightener kit. My deck and benches, etc. total about 450 sqft. (Cedar) Will 3 gallons of TWP 103 give me adequate coverage if a second coat is needed?
Thanks
No, you will need closer to 5 gallons for two coats.
Based on previous coats, I only need (2) gallons to complete my project. Should I mix the gallons together to ensure an even color spread, or with separate gallons of the same color (1530 Natural) be the same across cans?
Colors are the same across gallons, but we always suggest intermixing/boxing them together.
Can I purchase a universal pour spout for your 5 gallon stain? I want to make sure there is a place to add that?
Not sure if it will work. Do you have a picture? You can add in comments.
I attached pictures.
No, that will not work as the TWP does not have the spout area. You have to remove the lid completely.
How many years after applying the stain will it last before I need to do it again ? Do I start over every time with removing old Etc?
Clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore Kit when reapplying.
How long will the stain last ?
2-3 years on a deck. Twice as long on vertical wood.
Can I obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet on RAD Stripper and Booster? My next door neighbor is a chemical engineer; and wants to know more about what I used. Thank you. Product works great!
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/pdf/RESTORE-A-DECK%20STRIPPER%20SDS%204-25-18.pdf
Hi. My husband reordered the stain we used on our cedar siding. It doesn’t match what we previously stained the home with. He confirmed both orders were California Cedar. I stained some boards and the colors aren’t even close. Is there a chance it was mislabeled? See pic
I hope you can help.
No, not mislabeled. Two things here, your siding has faded over time. Second, the TWP 200 Series takes 1-2 weeks to cure and lighten after applying to the final color. Make sure to mix the stain well before applying. Also, make sure to prep the siding before applying.
What’s the shelf life of an unopened 5 gallon can of TWP 100, and an opened can?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I have a seven year old treated pine deck. It has received two treatments of Cabot semi-transparent stain/sealer. The first a few months after installation, the second three years ago. It is due, showing cracks and starting to gray. I have recently cleaned it with Cabot’s deck cleaner and power washed. Which of your products would you recommend and why? I was hoping to increase time between treatment but am learning two years may be the most I can hope for. I have used a cleaner will I need to use a brightener? I live in western VA so VOC does not apply.
Did you fully remove the Cabot with your prep? It has to come off to use the TWP stains, and a cleaner does ot typucally remove the prior coatings fully. Add some pics in the comments for prep help.
Old deck, been previously painted, deck sits 20 feet from main drive and is in direct sun most of the day. The previous covering only lasted a couple years before peeling. Being a professional residential remodeling business I want what is best. It seems TWP is that. Should I sand down to bare wood to create a easily bondable surface? Would pressure washing be suficient to clean? I do not want to keep coating year after year.
If it is painted, you will need to remove it fully before using the TWP. See here for some tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-a-solid-color-deck-stain-or-paint/
We were trying to get the staining done well ahead of the rain, but just weren’t fast enough. We stopped staining on Tuesday evening and had rain Wednesday. You can see the blotchy, light areas where the rain puddled. Is this a cosmetic problem only? Should we try to stain over the light spots again? This was the very first stain, about a year after the pressure treated deck was installed.
You can’t spot-fix and have it blend. To fix, you remove all from the flooring and start over. By adding more on top of what you have, you risk it not drying or curing properly, as TWP needs to be applied wet-on-wet for second coats, not wet-on-dry.
Is this primarily a cosmetic issue, or will it be a long term wood protection problem (assuming we restain next year)?
Is this primarily a cosmetic issue, or is this a wood protection issue at this point?
Mostly cosmetic. The other (and easier) option is to let it sit like it is until next Spring. At that point, you could do a light cleaning and then apply one coat to teh floors. It will take another coat then, and it will even the appearance. 😀
Can you put the semi-sold stain over the 100 series, if it has been on for a couple of years?
When switching, use this kit for prep. It is very easy:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a new pressured treated pine deck that is three months old. I would like to use TWP 203 series stain. I live in Georgia with high humidity. Can I stain it in July and is there anything that I need to know when applying this stain and how long does it typically take to dry, Thank you.
The TWP 200 Series is designed for vertical wood like shakes and shingles, not decking. Use the TWP 100 Series or 1500 Series and read this first about new wood:
https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a new cedar pergola that i stained in TWP, 100 series, “pecan”. I only put one coat on because that is all the wood would take, then wiped the boards back. The stain clashes with my house color. I’d like to color correct if possible with a warmer brown color. Is this possible and if so what is the process? Thank you:)
To do this, you would have to strip off the Pecan fully first:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I just stained a new cedar pergola with TWP “Pecan” the color clashes with the house. I only applied one coat because the wood would only absorb that much. I’d like to go darker and more warm brown. Can i apply Dark walnut over it or how could i color correct it? Thank you 🙂
Have built a new simple shelter with new treated pine 6×6 posts and treated pine 2×6 and 1×6’s.
Suggested product and how long to wait to apply. Thanks!
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Look at the TWP 1500 Series.
What is the recommended process for preparing a 10 year old pressure treated pine deck that has Behr deck paint that I would like to remove and apply TWP semi-solid stain. Can chemical paint remover be used or should the paint be sanded off. How long between old paint removal and application of the TWP stain? I assume the process would be remove old paint, (sand?), brighten, dry 48 hrs., apply new stain.
John, paint removal can be done, but it can be a challenge. It has to come off fully before using the TWP stains. See this article for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-a-solid-color-deck-stain-or-paint/
Hello. I have smooth cut cedar porch posts that are 5 yrs old and originally finished in some sore of satin stain and sealer. The majority of the exterior sides have faded and flaked off. The interior sides are in better shape and have some remaining finish. I plan on sanding them down. Would I still need the cleaner if I am sanding them? I do plan on using the brightener but want sure about the cleaner. Thanks
Yes, see this for sanding tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
What type and color of stain would you recommend for my new cedar fence? I would like to keep the original color and prevent it from greying. I live in the Pacific Northwest.
Look at the TWP 1500 Series. For color ideas, see here: https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
Rough cut cedar siding, 40 years old. I’ve used different stain/preservatives over the years. 4 years ago I used Behr translucent waterproofing wood finish. What prep products do you recommend. I want to switch to TWP cedar tone 1500.
Please add some pics in the comments for help with the prep.
Does this help?
Use thsi kit with both additives for the stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
I recently purchased the restore-a-deck stripper and brightener from you. Will either product damage my metal balusters?
It shouldn’t, but always test the spot first.
Can I install 1500 with a roller? If so what nap