This post was updated on February 26, 2024
TWP 100 Pro Series Stain Review
This is Our 1st Review of TWP 100 Series Stain. Our second review was completed in 2018. Please see here: TWP 100 Stain Review
Important Note for TWP 100 Series: There has been a label change for the TWP 100 Series. New labels now say TWP 100 Pro Series. Same product, performance, and colors.
TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Preservatives have been manufactured for over 25 years while proving to be one of the best products on the market. TWP 100 Series is a 550 VOC compliant wood stain that is available currently in 36 states. Composed of natural and synthetic oils, TWP 100 Series will provide ample protection from snow, rain, and UV radiation.
TWP 100 Series has been rated #1 by Consumer magazine.
TWP Stain – 100 Series Rating
TWP 100 Series Wood Deck Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8.5
– We tested the 101 Cedartone color for the pool deck. The semi-transparent color was a traditional cedar color, slightly orange/yellow. The stain had no issues penetrating into the wood completely and did not mask the wood grain.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8
– The TWP 100 Stain retained 80% of the original color after 2 years of weathering.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8.5
– TWP 100 exhibited zero peeling of the stain after 2 years. Slight wearing around the stairs where the wood butted up to the pool. This area was slightly more faded as well. Possibly from the chlorine in the pool.
Cost Per Square Foot: 9
– We paid $139.99 for the 5-gallon pail of TWP 101 Stain. We used all 5 gallons for the 800-foot pool deck. We applied two coats to the wood. The cost to stain with TWP 100 Series was $.18 per foot for 2 coats of stain.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
– TWP offers the best resistance to mold and mildew for an oil-based wood preservative. No mold, mildew or algae spores were present on the wood decking.
Ease of Application: 9.5
– TWP is easily applied. We applied two coats to the flooring using an 18″ wide stain applicator. The first coat took us about 30 minutes to cover 800 feet. The second coat took only 20 minutes as the TWP 100 applied at a better spread rate. Overall the 800 square feet were covered in under an hour and applied evenly with no puddling.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 9
– TWP 100 lightens in color after 2 years. No darkening from UV or mold.
The Difficulty of Reapplication: 9
– TWP 100 Pro Series offers deep penetration with no darkening of the stain. Reapplication will be easy without the need for stripping off the two-year-old stain. Cleaning to remove some dirt and grime would be enough to prep for another coat.
Overall Score TWP 100 Series at 2 Year Period: 8.81
– TWP for good reason gets one of our top overall scores. It is too bad that this product is not available in all 50 states but the TWP 1500 Series performed nearly the same in our test results and can be obtained in all states. If you are looking for a great stain that is economical as well, then the TWP 100 Series should be considered.
Product Information:
TWP Help? Search Google: TWP Stain Help
More Info: TWP 100 Stain
TWP Stain Facebook Page: TWP Deck and Wood Stains
Cost: $41.99 per Gallon, $209.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent – Oil-Based Wood preservative
Available Colors: 100 Clear, 101 Cedartone, 102 Redwood, 115 Honeytone, 116 Rustic, 120 Pecan, 105 Cape Cod Gray, 106 Prarie Gray
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats. “Wet on Wet”
Coverage Per Gallon: 150-250 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2-8 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: 550 Compliant in 36 States
More Info: Product Data
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pine
Deck Square Footage: 800
UV Exposure: Full Sun Pool Deck
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: 101 Cedartone
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Applying TWP in Dark Oak to Wood Fence.
Which is better for a brand new pool deck? The TWP pro series 1500 or 100 series?
Where do you live? You cannot stain new wood right away: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Live in Kansas, Just did a re-work of my deck using treated pine how long should I wait before I apply the stain.
Thanks
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I did a reapply of twp on cedar siding exposed to severe weather conditions in Florida after the cleaning process 2 coats on problem areas and one coat on less exposed areas it has some shinny spot where it didn’t penetrate the wood as much wouldn’t it be better to leave those areas instead of wiping it of with the mineral spirits to keep the product on to protect the wood better in this environment?
Wiping off would only remove the excess that was unable to soak in. It would not alter or reduce the life of the stain.
I’m in the process of having a Patio cover and pool cabana built. The post for the cover and outside of the cabana will be rough cedar. Is the TWP 100 stain a good option for this aplication or should I look into something else?
Yes it would work well.
Can wpt stain be applied to epay wood decking as a post 10 years application in Seattle wa. I used twp 101 for the the original application and will use the same. What preparation do i need to do before i apply the next application?
