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!
I have a deck at the beach in a southern NJ town that was done about 4 years ago in Behr Natural Clear Transparent Waterproofing Exterior Wood Finish. It’s not held up well and I’m looking to strip it and start over. What would the best TWP stain to use in a southern NJ beach application?
TWP 1500. Make sure to fully remove the Behr first.
Can you review the differences in 100, 200 and 1500? Not just the recommended applications. I am having difficulty discerning which I should use based on the descriptions and FAQs
See here for tips:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-stain-comparison
https://www.twpstain.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-1500-series
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/difference-between-twp-100-and-twp-1500/
Mainly VOC regulations for certain states when it comes to 100 and 1500. The TWP 200 is for Shakes and Shingles.
Can TWP1500 be used on wood roof shingles?
Yes.
I live in Michigan. I have a 15 year old pine pressure wood deck that has never been stained. I am going to clean it with Restore-a-deck cleaner and use the brightener. Should I use the TWP 100 or 1500? Also, I just had a pine pressure wood railing put on. I plan to let it weather for year. Should I use 100 or 1500 on that? Thank you.
Use the TWP 100 for both.
Hi! I’m in the Raleigh, NC area, and want to preserve a brand new pressure treated pine fence. I’d like to keep it as natural looking as possible. Which product should I use? Thanks!:)
Honeytone 115 is the lightest color with UV protection. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
I just had a cedar fence put up in the Seattle, WA area. It was finished in May. Should I wait four months to (September) or can I stain sooner? The constant rains start early. Also, should I use the 100 or 1500 series? Thank you!
If it is smooth wood, you have to wait and prep. If rough sawn cut wood, you can do it now.
Where can I find local places that sell TWP products? I live in the St. Louis, Missouri area.
We are an online dealer for the TWP and ship directly to your home. Takes a few days.
I have 300 sq ft of pressure treated deck in central Vermont that gets intense sun in the summer and lots of snow in the winter. The deck was installed 11 months ago and ready for its first treatment. I am looking at the TWP products but am not sure whether to use the 100 series or 1500 series. What is the difference?
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
Difference is VOC compliance for certain states.
I understand that Vermont does not require the more restrictive VOC levels. You still recommend the 1500 series?
Yes.
How long will the TWP 1500 series last on a pine deck in the woods with some afternoon sun?
2-3 years.
I used TWP dark oak stain on a vertical cypress beam with beautiful results. The beam fell into some bushes before it could be secured to the house resulting in greenish bark “juice” in a few spots. What would you advise?
Post a picture.
Can you apply TWP 1500 over the top of a deck that was stained with TWP 100 about 3-4 years ago and has been power washed? I really want to go with the lower VOC option.
As long as you prep with the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Does the TWP series deck stain have slip resistance?
TWP is a penetrating stain. You cannot add slip resistance into a penetrating stain nor would there be any need.
I live in south east VA on the Hampton harbor (salt water). My pier deck, 1 year old, which is salt treated (not marine grade) was pressure washed to remove the graying. Do I use the 100 or the 1500 series 2 coats by roller.
Use the TWP 1500. Two coats applied wet on wet. Use a stain pad or brush.
Would a TWP product be a good choice for finishing a Douglas fir front door in Wisconsin?
No, it is not suggested for front doors.
I live in Pueblo Colorado and get about 330 days of sun a year. I have 700 foot of cedar fence I am almost done putting up. After letting it dry good through the next few months which of your products should I apply and how long would you expect it to last in our climate?
Use the TWP 100 Series. On a vertical fence, the TWP should last 4-6 years in most scenarios.
Hello. We live in upstate New York and have stripped our pine siding and ready for stain. The siding is 23 yrs old. Which TWP series should we use? Thank you
Use the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Thank you. I’ve used a bleach/water/detergent mixture to clean the surface, which has been rinsed thoroughly. The siding looks good and clean. Is it necessary to use the wood brightener Before I apply the stain?
