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.
Ask Questions in Comment Area Below
I bought too much TWP 1500 – a 5 gallon pail for my 250sf deck. Can I store unused quantities in a smaller container and use it in two years when I may need to refresh my cedar deck?
Shelf life after being opened is about 12 months.
We applied TWP 100 series stain, then it rained about 3 hrs after we stopped, lightish rain but ground and deck is wet. The water is totally beading up on the areas we stained. Hopefully this means it will be ok? It’s been between 60-80f recently as we’ve been working, temps same in next few days. We still have more staining to do, do we need to wait 48 hrs after this light rain before proceeding? Anything we should do with the areas that got rained on 3 hours after we stopped? Thank you.
48 hours after any rain to to apply the TWP to the unstained areas. As for the stained areas and rain, if an issue it will be very noticeable after it dries with “water” spots all over the deck.
I should mention we are restaining only the railing and not floorboards so rain accumulation somewhat less on surfaces since more vertical area, but I guess we will have still wait and see…? Thanks for your quick response:)
I live in Missouri hot and humid . My deck around my pool is supposed to be stained this week. He’s going to start early in am temp is supposed to be 80, but 95 by mid afternoon. The deck is in direct sun. Will this be too hot to apply. We are using Cedar Tone 101 Pro Series.
It should not be above 90 when applying.
I have a cedar deck, about 10 years old, that I have always used Restore-a-Deck and TWP on it every year, and it looks like new each time it’s stained. I cleaned it and used the brightener a few days ago but then it poured rain for a couple of days. Do I need to do the cleaning and brightening process completely over, or can I do a light cleaning and re-apply the brightener? Or just spray it off with water to clean again?
No, rain does not harm prep. Just let it dry for 2 days or longer.
Hi, looking to power wash and brighten an old cedar fence and a four year old pressure treated wood fence starting this week. We are is southeast Wisconsin and the weather is getting iffy. Particularly concerned about nighttime temps. I’m attaching a screenshot of the next few week’s weather forecast. Would love to get this done, but I also would like the TWP semi-solid 100 to last as long as possible. Need some advice, thanks.
You are okay. It cannot drop below freezing the first night after staining.
can twp be stored in freezing conditions
No.
Is 12 hours cure time without rain adequate if heavy rain is forecast shortly after?
In most cases, yes but it does vary based on conditions on how much stain you apply.
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.
You should do it all in the Spring, it will be fine. Clean and prep then and stain after.
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?
You should be fine.
will DEW in am affect staining? twP 100
If it burns off quickly it should be fine. The wood cannot be wet when applying TWP.
thank you. direct sun at 85 ok to stain?
Yes.
Can I stain (twp 1500) in the evening? Temp won’t go below 55 degrees.
Yes.
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
With TWP, you need 48 hours after prep or rain to stain.
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
You cannot do the 2 month old section yet so wait and do it in Spring:https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thank you. I was hooping that was the answer ;) So I shouldn’t worry about the older section then being over a year old before it gets protected? More important to let the newer section dry out and stain all together?
Yes, correct.
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?
No. Temperature controlled room. 50-80.
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.
Yes, you can.
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?
Put a tarp on the grass and cover the trees as well from over spray of the TWP stain.
Will salt or ice melt products damage TWP 100 Pro-Series stains on walking surfaces?
For some reason the response is not showing. Could you trying again in responding to my ice melt question? Thanks!
No deck stain is immune to deicing salts. It will damage the TWP stain.
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!
No issues.
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
Welcome!
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
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.
Previously applied TWP 1515 about three years ago. What prep is recommended now to reapply TWP.
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
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?
12-24 hours after applying.
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?
If the stain dries by night then no issues.
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
Wait to Spring. That is too cold.
Thank you, given the fact that it will be exposed to snow and ice, do I have to treat with a different product before staining it in the spring?
Prep with this and then you can apply: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
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
Do it before it hits 80 is fine.
Thank you!
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
Best to wait and prep the wood in the Spring when temps are in the 50-60 degree range.
