This post was updated on May 7, 2023
TWP 100 Pro Series Review for 2023
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 consumers who have used the TWP 100 Series wood stain, their decks have held up to the test of time and weather after this harsh winter. TWP is one of our top go-to stains as deck restoration contractors and we have been using it for 20+ years. As always, we appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
Important Note: There has been a recent label change for the TWP 100 Series. New labels now say TWP 100 Pro Series. Same product, performance, and colors.
TWP 100 Series Review
This is our 3rd Review of the TWP 100 Series.
See our other reviews of the TWP 100 Series here: TWP 100 Wood Stain Reviews
TWP 100 “Total Wood Preservative” Deck Stain protects and maintains all exterior wooden surfaces. TWP Wood Stain is a special blend of chemicals in a contractor-grade formula that safeguards and protects exterior wooden surfaces.
TWP® 100 SERIES penetrates deeply into wood without excessive surface film build, highlighting existing grain patterns with amazing clarity and warmth, and is specifically designed to provide protection against the four major causes of wood degradation: wood rot, water, sunlight & mildew.
TWP Deck Stains – 100 Pro Series Review
TWP 100 Series Wood Deck Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9
– We prepped the deck first with the Gemini Restore Kit and applied the TWP 120 Pecan color after a few days of drying. This deck was originally done with the TWP 101 Cedartone. The customer wanted to use the Pecan this time as it has a slight “brown” tone. The overall appearance was excellent.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8
– Same as the first time tested, The TWP Pecan 120 retained about 80% of the original color after 2 years of full exposure to the elements.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9
– Very minor or no wearing of the TWP. TWP penetrates very well into the wood grain so this is normal and expected.
TWP 120 Pecan
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
– The price paid was $170 for the 5-gallon pail of TWP 100 Pro-Series Stain. We used 6-7 gallons for our 700 sq. foot deck. The total amount for the stain came to $240 or .35 cents per foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
– No mold or mildew. Some green algae along the edge, near the home.
Ease of Application: 9
– We use the suggested TWP application of “wet on wet”. Pump sprayed on the first coat for the floor very lightly and applied the second coat with a pad applicator to ensure an even appearance. Railings were stained with a pad and brush. Overall, we applied the TWP stain in a few hours to the 700 sq. foot deck and a team of two employees.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 9
– The TWP did not darken from mold or UV discoloration.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8
– Reapplication will be as easy as using their Gemini Restore A Deck Kit. One of the kits will be enough to clean and brighten the deck for reapplication. No stain stripper will be needed to remove as the TWP has faded lightly and evenly over the last few years.
Overall Score TWP 100 Series Stain at 2 Year Period: 8.5
– Once again the TWP is one of our most commonly used stains. We personally have applied the TWP 100 Series to many 1000’s of decks and rarely have an issue. Easy to apply and easy to reapply when the time comes. There are a few other stains that are as good, but as of yet, no other product has been better.
Note: We do not use TWP on brand new wood. If applied to wood that is less than 4 months old, it seems to have a difficult time with penetration. We find this with many of the stains we have used on new wood. The manufacturer suggests waiting 4-12 months to let the wood weather. We strongly suggest that you wait and only apply one coat for wood that is 4-12 months old.
Product Information:
TWP Help? Search Google: TWP Stain Help.
More Info: TWP 100 Series
Cost: $42 per Gallon, $210 per 5 Gallon per Pail is the average
Stain Type: Oil-based Semi-Transparent
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. Applied “Wet on Wet” Only 1 Coat for new smooth wood.
Coverage Per Gallon: 150-250 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2-12 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits or Paint Thinner
VOC Compliant: 550 Compliant in 36 States
More Info: Product Data
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 700
UV Exposure: Deck in full sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: TWP Pecan 120
*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.
TWP 100 Series Stain Photos
TWP 100 Pro-Series Review Video
Deck Stain Help & Questions
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.
Thanks Deck Stain Help for all of the great info on your site! Followed your guidance & just finished staining our deck, details below & 4 photos attached.
