Why Remove Old Coatings When Switching to TWP Stains

by TWP Help

Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help

TWP Stain Tip: Why Remove Old Deck Coatings When Switching to TWP Stains

TWP Stains have been around for over 20 years. They are one of the only EPA registered wood preservatives on the market today. Using the highest quality raw materials, TWP offers superb protection from UV discoloration, fading, rot, decay, and water damage. It can be used on nearly any exterior wood surface to enhance the wood’s natural beauty and provide years of protection.

When switching to TWP Stains for your outdoor wood project it is important to understand the fundamentals of stain application. In order for a stain like TWP to work effectively and give the most protection the wood surface should be cleaned prior to staining. All dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and graying should be removed completely. In addition, any old coatings should also be removed when switching to TWP stains.

Why remove old coatings when switching to TWP stains?

This is so TWP can dive deep into the wood pores for maximum protection. If any old coatings of stain are left on the wood surface it can prevent a penetrating stain like TWP from doing its job. The new stain would simply sit on top of the old coating and would not be able to perform to its full potential. Removing any old coatings will reveal bare wood allowing TWP to penetrate and protect, as it should.

To remove old coatings when switching to TWP Stains, use a product like Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper. Unlike a wood cleaner, a stain stripper will also clean the wood in addition to breaking down any old coatings so they can be removed during the cleaning process as well. It’s crucial to remove all the old coatings so TWP can perform as expected. Once this process is complete, maintenance with TWP is a breeze. The wood can simply be cleaned every few years and recoated with fresh TWP. This will result in a beautiful long lasting wood surface for many years of enjoyment.

 

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Tim Kinnally
6 months ago

I own a log home in upstate N.Y. and I need to stain it. The stain is starting to come off in spots and I want to use TPW. I believe the present stain is water based but I will determine that. Is it required that I strip all the present product off? That seems almost impossible to do. I also want your opinion on which stain to use. Thanks.

Jeanne
9 months ago

I am going to be sanding off a layer of SuperDeck semitransparent stain from my Thermory Ash porch floor. What else do I need to do before applying TWP stain?

Troy Lennon
1 year ago

I am restoring a deck that had Behr solid stain and sealer, I live in ontario, what is best prep for this, It was paited 3 years ago and flaking off

Last edited 1 year ago by Troy Lennon
Thomas Hooton
7 months ago
Reply to  TWP Help

A 5-inch orbital sander is the best size for being able to follow the conure of each board and removing blemishes. One in each hand with make the project go a little faster.

 
RANDY WEBB
2 years ago

What is the Semi-Solid Pro Series? Why would i switch to that from the 100 Series? What are pluses and minuses of each?

Szczepanski John-Paul
2 years ago

I have sanded off an old semi-solid coating with 36 and 50 grit. I plan to power wash with deck cleaner. Do I need to commence any additional prepping before applying TWP-1500?

Szczepanski John-Paul
2 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

I see other comments where you recommend waiting a month after sanding off paint. I ordered the reconditioning kit in the hopes of staining earlier than that.

Last edited 2 years ago by Szczepanski John-Paul
Shannon Cline
3 years ago

We just stained a deck with this stain and the guy that applied the stain left puddles and now it’s dry and shiny looking. What can be done to fix this problem?

 
Francis Samuelson
3 years ago

Placing 120 Pecan TWP on deck that had Cabot Semi-transparent stain. Can I just sand the deck and then place on TWP or do I need to brighten before staining with TWP? It is going on a Western Red Cedar deck.

Christine
3 years ago

It started to sprinkle as I was putting on a second coat of TWP. The stain now has a yellow tinge. What can I do?

Denise Pressler
3 years ago

I have a 3 story home with 2 decks that wrap around 2 whole floors (approx 2000 sq.ft, each floor is identical) We rebuilt the deck using Doug Fir because Redwood is too expensive (Our home burned down years ago and we’re just now rebuilding after an insurance debacle. We cannot afford to hire anyone to do it professionally). We stained the wood last year and used PPG Flood deck semi-transparent stain in Mahogany because we thought it was a good stain and we wanted the wood grain to show. We applied it on all 4 sides of the wood before building the deck. The stain is very dull looking with the 1 coat. Our plan was to apply another coat after lightly sanding it as a final coat. We’re not thrilled with the product itself and researched a little more, finding TWP as top rated.

