This post was updated on April 2, 2026
Hi, I’m Scott Paul, an exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My review of the TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain is based on my extensive background as a wood restoration contractor and hands-on testing. I’m here to share my expert insights and provide you with the best tips to get the most out of your deck stain projects.See here for more info about me.
TWP 100 Pro Series Review for 2026
TWP 100 Pro Series is one of the most well-known penetrating oil-based deck stains on the market and has been a staple in the industry for many years. From my experience restoring decks since 1993, this is a product that performs best on older or weathered wood where deep penetration is key.
It does not form a film on the surface like many newer stains, which makes it much easier to maintain over time. However, that also means UV resistance and color retention are slightly lower compared to some newer hybrid or acrylic-based stains.
Overall, TWP 100 is a very good choice if you are looking for an easy-to-maintain, penetrating oil stain for an older deck.
I always appreciate hearing from you, so feel free to leave a comment below and share pictures of your completed projects if you have them. Your feedback is invaluable!
8.63 Overall Rating for TWP 100 Series
🔹 Quick Verdict
TWP 100 Pro Series – Quick Review
- Best For: Older decks, weathered wood, easy maintenance
- Not Ideal For: New brand wood (needs 4+ months of weathering) or hardwoods.
- Type: Penetrating oil-based stain
- My Overall Rating: 8.63/10
My Take:
TWP 100 has always been one of my go-to stains for older decks. It penetrates extremely well and is very forgiving when it comes time to recoat, but it will fade faster than some newer formulas in full sun.
TWP 100 Series Description
TWP 100 “Total Wood Preservative” Deck Stain is designed to protect and maintain all exterior wooden surfaces with its contractor-grade formula, blending a unique mix of chemicals for superior performance.
The TWP® 100 SERIES penetrates deeply into the wood, avoiding excessive surface film buildup. This allows the natural wood grain to shine through with remarkable clarity and warmth. It’s specially formulated to defend against the four major causes of wood degradation: wood rot, water, sunlight, and mildew, providing long-lasting protection and enhancing the beauty of your wood.
TWP Deck Stains – 100 Pro Series Review
How I Rated TWP® 100 SERIES
My TWP® 100 SERIES review contains an 8-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.
- The appearance of TWP® 100 SERIES after Application
- Preventing UV Graying
- Peeling or Wearing
- Cost Per Square Foot
- Preventing Mold and Mildew
- How Easy was the TWP® 100 SERIES Application
- Color Shifting
- Ease of Reapplication
- TWP® 100 SERIES Final Score
8-Step Review of TWP 100 Series
1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9
I prepped the deck 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.
2. Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8
The TWP Pecan 120 retained about 80% of the original color after 2 years of full exposure to the elements, the same as the first time tested.
3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9
Very minor or no wearing of the TWP. TWP penetrates well into the wood grain, which is expected.
4. Cost Per Square Foot: 8
The 5-gallon pail of TWP 100 Pro-Series Stain costs $220. We used 6-7 gallons for our 700 sq. foot deck, so the total cost of the stain was $300, or .44 cents per foot.
5. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
No mold or mildew. Some green algae along the edge, near the home.
6. Ease of Application: 9
I used the suggested TWP application of “wet on wet.” The pump sprayed the first coat of the floor very lightly and applied the second coat with a pad applicator to ensure an even appearance. The railings were stained with a pad and brush. Overall, we applied the TWP stain in a few hours to the 700-square-foot deck and a team of two employees.
7. Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 9
The TWP did not darken from mold or UV discoloration.
8. Difficulty of Reapplication: 9
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.
My Overall Score TWP 100 Series Stain at 2 Year Period: 8.63
Once again, TWP is one of our most commonly used stains. We’ve applied the TWP 100 Series to thousands of decks, and rarely encounter issues. It’s easy to apply and equally easy to reapply when the time comes. While there are a few other stains that come close, TWP remains the best option in our experience.
