Which TWP Stain Should I Use?
TWP stands for Total Wood Preservative. It has been around for over 20 years and has been a leader in the wood staining industry. TWP Exterior Wood Stain is an EPA registered wood preservative. Unlike other stains that cover up wood and form a protective film that is venerable to peeling and flaking, TWP stains are a penetrating oil formula that offers excellent protection. Knowing which TWP formula is best for your exterior wood project is the key to having excellent results.
TWP 100 Series – The 100 Series has been a leading and respected formula for over 25 years. It penetrates and enhances natural wood beauty and is available is 6 different colors. It is used for all types of exterior wood decking, siding, fencing, and hardwoods. It is not prone to mold or mildew. The 100 Series is not compliant in all states. Please be sure to check if it is compliant in your area.
TWP 200 Series – Available in 8 different colors, the 200 Series formula is best used on wood siding, shakes, and shingles. It uses a non-drying paraffin oil formula that enhances the wood cell’s structural stability making it an excellent choice for older wood that has lost its natural oils. It sheds and repels water and prolongs UV fading. The TWP 200 Series is compliant in all 50 states.
TWP 500 Series – The TWP 500 Series formula has been discontinued and replaced with a new and improved formula called TWP 1500.
TWP 1500 Series – The new 1500 series replaces the old 500 series. This newly formulated preservative penetrates better, dries faster, and outperforms it predecessor. TWP 1500 is a low VOC preservative with unique absorbing pigments that prevent wood graying, fading and premature discoloring. Selected mildewcides prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Available in 9 different colors, TWP 1500 Series Stain is best used on all types of wood fencing, decking, siding, log homes and roofing. It is compliant in all 50 states due to its low 250 VOC formula.
Choose the TWP Series Stain that best fits your needs and give your wood surfaces the protection and lasting beauty they deserve.
Need More Help? Please Ask Below!
My 25 year old pressure treated pine deck is in need of attention. The solid color stain I applied a few years back is starting to peel. I was told I need to go with Armstrong Clark semi solid stain. I was told I would need to completely sand off the previous stain. I have about 1000 square feet of flooring, maybe 60 feet of rail and 20 steps, along with some lattice. I tried to sand and because of the condition of the wood with grooves in the wood, I cannot sand it.
What would be the second best way of taking care of my deck? I live in north Alabama and the deck gets morning and early afternoon intense sun. Thank you so much for any help you can give me.
[quote name=”Bruce Lindsey”]I live in a very humid environment, heavily treed, on a lake in East Texas and need to stain my house and deck, which are all wood. The house has rough cut pine siding. I have been planning to use an oil based stain to help preserve the wood on the house, but locals have told me that oil base is not appropriate for this environment because the oil actually feeds mold and mildew. I do not know what type of stain was previously used. What do you guys recommend for this type environment? Thanks for the help.[/quote]
You would want the TWP 100 Series. It is an EPA registered wood preservative that prevents wood rot, decay, and mold. You would have to prep by removing any old coatings on the house and deck first.
I live in a very humid environment, heavily treed, on a lake in East Texas and need to stain my house and deck, which are all wood. The house has rough cut pine siding. I have been planning to use an oil based stain to help preserve the wood on the house, but locals have told me that oil base is not appropriate for this environment because the oil actually feeds mold and mildew. I do not know what type of stain was previously used. What do you guys recommend for this type environment? Thanks for the help.
[quote name=”Melvin Rosen”]I need to restain my deck which has been stained twice in the past with TWP 200 California Cedar (205). It was last stained in 2006. Should I again use TWP 200 California Cedar or should I use the new TWP 1500 which you claim is the best for decks. If I switch to the 1500 product can I apply it directly over the 200 and which color would best replace the California Cedar?[/quote]
I would just stay with the 200 Series if you are happy with the performance:
http://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
I need to restain my deck which has been stained twice in the past with TWP 200 California Cedar (205). It was last stained in 2006. Should I again use TWP 200 California Cedar or should I use the new TWP 1500 which you claim is the best for decks. If I switch to the 1500 product can I apply it directly over the 200 and which color would best replace the California Cedar?