My question: Is it ok to lightly sand the walking areas and apply one of your stains over the existing stain. Should we put a sealer on it after another coat of stain? I appreciate any recommendations, I am at my wits end trying to figure this out without professional help!

 
Jay Wytas
3 years ago

I have a pressure treated pine deck that is painted. I am looking to switch to TWP stain. What is the correct process/steps of making this switch?

Jay Wytas
3 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

How long after the cleaner and brightener can I apply the stain?

GinaMarie
3 years ago

We used Ready Seal stain last year and it didn’t last through the summer on the deck around the pool. We are purchasing the 1500 Series Rustic 1516, since prior stain was not TWP we are also purchasing the Restore a Deck Stain Stripper. Is there anything we need after the Stain Stripper before applying the TWP 1500 Series Stain? Before Ready Seal we used Arbor Coat Semi-Transparent 3 years ago. We need to finally get this right, please help!

Nelson Hausman
3 years ago

I stained my deck wtih TWP years ago and it is time to restain. Can I just clean it and apply? Do I need to do two coats?

 
D Bible
3 years ago

Do you need to use a pre stain conditioner with your 1500 series stain

Sheri Bailey
4 years ago

I bought the Restore a Deck Kit WITH the thickener . Our old stain is Maxum 7600 Semi Transparent that was oil based. It has been on 4 years…It is breaking down from the hot Texas sun…Very tough to get off…Hard to sand off…Does the Restore a Deck Stripper with thickener usually get tough stain off? I will mix a batch and try, but don’t like chemicals and wondered how successful I will be…The strippers I bought at the big box stores for past redoes with same stain hardly touched it… We did concede and rent a walk behind sander for the big areas …just have the hard to get areas under railing etc… 700 Sq Ft deck.. Thanks

John
4 years ago

What twp stain color will enhance the mahogany characteristics of a 15 year old cambara mahogany deck that is preped and ready to stain?

 
Elliot
4 years ago

I have an aging fence near the end of its useful life and would like to preserve it for another 3 years. Is TWP a good fit, or should I find something else? I’ve pressured washed it and allowed it to dry for several months. If TWP is a good choice for this type of fence, how much (and what type of) product will I need to cover 2650 sq. ft.?
Thanks!

Ting
4 years ago

We stained our deck using TWP 1500 Rustic color 3 years ago. Now we want to change it to Cedartone. Do we use the Stripper or the Cleaner as the first step? Then use the Brightener as the second and stain?

lma
4 years ago

If switching from TPW100 (which no longer allowed in my state) and 1500, is stripping necessary?

 
Bill Brusky
4 years ago

A client’s deck is stained with Cabot solid color oil based stain. Most of which looks in decent shape. But they want a new semi transparent color to match a new wood shop.
Will your RAD stripper take off this stain? And help me with those verticals… I saw the word, “thickening agent” or “gel” somewhere on the site. Please explain. Thanks.

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doris
4 years ago

can cetol 1 and cetol 23 be applied over twp?

David W
4 years ago

I have used the Gemini Restore-A-Deck and TWP stain on a cedar fence about 6 years ago. It is looking like I will need to re-stain again soon. Do I need to do the whole Gemini Restore-A-Deck again or can I get away with just pressure washing and re-staining?

Also, I have a 5-year old Rainbow Play Systems playset. Rainbow playsets are made of California Redwood and come pre-stained with a water-based stain. Similarly, I am wondering if the Restore-A-Deck process needs to be applied to Redwood or if just pressure washing and re-staining will be sufficient?

David W
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thanks. On the playset, can the stripper damage (pit, corrode, tarnish, etc.) the nuts/bolts holding it together? Would taping them off with painters tape be sufficient? There are also some braces/brackets that have a rubberized protective coating.. Should those also be taped off or otherwise avoid contact with the stripper?

