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
Can i apply TWP stain gray color on my old deck (gray color)without removing all old paint because is hard to remove by power washing machine.I removed all loose paint.
No. All previous stain will need to be removed.
Hi there
I am located in the Pacific northwest (Eugene Oregon) and had a new cedar privacy fence installed this weekend. The cedar fence pickets are 5/8″x6x6 imported kiln dried cedar. They are nice quality and have a very light rough finish with light knotting. The lumber yard said I could stain the boards right away since they are kiln dried. Is this true? I was thinking of a water based, cedar colored transparent or semi transparent stain so as to keep the natural beauty of the fence while providing some uv and mildew protection. We get quite a bit of rain here 6 to 8 months out of the year and dry sunny summers. What would you recommend? Do I still need to prep this before I stain or go right on the wood? 1 or 2 coats? Roller, brush or pad? I would also like a stain that would maybe need to be applied only once more as we will be retiring in about 5 to 6 years and selling the house. Thanks for your help and recommendations!
If rough sawn, yes. Id smooth wood, no.
To prep/weather the wood depends on if it is smooth or rough sawn.
Post a picture.
Have tried to post pictures three times… but no luck… it won’t let me. Fence boards look rough sawn not smooth.
Most likely your image files are too large to be posted. If rough sawn, you can do now with no prep as long as it is clean. Two light coats applied wet on wet.
Ok thanks. I’m thinking of using the water based RAD stain rather than the TWP. Any thoughts?
Yes, that would work.
Where do I buy TWP stain?
Check with the manufacturer.
I have a 30 year old wood deck, with rails and steps. About 800 sq-ft deck. Everything pressure-treated wood. Never been cleaned with chemicals. Subjected to 30 years of Michigan freezing winters and hot summers. There is green mold on the deck. Contractor wants $700 to pressure-wash everything with TWP Cedar.
Will this have to be done annually? If so, cheaper to replace all the deck flooring and rails.
Anyone have experience treating a deck of pressure-treated wood that is this old?
Every 2-3 years is normal with TWP. It will look great when done.
What is the difference between TWP 100 VS TWP1500?
VOC compliance for certain states or counties of the USA. The 1500 can be sued everywhere while the 100 Series cannot.
I have a 3.5 year old covered deck with redwood floor. Posts and balusters are rough cedar. Steps are exposed to the elements. I used Armstrong Clark about 3 months after the deck was built, and I’m not very happy with the result. There is lots of fading and darkening in some areas. I chose that because you supposedly can apply when wood is new.
Now I want to use TWP 100 Series because of your review. I have a contractor who will not apply stripper because he says it ruins the wood, but insists on power sanding after cleaning. Is this a good idea? Should I use a stripper?
Stripper is better for this. Leaves the wood in a more porous state then sanding. If you end up sanding, then use a grit that is 60-80 at most. Clean and brighten the wood after.
I have a cedar deck built summer 2018 which I used Timberoil on to protect over Michigan winter. I now need to clean and protect deck. Recommendations on products to use. Deck is in direct sunlight I can’t decide between TWP and Armstrong Clark oil based stains
Clean and brighten for prep. Use the TWP 100 Series.
Do you need to put a sealer on top of the stain or does the stain act as a sealer also?
TWP is a stain and seal. You cannot apply a sealer over top of a deck stain.
We are installing cedar balusters and what the contractor refers to as “good wood,”not treated, for the railings on a new build front porch. He has offered to let me finish the pieces before install, which will be in a few weeks. Is this a good idea or should they weather as a deck would have to before finish? This is a west facing porch on the lake in Cleveland, so what product would you recommend?
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
You should not pre-stain.
I’m having a new wood fence put in in a month–will be red cedar–would like to do semi transparent. My painter and the fence installer says we only need to wait a couple of weeks before we stain it. Your info indicates otherwise. If we waited as long as you suggest, it would naturally gray and I don’t want that. What do you suggest?
And, what stain would you suggest?
You have to let the wood weather and turning slightly gray is good and the prep will remove that. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Hi, we are going to use your product to stain a fence in Phoenix Arizona. It is obviously very hot here, what product and color would you recommend to stand up best to the 115 degree sun?
Use the TWP 100 Series. Any color you like will work but darker colors will tend to have longer UV protection.
