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 am redoing my very weathered deck. I had to replace several boards with treated pine board…so I have a mixture of both older boards and newer boards…I have cleaned and brightened everything…do I still have to let the new boards weather? I have also sanded the whole deck twice…
Yes.
My deck is 1 to 2 feet above dirt. If I strip the deck and brighten it, will the stripper cause any problem in the dirt after washing the stripper off? Will it naturally decompose?
No issues.
A sticky mess! I think I did everything right… cleaned and power washed, waited 3 days, sprayed on stain, waited a bit and back brushed with a roller. Next day I had a sticky mess where the stain wasn’t absorbed right. I guess I have to strip it all off with paint thinner. Never had this problem before when I used superdeck. Be very careful with this product
This would only happen if you did not prep correctly or over-applied to the point that the TWP was unable to soak in. It is not a “stain” issue but an applicator issue. The good thing is it will dry fully, it will just take longer since too much stain was applied.
TWP easily lasts 2-3 years on decks and we have down many 1000s of decks with it and it always lasts more than 1 year. If you are having an issue then maybe it is with your prep or application?
I used this stain twice. It took the full five gallons the first time for a 450 square foot deck and the finish was dull. and not particularly attractive Not sure, since most desks are made with pressure treated wood, what the extra preservative aspects are, but it sure sucked up the stain. Redid it in four years and the coverage was spotty even after pre-cleaning the grime pff by pressure cleaning. This time I used Flood oil based stain and it took less than half the stain of TWP and the finish was really attractive. It also cost less than half the price of the TWP stain.. Will have to wait to see how it stands up after a few years, but I have enough of the Flood stain left to do the whole deck again.
TWP is a penetrating stain so it is supposed to fully soak into the wood and does have a flat appearance with no shine. Also getting 4 years out of your deck stain is great. You will not get that with the Flood.
We have old cedar boards from barn. Want to find a clear coat to protect bench from weather??
TWP does come in a clear but a clear sealer (no tint) will protect from UV and will gray in months. It has to be tinted to some extent if you want UV protection.
We have old boards from barn. Cedar will this work to seal them from the weather? Do you have clear? Want to see the beautiful cedar.
Thanks for all your great information. I live in southern Connecticut. Our deck is about 9 months old (built last summer). It’s pressure treated. I want to stain/preserve it to stay natural but also want to protect it from the sun. TWP 100 sounds like good stuff. Do I need to use semi transparent for sun protection? Will clear not protect from UV light?
Also, is it ok the stain at 9 months? Any prep recommendation?
You will need the TWP 1500 for CT. The clear will not provide UV protection. You have to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
Got it! Thanks for your quick reply.
Really appreciate it!
One more question- I see the 1500 on their website. Thanks
Do you recommend 1 or 2 coats on a 9 month old deck? I’m seeing some feedback that only one coat on newer wood due to lack of absorption. What do you recommend?
Only 1 coat for new wood.
So I have a 2 year old pressure treated pine deck. I am in southern Ohio and it is south facing so it gets hit hard by the sun all day. It was stained with Olympic Elite which has faded and peeled terribly where it has been exposed to the elements. The section under the roof looks just like new! From what I have read here I think I want to use TWP 100 or the Restore A Deck. Any idea which of the two I should use based on the info provided? What is the best way to prep and what products should I use before application? Any info is greatly appreciated!!
The Olympic has to be removed first. Do you have a picture?
I can send more if you like.
Strip and brighten to remove this. Stain with TWP 100 or RAD after.
We replaced our deck floor last spring and ready to stain. We live in Missouri. The deck takes a beating from the sun. We previously used Olympic Maximum stain and seal. Our spindles are still in pretty good shape but may need to touch up in some areas. I am considering trying the TWP because of the reviews vs Olympics reviews but concerned that the stain shades may not match. Do you have to seal after staining with TWP? Our deck is massive and would prefer not to have to do that.
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain. No need. TWP cannot be applied over the Olympic so you would have to remove that first.
I have a 30 year old cabin with cedar siding that has been stained/painted with water based product and it is peeling. Can I use TWP for cedar siding? Would you recommend sanding the old stain/paint off first? Thanks.
Post a picture. Once the stain is removed you can use the TWP.