Thanks for the info!!

 
Ed Christopher
4 years ago

I am about to place my TWP order and have a few questions. I am restraining a deck, railings and pergola. All things were previously stained with a latex stain.
1. I assume that I need to strip everything. Is this true? Can I get by without striping the pergola and railings but just clean them?
2. I plan on using the RAD Stripper and Booster followed by the Brightener on the deck surface. Would I still need to use the Deck Cleaner first?

Misc notes: The deck is cedar and about 15 years old and has been stripped and stained several times. Currently most of the stain has flaked or worn off-the last coat being water based. The railings and pergola are pressure treated pine about four years old and have only been stained, with a water based stain, once.

Ed Christopher
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

The stain is Olympic Maximum Stain and Sealant in one. As you can see from the photos why my reluctance on trying to remove the stain from the pergola.

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Ed Christopher
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

Thanks–I am thinking I will use TWP on the rails and floor but use the Olympic on the pergola after cleaning of course.

Lou Cragin
4 years ago

If my deck was painted will your stripper take that off so I can stain the deck.

Lou Cragin
4 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

If the deck was sanded down to wood would that do the trick?

Kathryn M Aunger
5 years ago

TWP 100 was applied to my porch deck 5 years ago and still looked good but slightly faded. Professional painters pressure cleaned the deck two weeks ago and applied TWP 100 8 days ago. I noted that the product puddled on many boards. They assured me it would be absorbed. The puddles are gone but the surface is tacky and shiny. Today I wiped a small area with mineral spirits as recommended by the local paint store. That area is still tacky and shiny. My home is located in the mountains of western North Carolina. What do you recommend to remove the tackiness and shine?

 
Matt
5 years ago

I am switching to TWP 100 on a our siding which is pine. The old stain was a semi-transparent of unknown variety and on top of that was a layer of badly cracked/pealed varnish.

I sanded the board down to the wood – but had some deeper crevices on the weathered side of the house that I couldn’t get to. So I tried a stripper to get the rest of it on that weathered side – applied the stripper and then removed it using a water hose, not a power washer.

I still got some fuzzy stuff from the stripper application. I’d like to not have to re-sand – but if it’s a problem I guess I should know now. Should I take all the siding back to smooth by re-sanding the entire side? I was thinking I could do just the wood that’s closer to eye level as the further away stuff can’t really tell.

Matt
5 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

First picture is unweathered side that was just sanded. Looks good to me. Second picture is weathered side that got the stripper and has some fuzzy stuff. It’s not too bad and you can’t see it from a distance (third picture). But would it be a problem when I apply the stain?

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Matt
5 years ago
Reply to  TWP Help

First pic is unweathered side that’s smooth. Second pic is weathered side that got the stripper. Third pic is from further away.

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Eric Anderson
6 years ago

Should I use an orbital sander on all surfaces before I restain?

Todd
6 years ago

Will the Restore a deck stain stripper work on rough sawn cedar wood that is used vertically to create walls for a planter and cabinet?

 
Richman
7 years ago

I bought a condo with a 20+ year old deck here in Michigan. It faces North, has quite a bit of mold/moisture build up in the first few feet near the house, and needs about 20% replacement of rotten deck boards with new cedar. There also is some residual stain left on the rest of the deck. Just trying to get some advice as to the proper steps to make this deck look as good as possible. I’m guessing…1. Replace rotten boards. 2. Clean/strip deck? 3. brighten. 4. Apply finish coat of stain.

Also, I was considering using a solid stain on the rails and spindles do to the deck’s age. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago
Reply to  Richman

You have the correct steps. How to strip and apply the TWP is on our help site:

TWP Stain Help

Marmota
7 years ago

I have redwood hand rails that were previously stained with what is now a badly weathered oil based Sikkens product. Since I am only refinishing rail caps, I was going to remove them and sand them clean. Will that suffice as prepping for TWC 1500?

TWPStainHelp
7 years ago
Reply to  Marmota

Yes as long as you remove all of the Sikkens.

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