Clean and brighten for prep and then use the TWP in Rustic for IPE.
I stained my deck with TWP 100 last fall and now i kind of feel its not as vibrant as it was during last fall.. is that expected? and also i missed to sand before the stain and now every time i run my hand over the deck top i get a splinter or two in to my hand.. can any thing be done without having to restain?
TWP is a penetrating stain that soaks fully into the wood. It is normal to lightly fade (not peel) over the years before a reapplication is needed. Just leave as is and do a maintenance coat next year.
THANKS. What about the splinters.. is ther any way to fix wothout restaining them
Sorry but no.
Hi. We live in Georgia and trying to decide what to do about a new porch which faces South with a lot of sun (picture included).
We originally thought we would paint railings white and stain the cedar ceiling, corbels and gable. Now that we see the cedar railing, I think I’ve changed my mind as the wood itself is beautiful.
TWP 200 has been recommended by the contractor; however, he did not mention that the wood might need to age. Some of the wood seems rough and some smooth.
Couple of questions:
Would you recommend TWP 200 Butternut (as the door is stained a dark walnut) or prefer a TWP 100 or even an Armstrong product?
Would you still recommend to allow it all to age 4 – 12 months before staining?
Is there anything else I might be missing while considering staining everything as it pertains to direct sunlight?
Thank you in advance!
Yes you will need to age this for 4-12 months and prep after with the Gemini Restore Kit. Use the TWP 100 Series in Dark Oak if looking at a color similar to the door.
I want to slightly lighten the two 100 dark oak. Can I add clear and mix the two to achieved a lighter stain without adding any concern?
Yes, you can mix the TWP colors. We do it all the time.
Is there any advantage in using 1500 TWP over 100 series for new Cedar Fence 6 mos. old?
No not really.
Any thoughts on how twp 100 or 1500 will work on redwood? Testing was performed on pine.
No issues with using TWP on redwood.
I just re-coated after 3 years in MN using TWP100; almost 2000 ft2 of redwood decking. I used Wolman Deck & Fence Brightener Wood Cleaner and Coating Prep and power washed off before the re-coat (3 days drying) using a 40 degree nozzle (white). The reason using the Wolman product was to deeply clean/brighten the areas under roof cover, which were in great shape and I wanted the whole deck surface consistent in stain appearance. I just needed to clean some areas with mineral spirits after staining to remove the shinning stain where it didn’t soak in under the areas of roof cover where the original coat was still good.
The decking looks like the original coat after the re-coat. I love TWP100 and the Wolman (no sodium hypochlorite) made the cleaned decking look new. 2022 will be my next re-coat.
My re-coat was one applied coat using a deck staining pad and long pole to back brush where the stain wouldn’t completely soak in.
Hi, I have a ~12 year old 600 sq ft Mahogany deck. It has probably had 5~7 coats of Sikkens deck stain on it over the years. The last coat is now peeling off at a rapid rate and I am about to have it sanded. I am thinking about using the TWP 100 (redwood) stain. Is there any additional prep work I need to do besides the sanding?
Also, there is a large built in bench around 2 sides of the deck. Stripping the vertical pieces will be tricky. Do they need to be completely stripped down to the bare wood for the TWP to stick and look reasonably similar to what is there?
How to I figure out if I will need one or two coats?
Thanks, Jeff
All the Sikkens will need to be removed. Sand and then clean and brighten for final prep. Two coats wet on wet since it is an older deck and all previous coatings will be removed.
Hi, what do you mean “wet on wet”?
Thanks!
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-instructions-for-wet-on-wet/
I purchased TWP 1500 oil stain based on your ratings and recommendations for removal of prior transparent stain, (Behr), which peeled in many areas after 1 year. I used Restore A Deck cleaner and brighter. Our 600 sq.ft cedar deck was 20 years old and some boards needed replacement. Since new wood doesn’t absorb stain the same as the older wood. and review of many of others with similar experience in your Q&A area, I applied only one coat, not wanting to over apply the oil on adjacent new and old cedar wood. Based in TWP recommendations and the TWP calculator, I purchased 6 gallons of the TWP 1500., but used only 3 gallons since I did not apply the second coat. The deck came out beautifully. It looks great but now I have an excess of stain .I am very pleased with the results and would recommend TWP 1500 oil to anyone.
Can the excess TWP 1500 be used for my next treatment, probably in two years ? If so,, should I store it in the original 5 gallon shipping container ( with 2 gallons remaining) or should I transfer it to smaller gallon metal or plastic containers? I have 1 gallon remaining in the TWP original container.
