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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    Sebago Lizzy · 09/22/2021
    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.
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      TWP Stains · 09/23/2021
      After you flip them, weather for 3-4 months and then Gemini Kit for prep. Use the TWP 1500 Series for the stain.
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    CK · 09/21/2021
    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. 
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      TWP Stains · 09/22/2021
      Brighten the wood and then stain.
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    Steve · 09/13/2021
    Average cost per 5 gal can of series 100 vs series 1500?
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    CR · 08/23/2021
    I have a wood garage door that faces south and bakes.  It has faded and is peeling in places so I plan to strip and re-do from bare wood.  I live in a state that I can do either the 100 Series or the 1500 Series.  Should I go with the 1500 "California redwood" because of higher UV and lighter color OR the 1500 "Rustic" because of better absorption and maximum protection.  Which would give me a longer run between re-coats? Thanks for your help. 
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      TWP Stains · 08/23/2021
      The longest would be the semi-solid: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
      The 1500 and 100 will last the same.
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        CR · 08/24/2021
        Not sure I like the opague look to the Semi-Solid.  Could I try the 1500 and if it doesn't have the look I want then put the Semi Solid over the 1500? Or do I have to strip and brighten again?
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          TWP Stains · 08/24/2021
          You would have to remove the 1500 if you wanted to switch. It is easy to do.
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    Michelle · 08/21/2021
    We have a log home treated with Sikins 10 years ago. Want to refinish. Which product should we use?
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      TWP Stains · 08/22/2021
      You need to remove the Sikkens first and then use the TWP 1500 Series.
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        Michelle · 08/22/2021
        How do you remove an oil based stain? We would really like to change to your product. 
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          TWP Stains · 08/23/2021
          Please reply back with some pictures in the comments.
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    Betsy Webster · 08/20/2021
    Can’t find my initial post. Apologies if this is a repeat.
    I have multiple applications show in photos.*new untreated fence*old untreated fence *railroad ties I treated with 100 series last year that didn’t take very well*large deck treated with big box store semi-transparent years ago.
    My professional power wash guy reprimanded me for the semi-transparent saying it’s like paint and doesn’t protect. He recommended TWP. 
    I’ve been told stripping is a challenge for that paint type stain and can damage the wood. I’m willing to be patient with the color and texture difference of pressure washing and treating annually to eventually get more off.
    The front porch is cedar but the rest is pressure treated wood.
    I also have a back fence that I only partially replaced. The color difference on different sections not a huge deal, but if there’s any easy way to soften that, great.
    That’s a lot of product advice questions. Appreciate your help. I’ve been using Dark Oak and am in a state that would allow the 100 series.
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      TWP Stains · 08/20/2021
      You will have to sand off the old stain as it cannot be stripped. Once fully removed, use the TWP 100 series.
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    Betsy Webster · 08/20/2021
    I’m dealing with a variety of applications and need product assistance.
    I have portions that are cedar and portions that are pressure treated wood. I have new I stained fencing and old fencing.
    I also have some decking that was previously treated with a big box store semi-transparent. I’ve been getting it power washed hard core then treating with 100 series annually to get it to eventually strip more and more of the old stain. Using a stripper is such a chore and I’m afraid I’ll mess it up.
    Which product should I use for the different applications? (In MO, so 100 is an option.)
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    Debbie Pyles · 08/13/2021
    I live in Rolla, Mo I have a cedar deck. The humidity and sun exposure is brutal. What is the best stain the 100 or 1500 series? 
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      TWP Stains · 08/14/2021
      They both work equally well and you can use either for your deck in MO.
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    Jason Paulson · 08/10/2021
    Hi, I have a 2 year old cedar fence that's never been stained. I live in Minnesota and I want to protect the fence for beauty and longevity but would like some natural wood grain showing. Which product do you recommend, and what airless sprayer tip size do you recommend? 
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    Susan · 08/09/2021
    We are about to stain an exterior deck located off the coast of Louisiana.  High temps, humidity and salty air are rough!  This is a brand new deck / 6-8 months old / treated wood (a re-do after last years Hurricane Laura.)   We want to get this right.  Would you recommend the 100 series or 1500 series?  How long could we expect it to last?
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    Christine · 07/25/2021
    I live in southeastern Pennsylvania. I have a 30 year old pressure treated pine deck that has been power washed and cleaned. TWP was applied 7-10 years ago. Would TWP 1500 or 100 series be recommended? I plan to use Cedartone.Thank you.
