Shelf Life of TWP

by TWP Help

Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help

What is the Shelf Life of TWP Wood Stains in 2023

Shelf life of TWP Deck Stains

After an exterior staining project with TWP, Total Wood Preservative Stain you may have some extra leftover. Or you may have bought some TWP wood stain intending to use it and just haven’t got around to it. Whether you have some leftovers or the season ended before you could use it, TWP wood stain will store and keep fresh with proper care.

TWP Wood Stain Shelf Life

TWP Wood Stain Shelf Life

TWP Wood Stain Shelf Life

TWP Wood Preservative has a shelf life of several years if it has been unopened. So if you ran out of time at the end of the season do not worry, you can still use it when you are ready. If the TWP stain has sat around for a while, it is recommended to take the stain to a paint store and have them shake the cans up before using them.

If you used TWP stain and have some leftovers, the extra will last about 1 year as long as the lid is completely resealed. If the lid is not sealed properly evaporation of the stain solvents will occur and the stain will become thicker and be rendered useless. Be sure the lid is completely sealed to stop any evaporation from happening. This will ensure the leftover TWP can be used on your next wood maintenance project.

Note: Unopened TWP Stain has a shelf life of about 2-3 years as long as it is stored in a temperature-controlled room.

Tips for Storing TWP Wood Stain

When storing TWP stain it is best to keep it in a cool dry place preferably at room temperature.

It should be kept out of direct sunlight if possible.

Oil-based stains like TWP can be stored in colder weather and in some instances even below freezing. The oil formula will simply thicken, unlike water-based stains that would actually freeze solid. With that said if you have a choice and can bring the stain into the basement or partially heated garage for the winter that would be best.

If you have several partial cans of TWP stain it is best to combine them to make a full can. The less empty space in the can the better. The air above the stain will cause skin or gel to form on the surface. This can be removed but it is better to have one full can and just a little left in another than to have two partially half-full cans of TWP stain.

Be sure the lid is on tight to eliminate the solvents from evaporating.

As soon as you finish a project it is helpful to mark on the lid what you used the TWP stain for. This way when you use the stain a year or two later you won’t have to guess.

Follow these storage tips to increase the shelf life of your TWP wood and deck stains and they will last for several years saving you money.

 

Related TWP Stain Help Tips

 

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Eugene
4 months ago

What should the outside temperature be when I use the Restore kit brightener and the 1500 series stain?

Marie Paskert
5 months ago

Where can I find the date of manufacturing on a can of TWP

Marianne
5 months ago

Our weather did not allow me to completely stain my deck. When purchasing empty paint cans, many are described as lined. Is that ok for TWP semisolid stain?

 
Gary
6 months ago

Here’s one more pic of the stain on the deck railing.

Thanks Gary

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Gary
6 months ago

My contractor purchased 6 gallons of 100 series Prairie Gray Semi-Transparent stain from a local distributor to apply onto my cedar deck in west MI. My concern is that it may be too old as the tops of the cans were rusted/corroded, it doesn’t have any level of gray, pretty much a pinkish flesh color, and covers the wood like a semi-solid stain instead of a semi transparent. By looking at the attached pics & code dates, can you tell me if this is old stain?

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Mike
6 months ago

Can TWP stains be held in a sealed 5 gallon plastic paint pail for 3 months?

Last edited 6 months ago by Mike
 
Dafny
7 months ago

Can I apply varnish after TWP 102?

Dafny
7 months ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thanks, last one, Can I previously apply Moth protector? Or with TWP is enough? I live in a City with Moth threat.

Raymond
9 months ago

Hello, I was told to use Restore A Deck or Gemini
Cleaner and brighter kit and then TWP or Restore A Deck semi transparent stain, on my never before stained, 2 year old 20×16 floating, west facing, dock. I however was never told which TWP stain series to use? Also, since I don’t have running water or electricity to the lake for a pressure washer, can I just scrub the prep with a brush and then rinse off with bucket of water?

Peter
10 months ago

Is there a way to tell if the opened 5 gal can of stain is still good. It’s over 3 years old but was sealed tight. There is some coagulation but not much. It is thicker and I applied it to a sample and it took the stain. Bur will it last and us it worth the risk?

 
Edsel Henson
11 months ago

Ok it is time to refresh my deck. I applied TWP 1501 Cedartone, so what are the proper steps?
It does not look terrible but I do not want to wait that long. I was thinking I read way back before I stained all I would need to do is wash it, let dry and apply a new coat of 1501. My memory is not perfect so your guidance is requested.

Rick Vinton
1 year ago

Hello – I just bought stain to “re-stain” my deck. However, I do have stain from the last time I did the effort. After opening the container there were very little “solids” and the stain appeared to be in good shape. However, how do I tell if it is ok to use? Is there any issue with using it first or should I test it somehow? Thanks so much . . .

