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 live in Portland Oregon and have a 10 yr old partly covered Tigerwood deck that has been cleaned with RAD and stained with 1500 series Redwood stain every 3 years. While the covered area shows little UV and mold problem, the exposed area has experienced more problems. The photo demonstrates the “break line” between covered and uncovered deck. The exposed deck was stripped with RAD, neutralized and rinsed. It will require another cleaning.
I want to get rid of the intense red stain. My inclination is to go with a natural, honey tone, or cedar stain. Should I stick with 1500 series, assuming that all underlying stain will not come off? Or should I use the 100 Pro series? Is the RAD / power wash technique the best way to remove the old stain and brighten the deck in preparation for re-staining?
Prep with the Stripper/Brightener kits: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
You can then go with the 100 or 1500. There is not an advantage to either.
I am refurbishing an outdoor playset (from Creative Playthings) – I believe it is pine. Which stain type would be best for Massachusetts? We pressure washed and sanded off old paint. Any other prep suggestions? Thanks!
Pressure clean for final prep. Use the 1500 Series.
Thank you! I’ll be ordering samples
I have 350sq. ft. of tigerwood deck flooring to be installed in a couple weeks. Being a very hard and dense wood, what product would you recommend and how many gallons do I need? I want maximum UV protection to mitigate color change yet maximum protection-not aure I can have the best of both worlds.
Hello, you cannot stain new wood right away: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Alos your wood type requires an annual application. Clean and prep every year. Either the 100 or 1500 Series.
We live in Central Texas and I built a 350 sqft cedar deck about 1 year ago. It has some shade but gets a lot of sun throughout the day. I like the true cedar red look, but not too too red and not too faint. Should I get the 101 Cedartone ,1501 Cedartone, 1502 Redwood, or 1511 California Redwood? Thank you!
Honeytone is the lightest tint. See here for photos:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Thank you for the prompt response. I think Honeytone is a bit too yellow. I’ll probably go with 101 Cedartone or 1511 California Redwood. In general, for my situation, is the 100 or 1500 in terms of look and longevity?
They last and look the same on a deck in TX.
I just had a Patriot dock delivered, and the boards from the factory are “Kiln dried” red cedar. I know in this thread you mention that the boards should be out 4-12 months before you use TWP. Does the fact that they are “kiln dried” change that? Can I use TWP now?
Thanks in advance.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Thanks
I tried to place an order and it said you weren’t taking new orders right now. Is that correct?
Yes, temporarily suspended until next week.
My house is 52′ by 30′ by 8′ tall. Comes out to 1312 square feet. To do two coats coverage how much of the 1500 series will I need
About 13 gallons.
30-year yellow pine log home in Oklahoma the 100 or the 1500 series
Use the 1500.
I am in corydon Indiana right across the river from Louisville Kentucky very southernmost Indiana we have power wash the deck it had a lot of green mold And is cleaned now never been stained should I use the 100 or 1500
1500 series.
I also live in Michigan. We have a Cedar home that was protected about 16 years ago, but just recently cleaned and the wood looks great. Its a Semi-sunny/ shady area. Would I use TWP 100 or 1500? Oil/water based? Thanks!
Use the TWP 100. Both are oil-based.
Why did you recommend the 100 series instead of the 1500 series? I assume because the home does not get much sun. Thanks!
The 100 Series is what everyone in MI uses on their decks.
I live in Michigan. Have a deck that is roughly 25 years old and doesn’t look like it’s ever been stained. I am going to power wash it this weekend and sand it. What products should I use to stain?
TWP 100 Series.
Thanks. If I’m power washing, would I still need to use the restore a deck kit?
A cleaner and brightener will help.
Hello
About to strip and stain my first deck, and TWP was recommended to me.
I live in Minnesota and was wondering which product (1500 or 100) would work best with our cold seasons and drastic temperature changes?
Use the 100 series.
In Fort Collins, Colorado. What would be best to treat rough-saw Douglas Fir timber’s on an exterior application?
The TWP 1500 Series.
I am getting ready to stain deck. I live in St. Louis MO area. 100 cedartone or 1500 cedartone. which would be best to use
Use the 100 Series.
Stained brand new deck with Armstrong and Clark last summer. Looked beautiful. In 4-6 months wood developed dark black residue which I was told by AC was mod/mildew. Very disappointing.
I want to try and apply TWP stain this year. Will clean and dry first.
Which series is better 100 or 1500 to prevent mold/discoloration. I live in NJ.
For prep, strip and brighten the wood: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Use the TWP 1500 for NJ.
AC stain turned black and dark on me too after only three months! Only use TWP it is the best product available no contest
I’m constructing a rustic pergola from unmilled Eastern Red Cedar logs. Would 100 Series or 1500 Series be better for this application? Thanks in advance.
Where are you located? See here for new wood tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I’m from Cincinnati, OH. I’m partial to the rustic color 116 and 1516. Mildew/algae is a concern for me. Will the 116 suffice or should I go with the 1516?
For Ohio, you will need the TWP 1500 Series as the 100 is not allowed there.
