TWP Wood and Deck Stain Update for 2019
Welcome to the official help site for TWPStain.com. TWP Total Wood Preservative is an EPA registered wood preservative for decks, fences, gazebos, cedar siding, wood shakes, log homes, outdoor furniture, and other exterior wood surfaces. TWP wood preservative offers outstanding protection from UV fading, wood rot, water damage, and mildew for all types of wood species.
The TWPStainHelp.com site is designed for exterior wood and deck owners looking for solutions to their wood maintenance questions. We have gathered information based on years of experience. From TWP stain tips and wood maintenance advice to prepping new wood and how to articles we will guide you through step by step to achieve professional-like results using any of the TWP wood preservative products.
Please read our articles and feel free to ask any questions that you may have about restoring your exterior wood or decking surfaces. The information you need regarding wood and deck restoration and TWP deck stains are all here. Please enjoy and remember that we are here to help.
I am completing a project using 1500 Natural on rough sawn red cedar columns. I would like to stain our front door a shade darker or to closely match the columns. The door is fiberglass. Any suggestions?
Sorry, TWP will not work on fiberglass.
I stained my new cedar deck 1 and 1/2 years ago and wanted to put another coat on. I purchased a 5 gallon drum and have about 1/2 left. Can it still be used?
See this: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
My pine log home was stained with TWP 1500 6 years ago (a combination of 2 parts pecan, 1 part cedartone and 1 part honeytone). Prior to staining with TWP, the logs were stripped. What kind of preparation is needed prior to re-staining? Will the color darken if we apply the same color combination? If so, can we choose a lighter stain to prevent the darkening or do you advise stripping the logs again? Thank you.
Prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
It should not darken, just refreshed. Use the same color combo.
Here are my photos
That is normal and is the way your wood grain is taking the stain based on the porosity of the wood. Leave as is.
Our house is sided with red cedar.
We put 1501 cedartone on our house 48 hours ago and as it has dried areas are looking dull, like they should be restained. It’s mainly around the knots but other areas are like that too. It wouldn’t let me attach my photos
Are the application temperature ranges of 50-90 degrees air temp or are ther other considierations?
Air temp.
2 12ftX16 ft decks with railings and 4 stairs. Weathered 1 season. Please advise…Maine
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 100 or 1500 Series based on where you live.
I bought my TWP stain and wood cleaner/brightener kit last summer and am wondering if I can still use it a year later. It has been stored away from heat and unopened. Thank you so much!
Yes, just mix the stain well.
I purchased two 5 gallon pails of TWP 100 stain on line from you in May at the recommendation of a contractor, who was scheduled to apply 2 coats of the stain to our power washed deck. It proceeded to rain here in St Louis, MO, almost daily (note record flooding in Midwest), and it was impossible to apply the stain with dry conditions until this past week. It was done and the results were excellent. However the contractor only used one of the pails, leaving the second pail unused and unopened. Can I still return the unopened 5 gallon… Read more »
You can call the office for the return but we cannot waive the restocking fees as they basically cover our cost of shipping to you in the first place. You cannot return it to a local store.
My deck was previously sealed with Olympic oil based clear sealer about 4 years ago. I just prepped the deck for TWP 100, but accidentally used the step 1 cleaner instead of step 1 stripper. The wood looks bare and appears to be very thirsty. Is it safe to apply the TWP 100 or do I need to start over?
Photo
It looks good to stain now.
Have a new, 2 week old, cedar fence on pressure treated posts and cross beams. Want the best clear sealer for this fence. No stain, even if it means i recoat the clear every few years. Thanks for your advise. Also its 200 linear ft, 400 ft front/back 6ft high, plus 170 linear ft. 4 rail. Probably 75 posts plus cross rails. How much is needed to cover?
Plan on using a hvlp sprayer. Is that good too?
Clear will not provide UV protection and will gray naturally. Must be tinted if you want UV protection. Sounds like you have over 3000 sq feet to apply. You will need about 20-25 gallons for this. You can use an HVLP sprayer,
So the 1500 series is semi transparent and provides UV protection except for 1500 clear. That correct? Could clear and cedar tone be mixed? Would that soften the color and still give UV protection? Maybe 2/3 tinted to 1/3 clear or is there not much benefit doing this. Thanks for your time. I suppose this is true for any companies clear product.
Correct and yes, you can mix colors. Lightening the Cedar with the clear will reduce the UV protection though.
