Which TWP Stain Should I Use?
TWP stands for Total Wood Preservative. It has been around for over 20 years and has been a leader in the wood staining industry. TWP Exterior Wood Stain is an EPA registered wood preservative. Unlike other stains that cover up wood and form a protective film that is venerable to peeling and flaking, TWP stains are a penetrating oil formula that offers excellent protection. Knowing which TWP formula is best for your exterior wood project is the key to having excellent results.
TWP 100 Series – The 100 Series has been a leading and respected formula for over 25 years. It penetrates and enhances natural wood beauty and is available is 6 different colors. It is used for all types of exterior wood decking, siding, fencing, and hardwoods. It is not prone to mold or mildew. The 100 Series is not compliant in all states. Please be sure to check if it is compliant in your area.
TWP 200 Series – Available in 8 different colors, the 200 Series formula is best used on wood siding, shakes, and shingles. It uses a non-drying paraffin oil formula that enhances the wood cell’s structural stability making it an excellent choice for older wood that has lost its natural oils. It sheds and repels water and prolongs UV fading. The TWP 200 Series is compliant in all 50 states.
TWP 500 Series – The TWP 500 Series formula has been discontinued and replaced with a new and improved formula called TWP 1500.
TWP 1500 Series – The new 1500 series replaces the old 500 series. This newly formulated preservative penetrates better, dries faster, and outperforms it predecessor. TWP 1500 is a low VOC preservative with unique absorbing pigments that prevent wood graying, fading and premature discoloring. Selected mildewcides prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Available in 9 different colors, TWP 1500 Series Stain is best used on all types of wood fencing, decking, siding, log homes and roofing. It is compliant in all 50 states due to its low 250 VOC formula.
Choose the TWP Series Stain that best fits your needs and give your wood surfaces the protection and lasting beauty they deserve.
Need More Help? Please Ask Below!
I have a cedar log swing that I believe was stained with TWP 301 cedar-tone stain that I don’t think is available anymore.
Some of the old finish is still in good shape and tightly adhered, but quite a bit of the wood is now exposed and needs protection. I’m hoping to avoid sanding the whole piece down to bare wood and would like to just go over areas that are bare. What’s the best TWP stain for this project?
The 300 Series is a filming coating while the other TWP Series are penetrating. You would have to fully remove the 300 Series first if switching.
Which product works on old composite decking?
The TWP Semi-solid colors have been used on old composite decking.
which is better for treated pine split rail fences twp 100 series or twp 200 series
They would last the same. Most would use the 100 Series.
I have a pool deck ready to paint or stain. It’s now is dry . Which product of TWP will hold up the best. Located in Missouri
See here about new wood first. https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
When propeery weathered and prepped, use the 100 Series.
We live outside Atlanta, GA, and have a 5-year-old cedar pergola + railing and KDAT pine decking. Backyard woods partially shade the space. We have power washed thoroughly every two years but never sealed. We want to use TWP to protect against graying, mildew, and tweak the color. Which formulations do you recommend?
Additionally, I learned about Ever-Seal at the Atlanta Home Show, which promotes a 25-year warranty and a lifetime seal. Their advertised restoration properties are appealing. “…our proprietary cleaning system is able to clean thoroughly through the wood or concrete. Then, our patented penetrating sealant becomes a permanent part of the wood or concrete providing lifelong protection…guaranteed for at least 25 years.” Its literature states it “will bring your deck back to looking as new as it can ever look and prevent any further deterioration. ” They share staining is ok, if desired, and we would “only need about 25% of the stain that you would normally need and it should last 3x to 5x longer as well before having to touch up again.”
Is there a concern using TWP over Ever-Seal?
Thank you.
Look at the TWP 100 Series. The Ever-Seal is an internal sealer that “supposedly” prevents rot and decay. I’m not sure if it works. As for applying the TWP, it is a penetrating stain and needs to soak into the wood grain. If the Ever-Seal hinders penetration or repels the TWP, it will not work.
FYI, it is not possible for you to use less of the TWP for max protection so their claim of 25% less is not valid. We would not bother with the Ever-Seal if you wanted our opinion.
Thank you for the reply. Curious why you recommend the TWP 100 vs. TWP 1500? I am comfortable using two different products, since I have two different types of wood, if that’s the better option. But if one can do it, that’s certainly more simple.
They both perform the same and both can be used in GA. No need to use 2 different options.
I’ve some beams on the exterior of our new home in Montana that i’m planning to use TWP on. They are 6×18 Fir Glulam Beams. They are rough sawn glulams but were sanded down right after install. I’d like to figure out whether 100 or 1500 would be a better choice for our needs
ok makes sense, thank you.
When would be the best time to do a 2nd coat? If using 100, 1500 or the semi-solid colors?
