Best Way to Apply TWP 100 and 1500 Series Wood Decking Stains
It is best to first measure the wood surface of your staining project. Do not forget to include steps, railings and spindles if you are staining a deck and double the footage of a fence if staining both sides. On average TWP covers approximately 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon. The newer the wood the less stain it will take. Older wood is more porous and will absorb more stain.
Prior to applying any TWP stain be sure the surface is free of dirt, grime, mildew or any old coatings. Use a wood cleaner when no old failed coatings are present. If an old coating is to be removed use a wood stain stripper instead. Allow the wood to dry for 48 hours after cleaning.
The best way to apply TWP is with a brush, roller, stain pad, pump or airless sprayer. Be sure to mix the stain well prior to opening. Use protective gloves and safety glasses and cover any plants, landscaping, concrete or windows you do not want to get stain on. Apply a light coat on one or two boards at a time or in a small section. It is best to work from one end of a board to the other then move on to the next board. This will help reduce overlap marks.
If one coat soaks in fairly quickly a second coat may be applied. A second “wet on wet” coat should be applied within 30 minutes of the first coat. Be cautions of over applying TWP Stain. If excess puddles of wet stain remain after a reasonable amount of time and or not being absorbed do not allow the stain to dry. Wipe away the excess with a clean stain rag or back brush the stain to blend it in. Leaving excess stain on the surface to dry will result in an unappealing shiny finish.
I put one coat of dark oak stain on my fence yesterday. I would like it to be a little darker. Can I put another coat on since it has dried?
Do a test spot first to make sure it dries okay as second coats are supposed to be applied wet on wet, not over dry stain.
I have a pretty large lower deck that we are gradually replacing all deck boards. It has been 1 year and I will be staining a portion of the new deck. The smaller upper deck only needs to be stained. I have no idea what brand was used originally on either deck. How should I prep the upper deck and which product would you recommend? We live in mid Missouri on a lake. Also would you recommend your products to protect marine board?
Thanks-
Laurie
See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for any older wood, please send pictures so we can help with the prep. Use the TWP 100 Series for the stain. You can use it on marine wood.
So i just finished staining my deck & not sure whether or not to apply a 2nd coat. I finished it yesterday and have allowed it to dry. I wouldn’t say the 1st coat soaked in immediately but seemed to be dry in about 4-5hrs. Should i apply a 2nd coat or since its been 24-36hrs would it be pointless to do so?
Second coats are to be applied wet on wet, not wet on dry. Leave as is.
We’ve sanded over-pigmented water-based preservative (Okon) off 38-35 year old redwood clapboard siding. TWP instructions rec washing after sanding old wood to remove dust. But 35 year old nails are producing iron stain when stripped wood washed in sample area. What is best alternative to washing, to prep for application of TWP? Recs for removing iron stain without having to redo whole boards also welcome.
That is rust and nothing you can do to prevent the black rust spots. It will happen no matter what once it gets rain on it. Brightener will help to remove it but it will come back once it gets wet from the rain. The only way to fix is to replace the nails and not sure if that is even possible in your scenario.
Thank you, but not a very useful answer. I know that it’s rust which is why I don’t want to follow TWP instructions to wash siding with water. Never had any nail rust on this siding in 30 yrs of weather. It only happened after following TWP’s instructions to wash freshly sanded siding before applying stain. I do not want to apply water directly to any more of the sanded boards for this reason.
So I was asking for alternative, non-water methods of adequately removing dust on all the siding before applying finish. I also suggest that TWP not advise customers to wash sanded siding, as TWP1500 instructions do, without testing for nail reaction in unobtrusive spot.
The prep products or washing did not cause this to happen, it was the sanding that removed the protective coating that prevents rusting from the nail heads that caused this to happen. Please do not blame the TWP products or advice for something that was not the fault of either.
Or advise is sound and correct. The nails are rusting since the coating that protected the nails has been removed. It will happen when it rains as well and gets the siding wet.
The only way to remove the sand dust would be to use water. You can skip this step if concerned but as we mentioned prior, brightener will help to remove rust and that means you will have to get the one section wet again.
Once stained with TWP will the TWP protect the nails from creating rust stains?
No, a stain cannot protect from rust happening. Normally this is never an issue as nails or screws are pretreated to prevent rust. Only happens if non-treated nails/screws are incorrectly used or if somehow the protective coating from the nails/screws are removed.
I am confused. You recommend TWP 1500 as best for a new deck, however, in all these comments, everyone is using TWP 100.
We need to stain a very large new deck built with pine. Can you please tell me the best stain?
It depends on where you live and which series is allowed there?
What are the best settings to use for applying twp 100 series with a graco xr9 airless sprayer?
We are not familiar with their settings, sorry. TWP is very easy to spray.
I’m going to be applying TWP 100 to a new deck. Do you have any recommendations for the type of roller pad and nap thickness?
