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”.

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    Lilian · 09/12/2022
    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!
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      TWP Stains · 09/12/2022
      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
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        Lilian · 09/12/2022
        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. 
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          TWP Stains · 09/12/2022
          2-3 gallons for two coats. Pads are disposable. One pad should work. No need to sand after stripping.
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    Tim Fugate · 09/12/2022
    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?
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    Shane · 09/06/2022
    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!
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    Larry Haan · 09/03/2022
    Can the 1500 series be combined with the 100 series stain?
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    Ellen · 08/06/2022
    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! 
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      Victoria · 06/05/2023
      Ellen, I realize this post is old, but what color did you use? I love it!
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      TWP Stains · 08/07/2022
      Yes, that is correct. Gemini Kit for prep and then recoat.
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    Nick Del Greco · 07/19/2022
    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 
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      TWP Stains · 07/19/2022
      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.
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    Lesley · 06/19/2022
    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!
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      TWP Stains · 06/20/2022
      We would lightly redo the prep since it has been a month. Use the TWP 100 Series after the prep is done.
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    Jay · 06/12/2022
    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)?
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    Becky · 05/25/2022
    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.
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      TWP Stains · 05/25/2022
      Use the TWP 100 Series after prep to remove all prior coatings.
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    Phil Edwards · 05/17/2022
    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?
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      TWP Stains · 05/17/2022
      The difference is opacity with the semi solid showing less grain of the wood. Both are penetrating stains so neither will hold down splinters. 
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    Chelsea · 05/06/2022
    Does your square footage calculator assume customers will apply two coats or should I buy double for two coats? 
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      TWP Stains · 05/06/2022
      Hi,

      After you plug in your numbers, the results will explain this.
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    sami · 04/22/2022
    Looking to reseal a 20 year old treated deck in northwest PA.  Which product is best?
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    Kris · 04/11/2022
    What is the best semi transparent stain for sheds in TN? 
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      TWP Stains · 04/11/2022
      Either the 100 or 1500 Series would work equally well for this.
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        Kris · 04/14/2022
        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 ? 
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          TWP Stains · 04/15/2022
          Pecan is a little more brown than the Cedartone. As for prep, we would need to see pictures.
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    pat · 03/25/2022
    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.  
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      TWP Stains · 03/25/2022
      Looks at Honeytone or Pecan colors.
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    Dalton · 03/22/2022
    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?
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      TWP Stains · 03/23/2022
      Use the TWP 100 Series for KS. Difference is VOC Content.
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    Lexi · 03/22/2022
    Would you recommend 100 or 1500 series for cypress beams on front and back porch in south louisiana? 
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    Connie · 03/06/2022
    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. 
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    Richie · 11/28/2021
    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.
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      TWP Stains · 11/29/2021
      Use the TWP 100 or 1500 Series. The difference on which to use is based on where you live.
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        Richie · 11/29/2021
        I live in central Arkansas 
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          TWP Stains · 11/29/2021
          You can use either series for your state. They work equally well.
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    Will · 11/16/2021
    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?
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    SEAN C JERGENS · 10/20/2021
    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?
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