Recoat as needed. Typically, every 2-3 years for a deck.
I’m in Minnesota. We have a 30 yr old cedar sided house. We stained 3 sides last yr & when it rained it ran, down our windows. We were a bit disappointed. Any suggestions?
Hello, TWP is a full curing stain and once fully cured, it would not do this. What stain did you use as we are not seeing any orders in your name or email.
I believe we used TWP 1500
We are staining the N side of our cedar home this year. We originally have used TWP for it. Is it necessary to use a stripper or Can we just power wash it?
Post some pics in the comments for prep help.
I have an old deck (20yrs) stripped and sanded the decking boards, what is the best stain to use for old wood?
Look at the TWP 1500 Series.
I am in louisiana and have new cypress beams that i have just planed and sanded down from rough (not an attractive rough, hence the finish). It feels a bit waxy, so im assuming we have glaze to deal with. I understand that it needs a lot of time before the 100 formula (assuming that is best) will absorb well and i see the recommendation to let them weather for 4-12 months. However i also see that they won’t be completely dry for years. Would it be feasible to just apply a coat now for some level of color and then reapply in a year or 2? The raw wood doesn’t match the house.
Wait until Fall, and then prep and stain is the correct way.
Thank you.
I live in NE Pennsylvania and my pine deck is a year old . I’m ready to stain for the first time and wondering if I should use the 1500 series and would the semi solid work as well ? Thanks
Either the 1500 Series or the Semi-solid Low-VOC will work for PA.
In iowa and I have a cedar deck. I want to use a stain that will last longer. What do you suggest?
TWP 100 Series if you want semi-transparent but for better UV protection from fading, look at the TWP in semi-solid colors.
What is the difference between TWP 1500 and TWP 1501?
Color. The 1501 is the 1500 Series in Cedartone color.
On the coast in North Carolina and have a pressure treated pine deck,that about one year old. Which product would you recommend TWP 100 or 1500?
TWP 100 Series. Prep with Gemini Restore Kit.
I’m installing 2×12 wire brushed douglas fir or cedar siding on a cabin in an area with extreme weather conditions of cold and snow. Is the 100 the better choice and applying all sides before the install? Once installed, I was wondering if you can lightly coat semi solid on to give it a unique color?
You should not prestain and you should not stain all sides. Install, weather, prep, then stain the exposed wood only. See this for tips:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for which stain to use, that depends on where you live. You cannot add the semi-solid colors over the TWP semi-transparent colors.
This is a northern Idaho location project. Variable weather conditions, extreme cold and heavy snow fall. Was thinking of using the 100 due to higher VOC 550 content. Is the semi solid VOC a 550 level? Always thought the higher the VOC, the better the penetration and weather resistant.
Use the 100 Series for Idaho. The regular Semi-Solid is high VOC of 550 while the Semi-Solid Low VOC is 250. They penetrate teh same.
Label says do not store in excessive cold. What is safe for cold storage
Nothing below 50s.
I’m re-staining a cedar deck in northern Minnesota. Should I use 100 or 1500?
What did you use last time?
I live in Central Texas and I’m building a new 26’X18′ deck that will be facing full sun. What is the best lighter pigment application?
See this first about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 100 Series when time. Honeytone is the lightest color.
I have sealed my pine 6′ fence with TWP-100 (Dark Oak) twice over the last ten years and was planning to apply a third coat in December 2023. Unfortunately without my knowledge my neighbor to the rear sealed 100′ of my fence using a water-based solid seal made for fences and decks. He meant well and thought he was doing me a favor, but the damage is done. I am going to leave it this way for now, but want to know my options in the future as far as un-doing this damage. Luckily it is a run of fence that is mostly out of sight. I would like to know if I am able to strip this water-based seal off and restore back to bare wood – then applied coat-on-coat of TWP 100 (Dark Oak). If a stripper would work for this situation – which stripper would you recommend? I do know he only applied a single coat of the water-based seal.
Solid stains are very hard to remove and even harder when it is vertical wood. You could test spot with this: https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-strippers
I bet combining that product with a high-power pressure washer will get it off. I am hoping the adhesion is not that good for the water-based solid seal as they did not prep at all before applying over top of the old TWP-100.
The RAD ingredients make me weary – I am looking for something stronger (no odor= weak) product. I am going to look around for something stronger that gels – I don’t care if I have to wear a mask and it does not have to be environmentally friendly – the more odor the better (caustic=strong)
There is not a better solid stain remover on the market than the RAD Paint Stripper.
Thanks – I will give it a try
What if I stain / seal my deck with TWP 1500 and its 60 degrees during the day and then it drops to 45 degrees at night? Does it nooed to stay above 50 degrees for multiple days? Trying to see if I can seal before winter. Thanks
45 the first night after staining is okay.
