- TWP® 1500 Series is an EPA registered wood preservative that prevents structural damage and decay on exterior above ground wood surfaces.
- TWP® 1500 Series resists water absorption, preventing warping, cracking, splitting, and freeze damage in colder climates.
- Special U.V. absorbing pigments and selected mildewcides prevent wood graying, fading, and inhibit mold and mildew growth.
- The low 250 VOC formula is easy to apply, maintain, and compliant in all 50 states.
TWP 1500 1 Gallon Stain
TWP 1500 is a Semi-transparent Oil-Based wood stain and preservative that is allowed in all 50 states.
The new 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.
Not Sure How Much You Need? Use the Stain Calculator
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
1500 Series and Deck Stain 1 Gallon
Chat recommended a TWP stain that started with the word Australian but I can’t find it again on your site. Can you help?
Sorry, but thre is no such thing as a TWP stain with the word Australian.
How many coats for under porch ceiling 14 ft by 14. Do I need a gallon?
Two coats applied wet on wet if the ceiling is older, weathered wood; one coat only if it is new wood. At 196 square feet, one gallon will cover it either way. If the boards are rough sawn, add a second gallon — rough wood soaks up closer to 100-125 sq ft per gallon. Apply with a stain pad or brush rather than a sprayer, since spraying a ceiling gets messy and uneven, and watch for drips while it dries.
I am going for a Scandinavian look- light bright wood. Previously my builder used Sherwin Williams Super Deck (white birch color) and it got super mildewy and pressure washing made the stain melt right off the cabin within a year. I am redoing it and want to do it right and where it will last. What is a comparable way to get that look with TWP 1500?
TWP 1500 is a penetrating semi-transparent stain, so it will not give you a painted white or true Scandinavian-white look the way the Super Deck white birch did. It enhances the natural wood rather than coating over it. For the lightest, brightest result the two options to look at are TWP 1530 Natural and TWP 1515 Honeytone, with the 1530 Natural giving the closest thing to a light natural finish while still providing UV protection. Because it penetrates instead of filming, it also won’t peel or “melt off” the way a film-forming stain does.
Color will vary based on the wood type, the age of the wood, how it is prepped, and how it is applied. It is always best to test samples to see how it will look on your wood: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I’m planning on using knotty pine tongue and groove on the ceiling of my new deck roof. It’s a 12/12 pitch vaulted ceiling. Some of it will see the morning sun. I have big trapezoid windows and knotty pine on the vaulted ceiling in the house. That knotty pine is just lacquered and natural looking. I’d like to keep the look as close to the inside pine as possible while giving it some UV protection. What do you recommend?
The TWP 1515 Honytone is the lightest color that provides UV protection.
How many coats for new wood deck. Kiln dried treated lumber installed approximately ten months ago.
One coat. See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I used Twp 1500 to stain a front porch that gets a lot of sun and rain and the steps are exposed. How often do you suggest restaining?
Every 2-3 years for a deck or porch is normal.
Hello,
I have a deck that is about 12 years old and I replaced some of the railing 6 months ago with new ones.
Is TWP 1500 series a good choice for it?
Should I try to use a darker color, so there will not be too much difference between the newer and old older wood?
No matter what, you cannot get new wood to match older wood on the first time staining with the TWP 1500 Series. The new wood is less absorbent, so it will stain lighter when using semi-transparent colors.
You could try the semi-solid colors. This would help it blend better since they are more opaque than the semi-transparent colors:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
approximately how many square ft will 1 gal cover. my deck is all flat and 600 sf and is only a couple years old. So how many gal do I need for wet on wet?
You will need about 5 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet.
We used TWP 120 stain on our deck in Michigan. Michigan no longer allows the sale of TWP100 stains. What can we use now without having to sand the TWP120 off?
Also, thinking about using the TWP1520, but will the color be similar?
Strip and brighten to remove the 100 Series. Very easy to do.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
What is the rerun policy on non used , still sealed brand new stain that was not used?
https://www.twpstain.com/refund
I have a Backyard Discovery Norwood gazebo and am purchasing TWP and stain / sealing before putting it all together. Chat GPT recommends that I use the 1501 Cedarwood for the most natural Cedarwood look to match the Norwood. Would this be your recommendation as well? I do not want to change the color of the natural cedar wood.
