This post was updated on May 1, 2024
TWP 200 Series Review
TWP 200 Series Wood Stain Review for 2024
TWP 200 Series is a semi-transparent oil-based penetrating finish designed to extend the life of exterior wood such as decking, cedar shake siding, and shingles. Containing a paraffin oil, the TWP 200 series penetrates wood extremely well. Paraffin oil is a “non-drying” oil that enhances the wood cell’s structural stability. This greatly improves the wood’s life and appearance.
The penetrative portion of the product absorbs into aged and porous wood, adding bulk to aged and brittle wood fiber. This restores lubricity and flexibility to brittle shingles. The TWP 200 Series complies with all current Canada, US federal and state VOC (volatile organic compounds) regulations.
The TWP 200 Series was designed for shakes and shingles but can be used for all exterior wood surfaces such as decking, fencing, log homes, cedar framed homes, etc.
NOTE For Canadians The TWP 200 Series is the only TWP product allowed to be used in Canada according to TWP and the VOC laws of your country.
TWP Wood Stains – 200 Series Review
TWP 200 Series Wood and Deck Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8
– We have only used the TWP 200 Series a handful of times throughout the years. It is an excellent stain and on par with the TWP 100 and 1500 Series. In some ways, it is even better with UV protection than the other two. The main reason we have not used it more is due to the final color curing. This can take up to a month to reach the final color but usually only takes a week or two. The product goes on darker than the color swatches but always cures and lightens to the correct color. It just takes time, so if you use the TWP 200 Series, you will need some patience. After the product reaches, its final cured color, it is a very rich color that highlights the natural tones of the wood. It does not mask or hide the grain at all.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 9
– The 200 Series has excellent UV protection. Very little color fading after 2 years. We attached a picture of the 200 Series at the 1-year mark. This shows an outdoor rug that had not moved for 1 year. There was little to no color fading when the rug was pulled back.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9
– The 200 is a paraffinic oil, which means it is a non-drying oil. Paraffinic oils will dive deep into the wood grain so they are not prone to peeling or wearing.
Cost Per Square Foot: 7
– $215 per pail. The coverage is decent at about 200 sq. feet per gallon on the test cedar deck. We only used about 3-4 gallons total for the deck, railings, and steps.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9
– No mildew but a small amount of green algae.
Ease of Application: 7
– The only slight negative to the 200 Series is the dry time with the application. It applies similarly to other oil-based stains, but the final drying can take a few days, maybe longer. This happens because it takes time for the paraffin oil to fully soak into the wood grain. The older the wood, the quicker it seems to dry. Rain does not seem to harm the stain if it has not fully dried yet. You will just have to be patient with the TWP 200 Series if applied to a deck. Stay off until fully dried.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 9
– The TWP 200 did not darken from mildew or UV discoloration.
The Difficulty of Reapplication: 8
– 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 200 has faded lightly and evenly over the last few years.
Overall Score TWP 200 Series Stain at 2-Year Period: 8.25
– We like the 200 Series, but normally use the 100 or 1500 as it is more readily available. It has great UV protection and does not peel. The only slight issues are the dry time and final color curing. This is a non-issue for vertical wood, but you will have to wait until dry for horizontal decking.
Product Information:
TWP Help? Search Google: TWP Stain Help
Direct Link: TWP 200 Series
Cost: $219 per 5 Gallon Pail. $45.99 per gallon.
Stain Type: Registered Wood Preservative by EPA. Oil-based Semi-Transparent
Available Colors: 200 Clear, 201 Cedartone, 202 Redwood, 203 Cedar Gold, 205 California Cedar, 206 Russet Brown, 207 Butternut, 210 Slate Gray
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 1-2 Coats. Applied “Wet on Wet” Only 1 Coat for new smooth wood.
Coverage Per Gallon: 150-250 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 12-120 Hours. The final color can take up to 30 days
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits or Paint Thinner
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all US States and Canada
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Cedar
Deck Square Footage: 400
UV Exposure: Deck in full sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: TWP 203 Cedar Gold
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
TWP 00 Series Deck Stain Photos
What stain color was used in the carpet fading comparison photo?
TWP 201 Cedartone.
I have power washed and used brightener for my deck, but some spots still look darker or have a tone of green/grey when it gets wet (or after rain). Please see the attached photos for dry and wet conditions. I guess if I apply the stain the end product looks similar to the wet condition (?) What is your recommendation for the best choice of (not-so-dark) colour for a semi-transparent twp200?
