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”.
I have a pine spool top for an outdoor table. It is seasoned and previous painted with a minwax water based solid and a water based Thompsons fence stain over all. I am going to lightly sand and didn’t want to redo the star if I don’t have to. Will the 100 series dry or seal over the solid? Better recommendations?
No, you cannot use a penetrating stain like TWP over a solid stain.
Located in VT – looking to stain this rough pine shed. Somehow my store has 100 and 1500. We would like the stain to be somewhag close to the second photo. We understand results vary widely, but are considering 1516 rustic. Any recommendations?
I’m looking to stain my newly installed deck in Austin, TX. It gets a lot of sun exposure with hot humid summers. Do you recommend 100 or 1500 for TX climate?
See here about new wood first: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the 100 Series after weathering and prep.
Thank you!
I’m in metro Atlanta and need to stain a PT pine fence that is around 5 months old. We want to do the pecan color. Which is a better choice for a pine fence? The 100 or 1500 series? Thank you.
Either would work equally the same for a fence in GA.
My deck was stained with 100 series, but it is time to be done again. Is 100 series still available in Michigan?
No, you will need to switch to the 1500 Series. Make sure to prep first.
Hello! I have a 5 yr old cedar deck which, until recently had a pretty ugly “transparent” stain and sealer from Valspar. After much work, that has been removed (RAD stripper and brighterner, powerwashing, and sanding for tough spots). Now I want to shift to an oil based option, and have heard great things about TWP.
I am located in Ohio – can I get the 100 series or just 1500? I want to highlight the natural wood grain and color, but wanting to stay away from something too red/orange. I am consider cedartone or pecan. Any advice on color? Also, the deck is about 200 sq ft (plus railings and two short sets of 4 stairs). Any advice on how many gallons I will need?
Finally, how quickly would I be able to receive stain once ordered? Appreciate any advice!
TWP 1500 Series for Ohio. Best to test samples as colors vary based on the wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/1500-series-stain-samples
Coverage: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-deck-stain-calculator
I have a little bit of leftover 100 series cedar tone from last year. Is it OK to mix that in with 1500 series cedar tone to restain a deck this year? It would be about 10:1 new-to-old ratio. Would prefer not to waste the remainder of the 100 series can and figured mixing it in would assure no color difference.
No, you should not mix that with a different series plus it may have gone bad if opened.
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?
For CA, use the 1500 Series, it is oil based. You MUST choose a tinted TWP color for UV protection and that will darken it based on the color you choose. Test samples: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
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?
Use the TWP 1500 Series or the Semi-solid colors. Either will work very well.
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?
Is the wood new or older? Prep is key first.
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.
Use this for prep and you will be good to stain with either as long as same or darker color:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
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?
The best would be our semi-solids.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
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!
Clean and recoat as needed. Just as easy to maintain.
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?
The TWP semi-solid is penetrating so it does not peel. Strip and brighten for prep to remove the current stain.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
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.
Stick with the 1500 Series.
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?
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?
You over-applied. See tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
How long do you wait in between coats of TWP1500?
See here: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
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
You would strip for best results but stripping is just as easy as cleaning, just removes the prior coating.
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?
The longest is the Semi-solid colors. Maintenance is the same for all three.
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,
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.
It is necessary to test samples if you want to know what it will look like on your wood as the age of the wood is only one part. Different wood types, prepping of the wood, porosity of the wood, and application have a bearing on the final color.
Also, different screen resolutions can have an impact.
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.
No, you should strip and brighten for prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
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!!
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.
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.)
Both the 100 and 1500 series are full curing stains so there is no runoff.
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?
You need the TWP 1500 Series for IL.
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?
Use the same series and color.
Hey guys. Love your products. Was curious if BOTH the 100 series and the 1500 series are both oil based?
Yes, they are.
I live in North Carolina and have a 40′ fence in a partially shaded area. Do you recommend the TWP 100 or 1500 series?