Thank you for your helpful recommendations on preparation and stain. I look forward to your response.
The TWP shelf life is 12 months if opened, 2-3 years if unopened. It would be best to store the excess from the 5-gallon in smaller containers so the lid will close fully.
Thank for the information regarding shelf life and storage. Can either plastic or metal cans be used for storage?
Since my 600sf cedar deck had a mix of 20 year old and about 10 % new boards I applied one coat of TWP1500, since the mix of cedar boards would absorb stain at different rates.
Should I apply a second coat after 1 year ( after cleaning )
Is brightner also required ?
Is it preferable to wait to until the first coat begins to wear or fade before cleaning and reapplying TWP 1500 with the recommended wet on wet 2 coat process?
Probably metal cans is best. You can do another coat next year if needed or the year after if it looks okay. Clean and brighten for prep.
Hi,
I have an 11 month old cedar deck. Our house is set in the woods and surrounded by 40′ + trees. We get no direct sun in the morning, but a fair amount of afternoon sun. All of the railing you see is replaned western redwood(?) from the original deck which was built in 1970.
Our contractor hand sealed all of our decking and railing with Olympic clear 3 year. As you can see it is coming off quickly.
Note: The single board that is darker I brush coated with Olympic 6 year semi transparent in the redwood tone. I am liking the darker look and think it matches better with the railing.
Any suggestion on a redwood tone stain that I can put on the decking that will compliment the railing?
Thanks for your help,
Ben
Look at the Cedartone or Pecan color in the TWP.
Hi, I am building western red cedar outdoor furniture. What steps and products should I use?
TWP cannot be applied to new wood right away. They want 4-12 months of weathering outdoors and you will need to prep with their Gemini Restore Kit.
Does anyone know if tint can be added to the series 100 clear? I would like to have cedartone.
No you cannot add tints to the TWP clear.
Hi, I am a new customer. Have a deck that was stain with a oil base stain. Want to try your product, how to I prep before I apply your product. This also has been added to so I understand the color will be darker, looking at going with a dark oak stain. Currently a dark brown on the old part. Next what is the difference between the 100 and 1500 series. Also, I have a 200 ft fence installed last fall and want to apply a natural clear coat, want to leave the greyish look, do I have to prep it before spray the fence. and how much would I need to order for 200 feet on the outside 6 foot high. I would need to double the stain to do both inside and out?
If you have an old stain on the deck, you should remove it first. How depends on the type and brand. Many can be stripper and pressure washed off and then brightened. Once prepped, look at the TWP Dark Oak. For the fence, you will need to prep with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener. Use the TWP in Clear. It will gray naturally while protecting the wood. Yes you have to double the amount for both sides of the fence. You have 2400 total sq. feet. About 20 Gallons of the TWP Clear and two coats applied.
Please get back too me. Because sikkins.faded way to fast
I do not see a question?
3 year old deck is ready for a new coat of stain. Should I use the same brand, or would it be ok to use the TWP brand?? If so, what kind of prep work should I do??
If switching brands you should remove by stripping or sanding. Brighten the wood after.
new yellow cedar decking…how long should it sit before cleaning & staining with TWP 100 ?
If I have vapor barrier-on ground and decking is 16" above, is it necessary to stain underneath board? (2X6" decking.)
Where can I get twp 100 stain in Tacoma/ Seattle area, western Washington.?
TWP wants 4-12 months and prep with their Gemini Restore Kit before staining. Just one coat as well for new wood. No need to stain undersides.
Where can I get twp stain in Seattle/ Tacoma area, western Washington.?
Mike, order online or contact manufacturer for help in finding a location near you.
ACE hardware can order it for you. I have used the TWP116 with great results. It is special ordered and comes 4 gallons to a box.
I am installing a new cedar (kiln dried) pergola in Maryland. All rough cut boards. I want to prevent graying. In years to come, removal of stain from a 3 layer, 12 ft high 14×20 pergola will be very difficult (topmost layer is 2x4s on 10 inch centers). Is there a product I can apply with a sprayer after applying a cleaning product such that I don't have to go in and hand stain every board? I am not even sure it would be possible to do that.
You can spray on the TWP but you will need to back brush to catch drip drips and to make sure it applies uniformly.
Where can I buy TWP in. Houston, Texas?
Has any one had trouble with the T.W.P. treated deck being slippery when wet?
