What is the difference between TWP 1500 Clear and the 1530 Natural

The new TWP 1500 Series Stain is a low VOC compliant wood preservative with exceptional weather shielding properties. It is designed to absorb better, dry quicker, and outperform the older TWP 500 Series Stain.

TWP 1500 comes in 9 different semi-transparent colors and a clear. Understanding the differences in clear vs. natural colors will help you in making a decision when completing your next wood staining project.

The semi-transparent colors like Natural still allow the wood grain to show through but give it an enhanced look. It provides excellent water protection. The color pigments in the Natural stain provide UV protection to prevent graying and discoloring. TWP 1500 Series Natural will give your deck the closest look to a natural finish as possible while still providing sufficient weather protection.

The clear formula of TWP 1500 sheds water to prevent moisture damage but will not provide any UV protection. The clear lacks the color pigments found in the Natural color that offer UV shielding. Clear also does not change or enhance the wood grain’s appearance. Basically clear will not alter the appearance. It will provide water protection but not sun protection meaning the wood will eventually gray over time.

The TWP 1530 Natural is actually the second lightest color in the 1500 Series. It resembles the TWP 101 Cedartone Natural color.

With TWP 1500 Wood Preservative it is possible to add clear to the Natural or any of the other colors. This can be done to change or customize the colors to your liking. As long as there is some color pigment left in a customized color there will be some degree of UV protection. Generally, the darker the color the more sun protection it will provide.

Making sense of TWP 1500 Clear vs. Natural will hopefully help you meet your wood staining needs. Remember also that the colors are not guaranteed as they can vary depending on the wood’s age, type, porosity, and wood prep. Ask about color samples.