TWP 1500 Stain Review Updated 2024  4.6/5 (21)

This post was updated on February 22, 2024

TWP 1500 Series Review in 2024

Here at DeckStainHelp.com we take pride in the fact that we have become the Internet’s go-to site for all things exterior wood and deck restoration related. Hearing from our customers who have used TWP 1500 stain in the past, their decks have held up to the test of time and weather after this harsh winter. It is also one of our top go-to stains for our restoration business. As always, we appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.


TWP 1500 Series Deck Stain Review

TWP 1500 Review

TWP 1500 Stain RatingsImportant Note: This is our 2nd Review of the TWP 1500 Series. Our first review of the TWP 1500 Stain was started in 2010 and completed in 2012.

See Here for First Review: TWP 1500 Series Review

TWP 1500 Series Preservative is an  Oil-Based EPA-approved wood enhancing preservative that stops structural damage and exterior wood rot on treated or previously treated above ground wood surfaces such as fencing, decking, roof shakes, wood siding, and log homes.

*Note: TWP 1500 and the TWP 100 are the only deck stains registered by the EPA as a wood preservative. TWP 1500 is compliant in all US states while the 100 Series is not.

TWP Deck Stains – 1500 Series Review

TWP 1500 Stain Deck Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8.5

For the pine deck, we used the TWP 1530 Natural. This is not a “clear” but rather a traditional cedar color in our opinion. The manufacturer stated they made this color in the 1500 Series to match the color of the TWP 101 Cedartone. This allows for an easy switch from the 100 Series for consumers who are in a low VOC state.

The wood grain was highlighted naturally with the 1530 Natural semi-transparent tint. The TWP 1500 does not mask or film on top of the wood grain.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8.5

Excellent at preventing UV graying at the two-year mark.  For the vertical railings, the TWP 1500 lost very little of the color. For the horizontals, we saw close to 80% color retention.

Same results as last time and one of the better products for preventing color fading

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8

The TWP 1500 penetrates deep into the wood reducing the chance of wearing. We find that the TWP 1500 Scored well here for a low VOC oil-based stain.

Note that when staining brand new wood with TWP, we have found that it is best to let the wood season in the elements for at least 3+ months. Once it is weathered, we prep with a deck cleaner and wood brightener to enhance the stain penetration. Only 1 coat of the TWP 1500 for new smooth wood.

Cost Per Square Foot: 8

TWP 1500 Series cost us $43 per gallon. Coverage for the TWP 1500  on the pine deck was close to 150 square feet per gallon for the first coat and 250 for the second coat. We used 5 gallons for the 450 sq. feet.

Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9

No mold in the sunny areas of the deck floor. There was some mold growing on top of the TWP around the railings. This was close to a pine tree though and may have been the cause.

This result is normal with TWP products as they contain an EPA registered fungicide and a mixture of natural and synthetic oils.

Ease of Application: 8

TWP 1500 series applies fairly well. It is slightly thicker than the 100 Series so you do need to be careful, not over-applying. Make sure that all puddles that have not been absorbed in 30 minutes are wiped down. Best to apply with a stain pad. Attach this to a pole and “work” the stain into the wood. You can spray as well but you will need to back wipe for an even appearance. The TWP 1500 also takes a little longer to dry. Closer to 6+ hours. We have noticed that rain will not affect the 1500 Series as long as the stain has an hour or two to absorb.

Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 10

The 1500 Stain did not “darken” in color at the two-year review. This is excellent for an oil-based stain as many of the other brands have a darkening problem.

The Difficulty of Reapplication: 8

TWP 1500 Series can be reapplied with a minor cleaning first with a good quality deck cleaner. We have found that the TWP can be easily removed if needed with a deck stain stripper as well.

Overall Score TWP 1500 Stain at 2 Year Period: 8.44

TWP 1500 Series is one of the better wood and decking stains and is one of our top choices. As contractors, we really like stains that penetrate deep into the wood and can be reapplied without sanding. TWP 1500 fits this and more by adding excellent UV and mold protection. Maintaining TWP 1500 every 2-3 years is easy.