I have a deck 20 years old. I have used Olympic solid stain three times and it was a terrible mistake from the beginning. The stain is just about completely worn off and I am going to clean and pressure wash the deck with Woodrich cleaner and I want to restain with a semi solid or solid stain that will last more than a year before it starts to peel. Do the stains that you have rated include solid or semi solid stains or just semi transparent?
Thanks for your response.
TWP does not come in a solid or semi-solid.
Can TWP100 be used on a deck that has had Armstrong-Clark semitransparent on it two years ago?
After you strip and brighten it, yes.
Can you restrain with water base if you stain with oil base 1st?
Only if you fully remove the oil-based stain.
Getting ready to stain our 900 sq ft deck on our A-Frame. Looking for direction on proper prep. We are wanting to stay with TWP 100 but change color to pecan. Didn’t know if we can just clean and brighten or if we will need to strip.
1) deck is in Missouri
2) pressure treated lumber
3) deck was last stained 5 years ago with TWP 100 dark oak
4) some parts of deck are full sun other are partial sun
5) Rails still have some dark oak stain left on them but most all stain on decking boards is gone.
You will need the Stripper and Brightener for prep when changing to a lighter color.
My deck is white cedar and it has TWP 200 Russet Brown 206. We shall have it sanded and treated again, principally because TWP does not recommended their 200 series for decks.
Ideally, we would like to use a clear rather than a stain, but it seems that we could have sun bleaching problems down the road.
From what I understand, a deep penetrating paraffinic oil based product may be best for white cedar.
Which product will be best from the UV viewpoint, and durability viewpoint?
Many thanks,
Chris
TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark wood stains.
Thanks for your reply.
I’m in MI so can use TWP 100 rather than TWP 1500. Does that make any difference to your recommendation?
You can use the TWP 100.
I applied TWP 100 stain last Fall to a Yellawood pine deck floor. This was second time using product…initial application 3 years prior. My location had a very rainy winter & around a lot of the pine “knotholes” the stain has been washed away leaving areas much lighter than rest of the deck boards. How do I remedy this? Do I need to clean & apply an additional coat to entire deck…even though only 6 months since last app?
It is normal for knots to be lighter in color. Different density there. If you want to apply another coat then you would need to clean all and apply one coat to all.
We have a 19 year old redwood deck. It currently has what is left of a Behr water based “stain” which is peeling like paint on most of the horizontal surfaces. The deck is on North side of house but does get summer sun and we live in Colorado’s western slope – low humidity, sunny and at 5700 ft. During the winter, snow will remain for several weeks before melting/pooling on deck. I see black mold in areas as pooling of rain and snow melt does happen.. I was going to sand horizontal surfaces of deck down to fresh wood and stain with your TWP 100 product. What would be the proper steps to get best results and longevity?
Sand it all off first. 60-80 grit paper. See here for more tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
I have a Seattle home with a South-facing stairway with small deck and a 10′ x 20′ North-facing deck. Both ironwood. Had been using Olympic Max in past with ok results, also tried Penofin once. After rave reviews of TWP I decided to use it hoping it would last a year and easy to re-coat. Stripped deck, applied brightener, let dry for two days, applied hand-brushing per instructions wet on wet. Initial appearance just like other stains.
Also have summer lake home located in area that can receive up to 100″ of rain per year. Deck there faces South, with stairs measuring 20′ x 15′ also ironwood. Cleaned and brightened and stiff nylon scrubbed to remove slough-off wood fibers, let dry for two days, applied TWP per instructions. Both locations done June 2019.
Seven months later lake deck still looking great. Seattle deck bleaching out severely (color under doormat just fine). Water stopped beading at 4 months. Now it’s 10 months later: Seattle deck/stairs look fine but color completely faded out but uniformly. TWP seems completely gone. Seattle North deck color mostly gone where partially sunny . The shady part has splotchy color and looks terrible. Lake deck splotchy in spots. No moss/algae anywhere. Will need to strip all decks again and re-stain–but the TWP product will not be used.
I am a semi professional painter and engineer of 78 years and have done virtually everything in very detailed fashion. I attribute my results as product failure of an overly- hyped brand applied properly. It may a poor choice for hardwoods.