See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do not roll. Use a stain pad or brush: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
if I apply a second coat of stain within 30 minutes, won’t my footsteps on the first coat be an issue?
No, see for tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I am restaining a Log home in utah, it was first stained with redwood. Now we are changing the color to pecan wanting a new look. Can I just apply the pecan over the redwood stain. Or do I need to use the cleaner brightener first?
You need to strip and brighten first to change: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can you apply TWP to seating surfaces or table tops that bare skin may come in contact with once stain is thoroughly dry?
Yes.
is there a stripper you could recommend to remove the TWP?
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a douglas fir front door that showed signs of weathering. I don’t know what the original finish was. I sanded the surface, removed the dust and applied TWP cedar tone. Before appling TWP the door had a uniform appearance. When I applied TWP the surface has dark and light blotches. What would you recommend to correct the blotching? Thanks for your assistance. P.S. we used TWP on another property and It worked great!
The blotchiness would have to due with the porosity of the Douglas fir wood grain and how the wood takes the stain. Ther is not a way to change how the wood takes the stain.
We have a Douglas fair front door. .y husband d applied TWP on it. Can we apply an oil stain over TWP?
No, TWP cannot be top coated.
Help I used the air sprayer now I have stain “dust “ in my vinyl siding! How do I take it out? Ty
Try a graffiti remover from your local paint store.
When staining the deck with air spray, do I stain the rail first?
Does not matter but most will do rails first.
Does this work well with air spray? Do I need to brush it after air spraying?
You can spray the TWP with a pump sprayer or airless sprayer. You will need to back brush to ensure an even application.
I applied series 120 last year and just didn’t realize I was supposed to add a cleaner before applying a new coat this year. The second coat makes the deck look wet, but it’s actually dry. I still have about a quarter of the deck to do. Should I just proceed with adding the second coat over my deck stain or should I clean the the whole Deck with Gemini and restart?
Appreciate the help.
Actually you will need to strip and start over to fix this since you did not prep correctly and is now filming on top of the wood: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Should I fill small cracks in my wood before applying TWP 200 or will TWP 200 fill those small cracks for me? Cracks are 1-3 mm
No. Filler will not work on decks and will not blend with the stain. The stain also will not fill cracks. Just leave then as is.
Can you apply a second coat after the first coat dries?
Depends on how porous the wood is after the first coat. You do not want to over-apply it.
It is Sunday. There is rain in the forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday. Can I clean and brighten my deck today or tomorrow (Monday) and then apply TWP later in the week, after the rain stops? Or do I have to apply the cleaner, brightener, and then stain with no rain in between between applications of the brightened and stain?
Yes, you can prep now and stain after the rain.
can you apply a somewhat thicker layer on old wood that has been cleaned
No.
Hello,
I finished applying TWP200 late last night around 9:00pm. This morning everything looks great, except they’re a few areas that I missed. Is it ok to try and apply over those specific areas?
It is hard to spot apply and blend. It would probably be better to apply one very light coat to all wood.
Ok, but the first coat was applied 12 hrs ago, so this would not be a wet on wet application. Will there be any issue with the second coat absorbing into the wood?
Possibly but the depends on how absorbent the wood is. It may take a few days to fully dry.
Ok, I’ll apply a light coat over the entire deck thank you so much for the quick reply! Your product is great! Thanks
We used several gallons of TWP 100 stain last year on our deck which had been built in 2018. We had prepped it with your cleaning system. We have a person scheduled to put the second coat on in May. There are a couple of small, black “streaky” areas on 2 of the top railing boards. Do we need to wash the deck before the second coat?
You always have to prep when recoating. All the wood.
We have a cedar deck and have found that renting an orbital sander is a better way to clean the deck than power washing or deck cleaners. They just leave the deck surface rough. It takes only 2 hours to sand a 700 sq ft deck. Then use a leaf blower to clean off the dust. It is ready for sealing right away without waiting for the deck to dry out. We use TWP-1500, cedar tone. We love the look and get many compliments on this 34 year old deck! Thank you TWP.
I was told by a contractor that foam is the best roller material for applying TWP. Is this true? If not, what sort of roller should I use?
Thanks
Rollers do not work well. Use a stain pad or brush: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
Thank you. My job entails staining the ‘ceiling’ of a roof overhang, so using a brush would be very messy. I’ll try the pads.
Hello,
I power washed my deck 12 hours ago (full of mold, etc.). Today I was planning on using the gemini clean/restore. Do you apply step two solution immediately after completing step 1? Also, how long before I can apply stain after step 1 and 2 are complete?
Yes, apply Step 2 as soon as you are done with the Cleaner. BTW, you pressure wash off the Cleaner. Rinse the Brightener. Wait for 48 hours after prep to stain.
