Switching to TWP Stains

by TWP Help

Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help

Changing to TWP Wood and Deck Stain Tips

Many exterior wood and deck owners have dealt with the task of changing their wood surface’s appearance by simply switching to a different wood stain. Whether you want a different look or you are tired of inferior wood stains that don’t last, switching to TWP stain is a good investment.

TWP is an EPA registered exterior wood preservative. It has excellent UV blocking and color retention properties that make it a superb choice for all exterior wood surfaces.

Before switching to TWP Wood Stains, you first have to remove all remnants of the old failing stain. Use a wood stain stripper and not a wood cleaner. Wood cleaners are not aggressive enough to remove old stains. Applying a wood stain stripper will soften the most transparent, semi-transparent, and semi-solid water and oil-based wood stains.

Apply the wood stain remover using a pump sprayer. Be sure to protect any surrounding shrubbery or landscaping. Once the stain stripper has dwelled on the wood for several minutes, use a stiff brush and garden hose or a pressure washer to lightly wash away the contaminants. For removing stubborn wood stains, several applications and a more aggressive approach may be necessary. Try increasing the strength of the stain stripper and/or the dwell time before washing off.

Once you are certain all the old stain is gone rinse the wood thoroughly then apply a wood brightener to the surface. This is a necessary step after using a caustic stain stripper. A deck brightener will reverse the darkening effect of the stripper and will correct the pH level to a neutral state. This brightening step will allow for better stain penetration and a better overall appearance. After brightening the wood, rinse well.

Allow the wood to dry for 48 hours minimum. If necessary, you can use a sander to remove any small areas of old stain that may still remain. Wipe any sanded areas clean with mineral spirits and allow it to dry before continuing.

Once all the old stain is gone and you have restored the appearance of your exterior wood surface, follow the Stain Application Instructions for TWP Stain.

 

Related TWP Stain Help Tips

 

119 Comments
newest
oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Marc Tinkler
7 months ago

Hi, I’m in the process of removing Penofin red label from my Douglas Fir siding. I’ve used the stripper and the brightener but now I have areas of raised grain that I’d like to sand. Do I need to re-apply brighter if I sand with 80 grit?

Sandra
1 year ago

Hi there! We stripped and stained our deck boards with TWP 1500 at the beginning of this season and just love it! We’re finally getting around to tackling the railings – it’s been a LOT of sanding to remove the old finish (which was Thompson’s Water Seal – yuck!), and I’m torn between going with the RAD solid white stain or just using the TWP 1500 I used on the boards. I realize that once I put a solid stain on the railings, there’s really no going back without sanding, but if I go with the TWP and decide later I want solid railings because of their condition, would I need to strip the TWP off, or could I just let it “weather” off for a few years?

Last edited 1 year ago by Sandra
Anna
1 year ago

Hello, We will need to sand some raised grain spots on our cedar deck before applying the TWP 1500 series stain. My question is: after stripping the cedar deck with the RAD stripper, do we sand BEFORE we use the RAD brightener or do we sand AFTER we use the RAD brightener? Thank you

Anna
1 year ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Oh, okay will do! Thank you for clarifying that. I was thinking to sand after the brightener so I’m really glad I asked.
thank you for answering our questions. It’s really helpful.

 
Joshua Arnold
1 year ago

I recently ordered TWP Pecan 1520 and applied it to some of my new wood privacy fence (pressure treated Southern Pine) about 3 weeks ago. Fyi, I and allowed the wood to season outside prior for about 5 months & brought the moisture content down to 13%. And now I realized I want to change that Pecan 1520 color over to Cedartone 1501 which I just ordered and also purchased the RAD stripper in order to strip of old Pecan, and apply the new Cedartone. Do you see any issues with this, and also being able to match up the Cedartone color that I’m now applying to the wood that had the Pecan on it, and having those pieces of wood match up to the same Cedartone color I’m also applying to some of the new fence wood pieces that never had that Pecan color on it to begin with?

Aaron
1 year ago

Four years ago we stained our Colorado deck with TWP 100 – Pecan, and it’s due for an update. It looks like now we can only order TWP-1500. Can I just clean and brighten first before switching products, or will we need to completely strip the TWP-100 before using the TWP-1500?

