Which TWP Deck Stain is Best for You?
TWP offers several different stain formulas for superior wood protection. All are blended using the best in raw materials and remain the only EPA registered wood preservative. All TWP Series Stains offer maximum wood protection and enhanced beauty for a long lasting durable finish.
TWP 100 Series – The 100 Series formula is the original preservative and has remained a leading formula for over 25 years. It penetrates better over the 1500 Series and comes in 8 different color tones. It blocks out damaging UV rays keeping the wood from fading and has outstanding water shedding capabilities. It dries faster than the 1500 Series and has a faster absorption rate.
TWP 100 does have a higher VOC level and cannot be shipped to some states (check availability). Where available, 100 Series is a great choice for any exterior wood project. It absorbs into wood extraordinarily well for maximum protection and gives a long lasting finish. It is not prone to mold or mildew. It is best used on wood decks, fences, siding, and hardwoods.
TWP 1500 Series – The 1500 Series Stain is a low VOC blend that is compliant in all 50 states and comes in 9 different tones. It is designed to outperform the former 500 Series blend and is also an EPA registered wood preservative. The TWP 1500 provides higher UV protection than the 100 Series.
The 1500 Series is user-friendly and easy to maintain. It enhances the wood’s beauty and prolongs the life of all exterior wood surfaces. The absorption rate is a bit slower than the 100 Series but dries in 4-12 hours on average. Both the 100 and 1500 Series Stains are 1-2 coat applications depending on the age and porosity of the wood. They are best applied using two light coats “wet on wet”.
I put wood filler in a few places and pressure washed and sanded an older deck which never has had a product on will I have a problem staining the fillers along with the rest of deck?
The wood filler will not “stain” to blend with a semi-transparent deck stain like the TWP. It will stand out.
I’ve been using TWP 100 (Rustic) for the past 5 years. The deck faces NE and gets morning sun, but the shade for the rest of the day. I just cleaned the black mold/mildew off the deck, and it could use another maintenance coat. This will be the 3rd (third) application of TWP 100 stain on this 5 year old deck. I thought I’d get longer times between coats, am I doing something wrong? Should I be using TWP 1500? Thank you.
Every two years is normal. Stay with the 100 Series.
used superdeck before what do i have to do to use your product, has been 4 or 5 years since then
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
This will remove the Super Deck so you can use the TWP.
I live in Utah and have a 2 month old fence I need to stain. Which series do you recommend? Should I use a wood brightener on a new fence?
Is the fence wood smooth or rough sawn? Depends on the weathering and prep needed:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 100 Series.
It’s smooth. Do I need to use the wood brightener on it before staining with TWP 100 series? It was installed 5 mths ago.
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
This explains the prep as well.
Maybe I have just overlooked answer to this question, but what are the states to which you can ship TWP 100?
See this link: https://www.twpstain.com/voc-states
I stained using the 1500 series last summer but it’s time for another coat. I have a very shady deck in Minnesota that gets a ton of leaves and debris in the fall. Should I stay with the 1500 series or should I switch to the 100 series (and can I apply it over the 1500 series that I already have)?
Hello, you cannot apply the 100 over the 1500 so best to stay with what you have.
Had the deck stained 24 hrs ago. It has been very humid and the stain is still tacky. How long should it be like this and is there anything that should be done?
This looks excessively over applied and possibly not prepped correctly as well. See this for some tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Just built 30′ X 12′ treated pine deck in Alabama. I will wait 4 months to apply TWP. Deck is in bright sunlight and will have roofing metal underneath. Should I use TWP 100 or TWP 1500 ? Sanding necessary prior to application ?
Use the TWP 100 Series. No need to sand by prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I am getting ready to use TWP 100 on our 9 month old floating boat dock. It’s 12′ x 12′ and too heavy to pull off of the private lake where we live. I have read the instructions for prepping but I don’t think I can use the cleaner/brightener products due to harming the wildlife on this small private lake. Do you have any suggestions on how I can safely prep the dock without harming the lake and wildlife? Thanks so much.
The Gemini Cleaner and Brightener are Eco-Safe.
Also, concerning the previous post regarding the redwood fence……How would you recommend I apply it and how many gallons would you safely recommend for 4,080 square feet of fence?
Hi Ron,
You cannot stain this new smooth wood right away. It will need to weather and then be prepped. See here for tips:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
As for applying, you can spray and back brush this:
https://www.twpstain.com/how-to-apply-twp-stain-with-a-sprayer
You will need about 20-25 gallons for the 1 coat on new wood.
I have a new fence (340 ft by 6 ft high x 2 sides= 4,080 sq. ft) clear redwood with pressure treated posts. It is clear redwood fencing material so it is not smooth. I live in Portland Oregon. Which is the recommended series for this fence. It has only been up for one week, so no cleaning needed. Thanks.
