Update 2018 for TWP 1500 Series Reviews and Ratings
Here at DeckStainHelp.com we take pride in the fact that we have become the Internet’s number one resource for all things exterior wood and deck restoration related. As years before, our customers who have used TWP wood and deck stain continue to be satisfied by the appearance and longevity of their deck stain projects. If you have used TWP wood and deck stain in the past, or if you are using it for the first time this year, we appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
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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151 Comments on "TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain Review 2017"
I have a old deck on a summer home in the mountains of North Carolina that has never been stained. I am going to pressure wash. Will the TWP be suitable to use? Also can I get samples of the stain?
Check with the TWPStain.com website for samples. The TWP 1500 would be a good choice for this older deck.
I have an 18 yr old deck/stairs/railing that have been stained over and over thru the years. However we have not stained for about 3 years now. We live in North Idaho so lots of cold weather and snow in winter. What would be best process for prep and restaining? Would TWP 1500 be best? Please tell me I don’t have to figure out how to sand the individual spindles in the deck railing! 😳
Strip and brighten for the prep with the Restore A Deck Products.
The TWP 1500 would work well.
Installed new pressure treated dock decking last September and ready to stain/seal. On Chesapeake Bay- should I use the 100 series TWP or the 1500?
For your area, you will need the TWP 1500 Series. Make sure to prep correctly.
We have a older deck and live in the south, do you recommend the 100 or 1500 series”
Either series will work well.
Let me start by saying that I really like TWP. It repels moisture like no other. Even when it’s worn and the color is almost gone, it still repels water. But just know that TWP has a learning curve. The first time I used it on my new deck I was ecstatic. It was gorgeous! HOWEVER, it was shiny. I was sure that I didn’t let any stain pool…but I was wrong. The shiny spots were a result of the pooling, AND the spots eventually peeled. However, it didn’t affect the water-proofing. I just used Restore-a-Deck stripper and brightener, (both great products) and set out on my next TWP adventure. We used brushes to apply the stain. AGAIN, we were CERTAIN we didn’t leave any pools of stain left on the planks. However, the next morning we saw shiny spots. Realizing that wood absorbs oil at different rates, we donned our throw-away socks and wiped every single plank. The deck is awesome. THAT’S THE TRICK! Apply the stain, wipe the excess, and move onto the next plank. You’ll love TWP. You can’t find a better water repellent. I live in Colorado and the UV rays are crazy, but even though the color fades, you still have total protection from the elements.
Which semi-transparent stain is better for Port Orford Cedar TWP 100 or TWP 1500 ?
Depends on where you live and if the wood is new or older.
The deck is new built 4 days ago ! I live in Oregon – on the Coast !
You cannot stain right away. TWP wants 4-12 months of weathering. After the weathering you will need to clean and brighten for prep. Use the 100 Series.
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
First two are under deck, third is sw exposure. Maine.
Tried to send as reply, don’t think it went through.
You should strip and brighten all wood for the prep. It will remove the old stain and the mildew.
I bought a 2005 cedar sided house that has weathered considerably with varying exposures. One section, under a deck, has no sun exposure and is black with exterior mold. What do you recommend for restoration? Should I use the same for the areas that receive lots of sun? As far as I can tell, there was no stain or sealer applied when built.
Pictures please.
I sent the pictures a couple hours ago, did you get them?
We had a rough sawn cedar pergola put in 9 months ago, so it should be aged enough for staining. What prep do you think we’d need, and do you think TWP 1500 Natural or Cedar Tone would look more natural?
Clean and brigthen with the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit. Honeytone is the lightest tint.
I have a one year old red cedar deck which I stained with TWP 1520 stain 2 coats at installation. I live in Connecticut. It’s still looking pretty good this spring after the winter and water is still beading up on it pretty well but some parts look a bit dried out. I’m wondering if it’s best to wash and put another coat on this spring or if it should be ok until fall or next spring and if washing now what cleaner to use. No mold apparent at this point. Thanks.
Leave as is and do a full restoration next Spring.
Full restoration meaning strip and brighten or Clean and brighten since its TWP?
Clean and brighten then reapply same color and series.
Would we use 2 coats for a 7 month old pressure treaded pine / or we just use one coat of TWP1500?
Just one coat.
I have a 3100 PSI pressure washer. Will a 45 degree nozzle kept at 12 inches reduce the pressure to a safe level?
I am also interested in your opinion regarding whether not using the prep kit is enough to prep a previously stained deck? The deck was stained 2-3 years ago using TWP100 series stain. The deck has a northern exposure and is partially covered by an awning.
8-12 inches is good. If using the same color you should be fine with the prep.
We currently have Arbor Coat translucent oil based stain on our porches and dock. They are black with mildew all over. We would like to redo with TWP 1500 based on the ratings and reviews. How should we prep the areas?