Karen
2 years ago

My deck was sanded bare and restsined with twp 3 years ago. It has some worn spots and needs freshened up. Can twp be applied over the existing finish?

 
Steve
2 years ago

Just stained my cedar deck ended up with a shiny spots can I wait 1yr and use rad stripper to strip it will it remove all shine to restain I used twp 1500 rustic am planning to use same again

Tom Garbacik
2 years ago

We have a rough sawn cedar sided house. 7 years ago it had a Cabot Semi applied. We did our deck with TWP100, and it looks much better. How do we get the Cabot off so we can apply TWP? The Cabot is still present….in spots. I assume we will need both the gel and the booster?
Thanks!

IMG_20210501_161827.jpg
IMG_20210501_161814.jpg
IMG_20210501_161836.jpg
Kirby
2 years ago

I am getting ready to stain a front porch deck that hasn’t been stained/cleaned for at least 7 years. I’m planning to order the stripper/brightener kit. We are having our home pressure washed and he will do the porch too. Where in the process should the pressure washing be? Before stripping/brightening? After? Thanks!

 
Robin Keener
3 years ago

My contractor is using outdoor Clorox to clean my deck which was previously stained with an oil based stain. He is then going to apply TWP stain. Should he strip & brighten the deck after cleaning with the Clorox? He is telling me this doesn’t need to be done, that the clorox cleaning is all that needs to be done. The Clorox did lighten the previous stain but, I’m not sure it removed it.

Daniel
3 years ago

Our home owners association specified that we had to use Sherman Williams semi-transparent super deck stain for our decks.
I sanded my entire deck and put down two coats of stain last summer 2019.
It came out o.k. but I want to apply another coat of semi transparent oil stain (of better quality) this summer 2020.

Since my deck is in good shape (no pealing, no mold, no issues with coloration) can I clean my deck and then following TWP procedures re-stain my deck?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
Daniel LeBlanc – Blanchard, Idaho

Daniel
3 years ago
Reply to  Daniel

Thank you for replying.

Just to be sure I understand correctly….are you saying
I have to strip the super deck stain
completely off – down to bare wood?

Thank you for your response.
Daniel

Daniel
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

🙁 After all the work…guess I’ll continue with super deck….
Thanks for you help.

Martin C Foster
4 years ago

I have a 20+ year old redwood deck that has been coated multiple times over the years (it kept peeling) with the HD Behr transparent stain. I am planning on sanding off the old stain completely and applying a TWP product to deck and railings. What is the best TWP product to use, 100 or 1500, and is more prep needed after sanding? I live at 6000 ft elevation in New Mexico – lots of UV.

 
Barbara
4 years ago

Can TWP be used over Ready Seal stain after a good cleaning or would it have to be stripped?

Christine A
4 years ago

I live southeast of Toledo Ohio and have a 5 year old pressure treated deck and pergola. I had let the deck age 1 year and then brushed on with Olympic Woodland Oil Mountain Cedar color. Very disappointingly, it only lasted about a year and before starting turning gray. The deck and wrap around steps are very gray, most of the stain is gone. The uprights and cross beams on the pergola facing south have some weathering, north sides very little weathering. I would like to know do I need to purchase your strip and then stain to switch over to your product? What color would you recommend that would come close to the Mountain Cedar – we loved that color when it was new. I tried to upload some pics but it wouldn’t take. Thanks so much for any advice to this novice!

Christine A
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

I am preparing to order, using the deck / steps calculator as I have full wrap around steps. How do I determine how much stain my pergola would need? Also, when loading my cart, the page gave me 2 small bottles of some sort of additives, do I need those a?

I tried uploading pics of deck, steps and pergola and it wouldn’t load. Thanks!!!!

Christine A
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

I couldn’t get pics to upload, giving it a try to find assistance in measuring the pergola for stain. The calculator only covers the deck and steps. Thanks again!

image.jpg
eileen
4 years ago

I sanded the old product off, cleaned and brightened, got the appropriate dry time in and applied TWP. It looks great. In it’s Pre-TWP life, I washed the deck by hosing down to moisten the dirt, then mopped it with (very) diluted Dawn dish washing liquid and rinsed it off with a hose. I did this about bi-monthly to keep it looking good, as dust, rain, tree droppings, etc. would create a layer of dirt that just wouldn’t come off with just a hose-down. Will this method degrade the product any? Is there a preferable method for routine cleaning that maintains product efficacy?