Just ordered TWP 1500 series. What are the risks of staining a fence, and deck overhang in temperatures between 40-45 degrees? Thank you
It may not cure correctly. Best to wait and do all in the spring when temps are better.
On IPE, can one stain (twp1500) in full sun around 85-90 degree ambient temp
Yes but not any higher than 90.
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?
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.
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?
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.
[quote name=”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.[/quote]
You could do it early in the am.
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.
[quote name=”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![/quote]
It would be best to wait until Spring to do this. Lightly wash and reapply one light coat.
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!
[quote name=”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?[/quote]
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit when time to redo.
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?
[quote name=”Deborah Brittain”]How long drying time before you can walk and put furniture back on deck[/quote]
Depends on the temperature and exposure to sun. 24 hours is normal, but make sure it is fully dry.
How long drying time before you can walk and put furniture back on deck
[quote name=”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[/quote]
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.
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
[quote name=”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![/quote]
Yes 24 hours should be fine.
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!
[quote name=”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?[/quote]
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.
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?
[quote name=”William Mackrides”]Can TWP be reapplied at a later date as it wears[/quote]
Yes you can lightly clean and apply a maintenance coat as needed.
Can TWP be reapplied at a later date as it wears how much later? years?
Can TWP be reapplied at a later date as it wears
[quote name=”Daren Drummond”]Hello, Last week I finished applying two wet on wet coats of TWP 1500 stain on our deck. There are several shiny/slick looking spots scattered on the horizontal portion of the deck. Can these be fixed and what caused this to happen? Thanks for your help.[/quote]
Over applied and/or improperly prepped is why this happened. Basically too much stain was applied and was unable to soak into the wood. Since it has been a week it may not be possible for you to wipe off the excess stain with mineral spirits and rags as it most likely has dried by now.
Hello, Last week I finished applying two wet on wet coats of TWP 1500 stain on our deck. There are several shiny/slick looking spots scattered on the horizontal portion of the deck. Can these be fixed and what caused this to happen? Thanks for your help.
[quote name=”David Litwiller”]I applied 1503 Dark Oak stain to my pressure treated 4-1/2 year old deck a few weeks ago and I am noticing a few white spots coming out of the wood on a few boards and spindles that were stained. Some of the spots are close to the knots. This is the first time it has been stained and I cleaned the deck using a scrub brush with oxygen bleach and applied a brightener a few months ago and recleaned it with dish soap shortly before I stained it a few weeks ago. I tried to rinse it well to remove the cleaning solution after cleaning and I let the deck dry at least two full days before staining. I am not sure if the white spots are from the oxygen bleach or soap that was perhaps inside the wood that I couldn’t get rinsed out before staining or someone mentioned the white spots could be sap coming out of the wood. I was wondering if you may have an idea what these white spots are and what I can do to remove them so they are not on the stained wood. Thanks.[/quote]
It is sap. You cannot stop sap from bleeding and there is no easy way to remove it without removing the stain as well.
I applied 1503 Dark Oak stain to my pressure treated 4-1/2 year old deck a few weeks ago and I am noticing a few white spots coming out of the wood on a few boards and spindles that were stained. Some of the spots are close to the knots. This is the first time it has been stained and I cleaned the deck using a scrub brush with oxygen bleach and applied a brightener a few months ago and recleaned it with dish soap shortly before I stained it a few weeks ago. I tried to rinse it well to remove the cleaning solution after cleaning and I let the deck dry at least two full days before staining. I am not sure if the white spots are from the oxygen bleach or soap that was perhaps inside the wood that I couldn’t get rinsed out before staining or someone mentioned the white spots could be sap coming out of the wood. I was wondering if you may have an idea what these white spots are and what I can do to remove them so they are not on the stained wood. Thanks.
[quote name=”Kevin Karpin”]Hi we stained deck about 10 days ago and it looks great, however every time it rains water accumulates and it takes a few days to evaporate is this temporary. Its puddles of water on the wood…[/quote]
Yes that happens for the first few weeks or months. It will not do this after full cure.