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 is a penetrating oil-based stain best suited for older or weathered wood, earning an overall rating of 8.63 out of 10.
- Because TWP 100 does not form a surface film, it will not peel or flake, making long-term maintenance significantly easier than film-forming stains.
- Do not apply TWP 100 to new wood less than 4 months old, as poor penetration will result and performance will be compromised.
- Recoat every 18 to 24 months using a deck cleaner and brightener, with no sanding or stripping typically required between applications.
- TWP 100 is not recommended for hardwoods like IPE or Cumaru, and color fades faster under full sun exposure compared to newer formulas.
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
Is TWP 100 the best oil stain for 40 year old redwood deck that has recently been sanded? Plus, do you have a color in mind that won’t look too orange or too yellow? We are looking to keep it light and natural looking. Our farmhouse is tannish in color.
Thanks from northern Montana!
Colors vary drastically based on the wood type and age of the wood. Best to test samples to see how it looks on your wood. TWP is an excellent oil-based stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product-category/stain-samples/
What’s your go to for staining a new deck with 5/4 deck boards?
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
i used several behr products on my deck, they have all peeled or worn. What can i do and use to fix it?
Add pics in the comments for prep help.
Recently stripped my PT deck
Previous stain was messmers UV plus. Impossible to get all stain out especially around knots. Is TWP semi a good choice for a new stain in this instance ?
Messmers is easy to strip. It should come off fully before switching stain brands. Add some pics in the comments.
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.
Best stain I have ever used!
Yes, it works very well! Do you have any pictures?
Last year, I stained my deck after cleaning it (using a solution of oxiclean) and power washing and light sanding. Then I applied 2 coats of TWP1500
It went well and I was satisfied with the final results
I would like to apply a coat as a “refresher” this spring, but without power washing though
How should I gently clean it before applying this 1 refresher coat?
Thanks
Whenever you recoat, you should do the full prep. Use a deck cleaner and lightly pressure wash.
Scott Paul…thank you for all your tips and responses! I am building a new outdoor fence in Southwest Louisiana out of Spanish Cedar…I was going to use Australian Timber Oil until I read your reviews about it…ie, they changed the formula years ago… what would you recommend for an outdoor spanish cedar fence in a humid climate?…I’m guessing TWP… ?? Your tips generally refer to stains…but I want a clear coating… what TWP product would you recommend with a clear natural finish? …thanks in advance – JP
You must have a tinted stain, not a clear sealer as clear sealers offer no UV protection:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
You should also read this about new wood:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
After the weathering and prep, TWP 100 Series in a tinted color would be an excellent choice.
Scott…thank you kindly for your reply and info! I will use TWP 101 Cedartone stain. As for as weathering, I have a question…the Spanish Cedar I’ll be using is being cut today at the mill…it is close to my house. The raw boards will be cut to a smooth surface but they will be technically “New Rough Sawn Wood” without the rough surface…do I need to still ‘weather the wood’ for 3 months because its a smooth surface or is it OK to stain immediately because its fresh cut, literally today? 4/10/25 SW Louisiana is humid and gets a lot of rain. I had planned on staining my side of the fence and painting the other side on my neighbors side…I saw in another post, you mentioned not to stain/seal both sides due to trapping moisture…can I stain the top and front of each horizontal board…paint the back side…but leave the bottom of each board raw unstained/sealed. These will be horizontal fence boards… thank you so much for your reply!!! – JP
Yes, you still need to weather and prep. As for the fence, it is normal to stain/coat both sides, and since it is vertical wood, it will be fine. The bottom of the horizontal boards will be uncoated, and that will help
Ok, thanks again Scott!
**Had to repost to include pics.
Hi Scott, need a little guidance if you don’t mind. I started to stain this red cedar fence about a year ago. The darker side has 5 coats of TWP 100, the lighter side has 1 coat. Both sides seem to have weathered over time. I could not get the stain to look even, hence the different coloration. I need to get this looking in uniform and fresh. What steps do you suggest?
After removing fully, use a tinted color of TWP, not the clear.
Thanks for your response Scott. I will get to work on it! Just wanted to add the Stain on the fence is the TWP 101 Cedartone not the clear. Would you suggest going back with the same?
Yes.
Hi Scott, need a little guidance if you don’t mind. I started to stain this red cedar fence about a year ago. The darker side has 5 coats of TWP 100, the lighter side has 1 coat. Both sides seem to have weathered over time. I could not get the stain to look even, hence the different coloration. I need to get this looking in uniform and fresh. What steps do you suggest?
5 coats? You cannot over apply the TWP as that will result in product failure. It is 2 coats max applied wet on wet. To fix, you would have to remove all and start over.
What steps should I take?
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper with both additives. The Booster and the Gel. Apply and pressure wash off. Use the RAD Brightener when done. You can find these products on the TWPStain.com site.
Would you use this product to protect outdoor wood furniture? And if not, what would you recommend? Thanks
Yes, you can.
What is the best stain for a new deck?
See this first about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Hello from ALASKA…looking to re-due our decks for the 4th time in 20 years. They have slightly molded due to the wet weather and long months of deep snow. We rinsed and brushed as much of the dark mold off with a mixture of DAWN liquid detergent and powder Borax, and it really cleaned most of it very well! If I use a hand scrub brush it even turned out better, but it is a lot of work for my back and arms. ( this was all before I read your posts about deck cleaners)
In 2020 we used Superdeck, SEMI TRANSPARENT STAIN, Oil Based with Moderate Hide, colored Weathered Gray. {its a light gray blue}
We would like to go more of a two tone wood look, a bit medium driftwood adding some darker Gibraltar Gray highlights to match the trim on our home and shops. We don’t mind if some of the old color shows through, we’d love several tones if possible.
We have replaced all the wood that was starting to get punky with new boards..
