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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    RW · 05/11/2020
    I live in Portland Oregon and have a 10 yr old partly covered Tigerwood deck that has been cleaned with RAD and stained with 1500 series Redwood stain every 3 years. While the covered area shows little UV and mold problem, the exposed area has experienced more problems. The photo demonstrates the "break line" between covered and uncovered deck. The exposed deck was stripped with RAD, neutralized and rinsed. It will require another cleaning.

    I want to get rid of the intense red stain. My inclination is to go with a natural, honey tone, or cedar stain. Should I stick with 1500 series, assuming that all underlying stain will not come off? Or should I use the 100 Pro series? Is the RAD / power wash technique the best way to remove the old stain and brighten the deck in preparation for re-staining?
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    Brianne M · 05/07/2020
    I am refurbishing an outdoor playset (from Creative Playthings) - I believe it is pine. Which stain type would be best for Massachusetts? We pressure washed and sanded off old paint. Any other prep suggestions? Thanks!
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      TWP Stains · 05/08/2020
      Pressure clean for final prep. Use the 1500 Series.
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        Brianne M · 05/08/2020
        Thank you! I’ll be ordering samples
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    Joe Violette · 05/06/2020
    I have 350sq. ft. of tigerwood deck flooring to be installed in a couple weeks. Being a very hard and dense wood, what product would you recommend and how many gallons do I need? I want maximum UV protection to mitigate color change yet maximum protection-not aure I can have the best of both worlds.
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    Jonathan · 05/06/2020
    We live in Central Texas and I built a 350 sqft cedar deck about 1 year ago. It has some shade but gets a lot of sun throughout the day. I like the true cedar red look, but not too too red and not too faint. Should I get the 101 Cedartone ,1501 Cedartone, 1502 Redwood, or 1511 California Redwood? Thank you!
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    Nancy · 05/03/2020
    I just had a Patriot dock delivered, and the boards from the factory are "Kiln dried" red cedar. I know in this thread you mention that the boards should be out 4-12 months before you use TWP. Does the fact that they are "kiln dried" change that? Can I use TWP now?
    Thanks in advance.
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    Stacy · 05/01/2020
    I tried to place an order and it said you weren't taking new orders right now. Is that correct?
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      TWP Stains · 05/01/2020
      Yes, temporarily suspended until next week.
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    Stacy · 05/01/2020
    My house is 52' by 30' by 8' tall. Comes out to 1312 square feet. To do two coats coverage how much of the 1500 series will I need
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    Stacy · 04/30/2020
    30-year yellow pine log home in Oklahoma the 100 or the 1500 series
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    Lou Anne · 04/29/2020
    I am in corydon Indiana right across the river from Louisville Kentucky very southernmost Indiana we have power wash the deck it had a lot of green mold And is cleaned now never been stained should I use the 100 or 1500
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    Sal · 04/28/2020
    I also live in Michigan. We have a Cedar home that was protected about 16 years ago, but just recently cleaned and the wood looks great. Its a Semi-sunny/ shady area. Would I use TWP 100 or 1500? Oil/water based? Thanks!
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      TWP Stains · 04/28/2020
      Use the TWP 100. Both are oil-based.
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        Michel de Coninck · 06/30/2020
        Why did you recommend the 100 series instead of the 1500 series? I assume because the home does not get much sun. Thanks!
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          TWP Stains · 06/30/2020
          The 100 Series is what everyone in MI uses on their decks.
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    Scott · 04/28/2020
    I live in Michigan. Have a deck that is roughly 25 years old and doesn’t look like it’s ever been stained. I am going to power wash it this weekend and sand it. What products should I use to stain?
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      TWP Stains · 04/28/2020
      TWP 100 Series.
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        Scott · 04/28/2020
        Thanks. If I’m power washing, would I still need to use the restore a deck kit?
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          TWP Stains · 04/28/2020
          A cleaner and brightener will help.
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    Kim · 04/27/2020
    Hello
    About to strip and stain my first deck, and TWP was recommended to me.
    I live in Minnesota and was wondering which product (1500 or 100) would work best with our cold seasons and drastic temperature changes?
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    Chris · 04/09/2020
    In Fort Collins, Colorado. What would be best to treat rough-saw Douglas Fir timber’s on an exterior application?
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    Ray · 04/06/2020
    I am getting ready to stain deck. I live in St. Louis MO area. 100 cedartone or 1500 cedartone. which would be best to use
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    BG · 03/24/2020
    Stained brand new deck with Armstrong and Clark last summer. Looked beautiful. In 4-6 months wood developed dark black residue which I was told by AC was mod/mildew. Very disappointing.
    I want to try and apply TWP stain this year. Will clean and dry first.
    Which series is better 100 or 1500 to prevent mold/discoloration. I live in NJ.
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    Will · 01/16/2020
    I'm constructing a rustic pergola from unmilled Eastern Red Cedar logs. Would 100 Series or 1500 Series be better for this application? Thanks in advance.
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    Diane Francis · 12/19/2019
    Hi there. I'm in GA -just north of Atlanta. I've made new cedar shutters that will be facing full afternoon sun. Can you please let me know which formula would be best - 100 or 1500. Also, where locally would I be able to purchase? Thanks so much!
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    Jon Pratt · 11/23/2019
    I'm a contractor in South Carolina. I work exclusively in one neighborhood on a lake. Wood rot is very common in these older homes built in the 70s and 80s, with cedar siding and wood decks.
    I'm rebuilding a 40 year old deck that is 2000 sq ft.
    Surrounded by large trees and has 2 drainage ditches. One part of the deck is built over the ditch. Lots of moisture.
    I'm suggesting to the customer to use TWP 100 on the new pressure treated decking. After it sets for a few months.
    Question? Can I apply the stain to the underside of the decking and the deck framing, to help it last longer in this moist environment?
    The old deck was completely rotten and literally falling apart. The worst I've ever seen.
    Thanks for your suggestions.
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      TWP Stains · 11/23/2019
      Yes, you can do the undersides.
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    CarlinWS · 11/13/2019
    About to put up a new pergola of western red cedar in northeast Texas where temps often exceed 100 degrees in summer. Temperature at time of application though will probably aerage 50 degrees. We've been happy with TWP 100 but client likes black walnut color which appears to only be available in 1500. Any advice you can provide would be appreciated.
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      TWP Stains · 11/13/2019
      Use the TWP 1500 for this. No issues.
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    Rebecca · 11/05/2019
    Help! Cypress covered porch south facing western NC. TWP 100 pecan. Prepping for our 3rd application in 6 or so years. Used Gemini steps 1&2. Hand cleaned with a brush and hose. Two questions: How to even color across the width? What to do with this uneven/bubble spot? Several of these on the interior protected portion of porch floor. Thanks! Rebecca