Northern Minnesota, rough cut Cedar lap siding.
I have used Olympic brand oil based semi transparent twice with good results- 10yrs and 8yrs before redo. That stain is no longer made.
I have high confidence in oil based products.
Which of your products would you recommend?
The TWP 100 Series. Make sure to prep to remove the old stain first:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Which type should I use for a new fence? That’s mostly redwood but has some cedar and Douglas Fir. I’m not sure whether to do the 100 or the 1500. Or what the differences are. Also, where can I get this in Placer County California?
You need the TWP 1500 for CA:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
We sell online only for shipping.
They both last the same on a dock. For better UV protection, use our semi-solid colors:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
I am considering using the 200 series for our cedar siding that is 30 years old and has always been treated with TWP 1/2 cedar tone 1/2 clear mix. We have stripped the old stain. But I am concerned about the non drying parrafin oil. When it says non drying, what does that mean? Does the stain stay tacky?
No, the surface fully cures. The paraffin soaks deep in the wood to help condition the wood cells internally.
I live in PA just soft washed my natural cedar home as it faded since I bought it. Currently waiting for it to dry. I want to keep it as natural as possible. Previous owner used Thomson Wood Protector Clear. Attached an old photo of and of it just soft washed.
1. Do I go with 1500/200?
2. Clear or Cedartone?
3. Can I mix the bug juice with it? I live on a creek and want to keep spiders off and carpenter bees away.
Use the TWP 1500 Series in any color that you like but you need a tint for UV protection from graying. You can add bug juice to it.
My deck was built approx. 9 months ago. I haven’t stained it yet. It receives sun throughout the entire day. I live in wv. Can I go ahead and stain it now? Which twp product would you recommend.
Yes, you can prep and stain it: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
use the 1500 Series.
My 500 Sq ft deck has not been stained. It is “new”, having weathered for a yr. I live in Southwest Louisiana and we have very hot summers and high humidity. It is yella wood pine. It is not covered and gets sun most of the day. I am hoping to apply with a pump sprayer. Mold and algae are a moderate concern. Which TWP product do you recommend? Semi- transparent is preferred if possible. Will I need 1 or 2 coats as this is the initial staining?
Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
After prep, apply two light coats applied wet on wet of the TWP 100 Series.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Approximately how many gallons do I need for 2 light coats? If I apply with a pump sprayer do I back brush or use a paint pad?
5 Gallons should be enough for 2 light coats. Yes, you always have to back brush to ensure it is applied evenly.
Good evening. Planning on redoing the stain on my cider siding in Georgia. Probably at least 10 years since it’s been done and I have no idea what was used on it besides some sort of stain. Would the current stain need to be stripped to use one of your products?
Yes, you would have to remove that fully first. You have a solid stain.
I live in central North Carolina where is plenty hot and humid all summer. I have an existing deck/screened porch that was sealed with ReadySeal about 18 months ago. That product faded ou really quickly and we would like to refinish. Which TWP should we use? Any special instructions? Thanks!
Prep with this kit first: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain with the TWP 100 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Is TWP 1500 Natural a safe stain to use inside a horse barn?
Yes, just make sure it is fully dried and cured before using the barn,
We have a 9 year old deck and just replaced several posts, railing pieces and steps. After pressure washing and cleaning which series would you recommend for the old and new to blend well color wise? We live in north Georgia, lots of heat and humidity, and deck is in full sun most of the day. Thank you
See here about new wood first:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
The semi-solid colors would blend the best:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
I live in north texas. We have a 26×26 covered patio. The under boards, not seeing any direct sunlight, are v groove pine. There are also some on the outside as well that see some sun. The columns and main supports under are all cedar What is the best product to apply? 100 or 1500 or ?? We had readyseal dark walnut applied when installed and want something that will last longer.
Most would use the 100 Series but the 1500 would work as well.
Would I need to strip or do any other prep besides powerwashing before all lying the 100 series stain?
Strip and brighten for prep to remove the RS.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I would like to know if TWP is recommended to use as an exterior door stain?
Depends on the wood type? Also, it cannot be top-coated with a poly like many door stains are.
Knotty Alder wood
?
Sorry. No it would not work here.
We’re looking to re-stain the decks at our house in the Bay Area of Northern California. They were last done in 2015 with a 50-50 mix of 205 & 1501. If doing this myself then I’d like to switch to just one series – which should I use?
1500 Series.
Getting ready to stain our 2- 1/2 year old uncovered pine deck for the first time. We live in KY, the deck faces northeast, gets morning sun, and backs up to a wooded area. As you can imagine, it’s quite weathered, has areas of mold, and some wood-splitting. What stain product would you recommend? As we’re not very timely with our home maintenance projects, a long lasting stain would be nice.