I am not understanding when sanding is required or better than stripping. My failed sealant was clear so the deck is entirely gray. It has been at least 4 years since it was sealed. My deck is 600 square feet and sanding is a serious time commitment. Are there circumstances where you HAVE to sand? Thanks
You do not have to sand this. Clean and brighten with the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Is there any warrantee on TWP 1500?
You can read it on this: https://www.twpstain.com/pdf/TWP%201500%20SERIES.pdf
How can I get a a warrantee claim started? I can’t seem to get a response from technical support
We are a dealer for TWP. Best to contact Gemini directly. Their info is on the link we sent in the above comment.
We have. They are incredibly unresponsive and have been slow walking us. But, thank you.
I am in northern Alberta Canada so we get quite the extremes in weather. I was thinking of staining our pressure treated fence with the TWP 200 stain. The fence was built about 3.5 years ago now with no paint or stain on it. The green colour has now gone. I’m wondering if this stain is ok for such a fence or if i need to do anything else with the wood before staining? How long will this stain last before I need to re-apply? If I re-apply with the same stain in the future do I need to do… Read more »
You will need to prep now: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Do this before applying the TWP 200. You prep with this as well when reapplying down the road.
I have cleaned and prepared a covered porch that is 12 years old and never been stained or sealed in any way. I live in North Georgia. Which stain series would be best? We do not want to alter the color as much as we want to protect the wood. It was suggested to us to use the 1500 series Honey tone to bring out the natural grain of wood. However, it appears your 200 series has added mold, algae and mildew resistance that I do not see in other series. But also I do not see a Honey tone… Read more »
Use the TPW 151 Honeytone. It is EPA registered for mildew and algae resistance.
Is it true that you also own the deckstainhelp.com website? I was using that site as it suggested you as a top stain, but now I see rumors are they are owned by the same people. I just want to know for transparency sake.
TWP does not own DSH. We also are not the manufacturer of TWP but a dealer for them. As for who runs DSH, you can read that on their website on the home page at the top.
How long should TWP Cedar stain be agitated to obtain a good mix for both a 5 gallon can and a 1 gallon can. I have a drill driven Edwards Tool Paint and Mud Mixer. Will shaking and turning the 1 gallon can work?
Shaking will not be enough, use the drill mixer.
I’m changing from TWP 100 Pecan to TWP 200 Butternut.
I’m don’t think I can just put the new 200 right over the old and that I have to strip it first?
Strip it first: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have an older deck which was previously coated with Superdeck deck and dock coating, which is a solid stain. We had to replace several boards last year. I would like to know if you have a product, better than the superdeck, that can be used over the solid stain without removing stain completely. I have removed all loose chipped coating. It would be too labor intensive to strip and sand 2- 15×30 decks.
The above mentioned deck is pine.
Sorry but TWP will not work here as it does not come in a solid color stain.
How to remove twp 100 stain from concert
Try a graffiti remover cleaner from your paint store and pressure washing.
My deck was properly sanded down to natural wood and TWP cedartone stain was applied. This season there are dark spots over the stain. I washed the deck with Simple Green, to no effect. Could you recommend a deck was that would remove black spots but not garb stain?
That is dirt and grime. Try warm water with dish soap and a car wash brush to clean with.
I am interested in using the TWP 100, semi-solid, Cape Cod Grey stain on my new deck.
Is it possible to purchase a small sample (15- 16 oz can) to test how it looks with our color scheme and if so how much does it cost? Thank You
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Her for samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I used your clear twp deck finish and got some on a blustone walkway. What do you recommend to remove it?
Try a graffiti remover cleaner from your local paint store.
Just stripped, brightened and lightly sanded 12 year redwood deck. Using TWP 1500. It’s been 3 years. Does I wipe excess stain off with a cloth after first coat, then again for 2nd? Should I apply second coat after wiping down since it will dry quickly?
No, do not wipe the first coat. See this for application: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I just applied TWP 1500 in natural color to an area of our deck. It looks great and did everything I could ask it to. However we are not happy with the color we chose. Can I apply TWP 1500 in Cape Cod Grey over what I have already stained?
No. You would need to strip it first and then brighten.
I have a 15-yr old hardwood deck (not sure of wood species) that had some type of stain applied. Most of it is gray’d out but there were a few spots of stain remaining…so I spot sanded with 80 grit using orbital sander…went down to the bare wood which had a red tint. I was planning to use TWP 100 and Gemini cleaner/brightener.
