This post was updated on April 4, 2025
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 1500 Series comes from years of hands-on testing and my expertise in wood restoration. I’m here to help you find the best deck stain choices based on real-world performance and quality.See here for more info about me.
TWP 1500 Series Review
At DeckStainHelp.com, we’re proud to be the Internet’s leading resource for everything related to exterior wood and deck restoration. For years, customers who’ve used TWP wood and deck stain have been consistently impressed with both the appearance and longevity of their deck stain projects. Whether you’re a seasoned user of TWP or trying it for the first time this year, we’d love to hear your feedback. Feel free to leave a comment below and share pictures of your completed projects—your input is always appreciated!
TWP 1500 Stain Review
Important Note: This is an updated 2025 TWP 1500 Series Review.
TWP® (Total Wood Preservative) 1500 Series Deck Stain was introduced in 2010 as the permanent replacement for the TWP 500 Series. This semi-transparent, oil-based, EPA-registered wood preservative is designed for use on all exterior wood surfaces, providing superior protection and performance.
TWP 1500 Stain is specially formulated to resist UV damage, preventing wood graying and discoloration. It’s a popular choice for decks, fences, log cabins, wood siding, and cedar shakes. Available in 10 shades, this stain enhances the natural beauty of the wood while offering long-lasting protection.
TWP 1500 Deck Stain Rating
How I Rated TWP 1500 Series
My TWP 1500 Series review contains an 8-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.
- The appearance of the TWP 1500 Series after the Application
- Preventing UV Graying
- Peeling or Wearing
- Cost Per Square Foot
- Preventing Mold and Mildew TWP 1500 Series
- How Easy was the Application
- Color Shifting TWP 1500 Series
- Ease of Reapplication
- TWP 1500 Series Final Score
8-Step Review of TWP 1500 Series
1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8
The appearance of TWP 1500 Wood Stain on our test deck was a warm, rich finish. The wood grain was effortlessly enhanced and highlighted. The 1501 Cedartone color was a little browner (not as orange) than a conventional cedar stain color.
TWP 1501 Cedartone
2. 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 for reflecting UV radiation that typically creates wood fading and discoloring issues. TWP 1500 retained about 90% of its initial color at 1 year and 70% at 2 years.
3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9
TWP 1500 displayed zero signs of peeling and only a slight amount of wear. TWP is not film-forming. The stain dives deep into the wood fibers, reducing the chance of wearing or peeling on the wood surface.
4. Cost Per Square Foot: 8.5
TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain cost us $47 per gallon. We applied 2 “wet on wet” coats 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 broken down per square foot was .40 cents.
5. 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 synthetic and natural oils and a limited amount of linseed oil, which has been known to promote mildew growth.
6. 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 could place items back on the deck.
7. 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 lightened up a bit, giving a more natural appearance.
8. Difficulty of Reapplication: 8.5
We are confident that the TWP 1500 Wood Stain would be easy to recoat. A quality deck cleaner could be used to remove common dirt and grime before re-staining with TWP 1500 again.
Overall Score TWP 1500 Series at 2 Year Period: 8.5
TWP products, including the 1500 and 100 Series Stains, are known for delivering a durable, long-lasting finish. They’ve always been a favorite of ours and remain consistently at the top of our list of recommended stains. We personally use TWP stains on over 300 deck restorations annually.
The ease of application, beautiful finish, and simple recoating process make TWP 1500 an outstanding professional-grade stain for all types of exterior wood projects. Whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, TWP stains offer the perfect blend of performance and convenience.
Product Information:
TWP Help? Search Google: TWP Stain Help
More Info: TWP 1500 Series
Cost: $47 per Gallon, $235 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. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
TWP 1500 Series Deck Stain Photos
TWP 1500 Series Stain Review Video
Applying TWP in 1503 Dark Oak to Wood Fence.
Hi….i have cedar planks installed along balcony wall and eaves of my new home in California (about 4 blocks from the beach). They were installed around 6 months ago. i really want to prevent the graying of the wood as much as possible. Can i start staining now? From what i read, you recommend TWP 1500 series for this and 1501, specifically, as it is cedar? Any other recommendation? One finisher had recommended Mesmer’s UV. Any thoughts? Again, thanks!!
Yes, you can stain after the prep. Use their Gemini Restore Kit for prep. The 1501 Cedar, 1520 Pecan, 1530 Natural (it is not clear but tinted), or the 1515 Honeytone are very popular colors for Cedar wood.
Thanks for the prompt reply. I have a follow up question. It turns out my contractor put some sort of water based sealant onto the cedar already. Does this need to be sanded off or will the Gemini Restore Kit work to prep the surface for TWP 1500? Again, thanks!
You will need to strip it or sand it off. The Gemini Kit will not remove it. Do you what brand of sealer it was?
I have a 30 year old deck. After proper preparation, what is a recommended the 100 series or the 1500 series? Thank you.
Where do you live?
new york
For NY, you need to use the 1500 Series due to VOC restrictions:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Thank you. In your professionable opinion, is the 100 series better/longer lasting? If so how can I get it here in NY?
No, they last the same. You cannot legally buy the 100 Series in NY or have it shipped to NY.
Hi Scott,
We have a new treated 400 ft2 wood deck that was installed in April 2024.
Water absorption test on 6/28 shows it’s still not ready for sealing yet.
When it is ready, I am thinking of using TWP 1500, unless you have a different recommendation. I have access to TWP 100 as well. Cost is not an issue just want what will give best and lasting protection.
Should I get the kit that includes cleaner and brightener as well? Are those spray on and rinse off? Will a 5 gal pale of sealer be enough to do the job?
Also, it’s a second story elevated deck so the underneath is visible and exposed, see photos.