Hi Lisa,
ChatGPT is giving you some incorrect advice. For one, you cannot prestain new wood. You have to install the gazebo, let it weather for 4 or more months, then clean and brighten for prep:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
In addition, you must have a tint in your stain to protect against UV-induced graying, and this will enhance the color of your wood. It is impossible for you to keep the natural color and prevent UV graying. All TWP colors will enhance the grain based on the color you choose. Cedartone is not the lightest color:
https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
I currently have TWP (350 g/I MAX VOC formula) on my wood. I want to refresh it. Is the TWP 1500 ok to use on top of the 350 g/I MAX VOC stain?
What series is this? TWP (350 g/l MAX VOC formula)? It will say on the container.
Attached is a picture of the can. I could not find any reference to the series. It was applied to my house when it was built in January 2018. Where exactly on the can would it be located? Thanks, Chuck
That is the 1502 Redwood. 1500 Series.
Thanks for your help.
I spilled some twp 1500 on my pavers. I immediately used mineral spirits to remove it. It did lighten it up but still there. is there any other solution or product to remove it completely.
Try a graffiti remover cleaner from your local paint store.
Can I make the cleaner and/or the brightener solution in a 5 gal pal and use it over a 1 month period with the same efficiency? Thanks
No. The cleaner has a shelf life after being mixed of a few hours at most. The brightener you can.
Does the cedartone in the 1500 series match the 205 California cedar?
No, the colors do not match between different series.
Where can I find a local retailer for the 205 California Cedar?
We sell online as a dealer. You can order it here. https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series
Hello,
I treated this cedar deck with TWP 100 in spring of 2020. The cedar boards had been sanded fresh and some boards were brand new.
It has been long overdue for another treatment but I don’t know where to start now…
What is my next step? Cleaner/brightener and then TWP 1500 series? Something else?
Thanks for your help.
Best to strip and brighten here for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
How many sqft does twp1500 cover per gallon, 200 sqft deck i have
Coverage Per Gallon:150-200 square feet per gallon per coat.
Just had a brand new rough-hewn cedar fence installed (in Colorado). It’s high and dry here but we still get plenty of mold and mildew, also UV damage unless protected. Want to stain & seal with an oil based semi-transparent product, and found TWP 1500 series online. Two questions: (1) The new wood is not smooth, so does it need one coat or two? (2) Has anyone tried mixing approximately 1 part of 1503 Dark Oak with 3 parts of either 1520 Pecan or 1530 Natural? We don’t like the orangy-yellow cedar look and want our fence to instead look light brown, definitely not dark, orange, red, or yellow.
-Two coats applied wet on wet.
-Yes, you can mix colors of the same series. Not sure of the outcome, as the final color varies based on your wood type and age. You may want to consider adding the Clear or Honeytone to the Dark Oak to tone down the brown tint.
Did you ever try this? We’re in the same boat. I’m considering mixing Pecan and Dark Oak to get more medium brown that is not red or yellow. If so, what mix ratio did you use? We thought rustic would work, but it comes out too red on our wood.
We got samples of Pecan and Dark Oak, then tested each color and various increments of the 2 colors mixed. The Dark Oak was sooo dark! Although we expected to mix them, we really liked the Pecan by itself. We decided that Pecan alone was the color we were looking for – a medium golden brown, no orange or yellow. We ended up not mixing in any Dark Oak after all, and we’re very happy with the fence! 😊
thank you Robin for your reply. Good to hear it came out great. We still haven’t decided, but either going to stick with Pecan or just add 10% or so Dark Oak to darken it just slightly
Hi, Mike! Now that our fence has had a few weeks for the shiny new look to tone down a bit, it is very golden. But in the afternoon it has an ever so slight hint of orange. In hindsight, I think adding 5% of Dark Oak would have been the best way to go. A tiny bit of Dark Oak goes a long way! Ours is all done, but if you ad the smattering of Dark Oak, please let me know what you think. I think you’ll be pleased with it. 😊
Robin, great tip — TWP 1500 colors can be mixed within the series, and a small amount of 1503 Dark Oak goes a long way toward toning down golden hues. Good call keeping it around 5%; more than that and it shifts noticeably darker.
safe for use on the exterior of a new western red cedar sauna? I am worried about VOC content and off gassing into the inside of the sauna. do you have anyone that has used this 1501 Cedartone before with no issues on a dry sauna build?
