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”.
Does your square footage calculator assume customers will apply two coats or should I buy double for two coats?
Hi,
After you plug in your numbers, the results will explain this.
Looking to reseal a 20 year old treated deck in northwest PA. Which product is best?
The TWP 1500 Sereis for this deck in PA: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
What is the best semi transparent stain for sheds in TN?
Either the 100 or 1500 Series would work equally well for this.
In looking at the colors in the 100 series when applied is Cedartown or pecan darker? What is the biggest difference between the 2 colors? Also,is the stripper brightener kit needed if the building have been pressure washed? Does this help the stain stain on longer ?
Pecan is a little more brown than the Cedartone. As for prep, we would need to see pictures.
Here in Southern California- completely stripped and sanded Redwood picnic table/benches- want a light to medium tone yellow/gold/light brown color and leaning towards 1500 cedar tone. Will this be dark on redwood ? Scared. I have the twp dark oak stain and that is NOT even close to the color I want on this table.
Looks at Honeytone or Pecan colors.
Looking to strip and stain a utility trailer floor in Kansas, should Iuse 100 or 1,500? Other than legality issues with 100, what are the differences?
Use the TWP 100 Series for KS. Difference is VOC Content.
Would you recommend 100 or 1500 series for cypress beams on front and back porch in south louisiana?
1500 Series.
I am installing klin dried cypress planks, rough side down, on my front and side porch ceilings! These are not tongue and groove! Which series should I use 100 or 1500? Want it to look similar to cypress plank ceiling below with a clear stain done 3 years ago on a friends house.
Which series to use depends on where you live?
I live in Georgia
Use the 100 Series.
I’m looking for a product to seal three things: a cedar post on my porch, the tongue and groove porch ceiling and a treated pine landing.
Use the TWP 100 or 1500 Series. The difference on which to use is based on where you live.
I live in central Arkansas
You can use either series for your state. They work equally well.
I live in central Florida with lots of rain and sun. Have 3 year old cedar fence that was coated with Thompson’s water seal at install. Looking to stain fence, what prep and stain is recommended?
Strip and brighten for prep and then stain with the TWP 100 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I live in MN with full southern exposure – hot in summer, cold in winter. Staining a cedar pergola this year and will build a fence that I will stain next year. Trying to decide between 100 and 1500. Does the 100 appear lighter/more transparent because it has a lower % of solids?
Appearance is the same between the 100 and 1500. See here about new wood:https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We have a 5 year old red cedar deck at a seasonal lake house in Maine. Original staining was done when wood was likely too green and it was late Fall. Used Sikkens SRD. It peeled within a year and we cleaned, sanded, and restained the next year. It just got worse as the layers didn’t take and as you can see everything discolored except what was protected from the weather. We plan to flip the boards (we’ve tested, they come up nicely and look nice underneath), plane 1/16″ off of them and effectively start over. Does this make sense and what product would you recommend? Mixture of sun and shade. Thanks.
After you flip them, weather for 3-4 months and then Gemini Kit for prep. Use the TWP 1500 Series for the stain.
We stripped the old stain and sanded. Do we need to do any additional cleaning steps before applying the twp 100? 10yr old cedar deck in Michigan.
Brighten the wood and then stain.
Average cost per 5 gal can of series 100 vs series 1500?
All pricing is on this link: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains
I have a wood garage door that faces south and bakes. It has faded and is peeling in places so I plan to strip and re-do from bare wood. I live in a state that I can do either the 100 Series or the 1500 Series. Should I go with the 1500 “California redwood” because of higher UV and lighter color OR the 1500 “Rustic” because of better absorption and maximum protection. Which would give me a longer run between re-coats? Thanks for your help.
The longest would be the semi-solid: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
The 1500 and 100 will last the same.
Not sure I like the opague look to the Semi-Solid. Could I try the 1500 and if it doesn’t have the look I want then put the Semi Solid over the 1500? Or do I have to strip and brighten again?
You would have to remove the 1500 if you wanted to switch. It is easy to do.
We have a log home treated with Sikins 10 years ago. Want to refinish. Which product should we use?