Note: We do not use TWP on brand-new wood. When applied to wood less than 4 months old, it can struggle with penetration. This is something we’ve noticed with many stains we’ve worked with on new wood. The manufacturer recommends waiting 4-12 months to allow the wood to weather. We strongly advise waiting and applying only one coat for wood that’s 4-12 months old.
TWP 100 Series Product Information:
TWP Help? Search Google: TWP Stain Help.
More Info: TWP 100 Series
Cost: $45 per Gallon, $220 per 5 Gallon 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 Prairie 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
Dry Time: 2-12 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits or Paint Thinner
VOC Compliant: 550 Compliant in 36 States
More Info: Product Data
TWP 100 Series 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
🔹 Pros and Cons
TWP 100 Pro Series – Pros
- Excellent penetration into older and dry wood
- Does not peel or flake due to its non-film-forming nature
- Very easy to reapply with minimal prep
- Enhances natural wood grain without creating a heavy surface coating
- Proven track record over many years in real-world use
TWP 100 Pro Series – Cons
- Color fades faster in full sun exposure
- Not ideal for hardwoods like IPE or exotic woods
- Limited availability in some states due to VOC restrictions
🔹 Best Wood Types for TWP 100
Best Wood Types for TWP 100 Pro Series
- Cedar: Excellent penetration and enhances natural grain
- Pressure Treated Pine: Works very well after proper weathering (3–6 months)
- Redwood: Good absorption and natural look
Not Recommended For:
- Hardwoods (IPE, Cumaru, etc.) – will not penetrate properly
👉 See: Deck Stain for New Wood
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
🔹 Application Tips
- Apply to clean, properly prepped wood
- Do not over-apply
- Apply thin, even coats
- Back-brush if needed for uniform coverage
👉 How to Prep a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-prep-clean-strip-or-sand-the-deck/
🔹 Maintenance & Recoat Tips
TWP 100 Maintenance Tips
One of the biggest advantages of TWP 100 is how easy it is to maintain compared to film-forming stains.
- Recoat every 18-24 months for decking, depending on sun exposure
- No sanding or stripping is typically needed
- Use a deck cleaner and brightener before reapplying
- Apply a light maintenance coat before the stain fully wears off
From my experience, staying ahead of maintenance with TWP 100 will keep your deck looking consistent and avoid major prep work later.
👉 Deck Cleaning and Brightening
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/cleaning-wood-deck/
TWP 100 Series Stain Photos – Real World Testing
Below are examples of TWP 100 Series Stain applied to different wood types and how it performs over time.
These are from actual field applications and testing. As with any stain, results will vary depending on prep, wood condition, and exposure.
🔹 Who Should Use TWP 100?
Who Should Use TWP 100 Pro Series
You should consider TWP 100 if:
- Your deck is older or has weathered wood
- You want a stain that is easy to maintain long-term
- You prefer a penetrating oil over a surface film
- You do not want to deal with peeling or stripping in the future
👉 Best Deck Stains
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
🔹 FAQ Section
TWP 100 Pro Series – FAQs
How long does TWP 100 last?
Typically 18-24 months on decking, depending on sun exposure and weather conditions.
Does TWP 100 peel or flake?
No. It penetrates into the wood and does not form a surface film, so peeling is not an issue.
Is TWP 100 oil-based or water-based?
It is an oil-based penetrating stain.
Can you use TWP 100 on new wood?
It is not ideal for new wood unless the wood has been properly weathered for 4+ months and prepped to allow absorption.
Is TWP 100 good for full sun exposure?
It performs well in full sun.
🔹 Final Thoughts on TWP 100
TWP 100 has been around for a long time and continues to be a solid choice for many deck owners. While there are newer products with improved UV resistance (TWP Semi-Solid Colors), this stain still stands out for its penetration and ease of maintenance.
From my hands-on experience restoring and staining decks for over 30 years, products like TWP 100 are often the best choice for homeowners who want a natural look and a stain that is easy to maintain year after year.
If you are willing to do light maintenance coats as needed, TWP 100 can keep your deck looking good without the headaches that come with film-forming stains.
