This post was updated on April 2, 2026
Hi, I’m Scott Paul, an exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My review of the TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain is based on my extensive background as a wood restoration contractor and hands-on testing. I’m here to share my expert insights and provide you with the best tips to get the most out of your deck stain projects.See here for more info about me.
TWP 100 Pro Series Review for 2026
TWP 100 Pro Series is one of the most well-known penetrating oil-based deck stains on the market and has been a staple in the industry for many years. From my experience restoring decks since 1993, this is a product that performs best on older or weathered wood where deep penetration is key.
It does not form a film on the surface like many newer stains, which makes it much easier to maintain over time. However, that also means UV resistance and color retention are slightly lower compared to some newer hybrid or acrylic-based stains.
Overall, TWP 100 is a very good choice if you are looking for an easy-to-maintain, penetrating oil stain for an older deck.
I always appreciate hearing from you, so feel free to leave a comment below and share pictures of your completed projects if you have them. Your feedback is invaluable!
8.63 Overall Rating for TWP 100 Series
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 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 live in California. Probably not available right?
No but the 1500 Series is allowed there.
I bought the TWP 100 pro series in rustic and I am not liking it I thought it would be more brown is there anyway I can add too it to make it more brown?
Only a different color of TWP such as Dark Oak.
We have a 5 week old deck (16×6 ft)in a wooded location with multiple black walnuts trees adjacent to the deck. The area is moist, cool and is mostly shaded by the black walnut trees. Our deck installer recommended treating the wood right away, not to wait 4-12 months. I am concerned that falling black walnuts will stain the deck, making it difficult to get an even stain coverage with semi-transparent stain next spring. What would you recommend? Thanks for your help.
With TWP, you have to wait 4-12 months. As for the stains, your prep should remove them. BTW, when the walnuts fall on the stained deck later, it still stains the wood. No way to prevent this.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I was thinking of buying the TWP 100 oil wood stain in clear for my teak deck, but it says that the clear does not have UV protection. I would like to keep the natural color of the teak. Do you recommend a different brand or a color that would not darken it? Also does the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit remove the old Penofin oil any better than the Restore-a-Deck. The RAD works better than others I have tried, but I am still having to scrub to remove the old oil. I have not used the stripper yet. That may be the route I have to go. I have about 1500 sq ft of decking and it is a big job. Thank you for any info.
Clear (no tint) means no UV protection at all. Does not matter the brand of stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
I live in Central Oregon at 3000’ and have a new cedar fence completed in December 2024 that needs an oil based stain. I’ve heard Rodda performs well in the Pacific Northwest high desert.
We have used Sikkens (now ProLuxe) on our deck and been happy with it.
Would TWP do better?
thanks for your help
Laura
TWP is a much better stain and is easier to prep and recoat when the time comes.
Hello!
What can I do to fill up cracks in my 25 year old pressure treated deck?
I used a coat of Cedar tone TWP-100 about four years ago (which is now faded) and want to improve this deck.
I may want to go over it all with a darker solid stain, too.
Is there some type of filler you would recommend?
You cannot use wood filler on exterior wood. It will not work correctly and will not “stain” to blend. It is normal to have cracks in exterior wood, so it’s best to just leave them as is.