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
I rebuilt my deck steps with white pine (not pressure treated) Now I am ready to coat the steps and the russet brown existing deck floor with solid color deck paint. Will I need to tint the new boards somewhat for better coverage. I’ll spend more on a longer lasting deck paint. All vertical areas are done in the brown. I live in the Buffalo, New York area. Thanks, Robert
No you do not tint the wood prior to applying a solid color deck paint.
Although deck boards are installed with space between them, I have never read an article about cleaning, stripping, etc., that addresses these spaces. Do I try to clean/strip/restain these, do they come out good enough without any special attention, or is it a matter of it is what it is, it comes out looking good or bad by luck, and I have to live with the results?
Thanks
Depends on the brand and type of stain you are stripping. In most cases, the inside spaces between the boards will strip as well when using the stripper and a pressure washer. Some stains are difficult to stip and those inside edges will never come off. To deal with that, use a new coating that will blend it all.
We live in Illinois but very close to Wisconsin and have a 13mo old cedar deck which gets mostly sun. No mold problems . We have been waiting for wood to age and have not used any products previsouly on it. Painter just used a deck cleaner and power washed it. Do we need to use a brighten also? I want to use TWP but is there a big difference in performance between TWP 1500 and TWP 100?
The 100 and the 1500 perform about the same. Brightener would help.
I ordered a sample of the TWP 100 Dark Oak and it is no where close to a dark brown, see photos…
I was wondering if it’s possible that the sample I received had the wrong liable on it?
When using a semi-transparent stain color like this, the final will vary based on the age of the wood, what type of wood it is, how many coats, how it was prepped, etc. That is more likely the reason, not the stain samples itself.
Have pressure treated deck. Sanded it to bare wood 3 years ago. Used Thompson’s Water Seal semi transparent in honey gold 2 coats. Now needs to be totally sanded again. Not peeling. Mostly worn away. In Connecticut, Sun and shade, wears much more in Sun, very slight mold. How should I treat for best results. Thank you.
Would this be okay for fascia boards and roughly how many years until it needs to be reapplied?
Would this be okay for fascia boards?
Yes as long as the wood is prepped correctly.
Thanks, I accidentally posted this question twice kind of. The boards are new wood about 6 months old, would they still need prep if never treated/painted? Also, do you know roughly how many years until it needs to be reapplied?
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Can I purchase TWP Deck Stain in Canada?
No the TWP 100 Series is not allowed in Canada.
I have just put in new deck railings(pressure treated pine) 2 weeks ago. I’ve sprayed them w water and I’ve noticed that the water beads up. I’m assuming that it is too early to stain. What is the appropriate time to wait to start staining and what kind of solid stain do u recommend from TWP?
TWP wants 4-12 months of natural weathering for new wood and then prepping with thier Gemini Restore Kit. TWP does not come in a solid stain but semi-transparent.
I have a cedar fence I’d like to get stained. I want to maintain as much of the natural appearance as possible. Most of the wood is rough sawn, although some of the cross pieces are smooth. All are 4-8 months since cutting. I live in an extremely dry environment (~15-20% humidity in the summer) so the wood should be well dried. We have a fair amount of dust. What would I need to do to prep the wood and what would be the best product to stain it? I want a natural appearance with excellent durability and UV protection. The longer I can go without needing to re-stain, the better!
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and then stain with the TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
I HAVE A 10 MONTH OLD RED CEDAR DECK .
I WANT TO PROTECT IT , AND KEEP IT LOOKING LIKE ORIGINAL.
WHAT IS THE BEST FOR THAT ?
THANKS, STEVE
The TWP 100 Series would work very well. Clean and brighten the wood for the prep.
Hi, couple of questions here:
1. I’d like to stain my deck this afternoon but it says that there is rain coming on Friday. I plan on using TWP 100 Series in the Cedartone. Will it be ok to stain? How many days does the stain need to dry and cure for?
2. If I used a transparent oil penetrating stain last year and it appears to be engrained in the wood (as I sanded it down) will it still work?
3. Once applied, will the TWP 100 series bead water? If not, how do you actually know that it is in fact working? The stain we used last year didn’t bead but the UV damaged it so much that the wood essentially turned grey.
Thanks!