Do I need to sand the entire deck surface to bare wood in order to get a consistent finish? Thanks!
You should as spot sanding means the stain will take lighter in those areas.
Did not do “wet on wet.” Can I apply second coat now? Or do I need to wait until Fall?
Wait until Fall.
We used TWP 1520 pecan last year on a new kiln-dried pressure-treated deck. When my son tried to clean it yesterday much of the grime that had accumulated over the winter did not come off!! There are still some dark, dirty spots remaining.
What do we do now?? He used oxi-clean liquid detergent for the cleaning.
Ellyn Bagley
ellbag@aol.com
We don’t want to remove the stain as we plan to recoat every 2nd year.
Prep wit this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
It sounds like the Restore-A-deck product prepares the wood for restaining. We are not planning to restain until next year?? We just want to clean it up from the winter grime.
how long is twp 1500 stain good for when stored in the original can.
See this: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Can I brighten before I lightly sand the deck or must it be didindidine after sanding
Brighten after.
Thank you
I previously stained my deck using ARBORCOAT TRANSLUCENT DECK & SIDING STAIN TEAK. I was wondering if you had a suggestion of stain type and color to purchase. Thank you
TWP cannot be applied over the Arborcoat so it will need to be removed first. Once removed, you can use the TWP 1500 Series in any color that you like. Thanks
I’m about to purchase 1500 series to stain my deck. I have about 800 to 900 square feet including railings and steps. I see that the 1500 series cover 150 to 200 sq ft. Does that account for wet on wet application or would I have to double the amount? If purchasing a 5 gallon container with free shipping, if I need an additional gallon, will there be a shipping charge or does it piggy back on the 5 gallon order with free shipping?
Thanks!
James
For two coats applied wet on wet, you will need 8-10 gallons for 800-900 sq feet. No free shipping on singles gallons. Only on 5-gallon pails.
I have Cabot Semi Transparent Oil Stain in a Cedar color on 9 year old redwood siding. I have pressure washed the siding to see how much of the stain would come off. Areas exposed to the sun all came off. Eves and shaded areas did not . Stain is 9 years old. We replaced the windows 5 years ago with Dark brown painted aluminum framed windows. Since it appears that I need to strip the remaining stain will the RAD Stripper affect the Painted Aluminum windows. If I mask them off will the stripper eat the painters tape? Suggestions?… Read more »
Post a picture of the current stain. Both the 100 and 1500 can be cleaned and recoated as needed.
I cleaned and prep’ed my 9 month old deck 2 weeks ago using the Gemini products. We have had terrible all day rains most days since then. I am seeing what might be a break in the weather, is it to late to go ahead and stain without additional prep? Also, if the deck is dry and I plan to stain on Friday, can I cover it with plastic to keep it dry until staining? What about after staining, is there a way I can cover it to be safe? Maryland has apparently turned into the new Seattle and we… Read more »
You should be fine to stain Friday. Do not cover when done. It needs air and UV to dry and cure correctly.
I recently purchased two pails of TWP 1500 and am about to apply it. My son raised the concern whether there would be any chemical exposure for their children when they play on the deck. My understanding is that there would be exposure concerns when it is freshly applied and while the voc’s flash off. But do you have any info regarding the safety of the product after the solvents have flashed off? Thank you.
Once fully dried and cured, there are not any issues.
Have you done any specific air quality and surface contact studies to verify this?
Do not need to. VOCs are what evaporates away from the coating after application. Once it evaporates and the stain is fully dried and cured, there are no VOCs left.
Any TWP dealers in Minneapolis / St Paul Minnesota?
We are an online dealer for TWP Shipping from us to you takes 2-3 business days.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-wood-stains
I have a five year old 20′ x12′ CCA deck that is covered and never has been stained:
28′ of railing constructed with a 2″x6″ top piece and a 2″x4″ bottom piece w/metal balusters.
Three 6″x6″ x 21′ CCA post supporting the deck and roof.
28′ of 2″x10″ face boards.
I plan on using your cleaner & brightener. How much stain will it take to apply two wet on wet coats?
I live in Missouri; do you recommend the 100 or the 1500?
I’ll use either the cedar tone or dark oak color.
Thanks!
What is the total sq footage of wood all added up?
You would need the 100 Series or MO.