[quote name=”Robert Schulman”]I’m unclear which TWP product to use: 100 or 1500 series for my old, weathered deck which is mostly shaded (overhanging roof extends to edge of deck). I have used water sealants in the past. Also, can I apply the TWP stain with a roller? My home is in Cincinnati Ohio. Thanks.[/quote]
For your area you will need the 1500 Series. Best to apply with a brush or stain pad.
I’m unclear which TWP product to use: 100 or 1500 series for my old, weathered deck which is mostly shaded (overhanging roof extends to edge of deck). I have used water sealants in the past. Also, can I apply the TWP stain with a roller? My home is in Cincinnati Ohio. Thanks.
[quote name=”bob bama”]Where in the Detroit area can i get the 1500 deck stain for a 20 year old deck in michigan which stain should I use[/quote]
2388 Franklin Rd
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Where in the Detroit area can i get the 1500 deck stain for a 20 year old deck in michigan which stain should I use
[quote name=”Walter Schlaefer”]I have a new deck that is 2 years old and
and has never been treated. What product should I use and can I just power wash or
should I use a cleaner? I live in Wisconsin[/quote]
You need to use the Gemini Restore Kit with the prep and use the TWP 100 Series.
[quote name=”AnnieD”]Is TWP 100 series compliant in South Dakota? I have a new deck that is now ready to be stained.[/quote]
Yes, read this about new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a new deck that is 2 years old and
and has never been treated. What product should I use and can I just power wash or
should I use a cleaner? I live in Wisconsin
Is TWP 100 series compliant in South Dakota? I have a new deck that is now ready to be stained.
[quote name=”PATRICE GORSKI”]9152522298
I’ve a home on the Texas coast. The roof overhangs the cedar wrap-around porch. The pool deck is exposed as are the lower floor vertical pillars. The old PPG alkyl stain has failed miserably after 7 yrs. What product is best for this application.
Thanks, Patrice[/quote]
Use the 100 Series. Prep well to remove the PPG stain first.
9152522298
I’ve a home on the Texas coast. The roof overhangs the cedar wrap-around porch. The pool deck is exposed as are the lower floor vertical pillars. The old PPG alkyl stain has failed miserably after 7 yrs. What product is best for this application.
Thanks, Patrice
[quote name=”Wes Poll”]With stain are you preferred for exterior wall in log house, Wisconsin[/quote]
Either the 100 or the 1500 will work for the log home in WI.
With stain are you preferred for exterior wall in log house, Wisconsin
[quote name=”Michael Higdon”]Have redwood 12′ x 40′ deck, used Penafin oil on all surfaces five years ago. Deck is now darkly discoloring. We would like to use a product that will retain the lighter wood tones. Which TWP item do you recommend, and approx. quantity please. We’re in California.
Thank You
Michael Higdon[/quote]
Please use our calculator on the right side of this page to determine amount needed. You will need to strip and brighten for the prep. Use the 1500 Series for CA. Honeytone is the lightest.
Have redwood 12′ x 40′ deck, used Penafin oil on all surfaces five years ago. Deck is now darkly discoloring. We would like to use a product that will retain the lighter wood tones. Which TWP item do you recommend, and approx. quantity please. We’re in California.
Thank You
Michael Higdon
[quote name=”Tom Chesmore”]Last year we sealed and stained our log cabin in northern Wisconsin. It was raw pine and we used the 1500 series. My question is how long will it last before I have to do it again.[/quote]
Vertical wood on a log cabin can last 3-6 years depending on the exposure to the sun.
Last year we sealed and stained our log cabin in northern Wisconsin. It was raw pine and we used the 1500 series. My question is how long will it last before I have to do it again.
[quote name=”Mary Thomas”]We need to cover with a solid stain. Previously used a semi solid behr product. What is recommended when needing a solid stain[/quote]
Look at the Deck Revive for this:
http://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/gulf-synthetics/deck-revive
We need to cover with a solid stain. Previously used a semi solid behr product. What is recommended when needing a solid stain
[quote name=”ricky rodriguez”]I have a 18 year old pine pressure treated fence that has never been stained or painted. I have pressure washed it what product should I use and do I need to prep anymore?[/quote]
If it clean then you should be good to stain. Use the 1500 Series.
