TWP 1500 Series Stain and Gemini Restore A Deck Kit Combo Pack
This Combo Kit comes with both 5 Gallons of TWP 1500 Series and the Gemini Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit for prepping your wood.
1 Gemini Restore A Deck Kit
Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener system is a powerful “eco-friendly” two-part restoration system.
Step 1 Wood and Deck Cleaner that deeply cleans your wood to remove dirt, grime, mold, algae, and general graying. The cleaner will help prep neglected wood and or prep for re-coating with a wood or deck stain.
Step 2 Wood Brightener is used after the wood cleaner to “brighten” the wood while neutralizing the cleaner to a natural pH balance. This step will improve the overall appearance of your wood while helping the wood deck stain longevity.
The kit covers 750-1000 sq feet when mixed.
1 TWP 1500 Series 5 Gallon Pail
TWP 1500 is a Semi-transparent Oil-Based wood stain and preservative that is allowed in all 50 states.
The TWP® 1500 formula is designed to penetrate better, dry faster, and outperform the previous TWP® 500 series formula.
TWP® 1500 Series is an EPA registered wood preservative which prevents structural damage and wood decay on exterior above ground wood surfaces such as fencing, decking, wood siding, log homes, and roofing. TWP® 1500 Series resists water absorption that causes warping, cracking, and splitting as well as preventing freeze damage in colder climates.
TWP® 1500 Series is a low VOC preservative with special U.V. absorbing pigments that prevent unsightly wood graying, darkening, and fading. The selected mildewcides inhibit the growth of mold and mildew which assist in preventing premature discoloration.
TWP® 1500 Series will keep your wood beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer. The ease of application and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years to come.
Key Features
- Preserves natural wood color
- EPA registered wood preservative
- Professional choice for all exterior wood surfaces
- Semi-transparent stain preserves natural color
- Sheds water longer
- Prevents mold and mildew
- Helps to prevent wood rot
- Easy to apply and can be cleaned and recoated as needed
- Helps in the prevention of warping, cracking, and splitting
- Low 250 VOC formula, compliant in 50 states
*We do not guarantee stain colors as they will vary widely depending on the wood type, age of wood, prepping of wood, and application. Small samples are available.
Clear means no UV protection, and it will gray naturally. To prevent graying, it must be tinted. Honeytone is the lightest tint:
https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
I live in northwest Alabama, my pressure treated deck gets full sun from 10 a.m. til the sun goes down. Which series do you recommend? And the deck 650 square ft, how much product would I need?
Use the TWP 100 Series or the Semi-Solid colors.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-deck-stain-calculator
Can Gemini Deck Cleaner be used in a power washer that has automatic dilution? I think it is 20:1 ratio.
No, it cannot be injected through a pressure washer.
The deck in this picture was laid about a year ago and hasn’t been sealed yet. Scraps on top were stored away and show the original color. (The photo makes it look more grey than it really is, but still…)
Will the gemini cleaner/restorer kit return the wood to the color of the scraps? Or somewhere in between?
It will remove the gray oxidation but it will not look exactly the same as the unweathered boards.
Thank you.
Your scrap boards look like they’re pressure treated, so you won’t get the same appearance on your sun bleached deck boards even if you wash them. My boards were way worse so I flipped them after cleaning and coating the worse side. Then after screwing them down, I pressure washed them all with water only (no chemicals or soap), and after they dried for a week in the hot Florida sun I coated them with #101. The attached pic is what they look like now. The lighter colored boards are new PT boards that haven’t been substantially exposed to any weather. This pic should give you an idea of what a badly neglected deck looks like after a light pressure washing with no chemicals, and then applying a very liberal coating of the stain.
Thanks, Chris. It’s all pressure treated; the scraps are from the same batch of wood, just stored in the garage since building the deck ~12 months ago. My photo makes things look pretty extreme. In real life, the exposed deck is not nearly that gray. At any rate, I appreciate your photo and the details surrounding it!
What drill stirrer do you use for a 5 gallon bucket of paint? Thanks…
Any will work. They are about $5 and can be bought at a Home Depot or any paint store.
Applied 1500 to our deck 3-4 years ago. In need of stain again. Do I need to use both products in the Restore A Deck kit prior to applying stain or just the cleaner?
