Why Do I Need to Wait to Stain My New Deck with TWP
After a new wood deck has been constructed it is important to protect it from the elements. Unprotected wood will be prone to graying, warping, cracking, splitting, and mold/mildew infiltration. Protecting your wood deck is easy with TWP Total Wood Preservative. There is however a waiting period to allow new wood to season prior to stain application.
New wood is commonly called “green” wood. Meaning it has not had time to season or dry. It has a very high moisture content. You may notice the difference in weight of a newer deck board and an older one. The newer one is much heavier due to all the moisture it is holding. As the wood dries it also shrinks. This is noticeable in the gaps between deck boards. They will be tight together after first construction and as the wood shrinks the gaps will become larger.
Applying TWP deck stain to a newer deck too soon can result in a failed deck coating. The stain will trap moisture in the wood, which can cause several problems. Mold and mildew can spread quickly underneath the stain eventually leading to rot and decay. The moisture will also keep the wood stain from penetrating properly and may cause it to peel and flake off the surface. TWP wood stain is designed to penetrate deep into the wood for maximum protection. If the wood has too high of moisture content the stain cannot penetrate correctly.
There are some people who believe you have to wait and entire season or 1 year before you can stain new wood. This is normally not true and actually a lot of the wood damage can occur in the first year if the wood is not protected. Most types of wood will be ready to stain within 4-12 months after being erected. All new wood should be prepped with the Gemini Restore Kit before staining. Wait time can vary depending on sun exposure, weather, and temperatures.
For TWP wood deck stain to give you the best results on a new deck, the moisture content of the wood should be 15% or less. This can be easily checked with a moisture meter. If you do not have access to a moisture meter and you have waited several months of hot summer weather, you can do a drop test with water. Sprinkle a few drops of water in several areas of the deck. If the water soaks in right away indicating the wood is dry it is probably okay to stain. If the water does not soak in right away, the wood may still be holding too much moisture.
Be sure your new wood deck has had plenty of dry time before applying TWP deck stain. This will guarantee proper wood penetration giving a naturally enhanced look that will last and perform as expected.
Ask Questions in Comment Area Below
[quote name=”Jim Cousineau”]We have a new deck that we just stained with TWP. Because of traffic and investment and as we are pleased with the stain results, I would like to apply a clear coat over the stain coat.
How long should I wait to apply the clear?
Any reservations or notes?
Thank you.[/quote]
You cannot apply a clear coat sealer over the TWP. Did you read this as well about new wood?:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We have a new deck that we just stained with TWP. Because of traffic and investment and as we are pleased with the stain results, I would like to apply a clear coat over the stain coat.
How long should I wait to apply the clear?
Any reservations or notes?
Thank you.
[quote name=”lalee b.”][b]how long do I wait before applying clear coat to a new, rough cut, redwood fence?[/b][/quote]
New rough cut wood can be stained right away as long as the wood is dry. Just one coat on new wood.
[b]how long do I wait before applying clear coat to a new, rough cut, redwood fence?[/b]
[quote name=”Ronnie Phillips”]I have a 7 month fence I am treating with your 101 do I have to wash it with bleach? Will I have to pressure wash or use a water hose?[/quote]
As the article states you should prep it with the Gemini Kit, not bleach while lightly pressure washing.
I have a 7 month fence I am treating with your 101 do I have to wash it with bleach? Will I have to pressure wash or use a water hose?
[quote name=”John Korman”]I am interested in a darker stain like walnut. I do not like the color sample shown on your web site – Dark oak 103. I am wondering if the actual color of Dark Oak 103 might look different when applied to yellow pine and how true to color is your web site color.[/quote]
Colors vary drastically based on the wood type, wood age, prep of the wood, application, etc. Best to get a sample from our site to test.