This is oil-based, so it will have a very strong odor if used indoors. We would not suggest it for a sauna. Saunas in general arent stained.
it would be just on the exterior of an outdoor sauna. I have seen plenty of stained saunas. The image I attached below is from a sauna supply shop that looks like it’s using TWP-1501 and rebranding it. Look at the SKU.
They are not affiliated with TWP in any way. Yes, you can use the 1500 Series on the outside wood.
After staining, do you recommend adding a clear topcoat?
No, and it is not possible to add a topcoat of the TWP 1500 Series. It would peel if you tried this.
I have a house with a deck built late 2024 or early 2025. Looking at TWP1503. Do I need to do any prepping or am I good to just stain? And on a that do I need 2 coats or just one? Also in KS we get damp overnight just with it cooling down, if I don’t get both coats done in a day is that ok?
See here about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Second coats have to be applied the same day, wet on wet:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I cleaned my pressure treated deck floor today with defy wood cleaner and a semi stiff push broom and a a very low pressure wash.The deck floor is 1 year old this is the first staining temperature at three in the afternoon when I clean the deck was 68°? temperature during the night will go down to 58. hi tomorrow will be in the 70s will 24 hours be sufficient drying time after washing to apply a coat of clear stain tomorrow?
48 hours to dry after any rain or the prep before applying the TWP stains.
I am staining 60 yrs old cedar lap siding that has been painted since installed originally. I removed all the paint and am cleaning. We want to use the natural 1500 stain with bug juice but I was wondering if we can mix in the 1500 clear with the natural to lighten it up even more. We might just do one coat. House has two foot over hangs and does not get heavy sun either. Trying for a light colored stain. Thoughts?
Yes, you can mix the clear into one of the colors, but if you do this, the UV protection will be reduced by half if a 50/50 split. BTW, Honeytone is the lightest tinted stain color.
Hi there. We are building a new home and they’ve just finished our ceilings on our porches with cypress tongue and groove. We live in southeast Louisiana so very humid. What is the best product to use to preserve this color and wood?
The TWP 1500 series. New wood tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hi, we just bought a house with a massive wrap around deck that is a few years old but in fantastic shape with no prior treating to the deck wood. We would like to protect the wood but are looking for a product that will require the minimal amount of work to re-apply over the years. We are considering the clear 1500 as we don’t mind the gray wood. My question is, does the lack of UV protection in the clear decrease the protection to the wood, or just allow the natural graying? If we do decide to choose a tinted stain instead, would we have to strip every time we want to reapply, or just clean first? Thank you.
The Clear will protect from other elements but will gray naturally over time. You can clean and reapply as needed if using the Clear or a tinted color.
Can I get some helpful hints or any advice on the push brush that was just delivered
I bought the smaller one
Bristles seem soft and I’m
Looking forward to using it instead of brushing by hand
Has anyone else used this recently ?
Would like to know some tricks if anyone has any
Thank you for the great advice & customer support
Very easy. Just dip into a 5-gallon bucket or paint tray and apply evenly with the grain of the wood on your flooring.
My deck is approximately 275SF and several years old. I strained it last year for the first time with 1500 pecan, but since it’s receives full sun, it was ready for a refresher coat this year. I only used about 3/4 of a can of 1500, but it still dried fairly shiny. doesn’t seem too sticky and I don’t mind the look, but I’m concerned the coat will trap moisture and damage the wood via. This pic was taken 48 hours after staining. Is it ok?
It is over-applied. Most likley due to improper prep. TWP needs to thoroughly soak into the wood grain. It will be fine for now, but you should strip and brighten it when you recoat in a couple of years.
