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
I also have a second porch floor 20′ x 4′ exposed to weather in Michigan that’s looks like it had a solid stain that is mostly weathered that I want to use the black walnut #1504 what is the best prep to get it ready for the TWP #1504. Thanks
You will have to sand this off fully. 60-80 grit. When done sanding, use the Gemini Kit for final prep.
I`m planning on using black walnut #1504 on 7′ x 31′ covered but exposed outdoor attached front porch to my house in Michigan. I believe it to be 40 year old Southern Yellow pine possibly pressure treated 1″ x 4″, I used Thompson’s transparent sealer on it 15 years ago, I did a water splash test and it beaded on just a few areas and absorbed in the wood immediately on most of the other areas. What is the best prep to use? Thanks
The Gemini Cleaner and Brightener Kit should work.
Does stain have a shelf live? How can you tell if TWP 100 series Rustic is bad?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Treated wood on a porch floor that is 30 years old and has never been stained before. If I use a rag and mineral spirits to clean up excess stain do I wipe and I am done or do I have to remove the mineral spirits? Does this process damage the new stain?
Just wipe and be done, but most likley you will not need to do this. Your wood will be very absorbent.
Wisconsin here.
Staining a barn sided in new rough sawn pine. Is the 1500 Series a good choice for our climate and, can subsequent coats be applied years later as it fades and begins to grey?
The TWP 1500 is a great stain for this. Just clean and recoat as needed. Very easy.
Which is the best series to use when staining rough sawn eastern hemlock? And does it need pre conditioner first? Thank you
TWP 1500 Series is the best choice for rough sawn eastern hemlock and it is allowed in all 50 states. TWP 100 Series can also be used if you are not in a VOC restricted state. No pre-conditioner is needed — rough sawn wood has no mill glaze and is absorbent, so it can be stained as soon as it is dry, and one coat is typically enough. If the hemlock has already aged or turned gray, prep first with the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit (Cleaner and Brightener).
what is the estimate for delivery time to Seattle on 1 gallon of cape cod gray. Just purchased 8/25/26 7:30 pm PST
4-5 business days.
Will TWP1501 serve as a sealer for new end cuts on pressure treated wood?
Yes. TWP 1501 is an EPA registered wood preservative and can be brushed onto fresh end cuts to seal them. Work it into the end grain — end cuts are much more absorbent than the face of the board and will drink up more product.
Keep in mind the rest of the new smooth PT wood still needs to weather 4-12 months before staining, and new wood gets one coat only.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Can I mix 50% honey and 50 % prairie grey to apply on Douglas fir and new pine
No, you cannot mix those two colors together. On the Douglas fir and new pine, the wood needs to weather 4-12 months before staining, then prep with the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit and apply one coat only.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Restained Redwood Deck with 1511 California Redwood 2 weeks ago. In moving patio table and chairs, I made skid marks on the wood. What is the best way to touch up the scratches.
You cannot spot apply and have it blend. Also, applying too much TWP can result in curing and drying issues, as addtional coats must be applied wet on wet. Best to leave it as is for now. You can lightly clean and apply a light maintenance coat to all floors next Spring.
My contractor stained a new redwood deck with 1511 California Redwood stain a year ago shortly after installation (without the recommended TWP waiting period). Although the deck is repelling water, spots look blotchy and glossy. Do I just clean and do a maintenance staining or do I a complete cleaning and brightening? or something else? Should I do it now or wait longer? I am in coastal California.
Stripping and brightening down to the bare wood and starting over is the proper way.
I’ve stripped and sanded my 12’ x 54’ covered deck. it has Baer semi transparent, I going back with TWP 100 semi solid. How do I prep to re-coat in 3 or 4 years? Will I need 1 or 2 coats then?
Clean with the Gemini Restore Kit and apply one coat as needed.
I have a new cedar deck about a month old. I want to use the TWP 100 Cedar tone. Do I need to use a cleaner in brightener and then which one beforehand I think the moisture content right now on the board is about 12%
See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Our weather has changed. I was going to stain the other half of my deck early Thursday morning but now we have a slight chance of showers Friday night after midnight and a chance of showers and slight chace of thunderstorms on Saturday morning!