Building a large deck with smooth 5/4 kiln dried Cedar..Do I still need to let it weather for 4-10 months before applying stain…
With kiln dried wood, wait 1-2 months and prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Just one coat of the TWP.
Used this product last year to a mostly cover deck. The floor was sanded with a commercial sander prior to application. I applied two coats. The floor looked great and still looks great everywhere except where the floor is exposed to direct sunlight. It appears I need to be able to add additional UV protection to area of direct sunlight exposure. I’m thinking I need to sand the affected area and re-coat (every year). Any Ideas.
You should not power sand a deck for prepping as it will close the wood grain to the point that the stain will not penetrate. Stripping the stain instead is better. Make sure to neutralize with a wood brightener after. Darker colors will have little better UV protection.
I applied a sample of the RAD stain in light walnut to 1 slat of my redwood gate to see if I liked it. I decided to go with the light walnut stain in a few weeks. I know I need to clean and brighten the fence before I stain but what about the sample section I stained? Should I not stain that part again and apply stain to the rest of gate? Will the clean and brightening step mess up the sample slat? Thank you.
Prep it all and stain over it. It should blend in.
I am looking for a clear stain for a screened in porch, deck steps and floor. I have had great results with TWP 100 series, but I am concerned about using the clear 100 series. It specifically points out that there is not any UV protection on a clear finish.
What would you recommend I use?
If the product is clear with no tint, then it will not offer UV protection. Does not matter the brand of stain. If you want UV protection from graying, you must have tint/color in your stain.
Thanks for the response.
What program would you recommend for the brightest finish closest to a clear?
The TWP 115 Honeytone.
I have a 2 year old cedar deck that was stained with PPG Timeless deck stain. It has failed miserably and I now need to strip and brighten the entire deck. I live in Atlanta, GA and the deck faces northeast. Am I ok applying TWP 100 to this deck after the deck has been stripped and brightened? I certainly do not want to go through this process again. Thanks for your assistance.
As long as you remove the PPG and brighten the wood, you can use the TWP.
I have a deck made of Ipe that was previously treated with Penofin. After a lot of frustration with the results, I’m ready to switch to TWP. What’s the best way to clean and prep the deck before applying? I should add the deck is quite faded at this point. I’d want to clean and brighten before applying any new stain.
You need to strip and brighten for the prep. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kit.
Can this product be applied to composite decking?
No.
Considering TWP for a 10yo log home because I believe this is what has been used since new. Although I’m not sure it’s TWP as I’ve only had the house about 2 1/2 years. How can I confirm? Also, all the reviews that I see are for decking. Any log home reviews?
There is not a way to confirm the brand of stain that was used previously unless you have an old can laying around. If in doubt, best to strip all and start over with bare wood prior to using the TWP.
TWP works great for Log Homes.
Thinking about useing this product on a pontoon boat deck, it will be new fur marine plywood untreated. Will it work if applied on new unweathered wood?
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
If the plywood is rough cut you can do it now. If smooth cut, you will need to wait, weather the wood, and prep.
we just had a new redwood deck installed and the builders sanded it. we planned on waiting until the temps (we’re in Colorado) were warmer, but one on the guys we had out to estimate staining says we need to do the staining by January or the wood would begin to grey because of the sanding? what should we do?
You have to wait 4-12 months for the wood to naturally weather and then clean and brighten the wood for the prep. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
You cannot do it now or January.
I am building a new screened in deck. I want to seal/stain the railing prior to installing the screen because it will be much easier, especially on the exterior facing surfaces. Now I read that I should not stain new wood. What can I do?
You will have to weather and wait. See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Whenever I see someone ask about the difference in TWP 100 and 1500 series, I see answers like: it’s “just” the VOCs. Isn’t the fact that it isn’t allowed in some countries and some states kind of a red flag? Are the VOCs a persistent issue, or is it just during the curing time?
It is not a red flag, just what different states and cities allow as far as how much evaporates when applying, not after curing/drying. Once it dries and cures, performance is about the same between the 100 and the 1500.
where can i purchase this product in IDAHO??
You would have to contact TWP directly for help.
What application would you use gemini wood prep?
Pump Sprayer.
I meant like at which time would this product be used? I am using gemini restore a deck but saw this one and wondered when would people use just the wood prep?
Gemini Wood Prep has been replaced with the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit. More effective.
Thank you for your help.
