Which TWP Stain Should I Use?

by TWP Stains

 Which TWP Stain Should I Use?

TWP stands for Total Wood Preservative. It has been around for over 20 years and has been a leader in the wood staining industry. TWP Exterior Wood Stain is an EPA registered wood preservative. Unlike other stains that cover up wood and form a protective film that is venerable to peeling and flaking, TWP stains are a penetrating oil formula that offers excellent protection. Knowing which TWP formula is best for your exterior wood project is the key to having excellent results.

TWP 100 Series – The 100 Series has been a leading and respected formula for over 25 years. It penetrates and enhances natural wood beauty and is available is 6 different colors. It is used for all types of exterior wood decking, siding, fencing, and hardwoods. It is not prone to mold or mildew. The 100 Series is not compliant in all states. Please be sure to check if it is compliant in your area. 

TWP 200 Series – Available in 8 different colors, the 200 Series formula is best used on wood siding, shakes, and shingles. It uses a non-drying paraffin oil formula that enhances the wood cell’s structural stability making it an excellent choice for older wood that has lost its natural oils. It sheds and repels water and prolongs UV fading. The TWP 200 Series is compliant in all 50 states.

TWP 500 Series – The TWP 500 Series formula has been discontinued and replaced with a new and improved formula called TWP 1500.

TWP 1500 Series – The new 1500 series replaces the old 500 series. This newly formulated preservative penetrates better, dries faster, and outperforms it predecessor. TWP 1500 is a low VOC preservative with unique absorbing pigments that prevent wood graying, fading and premature discoloring. Selected mildewcides prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Available in 9 different colors, TWP 1500 Series Stain is best used on all types of wood fencing, decking, siding, log homes and roofing. It is compliant in all 50 states due to its low 250 VOC formula.

Choose the TWP Series Stain that best fits your needs and give your wood surfaces the protection and lasting beauty they deserve.

Need More Help? Please Ask Below!

 

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Brian
Brian
4 months ago

I live in Central Texas and I’m building a new 26’X18′ deck that will be facing full sun. What is the best lighter pigment application?

Ethan
Ethan
4 months ago

I have sealed my pine 6′ fence with TWP-100 (Dark Oak) twice over the last ten years and was planning to apply a third coat in December 2023. Unfortunately without my knowledge my neighbor to the rear sealed 100′ of my fence using a water-based solid seal made for fences and decks. He meant well and thought he was doing me a favor, but the damage is done. I am going to leave it this way for now, but want to know my options in the future as far as un-doing this damage. Luckily it is a run of fence that is mostly out of sight. I would like to know if I am able to strip this water-based seal off and restore back to bare wood – then applied coat-on-coat of TWP 100 (Dark Oak). If a stripper would work for this situation – which stripper would you recommend? I do know he only applied a single coat of the water-based seal. 

Ethan
Ethan
4 months ago
Reply to 

I bet combining that product with a high-power pressure washer will get it off. I am hoping the adhesion is not that good for the water-based solid seal as they did not prep at all before applying over top of the old TWP-100.

Ethan
Ethan
4 months ago
Reply to 

The RAD ingredients make me weary – I am looking for something stronger (no odor= weak) product. I am going to look around for something stronger that gels – I don’t care if I have to wear a mask and it does not have to be environmentally friendly – the more odor the better (caustic=strong)

Ethan
Ethan
4 months ago
Reply to 

Thanks – I will give it a try

Phil
Phil
4 months ago

What if I stain / seal my deck with TWP 1500 and its 60 degrees during the day and then it drops to 45 degrees at night?  Does it nooed to stay above 50 degrees for multiple days? Trying to see if I can seal before winter. Thanks

C W Janssen
C W Janssen
5 months ago

Northern Minnesota, rough cut Cedar lap siding.
I have used Olympic brand oil based semi transparent twice with good results- 10yrs and 8yrs before redo. That stain is no longer made.
I have high confidence in oil based products.
Which of your products would you recommend?
 

Vicky Langer
Vicky Langer
6 months ago

Which type should I use for a new fence? That’s mostly redwood but has some cedar and Douglas Fir. I’m not sure whether to do the 100 or the 1500. Or what the differences are. Also, where can I get this in Placer County California?

