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
TWP 100 Series Review
🔹 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 consistently ranks among the best deck stain options, and you can see how it compares to other top products in our full guide.
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
available in California?
No, but the TWP 1500 is allowed there.
Can anyone tell me if this is the right product for mahogany?
You should be able to use this on Mahogany. You wood type requires annual mainteance though.
I have installed new cedar decking. My question is how long should I wait for cedar that is not pressure treated? Should I wait the full 4 months before applying TWP 100?
It does not matter that is is cedar, you still need to wait and prep.
can I use this on a 10 year old pressure treated deck? Also, planning on replacing 3 deck boards with double pressure treated deck boards. Will this stain be ok with the 3 new pieces?
Yes on both questions.
We used Clear stain for our first applications and then read it would not give UV protection – oops – can we apply a tinted stain over this? We just applied the stain 2 days ago? If we can use tinted stain, can we do this now? Thanks!
No, you cannot add a color over the clear. You will need to remove it by stripping it off. Either now or in the future.
I stained my redwood deck with TWP semi-solid stain last fall. Over the summer, citronella wax got spilled on it. What is the best way to get the wax out of the wood? Thanks
Unfortunately the wax will not come out with cleaners or even sanding very well. You may need to replace those boards where the wax spilled.
your best bet is to scrape as much of it off as you can. Mineral spirits will remove the wax, but will also remove some of the stain as well. Once you are ready for a maintenance coat, you will need sodium hydroxide to fully remove the wax.
After scraping the solid parts off with a plastic scraper, I’ve used a heat gun on a lower setting with constant dabbing with paper towels (heavy gloves on hand!) that removed about 85-95% of the now liquified wax. Otherwise, new board. Use common sense with the heat taking care not to scorch.
If I buy the 5 gallon bucket and only use 2/3’s of it. How long can I store it before the stain no longer is usable? Would I be able to use it when I stain my deck again in 3-4 years?
It will not last 3-4 years if opened. About 12 months is the shelf life.
On the TWPstainhelp.com it indicates the following “Note: New Rough Sawn vertical wood/fencing can be stained right away with no wait and with no prep as it does have mill glaze and is very absorbent. Just make sure the wood is fully dry. If Rough sawn wood has aged or oxidized (grayed) then it will need to be prepped with Gemini Restore Kit. One coat for most instances of newly installed Rough Sawn wood.”
So for rough cut cedar thats “new” it sounds like it can be applied right away without the necessity for it it age. Sound right? My project involves a trellis, so this would seem like it be ok.
Secondly, for a small landing and steps that are made from cedar it sounds like sanding is also an adequate solution for prep. Based on what I have ready it sounds like if the surface is sanded then a brightner/cleaner is not neccessary. Is this indeed true? I would imagine for most people sanding is not really an option based on the amount of work compared to using a brightner/cleaning kit. Want to make sure the sanding route is just as good from a prep stand point.
If it is rough sawn cut, then yes you should be able to do right away.
Sanding is not the best way to prep. It can reduce the stain’s ability to soak in.
I have a new redwood con-heart deck, what is the best stain color for new wood deck? I am thinking clear but would like some expert advice. TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain. Thanks
TWP cannot be applied to new wood right away. They suggest 4-12 months of weathering and the wood needs to be prepped with a deck cleaner. As for clear, you will not get any UV protection. To prevent graying, you will need a tinted color.
I’m in Ontario Canada. Where can I buy this two 100 series deck stain?
TWP 100 is not solid into Canada.
I have 25o liner feet of 6 foot rough sawn red cedar fence…I would like to use my graco airless sprayer to make the application easier with twp 100, some people say back brushing is necessary to work the stain in the wood? What’s your take on this? Thanks a million…what a valuable resource.
You can spray the first coat and back brush the second. This will give the wet on wet application and an even appearance.
You guys are the best thanks!
Above review states difficulty for TWP100 to penetrate into new wood so do not use until weathered 4-12 months. I have 15 year old pressure treated hemlock/fir that has been recently cleaned and sanded to bare wood. Is TWP 100 still not recommended until after 4-12 month exposure? Deck is under roof and located in Seattle area if that matters. If not TWP stain then what?
Your scenario is not the same as new wood. Use the Gemini Cleaner and Brightene kit for the final prep and to open the grain of the wood after the sanding.
I have a 10 year old deck that I have used the Behr, oil based natural on at least 4 times. The last time I used the product it did not apply evenly and caused different colorations. I have tried power washing it again, with the idea I would put another coat on it in hopes of evening everything out, however after reading the reviews on the Behr product I would like to switch. How do I prep the deck so that the new product will go on evenly and what product do you suggest?
