The TWP 2018 Spring/Summer Restoration Contest is closed!
Thanks to all the entered this year. There are some fabulous entries this year. After looking over all the entries we have decided on our winners for the year!
First Place
Nick Wolf (Page 3)
First Place = $500 + Weber Grill ($500 Value) + 5 Gallon Pail of TWP Stain
Second Place
Richard Lucci (Page 4)
Second Place = $250 + Yeti Roadie 20 Cooler ($250 Value) + 3 Gallons of TWP Stain
Third Place
Randy Johnson (Page 4)
Third Place = $100 + Eno Hammock ($100 Value) + 2 Gallons of TWP Stain
Sorry to all that did not win the prizes. We were extremely impressed with all the feedback and entries this year!
Do you think you will have completed the best TWP Wood Deck Restoration for Spring/Summer 2018?
Take some pride in your hard work and enter the TWP Stain Deck Restoration Contest for 2018!
TWP 2018 Contest Details
- All TWP and Prep products must be purchased first from this online retail site (TWPStain.com) between January 1st – July 4th, 2018.
- Deadline for entry is July 14th, 2018.
- The winner will be decided on July 21st by our team.
Contestant winners will receive
- First Place = $500 + Weber Grill ($500 Value) + 5 Gallon Pail of TWP Stain of your choice!
- Second Place = $250 + Yeti Roadie 20 Cooler ($250 Value) + 3 Gallons of TWP Stain of your choice!
- Third Place:= $100 + Eno Hammock ($100 Value) + 2 Gallons of TWP Stain of your choice!
*Total winnings will be $2000 in payouts and prizes.
How To Enter Contest
- Enter by July 14th, 2018.
- In the comment section below, post a short description of your deck/wood staining project, the products used to prep, and the TWP Series and Color used. Example of wood projects that can be entered: Decks, Fences, Wood Side Homes, Log Cabins, etc.
- Add 2 before prepping pictures of the wood that was restored (no more/less). You can still enter if you do not have the before pictures. Decks, wood fences, wood homes, etc are allowed.
- 2 after staining pictures must be included (no more/less).
- If having trouble uploading the pictures, please make your picture(s) size smaller (below 1 MB).
Any questions or issues posting, please ask in the comment area.
We look forward to all entries and wish everyone “Happy TWP Staining”!
*Disclaimer: All products must be purchased from TWPStain.com. The contest is not open to products purchased from other online dealers or from physical stores.
We have a 60′ x 50′ deck that runs in 3 tiers with a pool at the bottom most deck. And a 40′ long x 8′ wide deck above the main deck. The deck was built in 1987 with pressure treated lumber. It has been stained quite few times using different products but nothing lasted more than a year or 2 without looking like it needed redone. One did not even last a year (so much for the 7 year warranty). A few years ago we found TWP and coated our deck however it was over old water based (the stuff that did not even last a year). The TWP held up well considering we only power washed and stained over the old water based but – we got 3 good years. This year we went for it all. The first photo is the ugly deck – the pictures don’t look as bad as seeing in person. We used the TWP Restore a Deck followed by the Brightener. The results were fabulous!! All the old stain lifted up. The 2nd photo show the first 2 tiers washed and the pool deck was still needing stripped. After Restore a Deck our 31 year old deck actually looked new again. After 2 weekends of removing stain and power washing (BTW the Restore a Deck is AMAZING). We let it dry and finally this past weekend were able to find 4 good days in row to stain. We used the 1500 series in Redwood (we cannot get the 100 series in our area.) It look absolutely amazing. I cannot be more pleased. I am looking forward to not having to redo this deck for quite a few years! Hosting a party this weekend to show off our masterpiece! The third picture is our deck stained, and the last is the beautiful deck all ready for Summer. Thank you TWP!
I purchased this gazebo as a kit in the mid-1990s, and did some major maintenance about 12 years ago, including a new floor and skirt (not part of original kit). We remodeled the gazebo this spring, including the making over 100 replacement parts from scratch. The project also included the pier in the background in one of the “after” images. We used the beautiful Cedartone 101 on the gazebo and the pier in 2018, and on five decks and a cedar fence in 2017. The Cedartone 101 was so alluring that we stained the gazebo cap, too. On all of the projects, we employed TWP cleaners, brighteners, and application tools.
