This post was updated on January 18, 2023
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TWP Semi-Solid Stain Review Updated 2023
Brand new is the TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Stain! As always, we appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
Important Note: This review is based on our testing of the TWP Semi-Solid in the Summer of 2020 and is also partially based on the TWP 100 Series as that is the “base” for the TWP Semi-Solid Colors. We will update this review and the performance of the TWP Semi-Solid throughout the next 1-3 years.
TWP Semi-Solid Stain Review
Available in 30 Custom Colors, the TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series will keep your wood beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer! The ease of application and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years to come.
TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series provides a broad spectrum of weather protection, is water repellent, and aids in color retention. TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series resists water absorption that causes warping, cracking, splitting, and prevents freeze damage in colder climates. Use TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series to Restore and Protect YOUR GREAT OUTDOORS!
TWP Deck Stains – Semi-Solid Pro-Series Review
Before Prepping for TWP Semi-Solid Stain
TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Wood Deck Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9
– We prepped the deck first with the Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Brightener kit and applied the TWP Semi-Solid in the Cedar Mulch color after a few days of drying. The overall appearance was excellent with very even coverage. Semi-solid in appearance with a small amount of wood grain showing. The TWP Cedar Mulch color penetrated deep into the wood grain on our pressure treated deck. This will result in little to no wearing and peeling down the road. We would expect this stain to last 2-4 years before a reapplication is needed.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 9.0
– The base of this stain is the TWP 100 Pro-Series and which has consistently scored an 8 out of 10 at the 2-year mark. We expected better UV protection due to the higher solid content of the semi-solid and at the 2 years mark, it looks almost the same as when applied.
After Prepping for TWP Semi-Solid Stain
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9.0
– TWP penetrates very well into the wood grain and this is normal. The TWP 100 Pro- Series (base of the TWP Semi-Solid) scores a 9 out of 10. The TWP Semi-Solid scored the same at the 2-year mark.
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
– The price paid was $250 for the 5-gallon pail of TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series with Free Shipping. The coverage rate is excellent for the TWP Semi-Solid and we used less than 4 gallons for our 800 sq. foot deck. The total amount for the stain on our deck came to $200 or .25 cents per square foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 8
– The TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series scores a 8 out of 10 when preventing mold or mildew. Just a little minor mildew around the bushes.
TWP Semi-Solid Stain in Cedar Mulch
Ease of Application: 9
– Before starting your deck staining make sure to blow off any debris from the deck such as leaves and dirt. Prior to applying any stain, you need to thoroughly mix it evenly. We had no issues mixing the TWP Semi-Solid to a smooth consistency. We applied only 1 coat to our deck using a deck stain pad applicator to ensure an even appearance. Overall, we applied the TWP Semi-Solid stain in 1-2 hours to the 800 sq. foot deck and a team of two employees.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 8
– The TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series scored an 8 out of 10 when it comes to preventing darkening.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8
– Reapplication in 2-4 years 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 and then apply 1 maintenance coat of the TWP Semi-Solid Stain
Overall Score TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Stain: 8.5
– The TWP Brand of Stains is one of our most commonly used wood stains as we have personally applied it to over 10,000 decks over the past 25+ years as wood restoration contractors. What we like best about the TWP Semi-Solid Stain is that it is easy to apply, will be easy to prep and reapply when the time comes, and holds color very well from the UV. We are very excited and look forward to using the TWP Semi-Solid colors. Maximum UV protection and a much larger color palette is the top reason we will be offering the TWP Semi-Solid to all of our customers in 2021 and beyond.
Note: We do not use TWP on brand-new wood. If applied to wood that is less than 4 months old, it seems to have a difficult time with penetration. We find this with many of the stains we have used on new wood. The manufacturer suggests waiting 4-12 months to let the wood weather. We strongly suggest that you wait and only apply one coat for wood that is 4-12 months old.
Product Information:
TWPStain.com Website: TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series
TWP Stain Facebook Page: TWP Deck and Wood Stains
Cost: $50 per Gallon, $250 per 5 Gallon Pail is the average
Stain Type: Oil-based Semi-Solid
Available Colors: Available in 30 Custom Colors
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: Airless Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 4-12 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits or Paint Thinner
VOC Compliant: 550 Compliant in 36 States
More Info: Product Data
Test Deck Stats:
When Tested: August 2020
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 800
UV Exposure: Deck in full sun
How Many Years Tested: Initial test – Brand New Product
Stain Color Used: TWP Semi-Solid Cedar Mulch
TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Stain Photos
TWP Semi-Solid Wood & Deck Stain Video – DeckStainHelp.com
*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.
Deck Stain Help & Questions
- How Long After Rain to Stain Deck
- When to Stain a Deck
- Solid Deck Stain Reviews
- How to Stain a New Deck
- How to Pressure Wash a Deck Before Staining
- Two Tone Deck Stain Ideas
- Menards Deck Stain Colors
- Wood Brightener
- Penofin Stain and Sealer
- Best Water Based Deck Stain
- Polyurethane Deck Coating
- Gray Deck Stain
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.
Can i use this product on Trex ?
Older porous Trex. Not the newer Trex that is 99% plastic.
Looking for advice on a hellish experience with my 3-year old deck. Used Arbor Coat water-based in year 1 summer – peeled significantly after the first winter. Cleaned wish deck cleaner and re-applied with a semi-solid water-based Arbor Coat year 2 summer – peeled significantly after winter. Year 3: hand-sanded to raw wood, re-applied solid coat Arbor Coat – peeled more significantly by spring.
Moving forward: Used Behr Deck-stripper (75% of the stain is up); plan to sand the deck with a deck sander (as raw as I can get it). Intend to use TWP semi-solid for next coat.