Thank you, will do. To clarify, this one time over application won’t impact the lifespan of the deck?
As long as it cured/hardened, it should be okay. Adding more on top of it without removal in the future would be a different story.
Thx for all the help and sorry for all the questions. Last one: how can i tell if the stain is adequately cured/hardened?
Not sticky anymore.
Hi. My situation is nearly identical to the one described in this post. I’ve read about an unconventional method that I’d like your input on. The source of this method indicated that it was successful. I don’t expect TWP to approve this method, but I am hoping for a better understanding of potential side effects of the method (in general) and if there are specific elements of oil absorbents that adversely affect TWP stains.
Here is the method description:
thank you
It should be fine and should not damage the TWP, but we have never tested this method to be certain.
Waiting for the 1502 redwood to get here
I also ordered a push brush
Really appreciate the great feedback & advice
Trying to decide if wet on wet 2 coat technique is really necessary
If yes should I cover the entire deck with the 1st coat or work in sections allowing one section to dry then applying the 2nd coat to the 1st section
Will that cause uneven areas ?
Our deck is 12×14 and is ground level
We have a 3 foot wide opening with 2 steps in the center that takes you to the grass area
I’m considering 4 sections with a narrow walkway down the center and then just applying stain to the sections as they dry
After the 2nd application just connect the sections with stain as I walk backwards off of the deck boards
Will likely have some heavier “overlap” but I’ll get 2 coats on which I think is what it really needs
Really appreciate your advice and thank you for making the best staining product you can buy !
How old is the deck? Add some pics in the comments.
Our deck was built in the spring of 1998
We’ve ONLY used TWP to re finish it several times since then
It’s held up pretty well and with the exception of a few small areas that I replaced a couple of years ago it’s still in very good shape
Deck flooring still smooth too
Sanding reveals a very tight wood grain and maybe 2 coats is too much stain which is why I’m considering just one coat
Thank you for your advice
Best stain on the planet
Order it early !!!!!
Constantine Kokos
Mt Holly Springs PA
Only one coat since you sanded. BTW, never sand finer than 60-80 grit as too fine reduces stain penetration.
My deck was previously stained with 116. Can I apply 1516 directly?
Yes this kit if switching:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
How many coats is recommended on new siding
How new is the wood? Smooth or rough sawn cut?
I did our deck last sep in twp, it looks good enough but in hindsight could have benefited from a second coating, can I do a second coating this sep at 1 year?
Yes, make sure to clean the wood first.
How many square foot does a gallon of your Pecan cover
Coverage Per Gallon:150-250 square feet
I just want to checkout as a guest
You can do this at the checkout page. Do not check “Create an Account.”
Purchaed a 20 yr old home. I recently replaced some rotting boards exposed to sun/weather with green pressure treated 2x6s. The bulk of the rest of the deck (300sqft) is covered and good shape. I believe it has had multiple coats of mismatched stain. The last used was Cabot clear acrylic. I attempted to strip with Cabot stripper but it didn’t work. I am now sanding and realize I have redwood on the bulk of the main deck. Therefore, I have a mismatch of old new lumber and two different species of wood. We would like a cedartone, pecan, or California redwood color finish. Any recommendations on what to product to apply that may blend all together and be easy to touch up in the future.
See here about the new wood first:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
When time, try the TWP semi-solid colors so it blends better:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
I’m stripping the paint from my deck floor (it was painted by a previous owner) and when finished, I’m planning to apply TWP 1500. Do I need to apply anything first to prep the wood? Thanks!
How are you removing the old paint?
Mostly sanding but some paint stripper where the sanding isn’t enough. Thanks!
Clean and brighten to open up the wood grain with the Gemini Restore Kit for final prep after:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
What are the shipping cost on 3 gallons of 1516 oil base stain to Norcal ?
Please add products to cart and enter your zip code for shipping costs.
We just finished staining our above-ground deck with TWP 1500 Pecan, and it looks fabulous! We are now installing bamboo-reed fencing below the deck (as opposed to lattice) for a tropical feel and would like to match the color with the deck. Is TWP 1500 our best option for bamboo? Thanks!
Sorry but the TWP stains that we sell will not work for bamboo.