20 year old cedar deck. Had stained every 4-5 years then stopped about 6 years ago. Stripped old stain and replaced rotted pieces last year. Purchased TWP 1500 Series 5 Gallon Rustic 1516 and Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit .Cleaned and brightened one weekend and stained the next. Got it done just before the cottonwood invasion. Turned about beautiful, changed the whole look of our deck. Just want to make sure this is the way to enter the contest?
Although we didn’t think our 11-month-old deck needed cleaning, we used your cleaner and brightener. We were amazed at the difference that made. We then used TWP 100 Pecan stain. We absolutely love the color! The stain went on easily with excellent coverage.
John McCormick – Gibsonia Pa. – 6-15-2018
I powerwashed the deck and lightly sanded the new door. When the weather gave me the chance, I applied TWP Cedartone Natural that I bought online and you shipped May 7, 2018.
4th picture didn’t show up so i’ Reposting TWP cedartone on red crdat
Stained our 9 month old deck at our cabin using TWP 1500 cedar tone
We bought our cedar home 6 years ago. Our house is 18 years old. The last people stained it Expresso hiding the natural cedar beauty. A few years ago my husband built a new cedar deck to an addition of the previous cedar deck he built the year before. I didn’t know how to match the decks together. I came across restore a deck and it Worked! Then I stained that all in cedartone 100 series. Our house needed to be done. I tried countless stain strippers before we did our deck and nothing worked. I gave restore a deck which was the cheapest, environmental friendly, and most effective a try. It worked! We then stained our home with cedartone 100 series! I have literally stained everything with this! My fire pit cedar chairs, cedar bridge over our pond, our cedar floating dock, kids play house, our decks, and our home! Thanks for giving me hope, saving our pocket book, and now we have a much more beautiful home TWP!
I would like to add that we sprayed our 2800 square foot home with an airless sprayer to apply!
Cleaned and brightened Mahogany deck. Then applied TWP 1500 series color of black walnut.
I have two pine decks, the original was built with the house about 4 years ago and I used Gemini cleaner and brightener on it a year after it was built and stained it with TWP 100 Dark Walnut (and loved it!) Two years later we added a floating deck and after letting it age about 9 months I used the Gemini Cleaner and Brightener on both decks to prep for staining. I wanted to warm up the Dark Oak just a bit so I added 1 cup of the Pecan stain to each gallon of the Dark Oak and used this to re-stain the original deck and stain the stairs, railings and frame of the new deck ( realizing that the original deck would be darker having already been stained once). I then mixed 4 to 1 ratio of Dark Oak to Pecan to stain the center of the new deck with the hope of a bit of a contrast between the center of the deck and the frame. I am very pleased with the outcome! The depth of color on the original deck is a nice contrast to the oasis-like feel of the floating deck with its warm interior and darker frame, and the water beads up on both decks like a freshly waxed car! The transformation is beautiful and I feel like I have beautiful wood floors in an outdoor room! Love your products!!
Wrap around pressure-treated pine with lots of sun as well as Northern Michigan snowfall. I cleaned using the Gemini kit and pressure washer. I applied TWP 100 Series Cedar-tone after sufficient dry time. Application was done by hand using foam application pad… no spraying! The TWP provided exceptional penetration and blended well, especially on overlaps. I was very pleased with the finished results. Thanks again, TWP!
Brent Boerema
I was about to reseal my deck with a big box brand when I discovered TWP. The Cape Cod Gray caught my attention. The rest is history.
We prepped this deck with Restore A Deck Cleaner and Neutralized/Brightened with Restore A Deck Brightener. We then power washed the deck to remove all dirt, debris, and soil. After letting the deck dry out we came back and sanded all surfaces to reveal a fresh layer of wood. After sanding we applied the TWP Pecan and the results could not be better. We have been using TWP for the past 2 seasons and are always pleased with the results.
We re-stained our large deck this Spring with TWP Natural 1530, after switching to TWP 4-5 years ago. Our pressure treated pine deck is 25 years old and looks like new once again! First, the wood was cleaned well with a mixture of differing chemicals to remove the algae, mold and fungus that naturally accumulate over the years. After re-staining with TWP, the wood grain shows through nicely again, and the water that beads up after a rain proves how well the stain performs. We are very pleased with the results of using TWP stain.
I have a 16″ x 15′ Deck. Last year I had most of the decking boards replaced along with the stair treads and one rotten stringer. My deck sits in Georgia just south of Atlanta, with the scalding hot summers and damp winters leaving lots of mold and mildew behind. I used the Gemini cleaner and brightener then applied TWP 100 stain in redwood and added the bug juice (hope it works). This is my second time using TWP and am pleased with the results. I applied the stain with a roller on the rails and the TWP stain brush that I purchased with the stain order. A great item that I would definitely recommend for any DIY’ers.