Can the underside of the decking, joists, and stair treads also be sealed?
Later a sheet metal under decking will be installed to take rain and snow melt to a gutter so it’s dry underneath, so won’t have access again once that is installed, so sealing before that gets installed can be done if appropriate.
I did read elsewhere on this site it’s not recommended to seal both sides of the wood.
Thanks,
Bryan
TWP wants the deck to weather for 4-12 months after installation and then prep with the Gemini Kit. It needs just one coat of stain. There is no reason to stain the underside of the deck boards but feel free to stain the deck posts. 5 gallons is more than enough.
Thank you!
Follow on questions;
1) Should there be a 2nd coat 1 year later on the PT deck? If yes do I repeat the Gemini kit?
2) I’m constructing a 1×6 cedar railing (vertical) and applying either dark oak of black walnut TWP 1500, does it need the same 4+ month wait time? It’s rough sawn one side and smooth 3 sides, kiln dried. Does it need a Gemini prep kit or something else?
Thank you !
We have just had our old 2nd story deck here in Colorado replaced. The new deck boards are composite, but the support posts and main support beam (all southwest facing) are engineered (glue lam)yellow cedar. Is TWP1500 a good option for staining and protecting them? We obviously have more intense UV up here at altitude.
Yes, but you cannot stain new wood right away: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Yep, I recognize that. Waiting 4 months until October may mean waiting until spring given the unpredictability of the weather, but that gives us time to plan.
In your review of the TWP 100 series product you recommended allowing 4 months to pass before staining new wood. Does that also apply to this product (TWP 1500)? Thank you.
Yes, and that is TWP itelf saying this. New wood has to weather and be prepped.
We are building a new heavy timber deck. The structure is Douglas fir. Would TWP 1500 be suitable for this type of wood? The deck will be located in a partial shade area; the lower structure will likely not see too much direct sun.
Thanks very much for your advice. Really appreciate finding your website.
The TWP 1500 would work great after proper weathering and prep for the new wood:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Thanks very much. Will check out the link.
I have a PT wood deck that was built in the 90s. It was in good shape when I bought the home in 2017, and in 2019 hired someone to restain the deck. He sanded it and used a semi-transparent TWP product (mix of cedar tone and rustic). I live in MD (close to DC) and understand that it is no longer available here so assuming it was the 100 series???
In spring of 2022, I had my roof and siding cleaned and the chemicals the company used stripped the stain (ugh). The color is faded and there is no sealant/protectant. Water just pools. Now the wood is really dry, nails are popping up, it has mildew (lots of green) in areas, etc. Basically, it’s badly weathered. The person who stained the deck in 2019 is no longer in business. I have gotten quotes from 2 contractors and they want to sand it and put on Sherwin Wiliams SuperDeck. Based on poor reviews, I prefer not to use it. So, I’m trying to figure out what to do in hopes I can find someone to use what’s best to bring the deck back to life and protect it as well as prep properly. Here are my questions:
Thanks and greatly appreciate all the info you and your site provides!
1. Use the TWP again. The 1500 Series is excellent and allowed in MD. You can mix the same colors of you like.
2. We would need to see some pics to help with prep. Post them in the comments.
3. Nothing is decent in the local big box stores. You can order the TWP online at http://www.twpstain.com
Thank you! Attached are some pics. About the color and prep, I prefer not to go with the same color because it was too reddish. Is it possible to change to pecan or the black walnut for a more brownish tone? What do you suggest colorwise and also prep if possible to change the color?
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener kits for prep while pressure washing. You can use any color you like after the prep. Colors will vary based on wood age and type so best to test some samples. Dark Oak and Black Walnut are more brown.
Hi Scott, the deck was finished being stained approx 15 hours ago. I’m concerned the stain didn’t fully penetrate, as you can see wet spots throughout the deck and when I wiped one spot near my door, the stain came off and it’s an orangey color underneath. Dark oak was used. The deck was stripped and brighened, using the boosters. The deck was dried for 3 days before staining and the wood was bare. A sprayer was used and then wiped with a staining pad. 2 coats were put on, using the wet on wet directions. A deck staining company did the work and it’s the first time they used TWP on a deck (they used it on a fence in the past). They followed all directions. What should be done now?
Try wiping off the excess stain that did not penetrate into the wood grain.
Hi Scott. Working with TWP 1500 in Black Walnut. Prepped by total sanding followed by RAD cleaner and brightener.
Problem is I missed the party about wet on wet. Only have 1 coat on yet and let it dry. How best to proceed at this point?
Thanks for the wealth of knowledge here!
Bill in Michigan
Leave alone for now. Light clean in Spring and a light coat then.
Sorry this will come as a repeat post. My Google Chrome browser lacked the paper clip upload icon, but I see Safari has it, so I re-signed-on that way:
California
Lots of sun, though partial oak shade.
Redwood, circa 1990’s, good condition
No apparent mold or mildew
September 2020, after stripping and neutralizing old red stain we did not like (alkyd and various oil), With your advice I chose TWP 1500 clear transparent and liked the natural tone. It turned dull and gray after a year or two.
I anticipate either Restore A Deck two step rather than stripping plus neutralizing this year. Then more TWP 1500 (I have 1-2 gallons left in the 5 gal can). I would also consider a cedar tint since that should give me some sun protection.
I intend to leave rails as-is this time and only do the 950 sq. ft. floor. Never impressed that my now-leaking pressure washer did any more than hose nozzle unless I got so close as to damage wood, so I am inclined to use scrubbing brush and hose nozzle for prep. Water is scarce here, but I don’t see any way to conserve water on this job.
Does this make sense?
Use the RAD Stripper and Brighener for prep. Much easier and faster to use a pressure washing while doing this.