The issue is not the TWP stain but your wood. Nothing will last longer on your wood type (ironwood) and your wood will require an annual application every year. This is a known fact in the industry so no, the TWP is not at fault for this. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Your expectations were/are incorrect.
who carrys this product?
Check TWPStain.com.
Do I still need to wait 2-4 months before staining new kiln dried cedar pickets? Also I assume wet and wet means put the second coat on before the first coast has completely dried?
Only 1 coat for new wood. See here for kiln-dried wood tips and how long to wait and how to prep: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
Does new kiln dried cedar pickets still need 2-4 months before staining? Also what do you mean wet and wet? Applying the second coat before the first coat completely dries?
Has anyone used Structures Wood Care for Log Homes? is oil or water based better
Sorry never heard of it or used it.
Regarding your note “We do not use TWP on brand new wood. If applied to wood that is less than 4 months old, it seems to have a difficult time with penetration.” Does this note apply to KDAT, as your other articles state wait 1-2 months before staining KDAT. Does this mean that this particular product is not appropriate for staining KDAT deck that is 3 months old?
TWP says to wait 1-2 months for KDAT wood and then prep.
Please address applicability for this product on Alaskan yellow cedar that has been air dried in 2″ thick 2x8s for 10 years under polebarn. Getting ready to mill them into 1″ thick decking. So the resawing will be new. What would you recommend for oil based semitransparent stain? Planning to pretreat with something on all 4 sides. Need recommendation for that too.
You will need to treat this like new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
You cannot pretreat nor is there any need to stain all sides. Install, let weather, prep and then stain as the above article states.
Thanks for the quick response! Like 7 hours. That’s great. I will read the article. You have an excellent comprehensive web site. We will post photos of the project once complete.
Gary
We had 1500 series color pecan applied to our fence in 2015. We want to change to the cedar color. We live in SC. Is it best to use the 100 series here? Would it not be advisable to change to the 100 series? Thank You.
Since you are going lighter in color you will need to strip and brighten for the prep. Use the Restore-A-Deck Stripper/Brightener Kits. You can then use the TWP 100 Series. Both the 100 and 1500 will work the same on a fence in SC.
TWP Deck Stain. I also love this stain but have found in a few cases one or two boards have a shine to them. Had paint store reps come out but they don’t understand why this happens. The stain is applied by roller and 4″ brush.
Over application or improper prep. Basically, the stain could not fully soak into those couple of areas due to one or both and then dried on top of the wood.
After a deck has had multiple coats TWP Deck Stain over a 5 year period does the deck need total stripping?
If you have a buildup of stain then yes it can be stripped.
I have just finished sanding a 30 year old porch. do I have to wait 2 to 6 months before I can apply and does it come in a clear stain?
Clear will not offer UV protection so if you want to prevent graying you must have a tinted TWP color. Best to wait a few months and then clean and brighten for prep.
I just sanded a 30yr old redwood porch, do I have to wait 2 to 6 months before I can apply the stain and is it offered in a clear?
Hello! I had my (covered) front porch and railings rebuilt with new treated pine wood also had them build an (uncovered, exposed to rain & full sun) wide walkway onto it that leads to the edge of my circle drive. It was done about 18 months ago. Weathered now, especially the uncovered area. It hasnt been sanded yet. It hasnt been cleaned yet with anything. I’ve read all the Q&R but still get confused due to different circumstances, woods, climates, etc. So i need to your expertise regarding what steps i should take with the TWP products and stain. I will need to know the exact wait times in between each product also bc ive never attempted anything like this, plus im an old single gal. Lol. I would also appreciate advice on a stain that will compliment my wood entry door that has been stained in the PROVICIAL stain. Whick in my opinion is a warm medium toned brown, which i love! I dont like red or honey hues at all. I also have about 80 oak trees all around my home. I live in hot Central Texas.
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing. The directions for the kit are on the bottle and the TWP website. As for the TWP color to use, best to get samples as colors will vary widely based on the wood type.
Thanks for your time! So do the Gemini first, then Pressure wash? So no sanding?
Yes, that is the correct steps.
Please be patient with me as you guys were with Laura Kennedy, i’m like her lol
What, if any, clear gloss coating can be used over TWP100?
No, you cannot add a coating over the TWP or any deck stain.