The Arbor Coat will need to be sanded to remove it. After that sanding, clean and brighten for prep.
Hi. Iv just bought a static caravan with decking its cedar red iv stained it but it doesn’t last long on the main walkways what can I use .
Sorry I do not understand your question. Please post a picture as well.
Hi gang,
I have a 25 year old PT pine deck in the Deep South that I am in the process of restoring. Whether I use the 100 or 1500 series, will the Clear version have the same staying power as the ones with more pigments in them? Any recommendations regarding 100 v. 1500? Thanks!
Marsh
Clear does not offer UV protection from natural graying. You must have a tint in the stain for this to occur. Either Series works well.
Do any of the deck stains you recommend make a white color stain? We have year old pressure treated pine tables and benches that we are ready to stain, but I was wanting almost a white-wash look. I found a few white color options with Behr stain, but after reading reviews decided that was not the route we wanted to go. I didn’t see any white options with the TWP stain or the Armstrong Clark, but hoped I was just missing something. If they don’t have a white color stain, do you have any recommendations of where to look? Thanks so much!
No semi-transparent stain for decks come in white. Only way to achieve this is with a solid color deck stain.
Do you have a brand you would recommend?
When using a solid color deck stain, we lean towards the Flood Solid Color stains.
Good afternoon – just ordered a 5g bucket of TWP 1500 (1501 cedar) to put down on my new treated pine deck that was built 6 months ago and has cured up nicely here in Raleigh NC. Plan to spot clean the deck, then put one healthy coat down now and follow up with another in a year. Am I on the right track? Thanks!
Clean and brighten for the prep. Use their Gemini Restore Kit. Just one coat now.
Thanks! Stain went down Thursday and looks great. Agree that wiping up excess is essential.
Post a picture if you can.
I have an older log home that has been stained before with a semitransparent stain. I am not sure what brand of stain it is. It needs to be re-stained, I have some weathered spots and have to replace some boards on the gable. I have cleaned and power washed the house. Going back with approximately the same color. What stain will give me the best coverage to cover up the weathered areas and also blend in the new boards.
Hello Mike,
You have to strip off all the current stain when switching brands to your new coating will properly work and soak into the wood. You cannot just apply over top and assume the new coating will work. Once removed, the TWP 1500 would work very well.
I found out that the stain on there now is CWF-UVS cedar tone. Will the twp go over that or is there something better?
You cannot apply TWP or any other semi-transparent stain brand over the CWF. It must be removed first.
I think it might actually be CWF-UV-5 instead of UVS
used TwP 1500 FOR THREE SEASONS, AND IT FAILED EVERY TIME USED THEIR CLEANING AND NEUTRALIZING KIT EACH TIME .lOOKED GOOD FOR A FEW MONTHS AND THEN STARTED TURNING GRAY AND BLACK. WOULD NOY RECOMMEND.
Gene, you said you used the TWP 1500 in Clear. The Clear states it has no UV protection from graying and will gray naturally. Best to use the TWP 1500 Series in one of the tinted semi-transparent colors. Ths will give 2-3 years of protection from graying,
Which of these productshas fewer health risks during the application process? TWP-1500 vs Amstrong-Clark semitransparent cedar?
No difference between the two.
Do TWP 1500 Series stains waterproof as wel as stain fences?
Yes but not in the traditional sense of water beading. The stain needs to breathe or not be 100% sealing the wood. It more or less sheds water.
5 year old pressure treated pine deck with high humid SC afternoon sun previously stained w/ SW deckscape water based semi-transp. Neutral tan color.
Would it be better to re stain with oil based for durability/appearance? What kind would you recommend?
Also, would RAD cleaner/brightener plus powerwashing possibly suffice, or
does the the slightly tinted water based stain require stripping? If so before or after the cleaning powerwashing?
You will need to prep by removing the SW first. Strip off what you can and if needed, sand the rest. Brighten all the wood after the prep. You do not need to clean if you are stripping. You will pressure wash after applying the stripper.
As for the stain, try the TWP 1500 after the prep is completed.
My redwood deck is 18 months old with no treating. It’s been prepped for twp with pressure washing and sanding but no brightener. How essential is the brightening treatment or is that purely an aesthetic choice?
Helps the wood stain to soak in deeper when you use a brightener.
I have a 34 yr. pan-abode cabin (6″ manufactured log) about 5 miles from the ocean in Canada. The Sikkens product has faded badly on the south a west surfaces and the caulking is cracked and dried up. I am about to wire brush or corn blasting the wood clean of stain and remove the caulking before applying TWP 1500 wood preservative. Do I need to do anything more before applying your product…?? Is the caulking done before or after I stain..? This is a very foggy location so do I need to it apply in clear skies with a limited humidity on a cloudy day?