Any advice?
You are fine. TWP needs about 12 hours of dry weather after application, and you have well over 24 hours before that Friday night shower. Rain a day or more out is not an issue.
Stain first thing Thursday morning as planned and make sure the wood is dry going in.
Typical shipping time to nyc address?
2-3 business days.
I have an outside shower with treated southern pine floorboards. I would like to use semi transparent TWP Cedartone, will this make the floorboards too slippery?
No, it will not make the floorboards slippery. TWP is a penetrating stain, not a film-forming coating, so it soaks into the wood instead of leaving a slick surface film. Just be careful not to over-apply — apply thin and wipe off any excess that has not penetrated after about 30 minutes. Slickness only becomes an issue when too much stain is left sitting on the surface.
I have 1/2 can of TWP 101 and 1/2 can of TWP 1501….from a color standpoint, can I use them on the same staining project?
Mo, they are not the same color.
I used the calculator to estimate my requirements, but surprisingly this goes on beautifully and I don’t need everything I received [Order #314771] (July 24, 2026)
I’d like to return 2 pails. How do I go about doing that?
https://www.twpstain.com/refund
Looking to stain/seal new pressure treated, non-incised wood deck in western Oregon. The wood is a cedartone elite decking and is a hem/fir mix. It is already a fairly pronounced orange color. Dimensions is around 1,000 sq ft.
I am looking at the TWP 100 series, probably in honeytone as I don’t want to darken the existing wood.
What would you recommend for the product, volume, and prep. The wood is dried over the summer months but still has a mill glaze look to it and still beads water just a bit. While it is dry, I believe the slight beading of water is probably due to the mill glaze.
Thanks
Oregon isn’t a VOC-restricted state, so TWP 100 in 115 Honeytone works fine there. That mill glaze and slight water beading tells you the wood isn’t fully weathered yet — smooth new wood (hem/fir included) needs 4–12 months of outdoor exposure before it’ll take stain properly, regardless of species. Prep with the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kit when ready, then apply one coat only — new wood isn’t porous enough for two. For 1,000 sq ft at one coat, plan on 4–5 gallons (200–250 sq ft/gallon on new wood). Back-wipe any stain that hasn’t soaked in after about 30 minutes.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I had a new white cedar fence installed in July, moisture is ready 8 and 12. What are the recommended requirements to begin staining the fence?
Hello,
Please see this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I stained my pressure treated dock with twp100 3 years ago. The dock is 10 years old. Can I use twp1500 to restain the dock after properly cleaning it?
Use the Stripper and Brightener kit if switching. Just as easy as cleaning; it fully removes the prior coating.
Hi. What kind of TWP could I use to stain wood railings on my deck in order to get a darker color on it? Maybe oil based 1500? The wood railing is maybe 10 years old Thanks in advance
TWP 1500 works well here. For a darker look than the standard Cedartone, go with Dark Oak (1503) or Black Walnut (1504) — Black Walnut is the deepest brown in the line. 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 to see how it will look on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
On my newly sanded wood deck I’ve used one coat of Sherwin Williams woodscapes semi-transparent stain. Can I use TWP for a 2nd coat? I wished I had used it for the first coat.
No. You cannot apply TWP over a different stain brand.
Do you have an oil based stain?
All the TWP stains are oil-based beside the Natural Effect stain.
My new deck is one yrs old pine yellow wood. My deck has a light misting of white latex house paint. Should i go with your stripper or the cleaner? I really dont care to sand entire deck. It is about 1000 sq ft.
Use the RAD PaintStrip to remove the paint.
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-stripper-1-gallon
When done, use the Gemini Restore Kit on all wood:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can TWP 105 be used on pressure treated wood? It’s lable indicates cedar.
Thanks for your response.