Please what would you suggest? We do have a power washer also.
I have attached 2 pics, one of not so clean, one of a very clean small area.
Thank you very much..
Susan
What you have on there is not semi-transpant but fully opaque. Does not matter what the can said, it is what you have in “appearance” that matters. This means going forward, you will need to use a soild stain unless you want to attempt to remove it all.
THANKS!! Please what brand of Stain would you use? and, if we use a solid stain, can we brush it on, to leave some of the original color to get a deck to look somewhat like the pic attached?
thank you so very much
Susan
No, it is not possible to get a look like your picture. It will be fully solid in appearance when it is done.
Ok, what about a specific weather proof brand of stain please.
See the best solid stains on this link:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Really appreciate your help! we’ll look through the cleaners and stains and order when we decide.
Hello
My deck is 8 years old (PT) and has been stained 3 times already with TWP 100 Dark oak
I power washed it yesterday afternoon (Saturday 07/06) – I only used a cleaning solution (oxiclean) + power wash and not a stripper since I’m planning to use the same stain. I have a few questions though:
1) I’ve read I should wait at least 48 hours before staining it…..But with the current weather in Michigan, there is rain every 2 or 3 days. Looking at the weather forecast, I could probably stain on Monday afternoon (which will give the 48 hours) Is it long enough?……If I can’t do it that day, it should be raining the day after (Tuesday). Should I protect the deck with tarps to prevent it to get wet again from the rain?
2) The power washer I used isn’t very powerful (electric – 1700psi) with a wide tip. But I find the wood to be a little bit “dull/fuzzy”. Should I quicky sand with a pole sander and a 80 grit?
3) Assuming I want a richer color, could I also go with TWP semi-solid even though I didn’t use a stripper? Or should I stick with TWP100?
4) Where can I find a photo gallery of the TWP100 colors and also the semi-solid ?
Thanks
what are the risks if I don’t strip and use the semi-solid?
I understand stripping when you switch from different brand, but in this case, it’s still TWP
Any link for a photo album? I’d like to see what Seafoam or Stonehenge look like
No photo albums for semi-solid colors. You can order samples to test. Best to remove when switching series of TWP for max benefit.
OK, thank you…..I think I will use TWP100 again then
How long does it take once stained (2 coats) to fully dry and rain won’t affect it?
6-12 hours but it does vary.
OK, so assuming I stain Tuesday in the afternoon and it rains the day after (Wednesday), it will be fine, correct?
It should be but drying can vary based in temps and UV exposure.
I’ve just learned I can’t get TWP100, and it will be TWP1500 instead, which takes longer to cure
Since I rinsed off the deck on Sunday morning around 9:00am, I think I have to wait 48h and stain Tuesday in the morning. Is this correct?
Assuming weather forecast is right (🤔) it should have time to cure properly (or at least enough) before the (heavy) rain on Wednesday
Yes, you should be fine.
How soon after staining can I put back furnitures, flower pots, etc…?
1-2 days later.
I was able to stain last Saturday, and it had more than 30 hours to dry before it rained
My wife is now (Wednesday) moving some furnitures to power wash and stain the 2nd section. But when moving some patio chairs, looks like some “rusty water” from the frame dripped on the new stained section. She tried to rinse it off asap with the garden hose, but apparently it’s still visible….Is there something specific to do? Or is it going to disappear on its own?
It should wipe off or go away. Not sure of what cleaner would remove the spots and not harm the stain.
Live on the intercoastal waterway and have a 360′ long boardwalk; used the Cedartone, but would going to a dark oak tone provide any greater protection against UV? I’m re-staining about every third season. Thank you for your consideration.
Yes, it is normal thay darker colors protect against UV longer:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-with-uv-protection/
It does not meant the stain will last X years longer. It means it will hold color longer but will still need to be redone every 2-3 years.
Last spring we applied TWP 100 to treated pine decking that had been untreated for approximately 4 years. We did a light sanding to clean up then did a powerwash clean after a couple of weeks. It was perfect all summer and fall, but now that it has wintered, the stain has come off of the boards in spots that appear to have knots or a ‘harder’ grain in the areas that catch the most sun (shaded part still looks great). I will say that the stain did not seem to penetrate these areas as well when we initially stained…..but maybe didn’t penetrate at all. We sanded off Behr water base stain on cedar railings and posts then power washed same as decking and all the railing still looks great. I do not detect any peeling of any kind at this point. Is it OK to power wash and recoat this spring? If OK, do we need to do 2 coats or just one? Do you think it will do the same thing every year in these areas that do not penetrate very well? Thanks for any direction you can give us.
Yes, just clean and recoat. Just one coat of the TWP is needed.
testing
Hi, I recently finished replacing all of my old deck boards with new pt pine deck boards which I finished in the late summer. This process took me a little over a year to accomplish due to several factors: I had to cut the deck boards off due to the fasteners failing(screw heads stripped out and screws that broke off), only working on it when I had days off, trying to keep the deck functional by only doing a few rows of boards at a time so that my dogs could get out to the yard and the fact that I don’t work as fast as I used to. Based on varying opinions I decided to let the deck ‘weather’ until this spring to finish the deck. My family likes the look of the TWP 100 Dark Oak so that’s what I plan on using. The deck is 360 square feet One flight of stairs is 26 square feet another flight of stairs is 72 square feet totalling 458 square feet. Someone that works in the stain business suggested that I seal the underneath also which I didn’t think of. I’m not sure if this a good idea or not as far as the sealer recommendations go but do think that it would deter those pesky wood boring bees for a while so if I do the underneath I would need more TWP 100. Since the pt boards have been exposed and gotten weathered I’m thinking they need to be cleaned with something before putting the TWP 100 on and possibly sanded. There are a few products recommended on this site that would probably work to clean the wood. I’m not sure which one to go with for my situation or if I should sand it also. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
No need to stain the undersides. For the prep use the TWP’s Gemini Restore Kit. See some tips here for TWP and new wood.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Last year I stripped and stained our Redwood deck and used TWP rustic. Husband was not pleased with how it weathered (he liked the oily look and water beading of whatever stain the previous owners used). He also feels that it faded too much. For the sake of time, we have decided to just recoat with TWP this year. I used the TWP restore a deck cleaner and brightener and plan to restain- Husband wants to use the Redwood stain color over the Rustic color from last year- will we have issues doing this?