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
My TWP 100 Pro-Series Review Video








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.
https://youtu.be/xH6RnzN4M-c
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
I am getting ready to stain and seal a 10 year old cedar fence that has never been treated. I have power washed the wood. Can you recommend a semi-transparent TWP stain and sealer that will offer several years of protection? I do not care for the orange-toned colors. Looking for a warmer brown, but not too dark. Also, how many coats are recommended?
Two coats applied wet on wet with TWP. Look at Pecan or Dark Oak colors.
Recommend TWP 100 for a fence?
Works great on vertical wood.
Anyone from Canada have any input on the longevity of this product?
Hello, TWP 100 is not allowed in Canada.
Does anyone from Canada have some input on this product? I had a deck built June of last year of brown pressure treated wood. Will this product stand up to the extremes of Canada? Sault Ste Marie Ontario to be exact.
I am stripping the old Woodrich Timber Oil stain off our deck for restaining. I must use a different stain this time because of very annoying odor, probably from the paraffin oil, that lingered for months after applying both first and second coats of Woodrich. Can you tell me if either TWP or Armstrong Clark also leave any lingering odors? My other choice would be Defy Extreme, but I would rather use an oil stain if I can find one that does not stink all summer.
All oil based stains have odors when applied. The AC and TWP are full curing stains, which means it will dry fully and the odor will go away.
Is it okay to use airless sprayer to apply TWP 100? My cedar fence is only 10 months old. Do I still need to clean and brighten wood?
Yes and yes.
What type of oils does TWP 100 contain? I have been told that stains that contain organic oils like linseed or other vegetable oils feed algae growth. Does TWP 100 contain organic oils?
TWP says it contains natural and synthetic oils but does not state exactly what they are. Having some linseed oil is normal and not an issue was long as the stain also contains mildewcides. TWP has an EPA approved mildewcide and as rated as a wood preservative because of this.
We applied a penetrating wood stain originally now other deck stains wont stick. Our deck is also around a pool with lots of water and also dog activity. Right now the old stuff just keeps peeling off as we spray wash then when we think it quits it starts again. Suggestions: we are also sanding to very little help.
Hello, you will have to remove fully and sanding sounds like the best option.
planning to stain and seal a 12×12 pergola. any experience on how much stain is typically needed?
Also, are you familiar with Menards Cedartone lumber. its treated lumber with a builtin brown/reddish pigment to look like cedar. Any thoughts on a similar color. Would i need to use brightener or cleaner on lumber that has never been stained or sealed outside of the manufacturer’s pressure treatment
We would need a sq. footage of all wood to help with the amount needed as pergolas can vary drastically. You would need to treat the wood as new. Weather and prep before applying.
How long will a once opened can of TWP stain last. If i bought a 2 gal and used 1/4th of second container, would the remaining amount keep if stored in a cool dry basement or should it be tossed and buy new in 2-3 years. I i have an unopened gal, i assume this would keep several years, correct?
We use TWP 100 on the exterior logs of our remote scribe-fit log cabin in Alaska. Also use it on the decks and railings. Since it’s not sold in Alaska I special order it. I have tried other well known stains (some as expensive). Frankly they are junk compared to TWP. They mildew, fade, peel etc. TWP soaks into the wood and, like the name says, ‘preserves’ it. I also recently started using Permachink Logwash to prep the logs. It works great! No need to sand the logs. Just wet, wash and rinse. Then let dry and brush on TWP.
Where can I buy TWP stain in my area 30528 zip code
Contact manufacturer for help with this.
Becky, the TWP website doesn’t necessarily say where you can buy, they seem to want to promote the idea of ordering online straight from their website, which is fine. They do state that it IS available at certain SELECT stores but NOT available at the big box stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Menard’s. However, I was surprised to find it at a local ACE hardware store for about the same price as online. So you never know. You may just want to check some of the smaller outlets or various paint/stain shops or small mom and pop stores.