[quote name=”Pauline Nevins”]We just had a new redwood deck completed. We’re in Norhern California and the deck is on a sunny south side. We’ve heard different waiting periods before sealing- from two weeks to one year. Please advise. Also what stain color would look most natural other than clear since we’ve heard that clear does not offer enough sun protection. Thank you.[/quote]
As the article states, 4-12 months and you will need to prep first. Lightest tint is the 1515 Honeytone.
We just had a new redwood deck completed. We’re in Norhern California and the deck is on a sunny south side. We’ve heard different waiting periods before sealing- from two weeks to one year. Please advise. Also what stain color would look most natural other than clear since we’ve heard that clear does not offer enough sun protection. Thank you.
[quote name=”Roy Morrison”]I just built a new cedar deck and am going to put a hot tub on it. Is it necessary to finish the area under the tub. I will finish around the tub in 3 months or so.[/quote]
No need.
I just built a new cedar deck and am going to put a hot tub on it. Is it necessary to finish the area under the tub. I will finish around the tub in 3 months or so.
[quote name=”Tom Sorrells”]Hi- what about waiting period for new cedar railings and posts only – aren’t these somewhat rough? Old decks will be striped cleaned and refinished – don’t desire to have non-finished railings/posts.[/quote] No those are not rough but smooth.
Hi- what about waiting period for new cedar railings and posts only – aren’t these somewhat rough? Old decks will be striped cleaned and refinished – don’t desire to have non-finished railings/posts.
[quote name=”Donna Sarrett”]We live on Lake Sinclair, in Eatonton, GA – 90 miles east of Atlanta. We installed a new dock with pressure treated wood in January of this year 2015, when can we put a clear stain/sealer on our dock? The person who built the dock said we should wait only 1-2 months but I’m thinking longer?[/quote]
Please read our article here one new decking:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We live on Lake Sinclair, in Eatonton, GA – 90 miles east of Atlanta. We installed a new dock with pressure treated wood in January of this year 2015, when can we put a clear stain/sealer on our dock? The person who built the dock said we should wait only 1-2 months but I’m thinking longer?
[quote name=”MrMike”]St. Louis MO, sun in morning and shade in late afternoon, new deck red cedar wood built just over 3 months ago. Is Oct 18th too early to stain, and what stain would you recommend?[/quote]
Please read this: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You would want the 100 Series and only one coat after the proper wait and prep.
St. Louis MO, sun in morning and shade in late afternoon, new deck red cedar wood built just over 3 months ago. Is Oct 18th too early to stain, and what stain would you recommend?
[quote name=”Buddy”]Is the waiting period to apply stain to new wood reduced if kiln dried wood is used?[/quote]
Yes, wait about a month then prep with Gemini Kit. Only one coat as well.
Is the waiting period to apply stain to new wood reduced if kiln dried wood is used?
[quote name=”Rob MacBean”]whats the best 1500 color to bring back the original color[/quote]
Most use Rustic color for Mahogany wood.
whats the best 1500 color to bring back the original color
What color twp 1500 stain would be to get mahogany deck back to close to the original color
[quote name=”Mark Blatter”]Is TWP stain a good choice for T-111 rustic siding on my pole building? If so, should I wait to apply or can I pre-stain the panels before I install them on the building?
thanks, Mark[/quote]
Best to install, weather for a few months, prep with Gemini Restore Kit, then stain for this.
Is TWP stain a good choice for T-111 rustic siding on my pole building? If so, should I wait to apply or can I pre-stain the panels before I install them on the building?
thanks, Mark
[quote name=”Robert Bentz”]I just installed a new 900sf cedar deck in upstate NY, the deck is 12’ above the ground so I will get plenty of air flow and winter is coming fast. You recommend waiting 4 to 6 months before applying the stain. My question is why wait so long? If I were to install a wood floor in my house I could seal it right away. Why can’t I do that with an exterior wood floor? I am going to use the 1500 cedar stain. If I wait much longer I won’t be able to seal it until April or May depending on the winter and I’m sure it will be gray by then.[/quote]
If you stain new wood right away with TWP it will not absorb and will prematurely fail. Turning gray and prepping is okay and normal.
