TWP 1500 Stain Review
Important Note: This is an updated 2017 TWP 1500 Series Review.
TWP® (Total Wood Preservative) 1500 Series Deck Stain was brought onto the market in 2010 as the permanent substitute for TWP 500 Series. TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain is a semi-transparent, oil based, EPA registered wood preservative.
TWP 1500 Stain is specially formulated to use on all exterior wood surfaces. Its outstanding UV resistant blend prevents wood graying and discoloration. It is commonly used on decks, fences, log cabins, wood siding and cedar shakes. It is offered in 10 shades that enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
TWP 1500 Deck Stain Rating
TWP 1500 Series Deck Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8.5
– The appearance of TWP 1500 Wood Stain on our test deck was a warm rich finish. The wood grain was enhanced and highlighted effortlessly. The 1501 Cedartone color was a little browner (not as orange) than a conventional cedar stain color.
TWP 1501 Cedartone
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 9
– At the 2-year mark, TWP was holding up well against UV graying. This was one of the top deck stains tested as far as reflecting UV radiation that typically creates wood fading and discoloring issues. TWP 1500 retained about 80% of its initial color at 1 years and 70% at 2 years.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9
– TWP 1500 displayed zero signs of peeling and only a slight amount of wearing. TWP is not film forming. The stain dives deep into the wood fibers, which reduces any chance or wearing or peeling on the wood surface.
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
– TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain cost us $39 per gallon. We applied 2 coats “wet on wet” to our 400 square foot test deck. Coverage for the TWP 1500 was 125 square feet per gallon for 2 coats applied wet on wet. The cost broke down per square foot was .35 cents.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
– In our testing of oil based deck stains, TWP 1500 offered one of the best resistances to mold spores and fungal growth, which some oil based stains are known to attract. This was most likely due to the EPA registered mildewcides in the TWP formula. Also contributing to the lack of spores, is the use of synthetic and natural oils and a limited amount of linseed oil, which has been known to promote mildew growth.
Ease of Application: 8
– TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain applied fairly well for an oil based formula. It was necessary to back brush or wipe excess stain to get a nice even finish. TWP 1500 Series Stain dried within 6 hours and we were able to place items back on the deck.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 9
–At the 2-year inspection, no noticeable darkening was apparent like we have seen with other oil stains. The 1501 Cedartone color essentially lightened up a bit giving a more natural appearance.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8.5
– We are confident that TWP 1500 Wood Stain would be easy to recoat. A quality deck cleaner could be used to remove common dirt and grime prior to re-staining with TWP 1500 again.
Overall Score TWP 1500 Series at 2 Year Period: 8.5
– The TWP products like 1500 and 100 Series Stains are known to produce a durable long lasting finish. They have always been a favorite of ours and are consistently one of our top choice stains. We personally use the TWP stains on 300+ deck restorations annually. Ease of application, a beautiful finish, and easy recoating makes TWP 1500 an outstanding professional grade stain for all exterior wood projects.
Product Information:
TWP Help? Search Google: TWP Stain Help
More Info: TWP 1500 Series
TWP Stain Facebook Page: TWP Deck and Wood Stains
Cost: $39 per Gallon, $195 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent – Oil-Based
Available Colors: 1500 Clear, 1501 Cedartone, 1502 Redwood, 1503 Dark Oak, 1504 Black Walnut, 1511 California Redwood, 1515 Honeytone, 1516 Rustic, 1520 Pecan, 1530 Natural
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats. “Wet on Wet”
Coverage Per Gallon: 150-250 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 4-12 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in All 50 States
More Info: Product Data
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Cedar
Deck Square Footage: 400
UV Exposure: Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: 1501 Cedartone
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take inconsideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
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63 Comments on "TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain Review 2017"
I just posted a question, but I think I deleted it somehow. I live in Ohio, this is what my deck looks like. I bought home last year. It is two toned. I wanted to stain with semi transparent stain in a very dark blackish, brown color, but how do I match railings? And what is the best item to use?
I saw in the Q&A section that the Armstrong Clark Wood Deck Stain cannot be used for benches on which people sit. Can this product (TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain) be used on the benches that are part of my deck?
Both TWP and the AC are full curing stains so yes they both can be used on a bench were someone sits.