Either series will work well for NC on a fence.
Will TWP1500 cedartone cover up a spot like this?
No.
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.
48 hours and do not sand finer than 60-80 grit.
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!
Can you post a pic of finished project please? Would love to see the two tone deck
Turned out great, Maria!
Yes it is beautiful thanks for the pics you did a great job
A different view of the Two tone
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?
Post pics for prep advice.
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?
Use the TWP 100 Series.
Hi, I live in Michigan. Which series should I use for my deck at covered porch? Also my porch is 26 ft long and 10 ft width, making it 260 sq. ft total. The porch is facing west, so quite a lot sunshine in summer, while heavy snow in winter.
Do I have to use 2 coat? I am scared at wet on wet – I could mess it as I don’t know how to do it without stepping on the wet.
Finally, can I use roller to apply the stain? Thank you!
Most use the TWP 100 Series in MI. Two coats wet on wet unless new wood. You can step on the first coat. https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Do not use a roller. Stain pads or brushes: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
Thank you! I think 2 gallons of honeytone will be sufficient? My deck is only 260 sq. ft. And 2nd coat will consume smaller amount, right?
As to the stain pads, is it disposable? Do I need to use multiple pads?
Also for the Stripper/brightener kit, can I use it next year after this time?
Do I need to sand it after stripping?
Thank you!
Here are my deck pictures. it seems smooth surface. The stain that former homeowner used was SW SuperDeck Oil-based transparent cedar Tone Natural. I was told to use TWP Honeytone now.
2-3 gallons for two coats. Pads are disposable. One pad should work. No need to sand after stripping.
Hi, I have a 20 year old approx 1600 sq ft deck, it has wear and cracks in it, some will need replaced. I think I would like to change color to a medium gray if it will cover after stripping off the remaining old stain. I live in Tennessee, which of your products will cover the old deck and preserve it the best?
It looks like maybe the pro series iif so is it back in stocks, if not when will it be in stocks. Thanks
The TWP Semi-solid will be back in stock for 5-gallon pails this week.
TWP Semi-solid: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
I live in 30 minutes North of Atlanta, Georgia. I have a very large deck that was installed back in October of 2021, so it’s about to be a year old. There has been no products applied to it since it was installed. During the summer it gets full sun. What kind of prep do I need to do on the deck prior to using TWP and what series TWP should I use 100 or 1500?
Thanks!
Prep with this. https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-restore-a-deck-kit-detail
Use the 100 series.
Can the 1500 series be combined with the 100 series stain?
It cannot.
We applied the 1500 series to our 20 yr old pressure treated deck in June 2021 in NY. 2 coats wet on wet. Went on great and still looks good but could use a refresh. What prep should we do? Should we use the Gemini 2 step cleaner/brightener again? 2 more coats wet on wet? Thanks!
Yes, that is correct. Gemini Kit for prep and then recoat.
Ellen, I realize this post is old, but what color did you use? I love it!
I live in coastal RI and have a 600 sq ft mahogany deck. Last year I completely sanded it and used Behr 500N. Looked great for a few months then started to peel. Which of your products should I replace it with. I will first strip the surface with Behr 64 per their recommendation. Behr suggested not using their product on hard wood like mahogany.
Nick
You will need to strip and or sand to remove the Behr before using the TWP. For RI, you will need the TWP 1500 Series.
thank you, I will give your advice a try
Hello, about a month ago, I stripped off all the prior stain on my deck and followed up with a cleaner/brightener, I need to give it a sanding due to raised fibers, but I’m wondering if I need to clean/brighten it again after sanding- or if it can just be rinsed and allowed to dry prior to a new application of this stain? I live in Oregon, would the 100 series be best? I’m looking for a stain that will NOT peel and simply fade so it can be recoated as needed in future years without stripping. Thank you!
We would lightly redo the prep since it has been a month. Use the TWP 100 Series after the prep is done.