Yes — TWP 105 is part of the 100 Series, which is made for all types of exterior wood, not just cedar. The cedar shown on the label is just how that color sample is photographed, not a restriction on species. One thing to check: the 100 Series is 550 VOC and isn’t allowed in every state (PA, NY, OH, MD, MI, and a few others), so confirm your state here before ordering: https://www.twpstain.com/voc-states
I stained my deck Friday. This afternoon there are multiple shiny areas. With a little pressure and a dry rag the stain looks to be coming off completely.this particular board definitely got to much stain.
What do I need to do?
That’s over-application — too much stain sitting on the surface instead of soaking in. Wipe the shiny areas down with a rag and mineral spirits to pull off the excess. It’ll continue to dull and cure over the next couple weeks on its own. Saturate any oily rags in water before disposing of them — balled-up oily rags are a fire risk.
Do u use a product like Thompsons water seal over this stain or is it necessary?
No — don’t put Thompson’s or any other sealer over TWP. TWP is a penetrating stain and sealer in one, so a topcoat on top of it will peel. Once the TWP coat has cured, you’re fully protected and nothing else is needed.
I’ve had the pecan twp on my cypress for 10 years, we needed to redo it, so I reached out and bought the recommend products to remove the old twp and applied new twp in clear. Within weeks to a month we had one section begin to turn black and another had what appears to be black mold. Why is this, we are fans and always recommend twp but it is not working well this time. I have two section of a fence that faded really quickly and two thick coats were applied.
That looks like rust, not mold. It can come from bad nails or screws. Do you realize the Clear will gray naturally, as it has no UV protection?
There are no nails in that area and we only use screw but there aren’t any. It is like a black mold you can wipe off. I did not realize the clear had no UV protection, so it doesn’t protect the wood? I thought it was the same just didn’t have a tint to it.
No UV protection from graying. Must be tinted for UV protection. the Clear still protects from other things like mold, water, etc.
It isn’t protecting from mold. There is visible signs of black mold all over within a couple of months. We didn’t have this issue with the tinted twp. We hired someone to do it and they put 2 heavy coats. What is causing the mold.
Something else, because the TWP itself does not attract or promote mold growth.
Why is the deck tacky after staining 2 weeks later?
Improper prep and or over application: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
We have an older cedar deck at mountain cabin in CO. Power washed and applied Cabot stain last year.
It was hit by torrential rains and flooding so most of previous stain was washed off and is greying.
What products do you recommend
Also can I get color chart?
You would need to fully remvoe the Cabot first. Add some pics in the comments for prep help with this. After the prep is done, use the TWP 1500 Series for CO.
Our lake house in northern Idaho has not been re-stained for at least 13 years. The home was built in 2005 and has rough-sawn fir board-and-batten siding, along with what we believe are cedar shakes and cedar trim boards. We are the second owners and unfortunately do not know what stain was originally used, although we suspect it was a semi-transparent stain.
The south and west-facing sides of the house (the front) have faded over time, but the wood color remains relatively even with very little graying, tannin staining, or mildew. In contrast, the north and east-facing sides (the lake side) have weathered quite differently. The fir siding has taken on a noticeable orange tone, the cedar shakes have darkened to almost black in some areas from tannin staining, and the trim has faded to an almost white appearance. We do not see any evidence of mildew.
We are considering using the TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid stain because we’d like a finish that will provide longer-lasting color while still allowing the wood grain to show through. Before we proceed, we would appreciate your advice on the proper preparation.
Although the existing stain appears to have largely weathered away, we’re unsure whether the house should be completely stripped before applying a new semi-solid stain, or whether a thorough cleaning and brightening with the Restore-A-Deck two-step cleaner and brightener would be sufficient.
Our goal is to restore the house to a warm, light brown wood tone similar to the color that still exists on the front of the house. We would also appreciate your recommendation on which TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid color would be the best starting point, recognizing that the final appearance will vary depending on the condition and species of the wood. We plan to purchase sample containers and test several colors before staining the entire house.
I’ve attached several photos showing both the front and lake sides of the house. We’d greatly appreciate any recommendations you can provide regarding surface preparation, stain selection, and any other considerations we should keep in mind before starting the project.
