Which TWP Deck Stain is Best for You?

TWP offers several different stain formulas for superior wood protection. All are blended using the best in raw materials and remain the only EPA registered wood preservative. All TWP Series Stains offer maximum wood protection and enhanced beauty for a long lasting durable finish.

TWP 100 Series – The 100 Series formula is the original preservative and has remained a leading formula for over 25 years. It penetrates better over the 1500 Series and comes in 8 different color tones. It blocks out damaging UV rays keeping the wood from fading and has outstanding water shedding capabilities. It dries faster than the 1500 Series and has a faster absorption rate.

 TWP 100 does have a higher VOC level and cannot be shipped to some states (check availability). Where available, 100 Series is a great choice for any exterior wood project. It absorbs into wood extraordinarily well for maximum protection and gives a long lasting finish. It is not prone to mold or mildew. It is best used on wood decks, fences, siding, and hardwoods.

TWP 1500 Series – The 1500 Series Stain is a low VOC blend that is compliant in all 50 states and comes in 9 different tones. It is designed to outperform the former 500 Series blend and is also an EPA registered wood preservative. The TWP 1500 provides higher UV protection than the 100 Series.

The 1500 Series is user-friendly and easy to maintain. It enhances the wood’s beauty and prolongs the life of all exterior wood surfaces. The absorption rate is a bit slower than the 100 Series but dries in 4-12 hours on average. Both the 100 and 1500 Series Stains are 1-2 coat applications depending on the age and porosity of the wood. They are best applied using two light coats “wet on wet”.

Ask a Question or Post a Picture...
You are guest ( Sign Up ? )
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    AH · 09/09/2023
    California, so I think can only get 1500 (not 100).  Is that right?  

    Is that still an oil stain?  (I don't want anything like a paint that is going to peel like I have seen)

    Deck:
    North facing in "often-fog-overnight" Bay Area. 
    20+ years old, "construction #2" redwood planks, freshly sanded down and cleaned.  Maaaaybe oil stained, but that was more than 10 years ago if so. Planks in pretty good shape with a bit of rot on the edges.  

    10 x 20 ft.  

    Not trying to "color" the wood or make it darker or anything so much as give it some protection.  

    Color thoughts?  I was thinking "California Redwood" BUT just because of the name.  
    Other thoughts/recs? 
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Jeff · 09/02/2023
    Southern Minnesota. Aged pressure treated deck on north side of house. Maybe 20 years old. Not stained. Still in fairly good shape. Customer is wanting it stained. I've heard maybe TWP or Armstrong Clark. Also do they go semi-transparent or semi-solid?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 09/03/2023
      Use the TWP 1500 Series or the Semi-solid colors. Either will work very well.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Seth · 08/12/2023
    I am Shou Sugi Ban (ing) Western Red Cedar in Utah. I want to apply a finish to the wood, what product would you recommend? 
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 08/12/2023
      Is the wood new or older? Prep is key first.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Jay Sperry · 07/11/2023
    I don't remember whether I used 100 or 1500 when I stained my log siding. It needs a fresh coat now. Can you go over the old stain using the same product? And is there a way I can tell what I used previously? I don't want to strip because of the chinking.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Andrew · 07/06/2023
    Hello, I’m in Kansas City, large deck, East facing, uncovered, full sun most of the day. Wood is old and cracked/grooves in a lot of places. Have stripped it, and sanded afterwards with 60 grit. Would 1500 or 100 be better for me? Seems like I would want the 1500 for UV protection but sounds like the 100 might be better for more porous/older wood? 
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 07/06/2023
      The best would be our semi-solids.
      https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Andrew · 07/06/2023
        Thank you, I hadn’t even considered semi solid. Wanting to go for a lighter color than the nasty gray chipping/peeling whatever it was product the previous homeowner had on there. So I guess my question is does the semi solid require stripping or sanding before future reapplications? What appealed to me about the oil based semi transparent was the ease of future maintenance. Appreciate your help!
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          TWP Stains · 07/06/2023
          Clean and recoat as needed. Just as easy to maintain.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Chris · 06/05/2023
    I’m interested in the Semi Solid.  I have the 100 series on but need to recoat.  I have seen friends who use semisolid and it is awful. It peels after a year.  Possibly they use solid?  Does the semisolid peel? Can you put it over the 100?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Stacey · 05/13/2023
    After many years of using Cedartone 101, I’m having a difficult time finding the product in Vermont. I’ve cleaned and brightened the porch and was wondering if I could use the 1501 Cedartone this year, then switch back to the 100 series.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/14/2023
      Stick with the 1500 Series.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Stacey · 05/15/2023
        As suggested, we changed over to Cedartone 1501 after cleaning and brightening from previous Cedartone 101. We have a wet, shiny mess on the stained cedar boards (and wiping off excess) after 24 hours. What did we do wrong? What to do now?
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Stacey · 05/15/2023
        As suggested, we changed over to Cedartone 1501 after cleaning and brightening from previous Cedartone 101. We have a wet, shiny mess on the stained cedar boards (and wiping off excess) after 24 hours. What did we do wrong? What to do now?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Jerry · 05/05/2023
    How long do you wait in between coats of TWP1500?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    JB · 05/03/2023
    We live in middle Georgia and have a new boat dock that is a year old and needs to be stained for the first time.

    Earlier questions posed here have responses recommending using 100 series instead of 1500 and current Georgia VOC laws still allow it.