I just installed a new 900sf cedar deck in upstate NY, the deck is 12’ above the ground so I will get plenty of air flow and winter is coming fast. You recommend waiting 4 to 6 months before applying the stain. My question is why wait so long? If I were to install a wood floor in my house I could seal it right away. Why can’t I do that with an exterior wood floor? I am going to use the 1500 cedar stain. If I wait much longer I won’t be able to seal it until April or May depending on the winter and I’m sure it will be gray by then.
[quote name=”Jim Theodoroff”]I installed a new deck waiting for it to dry out. I live in Flushing Michigan is there a dealer in my area. Also would I use TWP 100 or 1500 ?[/quote]
100 Series after drying. We are in Bloomfield Hills MI.
I installed a new deck waiting for it to dry out. I live in Flushing Michigan is there a dealer in my area. Also would I use TWP 100 or 1500 ?
[quote name=”Catina Hale”]Hello! I’m interested in putting a clear cote on my new redwood fence. The boards are redwood and the post and kicker are pressure treated.The fence is now 3 weeks old. How long do we wait to apply the TWP Clear coat for the first time. Do we need to do any prep work like pressure wash?[/quote]
Please read this:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hello! I’m interested in putting a clear cote on my new redwood fence. The boards are redwood and the post and kicker are pressure treated.The fence is now 3 weeks old. How long do we wait to apply the TWP Clear coat for the first time. Do we need to do any prep work like pressure wash?
[quote name=”shawn g”]I have a 1 year old, pressure-treated, pine fence that I would like to stain for the first time. It does not appear to have any greying anywhere- should I still clean and brighten the wood with a restore kit or can I just clean it with soapy water prior to staining? Should I go with the high estimate for coverage since it is the first time staining and it is a fence not a patio? Do I need to apply a second coat or does it just depend on how much the fence soaks up?[/quote]
You need the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep. Fences are usually rough sawn wood which means they are more absorbent and coverage can be less. Probably will need the two coats.
I have a 1 year old, pressure-treated, pine fence that I would like to stain for the first time. It does not appear to have any greying anywhere- should I still clean and brighten the wood with a restore kit or can I just clean it with soapy water prior to staining? Should I go with the high estimate for coverage since it is the first time staining and it is a fence not a patio? Do I need to apply a second coat or does it just depend on how much the fence soaks up?
[quote name=”Larry Smith”]Are the 1500 and the 100 both oil based? Does one hold up longer than the other?
Thanks[/quote]
Yes they are both oil based and they both last about the same.
Are the 1500 and the 100 both oil based? Does one hold up longer than the other?
Thanks
[quote name=”Stephen Smith”]I have just finished laying a cedar deck in the NW. The decking has had 2 weeks of very hot dry weather for this area. Do you still suggest waiting 4 months prior to staining cedar decking? The latest I was going to wait was one more week. Is that enough time for this product to get absorbed? If wait for the 4 month period that puts me into the rainy season and end up waiting till next summer to stain which as you have mentioned can really harm the decking.[/quote]
Yes you need to wait. Please read this article: http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have just finished laying a cedar deck in the NW. The decking has had 2 weeks of very hot dry weather for this area. Do you still suggest waiting 4 months prior to staining cedar decking? The latest I was going to wait was one more week. Is that enough time for this product to get absorbed? If wait for the 4 month period that puts me into the rainy season and end up waiting till next summer to stain which as you have mentioned can really harm the decking.
[quote name=”Dyanne Schulze”]I have recently had some boards replaced on my 17-yr old deck. I have also had new stairs built. I want to get the old part of the deck stained. Should I not have them stain the new boards? They are pressured treated. How long should I wait before the new boards are stained? I live in Iowa where the temperatures vary drastically.
I hate the thought of having a deck with some boards stained and others not.[/quote]
How many new boards are there? normally you have to wait 4-12 months to let the wood season. If there is just a few then go ahead and do all but with the understanding that you will need to add another coat to the new boards next Spring.
