What is Coverage Rate for TWP 1500 Series and the TWP 100 Series

When calculating how much TWP stain you will need for a particular project, two main factors come into play; the square footage of the surface being stained and the coverage rate per gallon.

The manufacturer specifies coverage rates. However, this is only an estimate because there are other variables that can affect coverage. The type of wood being stained affects coverage greatly. Denser wood’s like hardwoods will not hold as much stain as less dense wood types. Age of the wood is also very important. More aged wood can be very porous and will take a lot more stain than smoother newer wood. 

Even the wood prep that is done prior to staining can affect the coverage rates. If the wood was cleaned and prepped correctly, it will hold more stain than a surface that is not cleaned as well. On wood surfaces that are very thirsty, TWP recommends applying two coats “wet on wet.” If the first coat soaked in very quickly then a second coat can be applied while the initial coat is still wet. This will obviously affect the TWP stain coverage rate.

Deck Stain Calculator on Right Side!

The specified coverage rate for TWP is 150-200 square feet per gallon for the first coat. Second will apply at 200-300 per gallon. This averages to about 100-125 sq. feet per gallon for 2 coats wet on wet.. From this, and from measuring the surface you can calculate how much stain you need. For more aged wood you could easily factor in some extra stain. On newer wood that is still smooth and dense, you probably are not going to use as much.

For maintenance coats you are not going to use near as much stain as you did initially staining bare wood. There are just way too many variables to know the exact coverage rate of TWP for sure. There is really no way of knowing exactly how much stain you will need. It is better to buy more than you need than to not have enough. You can always save left over stain for next time. TWP has a shelf life of 1-2 years as long as the can is properly resealed.

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