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 live in PA just soft washed my natural cedar home as it faded since I bought it. Currently waiting for it to dry. I want to keep it as natural as possible. Previous owner used Thomson Wood Protector Clear. Attached an old photo of and of it just soft washed.
1. Do I go with 1500/200?
2. Clear or Cedartone?
3. Can I mix the bug juice with it? I live on a creek and want to keep spiders off and carpenter bees away.
Use the TWP 1500 Series in any color that you like but you need a tint for UV protection from graying. You can add bug juice to it.
My deck was built approx. 9 months ago. I haven’t stained it yet. It receives sun throughout the entire day. I live in wv. Can I go ahead and stain it now? Which twp product would you recommend.
Yes, you can prep and stain it: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
use the 1500 Series.
My 500 Sq ft deck has not been stained. It is “new”, having weathered for a yr. I live in Southwest Louisiana and we have very hot summers and high humidity. It is yella wood pine. It is not covered and gets sun most of the day. I am hoping to apply with a pump sprayer. Mold and algae are a moderate concern. Which TWP product do you recommend? Semi- transparent is preferred if possible. Will I need 1 or 2 coats as this is the initial staining?
Use this for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
After prep, apply two light coats applied wet on wet of the TWP 100 Series.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Approximately how many gallons do I need for 2 light coats? If I apply with a pump sprayer do I back brush or use a paint pad?
5 Gallons should be enough for 2 light coats. Yes, you always have to back brush to ensure it is applied evenly.
Good evening. Planning on redoing the stain on my cider siding in Georgia. Probably at least 10 years since it’s been done and I have no idea what was used on it besides some sort of stain. Would the current stain need to be stripped to use one of your products?
Yes, you would have to remove that fully first. You have a solid stain.
I live in central North Carolina where is plenty hot and humid all summer. I have an existing deck/screened porch that was sealed with ReadySeal about 18 months ago. That product faded ou really quickly and we would like to refinish. Which TWP should we use? Any special instructions? Thanks!
Prep with this kit first: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain with the TWP 100 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Is TWP 1500 Natural a safe stain to use inside a horse barn?
Yes, just make sure it is fully dried and cured before using the barn,
We have a 9 year old deck and just replaced several posts, railing pieces and steps. After pressure washing and cleaning which series would you recommend for the old and new to blend well color wise? We live in north Georgia, lots of heat and humidity, and deck is in full sun most of the day. Thank you
See here about new wood first:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
The semi-solid colors would blend the best:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
I live in north texas. We have a 26×26 covered patio. The under boards, not seeing any direct sunlight, are v groove pine. There are also some on the outside as well that see some sun. The columns and main supports under are all cedar What is the best product to apply? 100 or 1500 or ?? We had readyseal dark walnut applied when installed and want something that will last longer.
Most would use the 100 Series but the 1500 would work as well.
Would I need to strip or do any other prep besides powerwashing before all lying the 100 series stain?
Strip and brighten for prep to remove the RS.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I would like to know if TWP is recommended to use as an exterior door stain?
Depends on the wood type? Also, it cannot be top-coated with a poly like many door stains are.
Knotty Alder wood
?
Sorry. No it would not work here.
We’re looking to re-stain the decks at our house in the Bay Area of Northern California. They were last done in 2015 with a 50-50 mix of 205 & 1501. If doing this myself then I’d like to switch to just one series – which should I use?
1500 Series.
Getting ready to stain our 2- 1/2 year old uncovered pine deck for the first time. We live in KY, the deck faces northeast, gets morning sun, and backs up to a wooded area. As you can imagine, it’s quite weathered, has areas of mold, and some wood-splitting. What stain product would you recommend? As we’re not very timely with our home maintenance projects, a long lasting stain would be nice.
Try the TWP Semi-solids or the TWP 100 Series.
Building pergola in. We get snow. Which stain for rough sawn fir would be best?
Use the TWP 1500 Series.
100 or 1500 series in northern Washington state>
Either will work well for WA.
Can I stain the outside of my raised vegetable garden bed? I’m not planning to stain the inside.
Thanks!
Yes, you can.
Hello, I love in the coast of oregon and gave a cedar shake roof. I previously used a chevron oil for preservative. Its 25 years old. The shakes have lost some thickness. Lots of rain, wind and salty air.
Should I use series 200 or 1500 series? Where is the closest dealer or can I order it direct from you?
Use the 200 Series and buy directly online from us: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
Can I mix copper naphthenate with the 200 series stain. Do you have pictures of cedar roofs done with your stain?
No, do not mix it into the 200 Series. We offer samples to test the colors as the final color varies based on your wood’s type, age, prep, etc.
Staining cedar gazebo in Tucson AZ. Lots of sun all day, dry, temps routinely exceed 100 degrees 5 months of year.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I’m resurfacing a deck in Richmond Virginia. Currently gets afternoon sun but part of the build will be a privacy wall and sun sail to reduce that.