I have recently had some boards replaced on my 17-yr old deck. I have also had new stairs built. I want to get the old part of the deck stained. Should I not have them stain the new boards? They are pressured treated. How long should I wait before the new boards are stained? I live in Iowa where the temperatures vary drastically.
I hate the thought of having a deck with some boards stained and others not.
No you cannot apply TWP on top of Cabot. you need to strip it all off and brighten the wood for proper prep and appearance.
I want to stain an old PT deck. The floor was treated with a Cabot oil stain 2 seasons ago. We will be flipping some of the floor boards that have splinters and cracks. Please make suggestions on how to achieve a uniform color for the previously stained boards vs the flipped unstained boards? Which TWP stain would you recommend?
We used Cabot oil stain in the past, will this be compatible with TWP on the vertical spindles? I really don’t want to strip the spindles. The color will be very similar to the new color we hope to use on the floor.
We have a screened in porch next to the deck that I want to stain to match the deck color. We used a semi transparent water based stain on the floor 6 or more years ago that still beads water. If I use the stripper and brightener on the floor of the porch can I successfully use TWP there as well and achieve a similar color as the deck.
Thank you for your time.
[quote name=”Cathy Gerking”]My new redwood deck has just been completed. The contractor used kiln dried
redwood. Is this seasoned wood?
Thank you![/quote]
For kiln dried, wait a month, prep with Gemini Kit to remove mill glaze, apply just one coat of the TWP.
My new redwood deck has just been completed. The contractor used kiln dried
redwood. Is this seasoned wood?
Thank you!
[quote name=”Bear”]I am stripping my deck and wonder how long i can wait to use the brightener. It is a large deck and with the weather it is going to take days to strip. Should I be doing brightener as I go or can I wait until the whole deck is stripped? Also what stain would you recommend in S.E. Wisc.? I also had to replace a few board so do I not stain those until they dry out? The deck is approx. 700 sq ft so how much stain will I need?[/quote]
Brighten when all done. Use the 100 Series.
I am stripping my deck and wonder how long i can wait to use the brightener. It is a large deck and with the weather it is going to take days to strip. Should I be doing brightener as I go or can I wait until the whole deck is stripped? Also what stain would you recommend in S.E. Wisc.? I also had to replace a few board so do I not stain those until they dry out? The deck is approx. 700 sq ft so how much stain will I need?
[quote name=”Phillip Prideaux”]Can you recommend a waiting period before staining for a new cedar deck?[/quote]
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Can you recommend a waiting period before staining for a new cedar deck?
Orlin, I would just wait a couple of months and than treat all the wood the same. Clean and brighten all and stain all with two light coats of the TWP.
Thanks
Recently installed 300 ft of 8 ft cedar fence in Wichita KS. All of the dimensional lumber is rough sawn; the face boards are rough on one side and smooth on the other.
Based on my reading of your articles, I will use the cleaner/brightner on the smooth wood and not on the rough and will apply one coat on the smooth and two light wet on wet coats on the rough. Is that correct?
The real problem I have is with the gates. The frames are made of 2×6 and 2×8 smooth cedar with mortise and tenon joints and has been sanded. Inside the frame will be smooth cedar lattice on top. Below, face boards that are rough on one side, smooth on the other.
The frames have been drying in our sun room out of direct light for about 2 months so it has very little UV exposure. The builder(bro-in-law) does not want to hang the gates until they have been treated because he fears the gates will warp if not protected. Can I stain now after using cleaner brightener?
[quote name=”Donnie Reid”]I’m putting down dryed treated decking. It has been dryed then treated and then Redried. Is there a waiting period to apply TWP deck stain?
Thanks,
Donnie[/quote]
Yes, wait a few months than test for absorption. If water beads than it is not ready. If it soaks into the wood than you can stain.
I’m putting down dryed treated decking. It has been dryed then treated and then Redried. Is there a waiting period to apply TWP deck stain?
Thanks,
Donnie