I have a partially shaded screen porch with northern, eastern, and western exposures in Northeast Ohio. The interior thigh-high walls, the upright screen supports and the sills have not been coated with anything for at least 10 years. They appear to be rough cedar. There is a small area in the dampest & shadiest spot that has a dark green discoloration that I assume I should prep with a mildew killer. It all appears to be drying out & losing color. I also assume that it all needs washed and the extra rough areas lightly sanded. Is deck stain the right product for this project? Or should I be looking at some other coating?
Deck stain is correct. The TWP 1500 would work well for this.
Is the TWP 1500 safe to put on a brand new cedar deck, assuming it has been cleaned and prepped properly? I saw that with the TWP 100, it was recommended that the wood should be weathered for a few months. Is it the same with the 1500?
TWP wants 4-12 months of weathering and prep with their Gemini Restore Kit for new wood. Just one coat of the stain as well. This is for both the 100 and 1500 Series.
Could this stain be applied to a new cedar deck assuming it’s been cleaned thoroughly?
We have a cedar deck that was professionally stained 2 years ago with Sherwin Williams semi-transparent oil-based deck stain. They sanded the deck lightly before applying the Sherwin Williams. It had been previously coated with Defy Extreme. This deck gets lots of sun (no shade) in the hot months (Grand Rapids, MI). I plan to re-coat the deck myself this time with, I assume, a penetrating oil-based semi-transparent stain. What would you recommend? Many thanks.
To reapply, you will need to remove the SW first. Strip and brighten for the prep before using the TWP stains.
What about the Armstrong Clark brand or are the TWP stains better? Thanks.
Both would work about the same.
Thanks again. Much appreciated!
Just scraped all the Sikkens Cetol (1-2-3) System off my tongue in groove, vertical, western cedar siding on my contemporary home. Sikkens was applied 3 times over 19 years. Would love to retain the natural look of the wood. Plan to wash it with an oxy based product. After that, would TWP 1500 be a good choice for a semi-transparent stain or would you recommend a different product?
The TWP 1500 would work well for this.
My cedar deck, with south exposure is 3+ years old. I have recently stripped the previous Sikkens
Finish off since, like a prior Penofin Finish before that, it failed within the same season. In addition to stripping, I’ve used a Deck Cleaner and Deck Brightener. Now it’s time for another attempt with a transparent product. Should I use TWP 1500 or TWP 100. Also. . .I’m located in Iowa. I’ve noticed some products suggest two coats?? Thanks for your thoughts.
Use the 100 Series and apply two coat ‘wet on wet”.
Good afternoon, just ordered 5 gal. TWP Cedartone 1500 series and the RAD/Brightener Kit. I previously stripped, sanded and stained my deck with Sikkens Cetol SRD in June 2014. Have not touched it since, stain has been wearing and darkening after 6 months of application. I ordered the TWP based on reviews, I have a 350 sq. ft. pine deck plus steps, no railings (they are vinyl).
Is there anything else I should be aware of before I begin or just use all three products as instructed and apply the “wet on wet” and hit it again in 2 years with cleaner and re-apply?
Did you order the RAD Stripper or the RAD Cleaner. You have to remove the Sikkens before using the TWP.
I ordered the RAD stripper/Brightener combo kit
That will work!
Central Minnesota. Our deck is 10 years old. Grooves and some cradeling. We have opted to flip the cedar boards and use the reverse side. The cedar on the reverse looks great, had to do some sanding due to coloration etc. anyway, what shall we apply. Do we treat it like new wood?
Clean and brighten the wood after the sanding. Just one coat of the TWP this year. Apply another coat in 12-24 months or as needed.
Additionally, could i treat the cedar board that I am flipping so the old surface would give me additional life for the decking as a whole?
I do not understand your question?
When we flip the cedar boards, the old surface will be facing the ground. My question is…should I do anything to that old surface ……paint it…clean it….stain it?
No, we would just leave alone.
I have a mold/mildew issue on a carport that was treated 6-months ago with Australian Timber Oil. Mold/mildew has developed on the glue lams and fir supports. Contractor wants to sand and apply a semi-transparent finish. We live in Washington state in the Cascade foothills (wet fall & winter). Would TWP resist the mold/mildew better than ATO? 100 or 1500? Thanks!
Use the 1500 Series. It should be better than the ATO.
Is a drill-based mixer okay to use on this or will it create bubbles?
Yes that is fine. TWP is a penetrating coating so not “thick” where bubbles would be a concern.
Is there any big box store deck stain you can lead me to. I have read all your reviews and do not have a place to purchase locally as I am in an area that only has the big box choices. This is my first time trying to do my deck myself and it is now clean and waiting to dry. I would like one that requires one application with ease of application. I was headed for the Thompsons Advanced but it does not have any color choices as it is clear. Many thanks for any guidance.