Sam
1 year ago

What is required to to remove the lid off the 5 gallon bucket

 
Faye
1 year ago

My 5 gallon bucket of TWP wood stain was all clumpy and juicy when I opened it today. It was sealed well and stored at about 60 degrees at the coldest. I have shook it and stirred it but still has tennis ball-sized clumps.
Is there anyway to use it still?

Tony L
1 year ago

How can I remove twp100? I would like to use a solid color water based stain for more even color.
The areas under roof still look ok and still repels water but areas in sun mildewed badly and not even color and finish is now mostly gone.

Michelle Moeck
1 year ago

We are having composite put on top of our deck because we’re tired of replacing ratted boards. We are now replacing joists under the deck that are rotted. They were never stained. The contractor wants to use kilz mold and mildew primer on them and then paint them. We have 3 5 gal can of TWP from when we stained or deck 2 yrs ago. It’s twp100 and we live in a high humidity area (Alabama). Does the TWp 100 have mold and mildew protection in it? Could we use it instead of paying for new primer and paint? If not do you have some we can add to the stain to prevent mold and mildew? Thank you

 
Steve
1 year ago

What solvent can I use to thin twp stain

Last edited 1 year ago by Steve
Gregory D Schneider
1 year ago

What’s the difference between the 100 and 1500 series? I have the 102 on my deck now and am ready to restain. Which is better/which should I purchase?

Hbm
2 years ago

How long between coats?can u do in a couple of days?temperature changing 40 degrees to 70 degrees then back down. Is this okay for 100 pro series clear?

 
Brad Johnson
2 years ago

Thank you, J am good .

Brad Johnson
2 years ago

How can i tell if old stain is usable for a water seal on the top edges on a new deck?

Paul Hawthorne
2 years ago

I live in western Washington state which appears to be be code compliant for TWP 100.
I am staining ruff-sawn vertical ceder fencing. I intend to use Cedartone. Do you recommend TWP 100 or 1500 for this application?

 
helen
2 years ago

Just did my deck w/ TWP – 3rd application over past few years. Powerwashed-let dry 48 hrs. & applied stain- waited 48 hrs.- still sticky- never happened before- what do I do? love this product

George
2 years ago

Can leftover semi transparent stain in a 5gal pail be placed in a smaller container to prevent evaporation thus prolonging shelf life? What other type containers would be suitable or unsuitable?

Edsel Henson
11 months ago
Reply to  TWP Help

from your web site; Tips for Storing TWP Wood Stain
When storing TWP stain it is best to keep it in a cool dry place preferably at room temperature.
It should be kept out of direct sunlight if possible.
Oil-based stains like TWP can be stored in colder weather and in some instances even below freezing. The oil formula will simply thicken, unlike water-based stains that would actually freeze solid. With that said if you have a choice and can bring the stain into the basement or partially heated garage for the winter that would be best.
If you have several partial cans of TWP stain it is best to combine them to make a full can. The less empty space in the can the better. The air above the stain will cause skin or gel to form on the surface. This can be removed but it is better to have one full can and just a little left in another than to have two partially half-full cans of TWP stain.
Be sure the lid is on tight to eliminate the solvents from evaporating.
As soon as you finish a project it is helpful to mark on the lid what you used the TWP stain for. This way when you use the stain a year or two later you won’t have to guess.
Follow these storage tips to increase the shelf life of your TWP wood and deck stains and they will last for several years saving you money.

Now I am confused

George
2 years ago

Can leftover semi transparent stain in a 5gal pail be covered with foil or plastic to prevent evaporation thus prolonging shelf life?

 
Peter Shaw
2 years ago

How long should I let my TWP 100 Pro series clear sealant dry before putting deck furniture back on my deck?

LOIE EILEEN CLINE
2 years ago

how do you get the lid off 5 gal can? would be nice if you had a pour spout for us winey women

Lenny Montuori
2 years ago

Can TWP Stain be thinned

 
Ann Marks
2 years ago

What is the difference between the 100 series and the 1500 series.

Nick
3 years ago

I have about 2-3 gallons in a 5 gallon bucket left over from staining a fence. I plan to use it in the spring for a maintenance coat on my deck. I have 2 empty 1 gallon cans, but they might not hold all the stain I have left. Could I use a milk jug or some other plastic storage container for the stain that won’t fit in my 1 gallon cans? Will the stain soften the plastic and make an awful mess? I have some empty wide mouth plastic jars (peanuts)…..would they work?

I applied this on my deck last year for the first
3 years ago

I applied this on my deck last year for the first time can I put it on again this year or is it too early?

 
Joanne
3 years ago

Does twp have a water based deck stain

Julian Catford
3 years ago

Can I thin twp 101cedar stain, it sat for 1 year and has gotten thick and a bit pasty.?