Product Information:

 

 

TWP Help? Search Google: TWP Stain Help
More Info: TWP 1500
Cost: $46.99 per Gallon, $234.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent – Oil-Based
Available Colors: 1500 Clear, 1501 Cedartone, 1502 Redwood, 1503 Dark Oak, 1504 Black Walnut, 1511 California Redwood, 1515 Honeytone, 1516 Rustic, 1520 Pecan, 1530 Natural
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 1-2 Coats. “Wet on Wet”. Only 1 coat on new smooth wood.
Coverage Per Gallon: 150-250 sq. ft for the first coat. 200-300 for a second coat if applied.
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 4-12 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: 350 Compliant in all States (Registered as Wood Preservative by EPA)
More Info: Product Data

Test Deck Stats:

Deck Wood Type: Pine Treated Decking
Deck Square Footage: 450 Square feet
UV Exposure: 50% Full Sun, 50% Shade. South Exposure.
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: 
Natural 1530*All products tested and results are from our experience as wood restoration contractors. 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.

TWP 1500 Series Deck Stain Photos

TWP 1500 Series Stain Review Video


Please Rate This. You may also post comments or ask questions below.

author avatar
Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993
#As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

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Charlie
Charlie
1 year ago

Hi, the last two times I’ve stained my deck I’ve used TWP 1500. I’m wondering if I could switch to Defy Extreme, or if I would get better results sticking with TWP. I’m not unhappy with the TWP, just thought I would try a water-based stain.

I’m on Cape Cod, MA, near the ocean. I last stained 3 years ago and parts of my deck have a lot of algae growth.I plan on cleaning/powerwashing/brightening before staining.

Elaine
Elaine
2 years ago

Hi there,
I stained my screened in porch deck with TWP black walnut about 7 years ago. I would like to restain due to fading in sunny areas. Do I have to sand down to the wood or can I just clean and apply a new coat of TWP?

Luanne Logan
Luanne Logan
3 years ago

Preping pressure treated deck in Ohio has previously been left 1st year then used behr lasting 5 years,stripped&sanded .Used Olympic elite very bad results.Stripped& sanded ongoing now>What are you recomendation to proceed and good stain recomendation?

Steve Ross
Steve Ross
4 years ago

Thanks for the helpful site! I applied 2 coats of TWP 1511 Redwood stain to my redwood fence almost 5 years ago. It still looks surprisingly good – mostly still the stain color – but of course seeing some greying. How should I prep for another coat or two of TWP? I have enough restore-a-deck cleaner and brightener leftover from 5 yrs ago. Should I use it again? Is the goal to scrub until the grey areas are gone? Is a brush good enough or will a pressure washer save a lot of time?

Adrianne
Adrianne
4 years ago

Posted this on the TWP 100 site, THEN found out can’t use it in NY State, in my area – Buffalo NY. – so I’m reposting here since it looks like TWP 1500 is the one we have to use. Hi – Have a pressure treated pine deck that’s just over a year old. Not been treated in any way and need to do it now before the snow flies. Live in Buffalo NY, so cold/snow. Looks like in reading about a number of stains by everyone – Behr, Ben Moore, Cabot, etc., TWP 1500 is the one that seems to be the best. We don’t want a solid stain, but would like to see grain, so a clear or semi-transparent. Would like something that will last the longest and give the best performance. Of course, we want the best protection against everything – peeling, cracking, color change, dirt, mold/mildew, etc. First Q: do we have to use the Gemini Restore kit first as mentioned in a couple posts? The wood has been weathered over a year, power washed last week and some boards sanded with 80 grit. Do we need to sand the rest of the boards? Is sanding really needed? 2nd Q: Since reading about some problems with mold/mildew, why can’t a mildewcide be added to this product to prevent that? Also, WHY do you not want to apply any of this product in the sun? Our yard gets direct sun and shade as the sun rotates around the yard. The whole deck is never all in shade at one time. Some part of it is always in sun until sunset, so we can’t avoid applying in sun. Lastly, someone asked how to tell which to use, oil or water based product. Your answer was: preference, whichever you want. My Q is: which one, oil or water, would be the easiest to apply, clean up after and reapply when needed? Do either have to be sanded when reapplication is needed (a big job)? Can either one just be power washed/cleaned without having to sand? We’re looking to use a semi-transparent as we want to see the grain of the wood. However, we also have posts and pergola tops, which would make having to sand when reapplication is needed a bear of a job, so we’d like the easiest way to do it all. Understanding the deck would get the most wear and need to be done sooner, but we would think at some point the posts and pergola tops would need to be done again. Should we use the oil or water based? BTW, in the picture, we don’t have the pergola tops up yet. They’re just “penciled in” to show people what it’ll look like. We’d like to get this done in the next week or so since the weather is supposed to be really nice. Not often the weather cooperates and we have a good 4-5 days of dry weather. Thanks very much for answering all… Read more »

