Use the chart below to compare TWP Wood and Deck Stains. Feel free to ask any questions or to write a review or rating for TWP Wood Deck Stains below.
TWP 100 Series 550 VOC COMPLIANT Restricted 35 states Standard Formula! | TWP 1500 Series 350 LOW VOC COMPLIANT New and Improved Formula! BEST | TWP 200 Series 250 LOW VOC COMPLIANT Great for Older Dried Shingles! |
Available TWP 100 Stain Colors/Tints
| Available TWP 1500 Stain Colors/Tints
| Available TWP 200 Stain Colors/Tints
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Types of Surfaces Vertical and Horizontal Wood Siding and Decking Surfaces. All unfinished Exterior Wood. | Types of Surfaces Vertical and Horizontal Wood Siding and Decking Surfaces. All unfinished Exterior Wood. | Types of Surfaces Vertical and Horizontal Wood Shake and Shingles. |
Technical Info
| Technical Info
| Technical Info
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I am restraining my wood deck. Used TWP Series 100 red cedar. I want to darken to dark oak but TWP 103 dark oak is not available in Michigan. Will the series 1503 dark oak work? I have 5 gallons of TWP 100 series left over. Can I add tint to darken?
No, you cannot darken or tint what you currently have. If you want to switch colors and or series, use this kit first for prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
Hi, just finishing cleaning my deck, tried the 1500 Honeytone on a test patch, a bit too dark and orange.. Is there a a stain a bit lighter and more like my original cedar?
No, Honeytone is the lightest color with UV protection.
I have a 27 year old front porch deck with a covered roof that has never been stained. The Deck Contractor wants to use TWP 200 on it. Will this work on old wood made of pine in north Georgia? Your website specifically spoke about Cedar and not any other wood types. The house is tan. The front door is red so was looking for some pop of color like with the reddish stains like Redwood 202 or California Cedar 205?
The 200 Series is designed for shakes and shingles and vertical wood. It is not suggested for decking. Use the 100 or 1500 Series for decking. While it can be used for decking, it can take numerous days to dry and cure, and the final color will take 2-3 weeks to fully develop.
Thank you for the information. Two companies here in north Georgia are using TWP 200 Series on Decks. The customer is very confused when you have contractors telling you a different story that it is great for decks.
Can you epoxy over fully cured TWP? Any tips or recommendations for this? Considering doing this for an outside wooden table to match beams that are stained with cedartone TWP.
No, you cannot apply a top coat of the TWP Stains.
I am working on a set of plans that is calling for prefinished weathering stain on cedar shake. The paint code listed is tw1638. Is that a product that comes from you all? thanks so much.
No, it does not.
What country makes TWP 1515 Honeytone Low Voc Preservative Stain? When ordering the TWP 1515 is the product is made and shipped from Foshan, GD China? Thanks!
All TWP stains are made in the USA!
I have a 12-15 year old pressure treated pine deck. I have always used TWP stain on it. The first time I stained the deck I used the semi transparent Cedar tone color, but it was too reddish and we didn’t like it. The next time I cleaned and sanded the deck and used the semi transparent Honeytone stain. It was nice but a little too light in color. We then switched to the semi transparent Pecan color the last couple of times. I would like to stain the deck with a new TWP semi solid color. Something with more color and a little more durability. Can you recommend a medium colored “brown or golden” stain that would not contain any reddish tints and have nice color, but not be too dark where bare feet would get too hot. Thank you
Colors will vary based on wood type and age, so no guarantee that it will not have any reddish undertones. Maybe Apalachian Trail, Cabin Fever, or Earth.
Thank you for the quick reply. Is one of the colors noted above more popular than the others? Is one color longer lasting and are they all relatively just as cool to the touch as the other two? TWP needs to produce a color chart for the new semi solid colors. Many of the colors online look very similar and it is too costly to request 4-6 samples to determine a stain color.
Thank you
A color chart would not appear any different in person compared to online, and the final color will always vary based on the type of wood and its age. The only proper way of knowing how it will look on your wood is to test samples.
No deck stain will be “cool” to the touch. Regardless, they will retain some heat if placed in full sun. Light colors tend to retain less heat than darker colors.
Popularity is about the same between the three, with Cabin Fever slightly more popular.
I unfortunately used Thompson’s Semi transparent stain on my deck. I applied a second coat to darken color and it has now peeled and I have several bare spots. Wood is 5 years old.
I need a suggestion on what stripper to use that won’t harm my landscaping and then which TWP stain to use.
Please add pictures in the comments for preparation help. Thanks
Here are pics
Use this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
With both additives:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
Apply stripper with additives, let dwell for 45-60 minutes, and then pressure wash off. Brightener is done after.