Best to clean and brighten for prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
If the siding may have been treated many years ago, but is clean and brushed, can the 1500 TWP just be sprayed or brushed on? Do you recommend adding any solvent to aid with penetration of stain? Is it necessary to wipe TWP stain once dried for 30 min? Thanks!
Any prior coatings have to be removed first. Post pics for prep help. Do not add solvent to the stain.
So I have the 1500 type stain on my deck from almost two years ago. Do I just need to apply the Gemini brightener and cleaner, then apply another coat of the same stain?
Is the prior coat removed by applying the kits in order for the deck to be recoated/maintained?
Yes, you need the Gemini Restore Kit for prep when recoating with the same color and stain.
If we decide to go with the new 2024 stain, what would be comparable to black walnut in color from the 1500 series?
And what instructions would you recommend since we have a 2 year old 1500 coat of black walnut on now if we decide to switch to the new 2024 stain?
I am not sure what you mean by “new 2024 stain”?
I’ve got a purple ♡ deck that has been previously treated with Penofin products. Currently, the deck is pressure washed multiple times and dry, no longer retaining any of the Penofin color. Can I go directly to stain with 1500, or would I use the cleaner/brightener, or do both? then, after the stain is applied, do I wipe down(as is necessary with Penofin) or simply put the second coat down while the previous application is still wet?
I went to the trouble of sanding the entire deck last year, cleaned and brightened, then restained and thought I’d get more than a year for my effort. I liked the result, but it wasn’t durable. I’ve had several recommendations for TWP, so thought to ask. Last, can the 1500 be used to treat ship lap fir siding?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep. Just one coat of the TWP stains. You can use it on siding as long as it is free of prior coatings.
500 sq ft Ipe deck over neoprene roofing. Stained 2 years ago. Want to use WTP 1500 Series 1503 Dark Oak. How do I Clean and Prep! Photos attached
Use this for prep.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Last year I used the 1500 combo to treat our deck. Unfortunately there was a light rain towards the end of the 24 hour drying period, and we suspect that’s the reason it didn’t take as well as I thought it would. The vertical surfaces still look great, but the horizontal ones are uneven in terms of color and shedding water. I thought I read last year that we can brighten the deck again (a year later) using the remaining brightener and use the remaining stain to stain it. I remember that the stain doesn’t last much longer than a year before becoming unusable, so we are eager to move on this ASAP. Can you tell me exactly how to proceed: we don’t have that many suitable days and I want to act at the earliest opportunity, which may in fact be tomorrow! We have remaining brightener and stain, but none of the cleaner.
You need to clean and brighten when recoating. Brightener alone will not prep for recoating.
I purchased a 1500 combo pack and had it shipped to Tennessee. I live in Kentucky and want to know if I can get the instructions online to review before I go down to work on the deck?
All prep and application articles can be found here: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/
They will all have the same protection against mold and midlew. It is normal to prep and recoat every 2-3 years for a deck.
Sorry to ask another question. Our builder stained our 6×6 posts supporting the covered portion of the deck a standard Minwax dark walnut stain. He also stained the railing framing portion. He wasn’t sure how best to stain these and he had his superintendent do it for us, so they did what they knew. Will it work ok if I use the Gemini cleaner and brightener and then follow with the black walnut TWP preservative?
The minwax has to be removed first. Sanding is most likely needed.
What’s the difference between a wood preservative like the 1500 and sealer? We are in our second year in the newly built house. I’ve cleaned and sanded the surface of our deck getting it ready and was looking at options having come across some really good reviews for TWP. I just want to make sure I use the right product for the right purpose, to protect the wood from rain/weather, UV, and wear. We are in TN. Also, does the 1500 Natural have a slight tone to it to help even the coloration when applied? We like the natural color, but would like a consistent look too.
TWP 1500 Series is a registered wood preservative by the EPA. the only deck stain on the market that is. The Natural color is tinted. Best to try samples to see the colors on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
You can also see pics here of all the colors: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Thank you. Is a wood preservative the same thing as a sealer or if I use this do I add a sealer on top?
TWP is a sealer as well.
Thank you. My wife is looking for a natural color. You have the Natural (1530). Is it clear? I.e. no real UV protection?
Natural is tinted. Not clear.