I am putting up Cypress Board & Batton siding on my house and want to coat with a TWP product. I live in North Louisiana. IS TWP 1500 or 100 better. I do not care about VOC issues, I just want the longest lasting stain.
Thanks,
Ricker
For vertical siding, use the TWP 1500.
Could you explain why the 1500 over the 100? Also is TWP better for my area than Armstrong Clark and Defy?
Thank you!
The 1500 may do slightly better on verticals when it comes to UV protection. The TWP would do very well on this.
I used TWP 100 two years ago on my deck in the mountains of NC and it has been fine. I have a second home a block from the beach on the east coast of Florida, which gets sun and salt air. I am building a two-level deck onto it, and would like to hear whether the same product will work in that salty environment. The upper deck will get sun from sun up until about 2pm most days — the lower deck is more shaded both by the house and the upper deck. The material will probably be typical PT but that could be subject to further consideration.
Yes, it should work there but new wood cannot be stained right away with TWP. Need to wait about 4-12 months, prep and apply just one coat. After a year, apply another coat. You will be on a 2-3 year schedule after this initial staining of new wood.
I have a pre treated pine fence installed a few months ago. I am a snowbird in coastal NC and would like to stain the fence prior to heading back home. I recentry cleaned the fence with a wood cleaner as fence was already greying and had some mildew on SW side. I have been researching stains for a while now and my head is spinning…so many different opinions and ratings out there. I do not want to be doing a lot of maintenance on this fence as I plan on selling this house in a couple years and upgrading to a larger home. What would be the best product to use and can it be done now or do I have to wait for wood to cure more. I only have a few more weeks before I’m heading back home. Would welcome any advice. Thank you.
Most stains cannot be applied over a pre treatment without removing that coating first. Make sure that you do this prep if you still see visible stain. Try the TWP stain.
How does Cabot semi-solid oil base stain stack up against other brands in all areas? Particularly compared to a similar TWP stain.
Cabot used to be a great stain until they sold to Valspar in 2005. Quality has decreased significantly since this happened.
How does one best prepare for staining TWP 100 on newly milled white oak? I have it on a porch roof and covered porch decking where there will be little weathering. I also have exposed white oak decks that I was planning on letting weather for 4 months before staining.
Central Virginia full sun. South, east and west facing
Use the Gemini Restore kit after the prep.
Our pine wood deck was stained for the first time with Arborcoat translucent stain cedar color (623-40) in October 2014. It did not hold well on horizontal surfaces and traffic areas after about a year. However, it was very difficult to power wash it. Some areas are not completely clean after two power wash. We would like to change to more durable stain considering our previous experience. What stain type and brand can you recommend if we use the same color tone? Should we do some additional preparation work for better results?
You cannot apply a different semi-transparent or transparent stain over top of the Arborcoat. It has to free of the Arborcoat 100%. Best to keep at it until all is removed. Sanding will probably be needed. Once removed, use a penetrating semi-transparent stain like the TWP.
Is it better to spray on the stain or paint on with a brush – we’ve been given both ways by 2 different people who would like to do our house? Each claiming their way is the best. Is the TWP 1500 all oil base like the TWP 100 Series?
TWP 1500 and TWP 100 are both oil based. Spraying is fine as long as it is back brushed to catch any drips or runs. We spray it all the time.
My pressure treated deck is 20 x 12, thirty years old. It has been treated three times with Cabot semi-solid oil base, water repellant, deep penetrating honey colored stain. The last being five years ago. The planks are cracking but seem sound. I power washed the flaking stain and am planning to sand the poorer spots. Am I wasting my time and if not how should I proceed? What products should I use?
Which product type depends on if you can remove all of the old Cabot stain or not. If you are able to remove it, try a penetrating semi-transparent like the TWP. If not, you may need a solid stain or possibly Deck Revive by Gulf Synthetics.
Can’t get TWP 100 in PA. Where can a PA resident get TWP 1500?
Ask TWP for help locating.
Recommendations for a boat dock with marine pressure treated lumber? The wood is 12/13 months old now and starting to weather a bit. I am in SC. Heat, humidity, direct sun exposure and lake water are all concerns for my deck. Thanks in advance!