Which stain would you recommend and how long after the cleaning
Where are you located?
Cincinnati Ohio
You will need to use the TWP 1500 Series in Ohio.
One more question, will the stain cleaner and brighter or the recommended stain be harmful to aquatic life. I’ll be using it on my boat dock.
The prep should be fine, but do not get the oil-based stain in the water if at all possible.
which stain is lighter in color 1515 Honeytone or 1530 Natural?
1515 Honeytone is lighter.
Thank you very much!!
Good evening. We are going to refinish a deck of about 15 years old in Northern Minnesota. It has another brand of stain that is really peeling off after about 3 years. We are going to sand the deck and are looking for stain that will last the longest which usually means the most pigment I assume. Which stain in the TWP family should I be considering and any suggestions for prepping the deck before application? Thanks!
Hi, please add pics in comments for prep help. The current coating does need to be fully removed first.
As for the stain, use the semi-solid colors if you want the best UV resistance:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-5-gallon
Hi There! I am inquiring about a deck stain to see if a semi solid would be OK for my deck? Deck was originally built in 1920’s (I think) and then again in the 90’s as an expanded deck. Was told a lot of it is redwood but clearly they made some repairs over the years, so I believe it to be mixed.
A painter told me to do a solid stain but I have done research and would prefer to stay away from the painted look, unless that’s my only option. Photos attached.
FYI, I live in Lake Arrowhead, CA – 5,500 elevation with snow and partial deck gets strong sun for 6 hours a day.
The last photo is one of the beams below. They used something that was impossible to sand off, so I guess I would have to paint them.
Thank you in advance for your time!
Yes, you can use the TWP Semi-Solid here.
Thank you. Do you recommend a stain color that would work well with the color of the home? It’s Sherwin Williams Pewter Green.
Sorry, but we are not familiar with Pewter Green color. You can upload pictures of the house in the comments
Two questions: (1) Does TWP semisolid oil-based deck stain come in 550 VOC? (2) We are ordering your wood & deck stripping gel – do we need to order a brighter after the stripping gel?
1. Yes. The blue label is 550 VOC: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
2. No need.
Power washed/Stripped/cleaned and sanded 20 yo Spanish cedar door to bare wood. Had gotten tired of marine spar every 9 months. Used 100 series dark oak -2 coats. Really like the look. This is a south facing door in south Louisiana (heat and humidity in abundance). How long should I expect before I need to recoat to keep the protection?
Every 2-3 years is the normal for a deck.
I see wet on wet 2 coats but i had to sand my deck of solid behr red.I see some comments that say just 1 coat so would i need just one or should it be 2 coats and if jusy one may i ask why.Thank you
If you power sand, apply only one coat of TWP. Never sand finer than 60-80 grit.
Bought this 7 yr old log home. Upper element exposed wood is severely failed. Found your product in the barn. What do I use to restore and retain? How long should it last and can I add additional coats to maintain or do I have to strip periodically.
You can find that here:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp100-5gallon
Pecan 120 color.
Clean and brighten for prep when recoating:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Redo every 4-5 years for vertical siding.
No need to strip first, just clean, brighten and re coat?
Correct.
One last question. The upper walls are siding not logs. what’s the best product for this, 100 series, and after stripping and brightener can I use bora care before recoating?
Yes, use the 100 Series. You should be fine using the bora care.
I have an existing deck, which I have used TWP 103 several times. Each year I need to apply another coat to the flat surfaces due to fading. Would switching to the TWP 1500 series help? The deck is in full sun and I live in Kansas City.
The 1500 will last the same as the 100 Series. For better UV protection, look at the Semi-solid colors: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
We have new deck rails and pergola (pressure treated). Do you recommend TWP 100 or TWP 1500, and why (other than lower VOC’s)? We are near Atlanta, GA (very hot, direct sun, high humidity).
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You can use either for GA. They would last the same.
Best stain for a 8 mos old cedar pergola, we live in the Tucson, AZ area, the pergola is south facing so lots of sun! Thanks
Try the TWP 1500 Series. See new wood tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/#comment-33695
We are planning to use TWP 100 on “new” decking, installed 2022. We have tried samples of Cedartone and Pecan. They appear “too orange.” What light color would you recommend for a natural look, without orange tones?
Colors will vary dramatically based on the wood type, age, prep, and application. You can view our photo albums of colors here to get an idea: https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-100-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
Many wood types are “orange” internally, so it is natural for that to be enhanced when a stain is applied.
Which stain would be best for my pressure treated pine deck? The treated wood has been allowed to dry out for a season and the moisture content is very low.
Use the TWP 1500 Series. See here for new wood tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Will do, thank you.