TWP 100 series stain
Custom Color – 5 gallons Rustic 116 to 1 gallon Dark Oak 103
600 sq ft deck + rail + steps + lattice
Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine
Waited 1 year to stain new deck
Used Gemini 2 part cleaner
Brushed stain application, 2 coats wet on wet
12 gallons of stain to cover everything in photos
Thanks for the post and pictures. You did a quality job with this!
Applying TWP in Dark Oak to Wood Fence.
I have applied thousands of gallons of this stain. I LOVE it! I have used Olympic (Max and Elite), Flood, Readyseal, Armstrong Clark, and others. this is BY FAR the best stain money can buy, which is generally cheaper than most oil based stains. Weathering is KEY. you can NOT apply this stain to new wood, it molds in a matter of weeks, but all oil stains will do this because they will not penetrate and trapped in spores will not wash out. Great stain, great price.
While we were waiting to stain our white cedar shakes and cypress posts some mildew took root in some areas and we have some water marks. We finally are having it stained 6 mo later and the painters pressure washed every thing with Green Clean. I still see some mildew and they said they hope some sanding will remove it. We also have pine ceilings on the brow and porch which does not have any mildew, thankfully. But does everythg need to be brightened now as well? I do not think they are planning to do that. We are using the TWP 100. Thanks for your help.
Nemo, you should use their Gemini Restore kit. This kit is the prep and contains both the proper cleaner and a wood brightener.
Cedar Adirondack chairs, sanded smooth, in Minnesota. Do I just leave them alone for the 1st season before applying any finish next fall?
Yes, let them weather for at least 4 months and then lightlyclean before staining.
Andrew, when can you apply this to new wood?
No. New wood needs to season 4-12 months and be prepped before applying TWP stains.
My NEW deck was built in April with pressure treated wood . I was going to stain it in oct ( Fall for Michigan ) before the harsh snowy winter season approaches. So that would make it 6 months old but of course the wood could have been older than that from the lumbar yard. That I do not know . Should I be safe to use TWP ?
Yes on the TWP. Prep with the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit first.
I just completed staining my 5-year old cedar using TWP-101. This is by far the best oil-based stain on the market. I made my decision on going with the TWP-100 series based on information on the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available for most stains online. If it doesn’t contain petroleum distillates and linseed oil, and cleans up with paint thinner, it probably is going to fail and peel within the year. I had used Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil which peeled after 6 months. It took me two months to sand the deck, I then applied the deck stripper and deck brightener. The stain went on smoothly and quickly using a brush. I completed my 650 sf deck including the railing with on 5-gallon pail! The wet-on-wet application is easy and quick and you will not see any drips or lap marks! This stuff is the best out there…you can’t go wrong as long as you have a properly prepared deck! The prep time is the most important; again it took me 2 months to sand and prep!!!!! Don’t rush is and you will be very satisfied! So glad I found this product.
Looks really good!
Thanks! And thank you for this product!!!!
Hi. What color tint did you use on your deck? Looks great.
TWP-101 Cedartone
Hi there,
I have prepped my 25 yr old cedar deck by stripping most areas with the restore a deck stripper and also used the twp stripper. Brightened using Restore a deck product last week. I replaced a few rotting boards with kiln dried cedar from local Seattle lumber yard. The new boards were exposed to the brightener product. Should i apply only one coat of the twp 100 series to the new deck boards? And two coats to all others? Would the cleaner/brightener product remove the mill glaze that i see referred to in other new wood posts? This will be my first time using an oil based product since my nightmare with penofin stain 12 years ago. Slightly shy about using the twp in September in Seattle. I will do my best to apply correctly ( not overapply!) so that it gets a full cure despite shade on north side of deck and high humidity in this region. Any tips appreciated! Thanks, Diana
You cannot stain your new wood yet. It has to weather and be prepped.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
With TWP, only one coat for the new wood after proper weathering and prep.
