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January 2020

deck stainDeck Stain ReviewsDeck Staining 101

TWP 100 Series

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TWP 100 Pro Series

The TWP 100 Series will now be called the TWP 100 Pro Series! See here for More Info: TWP 100 Series Label Change

When it comes to preserving any exterior wood surface, it’s important to know that the wood stain you use can make all the difference. For the do-it-yourselfer,. there isn’t anything more essential than getting good results. Whether it’s a wood deck, fence, cedar shakes, wood siding, or other wood structure, choosing the right deck stain will make or break the project.

When searching for the right deck stain for your situation you should consider many different factors – overall appearance, stain longevity, ease of application, price, and so on. What you want to avoid is using the wrong exterior stain. Many of the deck stains sold at the home centers are inferior in comparison to a contractor-grade stain.

Try to steer clear of deck stains that are heavily pigmented and color solid. Also, stay away from stains that are 100% acrylic and/or have silicone in them. These types of wood stains stay on top of the surface and form a film similar to paint. Climate and temperature changes cause these film-forming stains to crack, flake, and peel leaving your deck or other wood structure in worse shape than it was. Once this type of deck stain does fail, it’s extremely costly and labor-intensive to remove but a necessary evil to restore the wood. It’s best just to avoid these types of deck stains all together.

Most wood experts agree a better choice is a semi-transparent deck stain such as TWP 100 series. This non-film-forming deck stain protects against water and UV damage by penetrating deep into the wood. TWP 100 deck stain is mold and mildew resistant to prevent wood rot, decay, and structural damage. The TWP Stain is an easy to apply formula which makes it the perfect deck stain for the enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer looking for professional results.

With over half a dozen tones to choose from, you’ll get the look you want and the protection you need. See why the experts recommend TWP 100 series deck stain. Experience lasting results and protect your investment for years of enjoyment.

For a low VOC version visit TWP 1500 Series

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Deck CleaningGray Weathered Deck

Properly Preparing a Wood Deck for Stain 2025

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Deck Cleaned

Deck Cleaned

When you’ve come to the decision to refinish your deck it’s important to understand the right and wrong way to do it. Cleaning a deck is the most crucial step in the wood restoration process. While some people may think the only thing that matters is the brand or type of deck stain they use, it’s really the preparation of the wood surface that makes the most difference.

A properly cleaned deck will hold a deck stain for a certain amount of time. If that same deck is not cleaned correctly and the same deck stain is used, it’s certain it won’t look as good or last as long. So regardless of the deck stain, the surface preparation is what will determine a lasting finish so always use the best deck cleaner reviewed.

Deck Cleaning 2025

This isn’t to say that the brand of deck stain you use isn’t important or that the application methods don’t matter. Those are important factors as well, but it starts with the prep work. Get the prep work wrong and you might as well throw in the towel.

The few common mistakes that homeowners will make in preparing their wood deck for a new finish is not cleaning the deck at all, not using the right deck cleaners, or not using a deck brightener.

Best Deck Cleaner 2025

First of all, let’s be clear, you have to clean the wood before you stain it. This doesn’t mean to blow it off with a leaf blower or rinse it with the garden hose. A contractor grade deck cleaner should be used with a pressure washer or a stiff broom. This will loosen the dirt and gray wood fibers to reveal new wood. If an old stain is present, you need to use a deck stripper instead of a cleaner. The deck stripper will soften the old stain as well as remove dirt and gray wood fibers.

After cleaning or stripping the deck, whichever is the case, the wood then needs to be brightened back to the proper pH so the deck stain will penetrate properly. This is not a hard step but a very necessary step. After washing the deck, a deck brightener is applied, allowed to dwell, and then rinsed off. Now the wood is prepped correctly. After it dries for several days the deck stain can be applied.

Skipping any of these steps, or not using a quality 2-step deck restoration system will give you poor results. The deck won’t look as good and the deck stain won’t last as long. Do the right prep work with quality cleaners and use a good deck stain and you’ll get results like the pros.

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Deck CleaningUncategorized

Wood and Deck Strippers – Removing Failing Deck Stains 2025

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Deck Stripping Tips for 2025

Restoring a deck starts with proper wood preparation, which means thoroughly cleaning the surface and removing any old, failing deck stain. If the old stain is left behind, the new stain won’t penetrate the wood correctly, leading to premature failure. Stripping the deck down to bare wood is essential to open up the pores and ensure long-lasting protection.

Peeling Deck Stain

Peeling Deck Stain

How to Remove Old Deck Stain

To effectively strip an old stain, use a high-quality deck stripper. These products are designed to remove most:

  • Clear and tinted semi-transparent stains
  • Film-forming clear sealers and water repellents
  • Common contaminants like dirt, mold, mildew, and mill glaze (often found on newer wood)

Dealing with Peeling Deck Stain

If your deck has a solid-color stain or paint, removal can be far more challenging. Many of the worst offenders come from big box stores—these 100% acrylic or silicone-enhanced stains tend to peel quickly yet are extremely difficult to remove.

For these stubborn coatings:

  1. Apply a strong deck stripper and let it dwell for at least 30 minutes, rewetting it occasionally to keep it active.
  2. You may need to repeat the process multiple times for heavy buildup.
  3. Sanding may be necessary for over-applied or particularly stubborn spots to fully expose the bare wood.

Best Deck Stain Stripper & Pro Tips

  • Always choose a professional-grade deck stripper for maximum effectiveness.
  • Patience is key—stripping a deck properly takes time, and there are no guarantees with solid stains or paints.
  • Prevention is the best solution—avoid solid stains and deck paints altogether, as they are expensive and time-consuming to remove once they fail.

Final Step: Brightening the Wood

After stripping, apply a wood brightener to restore the wood to its proper pH level. This step is crucial because it:

  • Enhances the wood’s natural color
  • Helps the new stain absorb evenly and deeply
  • Neutralizes any leftover stripper residue

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your deck is prepped correctly, allowing for better stain adhesion, deeper penetration, and longer-lasting protection.

 

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deck stain

TWP Wood Stains Shipping To Canada

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TWP exterior wood deck stains and preservatives have been manufactured for over 20 years by Gemini Coatings. Considered one of the top wood and deck stains in the market, TWP is a favorite of residential homeowners and wood restoration contractors.

For the first time, you can now purchase TWP 200 Series stains direct from the United States and have them shipped across the border into Canada.

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Deck Cleaning

How to Remove Mold on Decks

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Mold is a general term used for fungal growth. It will grow on just about any exterior surface including decks. Wood is not naturally resistant to mold infiltration. Even pressure treated pine will get mold on it if the conditions are right. Most decks have seen their fair share of mold depending on climate, humidity, and sun exposure. Shaded areas of decks are typically more prone than sunny areas. Even some deck stains can be more prone to mold than others.

Mold and wood do not mix. Mold will win every time. Spore infiltration may be surface mold or it could go deeper into the wood fibers. Damage can range from unsightly appearance to major structural damage. The good news is that mold on decks can be removed safely before damage is done. Most decks should be cleaned and re-stained every year or two to keep a maintained appearance. Regular maintenance will increase the deck’s longevity. Knowing how to remove mold on decks does not include any big secrets. If you follow a general cleaning method you will remove mold in the process.

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