You should be okay to stain.
can i change the color of twp stain i have applyed
Strip and brighten to remove what you have first: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
can you paint over your stain
That is more of a question for the paint brand you are looking to use.
TWP 200 or 1500 on a 15 yr old covered deck. i live in NW missouri and the deck has a semi shaded southern exposure. the former owners used a TWP product yrs ago but i’m not sure which one. is pressure washing necessary or just a cleaning solution brushed in and hosed off till dry.
Use the TWP 100 Series.
Is it possible to use a stain that has formed a thick skin on top if I throw out the top layer?
No, it has gone bad.
And can I clean with pressure washer? Any other prep or cleaning solution?
Prep with this while using a pressure washer.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I couldn’t find a list of states why the stain is allowed. We have a new (12 months old) deck of pressure treated pine. We live in Kansas. Which stain would be best? Also, my wife wanted an outdoor carpet under the furniture. Will this have any effect on the stain since that part of the deck wasn’t fully exposed to weather? I lifted up a corner of the carpet and it is slightly different color.
Use the 100 Series. Best to put the carpet in the same spot when done.
Thank you!
We are located in the Adirondack Mountains in Lake Pleasant. During the winter we remove the dock and stack the board sections outside. However, most years we receive a minimum f 4 – 5 feet of snow which may cover the stacked sections. The boards have been stained with oil base stain 5-6 years ago and sit in the sun from June through September on the lake n the dock frames. They are in need of re-staining.
Strip and brighten the wood for prep and stain with the TWP 1500 Series.
Thank you.
You are welcome!
What type of TWP should we use on deck boards for a dock that is in the sun most of the day on a lake?
Where are you located and is the wood new?
I have a freshly cut cypress beam for a mantel. What should I use to coat the mantel? I have been told linseed oil for a natural finish so the mantel can continue to breathe. Suggestions?
Sorry, but our products are for exterior use only.
Can you/should you use twp 1500 on wood doors?
Wood garage doors, yes. Not on normal entry doors.
What is the reason for this? And what would you suggest i use if I want my entry door to match my wood columns, etc that are stained with twp?
TWP is a penetrating stain and does not film on top of the wood. Wood doors need a protective barrier that is film-forming similar to a polyurethane. This helps with the doors weather seals in extreme heat. TWP cannot be top coated with a polyurethane.
TWP,
I stained an exterior door (smooth finished cedar) with 2 coats of series 100 dark oak, let it dry 48 hrs, then used a soft cloth to wipe down the door until stain no longer transferred to the cloth. Afterwards, i lightly sanded the surface with 400 grit sandpaper, cleaned the surface throughly and applied two coats of varathane spar urethane. It looks great two years later. No flaking or cracking at all, even in the hot Texas sun. Absolutely love TWP products.
I live in GA will i need TPW 1500 or 100 to condition exterior logs?
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
I have a log cabin of about 700 sq ft to condition
Will I need two coats of TWP1500?
How much should I purchase?
2 coats.
I applied TWP stain on my deck after sanding it and it doesn’t look good. Can I directly apply a semi solid stain on top of TWP stain?
No. You would have to strip off the TWP first. Use this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can I use for interior walls?
You can but the TWP will have a very strong odor on an interior application since it is oil based. It will dissipate but it could take awhile.
Which is better product to use in humid areas of the U.S., like Georgia? 100 or 1500?
You could use either but most use the TWP 100 Series in GA.
Hi, I moved into a house with a large three year old (old growth) cedar deck that was treated with TWP 1500 series. I am in WA state and after only three years the deck was covered in mildew spots with tons of cracks in the floor boards. After cleaning with Behr all in one wood cleaner, the color is much brighter and much of the mildew is gone. Do I still need to use the restore kit or will the Behr suffice? Also, should I use the 1500 series again or the 100 series? I’m not really clear on what the main difference is between the two.
Best to use the Gemini Restore Kit for proper prep. Use the TWP 1500 again.
Have a new cca treated pine deck am I able to use 100 series with nothing else and if not why ?