You will need to strip and brighen for prep while pressure washing to fully remove the old stain: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Use both stripper additives as well. The booster and the thickening gel, since this is all vertical wood. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
As for colors, that is fully up to you.
I have a new wood top dock installed new last year. I was advised to buy the following products for the job:Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner (1 gallon) — for cleaning the wood and removing dirt, mildew, and weatheringWood Brightener (1 gallon) — to restore the wood color and prepare the surface after cleaningTWP 1500 Series Wood Preservative Sealer — clear penetrating sealer for final protection. I will be applying the deck cleaner (Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner)Scrubbing the dock with a deck brush. Thorough rinsing of all surfaces. Applying the wood brightener after cleaningPreparing the dock for sealing so it is ready for the TWP 1500 Series sealer once the wood has fully dried. I like the natural and dark twp colors. Where can I see how they will look when all this is done?
You want to use this for prep, not the Olympic products:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Use a pressure washer with the prep, much easier than scrubbing.
As for the TWP, best to test samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Photos here:
https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
Hi, I have a 5 year old cedar deck that I initially prepped and stained with RAD’s water based stain. Despite closely following instructions for prepping and staining, the stain pretty much failed immediately and is almost completely worn off the deck now. I’m planning to strip and brighten it using RAD’s products and then stain it with TWP semi-solid low VOC stain. Will I need to do one or two coats of stain? I have 288 sq ft to stain, so wondering how much stain do I need? TWP low VOC semi-solid stain can be shipped to Maine, correct? Thank you!
One coat is good. Yes, choose the low-VOC semi-solid for Maine. About 2-3 gallons
Thanks for the reply!
I would like to prep and refinish my deck with a product that will not peel. Location is northern New York State. The deck gets quite a bit of traffic. It is made with pressure treated lumber. I am not sure what finish was previously used. My assumption is Thompson’s or some other big-box deck stain/sealer. What would be the best method to prep these surfaces? What would be the best stain/finish?
Whatever is on there now (Thompson’s or another big-box product) needs to come off completely before staining — those don’t strip the same as TWP, so use the Stripper & Brightener Kit rather than just the cleaner. Use both stripper additives in the stain stripper:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
Once it’s back to bare wood and dry, go with the TWP 1500 Series — New York is a low-VOC state so the 100 Series isn’t an option there, and the 1500 performs the same. On heavy-traffic pressure-treated decking, plan on 1–2 coats wet on wet depending on how porous the wood is once stripped.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
We have a new PT pine deck built Nov 2025, and are preparing to stain. I have a preference for the semi-solid color Thunderstorm (for the treads and deck, to contrast with white-painted railings.). Is there a technical reason why the Semi-solid would not be suitable for the new pine?
No technical reason — TWP Semi-Solid follows the same prep and application rules as the semi-transparent line, including on new wood. What matters is weathering: new smooth PT pine needs 4–12 months outdoors to lose its mill glaze before any TWP product will penetrate properly, then prep with the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kit. Apply just one coat on new wood and back-wipe any excess after 30 minutes. Thunderstorm will work fine once the wood is ready.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Cedar deck in PNW ~ 30 years old
Questions – time for another maint coat July 2026 (picture is as of July 24th 2026):
Use the RAD stripper kit at full strength: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
This will give a clean, new surface to stain again.
I am getting ready to stain my deck. The stain has been here since early May so I need to mix it, but can’t figure out how to get the lid off. There only appears to be a pour spout
Hello,
Pry up the tabs, take off the lid, mix well!
How long before it is dry enough for walking on?
12-24 hours or not sticky.
I purchased 1500 series black walnut to stain and protect a pressure-treated LVL beam and 6×6 pressure treated posts on a deck project. the frame was built 6 weeks ago and has been drying in the northern california sun. What prep is recommended before staining this type of deck framing?
See this about new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Can I spray prairie grey 106
Yes.