The TWP 100 Series should work well.
We have a 24 year old pressure treated pine deck last stained 8 years ago with Cabot semi-transparent oil stain. Very worn. Looking for an almond/sandstone color for application in Pennsylvania. TWP 100 or other suggestions?
TWP cannot go over this stain without you removing it fuly first. Most likely sanding will be needed as the railings look like they are still gray and more like a solid stain. Once removed, you will need the TWP 1500 for your state.
I just purchased my first home with a deck that has obviously been neglected for years. looks like its just standard b&m pressure treated wood. would you recommend RAD 1&2 and twp100?
Yes as long as the 100 is allowed in your state. if not, use the TWP 1500 Series.
Do you work, or are you affiliated in any way with TWP?
We do not work for TWP or paid by any manufacturer to promote a product.
We added a large deck to our log home last May and we are now ready to stain. It is approx 36×54, with a large set of stiairs, and a 3×12 walkway around the garage. Nothing has been done to it yet–do we need to powerwash it before staining? Do you recommend TWP? Do you have any knowledge of Perma-Chink Vista Deck Stain?
thanks,
Yes, you have to prep first. Use the Gemini Restore Kit. The TWP 100 would be a very good choice for this. Never use PermaChink for decks.
I am looking for a stain to use on new rough cut cedar used for trim around door frames. I also have rough cut cedar beams on a porch that were previously treated with Floods CWF. Any suggestions on another brand/type stain to use (or is Floods ok) and any prep on the previously treated posts. Thank you
The TWP 100 will work well for you. Make sure to prep first by removing the old Flood.
I’m getting dizzy reading reviews trying to determine what stain will give me the most longevity for cedar lattice that I am attaching to my brick home for climbing vines. SW facing mold can be an issue due to surrounding trees. I’d like something that has medium brown to blend in with my brick house. Pulling plants back is a pain so longevity of UV, mildew, & water is huge. Thoughts? Help?!
Try Defy Extreme in Butternut.
i have a redwood deck previously stained with penofin , have had some graying
have a pressure washer and graco 7 sprayer
product suggestions?
Strip and brighthen for prep. The TWP should work well for the stain.
We’re do you buy the two 100
Contact manufacturer for help with this or buy online at
http://www.twpstain.com
I have a large deck that had all floor boards, stairs and some posts replaced with new pine in March. The existing decking (rails, spindles, etc.) had been stained/sealed with a semi-transparent stain 3 years ago. Should I wait until Fall to strip the existing decking and re-stain/seal entire deck (or should I wait to do any stripping of the prior stained/sealed parts before the Fall? Is the Fall (Sept/Oct) timeframe OK to do this? If Fall is OK, do I need to do any other prep, cleaner application, etc?
Wait about 3 months and prep all by stripping the old stain and cleaning and brightening the new wood. See Restore A Deck products for the prepping.
I am installing a new cedar fence, would the twp 100 be the best product to use, I do not like the natural graying which occurs on cedar. I live in Washington State where there is a lot of rain and can have issues of mold, green slime, and lots of rain.
Yes, the 100 Series would work well.
I am installing a new cedar fence in Washington State, I do not like the natural graying process, will the twp 100 work well on my new fence to protect it?
Yes it will.
I am putting down new Yellawood KDAT decking. When you say it is best to not use this product on new wood, does that include Kiln-Dried After Treatment? Thanks!
TWP wants Kiln dried to season for about a month. Light cleaning with their Gemini Restore Kit and only 1 coat of the TWP stain the first time. Another light coat as needed in 12-24 months.
I live in Georgia and have a deck that hasn’t been treated for over 10 years. There are signs of mold and it gets sun maybe half the day. I bought RAD Step 1 and 2, would you recommend TWP100 for the stain?
Yes, the TWP 100 Series would work well for this.
Well your statement is true I now notice that the Armstrong Clark website also addresses this issue and says not to use the stain for seating as it will rub off on your clothes.