Strip and or sand to remove all of the Behr. Brightener after full removal.
I used the behr deck over. Followed all instructions. Deck is now peeling 3 months after I painted it. It looks terrible and now I have to do it all over again. Will not use behr again that’s for sure
I live in Charleston South Carolina. We’ve had a relatively hot and dry summer so far. I have a deck that was laid down in the middle of April. Some of the lumber has started to crack in places and I want to put a stain or protectant on it. Any suggestions? My family will be out of town next week and I wanted to try and do it then.
Use the TWP 100 Series for this. Just one coat and prep with their Gemini Restore Kit.
Hello, I’m a custom home builder in McLean VA who has a client who wishes to apply the TWP 1500 product to western red cedar #1 Perfection shingle siding, that is about 6 months old. Do you recommend using the Gemini Restore Kit for this application? There is little to no graying of the shingles at this time.
Are the shingles rough sawn cut? No mill glaze? Can you send a picture?
The shingles are #1 Perfection grade, so they are mostly smooth-sawn with the occasional fuzzy spot.
Lightly prep with the kit to remove the mill glaze is all you need to do.
Forgot to mention, the dock is in Michigan & stays in the lake year round.
Just installed a new dock, metal framed with cedar top. We would like to put a clear or as little color as possible preservative on it. What would you recommend? Do we need to let it “weather” for a few months? Do we need to prep it other than washing it with water first?
TWP wants you to wait 4-12 months to season and prepped with the Gemini Restore Kit before applying. See this afor more info on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I live in Maryland where it is hot & terribly humid in the summer, but we also do get our share of snow in the winter. I have a 600 sq foot deck PTP deck that was stained with Behr semi transparent (unfortunately) about 5+ years ago. I have power washed the deck twice, sanded it twice with a floor sander and 20 grit, used both a palm sander and a belt sander (where appropriate) to get off as much of the old stain as possible. I would say I have probably 80-90% of the stain removed on the floor boards, except around the 6 vertical posts, where it is difficult, if not impossible to sand. I have not attempted to use a chemical stripper yet as the wood is already terribly dry and I don’t want to damage more than it already has been damaged. The railings I have not attempted to strip or sand yet and I don’t know if I will.
The floor boards are horribly dry and I want to use the best product that will hydrate and provide UV protection. There was some evidence of mildew on the floor boards immediately below the railings which I have not been able to sand off. Deck gets about 4-5 hours of even overhead direct sunlight in the heat of the day, between 11am and 4pm.
I would like to use a deeply penetrating / hydrating semi-transparent stain on the floor boards. I do not know if I should use a TWP product, or Armstrong Clark, the Defy Extreme, or the Ready Seal. Which product do you recommend? And can I use that product even if I can’t remove all of the Behr around the posts and that which is deeply ingrained in the wood.
I am considering skipping the work of stripping the vertical posts product on the verticals and just staining over the previous Behr semi-transparent with something like the PPG semi transparent at Home Depot.
This project is absolutely killing me both physically and financially (labor costs of getting someone to help along side me with the sanding). It’s been going on for weeks already and I feel I still have so much further to go. I need your best advice to get this done and over with to the best of my aching body’s ability.
Thanks so much for your help!
(I will provide photos as soon as I can.)
I think you should do a two toned deck. Solid stain for the verticals and semi-transparent for the floors. This way you do not have to rmeove all the Behr from the verticals, just the flooring.
Use TWP 1500 for the floors and Flood Solid stains for the verticals. See this about two toned decks: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/advantages-to-having-a-two-toned-deck/
Thank you for your input /recommendations.
Do you prefer TWP 1500 over Armstrong Clark? If so, can you please say why? Also, can I use that product even if I can’t remove all of the Behr around the posts and that which is deeply ingrained in the wood.
You have to remove all of the Behr or leats 95% or more. TWP 1500 and the AC are comparable.
Do you know of the product called: “One Time wood stain and preservative?”
Some people swear by that product as a real life product. If you know of it, how do you like it compared to TWP and AC?
Thank you again for your help!
Yes we have used it and are not fans. See our review and consumer reviews in the comments: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/one-time-wood-deck-stain-review/
You will see there are many customers who do not like it.