Hey there, we have a cedar deck. It’s been neglected for about 5 years so the wood was really grey. I sanded all the railings and added Dalys sea fin ship and shore penetrating waterproofing sealer to harden and condition the wood. I’d like to now use TWP cedar tone over to finish. Do you see any issues there! Thank you!!
You cannot use a penetrating stain like TWP over a sealer or vice versa. The sealer will repel the stain in this case.
Second coat needed?
That varies based on how old the wood is, if a prior coat of TWP on the wood already, and the prep as well.
What is the best stain for a deck exposed to the winter elements here in the northeastern US? It is a deck constructed of Amish rough cut lumber. How often should it be stained? How many coats should be applied each time. Thank you
What state do you live in? Is the wood new or older?
Hi. I live in Port Huron Michigan. I have a pressure treated 2 tiered deck that is 50 percent in the shade for most of the day. With snow cover post winter I do get a bit of mildew that burns off in the spring and summer heat. I used a clear PU coating last year and it faded as well as flaked off. I am looking for a light or clear stain that is very UV resistant and has an Algicide component to it. I can spray or roll or rag on and am not concerned whether it is water based or solvent based. My main concern would be to get the maximum number of years with little fading or flaking. I can sand prep etc. please advise.
Your main issue is fully removing the Poly coating. That cannot be used on a deck. You will have to power sand to get this off. Once removed, the TWP would work well for you. FYI, the richer/darker the color, the longer it will last from UV graying.
I just applied one coat of Sherwin-Williams water-based transparent wood stain on new deck wood9 mos. old.. Now I read that it fades & peels after 2 years…not what I want! Whata to do now? Should I strip it with Restore A Deck stripper that biodegradable, then apply TWP 100 Pro-Series that has 9.2-9.8 rating. Need guidance! Thanks,
Since already on the wood it is best to just leave it on and once it starts to fail, strip and brighten then. It will be easier to remove later.
My husband is in the midst of re sanding deck as we speak. It’s about 15-17 years old. After sanding do you recommend washing or treating with anything before start staining I think we are gonna go with the TWP 100. What is the wet on wet application ? Has spent over a week sanding don’t want to pick wrong stain after all of this. We normally have pressure washed and then stained but felt it was time to give a good re sanding.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-instructions-for-wet-on-wet/
We are refinishing a cottage dock. The wood is pressure treated about 20 old. It has been sanded, removing old treatments, and are looking for a wood treatment that will give it moisture and more life without building a film or sheen that will be slippery. We would like a bit of colour, but not a solid colour/stain. Confused re differences with the attributes of stains vs oils in the research we’ve done. Suggestions would be appreciated.
TWP 100 or the TWP 1500 Series would work well for this cottage.
New cedar fence 6 yrs ago installed in November. Let it sit until the next summer, prepped and stained using this. 5 years later still looking good. Certain parts now starting to show bare wood and some green on a few panels in spots but overall I’m very surprised by the results. Have nothing to compare it to since this is the first time staining my fence but can’t imagine another of this type of stain that would last longer but I’m always looking!
In the next couple years I’ll be looking at restaining and probably looking at their semi solid with hope I could get 10 years.
My fence is 300 ft long and 6 ft. tall. It took dozens and dozens of hours of prep and work.
Pressure washing, cleaning, waiting to dry, staining, waiting to dry, covering with tarps during rain, etc…I tried different methods but ended up brushing the entire thing. Can’t say that brushing made any difference compared to spraying but it did give me more control.
Even if you spray you still need to brush at some point.
Bottom line is it was a lot of work but the results were and still are incredible. I can’t comment on using this on decks but if you do the right work you won’t be disappointed in the results on fencing.
I am about to undertake (for the first time) the cleaning, brightening, and staining of a boat dock. The decking is pressure treated #1 pine. The storage room is T-111 siding and was NOT replaced. It is about 6 years old and never been stained. I have been looking at a number of different products and the more I read, the more confused I get. Is it better to use water based stain or oil base? I want something that will last. I don’t want to have to do this all over again in a year or two. Also, some companies say to stain the wood within a couple weeks of installation. On this forum, however, I see it suggested to let new wood weather for 4 to 6 months. What am I to believe?