It should be okay. BTW, never put a shiny finish on a deck. It will peel and become a huge nightmare to fix.
Hi there,
I have prepped my 25 yr old cedar deck by stripping most areas with the restore a deck stripper and also used the twp stripper. Brightened using Restore a deck product last week. I replaced a few rotting boards with kiln dried cedar from local Seattle lumber yard. The new boards were exposed to the brightener product. Should i apply only one coat of the twp 100 series to the new deck boards? And two coats to all others? Would the cleaner/brightener product remove the mill glaze that i see referred to in other new wood posts? This will be my first time using an oil based product since my nightmare with penofin stain 12 years ago. Slightly shy about using the twp in September in Seattle. I will do my best to apply correctly ( not overapply!) so that it gets a full cure despite shade on north side of deck and high humidity in this region. Any tips appreciated! Thanks, Diana
You cannot stain your new wood yet. It has to weather and be prepped.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
With TWP, only one coat for the new wood after proper weathering and prep.
Hey there, we have a cedar deck. It’s been neglected for about 5 years so the wood was really grey. I sanded all the railings and added Dalys sea fin ship and shore penetrating waterproofing sealer to harden and condition the wood. I’d like to now use TWP cedar tone over to finish. Do you see any issues there! Thank you!!
You cannot use a penetrating stain like TWP over a sealer or vice versa. The sealer will repel the stain in this case.
Second coat needed?
That varies based on how old the wood is, if a prior coat of TWP on the wood already, and the prep as well.
What is the best stain for a deck exposed to the winter elements here in the northeastern US? It is a deck constructed of Amish rough cut lumber. How often should it be stained? How many coats should be applied each time. Thank you
What state do you live in? Is the wood new or older?
Hi. I live in Port Huron Michigan. I have a pressure treated 2 tiered deck that is 50 percent in the shade for most of the day. With snow cover post winter I do get a bit of mildew that burns off in the spring and summer heat. I used a clear PU coating last year and it faded as well as flaked off. I am looking for a light or clear stain that is very UV resistant and has an Algicide component to it. I can spray or roll or rag on and am not concerned whether it is water based or solvent based. My main concern would be to get the maximum number of years with little fading or flaking. I can sand prep etc. please advise.
Your main issue is fully removing the Poly coating. That cannot be used on a deck. You will have to power sand to get this off. Once removed, the TWP would work well for you. FYI, the richer/darker the color, the longer it will last from UV graying.
I just applied one coat of Sherwin-Williams water-based transparent wood stain on new deck wood9 mos. old.. Now I read that it fades & peels after 2 years…not what I want! Whata to do now? Should I strip it with Restore A Deck stripper that biodegradable, then apply TWP 100 Pro-Series that has 9.2-9.8 rating. Need guidance! Thanks,
Since already on the wood it is best to just leave it on and once it starts to fail, strip and brighten then. It will be easier to remove later.
My husband is in the midst of re sanding deck as we speak. It’s about 15-17 years old. After sanding do you recommend washing or treating with anything before start staining I think we are gonna go with the TWP 100. What is the wet on wet application ? Has spent over a week sanding don’t want to pick wrong stain after all of this. We normally have pressure washed and then stained but felt it was time to give a good re sanding.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-instructions-for-wet-on-wet/
We are refinishing a cottage dock. The wood is pressure treated about 20 old. It has been sanded, removing old treatments, and are looking for a wood treatment that will give it moisture and more life without building a film or sheen that will be slippery. We would like a bit of colour, but not a solid colour/stain. Confused re differences with the attributes of stains vs oils in the research we’ve done. Suggestions would be appreciated.
TWP 100 or the TWP 1500 Series would work well for this cottage.
New cedar fence 6 yrs ago installed in November. Let it sit until the next summer, prepped and stained using this. 5 years later still looking good. Certain parts now starting to show bare wood and some green on a few panels in spots but overall I’m very surprised by the results. Have nothing to compare it to since this is the first time staining my fence but can’t imagine another of this type of stain that would last longer but I’m always looking!
In the next couple years I’ll be looking at restaining and probably looking at their semi solid with hope I could get 10 years.
My fence is 300 ft long and 6 ft. tall. It took dozens and dozens of hours of prep and work.
Pressure washing, cleaning, waiting to dry, staining, waiting to dry, covering with tarps during rain, etc…I tried different methods but ended up brushing the entire thing. Can’t say that brushing made any difference compared to spraying but it did give me more control.
Even if you spray you still need to brush at some point.
Bottom line is it was a lot of work but the results were and still are incredible. I can’t comment on using this on decks but if you do the right work you won’t be disappointed in the results on fencing.
I am about to undertake (for the first time) the cleaning, brightening, and staining of a boat dock. The decking is pressure treated #1 pine. The storage room is T-111 siding and was NOT replaced. It is about 6 years old and never been stained. I have been looking at a number of different products and the more I read, the more confused I get. Is it better to use water based stain or oil base? I want something that will last. I don’t want to have to do this all over again in a year or two. Also, some companies say to stain the wood within a couple weeks of installation. On this forum, however, I see it suggested to let new wood weather for 4 to 6 months. What am I to believe?