You need to remove the Sikkens first and then use the TWP 1500 Series.
How do you remove an oil based stain? We would really like to change to your product.
Please reply back with some pictures in the comments.
Can’t find my initial post. Apologies if this is a repeat.
I have multiple applications show in photos.*new untreated fence*old untreated fence *railroad ties I treated with 100 series last year that didn’t take very well*large deck treated with big box store semi-transparent years ago.
My professional power wash guy reprimanded me for the semi-transparent saying it’s like paint and doesn’t protect. He recommended TWP.
I’ve been told stripping is a challenge for that paint type stain and can damage the wood. I’m willing to be patient with the color and texture difference of pressure washing and treating annually to eventually get more off.
The front porch is cedar but the rest is pressure treated wood.
I also have a back fence that I only partially replaced. The color difference on different sections not a huge deal, but if there’s any easy way to soften that, great.
That’s a lot of product advice questions. Appreciate your help. I’ve been using Dark Oak and am in a state that would allow the 100 series.
You will have to sand off the old stain as it cannot be stripped. Once fully removed, use the TWP 100 series.
I’m dealing with a variety of applications and need product assistance.
I have portions that are cedar and portions that are pressure treated wood. I have new I stained fencing and old fencing.
I also have some decking that was previously treated with a big box store semi-transparent. I’ve been getting it power washed hard core then treating with 100 series annually to get it to eventually strip more and more of the old stain. Using a stripper is such a chore and I’m afraid I’ll mess it up.
Which product should I use for the different applications? (In MO, so 100 is an option.)
I live in Rolla, Mo I have a cedar deck. The humidity and sun exposure is brutal. What is the best stain the 100 or 1500 series?
They both work equally well and you can use either for your deck in MO.
Hi, I have a 2 year old cedar fence that’s never been stained. I live in Minnesota and I want to protect the fence for beauty and longevity but would like some natural wood grain showing. Which product do you recommend, and what airless sprayer tip size do you recommend?
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing. Use the TWP 100 series to stain in any of the colors that you like.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Any tip size will work.
We are about to stain an exterior deck located off the coast of Louisiana. High temps, humidity and salty air are rough! This is a brand new deck / 6-8 months old / treated wood (a re-do after last years Hurricane Laura.) We want to get this right. Would you recommend the 100 series or 1500 series? How long could we expect it to last?
I live in southeastern Pennsylvania. I have a 30 year old pressure treated pine deck that has been power washed and cleaned. TWP was applied 7-10 years ago. Would TWP 1500 or 100 series be recommended? I plan to use Cedartone.Thank you.
You will need the TWP 1500 Series for PA.
Hello there, I have a small deck I’m redoing and was wondering your thoughts on it as far as which of the two products I should use. Michigan deck pry 10 years old, been power washed and needs a facelift. Thank you!!
Use the TWP 100 Series. It looks like you have an old stain still on the wood. That needs to be removed first: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a 15 year old cedar deck which I power washed a few days ago and it looks great everything came off looks brand new do I need to do any prep before I stain with 100 series
Send some pictures.
Hi, I have new white cedar decking on a boat dock in southern Vermont. It has been out in the elements for over two months now and I am getting ready to order some TWP. The local hardware store has the 1500 series for sale on the web site. I would like the natural color. I believe the part # is 1530 but they are saying that it is 1500-5. Are they the same? Also, would you recommend the 100 or 1500 series? Thanks
You can only use the 1500 Series there. Clear 1500 is not the same as the Natural 1530 and the clear would not have UV protection from graying. 1500-5 stands for the Clear in a 5-gallon.
BTW, you cannot stain it yet and you will need to prep. See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have just installed cedar posts for a new construction home. I am interested in the TWP in pecan. Are there any differences in the colors for 100 series vs 1500 series? Also, which is the best choice for staining the cedar posts? Thanks in advance. 🙂
The colors are not the same between series. Use the 1500 for the post.
Thank you! The lumber company kept telling me to go with the 100 series. I just wanted clarity. I appreciate it.