1. Yes
2. No, has to be removed if a different brand.
3. TWP sheds water. Beading water is not important and a myth. You want the stain breathable, not 100% sealing the wood.
I am going to put down a new pine floor in a screened in porch which is covered but is exposed to sun and rain. The floor is not exposed to snow because we remove the screens and put up flexiglass. What can I put on the wood to protect it. I don’t want to do this every year . I was told to stain it before installation. I live in Ottawa, On, Canada
Hello, you cannot prestain new wood. See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I am refinishing a wooden play structure that was previously ‘stained’ with a solid colour. I live on Canada’s west coast: wet winters and hot rainless summers (the new norm). I am looking to use a transparent product that will protect the wood from moisture, Mold/algae, and UV. Can you recommend a product? I don’t see TWP in any of my local stores; thoughts on where in Canada you can find it? What would you recommend second?
-I’m still working on stripping the old finish 😉
TWP is not sold in Canada. Most quality brands are not sold in Canada and not sure what you can buy locally. You will probably have to sand to remove all of the solid stain.
Hi! I have a brand new cedar deck, now 8 months old and am planning on using this oil based paint. I have a worry though, there appears to be a wax build up at the edges of the boards. (Please see photos). If I follow all the proper guidelines for cleaning the deck and then follow with the clear oil based paint is it going to still show through or will it cover it? I don’t want to spend all the time and money if this is not the proper route to take to cover the area. Please let me know your thoughts?
It will most likley show through unless you remove it first. Not sure why it is there in the first place? Sanding or stripping may be needed.
We are going to have our log home corn cob blasted soon. It is in southern Wisconsin on a lake. Lots of humidity in the summer. Not thrilled with Sikkens which is on there now. Bare wood is showing thru after 5 years. What should we use instead of Sikkens and how soon after the corn cob blasting should we do it?
Thanks so much!
Kathleen
Use the TWP 100 Series. You should be able to stain right away.
I forgot to mention it is log siding. Still recommend the TWP 100?
Thanks!
Yes.
I would like to stain my covered back porch (3 season room) floor before a wedding in a week. As far as I can tell, the boards are raw wood that has been in place for at least 10 years. My kids sanded the entire floor (80 grit) so it looks like new. What do you recommend as a stain? I am stymied because deck stain reviews vary depending on which site I look at! I definitely do not want a solid color; I’d rather it look more like the maple floors in our house. It also cannot be slippery as we will have 300 people walking across it. Thanks for your help!
You want a penetrating semi-transaprent stain like the TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
Okay. Anyone out there. I used Deckscapes, a stain from Sherwin Williams, which I bought because my dad always used SW products. Like father— like daughter. Fast forward 7 years. I need to restrain the bottom portion of my screened in porch. I like what I am reading about the TWP 100 series. But do I have to strip the old stain off before applying? I’ve never stripped the stain off of anything— do I have to sand it off? Any thoughts?? Just call me 58, clueless, but I do my own maintenance and
Yes. You need to remove the SW by stripping and sanding. Brighten after.
Is this stain slippery when wet? I’ve been on decks before that are very slippery when they get wet.
TWP is a penetrating stain when done correctly and will not be slippery when wet.
I made the mistake of putting Rust-Oleum Restore on my treated wood deck and it peeled after one year and looks terrible. I have scraped it off and now i’m sanding what wouldn’t come off, however it seems some of it is embedded in the grain. My plan is to sand it and go over it with cleaner and power wash and then stain it with TWP 100. Any suggestions?
You must remove 100% of the current products before using the TWP. If you can get it all off, you are good to use the TWP. Sanding is the only way to remove all.
We stained our new cedar deck on the flat roof top with Preserva Wood clear penetrating oil last summer. We ended up not liking the grey on the deck within a year. We decided to sand the deck to strip off the grey wood. What is the best stain to use in order to protect the wood from the wet weather in Washington state, UV and mildew? Also, does the deck still considered as new wood that requires different treatment? Thanks!
TWP 100 Series. It is not “new” anymore.
I recently bought a bunch of brand new 2×6 to make a playset in the backyard for my kids. I’m looking for the best stain to use to protect it. I would really like to stain it prior to putting it together, but don’t want to age my lumbar for 6 months first.
Does anyone have some advice on the best stain to use? Do you think TWT would still work? Should I just build it and stain it later? Because that would be a great deal more work…
Build it. Let it weather for 4 months to a year. Prep it and then stain it.
Thanks for the fast response! I guess that is the solution that makes the most sense. It would just be much easier to stain before it is assembled. I’m in northern Canada, is there a product that you would recommend I use? I was considering Sikkens, but from what I can tell on your site the reapplication would be a huge pain. I don’t think I can get TWP, and I looked for the Timber Oil and Armstrong clark on amazon. So far I have found Sikken and Superdeck.