Hello, I have a boat house closet on the dock made of cedar. It has to be done now but am not doing the dock at the same time as it has not sat for a year and that would be next spring when the weather is warmer and drier. I know on pressure treated wood docks, you use gemini restore kit prior to staining one coat. Also I know when 12 – 18 more months passes, I use gemini restore kit and give it one coat. What do I do to prepare for staining the cedar closet that has sat around this will be its first treatment?
Same prep and stain.
Hi, I have a pressure treated deck that has been hanging out for about 10 – 12 months. Today I understand that I am ready to apply one single coat with a simple maintenance treatment in 12 – 18 months (clean with gemini restore kit and recoat with one coat). What do I do right now prior to my first single coat stain?
Prep with gemini restore kit.
My client sent me a picture from the web to demonstrate the desired color they want for a fence I built them. I actually managed to determine it was Bakers grey away wood seal from Texas wood products (TWP?) I assume this is the same company. As TWP 100 is highly suggested, any idea the difference between the two products? If the TWP is better rated, I am guessing the client will be fine as long as it has a color close to the super cedar of the Bakers grey. This fence has only been completed a few months, but we are going into the rainy season here in Tacoma, Wa. I am guessing its better to weather longer vs. not long enough. Should I hold off till spring?
Bakers is a watered down TWP 200 Series product. we personally are not fans of it but it is not a bad product. TWP 100 is better in our opinion. You can do it now or Spring. Does not matter.
Ok. Thank you very much for your time, quick response, and all the time and effort you put into what you do here.
What is your rating for Behr Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish and how often would you recommend applying it. This is for a newly installed redwood fence. thanks
Behr is a terrible stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
Read the consumer reviews below the review. We would never suggest it.
My question is about the Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish, not the stain. Would you have the same comments?
Is this a waterbased or oil based waterproofing?
Yes. They are the same with just less pigment. Water based.
thanks
AMEN! Horrible product
We stained our deck (treated lumber, aged 16 months) on Saturday with TWP 100. It went very well! Loved the saturation and smoothness of the product. First coat soaked right in, so the wood was definitely ready. We did 2 coats, wet on wet, per instructions. It had 48 hours to dry after we finished staining, but we knew we were going to get thunderstorms last night (Monday – about 52 hours after we’d finished staining). The deck felt dry, no longer tacky, but we were concerned about the amount of rain so we covered the deck with plastic sheeting. It did storm last night and it’s been raining on and off all day. The forecast says rain all day tomorrow as well as part of the following day. Should we leave the plastic sheeting on the deck, or would it be better to uncover it? Concerned about the water just sitting on top of the sheeting, not being able to drain.
The TWP needs to cure properly and that means uncovered. Take the tarp off.
Where can I purchase this deck stain in Toronto, Canada?
– Please give advice of water base vs. Oil base preference for cedar decks. Thanks
TWP 100 Series is not allowed in Canada.
I just bought cedar 4×4 for a mailbox
Would I need to wait for 4 months before I can stain this too?
If smooth wood, yes. If rough sawn cut, you can stain now.
I bought these from lowes and sanded them down so is that considered as Sawn cut?
No. Smooth.
My deck contractor is using the YellaWood brand PT lumber and their website advises I should apply a finsish (stin / seal) within the 30 days.
This conflicts with other posts on here ….. any experience with this particular brand PT ?
You have to wait as TWP suggests. 4-12 months.
I have a patio roof extension off my house with a knotty pine V-groove ceiling and held up with cedar posts. Carpenter says the wood was not treated. It appears dry. Do I need to wait to stain the V-groove and posts? The cedar posts will catch full sun in the PM, but since this is a ceiling the V-groove is protected from water and sun. I would like to sand and stain it ASAP prior to installing light fixtures.
You could try that since it is a ceiling and not an exposed deck floor.
So to clarify, allowing the wood to weather is more important if it is a deck–walked on and exposed to full elements? I was concerned there may be resin in the pine that required a waiting period even in new untreated wood. But if I can get started now, I would definitely prefer to.
My cedar posts are new and rough cut… can I start the process now of sanding, cleaning, brightening and staining? Do these need a waiting period?
I like the Armstrong Browning colors but the TWP product sounds better. I suppose with new wood Armstrong Browning will be a better option?
Yes correct but the wood does have to be internally dry with a moisture content less than 15%. Rough sawn cut can be stained right away. TWP and AC are very similar in durability and performance.