 
J Chris McKim
4 years ago

2 Summers ago I built a 950 sq ft KDAT pine 2″x6″ deck with IPE trimmings. The pine was purchased with a rough mill finish. I planed all pine to a very narrow tolerance to match the IPE. Then did 1/4″ round over edges with my router.
The boards were then stained with 2 coats, wet on wet TWP 1500 and allowed to dry for 1 month at 60°F+. Decking was installed with a hidden fastener system. The end product was breathtaking.

By spring of last year, what appeared to be a black staining was everywhere. The deck was cleaned to remove the lion’s share if the black and coated with the same product.

This spring it was even worse. Yesterday I pressure washed (against my better judgement) with my 15″ orbital pressure washing attachment, working quickly so as not to damage the wood, I then sprayed it with Wet and Forget once dry. Much of the TWP is gone along with better than 50% of the black stain.

What is my next step to return this deck to close to its original beauty and how can I maintain it?

15603470248353194823041134457916.jpg
15603470756838972953284071700797.jpg
15603471372037543534032807894546.jpg
Ben Federico
4 years ago

I’m refinishing a mahogany deck which has wolman premium wood finish and preservative. My question, can wolman be stripped with stripper or does it need to be sanded before I use TWP on deck.

Joanne
5 years ago

I CURRENTLY HAVE GREEN LABEL PENOFIN ON MY DECK AND NEED TO SWITCH TO TWP. IS IT NECESSARY TO REMOVE THE PENOFIN FIRST?

Joanne
5 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thank you. Can you tell me what is the difference between these two products? From reading the label it’s application is similar as well as how they respond to the treated wood. When I bought the Penofin I was told I just need to put any new coats right on top of the first coat and would not have to go through the cleaning process. What in these products makes them different?

Joanne
5 years ago
Reply to  Joanne

THANK YOU!

 
Nate
5 years ago

Is there a TWP 100 stain that is very close in color to the Sikkens SRD Dark Oak 009?

Steve
5 years ago

I have a small 5/4 treated yellow pine deck I built three summers ago. I stained it a couple of months after construction with a water-based Thompsons waterproofing semi-transparent stain & sealer. It peels and needs re-staining each year. Seems it just can’t cope with West Michigan winters, even when I’ve tarpped it.

Am I correct in thinking that I’ll have to use something like the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit stripper and neutralizing brightener before re-staining (w/ TWP-100)? Should I rent and use a power washer? Would that give me better results? (it’s a small deck, only about 10’x6′).

Would it matter that there is a bit of green mildew starting on a few boards? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve

SER
6 years ago

I have a 15yo deck stained in Sikkens Dek and it’s peeling. How do you recommend I prep the surface to apply twp stain?

 
Tim
6 years ago

I’m in the process of purchasing a log home. The stain has not been maintained and will need to be restored. The current owner says he used Pittsburgh Ultra stain last time (an acrylic semi-transparent stain). I’d like to strip with Restore a Deck stripper and switch to TWP. Will the Ultra come off with Restore a Deck and pressure washing?

Tim
6 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Here’s a picture of the current finish.

15.jpg
MrSpace
6 years ago

Is using a drill-based mixer okay with the 1500 oil stain or will it create bubbles?

Jenny Margolis
6 years ago

I have 2 9×9 foot decks. One was sanded, then treated with a clear oil based wood protector about 5 years ago. Now, it’s grey and weathered looking after lots of rain this year. The upper deck, off the 2nd floor bedroom, is stained but the stain is very weathered and mostly peeled off, but remains in ok condition on the vertical railing. The stairs and stair railing are also peeling. Can I use the stripper on both decks? Or just the deck with peeling stain? Does the deck without stain need to we washed with the gemini cleaner instead? I want to make the job fast and easy. Please let me know what you recommend.