    If I use 100 series now and Georgia VOC laws change (like many states) in a few years so I can no longer purchase it, would I have to strip the 100 to use 1500 for re-staining or can I use 1500 on top of 100?

    Thanks!

    JB
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/03/2023
      You would strip for best results but stripping is just as easy as cleaning, just removes the prior coating.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Mike · 05/02/2023
    I’m putting up new, rough sawn pine board and batten siding.  Which would be the longest lasting and easiest to maintain?   100, 1500 or Semi Solid Pro series?  
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/02/2023
      The longest is the Semi-solid colors. Maintenance is the same for all three.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Mike · 05/03/2023
        Thank you, 
        How does the 200 fit into your mix of products?  It looks like it is a very high solids product.  Good for pine siding?    Is there a 200 color that closely matches 1520- Pecan?  Thanks again, 
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          TWP Stains · 05/04/2023
          It is semi-transparent and is designed for shakes and shingles. You can use it on pine siding. There is not a color close to Pecan.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Mark · 04/23/2023
    Cedar fence stained with 1500 series. Now want to try the 100 series. Can the 100 series be applied over the 1500 after proper full prep with Gemini restore a deck cleaning kit? Been a few year since original stain. 
    • Reply
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Chad · 04/17/2023
    I live in northwestern Wisconsin.  Considering 100 vs.1500 for new (properly weathered) cedar deck and fence. South facing.  Heavy sun + snow in winter.  Is the only difference between the two products the lower VOC?  If you can use 100, you should?  Thanks for all the info!!
    • Reply
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 04/18/2023
      The main difference is the VOC. They will both last the same on a deck. You might have a little better UV protection on your fence with the 1500.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Dan · 04/07/2023
    Plaza Redesign in Uptown Charlotte, NC - After asking previously, you all recommended the TWP 100 Series for our new black locust decking. The decking supplier recently brought up concerns about its toxicity and potential for water runoff contamination of tree root space below it (16" trunk, 40' tall Lacebark Elm was just installed). Is this a credible concern, or is the stain pretty much stable after it dries? Would the TWP 1500 Series be less of a concern for tree health? I'm not sure how well it will penetrate the wood versus the 100 Series. (We tested samples of your 100 Series with good success.)
    • Reply
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 04/07/2023
      Both the 100 and 1500 series are full curing stains so there is no runoff. 
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Chris · 01/18/2023
    West suburb of Chicago area - Redoing the exterior of my home, and am incorporating some Rough-Sawn Western Red Cedar into the front facade trimwork to create faux large-timber beams at the corners and gables.  Will also be using rough cedar for a post wrap, and a trellis over the garage (all vertical applications).  Southern Facing on a semi-wooded lot, mid morning to mid afternoon direct sun exposure (partial to full sun).  Looking to pre-stain before I put it up. 100 or 1500?
    • Reply
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 01/18/2023
      You need the TWP 1500 Series for IL. 
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Lisa · 12/08/2022
    Oops let me rephrase my last question.  i used the 100 series for my new deck 2 years ago.  Pecan tone.  I'm in super hot summered TX.  Should I use the 100 series or the 1500 to restain after my power washing?  Boards are in good shape...  =). Only 2 years.  AND ALSO, I don't think i've seen a "semi-solid'?   Is that the one that looks more like a paint?   Can you see at least some wood grain or is it barely any?
    • Reply
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 12/08/2022
      Use the same series and color.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Lisa · 12/08/2022
    Hey guys.  Love your products.  Was curious if BOTH the 100 series and the 1500 series are both oil based?  
    • Reply
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Tyler · 10/27/2022
    I live in North Carolina and have a 40' fence in a partially shaded area. Do you recommend the TWP 100 or 1500 series?
    • Reply
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 10/27/2022
      Either series will work well for NC on a fence.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Will · 09/24/2022
    Will TWP1500 cedartone cover up a spot like this?
    • Reply
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Shane · 09/21/2022
    We have purchased TWP 100 on your suggestion in comments below (both Pecan & Dark - going for a 2 time deck). We live in North Georgia & our deck is almost 1 year old and untouched since installed. Because of some cupped boards, sharp edges & splinters, we wanted to sand the floor decking and hand rails to smooth. We are now about to do a light wash clean & brighten, how long should we wait after the sand & wash to start staining. Before sand & after sand pictures for references. 
    • Reply
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Maria · 04/20/2023
      Can you post a pic of finished project please? Would love to see the two tone deck 
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Shane · 04/21/2023
        A different view of the Two tone 
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Shane · 04/20/2023
        Turned out great, Maria!
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Maria · 04/21/2023
          Yes it is beautiful thanks for the pics you did a great job 
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 09/22/2022
      48 hours and do not sand finer than 60-80 grit.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Shane · 09/22/2022
        We sanded w/ 40 grit on rough spots and finished with 80 grit on hand rails. We finished washing yesterday evening and it’s drying now. We have fans setup on the deck along the edge of house to help accelerate drying the deck in some spots the sun doesn’t hit. We had hoped to start staining tomorrow afternoon, which should be about 42-46 hour mark. Thank you! 
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Mike · 09/21/2022
    I live in North Georgia and have a 1 year old cedar deck that is 75% covered, approximately 25% gets full sun.  What is the prep and product I should use?
    • Reply
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 09/21/2022
      Post pics for prep advice. 
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Mike · 09/21/2022
        We have already pressure washed and cleaned the deck.  It is back to its original color and state. So at this point want to know what product you recommend for sealing it?