Do you have any suggestions here? I would like to avoid having to stain this thing every 2 years.
From other Canadians responses and experiences, there is nothing decent in Canada and many have items shipped from the states or drive there to pick up.
Can I purchase this in Nova Scotia, Canada? If so where?
No. The TWP 100 Series is not allowed in Canada.
I stained my cedar deck with twp 100 and wiped off any stain that was not soaking in do you recommend me putting another coat on or does it look good?
Looks great! Leave alone. More is not better.
May I ask what color stain you used? That looks awesome, just what I’m looking for. Thank you
Looks like Pecan 120.
Pecan 120
What color is that looks great
Looks like Pecan 120.
I live in Northern Michigan and just had new decking put on my deck (Pressure treated pine) . It receives full sun. But we do get lots of snow in the winter. What stain should I use? I was planning on staining it in September. I always used a Sherwin Williams Timeless stain on my old deck but it was 30 years old and I had many cracked and split boards.
Thanks!
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
The TWP 100 Series would be a great choice for MI. Make sure to clean and brighten before applying. Just one coat of the stain.
I am looking to refinish a cedar deck. I have finally stripped the old semi-transparent stain off and sanded. Do I need to wait 4 months to apply TWP 100? The deck is five years old. I was told that cedar grays and I don’t want that to happen after the time it took to strip.
How fine of a grit did you sand?
80
Use a deck cleaner and wood brightener for the final prep and you should be okay to stain now or within a couple of weeks,
We have recently sanded a 1600 sqft deck to the original redwood. Prior to sanding, deck had been stained with a solid stain – not sure the brand. In areas where exposed to rain, sun and snow previous stain peeled. Areas protected (covered) stain stayed in good shape. We want to re-stain to a color matching the railing (that is still in good condition). During much of the winter the deck is covered with snow, we want a stain that can endure such conditions. My understanding is that solid stains are prone to peeling, perhaps a semi solid stain will hold up better, but how will it match to existing solid stain on the railing of deck?
Thanks for your suggestions.
You cannot match a solid stain to a semi-transparent but that is okay. Two Toned decks look great: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/advantages-to-having-a-two-toned-deck/
If I use the clear color as a sealer only, does it still require a top coat of some kind?
My goal is to maintain the natural color of the wood thus not wanting a tinted coat on it. Will the sealer suffice by itself?
No. You cannot top coat a deck sealer.
Clear sealers (no tint at all) will not prevent UV graying. it must have tint/color in it to do this and that will also enhance or change the natural color.
What you would like to do is actually impossible.
Can this product be applied to new pressure treated wood deck ?
Hello, you cannot stain new wood right away. See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Is this product sold in any store/stores ? If so which one/ones ?
Best to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
I am wanting to use the TWP 100 or TWP 1500 series on a 3 board pine horse paddock fencing. Will the Cedar tone 101 be true to color on pine wood? Is it considered toxic, asking just in case they do a little chewing?
Once cured it should not be toxic. As for color, that varies based on the wood type and the age of the wood. Might want to try a sample first.
Is it ok to refinish TWP100 over TWP1500 and vice-versa?
No. You will need to remove by stripping. Very easy to do though as TWP is not hard to remove.
is this a solid or semi-transparent stain?
TWP is a penetrating semi-transparent stain.
Extremely informative and interesting site. I am rebuilding a trellis that was constructed 20 years ago and appears to have been finished with a couple of coats of oil-based paint. Now it has massive peeling and water damage. The trellis was constructed with no flashing using 2 by 6 lumber nailed to pressure treated posts. Nails are toast too.
During deconstruction, I discovered that much of the lumber was clear red cedar so I ran the good pieces through a planer and am letting them dry out in my garage.
Would this be considered “new wood” now that it has been totally resurfaced or since it was outside under paint for twenty years is it considered weathered?
I will have to paint some of this lumber. The Forest Products Lab recommends a water-repellent preservative (WRP) under painted lumber to drastically increase the lumber service life. It seems like TWP could be used under a quality 100% acrylic primer and topcoat for a exterior application as long as the lumber would shed water quickly, not trap any water and provide a method for drainage (rainscreen) and drying (airspace) under the surface applied lumber on columns.
What do you think? Can you paint over TWP?