Try the TWP Semi-solids or the TWP 100 Series.
Building pergola in. We get snow. Which stain for rough sawn fir would be best?
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
100 or 1500 series in northern Washington state>
Either will work well for WA.
Can I stain the outside of my raised vegetable garden bed? I’m not planning to stain the inside.
Thanks!
Yes, you can.
Hello, I love in the coast of oregon and gave a cedar shake roof. I previously used a chevron oil for preservative. Its 25 years old. The shakes have lost some thickness. Lots of rain, wind and salty air.
Should I use series 200 or 1500 series? Where is the closest dealer or can I order it direct from you?
Use the 200 Series and buy directly online from us: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
Can I mix copper naphthenate with the 200 series stain. Do you have pictures of cedar roofs done with your stain?
No, do not mix it into the 200 Series. We offer samples to test the colors as the final color varies based on your wood’s type, age, prep, etc.
Staining cedar gazebo in Tucson AZ. Lots of sun all day, dry, temps routinely exceed 100 degrees 5 months of year.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I’m resurfacing a deck in Richmond Virginia. Currently gets afternoon sun but part of the build will be a privacy wall and sun sail to reduce that.
Planning to go with a darker brown for both aesthetics and added UV protection.
Which of your products do you recommend?
The TWP 1500 Series in Dark Oak or Black Walnut.
Thanks! Do you have samples I can order to compare colors in person?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
They last the same, the 1500 may give slightly better UV protection but ti will still need to redone at the same time.
We just purchased a 1990 Linda cedar home in western Washington (lots of rain). Cedar siding is currently stained with unknown stain that is peeling. 1. What is the best product to strip this stain and prep the siding? 2. What is the most durable series of stain for our state?
We would need to see pics for proper help.
Please see attached
Unfortunately what you have on your wood most likely cannot be stripped. It looks shiny, like a varnish and that means stripping will not get it off. To get it off you would have to use media blasting or corn cob blasting and that means hiring a pro.
I live in Colorado in some intense sun. About 7 years ago I stained my deck (skirting and railings) with TWP 100 redwood. It’s held up great, but due to fading and weathering, it now needs to be redone. However, I can’t order TWP 100 to Colorado anymore. Should I use TWP 1500 instead? Will it go over the faded TWP 100 okay or is there other prep work I’d need to do? And is the TWP 1500 redwood the best color match for TWP 100 redwood?
Best to prep with this kit as the colors are not exactly the same between series: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
The 1502 Redwood is very close in color to the 102, but not exact.
Okay. But if I don’t strip some of the skirting, can TWP 1500 be applied effectively to redwood that was stained with TWP 100 several years ago?
As long as you prep, then yes.
I live in Pennsylvania, and I need a stain for a pool deck. Which one is best for this?
Use the TWP 1500 Series for PA: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Looked at the 1500 stain colors. I have a solid white colored stain on my deck currently. Plan to stain over that color without sanding or removing. Any recommendations for a stain that would blend with or cover my current stain for a pool deck in PA that you offer?
No, TWP stains do not come in a solid stain and they cannot be applied over a solid stain. You will need a solid stain again.
Would it look funny to use TWP 1500 Dark Oak for a porch railing and balusters I’m about to add when I already used TWP 100 Dark Oak on the deck and steps I’ve already built? Everything is/will be built from redwood. I ran out of the 1 gallon of TWP 100 I had, and it has since become more convenient to get TWP 1500.
They are close in color but not exactly the same.
I understand that even when using the same product, with some wood stains there can be a risk of slightly different colors, if all the cans used aren’t first mixed together to make it all uniform.
Is the difference in color between TWP 1500 and TWP 100 likely to be more noticeable than different cans of 100 that weren’t combined?
Yes.
Live in CT, have new (installed last summer) untreated PT pine. Full sun most of the day and want to stain for first time. What is the best choice in oil based semi transparent stain.
TWP 1500 Series for CT.
I am located in NH and have a new eastern white pine barn. I want to keep the wood looking as natural as possible with the least amount of yellowing. Which stain is better for T&G eastern white pine siding the 1500 or the 200?
Use the TWP 1500 Series for this one.
I live in Ca and have about 1800 sq of deck. During the summer the deck bakes and gets first sun. In winter lots of rain and cold temps. Which product would you suggest after properly prepping the deck? Also thinking of using a natural color. Suggestions?
California or Canada?
California
Use the 1500 Series for California.
Follow up – I live in Missouri
I have a ten year old cedar deck that I have sanded back to bare wood. I looks clean with just a few gray patches. 1. After brightening, should I use 101 or 1501 – I have both on hand. 2. I was planning on applying the TWP twice since the wood is bare – any problems with this?