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      TWP Stains · 07/25/2021
      You will need the TWP 1500 Series for PA.
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    Shayne Wesley · 07/20/2021
    Hello there, I have a small deck I'm redoing and was wondering your thoughts on it as far as which of the two products I should use. Michigan deck pry 10 years old, been power washed and needs a facelift. Thank you!!
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    Paul · 07/02/2021
    I have a 15 year old cedar deck which I power washed a few days ago and it looks great everything came off looks brand new do I need to do any prep before I stain with 100 series
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    Mike · 06/29/2021
    Hi, I have new white cedar decking on a boat dock in southern Vermont.  It has been out in the elements for over two months now and I am getting ready to order some TWP.  The local hardware store has the 1500 series for sale on the web site.  I would like the natural color.  I believe the part # is 1530 but they are saying that it is 1500-5. Are they the same? Also, would you recommend the 100 or 1500 series?  Thanks 
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    K. Green · 06/18/2021
    I have just installed cedar posts for a new construction home. I am interested in the TWP in pecan. Are there any differences in the colors for 100 series vs 1500 series? Also, which is the best choice for staining the cedar posts? Thanks in advance. :-)
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      TWP Stains · 06/18/2021
      The colors are not the same between series. Use the 1500 for the post.
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        Keycha · 06/29/2021
        Thank you! The lumber company kept telling me to go with the 100 series. I just wanted clarity. I appreciate it.
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    Roger · 06/12/2021
    Raleigh NC new pressure treated decking is 6-8months aged. Full sun most of day.  100 or 1500?  I see 1500 has higher UV resistance.  Also probably with poor guidance I used 200 at our old house so what’s the downside of that?  I was a bit slippery initially from the wax I assume.  Thanks. 
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      TWP Stains · 06/12/2021
      Use the TWP 100 Series. The 200 Series is designed for vertical shakes and shingles. While it can be used on a deck, the paraffin oil can take a couple of weeks to fully soak in. There is no wax in the 200 series.
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    Peter Van Middlesworth · 06/10/2021
    I just milled up Port Orford cedar siding to put on my shop on the coast of Oregon which TWP product would be best for our cool moist climate?
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    Kathy · 05/28/2021
    Howdy. Live above 7000' in northern New Mexico. LOTS of neglected PT decks and stairs, all receiving max sun exposure, but no mold up here. Nine years ago layered Behr water-base over original coats of Penofin with no surface prep. I know, bad decision. Now I want to switch to TWP 100[?]with minimal replacement of old cracked 2X6s as I cannot afford post-Covid prices of lumber. Don't care about the aesthetics if I fill cracks, but what wood filler product is compatible with TWP? Must I fully strip and brighten, or will TWP simply lay over the other two treatments, but just not look as good?
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      TWP Stains · 05/28/2021
      Do not use wood filler on decks. it will fail and will not blend with the TWP. You will have to fully remove the Behr and that may require both stripping and sanding to get off all the old coatings. Brighten after.
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        Kathy · 05/28/2021
        To make sure I understand, first I should apply the Behr product that strips their solid stain. Then I sand and wash. Then I apply the Gemini Cleaner/Brightener combo kit, or just the Restore-A-Deck Brightener?
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          TWP Stains · 05/29/2021
          You cannot strip off a solid stain fully. You will have to sand to get it off. Final prep with the Gemini Kit.
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    Erik NORDIN · 05/25/2021
    I am installing a new cedar deck with PT framing in southeast Michigan.I read “stain” in both your 100 and 1500 series.  I would like to keep the natural cedar color.  Which product do you recommend for best UV protection and keeping the natural wood tone?Also where can I buy your product near Detroit Or Brighton Michigan 48201 or 48114.The deck is 700 sq ft i plan to prefinish all sides of the deck boards ThksErik
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    Barry · 05/20/2021
    Southeast Michigan deck built in 2011. Originally stained with TWP in 2013. Most of the deck gets full sun but some gets shade all year due to the shadow from our house.  Admittedly I neglected to re-treat the deck anywhere near a normal time and it is obviously faded bad now. Power washed last year to remove mold, etc. Deck also has a pool attached. Area near ladder is faded more than the rest due to the chlorine in the pool water dripping off people when they get out. Going to use a light colored semi-transparent stain to hide fading and scratches from deck chairs. Which is best to use.....100 or 1500? Thanks!
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      TWP Stains · 05/20/2021
      Use the 100 Series.
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        Barry · 05/20/2021
        Dang, that was quick!! Thank you!!!