Hello! We are getting ready to re-stain our log house in the spring time. Last known staining was in 2017, and the previous owners used the TWP 1530. To stain this spring, do we need to use ‘Restore a Deck’ first then apply the stain?
Thank you!
Yes. Use the Gemini Restore Kit.
do you need to power wash the deck prior to the cleaner
No, you pressure wash while using the cleaner.
I applied 1501 2 years ago to Cedar. After clean and brighten, can I apply a new color 1516 without any problem?
Strip and brighten for prep if switching: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
We have a 10 year old pressure-treated deck that has been stained twice, but is now looking very much like it should have received some TLC 2 years ago. We tried cleaning it – pressure-washing, chemicals etc – but it looked worse than ever. Today we power-sanded the deck (tomorrow it will be the railings) which was a massive improvement and it looks ready to take the stain. Do we need to clean and brighten as well, or can we just go ahead and use the TWP1500?
Clean and brighten to open up the wood grain so the TWP can soak into the wood fully.
I stained my cedar post last year in 1502. The hand rails were damanged in a hail storm. Do i need to sand before applying new stain?
You will need to clean and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I used TWP semi transparent stain in the past the color was RUSTIC OAK. Now by law I have to order the 1500 series since I live in Indiana. The color choice I see here is RUSTIC. Is that the same as my previous color?? If not, can I still use the cleaner, brightener or do I need the stripper, Brightener? Thanks in advance.Juanita Fernandez
Clean and brighten for prep and then you can use the TWP 1516 Rustic.
First time staining a deck. New cedar decking was installed eight months ago. Boards became grey colored. We used cleaner/brightener kit. After a day of drying, the boards look pale, so want to make sure we are on the right track. The boards color looked better while wet after cleaning. Attached are photos of the dry boards. Is any additional prep needed before staining these boards? Thank you!
You can go ahead and stain.
Good evening. I live in CT and am looking to stain my deck with the 1501 cedar tone. The deck is about 450 sq ft surface area(not including sides. And no wood fence around it). I had the deck built with PT wood about two years ago but have not done anything to it. The deck is around an in-ground pool (chlorine). Do I still need to use the cleaner and brighter product prior to staining? Also will the stain be ok with the chlorine from the pool? I plan on staining way before the pool is opened.
Yes, you need the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
I am about to order and start staining a new fence. However, I believe the process will take more than one day (it is a large fence…)
What is the best way to store the stain brush between days/uses? Also, true mineral spirits are banned in Southern CA… is there another product I can use to clean off my brushes at the end of the project/keep on hand in case of over-application?
Wrap brushes in a plastic bag so it does not dry out. Sorry but not sure what options you have in CA that will clean properly.
We have access to lacquer thinner, paint thinner, acetone, and “painter’s solvent” (which they claim is a replacement for MEK). Would any of those work?
In theory, they should all work as long as they are a solvent.
We’re looking to refinish our 13 year old, covered, mostly W/NW facing, fir, wrap around porch in Connecticut. We had trouble determining how to finish it originally, and believe it was two coats of minwax stain (the first one made it look raspberry), but don’t believe they’re solid, although it looks pretty solid after they did two coats. Would the cleaner/brightner work for this application? Or will we need to sand it down?
You will have to sand it off.
Thanks – not the answer I was hoping for though lol. I said cleaner/brightner – I meant the stripper. So if we sand it all down, we’d then just need the stain, and not the other parts of the bundle?
If you sand it all off you will need to do a final prep with the cleaner and brightener.
Thanks again for your prompt response. We’ve had to regroup and replan what we’re doing after getting advice from several people. After all that we’ve settled on the following, and just want to make sure we understand the nature of this product:
Step 1: We will sand off the existing stain down to bare wood
Step 2: Followed immediately by using the cleaner and brightener (not the stripper)
Step 3: Followed immediately by applying a coat stain
Step 4: Followed immediately by applying a second coat of stain
Our expectations are that this should last several years, and then to redo it, we’d just have to repeat steps 2 and 3, and would not need to keep re-sanding every time needed to freshen it up.
Does that seem correct?
Just one coat is needed since you will power sand this off. When redoing, just clean and brighten for prep.