New wood must weather and be prepped. How long to weather varies on the stain brand and what their directions state.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
As for the stain, there are decent brands for both oil and water based. No stain will last mreo than 2-3 years on a dock though. See one of these brands.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
Greetings Scott,
I like your website and I can use all the help that you can provide. However, I have tried several times to register for the help forum without success. After I have input my user name (3-15 characters), email address, robot puzzle, click on agree to allow for you to send me an email …. then click enter …. I get a message on the screen telling me that I am using illegal characters (I think in my user name). Which does not allow me to register. I have tried different user names such as JHK49 and harvey …. I get the same message. Any help for this would be appreciated.
No need to register on the forum, you can ask questions anywhere on our main site.
Greetings from southwest Georgia. I have recently had my pressure treated pine deck replaced (1000 horizontal sq. ft.) and now the next step is to get it sealed/stained. On my old deck I used a product called OneTime Wood, it worked OK but I thought I would try something different this time around. After reading many reviews and “expert” opinions I finally found your website which seems to know more about stains than the others. My concerns are UV protection since I live in the (hot/humid) south and just about the whole deck is in direct sunlight most of the day …. which of your top stains will provide the better UV protection? Ease of application is important to me since at 74 years old I am only good for about 4 hours a day …. and getting up/down isn’t as easy as it once was. Of your top stains, which is the easiest to apply ie. roller, brush, spray, rag? I am planning to use an oil based semi-transparent stain. I saw that you rated TWP 100 and TWP 1500 stains at 8.5 ….. What did you not like about those stains? For the Armstrong Clark stain you did not show a rating as you did for the TWP, why not? Also, if you have any thoughts/suggestions about this next investment for my deck, please feel free to express.
TWP and AC stains are excellent and would work very well. As for the difference in ratings, best to read the reviews. Make sure to prep by removing the One Time stain first. You might want to consider the TWP Semi-Solid colors:
Thank you for creating this resource. Which product do you think would be better for my new PT deck- TWP100 or TWP1500? From what I’ve read here, I’m pretty sure it’s between these two. For reference, we live at 6500 feet altitude in Colorado with 8+ hours of full sun exposure, with very low humidity. Is there a better product you know of for this application? Also, I know you recommend ~6 months for the PT to fully dry, however, does that also apply for very dry climates like mine, with full exposure? Thank you!
For CO, you need the TWP 1500 Series. See here first: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
TWP is 4+ months and then prep.
Thank you!
My deck and porch were just stained for the second time with TWP 100 series but porch is still tacky 5 days later while deck has dried. Weather is in high 70’s and low humidity What do you recommend to fix issue.
Give it another week to cure. If it doesn’t you might need to strip it down and start over. This can happen due to improper prep and or over-application.
I have a 3 month redwood fence. Do I need to wait 4 – 6 months before applying, and is it acceptable to use a pump sprayer?
With TWP, yes. 4+ months. You can spray but you will need to back brush to ensure even coverage and catch and drips or runs.
Where can I buy the stain in Cincinnati Ohio
The TWP 100 Series is not legal in Ohio. You can order the TWP 1500 Series on this link:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I am new to this site. I have a pressured treated deck that will be a year old in July of 2023. What do you recommend to stain the deck with? Thank you.
One of these products would be best: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What is your opinion on Penofin vs TWP100?
TWP is much better. Penofin darkens or turns black. Known issue with the brand.
Can this product be obtained in a solid color (IE: Barn Red ?) I’m looking for a good Siding product for T-111, which will match an existing structure on the property. Located in Eastern PA. If not can you make a recommendation? Thanks
TWP does not make solid color deck stains. See her for solid stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I live in Oregon and have been using TWP 100 series for many years, applying every 2 years to 27 year old cedar deck. About a year ago we noticed deck to stop beading up water after only 1 year since application. Since the wood is so old, should we be putting 2 coats of TWP 100 series on? Thank you very much!