New wood must weather and be prepped. How long to weather varies on the stain brand and what their directions state.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
As for the stain, there are decent brands for both oil and water based. No stain will last mreo than 2-3 years on a dock though. See one of these brands.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
Greetings Scott,
I like your website and I can use all the help that you can provide. However, I have tried several times to register for the help forum without success. After I have input my user name (3-15 characters), email address, robot puzzle, click on agree to allow for you to send me an email …. then click enter …. I get a message on the screen telling me that I am using illegal characters (I think in my user name). Which does not allow me to register. I have tried different user names such as JHK49 and harvey …. I get the same message. Any help for this would be appreciated.
No need to register on the forum, you can ask questions anywhere on our main site.
Greetings from southwest Georgia. I have recently had my pressure treated pine deck replaced (1000 horizontal sq. ft.) and now the next step is to get it sealed/stained. On my old deck I used a product called OneTime Wood, it worked OK but I thought I would try something different this time around. After reading many reviews and “expert” opinions I finally found your website which seems to know more about stains than the others. My concerns are UV protection since I live in the (hot/humid) south and just about the whole deck is in direct sunlight most of the day …. which of your top stains will provide the better UV protection? Ease of application is important to me since at 74 years old I am only good for about 4 hours a day …. and getting up/down isn’t as easy as it once was. Of your top stains, which is the easiest to apply ie. roller, brush, spray, rag? I am planning to use an oil based semi-transparent stain. I saw that you rated TWP 100 and TWP 1500 stains at 8.5 ….. What did you not like about those stains? For the Armstrong Clark stain you did not show a rating as you did for the TWP, why not? Also, if you have any thoughts/suggestions about this next investment for my deck, please feel free to express.
TWP and AC stains are excellent and would work very well. As for the difference in ratings, best to read the reviews. Make sure to prep by removing the One Time stain first. You might want to consider the TWP Semi-Solid colors:
Thank you for creating this resource. Which product do you think would be better for my new PT deck- TWP100 or TWP1500? From what I’ve read here, I’m pretty sure it’s between these two. For reference, we live at 6500 feet altitude in Colorado with 8+ hours of full sun exposure, with very low humidity. Is there a better product you know of for this application? Also, I know you recommend ~6 months for the PT to fully dry, however, does that also apply for very dry climates like mine, with full exposure? Thank you!
For CO, you need the TWP 1500 Series. See here first: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
TWP is 4+ months and then prep.
Thank you!
My deck and porch were just stained for the second time with TWP 100 series but porch is still tacky 5 days later while deck has dried. Weather is in high 70’s and low humidity What do you recommend to fix issue.
Give it another week to cure. If it doesn’t you might need to strip it down and start over. This can happen due to improper prep and or over-application.
I have a 3 month redwood fence. Do I need to wait 4 – 6 months before applying, and is it acceptable to use a pump sprayer?
With TWP, yes. 4+ months. You can spray but you will need to back brush to ensure even coverage and catch and drips or runs.
Where can I buy the stain in Cincinnati Ohio
The TWP 100 Series is not legal in Ohio. You can order the TWP 1500 Series on this link:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I am new to this site. I have a pressured treated deck that will be a year old in July of 2023. What do you recommend to stain the deck with? Thank you.
One of these products would be best: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What is your opinion on Penofin vs TWP100?
TWP is much better. Penofin darkens or turns black. Known issue with the brand.
Can this product be obtained in a solid color (IE: Barn Red ?) I’m looking for a good Siding product for T-111, which will match an existing structure on the property. Located in Eastern PA. If not can you make a recommendation? Thanks
TWP does not make solid color deck stains. See her for solid stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I live in Oregon and have been using TWP 100 series for many years, applying every 2 years to 27 year old cedar deck. About a year ago we noticed deck to stop beading up water after only 1 year since application. Since the wood is so old, should we be putting 2 coats of TWP 100 series on? Thank you very much!
Beading water is a myth and it is not suggested. It should be breathable and shed water. You are doing it correctly.
Thank you Scott! But does a second coat help or harm? Much appreciation.
More is not always better. It really depends on the porosity of the wood.
Scott, thank you again.How does one determine the porosity of a 27 year old cedar detck that has just had a fresh sanding and one coat of TWP 100 series? There is a shine film on the cedar that does not get much traffic, but no shine film on the heavy traffic cedar. Would you recommend 2nd coat test on a portion of the heavy traffic cedar decking? Other thoughts appreciated!
TWP is not supposed to be shiny which means it dried on top of the wood instead of in the wood. If it is shiny, it was over-applied and or not prepped correctly. You are not going to get longer life by adding additional coatings so best to just keep doing what you have been doing.
Does the higher amount of solids in the TWP 1500 help it perform better than the 100 in anyway?
There is review of the 1500 in 2022 on this site that says it is the best even though they are rated the same overall.
Is there a reason I should use one over the other?
Also, can I add a mildewcide to either for extra protection?
No, they last about the same for most cases on a deck. Then one caveat would be vertical wood would get slightly better UV protection. Mildewcide is already in the stain.
Take a look at the TWP Semi-Solid for better UV protection.
I’m using it on Douglas fir wood soffits and covered patio ceilings so most of it doesn’t get direct UV. I’m more concerned with mold and mildew since I already have a problem with it 1 year after moving in to a new house. PPG cetol SRD was used on it.
Would I be better off using Restore-a-deck with better mildewcide? Or TWP 100 or 1500?
The RAD Stain will do better with mold and mildew prevention.