My new deck was finished in June. I happened upon this web site researching the kind of stain I wanted to use and bought the TWP. I see you should wait when you have new wood so should I wait till spring to put the TWP stain on?
You can wait until Spring to prep and stain.
Thank you!
What is difference between twp 100 and 1500?
VOC compliance for certain parts of the country.
okay, we had a cedar deck built a few weeks ago, one part covered with stoned fireplace, other deck is opened.. we have a cedar siding ceiling.. can we stain it or does it need to weather also?
we live in Missouri, and the weather is changing. I have done lots of research about when is the best time to stain.
we will wait until late summer of 2020. we will use the Gemini restore kit : which has the cleaner and brightener in it. once that is done, we put on the 101 cedar tone TWP, only one application because its a new deck. Do i have this correct?
And then when would you suggest us to stain it again wet on wet?
i have finally have my husband on board to wait… its extremely important to follow these technique..
we need to put up a gutter, so what to do because its a cedar board facing..?
thank you Mrs Gallegos
It needs to weather until next Spring or Summer: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Prep and recoat. All is explained in the above article.
Thanks for all the great information on this website. I’m wondering if you think it would be okay to mix the TWP-100 clear with the TWP-116 rustic about 50/50 and use that to stain a redwood deck? I tried this with a couple samples of each, and it looks great on Redwood. Ideally, we’d like to preserve the natural color of the redwood while also staining it with enough pigment to provide UV protection, mixing the two seems like (and looks like) what we’re after.
You can mix TWP colors.
Your post is extremely hard to read with way too many questions. Please repost in an easier to read format with fewer questions. In addition, all your answers are on this site if you use the search function.
just finished staining our decks with TWP100. we selected this product based on the glowing reviews, but since we just applied it we cannot speak to the longevity. however, we can speak to the color. we chose pecan #120, but the way it applied looks nothing at all like the samples. it looks uniformly orange, not brown and with barely any hint of woodgrain highlights. i think there was a mix-up and we were given cedar instead of pecan as indicated on the label.
color issues aside, we’re hopeful that the product will protect/preserve as advertised!
another pic… #orange
The color looks correct. Pecan is not a straight brown but a caramel/brown mix. Wood age and type also dictates the final color as well.
I don’t have a deck, but I have 160 feet of 8 ft board on board fencing that is 4 years old. Large portions have weathered. I am receiving bids from contractors to pressure wash and restrain the fence. The original stain was Ready Seals medium brown pecan color. Do you have a different stain brand that you would recommend? We live in The Dallas, Tx area
TWP 100 Series would work much better than the RS.
Planning to use TWP 100 on new cedar deck and sanding with 60 or 80 grit sandpaper before stain. Deck has been installed around 2 months. Can I stain now before Michigan winter or wait until spring? Thanks for an amazing website!
Best to wait until Spring: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I have a new Japanese red cedar fence. The wood was kiln dried, would I still need to wait several months before staining?
1-2 months for KDAT wood and then prep.
HELP! So we paid a lot of $$ last year for brand new cedar horizontal fence. The stain was put on half ass, to say the least. There are darker strokes, lighter, etc. Needless to say, it’s 2nd yr and it looks bad as it has chipped & faded. NOW, our bad too, but we don’t know what they used on the fence! We have lost touch with him. We just tried to put some water based Behr semi-transparent and it got all sticky. So, is it due to the product or is it the previous stain? I have read many reviews of others using Behr that have sticky issues. The color of the fence is a nice light gray. It goes well with our dark gray home. But now, we are having hard time figuring out what to do. Should we go with a more solid color now that the stain underneath is different colors (darker and lighter). But do those hold up as well. It seems solids would deteriorate and look worse even quicker. My pretty horizontal fence is becoming a nightmare. We get a mix of sun and shade during the day as the fence goes around 3 sides of the home. There’s a lot of fence! It’s in Denver, CO, so no mold issues. Any tips appreciated. Thanks
Behr is horrible, do not use it. You would be best with a solid stain to cover this and even it out. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Now you tell me, LOL… Maybe I can donate the 5 lbs of stain to some place (?) But it REALLY is sticky and runny so not sure who’d want it. I am on my way to get some solid color samples. THANKS
So why does consumer reports rate some Behr as the best..like many brands they have multiple versions and I am guessing that some versions are better than others?