I applied Benjamin Moore wood luxe translucent water based waterproofing exterior stain one year ago on new pressure treated decking. Although the color is a little darker the wood is cracking a bit .There is no flaking or powdering. It’s like nothing has been applied.
Can I apply your 1500 product over that stain?
No, you must remove it if switching stain brands.
Thanks! How do I remove it? It looks like there’s no finish on it. Do you have a product?
It looks fine for now, and cracks are normal for decking, are not an issue, and cannot be prevented. Leave it until next year and then prep to remove with this and apply the TWP Stain after:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a 2 yr old deck that is pressure treated pine that I would like to stain and seal. Should I use water based sealer or oil based. The deck is in very good condition just needs to be cleaned.
Use this kit for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
TWP 1500 Series for the stain:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I have been using TWP 100 Honeytown color on the logs of my log cabin in the mountains of Arizona. The wood is fairly worn now, and I’m looking for a stain which is a bit less transparent and will provide more of a solid color. What can you recommend? Thank you.
For more color coverage than the 100 Series Honeytone, step up to the TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series — it masks the wood grain about 70–80% and holds color longer, which helps on weathered logs. There’s no exact match between the semi-transparent and semi-solid lines, so order samples to see how it looks on your logs before committing: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Generally speaking- Which color in the pro series? Best matches the honeytone? If aired on the darker side? Thank you for your quick reply.
Super Cedar Gold, Autumn Foliage, or Cedar Chest? Nothing matches exactly.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-5-gallon
I have a 20×20 deck. is it ok to stain 1/2 of the deck one day and finish the other half the next day
You would need to have a very clean break line. Best to do it all at once. The floors in a 400 sq feet deck can be done in an hour.
Good evening,
I have PT pine deck installed around a year ago that has a roof over it. I’m looking to enclose the deck with clear polycarbonate panels making it more of a mud room but will need to install additional boards as support for the panels. Beings the area will then be protected from the elements I was planning on just using standard KD lumber in a hope that I could stain it all at once now. I would use the cleaner/brightener prior to staining but just wanted to double check on the Regular KD lumber. Also after doing the cleaner/brightener how long before I have to stain? Weather in PA is unpredictable at best.
Prep all and stain when you are ready. Since it is more “indoors” it will be okay. Just one coat.
Are the colors of the stains consistent from batch to batch? I have a cabin that will probably take me several years to do and I would rather not store it from year to year.
Colors are varified from batch to batch but, but pigment can settle, so slight color variation can to can is normal — always stir thoroughly before use. Opened stain is only good for about 6–12 months even stored properly, so banking partial cans across a multi-year project isn’t practical anyway; better to buy what you need per section as you get to it. Any minor shade difference blends in once the newer sections weather a bit. 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 to see how it will look on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Are you aware if you are trying to purchase on an iPhone you are unable to click on the view cart at the bottom to check out? The iPhone menu pops up when you try to click it due to its placement. Can I call to order?
Thanks for the heads up — we’ll get that looked at. If you can take a screenshot and send to us in the comments, that would be great! In the meantime, try switching to landscape mode.
You’re also welcome to call in your order at 866-856-3325.
Thank you so much! I will try landscape mode!
Thanks, that is your iphone browser doing this, not our website. We cannot replicate that on our end. Which browser and version are you using?
Hello, the issue is you have a safari version that has bug. We added some code to keep it from cutting off. Please refresh your page and try again. Let us know. One other thing about your cart order. 5-Gallon pails ship free, not 5 single gallons. Thanks!
Thank you for all your responses! I used Chat GPT and it told me how to turn off the tool bar on my phone and that allowed me to purchase! I did update my purchase to a 5 gallon bucket! Thank you so much!
You are welcome!
Landscape mode did not work either for me..
Hello,
I would appreciate your advice about preparing and staining new deck (pressure treated pine) by answering my few questions.
I live in Southeastern Virginia. Deck is less than a year old (PT pine bought in mid-Oct. 2025 and deck completed in mid-Jan 2026. Environmental conditions: full sun on deck from 9 am to 2 pm with shade after, high humidity during summers, relatively mild winters with occasional snow, and deck is near trees, but no tree branches extend above it.