Before and after pictures of my deck project. The deck had been painted by the previous owner, and was peeling everywhere. I sanded the deck down, the second before picture, then used TWP 1520 pecan.
-Matt Monaghan
Not sure why but only one of my after staining pictures posted here you go thank you for such a great product!
I used one gallon of TWP Total Wood Preservative, Cedar on a carving project we have in our front yard. Bear was carved, charred then finished with the TWP and it looks amazing!
Very cool!
I’m half way done staining a 14-year-old Cedar fence. Power washed and let dry then used TWP100. Before and after shown and this is after one full South Dakota Winter! Great product!
Almost forgot! The deck is stained with TWP 1500 in Natural 1530.
Refinished the deck on our pool this spring. Used the Gemini Cleaner first, followed by the Brightener. In the photos, the left side of the upper deck was cleaned and the right side was how it looked before I started. This deck had TWP on it that was 5 years old. The boards still look great!
I prepped my deck with Gemini cleaner and brightener. I then applied TWP 100 in cedar tone, 2 coats wet on wet.
Location: Elizabeth, Colorado:This multi-level deck is a total of about 650 square feet. It was in very rough shape as you can see by the before photo. I sanded the entire deck with 40 grit belt sander paper, then followed up with a 60 grit random orbit. The color that was applied was the rustic oak. Very pleased with the results. The water is on the deck because these photos were taken after a recent rain
I started this deck project late last summer, unfortunatley I was diagnosed with cancer and had to put it on hold. I got started back on it early this spring and have plans on adding black plastic lattice to complete the skirting.My home is located on a corner lot as you enter our subdivission and everyone stops and admires the deck, they love the design and stain choice. I tell them about your site and the great reviews on your products. The decking is 5/4 southern pine and railings are 3/4 black aluminum. After cleaning with the Restore-A-Deck kit I used the TWP 100 (Rustic). In between chemo and radiation treatments it has taking me awhile to get this far with it, but I was determined to get this completed for my wonderful wife of 34 years. In my opinion TWP is a superior penatrating stain and there is no need to look elsewhere, this is the best stain.
My last picture did not post! Here it is!
We have a board fence around our log home on our beef cattle ranch. As our painter suggested 10 years ago when we built, we use Jomax House Cleaner/Mildew Killer mixed with bleach and water according to the directions to clean the boards. Then clear water rinse and let dry thoroughly before staining. We used TWP Cedartone 101. Our painter also uses this color on all the boards and porch railings around our home. We were able to touch up the porch/carport railings, too, and used 20 gallons of stain this year.
After much research I decided on TWP products. Last year I used Restore-A-Deck Kit and one coat of TWP 100 Series Honeytone 115 (should have done 2 coats wet-on-wet but didn’t have time). This year I again used the same products only I did 2 coats wet-on-wet. Very glad I went with this product.
I have used TWP on my multi level deck every other year for 17 years. People can’t beleive the deck is 17 1/2 years old. TWP is the Only product I will ever use on my favorite place in the world.
My husband and I bought our camp June 2017. We both put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears turning our ugly duckling into what we now call our “Little Piece of Heaven” on the Alabama River. The camp was completely renovated along with adding an addition turning a small 600 sf camp into 1000 sf. We also added over 800 sf of front and back porch. The shed was moved to allow better access to the water. The water access was achieved with 50 ft of stairs, a dock was also built for our boat. For the true camp feeling log-siding was placed on the camp and the shed. TWP “HONEY” stain was used on the camp, porches, v-groove ceilings, stairs, shed, and dock. TWP was easy to apply and has made our camp look great.
Thank you TWP!
Here are pictures of 3 out of 5 of my 35 year old decks. Over the years I’ve tried every “NEW’ deck coating to no avail. Frustrated I spent hours with a floor sander and 20 grit paper to strip them to bare wood. Using the Gemini restorer/stripper and the step 2 conditioner the wood came back to life and I covered them with TWP 1500 Honeytone, they look great and the rain beads up like you wouldn’t believe. No water penetration here! The hardest part was banging down all the nail heads…yes, nail heads, the decks were built before deck screws. Thank you for a great product.