Hi there,
We will be having a new red cedar, horizontal tongue and groove fence installed in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, TWP is not VOC compliant in NJ as I know it is your top pic and gets great ratings in general. I have researched quite a bit and Consumer Reports rates Behr as very good/their pick. But I have seen lots of complaints as well. The company that we are working with is a firm believer in BM Arborcoat and has never had an issue. I was thinking semi-transparent Stonehedge. We are having our fence stained before it is put in place because we have a narrow lot and don’t want to bother the neighbors once it is in place. So, it won’t be weathered for 4 months unfortunately. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Use the TWP 1500 Series. It is allowed in NJ and is much better than Behr, which is a very poor stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
We also do not suggest the BM ArborCoat: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/benjamin-moore-arborcoat/
Read the consumer comments below the reviews:
I used TWP golden pecan on a very weathered wooden fence. I pressure washed it the wood and then applied 1 coat of TWP and 3 years later still very happy. FUNNY Thing, I Came across this review because, I bought Rocksolid 20x,around the same time; but went with the TWP instead. I was going to use up the gallon of 20X on small wheelchair chair ramp but I don’t have the primer suggested, and now I am having second thoughts on the 20X rust-O which I had high hopes for. TWP I felt I would give credit, where credit is due.
I have a 22 year old deck in pretty good condition. So happy to have found your website about 6 years ago – TWP is the only product I’ve ever used (after perhaps 5 or 6 different products needing to be redone nearly every year!) that has lasted and worked beautifully!
Last year we had to redo our steps and a few boards with new cedar. Now I need to stain the new boards after weathering approximately 10-11 months.
I know I need to clean/brighten the new wood, and clean the old wood, then stain it all. Should I use the same cleaning products on the entire deck (I usually just wash with dish soap and water and reapply TWP when necessary)? Should I strip the old decking even if I’m using the same color stain (TWP 120 Pro Pecan)?
And anything different if I decide to change the color?
We would strip and brighten the old stain and clean and brighten the unstained wood. This will give you the evenest results when you reapply.
Just wanted to say thanks for your excellent guidance. It took me a while to get to it, but I did just what you said and the deck turned out great!
My little deck is 140 sf pressure-treated lumber (pine?), Central Florida. Originally coated 6 years ago with Thompson’s Water Seal(?) or some other useless stain/sealer. It’s finally peeled off enough to tackle again and have pressure-washed- mostly bare wood now except for a few small areas which I have sanded enough to blend, if not completely removed. I’m 72 yo (old and tired) and don’t need the deck to look perfect. Cost is an issue. I’m leaning towards the RAD bc of the short drying time and easy cleanup.
Will it be a disaster to use either TWP (oil based) or Restore-A-Deck without all the prep work? At this point I just want to be able to slop it on with a pad and be done with it.
You must prep, no way around it. Post some pics and we can help with that.
It’s somewhat weathered but not actually gray and comes up to a rich “natural” color after a good rain. Six years of dead pecan tree leaves must’ve protected it. Color resembles new PT lumber. Pics show leftover previous finish.
Forgot to mention pressure wash was with water only, two weeks ago. Which product(s) do I need to use? Both cleaner and brightener?
Strip and brighten for prep with RAD Products since you still have some old stain on the wood.
Why did my cedartone CWP stain applied to western red cedar develop black splotches and spots in some areas which are shaded and near the house?
Send pics. TWP does not turn black so it has to be something else that caused it.
What is the difference between TWP 100 and 1500? What is the best TWP to use on a 5yr old cedar deck that I will clean first with your suggested Gemini product. Previously stained with oil base
The difference is VOC and what is allowed in your state. Where do you live?
I have a deck around my salt water pool. Will this stain hold up?
Yes.
New deck 12 months old in Michigan
Which one to use on a new deck….12 months old…in Michigan
Use the TWP 100 Series after prepping with their Gemini Restore Kit.
My pressure treated deck is only a month old and my contractor is wanting to stain… I am in Georgia where it is getting quite hot but I’m wondering if it’s really ready. Is there a TWP product that works on new pressure treated wood?
No. You cannot stain this yet and TWP wants 4-12 months of weathering for new wood and then prep. See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
We put in a deck about 6 years ago using treated wood. We live near Seattle in Washington state. We have not been happy with the stain we have used and have not been able to get an even coverage even after pressure washing. We plan on sanding the deck and using TWP stain. The deck is 17′ x 32′. Should we use any other product to make sure this stain penetrates? Any other advise you can give us would be appreciated. (Right now it is raining so the picture would not be helpful, but let us know if you need one.
Thank you
Use the Gemini Restore Kit after sanding. This helps open up the pores of the wood. Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit.
We live in Ohio a couple of miles inland from Lake Erie. Deck is on the east side of house. Replaced about 1,000 sq ft of ptw last September. Considering TWP semi-transparent. Would 100 be a better choice than the 1500? Clean and brighten? Would probably be at least another month before I and Mother Nature both get in the mood. Thanks
You can only use the TWP 1500 for Ohio.
you can get TWP 100 in West Virginia or Kentucky if you are willing to travel
Great information here, this really is the best online source out there for staining expertise. We’ve read the reviews and wanted to know your opinion on our plans to apply semi transparent stain to not only our PT decks, but also our shed and fence.
Standard pine fence and T 111 shed has been stained over several years ago with semi transparent. Our smaller PT deck has been stained years ago with semi transparent. Our larger PT deck has never been stained post install 3 years ago.
Torn between Restore A Deck and TWP 100. They are very close in score w/ a slight edge to Restore A Deck. I saw your TWP 100 testing was performed in full sun, whereas Restore A Deck was half sun. Our larger deck, shed and fence will be in mostly full sun. The smaller deck has very little sun (north facing).
Was hoping to simplify and only use one stain for all. Leaning toward TWP 100 but can also see the value in the Restore A Deck being a little better w/ mildew prevention. Our larger deck has developed small black specs of mold even though it’s primarily in the sun.
Would appreciate any thoughts you have on what stain would work best for the above.
Thanks,
John
Honestly the TWP and RAD will both hold up very well. UV protection is great with both. The RAD advantages are the mildew resistance is better and applying to a damp deck if that sounds like what you would like to do. TWP’s advantage is it being oil based it will soak in a little deeper. Both can be cleaned and recoated as needed without stripping.
I live in the desert southwest and I am wondering if I need to oil the wood before I apply a 100 series product. The wood has been outside for 1.5 years now and is starting to show the little cracks of dryness.
No, you cannot oil wood before applying a stain. No need as well.
What is recommended for redwood desk?
The TWP 100 Series would work very well.
Thank you for this useful information! Planning to stain our new pressure treated pine deck that has been weathering 7 months. Still debating the merits of oil-based vs water-based. It is a large deck that comes out over a walk-in basement, and it will be a big project prepping and staining. The question is should we stain underneath the boards at the same time as we do the top surface, or can they be done at separate times? Can the boards be sprayed from underneath? (I understand we will need to clean/brighten first)
You do not need to stain the undersides of the deck but you can if you want for aesthetic purposes. We would not spray as it will be very messy.
I am replacing my vinyl siding of my house with non treated cypress siding. What would you recommend to preserve and maintain natural look the longest? I have considered a light tint transparent stain/sealer as well. I live on the southern Gulf Coast in blistering sun and high humidity. Thanks.
Try the TWP 100 Series for this or the TWP 1500 Series. The richer/darker the amount of pigment you have in the stain, the better the UV protection.
Would you suggest using TWP over regular (not pressure treated) pine tongue and groove for an exterior porch ceiling or would an oil based poly be better? Thanks.
Use the TWP. Poly will peel and collect mildew.
I have a cedar panel garage door that is in need of renewing. Used Sikkens Cetol SRD originally when new. Have never really been happy with it. What is the best product to remove it to prep for a new stain product? Would like to use something else to refinish the door. Is TWP 100 a good choice for vertical application (obviously not a deck). Live in Colorado so 100 is banned but 1500 is not. If TWP is a good choice, should I be concerned about the difference of 100 vs 1500 for Colorado exterior conditions or not as overall results may be the same? I can get 100 in Wyoming and have a friend that can help me out with that depending on your remarks. I would welcome suggestions for other products that you may have experience and think would be a better solution.
We would need to see pictures for prep help. TWP 1500 would be the correct choice for CO and works just as well as the 100 Series.
Ok – here are pictures of both doors. I will be doing some minor repair of the base boards but otherwise it is ready to strip and restain. Your recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks
Try stripping with the Restore A Deck Stripper and both additives that they offer. Let dwell for 30-45 minutes and then pressure wash off. The RAD Brightener would go on last.
Assuming the stripper and brightener do the job, should I do a wet on wet application for the doors or stick with one coat?
Wet on wet is best.
Sorry one last note: I intend on using the TWP 1501 stain (cedartone).
Thanks
Does the clear provide UV protection and prevent graying
No. Clear sealers cannot provide UV protection from graying. Must be tinted.
Thanks
i just had new western cedar picket fence stained, after all the correct prep, ageing, powerwashing, was using honeytone 1515, after i went thru several samples ordered from twp, ordered 10 gals, more than enough, first bucket the professial used, looked like baby **** yellow, second bucket come out beautful golden honey color, whats up with that?!, spent 9 grand on the fence, and half of it is ruined, and of course its on the roadside, we live on a corner lot. I know they ll be a reason for it,
There would be more of an application issue, not a TWP issue. Probably were not mixed correctly prior to use and you should always “box” (intermix multiple containers) together prior to applying. Also, it is far from ruined. TWP is easily removable with a stain stripper.
How can I get a samples of Cypress stained with TWP100 105 Cape Cod Gray and 06 Prairie Gray
Try ordering samples from twpstain.com and test it out on your wood.
Hi! We have a two year old pressure treated deck that has never been stained. At the advice of a paint store employee, we purchased Benjamin Moore Restore to prep the deck for stain (wish I read this article and the comments ahead of time and purchased the TWP prep kit). We also pressure washed it. Couple of questions:
1) do you recommend we do anything else to prep it, like sanding? There are a couple of stains that are lingering.
2) what type of TWP should we use? (We live in upstate NY)
3) two coats?
Thanks for your help!
1. No need to sand.
2. TWP 1500 Series for NY.
3. 2 applied wet on wet.
We want to re-coat a deck that is in very rough shape. What would you suggest? We used a Pittsburgh Paint product 6 or so years ago. It’s mostly gone. Should we use a solid stain or paint product? What brand?
Post some pictures here of the current condition.
We used Cabots Semi Transparent srain and seal on our deck. We finished about 6:15pm last night, and it is raining this morning . Will this cause problems?
See tips here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/it-rained-shortly-after-staining-what-to-do/
I am looking to refinish some cypress columns around my home. I would like for them to match our gable or repeat their current finish but am having a hard time judging what is on either of them. Also weighing in ease or reapplication and overall longevity. Any ideas?
What you currently have is a stain that has darkened over time so there is not a way to match it. Best to strip it all down and start over.
Should you wait several months for new pressure treated pine split rail fence with this stain, too? This wood is rough cut and seems very dry and “thirsty.”
Thanks!
No need if wood is rough cut.
Do I need to wait for a number of days with low humidity before staining with water base semi-transparent stain? Old finish has been sanded off.
No.
Can I get deck stain in sage green tones?
No. You would have to go with a solid stain and have it custom mixed.
Hi, I’m in WA state outside Seattle, planning to stain a long cedar fence bordering 3 neighbors. Part shade in back; shade and sun on sides; sides under Douglas fir trees. Built in 2004. It was stained once about 16 years ago using clear; my husband says the stain and protection “is long gone.” Don’t know what former product was used. We have some mold issues, lichens/moss, etc. clinging but it’s in mostly good shape. Planning on using TWP 100 in clear as neighbors are not staining the fence on their side and I am concerned about colored stain ending up on their side from our painters/slat openings. I know no UV protection with that.
Do I still need to strip, clean, brighten? Or can I skip the stripping? (and what products for all this?) How to remove the mold? Thanks for such a helpful site!
Yes, you will need to strip and brighten this for prep. Use the Restore A Deck Kits. The mold will come off with the stripping.
I used Gemini restore a deck on a pressure treated deck and railings. Wood was 3 months old. Than used twp 205 cedar. Ihave always used 205. Not 100. Now I have tannin and mold and mildew. Stained 3 months ago. What shield I do now. Thanks.
Post some pictures in the comments.
Can I add anti skid to a semi solid stain to get some slip resitance
No, you cannot add additives to a penetrating stain like TWP. No need as well.
My unopened TWP 120 stain is full of clumps like this I think I got a defective batch? I tried mixing in the clumps but they won’t go away and don’t want to risk ruining my deck after all the prep work I did.
That looks like settled pigment, not a defective batch. Shake it or get a drill mixer and use that.
You were right I purchased a drill mixer, used the stain and it turned out great. Thank you for quick answer and giving me piece of mind.
Great!
My new pressure treated covered deck is a year and has never been stained. I power washed it pretty thoroughly because it had lots of stains from everyday use and then I used a brightener and now waiting two days it to dry. Tomorrow I plan on rolling with (3/4″ nap) one coat of TWP 100 Pecon then spraying my railings.
1.) My understanding is that I should only apply one coat of stain is this correct?
2.) Should I apply a 2nd coat of stain next year or just wait until the entire deck needs to be refinished? In other words is there any advantage to staining again quickly?
3.) The deck still gets rain and snow blown on it so should I look into applying a sealer after staining for waterproofing? I’m worried about the wood expanding when it freezes and thaws.
4.) The ceiling of my deck is pine tongue and groove (shingled roof, little to no sunlight). I already sanded it with 180 grit then plan on using one coat of TWP CLEAR 120. Is this a good plan and is there anything else I should be doing to it? Will it need two coats?
5.) How good will unused stain last for in the can opened and unopened?
6.) Will rolling stain on deck and ceiling then spraying railings give me best result or is there a preferred method?
Can you use this on 5 month old cedar fence?
Yes, you can. Works great for fences.
We are in coastal North Carolina and have installed a new wood fence of Severe Weather EcoLife-treated pine from Lowe’s. We want the natural wood color to remain unchanged over time. Should we use the TWP Pro Series 101 or another product now for the initial preservative coating? How dry does the wood need to be for proper finishing? We are having a fairly consistent tropical afternoon rain daily. Your thoughts.
You need a tinted color for UV protection and that will enhance or alter the natural color. See this for new wood tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
is a wood cleaner AND brightener just as good as SEPARATE cleaner and later a separate brightener only
You want them separate products to work correctly. If they say they are all-inclusive then they are not truly working correctly.
If I use the “wet on wet” application method, when would I apply a second coat?
20-40 minutes after the first coat.
I stripped and sanded my deck and I am wondering if it is necessary to use a wood brightener before staining the deck. I plan to use TWP 100 PRO- Series for the stain.
Yes, it is.
I was wondering if you can help me choose a right product for older cedar siding on the house. We are in Seattle, siding has been painted with solid color few times, but paint usually only last for a couple of years or so and then starts peeling.
You cannot use a stain over a solid color paint. You would have to remove that fully first and that would require media blasting.
Hi guys,
Love all the videos you have added. So after stripping and sanding my deck, I will be doing a final round of prep – being cleaning and brightening with the RAD products, per your suggestions. After 4 days of drying we will apply TWP101 Cedartone which we have previously purchased from you affiliates. Since we have stripped and sanded the deck, you have already advised us to only put on one coat this season and a second coat next season. Your TWP video here shows a two step process: Wet on wet pump spray on then use a pad applicator. Would that work for one coat or is that considered two coats?
Thanks in advance!
Lee
That would be two coats. Just do the one coat using a pad or brush.
Thanks, glad to confirm that. We are now in a heat wave with full sun so it may be a couple weeks but I will post pictures. BTW, I get a total score of 8.63 for TWP based on your ratings.
need recommendation for white semi-transparent stain for unfinished wood deck that has weathered 12 months
There are not any white semi-transparent deck stains that we know of.
Cabot & Valspar list semi-transparent and semi-solid white as an option. Lowes says they can color match. How do they do that? We want to do the deck surface in a darker stain and the roof wood supports in a white stain. New wood weathered 12 months & just cleaned with OxyClean. Central Indiana. Your recommendation?
This means it will look more like a solid stain when you custom tint. It will not be a true semi-transparent. Best to just use a solid stain that is white for the vertical wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-have-a-two-toned-deck/
Actually, I just found your review on FLOOD stain that looks good!
Can I use TWP on Ipe? We have a MASSIVE ipe deck, full sun and by a pool. We have tried a few different brands- I lived penofin the first year, but it seems like they changed something in formulation and it’s not as good. We did superdeck exotic as well. Nothing holds up for even a full summer. We are in Massachusetts. Debating on trying two or deckwise ipe oil- also thought about a marine grade teak oil.
Just finishing up washing it this weekend, and will need to apply a brightener(and recs for this?) Before applying a new oil.
TWP is not suggested for IPE. IPE, will require annual coatings, so best to use one that is easy to clean and re-coat.
Look at one of these brands. We like the Restore A Deck or Armstrong Clark hardwood stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Thanks. I read the reviews on exotics, and have heard so many things from different sources. May have to try restore.
