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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    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.
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    Robert S · 08/04/2018
    On IPE, can one stain (twp1500) in full sun around 85-90 degree ambient temp
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      TWP Stains · 08/06/2018
      Yes but not any higher than 90.
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    CM · 01/13/2018
    Stained my house with 1516 in rustic back in 2013. The house is sided with tung/groove cedar and trimmed in rough cedar - stain has been great and have had zero problems up to now.

    Today I was outside and noticed some "dripping" or bleeding on some of my soffit boards and even the in the tung/groove that run horizontally. I'm certain this wasn't there a few months ago. We had some extremely cold weather a few weeks ago (-20F ambient). Is it possible the wood contracted so much that it's squeezing the stain out of it? Any other explanations for this?
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      TWP Stains · 01/14/2018
      The TWP is a full curing stain so it would not be possible to squeeze the stain out. It is more than likely water stains.
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        CM · 01/14/2018
        Attached is an image of what I'm talking about. I'm confident this wasn't present back in November 2017, and overly certain excessive stain was wiped from the boards when applied years ago.

        What would cause this? Application methods that you can suggest to prevent this in the future? It's sticky and has the consistency of stain - it's on the north-face of the house which gets zero sunlight, so perhaps it didn't cure for whatever reason on this side of the house?
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          TWP Stains · 01/14/2018
          TWP cures in days. It is not possible to not cure. The issue is wood or weather-related and not related to the TWP stain itself. Looks like tannin bleed from the inside of the wood. No way to stop or prevent.
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    TWP Stains · 07/04/2017
    Phyllis S:
    My older redwood deck is ready for staining, but the temperature now in our area of Texas is 75 degrees at a low at night up to a high of 95 to 98 after noon. Should I wait until we have cooler temps or go ahead with the TWP 1500 stain applying early in am knowing that the temp will be 90 by 1pm or so? Deck is mostly covered.

    You could do it early in the am.
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    Phyllis S · 07/03/2017
    My older redwood deck is ready for staining, but the temperature now in our area of Texas is 75 degrees at a low at night up to a high of 95 to 98 after noon. Should I wait until we have cooler temps or go ahead with the TWP 1500 stain applying early in am knowing that the temp will be 90 by 1pm or so? Deck is mostly covered.
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    TWP Stains · 12/15/2016
    Joseph Sand:
    I applied one coat of stain. It has dried and looks like it really needs more. It is on a cedar siding in an enclosed porch. Can I apply more product even though it has dried? It is also going to freeze, I really want it to get on ASAP!

    It would be best to wait until Spring to do this. Lightly wash and reapply one light coat.
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    Joseph Sand · 12/14/2016
    I applied one coat of stain. It has dried and looks like it really needs more. It is on a cedar siding in an enclosed porch. Can I apply more product even though it has dried? It is also going to freeze, I really want it to get on ASAP!
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    TWP Stains · 06/09/2016
    lynnellen:
    One other question: Once our newly-stained deck (which looks fabulous, btw) need another coat in a few years, do we do the clean/brighten thing prior, or just power wash with water first?

    Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit when time to redo.
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    lynnellen · 06/09/2016
    One other question: Once our newly-stained deck (which looks fabulous, btw) need another coat in a few years, do we do the clean/brighten thing prior, or just power wash with water first?
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    TWP Stains · 06/04/2016
    Deborah Brittain:
    How long drying time before you can walk and put furniture back on deck

    Depends on the temperature and exposure to sun. 24 hours is normal, but make sure it is fully dry.
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    Deborah Brittain · 06/04/2016
    How long drying time before you can walk and put furniture back on deck
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    TWP Stains · 04/27/2016
    George wyatt:
    This is my first time using twp sealer. I was told to wipe off any stain left on surface after 15 minutes. Then after doing a small section this way I read the application instructions. I covered next section thoroughly and thick and let soak in for 30-40 minutes, then wiped. Totally different shade so how can I darken first section the easiest. And finally, this was brand new wood, if I put it on thick but didn't add more to areas that had totally absorbed after 45 minutes, will this be an adequate coat for protection