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
After the wait and prep, you can use the TWP 100 if allowed in your state. Nothing else will be needed.
Is TWP a stain or oil? I have a deck that has previously been treated with oil.
TWP is a semi-transparent oil based stain. You will need to remove any previous coatings before using the TWP.
the chairs are new unfinished and very fine grain wood.
The TWP 200 would not be the best option for the Mahogany chairs as it may rub off. Use the 100 or the 1500 Series.
I have used twp200 for years and wonder if I can use it or another of the product line to stain mohogany adirondack chairs.
I recently cleaned, brightened and restained our screen porch floor with TWP 100 pecan in anticipation of converting the screen porch to a glass enclosed sunroom. The glass walls were installed today and there is a residual odor from the stain which was applied two weeks ago. Will these fumes ( they burn my wife’s eyes) clear or do I need to remove the stain? How long should it take for the floor to cure? It has been dry to the touch for over a week.
The product cures within a week or so. The smell may linger longer if enclosed fully air out as best you can as it will not be a permanent smell.
So, these fumes are not harmful to breath?
No not harmful.
[quote name=”Ada rogers”]Going to stain new cypress boards before they are installed for the soffits only on one side. Does the wood have to cure before staying with the twp 1500?[/quote]
Is the wood rough sawn or smooth wood? See this about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Going to stain new cypress boards before they are installed for the soffits only on one side. Does the wood have to cure before staying with the twp 1500?
[quote name=”Ada rogers”]What would be the best stain to use on new cypress soffits?[/quote]
The 1500 series.
What would be the best stain to use on new cypress soffits?
[quote name=”Serena”]Hi, can I use TWP1500 over a deck that previously was stained with Cabot semi solid stain? What is the best color match for Cabot New Cedar?[/quote]
Sorry but you cannot. You would need to remove the Cabot first by sanding and or stripping. Thanks
Hi, can I use TWP1500 over a deck that previously was stained with Cabot semi solid stain? What is the best color match for Cabot New Cedar?
[quote name=”diane marangelo”]How much stain do i need?/[/quote]
See this:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-deck-stain-calculator
How much stain do i need?/
[quote name=”Dan A”]I live in Washington state and moved into a house with a deck that was not protected and was aggressively power washed so it splintered and became scuffed. After 1 year, the wood has grayed in most parts. I believe the wood is CVG douglas fir but not 100% certain. I plan to clean, sand, brighten, and stain the whole thing to bring it new life. What series stain would you recommend, and would this still be the best option if I’m wrong about the wood type? Thanks.[/quote]
The prep and stain sounds like the correct course of action for this deck. Use the 100 Series.
I live in Washington state and moved into a house with a deck that was not protected and was aggressively power washed so it splintered and became scuffed. After 1 year, the wood has grayed in most parts. I believe the wood is CVG douglas fir but not 100% certain. I plan to clean, sand, brighten, and stain the whole thing to bring it new life. What series stain would you recommend, and would this still be the best option if I’m wrong about the wood type? Thanks.
[quote name=”which TWP?”]I have two projects I’m undertaking 1. is cleaning and staining pine and cedar sided shed. the shed is 4 years old and has never been treated. it needs to be cleaned and brightened. two sides of the shed are Eastern white pine board and batten, the other two sides are Eastern white pine shingles.
Project 2. is cleaning and staining a Eastern white pine log cabin sauna.
thanks for your help.[/quote]
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep and the TWP 1500 for the stain.
I have two projects I’m undertaking 1. is cleaning and staining pine and cedar sided shed. the shed is 4 years old and has never been treated. it needs to be cleaned and brightened. two sides of the shed are Eastern white pine board and batten, the other two sides are Eastern white pine shingles.
Project 2. is cleaning and staining a Eastern white pine log cabin sauna.
thanks for your help.
[quote name=”Kevin B”]6 month old treated pine deck — raw — which TWP product is best to use in North Central Oklahoma[/quote]
Prep with Gemini Restore Kit and stain with TWP 100 Series.