I used the Gemini Cleaner& Brightener and My Wife chose the Pecan color We Are very pleased with the results, and we will recommend TWP Stain whenever we here of someone planning to stain anything outdoors!
My TWP testimonial goes something like this . I have been a home owner for 26 years , not the same home . I have owned a total of 5 homes . My first home was on Whidbey Island I has a massive wooden deck . Every yeanr I would have to strip and re stain , hated it it was so much work . After 8 years we decided to build in Anacortes Washington . One of the few things I would not waiver on was we needed a trex decking and glass railing cause I was so tired of doing the work on the deck every year . We sold that home after 8 years moved to Hawaii ( husband is military) no deck at that house . In 2008 we were relocated to San Antonio purchased a home and uggg another wood deck . Spent 6 years annually restraining / cleaning that deck . Sold that home and in 2014 purchased our retirement home on Pensacola beach . I did NOT want to spend every year redoing this deck so I did some research deciding there has to be something better than what I was getting at Lowes and Home Depot . I found TWP. This home being on the beach is put to the test. the decks , when we moved in were in rough shape so bad the back deck I was thinking I would get maybe another year out of the boards . I purchased 5 gallons of each Cape cod grey and Pecan . Cleaned as per your instructions with the cleaner recommended after pressure washing. I mixed 3 parts cape cod grey with 1 part pecan ( was looking for more grey than the blue in the Cape cod. With the extra pecan did furniture outdoors ) The deck turned out beautiful!!! Nice soft grey ! and lasted 4 years !!!! ON THE BEACH lasted 4 years . This past spring I did the cleaning and some of the old TWP came off did the cleaner and applied new coat of the same mix . Looks wonderful and best part the timber boards on the back deck are in no worse shape than when we moved in so the stain has preserved them, have not had to replace them yet . I love it !!! And tell everyone don’t use anything on your deck but TWP . My son just bought his first house and guess what he will be using TWP! The best ever. I am a military wife therefore this always lands on my list cause seems like husband is always gone. I am having trouble downloading a photo ? HELP
Question I’m in the process of a major project. I’m completely stripping my 2800 square foot cedar home and my huge deck. Only 2 photos will not show the project. Can I place more? Thanks in advance
Just two before and two after pictures to follow the rules and be fair to all.
So basically I can’t do one of front and one of the back of the house, just pick one side?
2 before and 2 after. Does not matter which side(s) you do. One of each is fine.
A new cedar fence was installed on the school’s playground at Family of Christ Lutheran Church. We wanted to make sure it remained beautiful so volunteers used over 15 gallons of the TWP 1500 Honeytone stain and it looks absolutely beautiful.
My beautiful cedar deck became grey after letting it dry for a couple years. After a good sanding and TWP 100 series in pecan it is now more beautiful than ever! Thanks TWP for such a great product.
This is my second time using TWP 100 Cedar tone on my 8 year old deck. The first time was 3 years ago. I think I could have got another year before re-staining. I was very happy with the products. I learned a lot from your website and products.
I used the restore kit. Applied the cleaner then the deck brightener . I think most people skip the brightener step and what a difference it makes.I did the prep on May 5 at my weekend cabin. waited for the next weekend trip to apply stain. well the weather man was not on his game. It rained a few days before so when I got there I checked the moisture with a gauge and it was high. Saturday was a nice bright sunny day (weatherman was wrong he said rain) but the moisture was still a little high.
Sunday was another bad call by the weatherman ( He said rain it was bright and sunny and around noon I checked the moisture again and it was good to go. I got two coats on Wet on wet.
I blew the deck off with a leaf blower but a fan on the one wet spot where the table was.
I started on the handrail spraying with a garden sprayer then working into the hard to reach areas with a paint brush in one hand and a hotdog roller in the other.
When it came to the deck I applied the stain with a garden sprayer , worked it around with a stain sponge with a champhered edge to work into the edge of the 5/4 decking then rolled it with a paint roller to pick up any excess from puddling. The deck looks GREAT. I am sure I will get three or four more seasons before the Wisconsin winters do their thing. I will be sure to use and recommend TWP products to all the people who give me compliments on how my deck looks
Bernie
We had a 20 year old deck that I expanded one year ago (summer 2017) with sections on both sides, changed the stairs, added a pergola and privacy screening, and added a wooden landing and sidewalk that connects the existing gazebo to the deck. I power washed the deck followed by using the Gemini Restore A Deck kit. I then applied TWP 1500 stain, redwood color using a brush. I was concerned that the new and old wood be different shades, but this turned out excellent. This year, May 2018, I lightly cleaned the deck and brushed on a new coat of TWP 1500 Redwood, using almost 5 gallons. It looks great and definitely repels the rain. We use the deck constantly and are very pleased
Excellent job!