Raleigh NC new pressure treated decking is 6-8months aged. Full sun most of day. 100 or 1500? I see 1500 has higher UV resistance. Also probably with poor guidance I used 200 at our old house so what’s the downside of that? I was a bit slippery initially from the wax I assume. Thanks.
Use the TWP 100 Series. The 200 Series is designed for vertical shakes and shingles. While it can be used on a deck, the paraffin oil can take a couple of weeks to fully soak in. There is no wax in the 200 series.
I just milled up Port Orford cedar siding to put on my shop on the coast of Oregon which TWP product would be best for our cool moist climate?
TWP 100 Series. See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Howdy. Live above 7000′ in northern New Mexico. LOTS of neglected PT decks and stairs, all receiving max sun exposure, but no mold up here. Nine years ago layered Behr water-base over original coats of Penofin with no surface prep. I know, bad decision. Now I want to switch to TWP 100[?]with minimal replacement of old cracked 2X6s as I cannot afford post-Covid prices of lumber. Don’t care about the aesthetics if I fill cracks, but what wood filler product is compatible with TWP? Must I fully strip and brighten, or will TWP simply lay over the other two treatments, but just not look as good?
Do not use wood filler on decks. it will fail and will not blend with the TWP. You will have to fully remove the Behr and that may require both stripping and sanding to get off all the old coatings. Brighten after.
To make sure I understand, first I should apply the Behr product that strips their solid stain. Then I sand and wash. Then I apply the Gemini Cleaner/Brightener combo kit, or just the Restore-A-Deck Brightener?
You cannot strip off a solid stain fully. You will have to sand to get it off. Final prep with the Gemini Kit.
I am installing a new cedar deck with PT framing in southeast Michigan.I read “stain” in both your 100 and 1500 series. I would like to keep the natural cedar color. Which product do you recommend for best UV protection and keeping the natural wood tone?Also where can I buy your product near Detroit Or Brighton Michigan 48201 or 48114.The deck is 700 sq ft i plan to prefinish all sides of the deck boards ThksErik
You have to stain the wood from UV protection from graying. See this about new wood as well: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do not stain all sides. Only the exposed side after instal, wait, and prep.
We are located at:
2388 Franklin RdBloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Southeast Michigan deck built in 2011. Originally stained with TWP in 2013. Most of the deck gets full sun but some gets shade all year due to the shadow from our house. Admittedly I neglected to re-treat the deck anywhere near a normal time and it is obviously faded bad now. Power washed last year to remove mold, etc. Deck also has a pool attached. Area near ladder is faded more than the rest due to the chlorine in the pool water dripping off people when they get out. Going to use a light colored semi-transparent stain to hide fading and scratches from deck chairs. Which is best to use…..100 or 1500? Thanks!
Use the 100 Series.
Dang, that was quick!! Thank you!!!
In NC, deck is aged 12 months. It will have to deal with trees above and heavier rain at times during the year. Trying to decide between 100 and 1500. Any insight for these conditions? thanks.
Either series would work well here.
I have a treated pine wood deck surrounding my chlorine cleaned swimming pool in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I want to use a semi-transparent oil based deck stain (light colour). Should I use TWP 100 or 1500? Or 200? Are they all sold in Canada? And if yes, where?
You will need the TWP 200 series for Canada. No dealers there but we can ship to you from our website.
My five year old wood deck has been thoroughly power washed and cleaned. Because of the frequent rains here in Tennessee I’m wondering if I should use the 100 series semi transparent stain? Can I order it from you? I see no dealer in Nashville Tennessee.
The TWP 100 Series is correct. Order here: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
the final quarter of my deck floor is darker. I expect because I did a better job of stirring the paint and thus it has more pigment in it. Is there any way to even it out such as putting on a second coat. The stain was applied 2-3 days ago so it is dry. It is the 100 series.
Send some pictures. More is not always better and could create issues with over application and not drying correctly.
What is the temperature range and time needed to dry? I’m in Arkansas and weather turned bad plus late getting it done. If I don’t have the temp range long enough is there anything I can do to protect until spring? It has been cleaned and power washed
50 degrees is the low.