Any suggestions?
Is the 1500 Cedartone similar to 100 Pecan? If we want to go darker than the 100 Pecan but in the 1500 series, what color would you recommend?
120 Pecan is similar to 1520 Pecan. Darker brown would be the 1503 Dark Oak.
What 1500 series stain would be a similar color as the 200 series Butternut Brown? Or, would it be ok to use the 200 Series on the timbers of a front porch and deco truss?
There is no matching or similar color in the 1500 Series to the 207 Butternut. You can use the 200 Series on front porch timbers and trusses.
Thanks. I used a 1500 series color that I am not happy with, about 6 months ago. Can I go right over that with the 200 series? Any special prep first?
You will need to remove the 1500 series first for best results:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
I build and stain Adirondack chairs, but I am dissatisfied with the oily surface that Ready Seal provides. Is this characteristic typical of oil-based stains, or does your product cure differently? Additionally, can it be applied in colder temperatures, and what is the drying time?
Ready Seal contains nondrying oil (paraffin), so it will rub off and have an oily residue since it “never” dries and cures. TWP stains are fully drying and curing oils, so once fully dry and cured, they will not rub off like Ready Seal
How many square feet does a gallon of TWP cover on new wood?
About 200-300 Sq feet per gallon. https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a KidKraft playset. Which sealer would I use that is safe on metal and other hardware?
Use a tinted color in the 1500 Series stain. First, remove all prior coatings or stains.
I have ~200sqft of brand new white cedar shakes and was thinking of dipping them before install. Live in New England. Looking for a clear finish. Best product to consider? Was thinking about 1500. Anything special to consider?
Clear with no tint means it will not have UV protection from graying. You must use a TWP tinted color for this. Also, for shakes, you would want the 200 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series
My deck is 8 years old. i have power washed and sanded down to bare wood. Am thinking the 1500 series? Live on a lake in southeastern Nebraska. Is this the correct product ?
You could use the 100 or 1500 Series for NE. Both are allowed there, and both last the same.
The deck has wooden posts and cap rails but uses stainless steel wire railings. Do I need to mask the wires prior to staining the posts?
Just avoid getting any of the TWP stain on the wire railings when applying.
Do you have butternut brown
Butternut Brown 207 is in the 200 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series
Hello! I have a two year old deck which we cleaned and treated for the first time last September with the 1500 series Pecan. I remember reading last year that I can add another coat this september without cleaning first?
Also, the deck gets a lot of sun and the much of the first coat seems to be gone. Would you suggest a darker shade for more protection? Also, to extend the life of the deck do you suggest sticking with a semi transparent for longer or moving to a semi solid?
Thanks for your help!
No, you must prep whenever you recoat, which would consist of cleaning. If you switch colors or semi-solids, you must strip and brighten for prep. The semi-solid colors give longer UV protection.
What do you suggest cleaning with prior to recoating?
The Gemini Restore Kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Given the sun exposure, Is there a downside to moving to a semisolid color so early in the lifespan of the deck, or do you suggest sticking with the semi transparent for a few more seasons first?
Semi-solid colors will give longer UV protection. If you switch, you will need to strip and brighten, which is very easy to do.
Hi there – we are applying this stain to our deck and noticing that where we had a table or bbq (so the old stain isn’t completely gone) the new stain isn’t absorbing and is hard to wipe off the excess. It still looks very wet even after a few days. Any ideas on what to do?
See this: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
We have a 600 sq ft deck, built in 2015. We first used TWP 1500, and then a Behr oil based stain for the last time we stained.
What kind of prep do we need to do to go back to the 1500 twp stain? What products do you recommend?
You will need to remove the Behr fully. Please upload some pics in the comments for advice.
It is coming off most where the dogs come in and out of the house/most foot traffic.
Use the RAD Stripper Kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
With both additives:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-additives
Thank you so much!
It looks like it was 1520 TWP and then Behr penetrating oil semi transparent
Is this a topical stain, or does it soak well into the wood. I don’t want anymore flaking of stain.
TWP stains are penetrating, not filming stains. Make sure you remove any prior coatings first.