Applying TWP (Total Wood Preservative) deck stain is something that most deck owners can do themselves. Using TWP wood stain will ensure a lasting finish on decks and many other exterior wood surfaces. TWP stain protects against moisture, preserves natural wood color, prevents mold/mildew, is easy to apply, and is the only EPA registered wood preservative.

Prior to applying any TWP wood preservative product, the wood surface should be cleaned thoroughly. Weather must be taken into consideration when staining a deck or other exterior wood surface. Follow these weather tips for TWP application:

Temperature

Air temperatures can affect the overall results of an exterior staining project. TWP Total Wood Preservative is best applied in temperatures ranging from 45-95 degrees with 60-80 degrees being the optimal range. The temperature should also not drop below freezing within 8 hours after the stain application. This could cause improper curing of the product.

If temperatures are too hot and/or applying in direct sunlight where the wood surface is hot to the touch, the stain can flash dry. This leaves the stain coat looking splotchy, uneven, and may have inconsistent coloring.

Rain in the Forecast

If the wood surface gets wet allow it to dry a minimum of 24 hours before attempting to apply TWP stain. This can vary depending on how wet the wood got, temperature, and the age of the wood. It is best to do a water test drop to determine if the wood is ready for stain. If the water soaks in right away then stain, if it beads, do not stain.

It should not rain 12 hours after applying TWP. The stain may be able to take some rain earlier but it depends on wood porosity. Because oil and water do not mix, the stain will not be affected much by a little rain if it has already soaked into the wood. On the other hand if the stain is still wet and sitting atop the surface, rain can cause separation circles or may completely wash the stain away.

Be sure to always check your local forecast prior to staining any exterior wood surface. This will ensure that TWP wood stain gives you the beautiful lasting results you expect.

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    Thomas · 01/24/2023
    Is 12 hours cure time without rain adequate if heavy rain is forecast shortly after?
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      TWP Stains · 01/25/2023
      In most cases, yes but it does vary based on conditions on how much stain you apply.
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    Kristi · 10/24/2022
    We're in a pickle. We have an older deck (not sure of the age but at least 10 years old) and had it painted a few years ago (big mistake). We've just about finished grinding off all the old paint and are almost finished replacing any of the rotting boards. We plan to use the restore-a-deck prep kit just as soon as that's complete. The problem we now have is rain and weather. The process has taken longer than we expected and now we have 1.5 weeks of days with chances of rain. It's almost November in North Carolina, so the temps are dropping though not freezing yet. I'm guessing we can't let this old wood be exposed throughout the winter, so we probably need to stain it regardless correct? Will it work in cooler temps and with a combination of old and new boards? Since we're dealing with various ages of wood, we know we'll definitely have to use at least the semi-solid stain (and I assume it'll need to be a darker color, correct?). Any help would be greatly appreciated.  
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      TWP Stains · 10/24/2022
      You should do it all in the Spring, it will be fine. Clean and prep then and stain after. 
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    Jeff · 07/02/2022
    Hi. Applied 1500 cedar tone at 3:00 pm at 90 degree temp (in New England area). 2 periods of rain overnight….3:00 am to 3:10 am and 4:07am to 4:17 am. Will the stain be ok? What should I look for if not?
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    jk · 06/29/2022
    will DEW in am affect staining?  twP 100
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      TWP Stains · 06/29/2022
      If it burns off quickly it should be fine. The wood cannot be wet when applying TWP.
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        jk · 06/29/2022
        thank you.  direct sun at 85 ok to stain?
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    Glee · 06/04/2022
    Can I stain (twp 1500) in the evening?  Temp won’t go below 55 degrees.
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    Remonsamara · 05/29/2022
    It says on restore a deck brightener wait 2 to 4 hours or longer to stain after brightener.  Is there a certain moisture percentage that makes it safe to stain.  2 to 4 hours seems like wet wood.  It's 80° and sunny
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      TWP Stains · 05/30/2022
      With TWP, you need 48 hours after prep or rain to stain. 
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    Grace · 11/02/2021
    Next week looks like a close call on if I should stain my new deck or wait until next season. One section was complete 9months ago and the other section about 2 months ago and ready for stain but Looking at the forecast would you recommend I go for it and get it stained and protected before winter or hold off until spring? Wondering if you think it’s is too cold with lows in the night 30s at night to dry properly. Thank You
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    Mike · 09/22/2021
    Can this product ie 5 gallon cans be stored in an unheated building during the winter season (20 to -20 degrees F?  What is lowest storage temp?
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      TWP Stains · 09/23/2021
      No. Temperature controlled room. 50-80.
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    Rick · 08/30/2021
    Can I stain my porch ceiling when it's raining.  Although the humidity is high, the porch ceiling is dry because it's under cover.  Or does relative humidity in general effect the stain absorption and performance.
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    Gregory D Elliott · 06/15/2021
    I have white pines near the cedar fence that I am going to have sprayed with your stain.  What do I need to do to protect the trees and grass around my fence during spray application?
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      TWP Stains · 06/16/2021
      Put a tarp on the grass and cover the trees as well from over spray of the TWP stain.
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    Jeff · 02/09/2021
    Will salt or ice melt products damage TWP 100 Pro-Series stains on walking surfaces?
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      TWP Stains · 02/09/2021

