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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    Timothy St. Romain · 11/04/2019
    For a 6-month-old pressure treated pine deck in Charlotte, NC, what do you recommend:
    1) 100 or 1500 series?
    2) How and when to prep and treat?
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    Virgil · 09/29/2019
    Locations to purchase in New Buffalo, Mi.?
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      TWP Stains · 09/29/2019
      We sell only from our website. We can ship there in 1-3 business days.
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    Tom Fugate · 09/10/2019
    I used TWP 100 for my deck and liked it so much i used it to seal and stain my knotty pine T&G soffet and ceiling on a high end woodshop I built this summer. I am thinking of getting more to use on my exterior doors I am making from white oak. For greater long term protection, I think I need to top coat the stain with a Spar Varnish. Is this advisable? Will the TWP adhere to the Varnish?
    thanks
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      TWP Stains · 09/10/2019
      You cannot topcoat TWP with a varnish, it will peel.
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    Randy El · 09/09/2019
    I have a 15 year old wood deck in Michigan. Just pressure washed and sanded. Trying to get the most natural look out of the wood with UV protection. What series and color should I use.
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      TWP Stains · 09/09/2019
      Try the TWP 115 Honeytone for the lightest tinted color.
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    Mellie Mel · 08/19/2019
    My last contractor used 1500 series (4 years ago). Is it ok to put 100 series on top of that?
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    Kim · 08/17/2019
    I have a new pt pine deck in Birmingham Alabama 1 yr ago. It gets full sun. It has never been sealed or stained. I have cleaned it and am ready to pressure wash it to make sure all cleaner is off. what stain/sealer to get 100 or 1500?
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    Dave · 08/05/2019
    After several years, we are finally getting the TWP 120 that we previously purchased applied to our 600 feet of raw redwood fence. The project is nearly done, and looking good.

    However, we have now learned that Colorado is tightening up its VOC regulations to be more like those of California. (We don't know the exact terms of the new rules, but expect the worst.)

    Anticipating that we'll need to do more maintenance in a few years, is your 1500 series compatible with the 100 series? Or, would it be better to "stockpile" some 120 for that eventuality to be certain of success.
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      TWP Stains · 08/06/2019
      You can clean and recoat with the TWP 1500 if needed at a later date.
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    Matt M · 08/04/2019
    I have to reapply stain to my grandmas deck in the coming weeks. I have the contractors invoice from 4 years ago stating it used "gemini" Natural Cedar. I assume its TWP. But I am not sure which one to get, TWP 100 or TWP 1500. Does it matter? I'm trying to avoid stripping the entire deck.
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      TWP Stains · 08/05/2019
      TWP does not come in "Natural Cedar" but the TWP 101 is called Cedartone Natural on the label so most likely that is what they used.
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    Tom · 07/24/2019
    My CEDAR deck is over 20 years old [approx. 400SF of flat surface]. It was professionally treated with TWP #101 in 2017 and needs to be refreshed. I plan to do a non-pressure wash with a cleaner and then reapply TWP 101. 1] where can I buy TWP 101 in SE Michigan? 2] what kind of coverage can I expect from a 5 gallon container?
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      TWP Stains · 07/24/2019
      Purchase at:

      The Sealer Store
      2388 Franklin Rd
      Bloomfield Hills, MI 48348

      You will cover your 400 sq feet with a 5-gallon pail.
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    Jim S · 07/18/2019
    I live in the Richmond, VA area and want to stain a wood deck I put on in late April. Which stain should I use 100 or 1500? I want something that will last the longest
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    Chris Crayne · 07/17/2019
    I live in Michigan and out up a new pressure treated pine deck. It is full sun all day. How long do I let it weather, how do I prep it, and what is the best twp stain to use? Thanks!
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    John Moore · 07/17/2019
    I live in upstate NY and want to finish a rough cut pine board and batten vertical sided structure -should I use the 100 or the 1500 product?
    I used the 100 product for the deck railings made out of ash but the wood is too dense for it to penetrate well and it needs to be done every 2 years.
    I really don't want to have to re-stain very few years on the structure.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 07/17/2019
      For NY, you need the 1500 Series. For vertical wood, you should get 3-5 years.
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        John moore · 08/12/2020
        Is there a reason why I shouldn’t use the 100 series??
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          TWP Stains · 08/12/2020
          The TWP 100 is not allowed to be used or sold in NY.
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    TW · 07/14/2019
    6 month old cedar privacy fence in southern Wisconsin. Should I be looking at the 100 or 1500 series?
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    John · 06/27/2019
    Is it safe to use Gemini and twp 100 on a wood dock? I live in North Carolina
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    Rimple N · 06/26/2019
    I have a 3 year old redwood deck. A sealer only when installed. 2 years ago an oil based sealer with no stain. I power washed it twice. See the photos. I want to stain/seal with semi transparent redwood stain. Or should I go darker? Should I use a wood brightener first? Or should I power wash it again? Can I go with series 1502 for this. The deck is approximately 13' by 30'. And what does wet on wet mean? Do I do in sections or do the whole deck and then reapply a second coat? How long should I wait between applications?
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    Jen · 06/24/2019
    What would be the best stain for a shady cedar deck in Saint Paul, Minnesota? It was stained with TWP about 4 years ago and I think it was the 100 series. Lots of foot traffic so some areas were worn down so we have cleaned and stripped the whole floor of the deck but the spindles and railing should just need a light coat. Thanks!
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      TWP Stains · 06/25/2019
      Use the TWP 100 Series again.
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    alan conrady · 06/22/2019
    what exactly do you mean by the term wet-on-wet. It will take at least 4 hours putting first coat on, does this mean I cant wait until 24 hours to apply second coat?

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    Dazig · 06/16/2019
    We have a wood privacy fence that is not smooth. It is unknown if any products have ever been applied . We live in northern Ohio. Should I use the 100 or 1500? I am mostly concerned with preserving the wood.
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    Gary · 05/31/2019
    I built my log home 35 years ago and reapply TWP 100 ceadertone about every 3 to 4 years. Next time I clean the outside of my home, would the restore product be the best to use.
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      TWP Stains · 05/31/2019
      Yes. Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
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    Loren · 05/28/2019
    I live in Northern Virginia and have a newly installed tongue and groove mahogany covered porch floor that I'm looking to protect. While it's covered, the edges and steps are exposed to the sun and elements. I'm looking for something that will protect and most uniformly maintain the color as long as possible.

    Thank you