May I ask, after Honeytone, which color is lightest? I can’t decide between 4 colors and $40 in samples is just too much
Honeytone is the lightest tinted color. Next would be Pecan, then Cedartone. Pics: https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
I have 45 year old real 9 inch red wood overlap siding. Kept CWF on it so it did not grey with age. Recently had siding power washed. What should I use to retain the red wood color and also protect the wood.
Did you remove all of the CWF fully with the prep? You cannot apply TWP or any other penetrating stain over the CWF. It needs to fully be removed first.
Once the prep is done, look at the TWP 1500 Series for the new stain.
I will be staining an old treated wood retaining wall. It was last coated with a clear penetrating stain about 8 years ago. 1. Would the 200 series stain be the best choice? 2. Can a Graco ProX17 airless sprayer be used to apply this or other series TWP stains
Use the TWP 1500 Series. Prep well first. You can spray TWP stains but always back brush to ensure even application.
I’m in Missouri , just posted about what series is the best for a new cedar deck
Which series is the best selection for a new cedar deck? It’s smooth Western Red Cedar
Use the 100 Series but see this about new wood first: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
a – Is 100 Series Cape Cod Gray semi-transparent or more semi-solid?
b – Is 200 Series Slate Gray semi-transparent or more semi-solid?
Which series would be best for existing cedar siding…stained semi-transparent gray many many many years ago?
All gray colors lean more to semi-solids when dry. Does not matter the Series. Both are excellent products. You may want to look at the grays in the semi-solid colors as well.
Yes, looking at Semi-Solid Pro-Series “Mount Rushmore” as well.
As to the rough-sawn cedar siding, would any of those 3 work well? Would one be particularly better than the others?
I believe the original owner/builder used some sort of bleaching oil or stain to get this weathered gray appearance.
Make sure to clean and brighten for prep. All 3 Series would work great here. Note that the 300 Series does not look like the end result when it goes on initially. It can take 2-4 weeks to cure to the final color.
What is the difference between the Gemini desk restorer and the Restore A Deck product lines?
The Restore-A-Deck Kit on this site is a stripper and a brightener. The Gemini Kit is a Cleaner and a Brightener.
if there is left over stain after my project how long is the self life for 100 or 1500 series? When i order the stain online is there a way to ensure the stain is recently produced as opposed to receiving some from previous years production?
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
99% of our inventory is from this year.
will stain my cedar railing (530 sq. ft.) that surrounds my composite deck. is there a better option between the 100 and 1500 series; I live in the Seattle, WA area.
They work equally the same.
What is the TWP 120 Pro Series? I have been using this in a Pecan tint to stain my deck for a few years. I only see reference to a 100 Pro Series not 120. What is the difference and should I be using the 100 Series to stain old pressure treated wood?
It is called the TWP 100 Pro Series and the “120” is the color for Pecan in the 100 Pro Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Last time we stained our decks we used TWP 100 in Cedartone color. This time around we may try a little darker color, and I was also wondering if you would recommend moving to the 1500 series rather than the 100 series. I live in Minnesota and both decks are covered for the most part if that matters.
No need to switch series. Stick with the 100 Series.
Two years ago I stained my cedar deck and rail with TWP 99 Pro series stain. I want to change the color of the railing to match my new composite decking. I have cleaned the 4×4 posts and 2×4 railing with a solution of Oxyclean and Dawn dish soap. Most wood still has stain in tact with some slightly weathered. As I rinsed off the boards and posts I noticed that some areas had water beading as I was spraying it off. Can I now apply another stain over the first?
Better to strip and brighten when switching colors:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
Hello. I live in Naples, Florida (wet/humid). We are installing 1×6 cyprus t&g to the exterior soffits and ceilings. What product/application would you recommend?
See this about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Use the TWP 100 Series.
Staining 45′ bamboo fence clear color best stain?
The TWP 300 Series is the correct product for bamboo but we do not sell it on this website.
STAIN COMPARISON CHART
What are your questions?
I would like a side by side comparison of your stains?
It is on the chart above.
Hi,
Newer pressure treated deck (3years old) and was looking for a grey semi solid stain (boulder??) for uae in Alberta Canada.
Thanks
Look at this for Canada:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-5-gallon-low-voc
Thanks for this information! Retailers in Alberta?
Online only for shipping.
Thanks anyway
We have a 20 year old porch that was painted. We’ve sanded all the paint off using 60 grit sandpaper. We live in Missouri and the porch is mostly shaded. We are trying to decide which product to use. I understand the 100 series semi-transparent would be easy to recoat. However, we’re considering a semi-solid since the boards are older. Is the recoating process the same for the semi-solid or will that require stripping in a couple of years? Aside from washing the porch after sanding, is there more prep that we should do? This has been a huge undertaking, and we’re trying to simplify this process in the future.