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Jodi
Jodi
5 years ago

I live in Ohio and have a 22 yr old deck that has pressure treated pine boards with approximately 12 boards that were replaced 2 years ago. The new boards have never been stained. I hired a contractor to build a small addition onto my existing deck and they were supposed to begin working on it in 2 weeks. Contractor called today and stated that it would be mid to late October before they could begin work. I just completed pressure washing my deck last week to remove some of the old stain, algae, and graying on the newer boards. Much of the old stain remains especially in areas of shade and on the railings. Since I haven’t stripped the old stain off the deck yet, would it hurt to leave the newer deck boards exposed another year and just strip and stain the entire deck next spring including the new addition? I plan to use TWP 1503 dark oak.

SUE c
SUE c
5 years ago

Do you recommend a specific product for cedar? Covered porch cold Maine climate? Thanks, Sue

Bruce Darling
Bruce Darling
5 years ago

What is the best stain for a 9 month old pressure treated pine deck, full sun, Memphis TN area. Thanks and keep up the great work.

Bill Kamego
Bill Kamego
5 years ago

Can I darker the TWP 100 rustic stain with a coating of the dark oak?

Don Sundene
Don Sundene
6 years ago

where to purchase. Bellevue WA or Redmond Wa

Thumper
Thumper
6 years ago

I cleaned my deck with Thompson’s Heavy Duty Deck Cleaner. I would like to brighten, but the only one I have found is Thompson’s Deck Cleaner & Brightener. Is this a two-in-one product? Can I get away with using only a brightener (and not a cleaner+brightener)? If so, what is a good brightener-only product?

VT_Paul
VT_Paul
7 years ago

I have a deck that the previous owner probably hasn’t treated in 9 years. I purchased the RAD Step 1 and 2. Can I simply just apply the TWP after pressure washing and using RAD Step 1 and 2? Thanks!

VT_Paul
VT_Paul
6 years ago

Once stain is applied (TWP100), how long do I need to have a dry period? Is it OK to have rain fall on the stained deck within 24 hours of application?

tcmault
tcmault
7 years ago

I have a new 5' cedars dog ear fence. Total length 90'. With both sides that is 900sq ft.

Since CO allow both 100 and 1500 which of the two would be best for a first coat?

I plan on using a pump garden sprayer to apply the TWP.

Alan Palumbos
Alan Palumbos
7 years ago

"TWP 1500 Series cost us $38 per gallon. Coverage for the TWP 1500 on the pine deck was close to 1500 square feet per gallon for the first coat and 250 for the second coat. We used 5 gallons for the 450 sq. feet."

I am confused. You stated 1500 sq ft (150 maybe) on the first coat and 250 on the second. That seems backwards, especially since you needed 5 gallons for a 400 sq ft deck.

I have a 360 sq foot redwood deck plus railings to be stripped and re-stained. Would I need 4 or 5 gallons of stain?

Glynn
Glynn
7 years ago

I live in Raleigh North Carolina and have a KDAT pressure treated deck that was built in January of 2015. In June of 2015 the deck was power washed and stained with TWP 100 and here it is after only 16 months and the deck looks terrible (the boards have dark streaks, water doesn’t bead, boards are grayed out in places, etc.). In correcting this issue I have used Thompson’s Oxy Foaming cleaner along with Cabot’s Ready to Use Wood Brightener followed by power washing to clean up the mess but the boards still exhibit dark areas and streaking. The deck is partial sun and partial shade and it seems to be more troublesome in the sunny area. My gut feeling tells me to use a stripper to remove what is left and go back with an oil based stain instead of the TWP 100. What are your suggestions?