This weekend I stained my deck for the first time. Two coats, wet on wet, about 30 minutes apart. It’s been about 36 hours of dry time, and I’m noticing little shiny patches – excess. Can I wipe that with a rag and it will be fine, or do I need to do something else?
What is the approx lift expectancy of a coat of stain? When should I expect to need to stain the deck again?
Lastly, the TWP estimator said I needed 9 gallons. I only use about 6. Either the estimator is off, or I did something wrong. I’ve transferred the stain to empty gallon containers. What is the shelf life of the stain? 1500 series.
See here: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
Redo every 2-3 years.
Shelf life: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I just put a TWP 1500 in my card and it offered the Cleaner and Brightener, bring the total to $235. Is that the same product as the Gemini Restore-a-Deck Cleaner and Brightener? If not, what is the difference. Thank you
Yes.
Thank you!!
What is the best application method for this stain – for both deck and railings?
Stain pad or brushes: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
I have approximately 50-6’x8′ panels of prestained western cedar privacy fence. It’s been installed now for a year with little change in color/appearance. We would like to restrain now per our contractors advice. Should we use the twp 1500 brightener kit? Or just pressure wash and then apply the twp 1500? And how much is necessary for both sides of that size fence?
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep and stain. You will need about 40-50 gallons for the two coats and both sides.
Is it possible to order a sample amount of the TWP 1500 Black Walnut stain?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I am considering applying TWP 1500 over huge fence that was stained 7 years ago with Olympic honey gold semitransparent oil based stain. Should I use stripper, then brightner, and power wash, and then stain?? At this point, proper prep is the only thing I am not sure about
Stripper, pressure wash, brightener, rinse, then stain.
Here is the photo, thanks!
I ordered Color Natural 1530, might be too light, couldn’t cover wood filter color. I just finish 1st paint with 1 Gallon. Any suggestion? Whether 2nd time paint useful? How much I need order this time? Thanks!
Wood filler does not work on exterior wood. It will not “stain” to match and will stand out as white spots everywhere.
Oops.. is there any way to remove it or cover it? How about stain 2 coat with different color, e.g. 1516 Rustic? This is 4 year new wood without any stain. I just finished one coat with natural 1530. Do I need stain 2nd coat month later? Thanks.
There is no way to stain it with TWP to blend. Sorry. Not sure on removing it. You would have to ask them.
Thanks! For my 4 years unstained new wood, I only applied one coat now. Should I apply another coat within 9-12 month?
Yes.
I am looking to apply TWP 1500 to a new treated wood pool deck (which has aged for 14 months). The deck wraps around the entire pool and has 100 or so spindles. I am planning to remove the mill glaze from the floor and rails but do the spindles new cleaned? If so, what would be the easiest way to clean them?
Prep all the wood with the Gemini Restore Kit before applying the TWP:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
This includes the spindles.
I am re-applying the 1502 Redwood (same product) on a fence originally stained in 2015. Besides the TWP 1500 Series and Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit, should I be concerned with any other cleaning or preparation steps. I am applying to redwood fence boards and 2×4 studs. Thank you.
No. Just use the Gemini Kit for the prep.
do you ship the TWP 1500 to Canada?
Only the TWP 200 Series is allowed in Canada and we ship that there.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
Would your 1500 stain be the product to use on existing siding. It was originally done with an semi transparent Olympia stain.
Yes, but you will need to remove the Olympic first by stripping and brightening.
We just built a cedar deck on our house with lumber purchased from Menards. How long do I have to wait before staining? And will I need the cleaner/brightener kit? Thanks!
Please read this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We have a 1400 sq ft deck that needs some love before a wedding to be held in August. I know we are pushing it time-wise, but there are some boards that need to be replaced (redwood) and it needs to be restained. We used TWP100 natural last time. We want to go clear this time. What steps should we use and how much of each product should we buy. We are prepared to sand the whole deck. Do we use Gemini, then sand, then stain? And the new boards? Do we wait until we are done with the rest of the deck then install them and treat them in a few months? Or just include the new boards in the process and know we’ll need to readdress the deck sooner than normal? THANK YOU!