1. I’d like to minimize the maintenance while prolonging the life of the new deck. Would the TWP 1500 product be a good choice for my deck, or possibly some other brand of oil-based or water-based stain?
Got couple of estimates from contractors. One recommended Sherwin Williams semi-transparent water-based stain while the other recommended a Sherwin Williams semi-transparent oil-based stain, obviously based on their preference. Don’t want to use this brand based on its low rating on http://www.deckstainhelp.com.
2. Deck will be soft washed prior to staining. Since deck is less than a year old, is it necessary to use a wood brightener product on it prior to staining regardless of the brand used? If recommended, can any wood brightening product be used?
3. How many coats of stain should be applied to my new deck? Should the stain be applied with the wood still damp or when it is completely dry? I’m hiring a contractor to stain the deck so it may be difficult to coordinate applying the stain with wood still damp.
4. Does the color of the stain on new wood tend to be lighter than shown on color swatches?
5. How frequently do you recommend reapplying the stain based on my deck’s environmental conditions?
6. Some areas on the top surface of some railings are slightly rough and already have some wood splitting, and thus, may need to be lightly sanded prior to staining. Should the sanding be done before or after the soft wash cleaning?
Thank you
1. TWP 1500 is a solid choice and works well in Southeastern Virginia.
2. Yes. Even at about 6 months old, clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit before staining. This removes mill glaze and opens the wood for proper penetration regardless of the deck’s age.
3. One coat only on new wood — it isn’t porous enough yet for a second coat. Apply to dry wood (not damp), and wait 48 hours after cleaning/brightening or any rain before staining. Back-wipe any excess that hasn’t soaked in within 30 minutes.
4. Yes, color on new wood typically reads lighter than the swatches since the wood hasn’t opened up yet. 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 to see how it will look on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
5. Plan on a light maintenance coat at 9–24 months, and a full recoat (with Restore-A-Deck Kit prep) every 2–3 years for the deck flooring.
6. Do the soft wash first, then sand the rough/splitting spots (no finer than 60–80 grit), then brighten. Order of operations: clean → sand → brighten → stain.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thank you for answering my questions and for the detailed responses.
Thank you,
Hi John,
Ideal application temp is 50-90°F — avoid staining if it’ll drop below 40°F overnight afterward. On the cracks in the new railings: leave them as-is, don’t fill with compound. Wood fillers don’t stain to match and tend to fail in freeze/thaw cycles, and checking/splitting is a normal characteristic of PT wood, not a problem. We don’t maintain a list of local contractors, so we can’t point you to anyone in the 23602 area. If you do find someone experienced with oil-based stains, applying TWP 1500 isn’t much different from Sherwin-Williams or any other oil-based stain: stain pads or brushes (no rollers), similar dry time, and mineral spirits for cleanup.
Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it!
Hello,
In a previous reply (25 days ago), it was recommended that prior to staining, the order of operations should be clean, sand and then brighten. The Gemini restore-a-deck kit recommends applying the brightener right after the cleaner. I have a few areas on top surface of horizontal handrails that need to be lightly sanded.
Should I lightly sand these areas right after the soft wash with cleaner while the wood is still wet, or wait until after the brightener is applied and the wood is dry?
Thank you!
Sand after the cleaner when the wood is dry. Brighten all when done.
Since I’m hiring someone to do the prep work and the staining, is it ok to lightly sand the affected areas before instead of after the soft wash cleaning? Is there any benefit to do the sanding after the soft wash cleaning? I’m concerned that the contractor will charge more for coming to do soft wash then wait until wood dries before doing the brightener and then waiting another 48 hours for the wood to dry again before staining.
Also, is it ok to apply the TWP 1500 stain on the deck wood while there is still full sun on the deck? Thank you!
You can send first if you would like. TWP can be applied in the sun, but be wary of surface temps being too hot. 90 or less is ideal.
