TWP Stain Review 2026: TWP 100 vs 1500, Colors, and Where to Buy 5/5 (19)

Scott Paul has applied TWP stain on more than 10,000 deck restorations since 1993 and re-tests both the TWP 100 and TWP 1500 on real decks every two years. The ratings and advice on this page come directly from that hands-on experience.

TWP Stain Reviews

TWP Wood Deck Stain Reviews

In reviewing some of the top stains on the market for 2026 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 2026 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 our two-year test, the TWP 1500 and 100 Series showed no color darkening from UV exposure or mold — an outcome we consider excellent for any oil-based stain.. 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 2026 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.

TWP 100 vs TWP 1500: What’s the Difference?

The TWP 100 and TWP 1500 are the same product family with one key difference: VOC content. TWP 100 uses a higher-VOC formula that penetrates slightly deeper and dries faster. TWP 1500 is the low-VOC version required in states with stricter air quality regulations. In our real-world testing over two years, both products performed nearly identically for UV protection, mold resistance, and ease of reapplication. If TWP 100 is available in your state, use it. If not, TWP 1500 is an excellent substitute, not a downgrade.

Where Is TWP 100 Available?

TWP 100 Pro Series and TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series cannot be sold or used in the following states and regions due to VOC regulations: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Northern Virginia (DC metro area), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, District of Columbia, and parts of Arizona. They also cannot be shipped to or used in Canada.

If you live in any of these areas, use the TWP 1500 Series instead. TWP 1500 is compliant in all 50 US states. Neither the 100 nor the 1500 series can be used in Canada — for Canadian customers, TWP 200 Series is your option.

See this for more in-depth TWP Reviews

TWP 100 Series Reviews

TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain 1 Gallon

$64.99 – $74.99Price range: $64.99 through $74.99

5out of 5

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TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain 5 Gallon

$239.95 – $265.95Price range: $239.95 through $265.95

5.00out of 5

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TWP 100 Series 5 Gallon and Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit

$290.00 – $316.00Price range: $290.00 through $316.00

5.00out of 5

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TWP 100 Series 5 Gallon and R-A-D Stripper/Brightener Kit

$305.00 – $331.00Price range: $305.00 through $331.00

5.00out of 5

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TWP 1500 Series Reviews

TWP 1500 Series Wood and Deck Stain 1 Gallon

$69.99

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

TWP 1500 Series Wood and Deck Stain 5 Gallon

$264.95

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TWP 1500 Series 5 Gallon and Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit

$315.00

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

TWP 1500 Series 5 Gallon and R-A-D Stripper/Brightener Kit

$329.00

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

How to Apply TWP Stain: 6-Step Overview

Applying TWP stain correctly is the single biggest factor in how long it lasts. In our experience on 300+ decks per year, poor prep causes more early failures than the stain itself.

1. Wait for dry conditions. Apply when temperatures are between 45°F and 95°F and no rain is forecast for at least 24 hours. Avoid direct midday sun on the wood surface.

1. Clean the deck first. Use a dedicated deck cleaner such as the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit. This removes dirt, graying, and old residue that blocks penetration.

1. Brighten the wood. Apply a wood brightener after cleaning to restore the wood’s pH and open the grain. This step is not optional — it directly improves how deeply the stain penetrates.
2. Allow 24 to 48 hours of drying time. The wood must be fully dry before staining. Staining damp wood is the most common application mistake.
3. Apply wet on wet. Spray or brush on the first coat, then immediately apply the second coat while the first is still wet. This is TWP’s recommended method and produces the most even penetration.
4. Back-brush or pad any puddles. Any spots where the stain pools and does not absorb within 30 minutes must be wiped or worked in with a stain pad. Dried puddles will peel.

Pro tip: Do not apply TWP to new wood less than 4 months old. New wood is too smooth and dense for proper penetration. Wait at least 4 to 12 months, then clean and brighten before staining.

Is TWP Stain Right for Your Deck?

TWP stain is best suited for cedar, pressure-treated pine, and redwood decks that have been weathered for at least 4 months and are in structurally sound condition. It works on both previously stained wood and bare wood, as long as the surface is properly cleaned and prepped. TWP is not ideal for new smooth wood, exotic hardwoods like IPE or Cumaru, or any surface with existing film-forming coatings that have not been fully stripped.

If you are in a VOC-restricted state and want an alternative to TWP 1500, Armstrong Clark Wood Stain is VOC-compliant in all 50 states and performs at a similar level. In our testing, Armstrong Clark rated 8.5 to 9 out of 10 and is our primary recommendation when neither TWP 100 nor TWP 1500 suits the situation. See our full Armstrong Clark review for a side-by-side comparison.

TWP stain is not available at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Purchase directly at TWPStain.com or through our TWP Stain Product Page for the best pricing and to ensure you get the correct formula for your state.

TWP Stain Dealers

TWP 100 Series Deck Stain Photos

TWP 100 Pro-Series Review Video

TWP Stain — Frequently Asked Questions

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What is TWP stain and what does TWP stand for?

TWP stands for Total Wood Preservative. TWP stain is an oil-based, semi-transparent penetrating stain that protects exterior wood from water, UV rays, mold, and wood rot. It is EPA-registered and comes in two main formulas — TWP 100 Pro Series and TWP 1500 Series — depending on your state’s VOC regulations. TWP is manufactured by Gemini Coatings, which acquired the brand from Amteco.

What is the difference between TWP 100 and TWP 1500?

TWP 100 Pro Series is the original higher-VOC formula, available in 35 states. TWP 1500 Series is the low-VOC version compliant in all 50 states. Both are oil-based, semi-transparent, and EPA-registered. In our two-year testing, both perform nearly identically for UV protection and mold resistance. The practical differences are that TWP 100 penetrates slightly deeper and dries a bit faster. If TWP 100 is allowed in your state, it has a slight edge. If not, TWP 1500 is not a meaningful downgrade.

How long does TWP stain last on a deck?

TWP stain typically lasts 2 to 3 years on a horizontal deck surface with normal sun and weather exposure. Vertical surfaces like railings and fences can go 3 to 4 years before needing a maintenance coat. Longevity depends heavily on UV exposure, wood species, and proper prep before application. In our testing on full-sun cedar decks, TWP retained about 80% of its original color after two years.

Can you apply TWP stain to new wood?

TWP should not be applied to new wood less than 4 months old. New pressure-treated or smooth-milled wood is too dense for the stain to penetrate correctly, which leads to surface buildup and early failure. The manufacturer recommends waiting 4 to 12 months. When the wood is ready, clean with a deck cleaner, apply a wood brightener, allow 48 hours to dry, then apply a single coat of TWP.

How do you reapply TWP stain without stripping?

One of TWP’s biggest advantages is that it can be recoated in most cases without stripping. If the existing finish has faded evenly with no peeling or mold buildup, clean the deck with a Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener kit, allow 48 hours of drying time, and apply one maintenance coat. Full stripping is only required if the old stain has worn unevenly, if there is significant mold staining, or if a different product was applied over the TWP.

Is TWP stain sold at Home Depot or Lowe’s?

No. TWP stain is not available at Home Depot or Lowe’s. It is sold directly through TWPStain.com and through specialty online retailers including The Sealer Store. Buying direct from TWPStain.com is typically the most affordable option and ensures you get the correct formula for your state’s VOC regulations.

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

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