 
Paul Eikens
6 years ago

I have home with a large amount of cedar shake siding that is in need of re-staining. I am unsure what product has previously been used. The majority was a transparent oil based(I think) stain. A small area that was redone with a remodel had a semitransparent stain in attempts to match the older darker cedar shakes. It is all fairly dried out. What would you recommend to prep prior to re-staining with TWP 100

Kristi Ann Harris
7 years ago

My deck currently has a solid olympic stain that is peeling. will the stripper remove the solid stain or what else would I need to do to remove it?

Beau Ratliff
8 years ago

My deck has Cabot Australian Timberwood on all the horizontal surfaces and a latex exterior paint on the vertical posts. I’d like to switch to TWP for the deck stain, and understand that I need to apply the RAD stripper followed by a brightener. Will either of these products affect my latex paint? Do I need to use any special precautions to avoid accidentally stripping the paint off along with the old oil stain?

 
Michael Dryja
8 years ago

We have a few cedar planter boxes that were sealed last year with Thompson’s water sealant (clear). I sanded the surfaces down, and am pretty sure I got it off. What’s my next step? Do I need to use RAD stripper, or is cleaner sufficient? In either case, I’ll of course follow by brightener.

Julie
10 years ago

I am in SE Wisconsin, I have a 15-yr old deck that had previously been stained with Behr semi-solid waterproofing stain. I purchased the RAD Stripper, Cleaner, Brightener, and TWP stain. The Behr stain was practically immune to the stripper, even mixing it at double strength and leaving it on twice as long as recommended. Therefore, we sanded the entire deck to remove the old stain. Since we have now invested 20+ hours in preparing the deck for staining, I want to make sure I do everything right from here on out to ensure the TWP stain goes on properly. Do I need to wipe down the entire deck with mineral spirits? Do I need to clean AND brighten, or just brighten? Finally, do I apply follow the two coats wet-on-wet application process, or just a single coat?

Nick P
10 years ago

I used TWP Cedartone when I first built my deck about 10 yrs. ago and was very satisfied. I refreshed it after 2-3 years and was satisfied again. A few years ago, I made the mistake of believing a consumer magazine’s recommendation and used a different brand. I was called “semi-transparent” but the deck looked like it had been painted. I’ve just about got all that stain off and want to change back to TWP. Looking at the specs I see that the 1500 series has more solids and less VOCs than the 100 series. Does that mean that the 1500 series is less transparent than the 100 series? I don’t to make the same mistake again…I want to be able to see the wood grain after staining.

 
Ed
10 years ago

I stripped, brightened and stained my deck with TWP and love the way it looks. However, whenever the slightest bit of dirt gets on it, removal is not easy. I first tired hosing and sweeping and another day I mopped but neither removed typical outside dirt. I scrubbed it today, and some came off, but I am not about to scrub my deck weekly! Is there something I can put over the TWP to maybe make it a little glossier to help dirt wash off? Or do you have another idea? Another coat of TWP? Has anyone else had this issue? This is a new problem for me-didn’t happen before the refinishing.

doug
10 years ago

We had our home painted last month and the painters pressure washed and used linseed oil on a wood pergola on our patio. The pressure washing removed most of the previous dark stain of the wood (not sure what the stain was, we purchased the home a few months ago). Can I use a dark stain TWP100 or TWP1500 over the linseed oil? Are there any other steps to take before I can stain the pergola dark again?

T Avery
10 years ago

So I used the stripper from ‘Restore a deck’ that I purchased here. I did an entire stair section on north side of the deck ( 8 treads with spindle sections and stringers; see pics). After letting it set for 30 minutes I then pressure washed it off. The 6 year old PTP in this section now looks almost green( the original color of PTP) from the stripper( this morning) and fuzzy from the pressure washing. I probably over pressure washed trying to get the old finish off. I could not discern from any instructions I found here whether or not if I need to brighten while still damp from stipping or if it is ok to complete all the stripping then brighten the entire deck after stripping is complete ( will take several days to strip). I also am sure that a course sanding ( 60 grit on a random orbital) is going to be necessary before TWP 100pecan application.

Should I do the sanding before the brightening?