(Additional info for previous comment)
I would like to add that *thought* I followed the letter of the law when it came to application, just to be clear. I used Defy wood cleaner and gently brushed with bristle brush to allow the wood to better “drink” the stain. Now, I did NOT use the wood brightener, as I was under the impression that brand new wood does not really need this. After wood cleaner, I rinsed thoroughly and let dry for days. I applied the stain via roller/brush, going over a second time to make sure it had penetrated. Excess was removed thoroughly with a rag. The application was very consistent, smooth, and looked awesome.
Brightener should always be used after cleaning or stripping as it neutralizes the coating. This would have nothing to do though with the mildew. The thing will mildew as it can grow on top of any deck stain and deck stains cannot prevent this. TWP contains an EPA registered mildewcide that will help to prevent the mildew from growing “in” the stain.
In other words, the issue is related more to your environment than the deck stain. You would still have this issue no matter what brand of stain you had chosen. We have used a product called Wet and Forget to help prevent this. Apply on top of the TWP to help keep it mildew free.
Thanks, wasn’t sure whether or not the stain should have helped prevent the mildew or not. I’ll check out wet and forget.
I applied TWP 100 to my deck (pressure treated wood, 6 months after installation of new wood). And was extremely please with the result when I first finished. Now, 3 months later, I’ve actually started to see black mildew arise after about 5 days of rainy weather and it being wet consistently. I’m really disappointed that I’m already experiencing this. The deck stays in full sun for 50% of the day (except for a retractable umbrella we open and close periodically). I’ve done my best to clean/kill the mildew with soap and water, so as to not let it spread, however it’s clear that the dang mildew started growing. Is there any advice for preventing this? Am I wrong to expect that this really shouldn’t have happened so soon? Thanks for any advice.
I’m going to be staining my deck with TWP 100. I see the review listed the drying time as 2 to 12 hours. I’m wondering how long I should keep my cat off the deck after staining. She’s a 75% of the time outdoor cat, but will be stuck inside for the staining project. Preliminarily I was thinking 24 hours.
The forecast is 70 degrees for the day of the staining then 75 the next two days after. I’m planning on staining in the morning and having it finished by 11 am or so.
At least a day or two. Make sure it is fully dry to the touch.
So the weather through me a curveball and now there’s a chance of rain in two days. I thought I’d try to beat it by doing my deck yesterday evening. I underestimated how long it would take to apply the first coat and ran out of daylight during the second coat. The lighting wasn’t very good from that point on and I tried my best to finish it up.
As you’d expect the second coat looks a little uneven today. I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do to fix it up since it’s already been drying for 12 hours.
No there is not really an easy fix for this 🙁
It’s not so bad I can’t live with it. So thinking ahead to next year. Am I looking at a complete strip and reapplication process to fix this? Or will just applying another coat next year help smooth it out? I used twp honeytone.
Depends on how it weathers. Probably just a clean and recoat is all.
What process would you recommend here? Deck was cleaned and painted last year with Sherwin Williams Waterborne SuperDeck. Major peeling after less than a year. Was planning on sanding down and then using TWP? Would that be what you recommend?
Yes. Sand it all off first. Clean and brighten the wood after the sanding.
Can you use the restore a deck kit stripper for Superdeck? We have a similar problem to that given above and need to remove the SW Superdeck before restaining.
Yes, it works very well to remove the SuperDeck.
Building a new cedar deck in Kansas that will be done in August. Would it be best to wait until the wood is seasoned the four months and around April or so apply the first coat of Thompson 100? I like the natural look as well would the clear be better than the cedar tone? Thanks!
TWP wants 4-12 months of weathering and prep with their Gemini Restore Kit after the weathering. Clear will not provide UV protection. If you want to protect agains graying, use one of their tinted colors.
By the way, Thompson and TWP are not related in any way.
Would this be a good choice for a 16ft Trailer that i carry a 2100# Buggy?
Thanks,
Yes it should be good for this.
I applied 2 coats of TWP on my pressure treated deck 2 years ago.
I want to restain, but not sure if I need to clean, sand then stain or just clean and stain.
And how many coats do I need to put down?
Thanks.
Just clean and stain. 1-2 coats will be required but depends on how the 2 years of weathering went.
I have a 30 year old 1000 sq ft deck in central Arkansas, PT 2×4 with railing of same. Weather in summer is hot and humid. Winter down to 20’s but generally mild with occasional snow and freezing rain. Some of deck is in sun, some shaded. Weather wear was great over much of deck – cracking, mold, etc. Over last 6 mo. I turned over most of old decking to so that much better side was on top. I stripped old water based stain from the rest of deck and rail with Behr 64 (sodium hydroxide) and washed with Behr 63 (mainly oxalic acid). I used pressure washer for all cleaning. It now looks much better. Finished with chlorine wash to try and knock mold down at start. Now very clean. However I cannot seem to get rid of minimal residual graying.