I have a 18 year old pine pressure treated fence that has never been stained or painted. I have pressure washed it what product should I use and do I need to prep anymore?
[quote name=”Kay nelson”]I am installing a cedar picket privacy fence. I want to preserve the natural color of the wood. I live in central Texas. Which product should I use?[/quote]
Use either the 100 or 1500 for this fence in the TX sun.
I am installing a cedar picket privacy fence. I want to preserve the natural color of the wood. I live in central Texas. Which product should I use?
[quote name=”Craig Peterson”]I have a 20 year old pressure treated pine deck in central Illinois. Part surrounds an inground, seldom used pool. Over the years it had been previously cleaned and restained annually with Penofin. The last time the deck was treated was 6 years ago, I used a stripper and applied Woodsman Premium Translucent Oil Stain. The color lasted about 2 years. Penofin never lasted more than 1 year. Last week I powerwashed it to remove considerable mildew and algae. The wood cleaned up well with that alone but I probably left tiny areas of mildew/algae behind. What would you recommend I do as per further cleaning and stain?[/quote]
If still have the old stain on the deck then you need to remove it with the Restore A Deck stripper followed by the RAD Brightener. If not, then use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep.
I have a 20 year old pressure treated pine deck in central Illinois. Part surrounds an inground, seldom used pool. Over the years it had been previously cleaned and restained annually with Penofin. The last time the deck was treated was 6 years ago, I used a stripper and applied Woodsman Premium Translucent Oil Stain. The color lasted about 2 years. Penofin never lasted more than 1 year. Last week I powerwashed it to remove considerable mildew and algae. The wood cleaned up well with that alone but I probably left tiny areas of mildew/algae behind. What would you recommend I do as per further cleaning and stain?
[quote name=”Linda Roberts”]Could you please tell me which one of your products you would recommend for use on a mahogany hand rail?
Thank you,
Linda Roberts[/quote]
The 100 Series.
Could you please tell me which one of your products you would recommend for use on a mahogany hand rail?
Thank you,
Linda Roberts
[quote name=”LeannMN”]Thanks for the info. A couple other questions– what is the average for how long it will last before it needs to be redone? When it does need to be redone, can we just apply another coat? How long will it last after the container has been opened? For instance if we get the five gallon and only use half of it…will it store ok to use again in the future?[/quote]
Typically lasts about 2 years. Can be cleaned and recoated own the road. See this about Shelf Life:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Thanks for the info. A couple other questions– what is the average for how long it will last before it needs to be redone? When it does need to be redone, can we just apply another coat? How long will it last after the container has been opened? For instance if we get the five gallon and only use half of it…will it store ok to use again in the future?
[quote name=”LeannMN”]We moved into a house recently in SE MN that had a deck built last year in the spring/summer. It hasn’t been sealed yet. Which is better to use– The 100 series or 1500 series? What are the differences between the two? It gets a lot of sun in the warm/hot months but needs to stand up to Minnesota cold, snowy winters. Are you able to use a sprayer or would it be best to use a pad? Thanks[/quote]
Use the TWP 100 Series. Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit. You can spray you will need to back brush the products,
We moved into a house recently in SE MN that had a deck built last year in the spring/summer. It hasn’t been sealed yet. Which is better to use– The 100 series or 1500 series? What are the differences between the two? It gets a lot of sun in the warm/hot months but needs to stand up to Minnesota cold, snowy winters. Are you able to use a sprayer or would it be best to use a pad? Thanks
[quote name=”David E Walsh”]I live in NH. My deck was most recently covered with Behr solid deck stain. Can I go over it with a little prep or do i need to completely strip. Which of your products do you recommend?[/quote]
You cannot apply TWP over a solid stain or any other stain of a different brand. Solid stains will need to be sanded off as a stain stripper will not remove a solid stain.
