Best Way to Apply TWP 100 and 1500 Series Wood Decking Stains

It is best to first measure the wood surface of your staining project. Do not forget to include steps, railings and spindles if you are staining a deck and double the footage of a fence if staining both sides. On average TWP covers approximately 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon. The newer the wood the less stain it will take. Older wood is more porous and will absorb more stain.

Prior to applying any TWP stain be sure the surface is free of dirt, grime, mildew or any old coatings. Use a wood cleaner when no old failed coatings are present. If an old coating is to be removed use a wood stain stripper instead. Allow the wood to dry for 48 hours after cleaning.

The best way to apply TWP is with a brush, roller, stain pad, pump or airless sprayer. Be sure to mix the stain well prior to opening. Use protective gloves and safety glasses and cover any plants, landscaping, concrete or windows you do not want to get stain on. Apply a light coat on one or two boards at a time or in a small section. It is best to work from one end of a board to the other then move on to the next board. This will help reduce overlap marks.

If one coat soaks in fairly quickly a second coat may be applied. A second “wet on wet” coat should be applied within 30 minutes of the first coat. Be cautions of over applying TWP Stain. If excess puddles of wet stain remain after a reasonable amount of time and or not being absorbed do not allow the stain to dry. Wipe away the excess with a clean stain rag or back brush the stain to blend it in. Leaving excess stain on the surface to dry will result in an unappealing shiny finish.

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    Susan smith · 05/24/2019
    What if you notice spots you missed hours after application? Can you go back and apply stain to spots you missed?
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      TWP Stains · 05/25/2019
      You can but it will most likely not blend.
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    Stan · 07/28/2018
    Storing unused in 5 gal pail ok ?
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      TWP Stains · 07/29/2018
      Yes but needs to be stored in a temperature controlled room. Cannot freeze.
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    Steve · 06/16/2018
    How do I remove TWP from my vinyl siding?
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      TWP Stains · 06/16/2018
      Try a water-based graffiti remover from your local hardware store.
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    Lisa J · 05/16/2018
    How long does a new coat of stain need to dry? We purchased some stain and now I'm looking at the forecast to see what day would be best to apply it. Thanks!
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      TWP Stains · 05/16/2018
      After applying, about 12-24 hours before rain.
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    Kevin LaPorte · 10/28/2017
    Can I use a graco airless paint sprayer to apply 1500 stain. If so, what size tip should I use? What pressure should I run the sprayer at?
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      TWP Stains · 10/29/2017
      You can. Not sure on the pressure or that it matters. Tip should be a wide fan.
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    TWP Stains · 09/17/2017
    Estella Draheim:
    We applied one coat of TWP 1500 to our deck. Is a second coat needed? And should it be done this year or next? And after that how often should it be done?

    Do a light second coat if needed in the Spring. Every 2-3 years after that.
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    Estella Draheim · 09/16/2017
    We applied one coat of TWP 1500 to our deck. Is a second coat needed? And should it be done this year or next? And after that how often should it be done?
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    TWP Stains · 09/07/2017
    Mike Martin:
    What is the best application tool to use for the stain. Would a wagner sprayer be suitable?

    You can use a Wagner but you will need to back brush to ensure an even application.
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    Mike Martin · 09/07/2017
    What is the best application tool to use for the stain. Would a wagner sprayer be suitable?
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    TWP Stains · 08/07/2017
    Pam SF:
    Painter over applied TWP in some areas and it is shiny. It is day two now and still shiny and tacky. Can I still use mineral spirits to remove the excess?

    Yes. Saturate any oil rags in water and lay flat to dry outside.
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    Pam SF · 08/06/2017
    Painter over applied TWP in some areas and it is shiny. It is day two now and still shiny and tacky. Can I still use mineral spirits to remove the excess?
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    TWP Stains · 07/09/2017
    Larry Escaloni:
    I like the product, particularly its life. But the instructions provided do not indicate what is the best brush, pad or roller type compatible with the product. Polyurethane brushes hold more oil based stain in general. What do you recommend for easiest and best application??

    Stain pads and brushes. See here:
    https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
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    Larry Escaloni · 07/08/2017
    I like the product, particularly its life. But the instructions provided do not indicate what is the best brush, pad or roller type compatible with the product. Polyurethane brushes hold more oil based stain in general. What do you recommend for easiest and best application??
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    TWP Stains · 05/19/2017
    Eugene Kalley:
    Last September I put series 1500 pecan on a new cedar deck that was 4 months old. Now I would like to change colors to cedartone. Is this OK?

    You will need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing. After the prep you should be good.
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    Eugene Kalley · 05/19/2017
    Last September I put series 1500 pecan on a new cedar deck that was 4 months old. Now I would like to change colors to cedartone. Is this OK?
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    TWP Stains · 09/11/2016
    Thomas Jordan:
    We have applied one coat of TWP to our porch. The porch is covered but steps are exposed to the weather. Is there a product that we could top coat the TWP with in order to give the porch some "life"? I am disappointed in the way the product has turned out. There is no luster with TWP so I'm looking for something that will give the porch some vibrance

    TWP is a penetrating stain that soaks into the the wood without creating a sheen. It is not possible to add a "shiny" finish on top of the TWP. In addition, adding a shiny type product to any exterior horizontal wood is an extremely bad idea. Coatings like this will peel and you will have to heavy sand to remove.
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    Thomas Jordan · 09/11/2016
    Is there a top coat for TWP? There is no "life" in my porch after application of TWP. I would like to have something that would add some luster to the way my porch looks.
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    Thomas Jordan · 09/11/2016
    We have applied one coat of TWP to our porch. The porch is covered but steps are exposed to the weather. Is there a product that we could top coat the TWP with in order to give the porch some "life"? I am disappointed in the way the product has turned out. There is no luster with TWP so I'm looking for something that will give the porch some vibrance
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    TWP Stains · 04/24/2016
    Stephen M Pierce:
    What is the minimum temperature at which the 1500 stain can be applied. Currently in my area day time temps are in the 50s however at night it gets down into the low and mid 30's

    50 is the low for applying. Cannot freeze overnight.
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    Stephen M Pierce · 04/24/2016
    What is the minimum temperature at which the 1500 stain can be applied. Currently in my area day time temps are in the 50s however at night it gets down into the low and mid 30's