    Did you read this about new wood?:
    http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/

    More is not better on new wood. You cannot add more to darken right now as it will not take into the wood. Better to finish with one light coat this year and light wash and apply another coat next Spring.
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    George wyatt · 04/26/2016
    This is my first time using twp sealer. I was told to wipe off any stain left on surface after 15 minutes. Then after doing a small section this way I read the application instructions. I covered next section thoroughly and thick and let soak in for 30-40 minutes, then wiped. Totally different shade so how can I darken first section the easiest. And finally, this was brand new wood, if I put it on thick but didn't add more to areas that had totally absorbed after 45 minutes, will this be an adequate coat for protection
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    TWP Stains · 04/14/2016
    Keith K.:
    Applied TWP 100 3 years ago to an older PT pine deck. A couple days ago I prepped for a maint. coat using Gemini cleaner, some sanding, and pressure wash. It had 1 cool cloudy day to dry but then light rain came. I kept most of it dry with a large tarp but found out it had some small holes resulting in 4 wet spots about a foot long, with the rest of the boards staying dry. Is 24 more hours enough for these wet spots to dry, or do I need to wait 48 hours before staining? Deck will be in full sun all day (south side of house in Wisconsin), 60 deg for high, 39 for low tonight. As of 9am the spots are drying up. Would like to stain tomorrow if the wet spots aren't a concern. Is 24 hours enough dry time for a few 12-inch wet spots?
    Backup plan is to wait 2 more days, but I would finish staining at about 7pm with rain forecast for the next morning. Overnight temps in the mid 40's. Is this enough dry time for the maint coat? Thanks!

    Yes 24 hours should be fine.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Keith K. · 04/14/2016
    Applied TWP 100 3 years ago to an older PT pine deck. A couple days ago I prepped for a maint. coat using Gemini cleaner, some sanding, and pressure wash. It had 1 cool cloudy day to dry but then light rain came. I kept most of it dry with a large tarp but found out it had some small holes resulting in 4 wet spots about a foot long, with the rest of the boards staying dry. Is 24 more hours enough for these wet spots to dry, or do I need to wait 48 hours before staining? Deck will be in full sun all day (south side of house in Wisconsin), 60 deg for high, 39 for low tonight. As of 9am the spots are drying up. Would like to stain tomorrow if the wet spots aren't a concern. Is 24 hours enough dry time for a few 12-inch wet spots?
    Backup plan is to wait 2 more days, but I would finish staining at about 7pm with rain forecast for the next morning. Overnight temps in the mid 40's. Is this enough dry time for the maint coat? Thanks!
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    TWP Stains · 10/26/2015
    marlene ginter:
    I am staining my deck tonight at 5:00. I will put 2 coats on 3 hours apart. That should give me 22 hours before the rain is forecasting showers. My deck is a covered porch but open on 2 sides to the outside. Will it be okay to stain today?

    TWP is to be applied wet on wet. Not wet on dry. Please see this:
    http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/

    I would not stain at 5pm at night then have it rain the next day. You should stain earlier in the day so it has at least 4-8 hours of sun to help it dry.
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    marlene ginter · 10/26/2015
    I am staining my deck tonight at 5:00. I will put 2 coats on 3 hours apart. That should give me 22 hours before the rain is forecasting showers. My deck is a covered porch but open on 2 sides to the outside. Will it be okay to stain today?
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    TWP Stains · 10/17/2015
    William Mackrides:
    Can TWP be reapplied at a later date as it wears

    Yes you can lightly clean and apply a maintenance coat as needed.
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    William Mackrides · 10/16/2015
    Can TWP be reapplied at a later date as it wears how much later? years?
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    William Mackrides · 10/16/2015
    Can TWP be reapplied at a later date as it wears