It still appears that I can see some finish still in the wood after such aggressive stripping and washing, not sure though. I am including some pics. i know that in the close up of the aforementioned treads it looks like an amber finish is still in there, but I wonder if it not just tannin.

final question; this deck is 24 x 18 with 2 stairs sections as shown . I purchased 10 gallons TWP 100 pecan, is it your opinion that I can get it done ( 2 coats) with this Quantity? Tavery

 
B.Wood
7 years ago

I have a pine log cabin that we are preparing to refinish. I have used TWP 100 numerous times on decks and have loved it, so I am wanting to use a TWP product (100 or 1500) for the cabin finish. First question, does one finish have distinct advantages over the other? I am in Arkansas so no V.O.C. regs to dictate decision.

Secondly, this cabin has been up for approximately 8 years without finish. As you would expect it has quite a fair amount of mold and surface oxidation. We are going to have the cabin media blasted to prep for the stain, do we then need to use a brightener or any other prep products, or simply stain right over the freshly blasted surface?

Third, this is a “D” style log cabin that was fairly poorly assembled and now has some moderate to major gaps opening between logs. With that in mind we have decided to add chinking between all logs in order to air & insect seal the exterior plane. Can you tell me what chinking/caulking products are compatible with TWP stains? We plan to chink before stain, as we want to chinking to disappear, but we need to insure the stain will bite the surface of the caulking used.

Thank you in advance for you help.

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago
Reply to  B.Wood

Both the TWP 100 and the 1500 last about the same. There is slightly more pigment in the 1500 so it is possible that on log siding you may get a little better UV protection. You should be okay with the prep. Look for chinking products that are compatible with oil based stains. TWP will not “stain” or color chinking or caulking. You cannot make it disappear. If you want it to blend, the chinking/caulking must be similar in color prior to staining.

Tom Glennon
7 years ago

Hello,

I stained my new cedar deck with Bonds One Time about 5 years ago, it got a second coat 3 years ago now and it is dire need for some attention. Will the stripper remove the Bonds? or will I have to sand the deck?

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago
Reply to  Tom Glennon

Bonds One Time can be stubborn to remove but the Restore a Deck Stripper and pressure washing should get it off. you may need to strip a couple fo times though to get all off.

Tom Glennon
7 years ago
Reply to  TWPStainHelp

Thanks for the fast response- do you recommend TWP100 or 1500 for the DuPage county IL?

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago
Reply to  Tom Glennon

Only the 1500 is allowed in IL.

jay
7 years ago

Last year applied Superdeck oil natural stain preservative to my 6 year old deck that had been stripped, cleaned, and sanded. The product dried patchy with large dark spots over the entire deck. I have cleaned, powerwashed, and brightened it to get it ready for restaining. Some darker patchy areas remain. Water does not bead up currently. Woud like to try TWP.
Would I need to strip deck prior to applying TWP to ensure penetration into the wood?

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago
Reply to  jay
 
TWPStainHelp
7 years ago

It will not strip off a solid stain. If you want to use TWP, you will need to sand it all off.

Spencer Carroll
7 years ago
Reply to  TWPStainHelp

I’m in a similar situation. Would a wood brightener be needed after sanding?

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago

Yes it would help.

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago

Wait and lightly wash and apply another coat in the Fall or next Spring.

Paul Gargalowitz
7 years ago

I have a pine pergola that was stained years ago with the old formulation of Cabot Australian Timber Oil (Jarrah Brown). It has stood up pretty well but now I can’t get the old formulation and I need to start thinking about maintaining the top horizontal surfaces at least. We live in southern NH. What do you recommend from a TWP perspective?

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago

Hi Paul, To be able to use the TWP you will need to remove the old Cabot ATO first. Using the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper and a pressure washer will do this for you. Apply the RAD Wood Brightener when done with the stripping of the Cabot. As for stain, look at the Dark Oak color to be “similar” to the Jarrah Brown.

Paul Gargalowitz
7 years ago
Reply to  TWPStainHelp

I was able to get it done and it looks great but some areas need a second coat. I didn’t have time to do the wet on wet routine. What should I do?