Is TWP suitable for a new boat dock constructed of pressure treated wood that has not been previously stained or sealed and is already in the water? There will likely be some dripping into the water during application. If so, 100 or 1500?
Yes you can use the TWP on boat docks but see this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Which series to use depends on where you live?
[quote name=”Sona Phillips”]New deck built 4 years ago. After about 6 months it was stained with TWP 200 in Butternut Brown, TWP 207. I would like to use TWP 1500. What color would match closest to Butternut since it doesn’t come in that color? Thank you.[/quote]
Sorry, but there is not a match in the 1500 Series to the 207 Butternut. Make sure to strip and brighten to remove the 200 series if switching to the 1500.
New deck built 4 years ago. After about 6 months it was stained with TWP 200 in Butternut Brown, TWP 207. I would like to use TWP 1500. What color would match closest to Butternut since it doesn’t come in that color? Thank you.
[quote name=”Charles McCutchen”]I have a wood siding that needs to be re-stained with a penetrating stain. It has not been stained for 15 years, and is in good condition, but I would like to put the 100 or 1500 over it. Which would be best in Arkansas?[/quote]
TWP cannot be applied over a different brand of stain. Prep first by removing it. Once you are done, try the TWP 1500 Series.
I have a wood siding that needs to be re-stained with a penetrating stain. It has not been stained for 15 years, and is in good condition, but I would like to put the 100 or 1500 over it. Which would be best in Arkansas?
[quote name=”Tom Payne”]We have a 2 year old redwood deck that was treated with another brand when new.It has not held up well and we are now sanding it in preparation for new TWP stain.Neighbor used 1530 and it is too orange.We prefer a clear.I can get TWP100 clear.What other prep should we do before applying?[/quote]
After the sanding use the Gemini Restore Kit for the final prep. As for the TWP, if you want to prevent UV graying of the wood you will need one of the tinted colors in the TWP. Clear will not protect from UV graying.
We have a 2 year old redwood deck that was treated with another brand when new.It has not held up well and we are now sanding it in preparation for new TWP stain.Neighbor used 1530 and it is too orange.We prefer a clear.I can get TWP100 clear.What other prep should we do before applying?
[quote name=”Leanna Smith”]I have a new stockade type fence in Florida. How long do I need to wait before staining, and which product? 100 or 1500?[/quote]
Use the 100 Series. See this article about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a new stockade type fence in Florida. How long do I need to wait before staining, and which product? 100 or 1500?
[quote name=”Jen C.”]We just installed a new horizontal cedar fence and want to stain it. Not sure if we should use TWP 100 or TWO 1500 for best protection against rain and sun. We live in Seattle, Washington. Advice? Thanks![/quote]
Use the 1500 for the vertical fence.
We just installed a new horizontal cedar fence and want to stain it. Not sure if we should use TWP 100 or TWO 1500 for best protection against rain and sun. We live in Seattle, Washington. Advice? Thanks!
[quote name=”Stephanie Cox”]Can you explain more in depth the “wet on wet” process.[/quote]
See this article please: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Can you explain more in depth the “wet on wet” process.
[quote name=”Vince Moots”]OK I have a 7 year old cedar fence that I originally stained with Behr premium transparent natural. It gets sun all day long and the Behr worked great for 6 years. I removed most of it by power washing followed by stain stripper for the tougher spots. Then used a wood cleaner brightener and the fence looks great. However it was a lot of work so I’m looking for something easier to reapply when the time comes. I’m in California so I’m guessing the 100 is not available. If it is which would you recommend? Also I have a new redwood fence that joins the cedar fence at 90 deg. What color would you recommend to get them somewhat close in color?
Thank You[/quote]
Use the TWP 1500 Series for this. Any color should work for you. The TWP can be cleaned and reapplied without the need for stripping.
OK I have a 7 year old cedar fence that I originally stained with Behr premium transparent natural. It gets sun all day long and the Behr worked great for 6 years. I removed most of it by power washing followed by stain stripper for the tougher spots. Then used a wood cleaner brightener and the fence looks great. However it was a lot of work so I’m looking for something easier to reapply when the time comes. I’m in California so I’m guessing the 100 is not available. If it is which would you recommend? Also I have a new redwood fence that joins the cedar fence at 90 deg. What color would you recommend to get them somewhat close in color?
Thank You
[quote name=”Cliff1″]I have a 25 year old pine log home. It’s at an elevation of 7,000 feet (high uv) Last stain used was Messemmers. Planning to pressure wash and use a cleaner. Would you suggest TWP 100 or 1500?
Any other suggestions?[/quote]
TWP 1500 series.
[quote name=”Cliff1″]What’s your opinion on spray or brush application?[/quote]
You can spray but you should back brush to ensure an even application.
What’s your opinion on spray or brush application?