Summarily, the cedar hasn’t accepted penetration of the stain using the water-based. I did give it 60 days to dry out before the first coat three years ago.
I appreciate any advice!
Mark
1. Once you fully remove the Arbor Coat, you are okay to use the TWP.
2. You can stain after. See sanding tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
3. TWP is much better than ArborCoat.
Hi Scott! Thank you for all that your doing! This is an incredible resource! Do you know the color used in the dock photo you have posted. It’s like a grey color and that is the exact color I want to purchase.
Semi-solid Driftwood. The color is at the bottom of your pic.
Can I use to twp over another finish?
No, whenever you switch brands of semi-transparent stains you should remove the prior coatings.
I have a 30 year old deck that was originally painted with an oil based deck paint. It peels every year (Wisconsin weather). I’ve found someone to sand off the paint. Should I use the TWP Pro Series semi solid to cover the most obvious defects, but would still allow some wood grain to show through. I believe it was originally a pressured treated pine ??? Would this deck require two coats, how can you tell without having to order extra product that is not returnable? If I don’t want a red/orange end product what color would you recommend that would give more of a light walnut color?
Until you can actually sand it fully off or not, there is no way to determine the best stain type or brand to use. That would also determine the amounts of coats needed, etc.
That’s understandable, but I’m concerned that from the time he would finish until I would have the correct product, either I won’t see him again and/or the newly sanded surface would be exposed to the elements for the uncertain time it would take me to get a sealer delivered??? An experienced guess is better than nothing for me.
No issues from elements. Wood can go months without being coated plus you have to clean and brighten anyhow after sanding, prior to staining.
I really appreciate all your help. I don’t have your typical deck, it’s an old Victorian style house with decorative posts, spindles etc., that I just finished painting. If I apply the clean and brighten to the sanded deck, won’t all those chemicals damage my painted surfaces. I took a pad sander and just removed some of the paint to see if it would come up. Since the paint protected the wood do you still need the clean and brighten steps.
After sanding you have to clean and brighen the wood to open up the wood grain. See this for tips on sanding: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
They will not harm your painted surfaces.
Hoping this is getting down to my last questions. You mentioned previously that once all the prep work was done I would know what finish to use. How exactly will I know that? Is the TWP series the best for me to use and do you actually sell these products? If so how long does it take to get them?
It depends if you can or cannot get all the solid stain off. It is not easy to remove a solid stain fully. After prep work is done, then assess to the best stain option.
So this is the sanded down deck. Do I still need to clean as well as brighten. Also, it appears the 1500 series of the semi-solid stain are on back order with no certain restocking date. Considering how clean it sanded down (although there is some color variation in the boards) do you think the semi transparent stain in a dark color would work? Is a dark stain a good color choice against the house color?
The 1500 Series is not semi-solid and is different than the TWP semi-solid series. Yes, you should clean and brighten now. The 1500 Series are semi-transparent colors and will work for this. Any color you like would work.
we built a deck in the summer of 2020 but have not yet stained. This is our first time staining, so it has had more than enough time to cure. I am reading to not put this semi-solid pro series on “new wood.” The wood is aged and bare. Can I use the Pro series or should I use the 100 series. I don’t like the colors offered in the 100 series.
Two years old is not new anymore so you can use any of the TWP Stains.
I stained my deck and covered porch 4yrs ago with TWP 150 honeytone. It needs restaining now. I would like to restain with darker color. Can I go over this with TWP without stripping ?
Yes but you still need to clean and brighten for prep. Use their Gemini Restore Kit.
Would you recommend TWP semi-solid pro series deck stain over Cabot semi-solid deck stain? If so, why? Also, is semi-solid a better choice over solid deck stain? If so, why? We have a one-year old 20′ x 20′ deck made of standard pressure treated lumber. We have Polywood furniture on the deck (highly recommend!) in teak color. We are trying to figure out which product to use so we can hone in on a color. Please advise, and thank you!
You cannot apply TWP semi-solid over another brand of stain. The Cabot would have to be stripped and sanded first to fully remove it.
Penetrating stains like TWP are always better and easier to maintain over a solid stain.
Three coats of Sherwin Williams Superdeck over six year period that is now peeling. Sanded with palm sander 40 grit and 120 grit. Stripped then with Valspar and did not brighten. This is the result. Any recommendations?
No pictures.
ok, so none of that worked. What I am doing now is Klean strip from Home Depot. It’s $40 for a large can. Following the directions and it is a very slow process, three boards at a time, but it works. the S/W is a semi-transparent water based.
one or two coats on 40 grit and 120 grit sanded surface?
One.
Would TWP Semi Solid last as long as Restore a Deck solid?? thx
Yes.
I need to stain my cedar belly band on the house, it’s new wood and it needs to be black… any suggestions on what the best oil based semi-trasparent stain would be? I have used Cabots on the rest of the house and like it a lot so far I’m just afraid it will not be dark enough and don’t want any peeling as we are in Washington state.
Cheers!
Try the TWP Semi-Solid in Charcoal color.
I was hoping to purchase the twp semi solid stain for my old composite deck. However, once I typed in my address it said due to regulations this cannot be shipped to me (I live in Indiana). Any thoughts suggestions?! Should I just use the TWP 1500 series instead?
Thanks!
Yes, you could try that.
Can this product be used on cedar fencing?
Yes, it works great for fences.
Can I use this over an older semi solid that has been cleaned and sanded with 220 for a smooth surface?
No, you have to remove the old stain completely before using a new stain.
Where can you find this product
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Will this be more slippery as compared to the semi-transparent TWP 1500?
No difference.