Try the 207 Butternut color.
Hello, I live 2 hrs north of Toronto, Ontario, in Canada. I’m just starting to stain my deck with your TWP 200 series stain which is going on beautifully. One question, should I apply a 2nd coat of stain to my deck and if so how long after I have applied the first coat of stain? My deck is very old. One more question, I’ve replaced some of the boards with pressure treated wood. Should I wait a year before staining this wood?Thanks for your help
You do not have to apply another coat if it is looking good as more is not always better. Wait for 4+ months for the new wood to season and then prep.
What would you recommend for me living in Ottawa Canada? From what I can see the Armstrong Clark. Just not sure about winters.
TWP 200 Series great for Canada.
What semitransparent stain/sealant would you recommend for new batten board siding and new redwood decks located in Flagstaff, AZ. One deck will be covered the other in the sun? What looks great with minimum maintenance?” Ready Seal” was recommended by my friend and our contractor recommended “Cabot”. Your reviews on TWP100 have me interested in it! I am looking forward to your comments.
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I’m putting up rough cut cedar shakes right now on my porch. I’m really liking the look for my siding choice but I need to pick a stain and color to have for it. Seems obvious I should go with TWP 200, since it’s a good brand stain and this series is developed specifically for shakes and shingles. What I’m stuck on now is what color? Does anyone have experience on what color looks best on cedar shake siding? Thanks.
Color is a 100% preference choice of the homeowner. Might want to call and get some samples sent.
Thanks, I’m getting samples sent out.
Hi, what solid stain do you recommend? Does TWP carry any solid stain? And also is it true that only solid stain peels? The stain peels on our deck and I do not know what the previous owner used so I am guessing it was solid stain because it peels. But from review it seems even semi transparent stain peels. We are planing to do a power wash then stain with the closest color we can find. In this case, suppose the old stain is solid stain. what option do we have? If TWP does not offer solid stain is Sherwin Williams any good? Thanks.
TWP does not make a solid stain. Look at one of these solid stain brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
SW does not make decent stains.
Hi, I am in Canada and I cannot find any oil-based stains here. Do you know if I order from the US and have it shipped, will there be any issues with the VOCs of the TWP 200 for Canada? I may try and ship it to NY and pick it up to save on the shipping costs.
The TWP 200 is VOC complaint for Canada. No issues.
I READ THIS AFTER I GOT SUSPICIOUS: DeckStainHelp.com and other sites are fake review sites that only recommend products from “Defy” and “TWP”. Many people are fooled by it. It even has a forum where “Administrator” replies to all of the messages and tells people to buy TWP or Defy. Any posts that point out that it’s all a sham are deleted.
That is 100% not true at all. We are 100% honest with who we are and where all of our experience comes from. The sham is the internet article you are referring to not actually understanding this and making a very poor assumption based on their ignorance.
Read our very first article on the very first page. That and the additional articles it links to explains all 100% and honestly.
Not sure what the issue is? You advice and help is very much appreciated!
Thanks. There is no issue outside of some people like to think there is a conspiracy to our help and advice. If they do not like our advice or help, they can go buy some junk stain at Home Depot and wonder why it looks terrible and peels after a year.
I can’t find either of the (allowed in Canada) two top rated deck stains on your site in any of the stores in the province of British Columbia, Canada. I can get it on line from the USA but do not want do this. can you suggest an alternative brand available in BC? Thx. Ak D
No decent brands in Canada stores that we know of since they changed to a low VOC.
Hi, I live in Port Moody BC, Canada. It is pretty much a rain forest. Rains more than average in Port Moody compared to other areas in the lower mainland. Need to restrain, exposure is full sun and full rain depending on Mother Nature. I am taking your expert advice and going with the TWP brand. I believe you scored it as the best stain semi transparent stain. Would u recommend TWP200 series or the TWP. 1500 for my needs.
For Canada, you will need the 200 as the 1500 is not allowed there.
HI, I’m trying to figure out the best stain for a 2 year old pressure treated cedar deck. We are fine with it going the gray colour (don’t really want a coloured stain) – this is all about protection and making the deck last. slime/mildew protection are important as we are in southern ontario. Which would be better: ‘restore – a – deck’ in natural or TWP200 in clear? Thanks
Natural in RAD is tinted and so look at TWP 200 Clear.