Difference Between TWP 100 and 1500 Series

by TWP Stains

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”.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
377 Comments
Newest
Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
AH
AH
6 months ago

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? 

Jeff
Jeff
6 months ago

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?

Seth
Seth
7 months ago

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? 

Jay Sperry
Jay Sperry
8 months ago

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.

Andrew
Andrew
8 months ago

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? 

Andrew
Andrew
8 months ago
Reply to 

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!

Chris
Chris
9 months ago

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?

Stacey
Stacey
10 months ago

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.

Stacey
Stacey
10 months ago
Reply to 

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?

Stacey
Stacey
10 months ago
Reply to 

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?

Jerry
Jerry
10 months ago

How long do you wait in between coats of TWP1500?

JB
JB
10 months ago

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

Mike
Mike
10 months ago

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?  

Mike
Mike
10 months ago
Reply to 

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, 

Mark
Mark
11 months ago

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. 

Chad
Chad
11 months ago

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!!

Dan
Dan
11 months ago

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.)

Chris
Chris
1 year ago

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?

compare TWP stains
1 year ago

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?

compare TWP stains
1 year ago

Hey guys.  Love your products.  Was curious if BOTH the 100 series and the 1500 series are both oil based?  

Tyler
Tyler
1 year ago

I live in North Carolina and have a 40′ fence in a partially shaded area. Do you recommend the TWP 100 or 1500 series?

Will
Will
1 year ago

Will TWP1500 cedartone cover up a spot like this?

Shane
Shane
1 year ago

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. 

Shane
Shane
1 year ago
Reply to 

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! 

Maria
Maria
11 months ago
Reply to  Shane

Can you post a pic of finished project please? Would love to see the two tone deck 

Shane
Shane
11 months ago
Reply to  Maria

Turned out great, Maria!

Maria
Maria
11 months ago
Reply to  Shane

Yes it is beautiful thanks for the pics you did a great job 

Shane
Shane
11 months ago
Reply to  Maria

A different view of the Two tone 

Mike
Mike
1 year ago

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?

Mike
Mike
1 year ago
Reply to 

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?

Lilian
Lilian
1 year ago

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!

Lilian
Lilian
1 year ago
Reply to 

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. 

compare TWP stains
1 year ago

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?

compare TWP stains
1 year ago
Reply to 

It looks like maybe the pro series iif so is it back in stocks, if not when will it be in stocks. Thanks

Shane
Shane
1 year ago

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!

Larry Haan
Larry Haan
1 year ago

Can the 1500 series be combined with the 100 series stain?

Ellen
Ellen
1 year ago

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! 

Victoria
Victoria
9 months ago
Reply to  Ellen

Ellen, I realize this post is old, but what color did you use? I love it!

Nick Del Greco
Nick Del Greco
1 year ago

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 

Nick Del Greco
Nick Del Greco
1 year ago
Reply to 

thank you, I will give your advice a try

Lesley
Lesley
1 year ago

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!

Lesley
Lesley
1 year ago
Reply to 

Thank you!

Jay
Jay
1 year ago

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)?

Becky
Becky
1 year ago

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.

Phil Edwards
Phil Edwards
1 year ago

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?

Chelsea
Chelsea
1 year ago

Does your square footage calculator assume customers will apply two coats or should I buy double for two coats? 

sami
sami
1 year ago

Looking to reseal a 20 year old treated deck in northwest PA.  Which product is best?

Kris
Kris
1 year ago

What is the best semi transparent stain for sheds in TN? 

Kris
Kris
1 year ago
Reply to 

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 ? 

pat
pat
2 years ago

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.  

Dalton
Dalton
2 years ago

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?

Lexi
Lexi
2 years ago

Would you recommend 100 or 1500 series for cypress beams on front and back porch in south louisiana? 

Connie
Connie
2 years ago

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. 

Connie
Connie
2 years ago
Reply to 

I live in Georgia

Richie
Richie
2 years ago

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.

Richie
Richie
2 years ago
Reply to 

I live in central Arkansas 

Will
Will
2 years ago

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?

compare TWP stains
2 years ago

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?

Sebago Lizzy
Sebago Lizzy
2 years ago

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.

CK
CK
2 years ago

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. 

Steve
Steve
2 years ago

Average cost per 5 gal can of series 100 vs series 1500?

CR
CR
2 years ago

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. 

CR
CR
2 years ago
Reply to 

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?

Michelle
Michelle
2 years ago

We have a log home treated with Sikins 10 years ago. Want to refinish. Which product should we use?

Michelle
Michelle
2 years ago
Reply to 

How do you remove an oil based stain? We would really like to change to your product. 

compare TWP stains
2 years ago

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.

Betsy Webster
Betsy Webster
2 years ago

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.)

Debbie Pyles
Debbie Pyles
2 years ago

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? 

Jason Paulson
Jason Paulson
2 years ago

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? 

377
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x