 
Janet Blume
7 years ago

I’m almost due to re-stain my deck. I was considering switching to TWP based on reviews. My current deck has transparent SuperDeck applied. Can I find TWP locally in Western Washington State? Can I use the Superdeck wood cleaner and then apply the TWP?

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago
Reply to  Janet Blume

Hello, you need to remove the SuperDeck from the wood before using TWP. Use the Restore A Deck Stain stripper and pressure washing. Apply the RAD brightener after. Once prepped, let dry for 48 hours before using the TWP. We are a online dealer and can ship all the products to you.

TWPStainHelp
8 years ago

The Stripper does not remove paint fully but it may remove some if the paint is deteriorating. You will must likely need to touch up the paint when done.

TWPStainHelp
8 years ago

No need for stripper. Just the cleaner and wood brightener.

Michael Dryja
8 years ago
Reply to  TWPStainHelp

Thanks! A follow-up question: right now our temperatures are in the 70s-80s during the day, and our overnight lows can drop to upper 40s. The instructions say to apply when it’s over 50 F. Is it OK that the overnight lows drop down to 46-47-48 F, though?

TWPStainHelp
8 years ago
Reply to  Michael Dryja

Yes that is fine and not an issue.

 
Nancy
9 years ago

Our painter applied TWP 200 in Butternut brown to our cedar deck last week. We had power washed and sanded the deck prior to application. Sadly the color is very orange looking and still has not dried. What should we do now if it does not dry or I can’t look at the color anymore? Will newly applied stain soften much? Can we apply another color without stripping?

TWPStainHelp
9 years ago
Reply to  Nancy

The 200 Series will lighten in color after 2-3 weeks as it continues to soak deep into the wood. I would leave it alone until then. It will dry as well.

TWPStainHelp
10 years ago

Julie, since this was sanded it would be helpful to lightly clean and brighten the wood now. This will help the stain to penetrate. As for stain, apply one coat now and another light maintenance coat (horizontals only) next Spring after a light cleaning/rinsing to remove the dirt and grime.

Julie
10 years ago
Reply to  TWPStainHelp

Ok, thanks for clarifying. Should I wipe down the deck with mineral spirits before the cleaning & brightening? Or is this not necessary? Thanks for your help!

TWPStainHelp
10 years ago
Reply to  Julie

Julie, not need for that.

TWPStainHelp
10 years ago

Nick P, the 1500 is not less transparent than the 100. I would stay with the 100 though if it is still available in your state.

 
TWPStainHelp
10 years ago

Ed, you cannot add a coating on top of the TWP. It will not work and create big issues down the road with peeling. Adding more TWP will not work either as TWP is supposed to soak into the wood, not dry on top of the wood creating a film.

TWPStainHelp
10 years ago

doug, no you cannot do that. You would need to remove the linseed oil before applying the TWP. Try the Restore A Deck stain stripper followed by the wood brightener.

jay b
10 years ago

I will be using the RAD stripper and brightener to prep a deck that is attached to the second story of my house. The house is painted in bright yellow and red colors with Sherwin Williams’ ‘Duration’. I plan to apply the stripper and brightener with a pump sprayer and wash them off with a pressure sprayer. Will these product harm the paint? I can tape poly on the walls in the work area for protection of overspray from the pump sprayer. However I am concerned that when I pressure wash some of that water and removed product will get behind the plastic, especially on the wall under the deck. Will the wash water (with stripper or brightener) in it harm paint or windows? Also the pickets on the deck are powder coated aluminum. Will the stripper or brightener harm the finish on the pickets?

Thanks, Jay b

TWPStainHelp
10 years ago
Reply to  jay b

jay b, it should not harm anything but it is always best to test first to make sure.

 
Jacs
10 years ago

My deck was stained with Australian Timber oil about 5 years ago. Do I still need to strip it? What would happen if I didn’t?

TWPStainHelp
10 years ago
Reply to  Jacs

Jacs, if you have any of the remaining stain left than you should strip otherwise the TWP may not soak in correctly and it may look blotchy.

TWPStainHelp
10 years ago

T Avery, at this point I would strip all, lightly sand than brighten. You should have more then enough stain for this.

119
0
Any questions on TWP Products? Comment Below!x