Planning to go with a darker brown for both aesthetics and added UV protection.
Which of your products do you recommend?
The TWP 1500 Series in Dark Oak or Black Walnut.
Thanks! Do you have samples I can order to compare colors in person?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
They last the same, the 1500 may give slightly better UV protection but ti will still need to redone at the same time.
We just purchased a 1990 Linda cedar home in western Washington (lots of rain). Cedar siding is currently stained with unknown stain that is peeling. 1. What is the best product to strip this stain and prep the siding? 2. What is the most durable series of stain for our state?
We would need to see pics for proper help.
Please see attached
Unfortunately what you have on your wood most likely cannot be stripped. It looks shiny, like a varnish and that means stripping will not get it off. To get it off you would have to use media blasting or corn cob blasting and that means hiring a pro.
I live in Colorado in some intense sun. About 7 years ago I stained my deck (skirting and railings) with TWP 100 redwood. It’s held up great, but due to fading and weathering, it now needs to be redone. However, I can’t order TWP 100 to Colorado anymore. Should I use TWP 1500 instead? Will it go over the faded TWP 100 okay or is there other prep work I’d need to do? And is the TWP 1500 redwood the best color match for TWP 100 redwood?
Best to prep with this kit as the colors are not exactly the same between series: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
The 1502 Redwood is very close in color to the 102, but not exact.
Okay. But if I don’t strip some of the skirting, can TWP 1500 be applied effectively to redwood that was stained with TWP 100 several years ago?
As long as you prep, then yes.
I live in Pennsylvania, and I need a stain for a pool deck. Which one is best for this?
Use the TWP 1500 Series for PA: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Looked at the 1500 stain colors. I have a solid white colored stain on my deck currently. Plan to stain over that color without sanding or removing. Any recommendations for a stain that would blend with or cover my current stain for a pool deck in PA that you offer?
No, TWP stains do not come in a solid stain and they cannot be applied over a solid stain. You will need a solid stain again.
Would it look funny to use TWP 1500 Dark Oak for a porch railing and balusters I’m about to add when I already used TWP 100 Dark Oak on the deck and steps I’ve already built? Everything is/will be built from redwood. I ran out of the 1 gallon of TWP 100 I had, and it has since become more convenient to get TWP 1500.
They are close in color but not exactly the same.
I understand that even when using the same product, with some wood stains there can be a risk of slightly different colors, if all the cans used aren’t first mixed together to make it all uniform.
Is the difference in color between TWP 1500 and TWP 100 likely to be more noticeable than different cans of 100 that weren’t combined?
Yes.
Live in CT, have new (installed last summer) untreated PT pine. Full sun most of the day and want to stain for first time. What is the best choice in oil based semi transparent stain.
TWP 1500 Series for CT.
I am located in NH and have a new eastern white pine barn. I want to keep the wood looking as natural as possible with the least amount of yellowing. Which stain is better for T&G eastern white pine siding the 1500 or the 200?
Use the TWP 1500 Series for this one.
I live in Ca and have about 1800 sq of deck. During the summer the deck bakes and gets first sun. In winter lots of rain and cold temps. Which product would you suggest after properly prepping the deck? Also thinking of using a natural color. Suggestions?
California or Canada?
California
Use the 1500 Series for California.
Follow up – I live in Missouri
I have a ten year old cedar deck that I have sanded back to bare wood. I looks clean with just a few gray patches. 1. After brightening, should I use 101 or 1501 – I have both on hand. 2. I was planning on applying the TWP twice since the wood is bare – any problems with this?
I have new rough cut cedar what stain is better 1500 or the 100
Use the 1500 Series.
I have old wood deck that I just sand it down.i completely strip the old paint. The wood is turning gray. Is it better to use 100 or the 1500. I live in California. Hot and full sun.
For CA, you will need the 1500 Series.
I live in a town that gets all 4 seasons including snow and lots of sun. I want to stain my house, deck floors and fence. My house has wood panel siding, my decks are redwood wood and some my fence is regular untreated wood fencing. Which series(s) should I use?
Use the TWP 1500 Series for all the wood.
I have a 15-year-old PT wood deck previously stained/painted. I have recently replaced some boards, approx 4-6 months ago, and have stripped, sanded, and cleaned the deck. The deck has a southern exposure and we are in northern Virginia. Which type of stain would be best? TWP 100 series or 1500 series.
You will need the TWP 1500 for Northern VA.
Is series 200 good to use on a screened in, covered deck with exposed stairs?
Use the 100 or 1500 series for this.
What happened to the TWP 300 SERIES!!
We do not sell it from this website.
Cypress siding has dried 2 years, planed and shiplapped. I am interested in a Redwood or Mahogany stain. Which semi transparent TWP product will provide more UV protection? Also what product is best to treat end cuts?