Kelly
Kelly
7 years ago
Reply to  Glynn

I also live in Raleigh and have a new deck. Is your deck a new one or is this a re-stain, and was your stain transparent or semi-transparent? Thanks!

Pauline
Pauline
7 years ago

Massachusetts, PT porch facing northeast, so some sun but not much. Was constructed late fall 2015, planning to stain for first time this week. Someone recommended power washing it instead of using a cleaner since it's had minimal use and is still "new"ish. So, we did that, then sanded. Provided we clear off debris right beforehand, are we okay to use this product or do we definitely need to use the recommended cleaners as well? Feeling anxious about colder nights coming and causing application issues if we have to do additional prep, but obviously don't want to do bad job. Many thanks!

Tom Kraft
Tom Kraft
7 years ago

I have approximately 500 sq. ft. of 2nd growth redwood full dimension 2×6 I milled on my band mill drying inside. I hoped to stain it before laying it down on the stringers. Would it be wise to stain all 4 sides, and if so what product and process would you advise?

david
david
7 years ago

I just purchased 5 gal of TWP 1500 for my redwood deck and redwood fence. Live in california central valley. its hot in the summer over 100 degrees. I applied ducks back to the deck last year and I removed pretty much all of it with a pressure washer. do I need to do any further prep or can I just go ahead and stain?

Tamera Field
Tamera Field
7 years ago

Wonderful site! We have a new 1000 sf redwood deck in Southern California. Some of the deck get full sun most of the day, while the rest is covered by a patio cover. The deck has been seasoning for nearly six months now. We are considering TWP. We are very lazy people (at least I'm honest!), and want something that will wear well, and not be too much maintenance.

Scot Brownlie
Scot Brownlie
7 years ago

I have a new cedar fence that is about a month old. It appears to be rough sawn so can I use this right now as your article on new wood suggests? Not clear when the article says to let the wood dry. Does that mean I have to wait 4 months?

Rochel
Rochel
7 years ago

We patched our weathered deck and now want to stain the entire thing. There is 10% new wood, the rest is old and grey. May I use the TWP 1500 after pressure washing the deck?

Beth
Beth
7 years ago

We are stripping off TWP Redwood from the previous owners. I believe it was TWP 1500. We live in Illinois so I don't think they used TWP 100 unless they bought it from out of state. How long as the 100 been unavailable in IL?

We want to use dark oak or black walnut. Do we need to be sure all of the redwood color is gone before applying the new stain color?

Beth
Beth
7 years ago

We removed as much stain as possible but now the new stain is really uneven. Any tips??

Jimmy
Jimmy
7 years ago

Live in Maine…… have a PT 15 year-old deck… am in the process of sanding it down to get rid of the weathering. Fairly sure I'm going with TWP1500, however, I'm concerned with how the stain color with look on the pt wood. With the greenish hue I wonder how this will affect the final color. Is there any kind of reference to view which would give an indication? TWP is only available via mail and I not like to make a mistake with color choice.

Jimmy
Jimmy
7 years ago

Yes. I was trying to avoid the extra cost and thought there might be a reference picture of various stain colors on pt wood. On another note, when do I use a cleaner vs. a brightener —- I'm sanding everything right now so am getting most of that weathered look taken off.

Susan
Susan
7 years ago

Need advice. I live in Salt Lake City. Had a new redwood deck built last year. Used TWP 100 Clear two weeks after
being built. It was hand sanded down by contractor. Come spring it was all peeling and flaking. Some places the
finish is sill there but very few spots in the sun. The shade is not as bad but still poor. Deck is on south side. How should I restore this and with what product?

Dave
Dave
7 years ago

I have a 2 year old cedar deck that has never been stained. We pressure washed then scrubbed with oxalic acid and it looks like new again. I live in Minnesota and the deck sees morning shade and hot afternoon sun and lots of winter snow cover. What treatment do you recommend? Considering Sikkens SRD and TWP. Would appreciate you're suggestions.

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