The TWP 1500 is not allowed in Canada. Just an FYI. Make sure to strip or remove all of the sikkens. Caulk first.
We’re installing a meranti / mahogany deck. I’m leaning towards the 1500 and we want to go with a brown. Anyone know if Dark Oak (1503) would be too dark in this application?
Also, what prep should be done to the new decking before application?
You cannot stain new wood right away with TWP. They want 4-12 months of weathering first. Prep with their Gemini Restore Kit. As for color, I would suggest a sample from their site for testing.
Thanks.
I need to stain all sides of my decking, including the bottom before installation. Are any of these highly rated oil stains able to be applied to new wood prior to installation?
No. Almost all high-quality stains say to not stain all sides and to let the wood weather and be prepped before staining. There really is no reason to stain all sides and no advantage either.
I have a 20 year old PT deck, that was not coated. It has been power washed over time, not recently though. What shoul I do to surface?
Prep with a deck cleaner and pressure washing. Brighten the wood after. Stain with the TWP 1500.
How long should I wait to apply the TWP 1500 series product to a new deck built with pressure treated wood?
4-12 months. See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
So, I live in Seattle area and am just now (September) getting my deck cleaned and stripped. I am going to use TWP 1500 BUT I’m concerned about impending rain. Should I put on 1 coat instead of 2 to protect somewhat through fall, winter, and spring rains and do another cleaning and 2 coats in early summer? I fear the deck won’t have time to dry thoroughly before staining and/or the forecasted “sprinkles” will interfere with a good cure of the stain.
If you only want to do the one coat now, you will only need one coat in the Spring.
Doing one or two coats now will not make a difference with potential rain issues.
I used TWP 1501 4 years ago on my 500 sf deck and want to re-stain this spring. Do I have to strip to stain it again or will cleaning it be good enough? The deck is in good shape, but I’m thinking of sanding it now because in a few years I might not be able to. I’ll be 69. Should I sand and should I order 5 gals.? Thanks
No need to sand. Prep with their Gemini Resote Kit and pressure washing.
I have just sanded my deck after a bad experience with a clearance stain from home depot. Barely lasted 6 months. Deck is about 3 years old now. I will be ordering the TwP 1500 with the cleaner and brightener. My wife hates any yellow tone and wants it as natural as possible. We were thinking the Natural color with TWP. Do you think this is a good choice or should we go with a cedar tone? I like the look of your deck in the photo but my wife almost would prefer a clear coat like Thompson’s so the wear and tear isn’t as noticeable compared to the darker colors.
Natural has a yellow/orangy tint. Might want to try some samples from their website.
Clear with no pigment will mean it has zero UV protection from graying. You must have color in the stain to prolong the graying.
Which light color do you think would have the least orangey tone in it?
Colors will vary as well based on your wood type and age of the wood so there is no way to assume a color will not be orange. Honeytone is more of a golden color.
I am a very satisfied TWP 1500 user. Applied 20 gallons of it 2 years ago to my cedar sided home. It looks like new 2 years later. Even my wood balcony has no wear to deck boards.
My question is if I ever decided to go with a semi-solid stain which TWP does not offer I would use Armstrong Clark semi-solid stain. If Armstrong Clark did not offer the color I want which is a Cabot color what stain would be the best choice for a color matched semi-solid stain? Is the true oil version of Cabot an option or stay away from it?
Thanks!!
We would not use the Cabot. Formulas are not the same as they used to be. Also if you switch brands, you will need to strip off the TWP first.
Hi, I have a treated pine deck that is 7 months old. I want semi transparent. I assume two 1500 is the two product for me? 1 coat only? Also do I need the RAD or can I use a cleaner/brightener solution by behr from Lowe’s?
Use the Gemini Restore A Deck Kit for the prep. Just one coat of the TWP the first time staining after the prep.
How long can TWP 1500 last before needing to be redone? I live in Idaho on why 12 and am above the snow line.
2 maybe 3 years for a deck. Longer for vertical wood.
How soon after staining can one walk on the deck?
Day or two.
I have a 600 sq. ft. wrap around cedar deck that is 11 years old. This deck has been stained a few times with semi-transparent then a solid stain. I used Restore a Deck stripper & brightener to remove most of the solid stain. There are some stops (mostly in wood knots) where some of the stain still exists. It would be virtually impossible (unless I had weeks to spend on it) to sand out the remaining spots. My question is- can I use the TWP 1500 to stain over. Will it adhere to these spots?
It will not blend well or adhere as TWP is a penetrating semi-trans stain. It needs to soak into the wood grain.
Hello…it notes treated wood must be cured 4-12 months with twp 100 in instruction. I am not using treated wood, I am using top choice cedar, does the same apply?
Yes it does.
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?
Strip and brighten this with Restore A Deck Stripper Kits.
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.