Is TWP a oil base or a Film base. My deck is partially covered by a roof and when it comes time to restain I have to strip the whole deck for a uniform restain. Can a oil based product be stripped like a film base stain? this will be my 5th time in 19 yrs so changing to a oil base has me concerned in 3 or 4 years when i have to strip again! The deck is in excellent shape and has been well maintained.
TWP is a penetrating oil based stain. Oil-based semi-transparent stains like TWP can be easily stripped if needed.
I used a pressure washer with the restore a deck cleaner and brightener. There are still some spots that look light gray as fences were very very mildew covered. I hate to keep putting off the staining part as this process has taken longer than expected, but do I need to go back over and pressure wash again with cleaner before I can stain? I’m also finding some areas with dirt that need to be removed. Should I just use a brush or do I need to pressure wash again? I’m trying to wait 24 hours after spraying with water before applying the stain. I live in Denver, CO and have rough sawn wood. What is proper staining process? Thank you for your help.
Yes, go over the spots that need to be cleaned again with both the cleaner and the brightener. Try spraying on the first coat and back brushing your second coat for the TWP application on the fence.
Thank you. My front fence was put up in March and is rough sawn cedar. My back fence is old and I’m not sure of the wood type. How many coats for each?
2 coats.
My neighbor decided to run his sprinklers and soak my fence just hours after my staining….is there anything that can be done? What happens when the fence gets soaking wet after staining?
Wait for it dry and see if it ran off any of the stain. If not, it is fine.
Does TPW 100 Clear have UV protection?
No. No true clear (no tint whatsoever) will provide UV protection for very long or at all. The TWP in all of the semi-transparent colors will provide UV protection from graying.
I’ve just applied green (trees cut down last Nov. slabbed 10 weeks ago), 1/2 into 3/4 inch thick, Adirondack siding to a cabin in North East NY. The front is in direct sun and the back never seeing it. How long should I let it weather and how and with what do I prep it when the time arrives? I will use oil base, clear.
Thank you in advance.
See this for tips on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Clear = zero UV protection. You stain must be tinted if you want to protect the wood from graying.
So, if it is tinted, how can I keep the natural color… How much tint? What color do you suggest?
Tints enhance the natural grain based on the color you chose. I would suggest getting some TWP samples to test. The lightest tint is Honeytone which is similar to a wet look.
I’m seeing that oil based stain should not be applied to new wood. We have a 1200 square foot deck in dire need of stain/restoration. I was all set to go with the oil based stain after being educated about Deck Over. I’ve replaced a number of bad boards so there’s ‘new wood’ along with the 15 year old wood. The deck is still in good enough condition to warrant using a quality product but now what?? What can I use on ‘mixed’ wood?
it doesn’t matter if oil or water-based, the wood still needs to weather and be prepped if new wood. Let this new wood season and then prep before Using the TWP.
We have purchased a property that has been unloved/untreated for at least 7 years – if ever?? We need to replace some boards because they have rot at the ends where the screws are. We understand that new cedar needs to be left for a period of time to weather, so are thinking that we will pull off the boards that have the rot and then do the prep work … thinking we should use the Restore-A-Deck cleaner kit to clean and brighten etc.
We were thinking that we would then stain the remaining deck boards before we put the new cedar in – so the old boards at least start getting some protection. We will do nothing more until the new cedar has weathered the required amount of time ( about how long would that be if we use TWP100? or Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain?)
Then we were thinking that once the new cedar had weathered that we would apply a coat of stain to the entire deck – so for original cedar would be a 2nd coat and for the new cedar the 1st coat? Do you think this is the best way to handle our situation? Or is there a better way?
From reading the reviews – we are not certain as to whether we should use TWP100 or Restore-A-Deck Wood stain? We live in Council Bluffs, IA so have extremes – snow and beating hot sun – the deck is on the west side of the house , although half of it is shaded by a large tree in the summer, the other half gets the hot afternoon sun.
We are thinking that perhaps the oil based TWP100 is the better product?? And if the ease of being able to stain the deck so soon after the prep and then apply Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain isn’t part of the equation…. which would be the best? What would be the reasons as to why one could be better or why we would choose one above the other?? Thank you soo much for your help – we look forward to your response!
Best would be to install the new wood now, let weather, prep and stain all at the same time.
Both brands would work well. Not one is really better than the other in terms of durability or reapplication.
