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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  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Gwen Addison · 06/14/2018
    I have 2 pine beaded board patio ceilings that were installed about 6 months ago. I would like to stain them. Should I use exterior stain, and apply 1 or 2 coats?
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    TWP Stains · 05/22/2016
    Dan Gavin:
    I'm installing a new cedar fence 160' with two 4' walk in gates I'm going to stain both sides of fence so if I figured it out right tthat's 1920sqft of coverage I need .....how m much of the twp 100 should I purchase

    15-20 gallons for the 2 coats.
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    Dan Gavin · 05/22/2016
    I'm installing a new cedar fence 160' with two 4' walk in gates I'm going to stain both sides of fence so if I figured it out right tthat's 1920sqft of coverage I need .....how m much of the twp 100 should I purchase
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    TWP Stains · 10/06/2014
    Terry Thompson:
    I have a new pine pressure treated deck. How long do I need to wait before applying stain to this wet wood deck.

    Terry

    Hi Terry, Please read this:
    http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
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    Terry Thompson · 10/05/2014
    I have a new pine pressure treated deck. How long do I need to wait before applying stain to this wet wood deck.

    Terry
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    TWP Stains · 08/19/2014
    Nancy DiBiano:
    WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS UNEXPECTEDLY WITHIN 24 HOURS OF APPLYING 1500 SERIES TO NEW CEDAR DECK

    It will most likely be fine but did you let the new cedar weather and prep correctly?
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    Nancy DiBiano · 08/19/2014
    WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS UNEXPECTEDLY WITHIN 24 HOURS OF APPLYING 1500 SERIES TO NEW CEDAR DECK
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    TWP Stains · 08/13/2014
    Bill Watson:
    Sorry if I did not find this somewhere, but can you tell me if there is a difference in UV protection by stain color, or by series (100 vs 1500 series)? I would like the maximum UV protection possible. Thanks.

    Darker or richer colors will give better UV protection then the lighter tints.
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    Bill Watson · 08/12/2014
    Sorry if I did not find this somewhere, but can you tell me if there is a difference in UV protection by stain color, or by series (100 vs 1500 series)? I would like the maximum UV protection possible. Thanks.
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    TWP Stains · 04/18/2014
    Joe, more is not better so please do not apply a third coat right now. Better to wait 6-12 months and apply a light coat after removing dirt.
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    Joe Cooper · 04/17/2014
    I have applied two coats of 1500 pecan to a 600 sq ft deck and only used about 4 gallons. Can I apply a third coat for better protection and a richer, deeper brown tint?
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    TWP Stains · 04/07/2014
    Deanne, that is not possible to do. Nothing will give Uv protection for a clear finish.
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    Deane D Hilt · 04/06/2014
    Pls. advise if there is an additive I can add to TWP1500(clear)to achieve the UV protection equivalent to TWP 1503(natural). We want the clear color but can not afford to give up protection on 4800 sq. feet of shakes.
    I would appreciate an urgent ans as we need to order very soon.
    Regards,
    Deane