One might say why paint over TWP when you can just clean and apply a new coat in 3 years. Well, I’d like to have something that will last longer than that if possible plus the trellis holds a 20 year old wisteria that has branches everywhere and will be difficult to refinish!
Thank you for maintaining a great site.
Hi,
No, you cannot use TWP first and then paint over it. It would repel the paint and it is not a “primer”.
Are you saying that the paraffin in TWP can not be painted over or are you thinking of some other ingredients (like silicone)? The Forest Products Lab homemade WRP solution contains 1.5% paraffin and they have been painting over that for well over 50 years.
Any WRP products from this site that you would recommend to paint over?
https://www.familyhandyman.com/diy-advice/prevent-peeling-paint-with-water-repellent-preservative/
TWP is a curing stain/sealer. Painting over it would result in the new coating not “adhering” properly. Not sure on any of the other products.
Entire redwood deck is covered in Mildew after less than 1 year. What ia the warranty?
Hi Janice. TWP contains a mildewcide that prevents the growth of mildew in the stain but a deck stain cannot stop mildew from growing on top of the stain like it is in your pictures. The mildew issue is not related to the TWP but your environment. Doesn’t matter what brand of stain you use, you will still have mildew forming on top based on your environment.
my deck did same thing but with the Flood-CWF product. It looked great at first, but the mold went nuts. I’ve Sanded the boards down to fresh wood. I’m looking for good product to seal again. I might have to do the shou sugi bon method?
I made a mess staining for the first time and I need some advice on the cleanup. The deck looks beautiful with TWP 100 Pecan, and following all of your advice on prepping with the Gemini Restore-A-Deck kit worked great. However, the wind picked up while I sprayed the stain on the spindles, the plastic I put around the deck blew around, and now I have stain all over a) the fiber cement siding, b) the concrete patio, c) the aluminum gutters, d) window frames, and e) window glass.
Its been two days of using a power washer, mineral spirits, dish soap, and a scouring pad with varying levels of success. Any advice on the best cleanup methods? Thank you in advance for all of your help!
Try graffiti remover cleaners with pressure washing.
I would like to use TWP 100 on an out door craft project, made of white pine……….. I’m most interested in the preservative qualities and for the year round weather protection ……….. However, the big issue is, can I use an quality exterior oil base paint as a color finish on this project ??
No, you cannot top coat over the TWP. It is not a primer.
Hi, I live in NC and I have 3 levels of decks going down to a lake. 2 of these levels of decks are apparently over 10 years old with no stain and have weathered(leaves more than sun) significantly. I just added a larger deck that is now 9 months old and larger. The coloring as you can imagine is much different. I also had to replace a few pieces of the older decks. What kind(i.e.-oil based, water, ect..) would you suggest and is there anyway to make them look somewhat similar by the color of stain I choose? Just need some advice please?
Ken,
You cannot make new wood match old wood when using a semi-transparent stain like the TWP. It will be close but slightly lighter in color with the newer wood.
As for the type of stain, TWP is oil based and would work well for this. Just make to properly prep and wood with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener before prep. The proper prep will also help with the wood blending better when the stain is applied to the newer and older wood.
Could not be more DISAPPOINTED in this product. After one year my log Adirondack chairs and picnic tables look terrible. I thought after reading tons of reviews, I thought I found a decent product that would at least last 2-3 years.
Did you apply the TWP to new wood without prep? It looks like you may have. TWP requires 4-12 months of natural weathering and prep before staining new wood.
Gettting the TWP to last 2-3 years is easily done. We have personally used it on many 1000s of decks without issues.
Ipe deck about 7 years old been using TWP 116 and Gemini Restore a Deck at least once a year. I read that a lime cleaner works best on Ipe wondered your opinion before considered trying it vs Gemini product. Also wondered if TWP 116 best stain for Ipe or if there are better options for durability.
Hi Wayne, never heard of anyone use “lime” to clean a deck so really have no idea if will work or not. As for the stain, nothing lasts more than a year with IPE wood.
WE ARE BUILDING A ROUGH SAWN MAHOGANY DECK. ONE SIDE IS PLANED AND THE OTHER IS LIGHTLY SANDED. WE LIVE IN MIAMI, FL. WHAT PREP IS REQUIRED AND DO WE NEED TO WAIT FOR WOOD TO WEATHER. I’M CONSIDERING TWP 100 OR DEFY EXTREME. SUGGESTIONS? JANICE”
Please see this article on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
After the wait and prep, the TWP would be a good choice.