Ok, I have an application question that may have an obvious answer, but I haven’t stained a deck before. When applying the 2nd coat for the ‘wet on wet’ method, will it be dry enough to walk on in 30 minutes? I dont want to ruin the first coat with shoe prints! Or do you do apply 2 coats in one section first, then once that is completely dry then you stand on that and do the other half with 2 coats? Thank you!
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-instructions-for-wet-on-wet/
For a 325 foot’ 8′ privacy fence, how much TWP 100 do I need if I’m using a sprayer?
I’m thinking 325 for the front plus about 350 for the back (with the posts) = 5400 sq ft. Per TWP, it will cover 100 – 200 sq ft. If it’s 200, that would be 27 gallons, so 30 for a 10% margin. Would you order 6 5 gallon buckets or would you get more?
Not sure if it matters, but the back of the fence faces a forest and is therefore unseen and completely shaded. If I had to skimp on doublecoating everything, that’s where I would skimp.
For two coats you will need about 45-55 gallons. If doing one coat, around 30-40 gallons.
We have made an outdoor pavilion with an exterior consisting of walmanized wood with a ceiling made of knotty pine. What would be the best stain preservative with a medium brown color to use on this
The TWP 100 Series would work well. Look at the Pecan color.
Does ‘New Wood’ mean Green? or is Kiln Dried still considered ‘New’? We are replacing our deck with cedar, but I don’t want it to grey. Waiting 4 months puts us into our rainy season.
New as in “newly” installed. Does not matter on the type of wood, it still needs to season.
Hi. I previously stained my 25 year old, wrap-around deck with Deckscapes solid alkyd stain. It peeled within two months under chairs. It didn’t last a year before breaking up and peeling. We let the decking go for 6 years. We decided to tackle the decking this year. I tried removing a small section of this rubber film with an ASR stripper with no success. I called others to hire this out, but the cost quotes were astronomical. Then I found diamabrush. The diamabrush removed the rubber film and cut deep enough to remove several layers of old stain. But the groves or sides of the boards remained covered with this solid stain. Then we found an attachment for an oscillating grinding tool that fit in the groves and cleaned the top edges and sides of the deck boards. Finally we went over the face of the boards with an orbiting sander using 40 grit sandpaper. Very labor intensive. We are going to use the same solid that was on the rails until we chang out the railing boards. Here’s my question: after all this prep do I still have to use a cleaner or brightener? I intend to stain the flat boards with TWP 100 series stain. I’m hoping for the easiest maintenance path to take. Thank you for your support. I spent a lot of time researching on your site. First picture shows deck condition before any work. Middle picture shows use of diamabrush and last picture shows a portion of deck after the groves were ground. 😐 😮 😥
Yes, a cleaner and wood brightener will help to open the wood grain and swell the wood pores so the stain soaks in deeper. Right now it looks too “smooth” for the TWP to soak in as well. Overall you did a great job of removing the solid stain!
Can you delete my first picture of my deck? I see it pulled several small pictures with the upload. Thank you.
Thank you for your help. You people are awesome!
Who carries TWP Deck Stain in my area 97467
Sorry but no idea. Check with the manufacturer.
Finished staining deck with 103 yesterday afternoon at 2pm. Unexpected rain showers popped up today at 12pm. Water is pooled on surface. Should I wipe water away once rain stops? Will the finish be okay?
Leave alone. It is fine.
I just installed a new deck around Mid-April here in VA. Am I able to apply TWP to the untreated wood at this time? If so, what is necessary to ensure good adhesion? a deck cleaner, soap and water, bleach, etc.. it just has light foot traffic stains at this point.
And how far will product go with roughly 100 sq. ft.?
thanks!
For the prep, use their Gemini Restore A Deck Kit. Only 1 coat for new wood. One gallon covers about 150-200 sq feet.
thanks! is it too soon to prep and stain with the wood only being installed in mid April?
Yes. TWP suggests 4-12 months.
Are TWP 100 and Armstrong Clark the same type of stain? AC states it has two types of oils, one non drying and one drying, is this the Sam for TWP 100
They are both oil based but they are not the same formulas. TWP is a fully curing/drying stain.
We moved into a different home last fall that is 7 years old. As far as we can tell, the deck has never been treated or coated. We have no idea what kind of wood it is. We plan on sanding first. I have been doing quite a bit of reading and feel quite confused. Is this the product you would recommend?
Yes but prep well first.