I have a 25 year old pine log home. It’s at an elevation of 7,000 feet (high uv) Last stain used was Messemmers. Planning to pressure wash and use a cleaner. Would you suggest TWP 100 or 1500?
Any other suggestions?
[quote name=”Rick05″]I have an existing 12 yr. old deck in Colorado at 8600′ elevation with a southern exposure. Do you recommend TWP 100 or TWP 1500 series? Also will either work on my composite material deck boards?[/quote]
Use the 100 for this. TWP is not designed for composites.
I have an existing 12 yr. old deck in Colorado at 8600′ elevation with a southern exposure. Do you recommend TWP 100 or TWP 1500 series? Also will either work on my composite material deck boards?
[quote name=”Jim Mueller”]Have a new cedar fence. Have been advised that TWP is best buy for your money. Should I use TWP 100 Cedar Tone preservative or Cedar Tone Stain. Handyman Hardware stocks 100 Series, will have to order stain. Live in Missouri.[/quote]
There are not two different products. The TWP 100 Cedartone is a stain and a preservative. Order direct from our website:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Have a new cedar fence. Have been advised that TWP is best buy for your money. Should I use TWP 100 Cedar Tone preservative or Cedar Tone Stain. Handyman Hardware stocks 100 Series, will have to order stain. Live in Missouri.
[quote name=”Mr. Honeydo”]I live in Stafford, VA. What is the demarcation for northern Virginia? Trying to determine if I can use 100 or if I have to use 1500.[/quote]
The 1500 Series is what you want. The 100 is not allowed there.
I live in Stafford, VA. What is the demarcation for northern Virginia? Trying to determine if I can use 100 or if I have to use 1500.
[quote name=”charles DH”]which color in the TWP 100 series is closest to the 1500 series natural? We’d like to switch to the 100, but the verticals don’t need restaining yet. thanks![/quote]
Cedartone 101 is the closest to 1530 Natural.
which color in the TWP 100 series is closest to the 1500 series natural? We’d like to switch to the 100, but the verticals don’t need restaining yet. thanks!
[quote name=”GerryD”]Hi,
I am staining a large deck in Louisville, Kentucky. The deck is in the shade much of the day when the leaves are still on the trees and another stain product I used did a poor job on preventing mildew and sealing out water. Would you recommend TWP 100 or 1500 Series?[/quote]
TWP 100 series. Make sure to prep correctly and remove the old stain.
Hi,
I am staining a large deck in Louisville, Kentucky. The deck is in the shade much of the day when the leaves are still on the trees and another stain product I used did a poor job on preventing mildew and sealing out water. Would you recommend TWP 100 or 1500 Series?
[quote name=”Dave755″]Hi, about 9 years ago I stained my new garage door with TWP 100. The door is in need of maintenance coats but the state I live in no longer allows TWP 100. Can I apply TWP 1500 over the TWP 100 with long lasting results[/quote]
You can as long as you prep with the Gemini Restore kit and pressure washing.
Hi, about 9 years ago I stained my new garage door with TWP 100. The door is in need of maintenance coats but the state I live in no longer allows TWP 100. Can I apply TWP 1500 over the TWP 100 with long lasting results
[quote name=”Todd Black”]Which stain is best for a newly built deck?[/quote]
See here about new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the 100 if allowed in your state, otherwise the 1500.
Which stain is best for a newly built deck?
[quote name=”CATHY LAWSON”]I have used TWP 1500 series (500 before that) for our cedar home for year. I now have a log project and am considering TWP for it. It is part old previously stained logs and part brand new logs. Will the TWP1500 absorb ok over previously stained logs? Also, can I order a sample for color matching.
Thank you,
Cathy Lawson[/quote]
You will have to remove any old coatings before using the TWP if the old coatings are of a different brand. Samples are here:
http://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I have used TWP 1500 series (500 before that) for our cedar home for year. I now have a log project and am considering TWP for it. It is part old previously stained logs and part brand new logs. Will the TWP1500 absorb ok over previously stained logs? Also, can I order a sample for color matching.
Thank you,
Cathy Lawson
[quote name=”MARK WILCOX”]Cedar deck in WI with full sun exposure. 4yr old, removed previous application of Defy Extreme. Looking for recommendation for 100 or 1500 series stain.[/quote]
Use the 100 Series. Two coats applied “wet on wet”.
Cedar deck in WI with full sun exposure. 4yr old, removed previous application of Defy Extreme. Looking for recommendation for 100 or 1500 series stain.
[quote name=”Paul K Wilson”]We have a deck that was previously coated with redwood paint. ‘We do not want to remove what is still on the deck and are also interested in a product that will have a long life. Do you have a solid stain that will satisfy?[/quote]
Look at our Deck Revive product:
http://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/gulf-synthetics/deck-revive
We have a deck that was previously coated with redwood paint. ‘We do not want to remove what is still on the deck and are also interested in a product that will have a long life. Do you have a solid stain that will satisfy?