Thank you!
Which product (100 or 1500) is better for rough-cut douglas-fir posts and beams in a relatively sunny dry climate (6000 ft pinyon juniper woodland in east central Arizona)?
1500 Series.
We have a 5 year old cedar deck in rainy Washington state. What would you recommend we use after stripping? We’ve been frustrated with peeling every year with Behr products.
Use the TWP 100 Series after prep to remove all prior coatings.
What is the difference between a semi solid and a semi transparent stain? Will the semisolid have more openness than a semi transparent and therefore hold down splitters and cover better in the semi transparent?
The difference is opacity with the semi solid showing less grain of the wood. Both are penetrating stains so neither will hold down splinters.
Does your square footage calculator assume customers will apply two coats or should I buy double for two coats?
Hi,
After you plug in your numbers, the results will explain this.
Looking to reseal a 20 year old treated deck in northwest PA. Which product is best?
The TWP 1500 Sereis for this deck in PA: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
What is the best semi transparent stain for sheds in TN?
Either the 100 or 1500 Series would work equally well for this.
In looking at the colors in the 100 series when applied is Cedartown or pecan darker? What is the biggest difference between the 2 colors? Also,is the stripper brightener kit needed if the building have been pressure washed? Does this help the stain stain on longer ?
Pecan is a little more brown than the Cedartone. As for prep, we would need to see pictures.
Here in Southern California- completely stripped and sanded Redwood picnic table/benches- want a light to medium tone yellow/gold/light brown color and leaning towards 1500 cedar tone. Will this be dark on redwood ? Scared. I have the twp dark oak stain and that is NOT even close to the color I want on this table.
Looks at Honeytone or Pecan colors.
Looking to strip and stain a utility trailer floor in Kansas, should Iuse 100 or 1,500? Other than legality issues with 100, what are the differences?
Use the TWP 100 Series for KS. Difference is VOC Content.
Would you recommend 100 or 1500 series for cypress beams on front and back porch in south louisiana?
1500 Series.
I am installing klin dried cypress planks, rough side down, on my front and side porch ceilings! These are not tongue and groove! Which series should I use 100 or 1500? Want it to look similar to cypress plank ceiling below with a clear stain done 3 years ago on a friends house.
Which series to use depends on where you live?
I live in Georgia
Use the 100 Series.
I’m looking for a product to seal three things: a cedar post on my porch, the tongue and groove porch ceiling and a treated pine landing.
Use the TWP 100 or 1500 Series. The difference on which to use is based on where you live.
I live in central Arkansas
You can use either series for your state. They work equally well.
I live in central Florida with lots of rain and sun. Have 3 year old cedar fence that was coated with Thompson’s water seal at install. Looking to stain fence, what prep and stain is recommended?
Strip and brighten for prep and then stain with the TWP 100 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I live in MN with full southern exposure – hot in summer, cold in winter. Staining a cedar pergola this year and will build a fence that I will stain next year. Trying to decide between 100 and 1500. Does the 100 appear lighter/more transparent because it has a lower % of solids?
Appearance is the same between the 100 and 1500. See here about new wood:https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We have a 5 year old red cedar deck at a seasonal lake house in Maine. Original staining was done when wood was likely too green and it was late Fall. Used Sikkens SRD. It peeled within a year and we cleaned, sanded, and restained the next year. It just got worse as the layers didn’t take and as you can see everything discolored except what was protected from the weather. We plan to flip the boards (we’ve tested, they come up nicely and look nice underneath), plane 1/16″ off of them and effectively start over. Does this make sense and what product would you recommend? Mixture of sun and shade. Thanks.
After you flip them, weather for 3-4 months and then Gemini Kit for prep. Use the TWP 1500 Series for the stain.
We stripped the old stain and sanded. Do we need to do any additional cleaning steps before applying the twp 100? 10yr old cedar deck in Michigan.
Brighten the wood and then stain.