Hello,
I am looking to refresh our deck and we used TWP 1500 between 1-2 years ago, and want to apply a fresh new coat of stain, Do I have to strip the older TWP 1500 off, before applying a fresh new coat, or do I just need to apply a deck cleaner and power wash it clean, and then apply a fresh coat?
Thank You
Deck cleaner and then brighten. Use the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
how many coats of poly on unstained outside deck?
You can not use polyurethane on a deck or over the TWP stains.
I guess I phrased that wrong its the clear TWP 1500 deck is cedar
TWP is typically 2 coats wet on wet unless new wood. Just one coat for new wood.
What if you notice spots you missed hours after application? Can you go back and apply stain to spots you missed?
You can but it will most likely not blend.
Storing unused in 5 gal pail ok ?
Yes but needs to be stored in a temperature controlled room. Cannot freeze.
How do I remove TWP from my vinyl siding?
Try a water-based graffiti remover from your local hardware store.
How long does a new coat of stain need to dry? We purchased some stain and now I’m looking at the forecast to see what day would be best to apply it. Thanks!
After applying, about 12-24 hours before rain.
Can I use a graco airless paint sprayer to apply 1500 stain. If so, what size tip should I use? What pressure should I run the sprayer at?
You can. Not sure on the pressure or that it matters. Tip should be a wide fan.
[quote name=”Estella Draheim”]We applied one coat of TWP 1500 to our deck. Is a second coat needed? And should it be done this year or next? And after that how often should it be done?[/quote]
Do a light second coat if needed in the Spring. Every 2-3 years after that.
We applied one coat of TWP 1500 to our deck. Is a second coat needed? And should it be done this year or next? And after that how often should it be done?
[quote name=”Mike Martin”]What is the best application tool to use for the stain. Would a wagner sprayer be suitable?[/quote]
You can use a Wagner but you will need to back brush to ensure an even application.
What is the best application tool to use for the stain. Would a wagner sprayer be suitable?
[quote name=”Pam SF”]Painter over applied TWP in some areas and it is shiny. It is day two now and still shiny and tacky. Can I still use mineral spirits to remove the excess?[/quote]
Yes. Saturate any oil rags in water and lay flat to dry outside.
Painter over applied TWP in some areas and it is shiny. It is day two now and still shiny and tacky. Can I still use mineral spirits to remove the excess?
[quote name=”Larry Escaloni”]I like the product, particularly its life. But the instructions provided do not indicate what is the best brush, pad or roller type compatible with the product. Polyurethane brushes hold more oil based stain in general. What do you recommend for easiest and best application??[/quote]
Stain pads and brushes. See here:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
I like the product, particularly its life. But the instructions provided do not indicate what is the best brush, pad or roller type compatible with the product. Polyurethane brushes hold more oil based stain in general. What do you recommend for easiest and best application??
[quote name=”Eugene Kalley”]Last September I put series 1500 pecan on a new cedar deck that was 4 months old. Now I would like to change colors to cedartone. Is this OK?[/quote]
You will need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing. After the prep you should be good.
Last September I put series 1500 pecan on a new cedar deck that was 4 months old. Now I would like to change colors to cedartone. Is this OK?
[quote name=”Thomas Jordan”]We have applied one coat of TWP to our porch. The porch is covered but steps are exposed to the weather. Is there a product that we could top coat the TWP with in order to give the porch some “life”? I am disappointed in the way the product has turned out. There is no luster with TWP so I’m looking for something that will give the porch some vibrance[/quote]
TWP is a penetrating stain that soaks into the the wood without creating a sheen. It is not possible to add a “shiny” finish on top of the TWP. In addition, adding a shiny type product to any exterior horizontal wood is an extremely bad idea. Coatings like this will peel and you will have to heavy sand to remove.
Is there a top coat for TWP? There is no “life” in my porch after application of TWP. I would like to have something that would add some luster to the way my porch looks.
We have applied one coat of TWP to our porch. The porch is covered but steps are exposed to the weather. Is there a product that we could top coat the TWP with in order to give the porch some “life”? I am disappointed in the way the product has turned out. There is no luster with TWP so I’m looking for something that will give the porch some vibrance
[quote name=”Stephen M Pierce”]What is the minimum temperature at which the 1500 stain can be applied. Currently in my area day time temps are in the 50s however at night it gets down into the low and mid 30’s[/quote]
50 is the low for applying. Cannot freeze overnight.
What is the minimum temperature at which the 1500 stain can be applied. Currently in my area day time temps are in the 50s however at night it gets down into the low and mid 30’s
[quote name=”Garry myers”]I am trying to find a store carrying TWP 1500 in my area. Zip code 21541. McHenry, Md.[/quote]
We are an online dealer and can ship there in 2-3 days.
I am trying to find a store carrying TWP 1500 in my area. Zip code 21541. McHenry, Md.