Carol
Carol
8 months ago

I am considering using the 200 series for our cedar siding that is 30 years old and  has always been treated with TWP 1/2 cedar tone 1/2 clear mix. We have stripped the old stain.  But I am concerned about the non drying parrafin oil. When it says non drying, what does that mean? Does the stain stay tacky?

Mark
Mark
9 months ago

I live in PA just soft washed my natural cedar home as it faded since I bought it. Currently waiting for it to dry. I want to keep it as natural as possible. Previous owner used Thomson Wood Protector Clear. Attached an old photo of and of it just soft washed.

1. Do I go with 1500/200?
2. Clear or Cedartone?
3. Can I mix the bug juice with it? I live on a creek and want to keep spiders off and carpenter bees away.

Pattie
Pattie
9 months ago

My deck was built approx. 9 months ago. I haven’t stained it yet. It receives sun throughout the entire day. I live in wv.  Can I go ahead and stain it now? Which twp product would you recommend.

Sharon
Sharon
9 months ago

My 500 Sq ft deck has not been stained. It is “new”, having weathered for a yr. I live in Southwest Louisiana and we have very hot summers and high humidity. It is yella wood pine. It is not covered and gets sun most of the day. I am hoping to apply with a pump sprayer. Mold and algae are a moderate concern. Which TWP product do you recommend? Semi- transparent is preferred if possible. Will I need 1 or 2 coats as this is the initial staining?

Sharon
Sharon
9 months ago
Reply to 

Approximately how many gallons do I need for 2 light coats? If I apply with a pump sprayer do I back brush or use a paint pad?

Nathan
Nathan
10 months ago

Good evening. Planning on redoing the stain on my cider siding in Georgia. Probably at least 10 years since it’s been done and I have no idea what was used on it besides some sort of stain. Would the current stain need to be stripped to use one of your products? 

Mark Sacco
Mark Sacco
11 months ago

I live in central North Carolina where is plenty hot and humid all summer. I have an existing deck/screened porch that was sealed with ReadySeal about 18 months ago.  That product faded ou really quickly and we would like to refinish.  Which TWP should we use?  Any special instructions? Thanks! 

John Maholtz
John Maholtz
1 year ago

Is TWP 1500 Natural a safe stain to use inside a horse barn?

Rebecca
Rebecca
1 year ago

We have a 9 year old deck and just replaced several posts, railing pieces and steps. After pressure washing and cleaning which series would you recommend for the old and new to blend well color wise? We live in north Georgia, lots of heat and humidity, and deck is in full sun most of the day. Thank you 

Josh
Josh
1 year ago

I live in north texas. We have a 26×26 covered patio. The under boards, not seeing any direct sunlight, are v groove pine. There are also some on the outside as well that see some sun. The columns and main supports under are all cedar What is the best product to apply? 100 or 1500 or ??  We had readyseal dark walnut applied when installed and want something that will last longer. 

Josh
Josh
11 months ago
Reply to 

Would I need to strip or do any other prep besides powerwashing before all lying the 100 series stain? 

Miranda Henson
Miranda Henson
1 year ago

I would like to know if TWP is recommended to use as an exterior door stain?

Miranda Henson
Miranda Henson
1 year ago
Reply to 

Knotty Alder wood

Miranda Henson
Miranda Henson
1 year ago
Reply to  Miranda Henson

?

Andrew
Andrew
1 year ago

We’re looking to re-stain the decks at our house in the Bay Area of Northern California. They were last done in 2015 with a 50-50 mix of 205 & 1501. If doing this myself then I’d like to switch to just one series – which should I use?

Nancy
Nancy
1 year ago

Getting ready to stain our 2- 1/2 year old uncovered pine deck for the first time. We live in KY, the deck faces northeast, gets morning sun, and backs up to a wooded area. As you can imagine,  it’s quite weathered, has  areas of mold, and some wood-splitting. What stain product would you recommend? As we’re not very timely with our home maintenance projects, a long lasting stain would be nice. 

Sherry
Sherry
1 year ago

Building pergola in. We get snow. Which stain for rough sawn fir would be best?