My deck is less than a year old. Is there any benefit to do any light sanding after the soft wash cleaning with the Gemini Restore-A-Deck cleaner? Thank you!
Doesn’t matter. Either do it prior to or between the cleaner and the brightener.
Few questions regarding use of the Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener kit.
Is there any concern if either the cleaner or brightener is accidently sprayed on the deck’s (less than a year old) powder coated black aluminum balusters and black Nylon deck railing connectors?
Restore-A-Deck cleaner instructions say to apply it with a pump-up sprayer. However, can the cleaner be added to the contractor’s pressure washer instead so that it can be applied during the soft wash, or does the cleaner need to sit on the wood prior to using the pressure washer to soft wash the deck?
Is there a recommended maximum pressure to use when soft washing with pressure washer?
I will be applying the brightener. Can I use a garden hose to rinse off the brightener?
Thank you!
Pre-wet the powder coated balusters and the nylon connectors before you start, keep them rinsed during the process, and do not let the cleaner or brightener dry on them. RAD cleaners can pull oxidation off painted and metal surfaces and leave streaks, so test a small spot first if you are unsure.
Apply the cleaner with the pump-up sprayer, not through the pressure washer. It needs to dwell on the wood 5-15 minutes (misted so it does not dry) before you wash — running it through the machine does not give it that dwell time.
Keep the pressure around 1500-2000 PSI with a 25-degree tip, 6-8 inches off the wood, using a steady sweeping motion. Never pause in one spot.
Rinse the brightener off with the pressure washer, not just a garden hose. A hose rinse often leaves residue behind, which is a common cause of white spots or blotchiness after staining.
Pressure treated pine for new deck was purchased in mid-October of 2025 and deck install was finished in mid-January 2026. The wood was being stored in the garage and used as needed. I live in southeastern Virginia. Never had a new deck stained before so I’m a little nervous and want to make sure it turns out fine.
Planning to have contractor stain the deck with semi-transparent TWP 1500 oil based stain in late September or early October of this year. Since it will be almost a year since I purchased the wood, should the contractor apply only one coat because the wood is still too new, or do you think it would be okay to apply 2 coats? I don’t want to waste my money if the wood is still too new to absorb a second coat.
If you recommend 2 coats, should the second coat be applied after the 1st one dries?
Thank you!
One coat only. The wood being purchased almost a year ago does not matter — storage in a garage is not weathering. What counts is outdoor exposure since the mid-January install, which puts you around 8 months by late September. That is enough to stain, but new wood is still not porous enough to accept two coats.
Have the contractor prep with the Gemini Restore Kit (cleaner and brightener), wait 48 hours, apply one coat of TWP 1500, and back wipe anything that has not soaked in after 30 minutes. A light maintenance coat can go on 9-24 months from now.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I will have the contractor use the Gemini Restore Kit. From what I read, this kit (32 oz. of each product) makes 5 gallons and covers up to 1000 sq. ft. My deck with flooring, steps, railings and posts is about 375 sq. ft. Is 5 gallons of each product enough for this size deck considering the instructions say to wet the surface area so that the material is flowing off of the surface and to keep the surface wet with solution for 15 minutes?
Also, instructions say that brightener solution can be rinsed off with a garden hose, no pressure washing needed. Is the pressure from garden hose enough to rinse off all the product residue?
In September or October, there can be some morning dew on the deck surfaces. Can the stain be applied with the dew still present on the surfaces or does the deck need to be completely dry?
Thank you!
Yes, that should be enough prep. Much easier to pressure wash rinse off the brightener. No, you cannot apply it if the dew or the wood is damp.
I have a treated pine deck in South Fork , Colorado – sunny in summer and. Cold in winter. Which is better for my deck? TWP 100 or TWP 1500?
TWP 1500 is your only option here — Colorado restricts TWP 100 (550 VOC) due to state VOC regulations, so it can’t be shipped or used there. TWP 1500 (350 VOC) is compliant in all 50 states and performs well across the sun/cold swings you’ll see on that pine deck.