Beading water is a myth and it is not suggested. It should be breathable and shed water. You are doing it correctly.
Thank you Scott! But does a second coat help or harm? Much appreciation.
More is not always better. It really depends on the porosity of the wood.
Scott, thank you again.How does one determine the porosity of a 27 year old cedar detck that has just had a fresh sanding and one coat of TWP 100 series? There is a shine film on the cedar that does not get much traffic, but no shine film on the heavy traffic cedar. Would you recommend 2nd coat test on a portion of the heavy traffic cedar decking? Other thoughts appreciated!
TWP is not supposed to be shiny which means it dried on top of the wood instead of in the wood. If it is shiny, it was over-applied and or not prepped correctly. You are not going to get longer life by adding additional coatings so best to just keep doing what you have been doing.
Does the higher amount of solids in the TWP 1500 help it perform better than the 100 in anyway?
There is review of the 1500 in 2022 on this site that says it is the best even though they are rated the same overall.
Is there a reason I should use one over the other?
Also, can I add a mildewcide to either for extra protection?
No, they last about the same for most cases on a deck. Then one caveat would be vertical wood would get slightly better UV protection. Mildewcide is already in the stain.
Take a look at the TWP Semi-Solid for better UV protection.
I’m using it on Douglas fir wood soffits and covered patio ceilings so most of it doesn’t get direct UV. I’m more concerned with mold and mildew since I already have a problem with it 1 year after moving in to a new house. PPG cetol SRD was used on it.
Would I be better off using Restore-a-deck with better mildewcide? Or TWP 100 or 1500?
The RAD Stain will do better with mold and mildew prevention.
Hi there,
We will be having a new red cedar, horizontal tongue and groove fence installed in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, TWP is not VOC compliant in NJ as I know it is your top pic and gets great ratings in general. I have researched quite a bit and Consumer Reports rates Behr as very good/their pick. But I have seen lots of complaints as well. The company that we are working with is a firm believer in BM Arborcoat and has never had an issue. I was thinking semi-transparent Stonehedge. We are having our fence stained before it is put in place because we have a narrow lot and don’t want to bother the neighbors once it is in place. So, it won’t be weathered for 4 months unfortunately. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Use the TWP 1500 Series. It is allowed in NJ and is much better than Behr, which is a very poor stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
We also do not suggest the BM ArborCoat: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/benjamin-moore-arborcoat/
Read the consumer comments below the reviews:
I used TWP golden pecan on a very weathered wooden fence. I pressure washed it the wood and then applied 1 coat of TWP and 3 years later still very happy. FUNNY Thing, I Came across this review because, I bought Rocksolid 20x,around the same time; but went with the TWP instead. I was going to use up the gallon of 20X on small wheelchair chair ramp but I don’t have the primer suggested, and now I am having second thoughts on the 20X rust-O which I had high hopes for. TWP I felt I would give credit, where credit is due.
I have a 22 year old deck in pretty good condition. So happy to have found your website about 6 years ago – TWP is the only product I’ve ever used (after perhaps 5 or 6 different products needing to be redone nearly every year!) that has lasted and worked beautifully!
Last year we had to redo our steps and a few boards with new cedar. Now I need to stain the new boards after weathering approximately 10-11 months.
I know I need to clean/brighten the new wood, and clean the old wood, then stain it all. Should I use the same cleaning products on the entire deck (I usually just wash with dish soap and water and reapply TWP when necessary)? Should I strip the old decking even if I’m using the same color stain (TWP 120 Pro Pecan)?
And anything different if I decide to change the color?
We would strip and brighten the old stain and clean and brighten the unstained wood. This will give you the evenest results when you reapply.
Just wanted to say thanks for your excellent guidance. It took me a while to get to it, but I did just what you said and the deck turned out great!