We are building a cottage in NW Ontario , Lake of the Woods , Canada . We plan to use pine siding . We understand that it is best to use rough sawn wood as it absorbs more stain and protects longer .
Our first choice would be a clear stain , second is semi transparent , and lastly , solid . We want to have minimal maintenance , but love the look of wood .
It seems TWP is not sold in Canada , nor , likely , is Armstrong Clark . If we accept that a semi transparent , with some pigment will protect the wood longer , what would you recommend for a product ? We have Sikkens , Behr , Benjamin Moore , Cabot , and Flood available .
From what I have seen and read , it seems Sikkens is pretty good (semi) , Behr solid is good , Benjamin Moore solid is v good , Cabot no good , Flood semi is good (maybe …as the Flood CWF is not as good as it used to be ) , yet Flood solid very good .
That question involves a lot of answers . The cabin is quite exposed on the south and west sides , so UV protection is very necessary ; any colour should be light to reflect sun . One option is to have corner posts wood (pine with semi t stain ) and siding of solid colour stain to minimize maintenance (we are in our late 60’s) . That way we only have to touch up the corner posts every 4 to 6 years ..?
Perhaps Behr semi on the corner posts (verticals) and Flood solid on the siding ?
Have you got an hour to answer or give guidance on this ? Your sight is wonderful ! This is the last place we build so want to get it right .
Doug in Canada
Of the ones you have locally, try the Flood semi-transparent as long as it is oil based. We would do all in natural wood and use a quality semi-transparent on all. A good stain can be lightly cleaned and reapplied every 4-5 years on vertical wood.
If you want a stain that will last slightly longer, use the TWP 200 Series but you will need to have it shipped to you from the states. The TWP 100 and 1500 are not legal to use in Canada.
I used TWP on a cypress deck in the SE US. It did not hold up at all. Less than 2 years later it’s worn off and faded. The only good thing was that it was very easy to remove by sanding for refinishing. I won’t be reapplying.
Hi Diane, it is normal to have to reapply TWP on a deck every 2-3 years. Nothing on the market will last longer and TWP does not claim it will. I believe your expectations were incorrect.
In addition, if the deck was new wood when first applied, TWP highly suggests a light coat of stain 12-18 months after the first the first coat was applied. After that, clean and recoat every 2-3 years is normal. No sanding is needed since TWP is a penetrating stain.
We used the TWP 101 on our fence about 4-5 years ago. Still looks good but want to recoat. How do we prep for this?
TWP suggests using their Gemini Restore Kit before reapplying the TWP again.
Where can we buy TWP 100?? We live in Reno Nv area
Best to check with the manufacturer.
http://Www.opwdecks.com I buy hundreds of gallons a year. Free ahipping on 5 gallons and lowest combined price (cost +shipping)
Our deck is made of Cedar posts, Rails, steps and some cedar shingles on an accent wall. Our home is in Georgia, deck gets some full sun but mostly shady. We applied Cabot Natural 300 Stain when it was built 6 months ago and the steps and handrail already need to be redone. What is the best product for cedar. We love the original natural color and would like to keep it a light as possible.
Other brands of stains cannot be applied over the Cabot. You should strip and brighten for the prep. Also might be best to just do this in the Spring since you never properly let the wood season before applying the first coating. Using the TWP in the Spring after the prep will be a choice choice.
My deck is pressure-treated pine, approximately 1 year old. Never been treated with anything. Will I need to clean and brighten it before applying stain? Also, should I apply to the underside of the deck? Thanks.
Yes you will need to clean and brighten for prep. No need to stain the undersides.
Hi, I have 23 year old clear cedar siding that my husband just pressure washed down to clear wood. There are places where he has dug into the wood slightly. Does it need any of the prep that you are talking about or can I apply the stain directly to the wood after waiting for it to dry completely? Also I am looking for a semi transparent that looks as close to the original color as possible. Any suggestions? Thank you
As long as it clean and free of any previous coatings, you can go ahead and stain.
Hi – I have a pressure treated pine deck that is about 2.5 years old. I first stained it with Cabot oil-based about 2 years ago. My question is: Do I need to strip the Cabot off before applying TWP? The original stain is pretty washed out from the FL sun, but is not completely gone.
Yes, you need to remove the Cabot first.
Should I wear a respirator when applying TWP 100 or 1500 stains to a deck? Thank you.
You do not have to but it does have an odor.