Simple logic would imply that if you can’t use it for seating because of the rub rub off on your clothes then it would also rub off on your hands or shoes when walking on horizontal surfaces or resting against railing.
Due to this fact I am done using Armstrong Clark that I have use them for the last 10 years. It is a very nice looking stain but the color transfer or rub off is unacceptable
Terry, a buildup of any stain can be a problem down the road. Eventually, the stain has nowhere to soak into the wood pores. Prep is the single most important thing with deck stains. When we do decks, we strip and brighten every single time. Not that it is 1005% necessary every time, but because it is just as easy as cleaning and there is a lot less chance of potential issues if the new coating can soak into the wood grain 100%.
I live in Texas and have a 500 sq ft cedar deck (4 years old). Full sun. We’ve been using Armstrong Clark for the past 3-4 years, but (similar to other reviewers), the Armstrong Clark stain rubs off all over our clothes and shoes. We want to switch brands, and the TWP 100 seems like a good alternative. What, if anything, do we need to do to prep the deck before applying the TWP stain? We generally just power washed the deck and then applied another coat of stain when we used AC. Is the process still the same, or do we need to strip the deck as well? Any other tips for application? Thanks in advance!
Strip and brighten for the prep to remove the AC will be needed. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit. In the future, you should prep with more than just pressure washing. With the TWP reapplications, you should use their Gemini Restore Kit and a pressure washer for the prep.
BTW, the reason the AC had issues as that you had a buildup of stain and not prepping correctly to the point it could not properly soak into the wood grain.
Actually the semi-solid is sequoia.
Michigan. I have 800 sq ft of cedar deck -12 years old – a lot of exposure to sun as it faces to East and South. Have used Armstrong Clark for last 10 years. Semi transparent for first five, Last two applications (2 years apart) used semi-solid sierra redwood. Getting a lot of color rub off on hands, shoes, clothes ever since started using semi solid. I’m done with it.
It’s been two years since last application.
1. Will the restore a deck stripper remove the semi-solid stain?
2. If not, what do you Reccomend?
3. Will either the TWP 100 or 1500 semi transparent redwood cover or blend well with the sierra redwood if the stripper doesn’t completely remove the old stain?
You will need to strip it all off. You cannot blend a semi-solid color with a semi-transparent color. The reason for the rub off of the AC is over application through the years. Best to strip it down. It will come off, but you may need to strip it more than once to remove. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit.
I have a dock with 800 sq ft upper deck
I recoat it every year with TWP
What is your best product line I can purchase at S W ?
Paint Contractor for 30 years also
The manufacturer of TWP removed the TWP line from SW (Sherwin Williams) as of this year. You will not be able to purchase it there anymore. As contractors, we never buy our deck stains from SW. They do not have the best ones available.
I have chalk painted my kitchen cupboards. I have read that a clear deck stain as a finish is much better than the wax that normally goes with Chalk paint. Any suggestions which would be better?
You cannot apply a deck stain over paint.
Have an old trex composite deck – grey color. Want to re-stain with Twp 100 rustic oak. Can the Twp 100 penetrating and seal trex composite deck and how much of base grey color will blend with rustic oak for a finished look?
As far we know TWP is not designed for Trex and have we never used it on it. I would ask the manufacturer to clarify this.
Hello, read many reviews and articles, great support! We live in SC and have a new deck (about 600sqft) half covered, half exposed to sun/rain all day, surrounded by Oak trees. It´s pressure treated yellow pine, installed in early July, so about 4, 4.5 month. Should I stain it now or wait until Spring? Is the TPW recommended for new decks? Thanks and keep up the good work!
We would wait until to Spring at this point. TWP will penetrate better then.
Read reviews here. They were great guidance. Great choice for replacing Behr stain that failed almost immediately. I had never heard of them. Product shipped promptly direct to my home for less than comparable product from local big boxes. Just finished 3rd year of withstanding Texas heat
We have a 1950s house with a painted covered deck. Contractor sanded off paint to bare wood (pine). Can we stain right away or must we wait?
