TWP Natural Effect Impregnating Hardwood Stain Review 4.9/5 (2)

This post was updated on June 25, 2024

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior IPE and hardwood decking. My TWP Natural Effect Hardwood and IPE Stain review is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain tips. See here for more info about me.

2024 TWP Natural Effect Hardwood Stains

TWP® Natural Effect utilizes state-of-the-art European waterborne technology and is designed to revolutionize exterior wood maintenance… …while at the same time significantly enhancing performance!

Spend more time enjoying your investment and less time maintaining it with TWP Natural Effect.

Natural Effect is superior to beautifying and protecting your exterior wood investment!

• The #1 Rated Exotic Hardwood and IPE Stain (It can be used on all exterior wood types)…
• A Water-Based Exterior Wood Finishing System…
• Utilizing European Waterborne Technology…
• Designed to Revolutionize Exterior Wood Maintenance, While Significantly Enhancing Performance…

IMPORTANT NOTE

• TWP Natural Effect Impregnating Stain is part one of a two-part exterior system. Must be top-coated with TWP Natural Effect Top Coat Step 2 for ultimate protection in an exterior environment.

Testing for Exotic Hardwood Deck Stains

Exotic hardwoods such as IPE are extremely dense and difficult to penetrate. When stained, these wood types will always fade faster than other woods such as Cedar, Redwood, and Pine. Testing for exotic hardwoods will be changed to 1 year instead of 2 years.

8-Step Review of TWP Natural Effect Hardwood and IPE Stain

1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 10

We used the Chestnut color on a section of IPE test boards. This color had a nice, rich, reddish brown and really made the IPE wood stand out. The stain was applied evenly with no blotchiness and 100% penetrated the wood grain. Adding the TWP Natural Effect Top Coat (Step-2) gave an added boost and made it “pop” with a slight satin sheen.

TWP Natural Effect Hardwood Stain Review

2. Preventing UV Graying at 1 Year Mark: 10

The TWP Natural Effect Stain has the best color retention we have seen for any stain tested on IPE wood. The test was done in 2021; to this day, the stain still retains excellent color on the IPE wood. The IPE test boards were fully exposed and in the sun for about 60-70% of the day.

3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 10

The TWP Natural Effect Stain stain showed no signs of peeling on the wood, even after 2-3 years.

4. Cost Per Square Foot: 5

TWP Natural Effect Stain costs $99.99 per gallon. This is the only negative we could find about this stain. Considering that the TWP Natural Effect Stain will last twice as long as other IPE and hardwood stains is worth the extra cost.

5. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 10

After years one and two, we have not found any mold or mildew on the TWP Natural Effect Stain stain.

6. Ease of Application: 9

The TWP Natural Effect Stain is easy to apply. Being water-based, it was slightly harder to spread than an oil-based stain. We used a flooring brush for the entire area, and there was no need to back-wipe.

7. Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 10

The TWP Natural Effect Stain did not darken in color at the 1 or 2-year mark.

8. Difficulty of Reapplication: 10

The TWP Natural Effect Stain must be cleaned with the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Prep Kit to remove dirt and grime.

Overall Score TWP Natural Effect Impregnating for Hardwoods Stain at 1 Year Period: 9.2

TWP Natural Effect Stain is the first TWP-branded stain suggested for IPE and other Exotic Hardwoods. As all TWP exterior coatings are excellent, we expected good results, and we were not disappointed. If you want the best UV protection for an IPE/Hardwood Stain, then TWP Natural Effect would be the top choice.

Product Information:

Purchasing Info: TWP Natural Effect for Hardwoods
Cost: $99.99 per Gallon
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent – Water-Based Impregnating Stain for Hardwoods
Available Colors: Teak, Walnut, Mahogany, Black Ebony, Chestnut, Dark Walnut
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 1 coat for most hardwood decking surfaces
Coverage Per Gallon: 200-300 sq. ft for Exotic Hardwoods
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2-6 Hours
Cleanup: Water
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States

Test Deck Stats:

Deck Wood Type: IPE Hardwood
Deck Square Footage: Test boards
UV Exposure: 60% Shade 40% Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Chesnut

*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.

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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