W Kurash
W Kurash
1 year ago

100 or 1500 series in northern Washington state>

Bob Dole
Bob Dole
1 year ago

Can I stain the outside of my raised vegetable garden bed? I’m not planning to stain the inside.

Thanks!

Clayton Solberg
Clayton Solberg
1 year ago

Hello, I love in the coast of oregon and gave a cedar shake roof. I previously used a chevron oil for preservative. Its 25 years old. The shakes have lost some thickness. Lots of rain, wind and salty air.
Should I use series 200 or 1500 series? Where is the closest dealer or can I order it direct from you?

Clayton Solberg
Clayton Solberg
1 year ago
Reply to 

Can I mix copper naphthenate with the 200 series stain. Do you have pictures of cedar roofs done with your stain?

Steve
Steve
1 year ago

Staining cedar gazebo in Tucson AZ. Lots of sun all day, dry, temps routinely exceed 100 degrees 5 months of year. 

Chris
Chris
1 year ago

I’m resurfacing a deck in Richmond Virginia. Currently gets afternoon sun but part of the build will be a privacy wall and sun sail to reduce that. 

Planning to go with a darker brown for both aesthetics and added UV protection. 

Which of your products do you recommend?

Chris
Chris
1 year ago
Reply to 

Thanks! Do you have samples I can order to compare colors in person?

Philip
Philip
1 year ago

We just purchased a 1990 Linda cedar home in western Washington (lots of rain). Cedar siding is currently stained with unknown stain that is peeling. 1. What is the best product to strip this stain and prep the siding? 2. What is the most durable series of stain for our state? 

Philip
Philip
1 year ago
Reply to 

Please see attached

Todd
Todd
1 year ago

I live in Colorado in some intense sun. About 7 years ago I stained my deck (skirting and railings) with TWP 100 redwood. It’s held up great, but due to fading and weathering, it now needs to be redone. However, I can’t order TWP 100 to Colorado anymore. Should I use TWP 1500 instead? Will it go over the faded TWP 100 okay or is there other prep work I’d need to do? And is the TWP 1500 redwood the best color match for TWP 100 redwood?

Todd
Todd
1 year ago
Reply to 

Okay. But if I don’t strip some of the skirting, can TWP 1500 be applied effectively to redwood that was stained with TWP 100 several years ago?

Monika
Monika
1 year ago

I live in Pennsylvania, and I need a stain for a pool deck. Which one is best for this?

Monika
Monika
1 year ago
Reply to 

Looked at the 1500 stain colors. I have a solid white colored stain on my deck currently. Plan to stain over that color without sanding or removing. Any recommendations for a stain that would blend with or cover my current stain for a pool deck in PA that you offer? 

Anthony Hall
Anthony Hall
1 year ago

Would it look funny to use TWP 1500 Dark Oak for a porch railing and balusters I’m about to add when I already used TWP 100 Dark Oak on the deck and steps I’ve already built?  Everything is/will be built from redwood.  I ran out of the 1 gallon of TWP 100 I had, and it has since become more convenient to get TWP 1500.

Anthony Hall
Anthony Hall
1 year ago
Reply to 

I understand that even when using the same product, with some wood stains there can be a risk of slightly different colors, if all the cans used aren’t first mixed together to make it all uniform.

Is the difference in color between TWP 1500 and TWP 100 likely to be more noticeable than different cans of 100 that weren’t combined?

Sandra Fuchs
Sandra Fuchs
1 year ago

Live in CT, have new (installed last summer) untreated PT pine. Full sun most of the day and want to stain for first time. What is the best choice in oil based semi transparent stain.

Jim
Jim
1 year ago

I am located in NH and have a new eastern white pine barn.  I want to keep the wood looking as natural as possible with the least amount of yellowing.  Which stain is better for T&G eastern white pine siding the 1500 or the 200?  

compare TWP stains
2 years ago

I live in Ca and have about 1800 sq of deck. During the summer the deck bakes and gets first sun. In winter lots of rain and cold temps. Which product would you suggest after properly prepping the deck? Also thinking of using a natural color. Suggestions?

compare TWP stains
2 years ago
Reply to 

California 

Andrew Waite-Wright
Andrew Waite-Wright
2 years ago

Follow up – I live in Missouri

Andrew Waite-Wright
Andrew Waite-Wright
2 years ago

I have a ten year old cedar deck that I have sanded back to bare wood. I looks clean with just a few gray patches. 1. After brightening, should I use 101 or 1501 – I have both on hand. 2. I was planning on applying the TWP twice since the wood is bare – any problems with this?