Hi there. I’m in GA -just north of Atlanta. I’ve made new cedar shutters that will be facing full afternoon sun. Can you please let me know which formula would be best – 100 or 1500. Also, where locally would I be able to purchase? Thanks so much!
We sell online from our website. Look at the 100 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I’m a contractor in South Carolina. I work exclusively in one neighborhood on a lake. Wood rot is very common in these older homes built in the 70s and 80s, with cedar siding and wood decks.
I’m rebuilding a 40 year old deck that is 2000 sq ft.
Surrounded by large trees and has 2 drainage ditches. One part of the deck is built over the ditch. Lots of moisture.
I’m suggesting to the customer to use TWP 100 on the new pressure treated decking. After it sets for a few months.
Question? Can I apply the stain to the underside of the decking and the deck framing, to help it last longer in this moist environment?
The old deck was completely rotten and literally falling apart. The worst I’ve ever seen.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Yes, you can do the undersides.
About to put up a new pergola of western red cedar in northeast Texas where temps often exceed 100 degrees in summer. Temperature at time of application though will probably aerage 50 degrees. We’ve been happy with TWP 100 but client likes black walnut color which appears to only be available in 1500. Any advice you can provide would be appreciated.
Use the TWP 1500 for this. No issues.
Help! Cypress covered porch south facing western NC. TWP 100 pecan. Prepping for our 3rd application in 6 or so years. Used Gemini steps 1&2. Hand cleaned with a brush and hose. Two questions: How to even color across the width? What to do with this uneven/bubble spot? Several of these on the interior protected portion of porch floor. Thanks! Rebecca
You will need to strip it down to even this out. Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
You will also need to pressure wash.
For a 6-month-old pressure treated pine deck in Charlotte, NC, what do you recommend:
1) 100 or 1500 series?
2) How and when to prep and treat?
1. 100 Series.
2. See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Locations to purchase in New Buffalo, Mi.?
We sell only from our website. We can ship there in 1-3 business days.
I used TWP 100 for my deck and liked it so much i used it to seal and stain my knotty pine T&G soffet and ceiling on a high end woodshop I built this summer. I am thinking of getting more to use on my exterior doors I am making from white oak. For greater long term protection, I think I need to top coat the stain with a Spar Varnish. Is this advisable? Will the TWP adhere to the Varnish?
thanks
You cannot topcoat TWP with a varnish, it will peel.
I have a 15 year old wood deck in Michigan. Just pressure washed and sanded. Trying to get the most natural look out of the wood with UV protection. What series and color should I use.
Try the TWP 115 Honeytone for the lightest tinted color.
My last contractor used 1500 series (4 years ago). Is it ok to put 100 series on top of that?
Stay with the 1500 Series.
I have a new pt pine deck in Birmingham Alabama 1 yr ago. It gets full sun. It has never been sealed or stained. I have cleaned it and am ready to pressure wash it to make sure all cleaner is off. what stain/sealer to get 100 or 1500?
Use the TWP 100 Series.
After several years, we are finally getting the TWP 120 that we previously purchased applied to our 600 feet of raw redwood fence. The project is nearly done, and looking good.
However, we have now learned that Colorado is tightening up its VOC regulations to be more like those of California. (We don’t know the exact terms of the new rules, but expect the worst.)
Anticipating that we’ll need to do more maintenance in a few years, is your 1500 series compatible with the 100 series? Or, would it be better to “stockpile” some 120 for that eventuality to be certain of success.
You can clean and recoat with the TWP 1500 if needed at a later date.
I have to reapply stain to my grandmas deck in the coming weeks. I have the contractors invoice from 4 years ago stating it used “gemini” Natural Cedar. I assume its TWP. But I am not sure which one to get, TWP 100 or TWP 1500. Does it matter? I’m trying to avoid stripping the entire deck.
TWP does not come in “Natural Cedar” but the TWP 101 is called Cedartone Natural on the label so most likely that is what they used.
My CEDAR deck is over 20 years old [approx. 400SF of flat surface]. It was professionally treated with TWP #101 in 2017 and needs to be refreshed. I plan to do a non-pressure wash with a cleaner and then reapply TWP 101. 1] where can I buy TWP 101 in SE Michigan? 2] what kind of coverage can I expect from a 5 gallon container?
Purchase at:
The Sealer Store
2388 Franklin Rd
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48348
You will cover your 400 sq feet with a 5-gallon pail.
I live in the Richmond, VA area and want to stain a wood deck I put on in late April. Which stain should I use 100 or 1500? I want something that will last the longest
They last the same. Most use the 100 Series.
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I live in Michigan and out up a new pressure treated pine deck. It is full sun all day. How long do I let it weather, how do I prep it, and what is the best twp stain to use? Thanks!
Use the 100 Series. See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I live in upstate NY and want to finish a rough cut pine board and batten vertical sided structure -should I use the 100 or the 1500 product?
I used the 100 product for the deck railings made out of ash but the wood is too dense for it to penetrate well and it needs to be done every 2 years.
I really don’t want to have to re-stain very few years on the structure.
For NY, you need the 1500 Series. For vertical wood, you should get 3-5 years.
Is there a reason why I shouldn’t use the 100 series??
