This post was updated on May 1, 2024
TWP Stain Reviews
TWP Wood Deck Stain Reviews
In reviewing some of the top stains on the market for 2024 we could not overlook TWP stain. It is a registered EPA wood preservative that offers excellent protection from UV graying, wood decay, and water infiltration. TWP uses select mildewcides that naturally resist fungal growth to help eliminate wood rot. The semi-transparent oil-based formula penetrates deeply into wood pores without extreme surface film accumulation. It emphasizes and enhances existing wood grain beauty with color depth and warmth.
Our TWP Stain review 2024 shows that this stain goes beyond the TWP claims of being the number one wood preservative. Top contractors and professionals prefer wood stains that penetrate into the wood surface and can be easily maintained and reapplied without sanding. This makes wood maintenance easier, cheaper, more effective, and less frequent. Most TWP stained surfaces will last 2-3 years before a recoat is needed. The excellent UV-absorbing pigments eliminate wood discoloring and graying, which is a common problem with exterior wood surfaces.
In recent tests, TWP Stain Reviews noted that after 2 years the stain did not darken like many other brands of oil-based stains typically do. In addition to excellent color retention, TWP Stain applies easily enough that your typical do-it-yourselfer can get professional-like results. We also found in most cases TWP Stain is not affected by rain after an hour or two of stain absorption. We noticed that the natural and synthetic oils in TWP showed very little fungal growth at the 2-year mark as well as no peeling, flaking, or chipping.
Another plus to the TWP Stain review 2024 was the fact that as well as this stain performs it still remains a low VOC oil-based formula and is compliant in all 50 states. TWP Stain scored well in all tests in overall protection, longevity, compliance, and final finish results.
See this for more in-depth TWP Reviews
TWP 100 Series Deck Stain Photos
TWP 100 Pro-Series Review Video
Applying TWP 100 Series in Dark Oak to Wood Fence.
Can TWP 100 series be reapplied over itself when the deck needs to be recoated after two or 3 years? Or does it need a complete sand down to bare wood every time?
You can clean and recoat as needed. It does not have to be stripped but it can easily be stripped if ever needed.
I have a one year old deck with pressure treated wood that I need to stain but just noticed a little mildew (I think) on the vertical posts. Will I need to sand or can I just clean those before staining. Also, is the 1500 series semi-transparent and can I buy it in Tennessee?
Post pics for help with the spots. TWP 1500 is semi-transparent. No idea where it is sold in TN, but you can check online.
I just Applied TWP to my parota wooden front door, when is it convinient to reapply? (maintenance)
Every 2-3 years or as needed.
I have heard that Twp101 cedar tone is discontinued. Is that true ?,and if so is there a replacement? Thank you
No, it is not but it is not allowed in certain states. Where do you live?
I am in Michigan and I could only find it at ace and now they are telling me it’s no longer in their warehouse
I live in Michigan
No, it is not allowed in MI anymore. Switch to the TWP 1530 Natural. Same color as the TWP 101 Cedartone.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp1500-5gallon
Great, thank you very much
¿Can I use TWP 100 series (clear) to treat and protect a Parota Wood Door? This principal entrance door is not Varnished and its Permanently exposed to sunlight and sometimes rain (not much rain) this door was previously treated with linseed oil (Flaxseed oil). Thank You for your answer.
“Clears” will not provide UV protection. You need a tinted stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
Staining cedar, with twp 120 pro series pecan. Wood has been stripped and pressure washed. I gave 3/5 day dry time. Why would the knots in the wood be green. Algae ?
Post pics.
I used the TWP 100 Redwood stain on a new western red cedar fence in 2014. It has held up incredibly well. I’m finally needing to restain the fence after 9 years. I’m in south-eastern Wisconsin so I don’t get the kind of sun as someone in the south gets and it is on a fence, but 9 years is pretty incredible for any kind of finish to last.
The low-VOC 1520 formula worked great for me on redwood as long as I had previously treated the wood with Boracare to prevent rot, mold and wood-boring insects. The color lasted for a couple of years.