I live in NH. My deck was most recently covered with Behr solid deck stain. Can I go over it with a little prep or do i need to compleatly strip. Which of your products do you recommened?
Use the 100 Series and prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I have a heavily shaded deck that is blanketed with mold and mildew during winter months. Which stain would work better–1500 series or the 100 series (both legal here)?
I have sanded down the cedar deck with 80 grit sand paper. Can stain be put directly on it now with semi-closed fibers?
[quote name=”Rick B”]I have new windows that were put in my home the exterior of them is aluminum clad the interior is wood. They come with the wood unfinished and I have to stain and poly them to prevent moisture sun damage. Can I use the TWP 1500 on the interior wood trim of window instead of wood conditioner-stain-3 coats of poly? I used this stuff on my deck this summer and it has been awesome so far. Yes it takes forever for the odor to go away but it seems like it would be a great UV and moisture protecter for my windows.[/quote]
Yes you can but poly cannot be applied on top.
I have new windows that were put in my home the exterior of them is aluminum clad the interior is wood. They come with the wood unfinished and I have to stain and poly them to prevent moisture sun damage. Can I use the TWP 1500 on the interior wood trim of window instead of wood conditioner-stain-3 coats of poly? I used this stuff on my deck this summer and it has been awesome so far. Yes it takes forever for the odor to go away but it seems like it would be a great UV and moisture protecter for my windows.
[quote name=”Glenn White”]I am looking for a solid stain for an existing cedar deck in pretty good shape that has a solid stain on it. I live near Sequim, WA. The climate is low rain but damp about 6-7 months out of the year. 2 mi. from salt water. Full sun highs 80-90 deg. in the shade lows 60 in summer 50 deg. high low 28 deg. in the winter, usually above freezing in the day in the winter.[/quote]
Look at our Deck Revive product:
http://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/gulf-synthetics/deck-revive
I am looking for a solid stain for an existing cedar deck in pretty good shape that has a solid stain on it. I live near Sequim, WA. The climate is low rain but damp about 6-7 months out of the year. 2 mi. from salt water. Full sun highs 80-90 deg. in the shade lows 60 in summer 50 deg. high low 28 deg. in the winter, usually above freezing in the day in the winter.
[quote name=”Orlando Martinez”]I built a new pergola 2 years ago out of rough western red cedar. I used a stain/ sealer they sold me where I bought my lumber. It was TWP in cedar tone not sure which type 100 1500 etc. it still looks good but was going to give it another coat. What should I use and will it take another coat?[/quote]
Clean lightly and use the 1500 Series.
I built a new pergola 2 years ago out of rough western red cedar. I used a stain/ sealer they sold me where I bought my lumber. It was TWP in cedar tone not sure which type 100 1500 etc. it still looks good but was going to give it another coat. What should I use and will it take another coat?
[quote name=”Nikki”]I was going to purchase the 100 series. What is the difference between that and the new 1500 series. I see it replaces the 500, but no description on what conditions it was best suited for. I live in Northern Idaho. Mountains, cold winters, lots of snow, dry summers. Not a high humidity environment. Back deck gets all the morning sun, shade by mid afternoon. The front decks get the brutal hot sun from early afternoon on. Can you advice which series you would recommend? Thank-you Nikki[/quote]
You can use either for this deck in UD but most would use the 100 Series.
[quote name=”beth hurst”]Was wanting to stain horse stalls.. the interior are non treated pine and the exterior walls are treated pine. THanks,[/quote]
Use the 1500 for this.
Sorry, forgot to include our decks are all redwood.
I was going to purchase the 100 series. What is the difference between that and the new 1500 series. I see it replaces the 500, but no description on what conditions it was best suited for. I live in Northern Idaho. Mountains, cold winters, lots of snow, dry summers. Not a high humidity environment. Back deck gets all the morning sun, shade by mid afternoon. The front decks get the brutal hot sun from early afternoon on. Can you advice which series you would recommend? Thank-you Nikki
Was wanting to stain horse stalls.. the interior are non treated pine and the exterior walls are treated pine. THanks,