After much readingI have ordered TWP 100 pecan. 1. Do I need to consider the wood I turned over as “new” and wait 4-12 months, or can I go ahead and stain – one coat, or two as wet on wet. 2. My dealer has to wait for shipments. How critical is it that prep is with Gemini Restore vs. Behr??
Go ahead and stain with 2 coats applied wet on wet.
What is the difference between TWP 100 and 1500. If I can buy either which product is better for a cedar deck or doesn’t it really matter
Mostly VOC regulations per state. The 100 Series is restricted in certain states.
I have a cedar deck and some of the boards had to be replaced. I will replace the boards that were rotten with new cedar. Should I strip before replacing the new boards? When applying TWP, there are different procedures for new or old wood. My deck will have a combination of new and old wood. What should I do?
Strip off or sand off any old stain first. New wood will need to season for 4-12 months before using the TWP.
Where can you buy TWP 100 at? I live in michigan
Check with the manufacturer.
Can this be purchased from a local vendor or does it have to be ordered?
Check with the manufacturer.
how easy is it to strip rails and lattice with the stripper? is it a one application thing, or many? All i want to do it load the sprayer and spray everything down, wait a little bit, then pressure wash it off. then come back on another day and stain it. i would like to spray the stain on the rails and lattice then use a brush to get it in the grain of the wood. walk away in two different days. 15×15 deck with lattice privacy fence and rails on 2 sides. what do you think?
How easy it is to strip depends on the stain brand and type of stain that you are trying to remove.
heres a couple of pics
Do you know the brand and type? Not all stains are created equal. Some are easily stripped and some cannot be removed at all.
I have no idea. if it cannot be stripped, then what?
You will have to sand it all off to use a product like the TWP 100 Series.
Stain looks like cracking and peeling, not to good
I Have a 10 month old PT wood deck, never stained. Is the cape cod considered a solid? Also, is that a wet on wet application? What are the cons of using this than a Cedartone for example?
Cape cod is a semi-solid. TWP is wet on wet except for newer wood. Just one coat is what they suggest.
new cedar siding… so you’re saying, install it and wait 4-12 months before i use twp100? wash or sand before i finish at that point? Also looking for the most natural look i can get. Does this come in just a clear finish? Thanks
It has to be tinted if you want to protect from graying. I clear will not do this. Yes TWP says to wait4+ months for new smooth wood to weather. Prep with their Gemini Restore kit.
Please explain more in depth what you mean by “wet on wet”
With TWP you apply a first coat and then within about 20 minutes, you apply another light coat.
We live in Fairfax, Va and had a new pine deck installed in Nov. 2016. With the deck being 6 months old should we put one or two coats of stain on it this year? We are looking at a semi-transparent stain. is oil or water based stain better?
TWP 100 comes in an oil base. Better penetration into the wood grain. Prep with their Gemini Restore Kit and stain with 1 coat of the TWP for new wood.
I live in Columbus, Nebraska, which has extreme weather. I have a cedar deck that is 8 years old. The previous owner applied a cheap coat of stain which weathered very bad. I tried to power wash it and it did not remove all of the old stain. I ended up renting a large belt sander and sanded the entire deck floor. The sanded deck now looks very nice and looks like new wood. The existing deck is too small and I intend use 5/4 new cedar to extend the deck by 6 feet. My question is: Should I stain what I now have sanded and then install the new cedar decking, waiting 4 months to stain the new decking? Or, would it be best to install the new deck addition, wait 4 months and stain the entire deck. I am looking for it to be as uniform as possible but I don’t want what I have sanded to start graying too much. Thanks.
Install new wood, wait, prep and stain all later.
Love TWP 101 Cedar Tone. Deck is around 14 years old. TWP used originally. Went back to it this year and deck looks great. Really soaks into the wood. Have tried Floods to which was ok. Definitely recommend TWP. Hand brushed it this time. Thanks
I used superdeck stain semi-transparent on a new deck last year. (on a cabin in the mountains of the bay area near San Francisco) . I waited the wood to dry and then apllied one coat of superdeck stain this year I went to check and it was cover with black mold (severe mold) any recomendations on how to prevent or what can stain should I use? thank you.
SuperDeck turns balck in color from mildew and dirt. Strip and brighten with the wood with the Restore A Deck Stripper before applying the TWP.
Hav a two year old shed in Michigan.