Hello,
The Clear will not provide UV protection from graying. You must have a tint in your stain to do this. For the prep and to remove it down to the bare wood, use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
No need to sand. You should let the new boards weather though for 4-12 months. See this for tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Also… any major issues if I apply in over 90 degree temps? I live in Houston and will be looking to apply the stain soon. Weather is currently mid – high 90’s, high humidity, and will only increase as summer moves on
No higher then 95 and avoid direct sunlight if possible.
Could I also get away with using one cleaner / brightener kit for this same size fence?
No, you will need two.
Would a 5 gallon pail of stain be enough to cover a roughly 1200 sq ft fence? It would just be one side.
No, you would need about 10-12 gallons for the two coats.
2 1/2 years ago we purchased a HUD home that has a deck (after removing an entire section, is now 996 sq ft). It appears the wood has not had any type of stain/protective treatment on it in many years – if ever.
We have power washed it 3 or 4 times and, when freshly cleaned, it appears the wood is clean.
Is it necessary to use the cleaner prior to applying a stain?
I’ve read quite a few recommendations from professionals stating they would apply one coat & wait a couple months to apply a second coat. I also noticed your recommendation is to apply the second coat while the product is still “wet”. Define wet, please! How do you walk on a wet surface to apply the second coat?
See here about wet on wet application: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
It is the proper way to apply the TWP to older wood.
I have a log cabin that I have used TWP cedar tone stain on for many years. I’m getting ready to do it again, but was wondering if the cleaner and brightener needs to be used on the logs before applying stain or if power washing would be sufficient?
Best to use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep. It will do a better overall job than just using water.
I used Gemini Cleaner and Brightener on my deck, and used a power washer to rinse. The pics are of the “after”. Would the stripper work, or does this require sanding? I purchased the Rustic 1500.
The third pic is pretty washed out, the real deck looks darker, like the first two pics.
What brand of stain is on there now? It will need to come off so stripping and or sanding is needed.
Unknown, we just purchased the home. Will the stripper be effective, or is this stain too dark/heavy?
It looks very thick. Stripping a couple of times with pressure washing may remove most, making it easier to sand off the rest if needed. That is how we would proceed.
Using this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Thanks, will do!
Pressure treated deck 12 years old. Used TWP redwood 3 years ago. Some color still remains, but some shady spots started to mildew late last year.
Changing to Dark Oak this year and wondering if the deck cleaner and brightener will suffice for the prepping process?
Hi Chris, no use the Stripper and Brightener kit for this. Very easy to do.
I’d like to restore my deck to it’s original condition. I purchased TWP’s cleaner and brightener. Followed the steps and applied the stain as directed. An unexpected shower came through before the required dry time and I the my deck has mold and washed off sections of stain.
Having done the prep and staining once, I’ve decided this is not something I’m interested in doing every few years (my deck is 650 square feet). The maintenance is more than I’m interested in. I’d like to remove the stain and let my cedar deck return to it’s natural finish. Any suggestions for removing the old TWP stain?
To remove the TWP, use this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
[quote name=”Mike Martin”]I live in Chicago, IL and have a new deck (Southern Yellow Pine) that is about 1 yr old that is ready for stain. Is the cleaner/brightener needed before applying the stain or can I just pressure wash the wood? If the cleaner/brightener is needed before applying the stain, what is the shortest and longest time frame that I have between cleaning the deck to applying the stain?[/quote]
Use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing. Stain about 48 hours later and try to stain within 2 weeks of the prep.
I live in Chicago, IL and have a new deck (Southern Yellow Pine) that is about 1 yr old that is ready for stain. Is the cleaner/brightener needed before applying the stain or can I just pressure wash the wood? If the cleaner/brightener is needed before applying the stain, what is the shortest and longest time frame that I have between cleaning the deck to applying the stain?
[quote name=”Brian Reed”]We live in MO and moved into a home in June 2016 where the deck (pt lumber) and a wooden fence were both built a few days before we moved in. We are now in a position to stain them. We will order a lot to both clean and brighten the woods, but we were wondering if we should apply 1 or 2 coats of the twp stain? Thanks for the advice.[/quote]
2 coats applied wet on wet is the correct way.
We live in MO and moved into a home in June 2016 where the deck (pt lumber) and a wooden fence were both built a few days before we moved in. We are now in a position to stain them. We will order a lot to both clean and brighten the woods, but we were wondering if we should apply 1 or 2 coats of the twp stain? Thanks for the advice.