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/latest-consumer-magazine-reports-on-decking-stains/
and this about Behr: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
Appreciate that and some of it makes sense, but CR is not a paid service in that the manufacturers have no say so or payments to them so they should be ‘of merit’ -they are not just a consumer vote machine (but yes a consumer has to pay to get full access-Money has to come from somewhere– I guess yours comes from the jobs you do and maybe you just do this service to get your name out there vs ‘paid’?) Anyway, I guess I will stay away from Behr. It would appear that #1 cedar (made by the same folks as DEFY might be a ‘good deal’, and looks like Kiltz is now in this business? Any thoughts on those.
Haven’t tried either but would trust Saversystmes (Defy) to make a good stain over Kilz.
I am using TWP 100 over old Redwood. How long do I wait between 1st and 2nd coats?
The second coat goes on wet on wet. Meaning 20-6 minutes after the first coat.
It is September here in Idaho and we have sanded a 15 yr old redwood deck down to bare wood. Do we need to wait till Spring to stain? And before we stain we will need to strip and clean? Would this be true no matter what brand we used?
Post a picture of the deck the after sanding.
Where can I get this TWP 100 Wood restorative Stain?
Check with their website: twpstain.com
TWP in my opinion is crap. Understanding the application process and paying too much for their deck brightener, the finish looks good for possibly 6 months. At best you get one year out of this product. Even home depot crap is better.
Would not recommend.
There is a lot of people who would disagree with you and we personally have used the TWP to restore over 10,000 decks, and it always lasts a couple of years or longer for a deck. Most likely you did something wrong in the process or the wood was brand new and did not follow the new wood directions of weathering and prep.
What’s the new wood directions of weathering and prep? Mine is new pressure-treated wood from Lowe’s. Is there anything else I need to do before applying deck stain?
See this for tips on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
How do you determine whether to use water or oil based product? Looking at TWP or Restore A Deck. We live in western Tennessee, hot summer, mild winters but some freezing temps and minimal snow. To be used on pressure treated pine deck and rough cedar fence. Both in partial sun. Best application method? Brush, roller, pad, sprayer? Noticed on RAD they recommend longer “weather” period, 1 full year, for oily woods like cedar, does that apply to TWP also? This site has been so helpful, thank you.
RAD does not suggest 1 year of weathering but about 3 months, about the same as TWP. Both are excellent products. Choosing is really up to you. Apply with a stain pad or brush for best results.
What determines whether you would use water or oil based wood stain/sealer? We live in western Tennessee, hot summers, mild winters but will get some freezing temps. Have 250 linear feet of cedar fence and about 350 sq of pressure treated pine deck to stain. All gets partial sun. Leaning towards the TWP after reading your reviews.
Hello, I’m about to stain my deck. It’s about 2 years old. Would I need to use the restore kit on it before I stain? Also is this stain ok for use on a 1 year old cedar fence?
Yes, prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. You can use the prep and stain on a fence as well. Works great!
I purchased 10 gallons of TWP Stain and Sealer on 04/04/2018. My deck was about 25 years old so I hired contractors to come out and flip the boards for a semi new surface where they could. In other areas I had them rough side up as they were too difficult to flip. In other areas I had to purchase new lumber.
Next I had a contractor come out and pressure wash all of the entire deck; old/new/flipped so that it was all clean. I did this in early Oct of 2018.
Today is Aug 25 2019 and as shown in pictures, all of the deck is molding under the product!!??? I followed all the directions to the letter, making sure to age the new wood several months prior to application and ensuring the wood was completely dry before applying. It is a very large deck but I was able to get 2 coats down from the 10 gallons at a cost of $389.90. This cost was just for the stain itself and does not include the labor of approximately $750 for pressure washing and applying the stain.
This is a very large expense for me as I’m single and not a young person. I even pressure washed one board to see if it (the mold) would come off. It did after taking some of the sealant off, but 2 months later the mold was starting again.
I’m not sure what I’m going to do now to remedy this issue.
That is not a TWP issue but an issue with your environment. No deck stain can stop mildew from accumulating on top of the coating but TWP can and will prevent mildew from growing in the stain. In other words, doesn’t matter what stain you used, you would still have mildew on top based on your environment. BWT, you are only supposed to apply 1 coat of stain to new wood.