I just purchased a pavilion and it’s cedar and still in the box. All real cedar wood. I want to treat it before I assembly all the wood. I researched and found that TWP is the best on the market. Can you recommend a stain\treatment that will accent the grain while at the same time, enrich the look of the wood and protect it from the sun.
Thank you
I am sorry but you cannot pre-stain. See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thank you
Hello. Applied TWP1500 5 years ago to a cedar fence. Fence looks great but would like to add another coat of 1500. Do I need to use the Gemini restore a deck kit for prep or do I just use a brightener?
Thank you
You need the kit. Brightener by itself does not prep a deck for recoating.
Hello, I have reviewed the video but I can’t find the Wood Prep product recommended on the video (I want to stain a new pergola build with pressure treated lumber… what should I use if the Wood Prep is not available anymore? Also the video mentions TWP 300 series to use for gazebo and furniture application but I don’t see that product either, which series should I use? Thanks
The Wood Prep is no longer available. Use this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
I live in California and plan on purchasing 10 gallons of cedartone stain (1501). My friend, who is a painter, wanted me to ask if you offer, or can I add a UV package to the stain? If yes, how much extra would it cost?
The TWP is UV resistant and no, it is not possible to add more into it.
I chose a black walnut sample (and clear) to try to lighten it. As you can see on this crappy rough sewn treated pine fence, it comes out extremely dark. Before I order Dark Oak and any other color, will this also come out as dark? I want to sort of be able to see wood. This wood has been out for a year but still shows the treated green chemical splotches, so I was hoping it would be dark enough to cover those. Also can I just pressure wash this or do I need to clean/brighten if it’s mostly… Read more »
You need to clean and brighten while pressure washing. Try a mixture of Dark Oak and Pecan. Mostly Pecan with some Dark Oak added.
Oh I wasn’t aware I had to brighten a new fence. The green is just temporary staining from the treatment I was told. Will the brightening chemicals mess up my Trex “plastic” or whatever it’s made from deck?
Also is pressure washer required or does a high powered hose work if it’s not super dirty? I’m sort of a noob with all of this! But I like the color idea, any idea which I should be more of if I need 3 gallons?
No, they will not harm the deck. You will need a pressure washer. Get 3 gallons of Pecan and 1 gallon of Dark Oak. Mix all three gallons of Pecan together in a 5-gallon pail and then add 1/2 gallon of Dark Oak. Test the color and add more Dark Oak if needed.
I have a two year old deck and purgola that were sealed last year with “THOMPSONS WATERSEAL TH.042851-16 Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain Woodland Cedar”. Initially they looked good but the Wisconsin weather was hard on the stain after just one winter and are in bad need of reapplication and based on the Thompson’s poor results, looking for a better product for much better results. What would be your recommendations? Either TWP 1500 or TWP 100? Do I need to remove ALL previous stain with power wash/sanding or will the TWP brighter do an acceptable job before applying new stain? Would I… Read more »
You must remove all the Thompsons first. TWP needs to be recoated every 2-3 years on a deck.
I had a new deck installed two years ago and TWP 116 stain was used. It faded a lot so not sure it was put on correctly. I am wanting to reapply the same stain and color. Can you give me instructions on what steps I need to follow in order for it to look great. Thanks in advance!
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
and pressure washing before reapplying.
We stained our deck with TWP 1500 2 yrs ago (1 coat). We are wanting to apply another coat as there are some places where it appears faded. Do we need to strip it or can we use the brightener and restain? Any advice is appreciated.
Cleaner and brightener for prep. Use this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have an unopened 5 gallon can of TWP 1500 dark oak stain with a batch date of 9/5/13, which is quite the testament to how long ago it’s been since I stained the deck last. Is it still ok to use?
Hard to say. Open it and make sure you do not see any clumping, skinning, or thick viscosity. Mix well and if 100% consistent, it should be okay.
Thank you for your quick response
What product do you recommend for UV protection on cumaru wood?
The TWP 100 Series if allowed in your state.
I applied redwood stain to my new cedar fence panels to try and match My older fence. It came out to red so I need to darken it up. Can the Dark Oak be applies over it directly or do I need to stripe it?
It would have to come off. In addition, colors of the same series can be mixed. A combo of Redwood and Dark Oak may be your answer.
What do you suggest to remove the redwood stain color with?
Restore A Deck Stripper followed by the Brightener.
How long will TWP 1500 last on cedar siding?
On vertical cedar siding, about 4-8 years depending on UV exposure.