We never had as it is a penetrating stain when applied correctly. I suppose if you over applied the TWP it could be somewhat slippery.
followed the directions to a "T" on a brand new C60 ft. Cedar deck. It did not make it thru the winter. The stain pealed off. My friend used it also and the same thing happened. Everywhere we walked the stain came off :'(
SG, TWP is a penetrating deck stain. If it peeled then it never penetrated and that is a result of over applying, improper prep, or combination of both. If it soaks in then it does not peel. For new wood TWP wants you to wait 4-12 months and clean and brighten for prep. Also they suggest just one coat the first year and they suggest to apply another coat the second year when dealing with new wood. New wood is not absorbent and the reasons I mentioned is most likely why it had an issue.
Greetings, I just re-stained my pine deck after stripping all the old finish off, treating with brightener etc. I read that I needed to be careful to not over apply the stain, so I ended up just doing one coat. I hit a few other places with a bit more, but as far as I can tell the color is good and I am happy with the outcome. It did not look like it needed more. However, since I did not do a second coat, did I under apply the stain? I used a bit over 3 gallons on a mainly horizontal ground deck (not elevated) that had two sections, 15×23 and 16×22 respectively. I bought 8 gallons thinking I would need that much plus some for maintenance. I applied with the small 6" pad you sell. If I did under apply, is it too late to do a second coat (it has been 3 days, and it would not been done until at least 2 more, and there has been some very light drizzle one morning), or should I just wait to see how it is next summer? Thanks!
Leave alone and apply a light coat next Spring if needed. Better this way as it may not take another coat now.
I'm a single mom in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area so my apologies in advance for the many questions. I bought a new home about 10 months ago in a new subdivision so am dealing with new construction/healthy wood. I'm considering staining my side of the yard wood fence since I believe the wood is now “old enough” but am unsure as to the benefit since the subdivision lots are small and I share the fence with a neighbor on the east side and a different neighbor on the west side….and these neighbors probably won't stain their sides of the fence.
Question 1) Is there a benefit to me years later in terms of seeing a beautiful fence on my side should I choose to stain the yard fence visible on my property while my neighbor(s) neglect staining their sides?
Question 2) My fence looks great now but I'm honestly unsure as to what if anything the builder has already treated the wood with. Assuming I do treat the fence on my side, should I just clean the wood first and then stain because my gut leads me to believe the builder hasn’t treated the wood?
Question 3) I'm uncertain as to what to clean my fence with before beginning this project. Any suggestions?
Questions 4) Its seems that TWP 100 is an option for purchase today in TX but I'm confused as to if I should go with TWP 100 (seems to be better per the discussion/reviews below so I'm leaning on going this route) or TWP 1500 and what later challenges I'll have wrt future staining assuming TX later outlaws the sale of TWP 100… Would I be able to stain my fence in the future with any retail brand oil-based stain or would TWP 1500 be an option if my initial stain today is TWP 100?
Questions 5) Would stripping be later required to go from TWP 100 in 2015 to TWP 1500 or to a retail oil-based brand 3 or 4 years later?
Questions 6) Am I correct to assume a 2-coat stain with TWP 100 will last 3 or 4 years on average in the state of TX considering our hot summers?
Questions 7) What recommendations do you have to protect home siding paint?
Thank you in advance for your assistance!
1. Depends on the UV exposure. best to do all sides so might want to ask them. It will definitely look better on your side.
2. You would know if it was treated previously by seeing if there is color added. Doubt the builder did anything. Always prep before staining.
3. Restore A Deck Kits and light pressure washing.
4. You can use the 1500 over the 100. If you switch brands then you have no choice but to strip and remove first.
5. Yes if switching brands.
6. Yes on vertical wood.
7. No idea on the paint
No, it (the color) will not last more than a year when exposed to rain and sun! I have used 1500 series to stain a new, 1 year aged (without stain), pressure treated wood, prewashed, let dry, applied 2 coats within 30 min, the color all faded next summer. You have been warned! Not worth the extra cost. Many reviews are bogus or not from folks whom have had actually experience longer than after applying. I bought and used TWP based on reviews, the actually product is anything but like the reviews. Use at your own risk if price and labor is of no concern. You'd have to re-stain yearly, major PITA!
Simon, sorry it did not work to your expectations. We use TWP on our customers decks on average of about 400 decks a year and for the past 10+ years. They all get 2-3 years of protection and does not need to be done every year. The only exception is new wood and we tell our customers that this is normal and they will need to apply alight coat after the first year on new wood. This is due to the wood, not the TWP. Thanks