We decided to apply a TWP maintenance coat on our 15 yr old deck this year, which is 15’ x 25’. This is the 2nd time using TWP stain and the end result is just as beautiful as 2 years ago. We used the Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit which includes enough cleaner and brightener for an even larger space. As suggested, we used a pump sprayer and power washer to apply/wash off the cleaner. Applying the brightener and using a garden hose to wash that off certainly made the wood look nearly new. We applied the TWP 1500 Series (California Redwood 1511) using the wet-on-wet technique using a stain pad and a stain brush (for in between the boards). The color is just gorgeous, which is a very natural looking reddish tone. One of the pictures shows the after-prepped boards against the freshly stained wood. It has since cured for 48 full hours to a great finish (not tacky or shiny).
Our deck wood on our wrap around porch was not looking good! It was new in 2014 and already looking worn. I researched extensively and read literally hundreds of reviews before settling on TWP brand. This was a big project and we wanted it to last! Hopefully the expected longevity will make us as happy as the initial result makes us. I applied the restore and brighten two step process first over the entire area (including underside of decking) over a period of two weekends (used a garden sprayer). Then my husband and I (with the help of my awesome sister) applied two coats using the wet on wet method of TWP 100 Pecan to all visible areas—20 gallons total! We used a combination of power sprayer, brushes and occasionally pads. We are very happy with the color and appearance. It was hard work though! But in the end, we know it is done right with a quality product! Next year, I plan to do the open grill deck and stairs again but hopefully will not have to apply maintenance to the covered portions for several years.
Great restoration job on this covered porch and deck!
Any way you would consider extending contest through August? Where i am at i will need the whole summer months to age the wood before staining.
Sorry but no. July 14th, 2 months from now is the deadline.
My husband and I built this fence 2017 from pressure treated posts and cedar pickets. As recommended, we waited to finish the newly built fence. This year he researched the best product to use for the fence, and after all the research of all products, he decided the very best product was TWP. He pressure washed the fence prior to staining; stain was applied with pump-up sprayer with back brushing. TWP was easy to apply and it turned out great. We are pleased.
Refinished a 20 year old deck which had red, grey, and brown paint traces with additional clear finishes. We had to pressure wash the deck like crazy to get a good clean surface. Used your two step Restore-a-Deck which produced fantastic results. We had to pressure wash the deck a couple of times to get the stripper out of the cracks in the old wood. Your TWP 1500 Neutral deck stain was used and applied with a roller and Wooster brush, which is fantastic. The old deck really sucked up the first coat of stain, but, your stain calculator estimates were right on. We have a two layer deck and my wife is so happy with the results she made me move my tomato plants to the lower deck and purchased new plants for the upper deck. Your product and on-line information was great and we are very happy with out deck at this time.
Hi, Iam restoring a dock for fresh water, does this qualify to be entered in the contest?
Yes, it does.
Location: Dallas TX. Project: New decorative fence using clear American western red cedar. Completed project and let the wood age and dry per instruction on the website. Completed a brief clean up of the fence per clean up instructions then stained with two coats (2) of TWP 100 RUSTIC. Have had three calls from neighbors complimenting the fence and asking for more information plus numerous “lookie lou’s” drive by, stop and stare as they pass by the house. Thank-you TWPstain.com for all the information on your web site that made the project research and implementation much easier than I expected! Awesome site and community.
Hi Chris, Thanks for entering and a great job!
The TWP 100 redwood stain transformed our plain cedar fence into quite the eye-popper! Just a Wooster brush and 2 weekends of staining has made our fence the subject of quite a few compliments from passers-by. Since it was a new cedar fence, we didn’t have to do any prep, other than a quick pressure-washing. After that, the wood was ready to soak in all the redwood goodness!
Great job with the staining!
After photos! Love the stain!!
After photos
Hi, please try again with the after photos as they did not post.
Power washed 13 year- old fence, let dry for a few weeks, used garden sprayer for the application of TWP 101cedartine product producing amazing results! Fence look new again!
We treated this deck with TWP 101 Cedartone Natural. It is our “go to” product.
Please post some pictures!