It would help to wait a month or two and use a deck cleaner and wood brightener as prep. The stain will soak in better this way.
Have a six year old cedar deck in St Louis area. Have had to replace some floor boards, and a railing post. October now. Should I wait til spring to strip SW deckscape? Will new wood blend in with old using TWP 100 pecan stain?
Wait until Spring to prep and stain. The newer wood will blend better if you do.
Follow up question. Have new pine lattice to skirt deck. Should I wait til spring also. Assume use brightner then. Can I stain just viewable side or do I need to stain both sides
Just stain the exposed side. Wait until Spring and prep first.
We have a pressure treated pine deck that has two year old floor and rails but has spindles that have been on for at least ten years. It is stained with Shermin Williams Deckstain that starts peeling after less than a year so the floor is peeling pretty good. We have a good pressure washer also. Should I stain before winter or wait till spring? Shuld we just pressure wash or use product on it first? Does TWP make a color that matches Shermin Williams Deckstain Cedar Bark Semi Transparent?
Thanks for your help.
I use Twp 100 on my deck …………but I have cedar deck boards and it looks nice. I used the cedar tone stain.
Our deck as built 8 months ago with pt pine and has not been stained before. We live in the Piedmont area of NC and have partial to full sun. A friend recommended Sikkens, but after reading other reviews I am back peddling in that advice. Is the TWP 100 the best product to use on our deck in your opinion and is there any prep work or advice you can share? TIA!
Yes you will need to prep. They suggest their Gemini Restore A deck kit for the prep. Only one coat this year and apply another light coat to the floors in 12-18 months. Every two years after that.
Our deck is made of pressure treated pine.
We had it installed June, 2016.
We have maybe 50% sun (if that) on the deck with very little foot traffic.
Please let me know if I should treat the wood prior to staining and what products to use.
Please also advise on the stain/water repellent to use.
I really don't want the deck to consume my life every few years.
Thank you,
MW
Unfortunately nothing will last more than 2 or 3 years. Clean and brighten for the prep. You do not treat before staining with the TWP 100 Series.
I just installed a tight knot cedar deck and want to protect against the elements without much pigment. Your review says to wait 4 months for new wood. That would make it February and in Seattle I'll be lucky to have 3 dry days in a row for drying and application. Thoughts on what and when to use for protecting? Should I use a cleaner beforehand as well? Large dogs will be playing on the deck immediately. Gets limited sun.
Thanks, kevin
Wait the 4-12 months as TWP suggests and prep with their Gemini Restore A Deck kit.
Can this product be used inside ? I have rough cut pine interior walls of an old house that looked good until the recent Louisiana flood. We cut at 30 and removed boards and pressure washed. Put back in place but there is some water stain marks still remaining. I want to stain the wanes coat boards and put a molding on the joint.
Water marks will show through when stained with a semi-transparent product. Not sure if this is the best product for you.
I live in the sf bay area and am looking to restrain my deck. The deck is an old redwood deck on the 2nd story facing north east with very un even uv exposure, some parts of deck gets intense direct sunlight and other areas very little. I found some old behr arborcoat stain in a closet from previous owners, so I am assuming this is what the decks got treated with previously. The underside of the deck has a lot of black mold and moss but the top of the deck boards look in good shape, they are just greyed. Would you recommend the TWP 1500 formy situation? Should I treat the bottom side of the deck with something else? I have also read some good reviews of the one time stain. What would you suggest?
TWP 100 is not allowed in CA so yes you will need the TWP 1500 series. Make sure to prep by removing all the previous coatings. No need to stain bottom sides.
When using kiln dried pine is it still necessary to wait before staining? If so, how long?
Yes wait a month, prep with deck cleaner, and only 1 coat if the TWP.
I have a four month old mahogany deck. Is the TWP 100 a good choice? How much will it change the natural color and is it California compliant?
TWP 100 is not allowed in CA. You need the TWP 1500. Color change depends on the tint you choose.