My little deck is 140 sf pressure-treated lumber (pine?), Central Florida. Originally coated 6 years ago with Thompson’s Water Seal(?) or some other useless stain/sealer. It’s finally peeled off enough to tackle again and have pressure-washed- mostly bare wood now except for a few small areas which I have sanded enough to blend, if not completely removed. I’m 72 yo (old and tired) and don’t need the deck to look perfect. Cost is an issue. I’m leaning towards the RAD bc of the short drying time and easy cleanup.
Will it be a disaster to use either TWP (oil based) or Restore-A-Deck without all the prep work? At this point I just want to be able to slop it on with a pad and be done with it.
You must prep, no way around it. Post some pics and we can help with that.
It’s somewhat weathered but not actually gray and comes up to a rich “natural” color after a good rain. Six years of dead pecan tree leaves must’ve protected it. Color resembles new PT lumber. Pics show leftover previous finish.
Forgot to mention pressure wash was with water only, two weeks ago. Which product(s) do I need to use? Both cleaner and brightener?
Strip and brighten for prep with RAD Products since you still have some old stain on the wood.
Why did my cedartone CWP stain applied to western red cedar develop black splotches and spots in some areas which are shaded and near the house?
Send pics. TWP does not turn black so it has to be something else that caused it.
What is the difference between TWP 100 and 1500? What is the best TWP to use on a 5yr old cedar deck that I will clean first with your suggested Gemini product. Previously stained with oil base
The difference is VOC and what is allowed in your state. Where do you live?
I have a deck around my salt water pool. Will this stain hold up?
Yes.
New deck 12 months old in Michigan
Which one to use on a new deck….12 months old…in Michigan
Use the TWP 100 Series after prepping with their Gemini Restore Kit.
My pressure treated deck is only a month old and my contractor is wanting to stain… I am in Georgia where it is getting quite hot but I’m wondering if it’s really ready. Is there a TWP product that works on new pressure treated wood?
No. You cannot stain this yet and TWP wants 4-12 months of weathering for new wood and then prep. See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
We put in a deck about 6 years ago using treated wood. We live near Seattle in Washington state. We have not been happy with the stain we have used and have not been able to get an even coverage even after pressure washing. We plan on sanding the deck and using TWP stain. The deck is 17′ x 32′. Should we use any other product to make sure this stain penetrates? Any other advise you can give us would be appreciated. (Right now it is raining so the picture would not be helpful, but let us know if you need one.
Thank you
Use the Gemini Restore Kit after sanding. This helps open up the pores of the wood. Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit.
We live in Ohio a couple of miles inland from Lake Erie. Deck is on the east side of house. Replaced about 1,000 sq ft of ptw last September. Considering TWP semi-transparent. Would 100 be a better choice than the 1500? Clean and brighten? Would probably be at least another month before I and Mother Nature both get in the mood. Thanks
You can only use the TWP 1500 for Ohio.
you can get TWP 100 in West Virginia or Kentucky if you are willing to travel
Great information here, this really is the best online source out there for staining expertise. We’ve read the reviews and wanted to know your opinion on our plans to apply semi transparent stain to not only our PT decks, but also our shed and fence.
Standard pine fence and T 111 shed has been stained over several years ago with semi transparent. Our smaller PT deck has been stained years ago with semi transparent. Our larger PT deck has never been stained post install 3 years ago.
Torn between Restore A Deck and TWP 100. They are very close in score w/ a slight edge to Restore A Deck. I saw your TWP 100 testing was performed in full sun, whereas Restore A Deck was half sun. Our larger deck, shed and fence will be in mostly full sun. The smaller deck has very little sun (north facing).
Was hoping to simplify and only use one stain for all. Leaning toward TWP 100 but can also see the value in the Restore A Deck being a little better w/ mildew prevention. Our larger deck has developed small black specs of mold even though it’s primarily in the sun.
Would appreciate any thoughts you have on what stain would work best for the above.
Thanks,
John
Honestly the TWP and RAD will both hold up very well. UV protection is great with both. The RAD advantages are the mildew resistance is better and applying to a damp deck if that sounds like what you would like to do. TWP’s advantage is it being oil based it will soak in a little deeper. Both can be cleaned and recoated as needed without stripping.