Craig
Craig
2 years ago

I have new rough cut cedar what stain is better 1500 or the 100 

Lisa Burman
Lisa Burman
2 years ago

I have old wood deck that I just sand it down.i completely strip the old paint.  The wood is turning gray.  Is it better to use 100 or the 1500. I live in California.  Hot and full sun. 

Ashley
Ashley
2 years ago

I live in a town that gets all 4 seasons including snow and lots of sun. I want to stain my house, deck floors and fence. My house has wood panel siding, my decks are redwood wood and some my fence is regular untreated wood fencing. Which series(s) should I use?

Mike
Mike
2 years ago

I have a 15-year-old PT wood deck previously stained/painted.  I have recently replaced some boards, approx 4-6 months ago, and have stripped, sanded, and cleaned the deck.  The deck has a southern exposure and we are in northern Virginia.  Which type of stain would be best? TWP 100 series or 1500 series.

Karen
Karen
2 years ago

Is series 200 good to use on a screened in, covered deck with exposed stairs?

Rich
Rich
2 years ago

What happened to the TWP 300 SERIES!!

David
David
2 years ago

Cypress siding has dried 2 years, planed and shiplapped. I am interested in a Redwood or Mahogany stain. Which semi transparent TWP product will provide more UV protection? Also what product is best to treat end cuts?

Jorge murillo
Jorge murillo
2 years ago

I live in Tucson, Arizona.  The sun is bright and hot. Witch is better for UV protection?100 or 1500 be better in this type of climate? 

Marlena
Marlena
2 years ago

I live in Oregon. Which is the best TWP stain to use on my outdoor deck previously stained with SuperDeck?

Joy M Hill
Joy M Hill
2 years ago

Will it work on bamboo fenceing?

Steve
Steve
2 years ago

I thoroughly  restored a pressure treated deck with Cedartone 101 and it looks new. Can I use 1500 series over top of it for maintenance coats? 

Steve
Steve
2 years ago
Reply to 

Thanks for the quick reply, but just to be certain, I just did it last year, deck’s in perfect shape. Are you saying the 1500 won’t hold up on top of the 100, or it will look weird or? Also, might want to check the question from 6/11/2019, person from Nebraska says they started with 100, and if Nebraska changes it’s VOC laws, would the 1500 suffice, and the reply on 6/12/2019 was go ahead, use the 1500 on top of 100. Obviously I don’t want to have the extra work if I don’t have to. Just trying to clarify, thank you. 

compare TWP stains
2 years ago

I have a pool deck that seems to need a yearly stain as the chlorine washes the big box stains off in one season. I have replace the decking 2 years ago and want to apply something that will last.

compare TWP stains
2 years ago
Reply to 

Understood. Which TWP stain would be the best for this area? Looking for a recommendation.

PL
PL
3 years ago

We are installing wester red cedar vertical grain siding and using the same for a deck as well. We want to retain the lightness of the wood and also preserve the warmth (not let it turn overly grey) but don’t want a red tone. Live in Bay Area. (CA) would you recommend twp100 or twp1500 and what shade?

doug
doug
3 years ago

I have used your 1500 product many times on treated wood deck. i am replacing my porch posts with western red cedar. I live in northeast so we get alot of rain and cold and snow. What product would you reccomend and which stain color will show natural color of the cedar the best? Thanks

Bond
Bond
3 years ago

Which product should I use for external windows in CA?

compare TWP stains
3 years ago

I’ve had great success with TWP 1500 for staining a Redwood deck and fence here in Northern California. Now I’d like to stain an wooden outdoor dining table. I’m not sure of the wood type – possible eucalyptus. Would you recommend TWP 1500 for this purpose? I’ve seen TWP 300 advertised for furniture. What is the difference? Thank you.

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