Can you respond to the other questions?
No need to protect it. Let is sit exposed until Spring. Redo the prep prior to staining.
Do I need to let the cedar dry further, or am I okay to stain over fresh wood (smooth and rough cut) from the lumberyard?
Hi,
Did you read the article link we sent? It does explain that you have to wait 4+ months to stain new smooth wood and then prep.
Just built a pergola using red cedar a couple of weeks ago. How long can I (or should I) wait to stain with the TWP 100 series product? Do I need to pre-treat the wood with anything? I’m planning to roll the stain as much as possible with some limited brushing and spraying.
See here: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do not roll. Stain pad and brushes.
I stained my deck with 101 Cedartone several years ago. Before I restain with the same product, must I first use a wood stripper on the areas that still repel water?
Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I live in MA.
Refinishing a deck and interested in a semi transparent in something like your cape cod grey.
I am disappointed, but not surprised I can not get your 100 series here.
What would you recommend in a Grey semi transparent for MA?
Look at Slate Gray in the 200 Series. https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
I live in northwest Indiana near Chicago. My deck is over 15 years old and was stained last year.
can I use the 100?
No, only the TWP 1500 for IL and you will need to remove the previous coatings first: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Can 100 be used in Indiana?
No, only the 1500.
I live in northern Illinois and can’t decide between the 100 and 1500 series. Which one would be better for my region. The deck was previously stained with a solid stain but I have sanded it all off.
For IL, you can only use the TWP 1500 Series as the 100 is not allowed there.
I stained my deck in Colorado with TWP 100 Cedartone 2 years ago. I have heard that CO now requires low VOC stain. Is it alright to switch to the 1500 series after I clean and brighten?
Yes, that is correct.
I applied TWP 1530 on my fence 6 years ago. I have properly cleaned and prepared the fence for a refresher application. I accidentally purchased 100 series stain. Can I apply the 100 series stain over the 1500 series stain, or should I return the 100 series and order 1500?
Post some pictures of the prep.
What would happen if you mixed a 100 with a 1500 series? We bought a house and found 8 gallon of TWP 100 clear in the shop to use for maintenance along with 2 leftover 5gallon buckets of cedar tone from the initial treatment. The 5gallon bucket’s labels are partly missing. It is cedar color and TWP, just not for certain it is 100 series.
We would not suggest mixing different series of the TWP.
can I mix twp 100 and 1500
Sorry but no.
I have a cedar (with some pressure treated replacement boards) deck that is several years old. It was coated with paint that was peeling. I sanded down to bare, smooth wood. Can I apply TWP 100 now, or do I need to wait, as if it was new wood? This deck is east facing & is exposed to all 4 seasons in St. Louis, Missouri
Weather for about a month and then final prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Just one coat of the TWP.
Can you apply these products to a new deck made of cedar tone premium pressure treated wood. It’s been 9 months since it was installed.
See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
How do you out wet in wet in a deck?
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
The Pittsburgh Ultra Advanced Exterior Semi-Transparent stain on our deck is wearing off & peeling. We would like to use TWP stain to restore our deck. 1) do we need to completely strip off the current stain and can we use TWP Safe Strip to do that? What other steps should we take to prep? 2) We live near Des Moines, Iowa & our cedar deck gets lots of sun. We want to use a semi transparent stain. Should we use TWP 100 or 1500 for the restoration? Thanks so much! P.S. The Wood Stain Pen is genius!
Yes, it has to fully come off and that will require both stripping and then sanding. Brightener after. Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Use the 100 Series.
Thank you so much for your rapid response & advice!
Thank you for your prompt answer to my first (5/11/2020) question. I’d like some clarification.
Can I apply a cedar tone 100 series stain over a RAD prepped 1500 series redwood stain? Or, do I need to strip the redwood stain off completely? Should I use the 1500 series cedar tone stain? The idea is to blend the colors at the covered/uncovered portions of the deck and to simplify future maintenance. Ultimately the plan is to use the cedar tone 100 (or 1500?) series in future applications.
You need to strip it off. https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail