These calculations will help you determine the square footage for the proper amount of stain and prepping supplies needed to refinish your deck or fence using TWP 100 or TWP 1500 Series.
This is intended to provide you with an approximate estimate only. Material requirements may vary according to application method, surface condition, and weather conditions.
Prepping Options
- Gemini Restore Kit. This will be used for new, gray, dirty decks and for applying TWP over an intact older coating of TWP.
- Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Restore-A-Deck Brightener. This is used for removing old coatings of stain. Use this if you are switching from a different brand to TWP or if you have a neglected coating of TWP that has failed unevenly.
Deck Sq. Footage
Flooring Length x width =?
Railing Length x height =?
Steps Width x Depth x #of Steps =?
Add up all 3 for the Total Sq. footage.
Fence Sq. Footage
Length x height =?
Multiply x 2 for both sides = Total Sq. Footage
Coverage Rate for TWP Stains
The specified coverage rate for TWP is 150-200 square feet per gallon for the first coat. Second will apply at 200-300 per gallon. This averages to about 100-125 sq. feet per gallon for 2 coats wet on wet. From this, and from measuring the surface you can calculate how much stain you need. For more aged wood you could easily factor in some extra stain. On newer wood that is still smooth and dense, you probably are not going to use as much.
For maintenance coats you are not going to use near as much stain as you did initially staining bare wood. There are just way too many variables to know the exact coverage rate of TWP for sure. There is really no way of knowing exactly how much stain you will need. It is better to buy more than you need than to not have enough. You can always save left over stain for next time. TWP has a shelf life of 1 year if opened and 3 years unopened as long as the can is properly resealed.
If you have questions, please ask below.
Please explain math in this statement of yours:
“The specified coverage rate for TWP is 150-200 square feet per gallon for the first coat. Second will apply at 200-300 per gallon. This averages to about 100-125 sq. feet per gallon for 2 coats wet on wet.”
How did you arrive the average of 100-125 sq. ft., but not 175-250 sq. ft per gal each coat?
You need to treat each coat individually, not the average of the two.
Example Deck that is 500 Sq feet:
The first coat applies at 150-200 sq. feet per gallon. You would use 2/3 (a little over 3 gallons) of the 5-gallon pail.
The second coat applies at 200-300 sq. feet per gallon. You would use about 1/3 (1-2 gallons) of the 5-gallon pail.
*When done, you used around 5 gallons for 500 Sq. feet or around 100-125 sq. feet per gallon for the 2 coats needed.
I see your logic. Actually, your example would produce 85-120 sq ft/gal coverage, 2 coats, accordingly for the lower coverage numbers of 150 and 200 sq. ft, and for the higher coverage numbers 200 and 300 sq. ft.
One can calculate the coverage for 2 coats by using this formula:
2 coats coverage = Cov.1st x Cov.2nd / Cov.1st + Cov.2nd).
Check it out.
Then, divide your area into that number, to calculate total gal qty. of the needed material.
I have a 400 sqft deck no stairs and the railing has metal balusters so no need to stain them.
The deck was installed at the beginning of April and i want to stain it before the winter is here
This is on the second floor and I want to stain both the upper and lower part of the deck as well as the posts.
Can you let me know which products and quantities should i buy for this job?
thks
Luis
[quote name=”Big Phil”]If applying wet on wet, is it possible to determine if over applying? How would one go about applying 2/3 and 1/3 if using a pad application?[/quote]
You want all the stain to soak into the wood grain. Over applying will result in a shiny and stick finish. You apply as much as the wood allows. The first coat on older wood should soak right into the wood grain and most likely will be a little uneven in appearance. The second/final coat will spread twice as far as the first coat and will give a nice rich and even appearance.
If applying wet on wet, is it possible to determine if over applying? How would one go about applying 2/3 and 1/3 if using a pad application?
[quote name=”Darlena”]I have a deck that is around 700sq ft. It was built about 1 year ago. What should I use to clean it and how much should I buy? Do I need to put on more than 1 coat of 1500 stain? How much 1500 is needed for the square footage. Also I haven’t read anything about a sealant. Is sealant needed in addition to applying the 1500?[/quote]
The TWP is a sealer and a stain. You will need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit. Just one is needed. For 700 sq. feet you will need about 6-7 gallon for two coats applied wet on wet.
I have a deck that is around 700sq ft. It was built about 1 year ago. What should I use to clean it and how much should I buy? Do I need to put on more than 1 coat of 1500 stain? How much 1500 is needed for the square footage. Also I haven’t read anything about a sealant. Is sealant needed in addition to applying the 1500?
[quote name=”john brudz”]I have a 16 x 32 older pressure treated deck that I have sanded first with 35 grit and then with 60 grit to completely remove a peeling solid white coating. I am now down to bear wood. This deck is in full sun most of the day/ I am located in central connecticut. I would like a semi transparent stain. WHat would you suggest and how long should I expect it to last.
1 year? 2 years?[/quote]
Use the TWP 1500 Series. Last about 2 years for most scenarios.
I have a 16 x 32 older pressure treated deck that I have sanded first with 35 grit and then with 60 grit to completely remove a peeling solid white coating. I am now down to bear wood. This deck is in full sun most of the day/ I am located in central connecticut. I would like a semi transparent stain. WHat would you suggest and how long should I expect it to last.
1 year? 2 years?
[quote name=”Jack McDonald”]Please explain what “2 coats wet on wet” refers to in regards to estimating the stain application.[/quote]
See this about how to apply wet on wet application:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
The calculator takes in account that you are applying two coats with the wet on wet application method that is needed. New wood only needs one coat, so you would use about 2/3 the amount that the calculator states.
Please explain what “2 coats wet on wet” refers to in regards to estimating the stain application.
[quote name=”Bob Bilafer”]I used an American Builders Restoration product call Logevity for my log home and would like to use TWP next time. Do I need to strip logs or is it okay to just recoat over.thanks[/quote]
You would have to remove first before using the TWP.
I used an American Builders Restoration product call Logevity for my log home and would like to use TWP next time. Do I need to strip logs or is it okay to just recoat over.thanks
[quote name=”Juliann Klafehn”]2 Questions for you…
I have a steel roof with wood perlins and beams that also need to be stained. How should I account for those when buying the stain and prepping supplies?
I want to stain the horizontal surface dark and the vertical surfaces white. What do you suggest I use for the white columns?
Thanks so much for your advice!![/quote]
You would want a solid color deck stain for the vertical white columns. TWP does not come in a solid stain so it will have to be a different brand. For the TWP (horizontals), use the calculator for amount needed. Maybe Dark Oak color since you want it to be dark.
2 Questions for you…
I have a steel roof with wood perlins and beams that also need to be stained. How should I account for those when buying the stain and prepping supplies?
I want to stain the horizontal surface dark and the vertical surfaces white. What do you suggest I use for the white columns?
Thanks so much for your advice!!
[quote name=”Melissa Brousseau”]Just purchased cedar from amish sawmill, completely dried. Using it to wrap porch beams. Should We stain first or put up and wait til spring? In Michigan most of it will be under roof and not exposed[/quote]
Put it up and wait until Spring. Prep first as well.
Just purchased cedar from amish sawmill, completely dried. Using it to wrap porch beams. Should We stain first or put up and wait til spring? In Michigan most of it will be under roof and not exposed
[quote name=”Stuart Pfeiffer”]Can TWP 1500 be applied over sikkens Cetol SRD[/quote]
No it cannot. The Sikkens would have to be stripped first.
Can TWP 1500 be applied over sikkens Cetol SRD
[quote name=”Amitav Singh”]We have a 2 month old front porch. Can we stain or should we wait for a year.[/quote]
See this about new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/need-some-help-with-twp-stains/
We have a 2 month old front porch. Can we stain or should we wait for a year.
[quote name=”Dale Andersen”]Do not have any rail or steps.
I am interested in Solvet Bourne Semi Transparent.
Iam using new western red cedar[/quote]
You can use the calculator by adding 0 for areas that you do not have. See this about new decks:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Do not have any rail or steps.
I am interested in Solvet Bourne Semi Transparent.
Iam using new western red cedar
Do not have any rail or steps.
I am interested in Solvet Bourne Semi Transparent.
[quote name=”Darlene Ramey”]I’m staining a fence. I have figured approx. 270 ft. around. It is 6 ft. high. thus I get 1620 sq. ft. total.
How many sq. ft does a 5 gallon can of stain do. ? Thank you. I’m still deciding on which stain to use – doing my research. Thank you.[/quote]
If you are doing both sides than you need to double your sq footage. A 5 gallon pail of TWP covers roughly 500-600 sq feet for [u]2 coats[/u] of the TWP when applied wet on wet as suggested.
I’m staining a fence. I have figured approx. 270 ft. around. It is 6 ft. high. thus I get 1620 sq. ft. total.
How many sq. ft does a 5 gallon can of stain do. ? Thank you. I’m still deciding on which stain to use – doing my research. Thank you.
[quote name=”Margaret Leinhauser”]Total area of 3 decks 415 sq ft. How much stain do we need? The decks are 7 months old what kind of cleaner and how much of that do we need?
Could not understand your calculator.
Thank you.[/quote]
You need to clean and brighten for the prep. Use the Gemini Restore Kits.
1 Gemini Kit
3 Gallons of Stain. Only 1 coat on new wood.
See this for more info on new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Total area of 3 decks 415 sq ft. How much stain do we need? The decks are 7 months old what kind of cleaner and how much of that do we need?
Could not understand your calculator.
Thank you.
[quote name=”Cheryl Bergman”]I have a 75′ long x 6′ high cedar fence that is 9 years old that I want to re-stain (one side only). It was re-stained for a second time 4 years ago by a professional restoration company with a transparent stain (not a TWP stain). Questions: 1) will TWP 1500 allow the natural wood grain/wood knots show through (want this); 2) how much would I need for this project and would it require 2 coats; 3) what is the correct product to use to prep before staining? Thank You.[/quote]
1. Yes
2. For 450 sq. feet you will need 5 gallons to do the required 2 coats.
3. Must remove the old coating with the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kits. You would need 1 of these kits for this.
[quote name=”J Samenus”]Installed a new PT pine deck On July 9th. Will I need to wait to stain or can I use the TWP 1500 series stain now. Will I need the brightener?[/quote]
See this please: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Installed a new PT pine deck On July 9th. Will I need to wait to stain or can I use the TWP 1500 series stain now. Will I need the brightener?
I have a 75′ long x 6′ high cedar fence that is 9 years old that I want to re-stain (one side only). It was re-stained for a second time 4 years ago by a professional restoration company with a transparent stain (not a TWP stain). Questions: 1) will TWP 1500 allow the natural wood grain/wood knots show through (want this); 2) how much would I need for this project and would it require 2 coats; 3) what is the correct product to use to prep before staining? Thank You.
[quote name=”Chris Randazzo”]We are preparing to re stain our log sided cabin, previously we were told by TWP to use 1 coat of 515 cedartone,allow to penetrate, and dry- followed by a coat of 515 cedar mixed with 315 cedar on all exterior surfaces. What is your recommendation now, I understand the 1500 series replaced the old 500 series. We have 2 pails of 515 left from last time we did the exterior. This is not enough to redo the entire project so I will need to order enough product. Also what do you recommend for cleaning the old finish – there are some areas it is worn and dry, others that still have some surfacing of the last oiling. Can you email me detailed instructions on your recommendations based on this information please.
Thank you
Chris[/quote]
515 was light cedar and was replaced by 1515 Honeytone. No need to mix in the 300 series. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and use the TWP 1515 Honeytone for the coating. You should not inter mix the 500 and 1500 Series, so unfortunately the old pails are no longer good.
We are preparing to re stain our log sided cabin, previously we were told by TWP to use 1 coat of 515 cedartone,allow to penetrate, and dry- followed by a coat of 515 cedar mixed with 315 cedar on all exterior surfaces. What is your recommendation now, I understand the 1500 series replaced the old 500 series. We have 2 pails of 515 left from last time we did the exterior. This is not enough to redo the entire project so I will need to order enough product. Also what do you recommend for cleaning the old finish – there are some areas it is worn and dry, others that still have some surfacing of the last oiling. Can you email me detailed instructions on your recommendations based on this information please.
Thank you
Chris
[quote name=”kinge17″]I have a 4 month old cedar fence, 208 linear feet by 6 ft tall. trying to figure out amount needed and once done if it needs to be sealed with a product such as thompsons also i assume the wet on wet means to apply second coat immediately[/quote]
Are you doing both sides? If so you have about 2400 sq. feet. You will need two coats applied wet on wet. About 20-25 gallons total. You do not seal over the TWP after. No need to.
[quote name=”Michael Lee”]I want the natural graying process to show on my cedar deck. Do you offer a clear product for penetrating and water proofing a deck (understanding there would not be UV protection)[/quote]
Yes, both the 100 and the 1500 come in a clear.
I want the natural graying process to show on my cedar deck. Do you offer a clear product for penetrating and water proofing a deck (understanding there would not be UV protection)
[quote name=”Hilde Morin”]I power washed, sanded my deck and plan to use TWP 100 series. Do I use the Cleaner/Brightener and then stain?
Thank you![/quote]
Yes that would be correct.
I power washed, sanded my deck and plan to use TWP 100 series. Do I use the Cleaner/Brightener and then stain?
Thank you!
[quote name=”Cheri Brown”]I applied TWP 1500 to a new deck three years ago. It’s time to reapply stain. The total square footage of the deck is 1,397. Could you tell me how much stain I will need to purchase and if any prep is necessary outside of power washing[/quote]
Yes you need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit with the pressure washing. About 10-15 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet.
I applied TWP 1500 to a new deck three years ago. It’s time to reapply stain. The total square footage of the deck is 1,397. Could you tell me how much stain I will need to purchase and if any prep is necessary outside of power washing
[quote name=”Eugenia Manning”]I have an 18 year old treated pine porch, never been sealed or stained. I am not planning to treat the railing.
What is needed to clean it (in the past clorox water has been used to removed mildew). Part of the porch is covered and part exposed to the elements. Several of the exposed boards have been replaced just recently. I want to use an oil based solid stain to protect what is there. In future, will I have to remove the stain on the porch before reapplying the same stain?[/quote]
I am sorry but TWP does not come in a solid stain. Semi-Transparent.
[quote name=”Nicole Zielinski”]Hi, I need help figuring out how much product I need for 222 ft of 6 foot cedar privacy fence. The fence was installed in March of this year and hasn’t been stained/coated with anything yet. I will be staining both sides. I live in Indiana so I will have to get the 1500 series. Also, would I just need to use the cleaner/brightener?
Thank you so much![/quote]
Yes on the prep. You have about 2700 sq. feet for both sides. For two coats of the TWP applied wet on wet, you will need 20-25 gallons.
Hi, I need help figuring out how much product I need for 222 ft of 6 foot cedar privacy fence. The fence was installed in March of this year and hasn’t been stained/coated with anything yet. I will be staining both sides. I live in Indiana so I will have to get the 1500 series. Also, would I just need to use the cleaner/brightener?
Thank you so much!
I have an 18 year old treated pine porch, never been sealed or stained. I am not planning to treat the railing.
What is needed to clean it (in the past clorox water has been used to removed mildew). Part of the porch is covered and part exposed to the elements. Several of the exposed boards have been replaced just recently. I want to use an oil based solid stain to protect what is there. In future, will I have to remove the stain on the porch before reapplying the same stain?
[quote name=”Ed Danek”]We washed the deck with TSP. Do we need to do anything else before using TWP 100?[/quote]
If you have an old deck stain coating, you will need to remove it before using the TWP.
We washed the deck with TSP. Do we need to do anything else before using TWP 100?
[quote name=”Alan Johnson”]I am trying to figure out how much I need. I am trying to stain a fence. It is a cedar fence. I have 610 pickets. Each picket is 3.5″ X 5ft. That amounts to about 1000 sqft. so I would get two 5 gallons. My question is if I wanted to cover both sides of the picket would I need 20 gallons??[/quote]
Yes if you have twice the amount to cover, you would need twice the stain.
I am trying to figure out how much I need. I am trying to stain a fence. It is a cedar fence. I have 610 pickets. Each picket is 3.5″ X 5ft. That amounts to about 1000 sqft. so I would get two 5 gallons. My question is if I wanted to cover both sides of the picket would I need 20 gallons??
[quote name=”Teresa Fusco”]Hi, I just did the calculation for my deck. I have a small deck… About 400 sq feet. It says on the calculator summary that this would be about 4 gallons for two coats wet on wet. My deck was put in last fall and it is now seasoned wood that has never been stained. Do I put one coat or two…? And if I buy a 5 gallon instead of the 4 the calculator suggests for two coats… Would this extra gallon left over still be good to mix and use next year for ant touch ups on the steps or floor of my deck…? Or do you suggest a new can at time of reapplication?[/quote]
Apply two very light coats this year. See this about shelf life:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
What is the difference between the Gemini Restore a deck and the Restore a deck company restore a deck product? It has the same name but different company… I’m confused… Are they the same product or not?
Hi, I just did the calculation for my deck. I have a small deck… About 400 sq feet. It says on the calculator summary that this would be about 4 gallons for two coats wet on wet. My deck was put in last fall and it is now seasoned wood that has never been stained. Do I put one coat or two…? And if I buy a 5 gallon instead of the 4 the calculator suggests for two coats… Would this extra gallon left over still be good to mix and use next year for ant touch ups on the steps or floor of my deck…? Or do you suggest a new can at time of reapplication?