I have used super deck exotic hardwood stain in natural on my hardwood deck & over the years reapply on my mahogany wood & over time I lost the many color variations & became a solid brown. This year I pressure washed it & removed most of the old stain. Some areas that were protected would not budge &remain brown. I can live with that if I have to because furniture will hide this area. What do I do know & what would be the best protection &keep the many shades of the mahogany wood thank you for your help
Post some pictures of your prep so far in the comment area.
have an old fur deck. It is about 18 in L. It has one side that has a built in bench. Orig from 1987sh. It was we think painted or what looked like paint. We had to replace about 10 or so floor boards two years ago. Now beautiful nice silver gray. No stain or anything on them. We just had to replace 33 floor boards. The railings and bench only minor replacements but the trim under the benches is still fully painted (powerwashed 2x, sanded bench and railings as could). So, my question. 1) Can we stain floor b/c some is brand new and some is a few years old? 2) Or should we wait 4-6 mo for new wood to get seasoned then stain in fall? 3) Or wait a full year and refinish next spring? 4) We were told that we probably need to use solid or semi perm stain (like paint) on the bench and railings/trim b/c we cannot get all of the prior paint out. You agree? So we’ll end up w/ a 2 toned deck hopefully – Transparent stain deck floor and then solid white trim, railings and bench. Should we wait on it all – we powerwashed the deck entirely. Also we have a man who can do this but I fear having someone claim they can do this and not be skilled at doing it well as not all paint jobs are created equal esp when you look at this deck all the time. Would love your take. Also what treatment(s) or stain do you recommend for the flooring and then the white trim, railings etc? He used water to powerwash as didn’t want to use chemicals on new wood if he could avoid.
See here for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-have-a-two-toned-deck/
I have an approximately 600 sq.ft. treated deck in the Chicago area. It has been refinished three times in the last 20 years with semi-transparent stain first then two solid color stains with thorough cleaning between coats. The deck is now peeling and down to bare wood in some areas. I would like to re-coat with TWP 1500. I plan on power washing the deck and using a cleaner.What are your recommendations
You cannot do this unless you remove all the current solid stain and that will require power sanding to get it all off. Pressure washing will not remove the solid stain fully. If you can get it all off by sanding, then clean and brighten for final prep before using the TWP.
What is the best stain for a pressure treated pool deck. Pool is chlorine. Deck is 5 years old and I sanded the deck floor boards with 100 grit. I live in western NY. Just need the proper product that will last the longest. Don’t really care about wood grain. Last product was solid color and peeled off. Thanks for your help.
You would need the TWP 1500 Series for NY.
I stained my deck about 5 years ago with twp 102. I need to restain it. What do you recommend? Sand 60 than 80 grit and use Gemini cleaner and brightener after. They area covered by gazebo help up pretty good as seen in 2nd picture do I have to use a stripper for that area?
Do not sand. Use the Gemini Kit for prep. Strip for the second picture.
Ok so use the Gemini stripper and brightener for the area that held up well like in 2nd picture than do I need to rinse it off with a pressure washer? After thats done do I use Gemini restore a deck kit for entire deck?
Let it dry for minimum 48 hour than restain with twp102 2 coats wet on wet
You have to pressure wash after applying stripper, not just rinse. Do this first. Use the Gemini Cleaner on the rest of the deck. Brighten all after.
Thanks for your help
I have a 5 year old deck and stairs of pressure treated pine. First year thompson’s water seal, terrible. 2 years ago pressure washed and used WoodRX. Has not worn very well. Will pressure washing alone take this off in order to apply TWP 100? If not, what else is needed?
We would need to see pictures here in comment area for help.
Here it is
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper with both additives and then the RAD Brightener:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-cleaner-system-review/
Thank you, so pressure washing alone will not remove residue? And what PSI on the pressure washer?
You will need stripper to remove. About 1500-2000 PSI
Hi,
My pressure treated pine deck is approximately 8 months old and I’m in NJ. I’m looking to use TWP 100 and I wanted to do two coats but what I’m reading says to only apply one coat. What’s the reason for only one coat?
TWP 100 is not allowed there in NJ. You will need the 1500 Series. Only one coat for new wood. New wood is not absorbent enough to take two coats.
I am repainting our 40 year old house. We have always used cwf flood clear but we’re looking at TWP clear. Want it to stay close to same color. Which one would be better? We have cleaned it. Sending pic not cleaned on right. Please send suggestions
TWP is a much better product.
Where do you find this stain
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I’m in Northern Illinois and have almost used up my 1500 TWP supply.
It’s been more than two years since I applied the last coat and I’m not
certain I prepped it right. Since I’m stripping, sanding, and brightening
anyway, is now the the time to switch to TWP 100? This is a 20+ yr old
PT deck and the installer seems to have used varying degrees of quality
wood. Thank you.
You cannot use the TWP 100 in IL, you will need the TWP 1500.
Hi! I’m working on my older deck.
Has unknown solid stain on it. I’m cleaning the mold etc now.
I’m curious on using a solid or semi solid like TWP.
I’m guessing all the old must be removed to use TWP.
Defy solid is in the running as well
TWP would not work here unless you sand off the solid stain fully. If you want a solid stain, try one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Great! Thank you! I’m still cleaning the deck. Taking my time.
I’ll look at the solids in the link!
howdy, So I have to do a repair on a deck about 600 sq ft, The customer has allowed the deck to just sit without reapplying any stain for about 10 yrs. I would say 50 % of the boards will have to be replaced. I plan to replace it with pressure-treated pine.
My question is, will I have to wait 4-12 months to stain the deck with the new boards installed. if this is the case can you recommend anything I can apply to the entire deck which will have about 300 sq ft old weathered boards and about 300 sq ft newly installed boards. Preferably oil ..
You will need to wait and prep, no way around it. Any quality stain will work after but the new boards will stain lighter in color..
Where can I buy tow 100 series stain
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-100-series