But the low-VOC formula failed pretty badly when applied to ipe. The first light rain washed it off. There went my hard work preparing the ipe. The regular VOC 120 formula performed much better on ipe, much more rain resistant. This isn’t the manufacturer’s fault. It is due to environmental regulations (separate issue and don’t want to debate it), putting low-VOC on ipe is a waste of time and money IMO. I want to save others from what I had to go through with the low-VOC formula on ipe.
TWP specifically states that their stains are not for recommended for IPE wood due to the extreme density. In addition, no deck stain will last more than 9-12 months on IPE wood.
I live in the South West part of Ohio. I was able to clean my deck with the Gemini products that are recommended. I’m resealing with the same TWP 1500 that I used the last time a couple of years ago. From what I read on the can on the TWP 1500, I need to wait at least 2 days for the deck to dry and I need 2 days before it may rain. If I remember from what I read, I need to seal it within 2 weeks of the cleaning. I’m wondering what happens if I’m not able to seal it before the 2 weeks are up? Do I have to re-clean it again? It seems like the weather forecast is rain about every 4 days, for the moment\. This is usually the dry part of the year. Thanks for your suggestions!
48 hours after prep to stain. It can rain 12 hours after applying. You may need o redo prep if it takes longer than 2 weeks. Light wash.
We have old pine boards under roof as our outdoor porch flooring in Louisiana. We pressure washed and are ready to put a sealer. What item and color do recommend? We like the rustic look.
You will need to strip or sand all the old stain off first before using a new stain brand like the TWP.
So once the old stain is removed, which TWP do you suggest and what color ??
Any color that you like will work. If you like dark brown, try the TWP Dark Oak in the 100 Series.
Just built a new deck and love the new Southern Yellow Pine look. Can walk on it barefoot in full sun with 90 degree GA weather. Can I use the clear product after a couple of months? Will just a good pressure washing of the dirt be enough prep for a new deck? Thanks
Clear means zero UV protection from graying. The stain must be tinted to prevent graying. See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I have used TWP 100 series on my 400 sq ft deck in Oct. 2019 and May 2021 after a complete sanding and repair in Oct 2018. I loved your Dark Mahogany stain. Am I correct that color is no longer available? I/2 my deck gets direct Reno, NV sun throughout the day. The other 1/2 gets only gets the indirect sunlight. Is Dark Mahogany available anywhere (one of your stores)?
What would you propose as a substitute TWP Color? I loved the dark mahogany after having more of a lighter (i.e. redwood) color for 10 years before changing to the superior TWP and Dark Mahogany. Sad to not see Mahogany in your latest color listings. Need a quick answer please!
TWP has never come in a “dark mahogany” color so you might want to check the color you used last time. All colors are still available as none have been discontinued.
What is the best transparent/semi-transparent stain for brand new cedar fence? How long should it weather before it is stained? Currently it is four weeks old.
Smooth wood or rough sawn cut? See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I have a 20 year old deck to which I have been applying BEHR or DUCK or Olympic. Lasts one year. Wood is grey/dark brown, even though it has been UV protected. For the railings, I am now using Spar Varnish (Man-o-war) with UV. Election is 7,000 ft, so the sun is very strong (Nevada).
I think TWP 100 would be a better choice than Behr. The wood is old – will cleaning still be necessary? I have been washing the deck with TSP before applying the Behr, Duck, etc.
Your advice appreciated!!
You will have to fully remove the old coatings before switching to any other brand. This will require sanding and or stripping. Feel free to post some pics in the comments for prep advice.
BTW, never apply a varnish to a deck, it will peel.
what is your opinion about hemp seed oil for decks?
Useless.
I have a three year old deck that I stained with Behr premium semi-transparent Oil based stain, I am not happy at all with the performance of this stain, it’s total junk. Anything would be better than this stuff. Given that it is an Oil based stain what product would you recommend? and what would be the best preparation for the new stain? Thanks!
Post some pics for prep help. It has to come off fully.
This is the deck and the hand rail it was prepped with the recommended behr deck prep before staining
Strip and brighten the wood with Restore A Deck Kits: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
Stain with TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Thanks a lot!
How long does it take for the 1500 series to dry at 70 degrees with little or no humidity
4-24 hours.
