TWP Stain Reviews Ratings Comparison | 100 Series | 200 Series | 1500 Series

I recently sided our house with white cedar shingles and love the new look. Which product would you recommend to maintain the new appearance and slow the graying / weathering of shingles. I'd like to use clear finish but would consider slight tint. House is located in CT on long island sound so exposed to salt air. Thanks for reply. Dan

Beau, they are semi-trans parents

Are TWP stains semi- trans, semi solid etc. I don't see that info anywhere

Oil base stains penetrate better the water based stains. Much less chance of peeling if the wood is prepped correctly and the stain is applied properly. You cannot put TWP on top of your peeling stain. It would need to be removed 100%.

Bought a house in Michigan in 2009. Didn't know what product was put on the deck previously. Put water based product on it last two years and it peeled horribly. Please discuss water based versus oil based stain and the pros and cons.

For Michigan and that you have already used the 100 Series you should stay with the 100 Series. The 1500 may offer better UV protection but it will not be any different with your dogs. Hard to say about the stain. If it looks okay and has not thickened then it is probably good.

Hello, I live in Michigan and used the 100 series on my deck last summer with good results, but need to do a maintenance coat as it gets trampled frequently by my large dogs. I noticed that your comparison chart says "Best!" for the 1500 series...why is that? Most of the recommendations I see are for the 100 series. Also, I have leftover stain that has been sealed in the 5 gal drum from last year, is it still good to use? Thanks in advance!

We do not have a similar color in the 100 or 1500. Best to strip off the the 200, brighten the wood, then apply 2 coats of the 100 Series.

Our pressure treated pine deck is 9 years old. It has been stained 2 times over the years with TWP 200 Series Butternut by our contractor. He is no longer in business and we are getting ready to re-stain it ourself. We love the color but noticed the 200 series is much more expensive - do you have a similar color in the 100 or 1500 series? If so, which series is best for our deck? How many coats would we need and what is the best way to apply it? We get full sun on most of it and live in Georgia. Also, after cleaning the wood, its in good condition but cracked and splintered in some areas - would you recommended sanding it or leave it as is? We were thinking about sealing it with a semi-transparent brand to help with splinters but don't want it to look painted. Or is our deck too old to use just a stain?

Close but not exactly the same.

Thanks. Is Cedartone the closest in color to California Cedar?

Mike, I would switch the the 100 series for this.

Contractor built my deck in 2011 using TWP 205. Now I need to restain. Should I stick with the 200 series or use something else. Deck is mostly in shade so mildew and algae are a problem.

Curt, 100 series. Make sure to prep the wood properly first:

http://www.twpstainhelp.com/tips/prepping-for-twp-stains/

I have a 12 yr old deck and I need something that will actually last. The deck is in fairly good shape but I am tired of treating it almost yearly. We live in Nebraska so there are hot summers and a lot of snow in the winter. Would you recommend the 100 or 1500?

No. One gallon cover about 150-200 sq. feet. You would need 2-3 gallons for this.

I have a pressure treated pergola that we built last fall. We are in SE Wisconsin, and is mid-day exposed to sun. There is no floor, 99% of the square footage is verticals. I calculate about 450 sq. ft. of verticals. Given than it is new wood, and all verticals, can I stretch one gallon of either 100 or 1500 to cover the entire structure? Thanks!

You would need roughly 5-7 gallons for this. TWP 100 is not compliant for IL. You would need to buy the 1500. Unopened gallons will last a year or two.

I live near Chicago, and my deck is cedar, approx 550 sq ft, and 10 years old. How many gallons TWP 100 would I need for the deck surface, sides, and railings/spindles? I have sanded the entire surface, and plan on stripping everything else. Also how long will any excess keep, if stored in a basement?

Sally J, use either the 100 or 1500. Make sure to clean and brighten first with the Gemini Restore Kit as the prep.