It has t-11 wood siding.
Put penofin red label on a few months after being built. I was considering a Cabot product now. Thinking the Wood Toned deck & siding stain…3000 natural…deep penetrating oil.
Siding has been cleaned with a mildew remover and pressure washed…..ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED!
Use the TWP 100 Series for this shed.
I use the TWP 100 on my deck every 3 years. Works much better than my neighbors deck that peels every year. I am considering using the TWP 1500 next time. Will it last any longer than the 100 Series?
Stick with the 100 Series.
Based on the reviews of this TWP 100 product I drove out of my way to find and apply to a new deck installation (after waiting the appropriate amount of time). It’s been two years since that application the product is really not a good one at all. There’s mold and severe UV damage to the stain. I don’t understand how it can be given such high marks, it’s really not work it at all.
NW Georgia.
When dealing with new wood, TWP requires one coat the first time staining and another coat in 12 months. Looks like you may have missed this second application 12 months after the first for your new deck. The reason is new wood is not very absorbent. After the initial two years, you can clean and reapply the 2 coat wet on wet application every 2-3 years.
how well does it work on cedar? Cedar deck was installed last fall, and now starting to fade. Would like the look it has when it rains. it looks like new after a rain. Wife liked the look just after it was installed. I told her it would fade out. Would like a product that lasts. We are located in Ontario Canada. Cold winters and hot summers. Thanks Terry
The TWP 100 series is not allowed in Canada due to your VOC laws.
Recent TWP 101 Cedar Tone on around 14 year old Cedar Deck. Beads up nice. Looks better and more vibrant in person than what pic shows. Thanks
Have a 15 year old P/T 2×4 deck want to seal it and forget it, whats best. Live in Michigan
Seal and forget for 2-3 years is the best you will get. Use the TWP 100 Series. Prep with their Gemini Restore Kit.
Can you apply TWP 100 immediately to new KDAT treated southern pine lumber? Since KDAT lumber is already dried I was told you can stain immediately. If not how long should you wait?
See thsi for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
Wait about a month or so.
Hello. I live in Dallas and replaced my 400 sq ft pt deck with cedar earlier this month. I have not stained it yet, as everything I read says to let the wood weather 4-12 months. However, I am seeing, what appears to be, spots of mold on the surface. This deck is on the west side of my home and gets the full, brutal, Texas sun and heat. Do you recommend waiting 4-12 months in these conditions, how should I prep, and would TWP WS stain hold up to our extreme summers and (sometimes) icy winters? Do any of the TWP stains actually reflect UV rays to reduce deck surface temps? Thanks in advance.
Hello, see this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
It is not possible for a deck stain to “cool” down the wood surface. Use the TWP 100 Series for this, not the WS version. Prep with their Gemini Restore Kit. You will need to wait 4+ months with TWP.
I just built a redwood deck in the foggy part of san francisco, CA and it seems that you give TWP a strong rating. I read that I should let it weather for 4 months before applying. Would cleaner and brightener fully clean it? Do I need to use both type of products and in what order? Finally what about potted plants in saucers on the deck: should I worry about unremovable staining from that with no deck finish for 4 months?
Use both and the cleaner and the cleaner goes first. Plants can lead to water damage this is not repairable. Looks like black rings.
One more thing, the TWP 1oo is not allowed on CA, Use the 1500 Series by TWP.
I purchased chicken coop made of “Hemlock” , manufactured in China. Reviews sound like it is cheap wood, but I can’t afford better. Many reviews of this sort of product say it is best to seal it in order to prevent warping. Should I do this as soon as it arrives, before I assemble it? Is TWP be a safe product to use on an animal house? If not, what would you recommend? Any thoughts on a stain color?
You could use the TWP for this. TWP thought wants the wood to season for 4+ months and prepped before staining.
I purchase a playground set and everyone saying to apply a coat of stain. I was going to buy Thompson until I cam across your site. What do you recommend I apply? Everyone says the current stain on the board will be ruined in 1 season. My plan is to apply another coat of semi transparent over what’s already on there.
Brad, you can not apply a new coating of a different brand until you remove the old coating first. We would wait a year and strip and brighten for the prep. Apply the TWP after.
I am staining a deck that has been power washed but some old stain remains. The wood is a bit weathered and has some cracks. Would this be a good stain to use and should I put a clear coat on after the 2 stain coats? TIA
Try a stain stripper and pressure wash again. Use a wood brightener after. Once prepped, you could use this stain. You cannot apply a sealer or a clear coat over a deck stain.