The TWP 100 is not allowed to be used or sold in NY.
6 month old cedar privacy fence in southern Wisconsin. Should I be looking at the 100 or 1500 series?
100 Series will work.
Is it safe to use Gemini and twp 100 on a wood dock? I live in North Carolina
Yes
I have a 3 year old redwood deck. A sealer only when installed. 2 years ago an oil based sealer with no stain. I power washed it twice. See the photos. I want to stain/seal with semi transparent redwood stain. Or should I go darker? Should I use a wood brightener first? Or should I power wash it again? Can I go with series 1502 for this. The deck is approximately 13′ by 30′. And what does wet on wet mean? Do I do in sections or do the whole deck and then reapply a second coat? How long should I wait between applications?
No pics.
See this about wet on wet: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
What would be the best stain for a shady cedar deck in Saint Paul, Minnesota? It was stained with TWP about 4 years ago and I think it was the 100 series. Lots of foot traffic so some areas were worn down so we have cleaned and stripped the whole floor of the deck but the spindles and railing should just need a light coat. Thanks!
Use the TWP 100 Series again.
what exactly do you mean by the term wet-on-wet. It will take at least 4 hours putting first coat on, does this mean I cant wait until 24 hours to apply second coat?
See this: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You cannot wait 24 hours for the second coat. Do in sections, 20-60 minutes after the first coat. Very easy to do.
We have a wood privacy fence that is not smooth. It is unknown if any products have ever been applied . We live in northern Ohio. Should I use the 100 or 1500? I am mostly concerned with preserving the wood.
The 1500 Series for Ohio.
I built my log home 35 years ago and reapply TWP 100 ceadertone about every 3 to 4 years. Next time I clean the outside of my home, would the restore product be the best to use.
Yes. Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
I live in Northern Virginia and have a newly installed tongue and groove mahogany covered porch floor that I’m looking to protect. While it’s covered, the edges and steps are exposed to the sun and elements. I’m looking for something that will protect and most uniformly maintain the color as long as possible.
Thank you
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
For your area, use the TWP 1500 series.
I have a new cedar deck that was built approximately 3 months ago. I plan to stain within the next two months. Curious if I need to clean and brighten wood that is this new or if I can go straight to stain? Lots of mid-day to afternoon sun, midwest.
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We live near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We installed a new pressure treated wood deck (#1 lumber) in June 2018 and let it sit since install. Almost entire deck is in direct sunlight. We would like to stain now.
What products/brands do you recommend for:
1. cleaning
2. brightening
3. staining (semi-transparent)
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I have a 30 year old deck that looks as though it has never been stained. What product should I use in Michigan?
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with TWP 100 series.
Hi….My 8 month old deck has effectively weathered and its time to stain. I live in the south east (NC) …we get afternoon sun only from noon-ish to late afternoon. Safe for dogs…which series stain should I use??
Use the TWP 100 Series.
New fencing in Kansas. Would you recommend 100 series over 1500 ?
Either is fine but most would use the 100 Series of KS.
I live in Georgia. Which stain series would be best in my area to apply to a deck? I will be using the Gemini stripper and Brightener beforehand.
Thank you!
Use the TWP 100 Series.
I am a new widow. My husband used TWP 1503-1 Dark Oak to stain our pine deck three years ago. The deck has since been covered in places with mold and mildew. I have removed as much as possible with a clorox solution. Please advise: Do I need to follow up with Gemini Restore Kit? Is the Dark Oak still available? Under where the grill stands on the deck, I was not able to remove the stain. It still beads up. Do I need to sand it? Do you recommend anything else?
Best to use the Gemini Restore kit and pressure washing for the best prep.
I am replacing all the boards on my deck due to dry rot and want to use your product. The deck frame wood is in good shape, but the staining is not. The stain on the deck frame is a solid color and was applied poorly with drip marks. From reading it seems the restore a deck stripper won’t work in this case. Should I just pressure wash and apply the TWP 100 product afterwards? Not
sure how to proceed to correct the prior staining issue. Thank you!
You cannot apply the TWP over the solid stain on the framing. Only a solid stain can be applied over a solid stain. For the new floor, see this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
TY! I just looked and it is actually Behr semi transparent stain on the deck frame (not solid but close). Is there a way to remove this stain? Or do you sell a solid stain I can apply over it?
TWP does not come in a solid stain. The Behr will still need to be removed first down the the bare wood if you want to use the TWP. You will probably need to power sand to remove.
I have a 19 year old screened in porch with pressure treated wood pillars and wooden railings. The outside boards around the base of the porch are also pressure treated. Two years ago, I used a water based clear wood sealer but it didn’t seem to last. My research says I should use TWP 100 series stain on the pressure treated wood. What do you recommend in order to prep the wood? A stripper? Power wash? Thanks!
Stripper, pressure wash, and brightener.
I have a deck that was stained 2 years ago with Olympic Maximum Semitransparent in Cedartone. It was a new deck at that time but the stain is wearing off. What prep is needed prior to application of TWP 100 Series Cedartone?
You will need to remove the Olympic. Use a stain stripper like this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Sand the rest if needed.