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        JEFFREY ANDERSON · 02/11/2021
        For some reason the response is not showing. Could you trying again in responding to my ice melt question? Thanks!
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          TWP Stains · 02/11/2021
          No deck stain is immune to deicing salts. It will damage the TWP stain.
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    TFHANCOCK · 11/07/2020
    Can I use restore cleaning product and brightener now and wait a week to stain? Rain is in forecast 2 days from now so prefer not to stain until 5 days of sun. Any negative to cleaning today and then waiting a week? Thanks!
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      TWP Stains · 11/07/2020
      No issues.
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        TFHANCOCK · 11/07/2020
        I am so impressed with your company and the quick response today to my posted question. The product is awesome also - used it 4 years ago on docks lakeside and it has lasted EXTREMELY WELL. Thank you for your professionalism and great customer service. I highly recommend TWP ! Tony
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    Gary Freed · 09/16/2020
    Stripped then brightened my deck using power washer.; waited 2 1/2 days then applied cedartone 1500 series 2 1/2- 3 gal to 850 sq ft at 68 degrees. Down to
    50* overnight; 78* today still not dry anywhere, even where it’s completely, it’s been30 hrs. Should I remove excess product or wait till tomorrow 58* tonight 69* tomorrow. Please respond ASAP. Thanks
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      TWP Stains · 09/16/2020
      Wipe off excess now or tomorrow. Use rags and mineral spirits. Saturate all oily rags in water and lay flat to dry outside when done.
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    Keith · 06/28/2020
    Previously applied TWP 1515 about three years ago. What prep is recommended now to reapply TWP.
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    Darren · 06/25/2020
    Our 9 year old cedar deck has been stripped, sanded and brightened (using RAD products) and is ready for the TWP 200 (Canadian). The instructions say we need 48 hrs of dry time before any significant rain, yet the info on this site says TWP stain requires anywhere from 12-24 hrs before any rain. We want to apply tomorrow (Friday) and rain to move in Sunday around noon. Temps will be in the low to mid 80’s. So what dry time does 200 need before any significant rain can occurs?
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    Nick K · 11/08/2019
    Hello,

    I am planning to stain my cider siding with 1500 stain. Temperature during the day to be 60-64F but during the night it will drop to 28-30F. If Ill apply the stain in the morning will I have any problems due to lower temperature at night?
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      TWP Stains · 11/09/2019
      If the stain dries by night then no issues.
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    Luis · 11/07/2019
    Hello,
    Was planning on staining our pergola this upcoming Saturday. Temperature looking to be around 42/45F. Snowed a bit earlier today. Sunday night dropping to 20F. We are located in southern Ontario. Should I wait until spring or better to treat the wood now? Staining with TWP 200
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    MZ · 07/26/2019
    I've treated my deck with the Restore-A-Deck treatment and given it a light sand. I intend to stain it this weekend, but the forecast calls for 100+ degree temps (live in Sacramento where there are hot, dry summers).

    Should I apply the stain first thing in the morning, before it hits 80 degrees, or stain when the heat wave passes?

    Thank you in advance
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      TWP Stains · 07/26/2019
      Do it before it hits 80 is fine.
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        MZ · 07/26/2019
        Thank you!
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    Soby · 12/26/2018
    Can I do this or should I wait? Does it make sense to do one coat now (to protect the wood from the elements) then do another coat in the spring when temperatures are a little higher? Please advise
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      TWP Stains · 12/27/2018
      Best to wait and prep the wood in the Spring when temps are in the 50-60 degree range.
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    Soby · 12/26/2018
    Just ordered TWP 1500 series. What are the risks of staining a fence, and deck overhang in temperatures between 40-45 degrees? Thank you
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      TWP Stains · 12/27/2018
      It may not cure correctly. Best to wait and do all in the spring when temps are better.