The recoating is the same for the semi-solids as the 100 Series. Clean and brighten after sanding will open up the wood grain so the stain can penetrate deeper.
I live in northern Michigan. I can use either 100 or 1500 in my state. Which would give me longer lasting results?
Only the TWP 1500 for MI.
Or the TWP Semi-Solid Low VOC colors.
I live in Sonoma County CA and have a 9 year old 1435 sq ft stained redwood deck. I have previously used a water based semi-transparent stain which lasted about 6 months to 1 year before peeling. Each year I power washed and sanded the horizontal part. I have heard good things about TWP 300 series lasting 2-3 years. Would the 300 series be better than the 1500 series?
The TWP 300 Series is not for decking. Use the TWP 1500 Series. Make sure to prep by removing all the old stain.
Are the TWP wood pieces, sample colors the same for the TWP 100 and TWP 1500? I.e. the colors are the same after staining?
No, and the samples are not wood pieces. They are liquid samples to test on your wood as your wood will determine the final color.
Live in Georgia. How long for delivery of TWP 100 and what is warranty on product. Will just pressure washing be adequate before applying product?
Shipping takes 2-3 business days. For prep, post pics in the comments as pressue washing alone is not sufficient.
What is the warranty on TWP100?
TWP does not give a warranty in years if that is what you re asking. No quality wood stain does as longevity depends on proper prep and application.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL GEMINI BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES FROM ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF WARRANTY, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR HANDLING OF THIS PRODUCT. THE SOLE REMEDY OF THE BUYER AND THE SOLE LIABILITY OF GEMINI FOR ANY CLAIMS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE BUYER’S PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THE CLAIM OR THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID FOR SUCH PRODUCT, WHICHEVER IS LESS. TECHNICAL ADVICE FURNISHED BY GEMINI SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS WARRANTY, WHICH IS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. ALL TECHNICAL ADVICE GIVEN IS ACCEPTED AT THE RISK OF THE BUYER.
How many coats of TWP is required for proper application?
2 coats applied wet on wet.
I have a new pressure treated deck (installed in July 2023) in Vermont. The deck will have snow on the horizontal surface for most of the winter. Which stain provides the most durability? The house is a light gray color. Do you have a color suggestion that would go with light gray?
Look at the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
or the Semi-Solid Low-Voc:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
any color that you like will work. Make sure to prep with the Geminin Restore Kit.
I have a deck around a pool that is 5 months old. I live in an area which does not have the restrictions. Which is the better product for this application the 100 or 1500?
Use the 100 Series.
I live in Fayetteville, NC. I had a cedar fence installed in May off 2022, it was pre-treated and never stained. My fence gets direct sun pretty much all day long. The measurements according to the rendering are 112′ L by 88′ W, the height is 6 feet board on board. What series do you recommend and how many gallons would I need? I’d like the stain in rustic or oak?
For the square footage of a fence, you measure the total length x height x 2 for both sides. What does that come to?
You would prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and then stain with the TWP 100 Series.
I have a log home, my painter is recomending another brand, Can you give me info for him I want to use a solid stain reddish in color
TWP does not make a solid stain. We do have semi-solid colors but you will need to make sure to fully remove any prior coatings.
What is your best stain for a newly constructed pressure treated deck?
See this about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
After the wait and prep, use the 1500 Series.
Thank you
looking for advice to put new coat of TWP honeycomb color on posts. Previous product unknown but its oil based that I know for sure. Prep needed? Thanks. Jon
You will need to power sand this off as it looks like a varnish.
I have a property line fence of (new/never-stained) mangaris. It is 75′ long by 6′ high. Will a five-gallon bucket of TWP stain cover it? Thanks.
When doing both sides you have roughly 900 sq feet. For 1 coat you will be close with 5 gallons but you may need another gallon or two.
Which clear stain is best for cypress house?
Clear with no tint means it will not prevent UV graying. You must have a tinted sealer to prevent the graying. Look at any of the tinted colors in the 1500 Series.
New deck was built June 2023. Now its Nov. 2023. Pressure Treated Pine. Never stained or sealed. Middle Tennessee area. Uncovered area gets full sun most of the day. Covered area gets less sun and is way less weathered. Does that matter? Covered is also screened in and has rug and furniture. We are looking for more natural color, would TWP 1530 Natural be a good choice? We were hoping to seal and stain before December. Too Cold? What if it takes 2 days to seal and stain? Thanks for your time and suggestions!
The lightest tint is Honeytone. See photo album:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
Temps need to be 50-90 F.
Can stains be used on composite decking? 15 yrd old composite deck (no capping)
Use the TWP semi-solids. One coat.