Tracy Connick
3 years ago

I just stained my deck with TWP 1500 and a friend spilled citronella candle wax on part of it. I’ve read that once it’s dry you can scrape it with a credit card or spoon etc, and then use paper bag and iron to get remainder out of grooves…will this ruin the stain? What is the best way to remove it without ruining my recent stain job? The wax was spilled across about 10×10 inches of my deck 😡any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

Tracy Connick
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

So you have no recommendations for removing the wax from deck? I just scraped most of it off and don’t think I removed much of the stain. There are some stuck in the wood grain and worried if I use an iron and paper bag to remove it that the stain will heat up and come off onto paper bag too. I literally just stained last week, and would prefer to not have to use the extreme methods Of using paint thinner or start over. Could I do the iron method and then reapply a thin coat of stain?

 
Larry W.
3 years ago

I live in Pflugerville TX, about 10 miles north of the
Capitol city of Austin. The low temps here at night are in the high 60s low 70s. Daytime highs are 91-93. I am planning on using the Restore a Deck and TWP 1500 on my deck both already purchased. Starting the stain around 7 or 8 am the deck stairs will begin to be in sun about 11-11:30.
The entire deck will be in sun about 1pm with full shade at 6-6:30. I am concerned about the sun on the new stain right after it is applied for an extended period of time of 5-6 hours. Please advise. Thanks.

Karry Wilson
3 years ago

After cleaning/ pressure washing our wood has fuzzy texture/appearance. What should we do prior to staining?

Linda S Kuhns
4 years ago

I just finished applying the pecan stain a few weeks ago. My deck is 2 years old. I used the cleaner and brightener as directed with a power washer and applied the stain wet on wet. It looked wonderful until it got wet. It beads up perfectly but the water is leaving white marks. I do have hard water, but not certain if I should reapply stain on these areas or ??? Thank you

 
Wendy
4 years ago

We ordered a 5 gallon and 1 gallon can of 1500 in July. We are now finally ready to apply the stain. Do we need to take the cans to a local paint store to shake or is stirring the cans adequate?

Wendy
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank you!

Mike
4 years ago

New PT pine deck weathering for 6 months. Using twp 100. Do I really need to brighten or can I just pressure clean?

Mike
4 years ago

What is coverage of twp 100 Rustic on new pressure treated pine? Thanks

 
Sue
4 years ago

I have a apil of stain that is 8 years old and rusted, is it any good?

Lynda Costello
4 years ago

Can TWP be used on landing just inside back door that gets heavy use

Troy Remington
4 years ago

What is your return policy?

 
Kelly conner
4 years ago

Last year we applied TWP 1500 and were very pleased with the outcome, but now it we are not. Any suggestions?
Canby Ca
TWP 1500
Cedar and redwood
2 years old
Sand prepped
2 coats wet on wet application

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Kelly conner
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

That was what we had done originally, but we had a million bugs come land in the stain while it was wet. I contacted this website and I thought was instructed to sand and restrain to remove the bugs. I’ll have to look through the posts from last year

Jesse Fortes
5 years ago

Is my resealed 5 Gallon 1500 Stain still good after 1 year? I hammer the tabs down really well around the entire thing. It was stored in basement that doesn’t get too cold. I think when tipped it that it didn’t leak at all so thought seal was good.

I haven’t opened it yet but hoped to use it soon for a new coat this year.

Is it still good? How will I know?

Lou Schiano
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

is their anyway loosen it up if it is too thick to use?

pkwag
5 years ago

After reading about storing extra stain, we have over half of the 5 gallons left because while it worked wonderfully on our main deck, we intended to use the stripper on our boardwalk and stain it the same, but the other brand solid stain must have had some paint in it, so 30% wouldn’t come off. Even considered putting it on what was uncovered, but decided not to waste it. MAIN QUESTION IS: The 5 gallon bucket mailed to us was extremely dented (the middle was dented almost to the middle of the can. We used a rubber mallet to seal the lid, but I’m concerned it might not make a good enough seal, or that there might be pinholes where the metal bent so much. Will it last like you said? Any suggestions?

 
Phil
5 years ago

It’s not quite that simple. Just prying the tabs doesn’t work. I had to use heavy plyers and pry the tabs back to 90 degrees of the pail…..but I got it and appreciate your reply.

Phil
5 years ago

how do you open a 5 gallon of 100 stain

Mike Harrigan
5 years ago

Is there a mildewcide that could enhance TWP 1501 Cedartone stain? Replaced the product the builder had used on Cedar Screen porch with cement pad 6 summers ago with TWP 1501 Cedartone 3 years ago. Results less mildew with the TWP but still shows mildew.

 
Metta
5 years ago

We are going to be putting up New Cedar siding on our home. The cedar is tight knot smooth dried cedar siding. Because it is dried can we put two coats on. We were thinking on dipping the wood and then once its up put another coat on the outside. Is this possible with the TWP?

Colleen
6 years ago

What is the consistency supposed to be? We just reopened a gallon can of the 100 series that had been stored in a closet for a couple months and it seems really watery. We just want to make sure that is correct before we go using it.

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