I live in the desert southwest and I am wondering if I need to oil the wood before I apply a 100 series product. The wood has been outside for 1.5 years now and is starting to show the little cracks of dryness.
No, you cannot oil wood before applying a stain. No need as well.
What is recommended for redwood desk?
The TWP 100 Series would work very well.
Thank you for this useful information! Planning to stain our new pressure treated pine deck that has been weathering 7 months. Still debating the merits of oil-based vs water-based. It is a large deck that comes out over a walk-in basement, and it will be a big project prepping and staining. The question is should we stain underneath the boards at the same time as we do the top surface, or can they be done at separate times? Can the boards be sprayed from underneath? (I understand we will need to clean/brighten first)
You do not need to stain the undersides of the deck but you can if you want for aesthetic purposes. We would not spray as it will be very messy.
I am replacing my vinyl siding of my house with non treated cypress siding. What would you recommend to preserve and maintain natural look the longest? I have considered a light tint transparent stain/sealer as well. I live on the southern Gulf Coast in blistering sun and high humidity. Thanks.
Try the TWP 100 Series for this or the TWP 1500 Series. The richer/darker the amount of pigment you have in the stain, the better the UV protection.
Would you suggest using TWP over regular (not pressure treated) pine tongue and groove for an exterior porch ceiling or would an oil based poly be better? Thanks.
Use the TWP. Poly will peel and collect mildew.
I have a cedar panel garage door that is in need of renewing. Used Sikkens Cetol SRD originally when new. Have never really been happy with it. What is the best product to remove it to prep for a new stain product? Would like to use something else to refinish the door. Is TWP 100 a good choice for vertical application (obviously not a deck). Live in Colorado so 100 is banned but 1500 is not. If TWP is a good choice, should I be concerned about the difference of 100 vs 1500 for Colorado exterior conditions or not as overall results may be the same? I can get 100 in Wyoming and have a friend that can help me out with that depending on your remarks. I would welcome suggestions for other products that you may have experience and think would be a better solution.
We would need to see pictures for prep help. TWP 1500 would be the correct choice for CO and works just as well as the 100 Series.
Ok – here are pictures of both doors. I will be doing some minor repair of the base boards but otherwise it is ready to strip and restain. Your recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks
Try stripping with the Restore A Deck Stripper and both additives that they offer. Let dwell for 30-45 minutes and then pressure wash off. The RAD Brightener would go on last.
Assuming the stripper and brightener do the job, should I do a wet on wet application for the doors or stick with one coat?
Wet on wet is best.
Sorry one last note: I intend on using the TWP 1501 stain (cedartone).
Thanks
Does the clear provide UV protection and prevent graying
No. Clear sealers cannot provide UV protection from graying. Must be tinted.
Thanks
i just had new western cedar picket fence stained, after all the correct prep, ageing, powerwashing, was using honeytone 1515, after i went thru several samples ordered from twp, ordered 10 gals, more than enough, first bucket the professial used, looked like baby **** yellow, second bucket come out beautful golden honey color, whats up with that?!, spent 9 grand on the fence, and half of it is ruined, and of course its on the roadside, we live on a corner lot. I know they ll be a reason for it,
There would be more of an application issue, not a TWP issue. Probably were not mixed correctly prior to use and you should always “box” (intermix multiple containers) together prior to applying. Also, it is far from ruined. TWP is easily removable with a stain stripper.
How can I get a samples of Cypress stained with TWP100 105 Cape Cod Gray and 06 Prairie Gray
Try ordering samples from twpstain.com and test it out on your wood.
Hi! We have a two year old pressure treated deck that has never been stained. At the advice of a paint store employee, we purchased Benjamin Moore Restore to prep the deck for stain (wish I read this article and the comments ahead of time and purchased the TWP prep kit). We also pressure washed it. Couple of questions:
1) do y