TWP is not sold in Bog Box stores.
I am in northern VA and have a covered pressure treated deck with uncovered 4′ steps leading to the deck and the front door, meaning there’s a lot of traffic in that path. Sun hits the stairs and part of the deck in the morning and early afternoon. Whatever is on there now has shown a lot of wear, although the wood is likely less than five years old and still in good condition. My plan is to strip existing stain as well as clean and brighten it. For the stain, will I be better off using the TWP 1500, Armstrong Clark, or Defy Extreme ?
Use the TWP 1500 for this.
We live on the Oregon coast. Our deck is on the west side of our home. What product would you recommend? We get a lot of winter rain, moderate temperatures year-round with moss and algae growing on everything wood.
The TWP 1500 would work well for you here.
Looking for a TWP dealer/distributer in the Des Moines, IA area?
Best to check with TWP.
I am getting ready to clean and power wash the deck. I have read the reviews and have settled on the RAD kit for deck cleaning and brightening. I am stuck on which stain to purchase. I have a pine deck. It surround the salt-water swimming pool. Half of the deck gets a lot of mold/mildew and has a lot of pine trees shadying the area. The other half has not shady (pool and hot tub). I would like a transparent or semi-transparent stain to bring out the wood grains in the natural wood. I don’t want a yellow, orange, or red looking deck. I have read the TWP reviews for the 1500 and the 100 series. Which would be the best for my deck or would you recommend a different product?
TWP makes very good stains. Try the Pecan or the Dark Oak if you want to get away from the reds and orange colors.
What is the price per gallon and the 5 gallon cans?
That is in the Product Info above.
I have 2 Redwood pergolas I built 6 months ago finished with Thompson now grey and moldy. Cleaning wood now and was going to redo with Penofin, sounds like may end up same based on reviews. Would like to try TWP but not sure which to use? Like darker Redwood color. Sacramento Ca
Try TWP 1516 Rustic color.
How does TWP do with dense exotic hardwoods? I have a mehogany deck in NH that gets hammered with every sort of weather.
Ok as long as you know that you have to reapply to exotic hardwoods more often than normal wood like cedar or pine.
Sorry, images were too big. Please see attached for question about cedar deck stained with TWP 1500.
Hi. Had a cedar deck built in Aug 2013. Following summer, we sanded, power washed and let dry over night before sealing it. I used TWP 1500 based on your review. Going to clean and restain/protect it but not sure if I should use TWP again. Initially, the stain didn’t seem to absorb equally (some spots were a lot lighter than others). The high-traffic area has worn very badly and we have some mold around where the BBQ pit pad is (see attached pics). Do you recommend going w/ the same line or something else? If so, what steps should I take? If no, do I need to strip the TWP off? I’ve read some good reviews about Sikkens but don’t see it on your site, how does it compare? Thanks for the suggestions!
Location: St. Louis, south facing. Extreme weather here: Lots of moisture/humidity, sun and heat, rain and snow.
Go with the same TWP again. A couple of notes though:
-TWP suggests only 1 coat on new wood and then a second coat 12-18 months after the first coat. I think you missed this? The reason is new wood is not very absorbent the first time staining.
-TWP needs to be reapplied every 2-3 years going forward.
-Prep with the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener kit for this. It is an easy prep.
-Sikkens is reviewed on our site. TWP is a superior stain.
Yep, missed it. Thank you for the quick response! Happy Sunday!
Same to you!
Which product would you recommend for south texas
Both the TWP 1500 and the TWP 100 would work well for Texas.
Regarding the color choices of TWP 1500, are they all semi-transparent? The website shows color samples but does not specify if the choices are solid, transparent, or semi-transparent. I want something semi-transparent.
They are all semi-transparent colors.
Does this stain stand up to full sun in Mississippi with heat upwards of 105
Yes it should.
Would this work to help restore an older deck?
Yep, as long as you prep and apply correctly.
What would be your recommendation on TWP deck stains for an exposed deck in N.C. Even though it’s in the cooler elevation of the Blue Ridge it gets very hot during the summer? Thank you
The TWP 1500 or the TWP 100 would work for this in NC.
What are the differences in the various TWP series?
VOC laws is the main thing. TWP 1500 is allowed in all states, while the 100 is allowed in about 35 states. I would check with the TWPstain.com site for better explanations.