TWP does not come in a Mahogany color. The TWP 100, 200, and 1500 series are all semi-transparent and all give the same UV protection. You do not need to treat end cuts but you can with any of the TWP stains.
I live in Tucson, Arizona. The sun is bright and hot. Witch is better for UV protection?100 or 1500 be better in this type of climate?
The 100 and 1500 will last the same on a deck. The Semi-solid will last the longest: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
I live in Oregon. Which is the best TWP stain to use on my outdoor deck previously stained with SuperDeck?
Use this kit first to remove the Super Deck: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Then stain with the TWP 100 Series or the TWP Semi-solid stain.
Will it work on bamboo fenceing?
No, the TWP products we sell on this site will not work for bamboo.
I thoroughly restored a pressure treated deck with Cedartone 101 and it looks new. Can I use 1500 series over top of it for maintenance coats?
If switching series you should strip and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thanks for the quick reply, but just to be certain, I just did it last year, deck’s in perfect shape. Are you saying the 1500 won’t hold up on top of the 100, or it will look weird or? Also, might want to check the question from 6/11/2019, person from Nebraska says they started with 100, and if Nebraska changes it’s VOC laws, would the 1500 suffice, and the reply on 6/12/2019 was go ahead, use the 1500 on top of 100. Obviously I don’t want to have the extra work if I don’t have to. Just trying to clarify, thank you.
For best results you should strip and brighten when switching. Stripping is not any harder than cleaning. Same exact process just removing the current stain so the new coating will fully soak in and give a uniform appears. On another note, the colors in the 1500 are not the same as the 100.
I have a pool deck that seems to need a yearly stain as the chlorine washes the big box stains off in one season. I have replace the decking 2 years ago and want to apply something that will last.
All deck stains will have to be done annually if pool chlorine gets on it. Nothing will be immune to the bleach fading out the stain.
Understood. Which TWP stain would be the best for this area? Looking for a recommendation.
Try the semi-solid: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
We are installing wester red cedar vertical grain siding and using the same for a deck as well. We want to retain the lightness of the wood and also preserve the warmth (not let it turn overly grey) but don’t want a red tone. Live in Bay Area. (CA) would you recommend twp100 or twp1500 and what shade?
You will have to use the TWP 1500 Series for CA. Any color will work, that is up to you. See here for some help with picking: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
I have used your 1500 product many times on treated wood deck. i am replacing my porch posts with western red cedar. I live in northeast so we get alot of rain and cold and snow. What product would you reccomend and which stain color will show natural color of the cedar the best? Thanks
See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Which product should I use for external windows in CA?
TWP 1500: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
I’ve had great success with TWP 1500 for staining a Redwood deck and fence here in Northern California. Now I’d like to stain an wooden outdoor dining table. I’m not sure of the wood type – possible eucalyptus. Would you recommend TWP 1500 for this purpose? I’ve seen TWP 300 advertised for furniture. What is the difference? Thank you.
After wait and prep you would want to use the TWP 1500, not the 300: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a Rainbow redwood playset that has already been stained in twp200. Should I do that again? Or move to 1500? It is about 5 years old and has been stained twice.
Stick with the same series.
Can I change from butternut brown to redwood stain color? Previous owner stained in butternut brown but it is redwood wood. Thanks!
You would need to strip and brighen the wood if you want to do this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Located in North Texas, TWP 1501 was applied our fence about 4 years ago. Before we stopped him, a worker applied TWP 1501 to an already stained section instead of a new section. It turned darker and is shiny. The stained section is on the side of the house that out of sight. What do you suggest? Will it hurt if we just leave it alone? Thanks.
It is fine. Redo when needed.
Can I mix TWP 100 Clear with TWP 1500 Clear?
It is not suggested.
Which product do you recommend for a redwood arbor in California – TWP 200 or 1500? It is a mix of heartwood and white sapwood.
TWP 1500.
wanting to protect cedar shingle siding accents that have minimal weathering, prepped with sodium percarbonate to remove mildew, brightened with oxalic acid and rinsed. Shingles restored to almost new appearance; not wanting to darken too much. Contemplating TWP 100 or Restore A Deck semi transparent waterborne, both in lightest tints. Probably 250 sq. ft., no previous coatings.
Honeytone is the lightest TWP tint and enhances similar to a clean wet look.
Okay this Is Wayne again & here are three pics of our log home. Feel it has never been coated with anything. Thanks
You have an old stain on it. Strip and brighten for prep while pressure washing: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
TWP 1500 after.
Just bought 12 yr log cabin, west of Knoxville,TN. I don’t know if it ever had any stain/treatment on it? Thinking I should use the TWP1500 series on it. Do I first pressure wash it, or I need to use any stripping agent..or any cleaner during pressure washing?
We would need to see pictures for help.