H0w soon after washing deck can I apply stain. This is the third time I have stained my deck with this product over about 8 years.
48 hours after prep.
Can I put other stains over this?
You will need to remove the TWP if switching brands of semi-transparent stain.
How do I spread stain big deck
Deck stain pads or deck floor brushes are the best options to apply.
it says 2-3 yrs before recoat and yet some other name brand products say 15+ yrs on siding. I’m sure the latter is marketing hype but what is realistic? Is 2-3yrs on decking the same as 2-3 yrs on siding? I have used twp before and I thought results were amazing. Just gathering more info for a commercial client.
TWP will last much longer on wood siding. 4-7 years. No stain will last 15 years. That is BS.
My clear stain looked milky when opened. Is something wrong with it. It may have been inadvertently left outside in Georgia freezing temps.
What brand and best to post a picture of the stain here in the comment area.
I recently had a deck built using KDAT pine. I have read that I should not wait and do not need to wait longer than 1 month to stain it. Does that hold true for TWP stain and which TWP product should I use?
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
You will have to wait and prep. Use the TWP 100 or 1500.
I have a Weathershield Cedar-toned PT wood deck on the east side of my MN house, installed late October of 2019. What would be a good product to use on it?
I wood like to keep it pretty much the same color.
You must use a tinted stain for UV protection from graying so the color will be changed or enhanced based on the color you choose. Look at the TWP Stains in one of their tinted colors. They work great. Make sure to clean and brighten the wood for prep.
Any idea of what color to use on top of the cedar tone? I don’t want it to turn orangey or yellow. Are sample sizes available?
Will the cedar tone color it is now go away when it is cleaned and brightened? or how will colors look over it? Should I use the 100 series? Is there a color you reccomend that would work best over it?
Yes, the color should go away once prepped so any color of the TWP that you like will work. Use the 100 series.
Thinking of staining my deck with TWP semi-transparent 1504 black walnut. Ordered a sample and love it but a friend said the dark stain would make the deck too hot to walk barefoot in. Is this true?
Doubt it as we have never had any complaints.
What product do you recommend for redwood?
The TWP stains work great for redwood.
The 100 series or the 1500 series?
Where do you live?
Northern Minnesota. On the Canadian border.
TWP 100 Series.
Thank you!
We have a lot of pine tree sap on our 3 yr old wood deck that was stained with TWP natural color two years ago. What is the best way to remove/clean the deck to get rid of the sap?
Sorry but the only way to remove sap is to sand it all. You also cannot prevent it from coming back.
I just used the brightener onthe deck, it us already dry. How long do I have to wait before I stain in with the 1500 series stain.
48 hours.
I power washed my deck two days ago. Is it necessary to use a cleaner/brightener on the deck as well before staining?
Post a picture.
Hiw long do zi need to wait in between coats for the 1500 series stain.
The second coat goes on wet on wet or 20-60 minutes after the first coat.
How long of a drying time do you need on the 2500 series stsin.
1500 Series? About 4-12 hours.
i have used TWP stain for the last three years and every year i have to restrain my deck. It is in direct sunlight but it does not last and keep it’s color.
You must be doing something wrong or using the Clear that has no UV protection. We use TWP on many 100s of decks a every year for our customers and the stain always lasts 2-3 years.
I applied TWP last summer, my customer is asking me to apply a 2nd coat. Will a 2nd coat adhere?
Yes but you do have to clean it first.
Clean how? Deck wash again?
Yes. You always have to prep before reapplying.
What fo you recommend?
Soapy water,
Just power washing
Or chemicals?
Use their Gemini Restore Kit.
Hello,
I am going to use TWP Cedartone to stain new cedar rustic channel siding used to enclose a car port to make a garage. The entire house has 22 year old cedar channel siding that was last stained with TWP Cedartone about 5 years ago. Location –
My questions:
1) Do I need to wait, beyond the 10-14 days to allow the cedar to acclimate to the area, before staining?
2) Do I really need to stain all surfaces of the siding before installing?
3) How close of a color match do you think the new cedar will be to the existing cedar?
Thank you for your time; I appreciate it……….Paul