FAQ

The Semi-Solid Pro-Series may be tinted to any custom color using approved colorants. All other TWP products cannot be tinted. You can mix colors together in the same series (ex.TWP 102 Redwood and TWP 115 Honeytone) to achieve your desired color. *Note that the TWP105 Cape Cod Gray and TWP106 Prairie Gray can only be intermixed with each other.*

Cedartone is the most sold color in all series. However, color is a personal choice and should be chosen carefully.

While we do not offer free product samples, we can mail you a color sample chip card. Please provide your mailing address to customer service at 800-262-5710 or use the contact form on this site and reference “color sample chip card” in your message.

The TWP WS Series is available in most PPG Duluxe stores. You can find the store nearest to you using the TWP retailer finder.

100 Pro-Series and TWP 1500 Series are not available for sale in Canada. TWP 200 Series and TWP 300 Series can be sold in Canada but currently are not available in retail stores. Visit our online retailer’s page for a list of distributors.

TWP is sold nationwide but may not be stocked in retail stores in your area. Use our retailer finder tool to identify a retailer near you.  If no retailers are in your area, contact Customer Service at 800-262-5710 for a list of distributors.

100 Pro-Series has a V.O.C. of 550 grams/liter. Certain states now require lower V.O.C. limits in wood preservatives (350 gram/liter). TWP 1500 Series is the same base formulation as 100 Pro-Series with minor formulation changes to comply with the state regulations.

TWP 1500 Series can be used in all 50 states. Both lines are designed for the same uses and perform the same. The decision to use TWP 1500 Series should be based on the need to meet your state regulations. Click here to see the listing of LOW V.O.C. States.

There are some colors only available in the TWP 1500 Series. If you choose one of these colors you can order them no matter which state you live in. Please note that most retailers stocking 100 Pro-Series do not stock TWP 1500 Series.

TWP 500 Series was the original LOW V.O.C. formulation. It has since been replaced by TWP 1500 Series due to advanced technologies.

This will depend on several things:

1. Location of project (some states have VOC rules that will dictate 300, 1500, 200 or WS)
2. Nature of project – what are you wanting to preserve?
3. Desired outcome of project – what do you want the end result to look like?

Visit our Project Planner page.

The 100 Pro-Series is the original formula, designed for decks, fences and siding. Good for all exterior wood applications, except Bamboo.

The TWP 1500 Series is a VOC Compliant version of the 100 Pro-Series. Same applications.

The WS Series is a waterbased version of the 100 Pro-Series. Same applications.

The 200 Series was originally designed for cedar shake roofs and siding, because of its formulation, it doesn’t lend itself well for deck applications. It dries quite slow (up to 6 weeks in some cases) and is fine for fences, siding, landscape timbers and other “low-contact” surfaces.

The 300 Series forms a varnish-film with multiple coats, and can be used in the same manner as the 100 Pro-Series, but because of its high cost, usually is only applied to Bamboo or outdoor furniture.

TWP is not compatible with another manufacturer’s stain or paint. Any previous stain or paint must be completely removed before using TWP. Stains or paint not removed will effect the penetration and performance of the TWP and could cause premature failure of the product. TWP can however be reapplied over wood that has been previously stained with TWP.

We do not recommend that. The fungicide in TWP smells really strong and when used inside it can smell for weeks, if not months. If you choose to do it anyway, you must find a way to ventilate the structure rigorously, exchanging the air inside several times a day for several days to reduce the odor from the fungicide.

The WS, 100 Pro-Series and 1500 Series should be dry enough to walk on after 12-18 hours, under good weather conditions. Colder temperatures slow down the drying and warm temperatures speed the drying.

Depending upon the period of time between application and rainfall, the rain can turn TWP into a gooey mess or it will turn the stain white (moisture under the film). If the stain becomes a gooey mess, it will need to be stripped off and re-stained. If there is a white haze, usually when the wood is exposed to the sun and begins to dry out the surface, the white haze will disappear. Speeding the dry with a leaf-blower is helpful. If the haze doesn’t go away after 2-3 days of dry weather, then TWP is remaining on the surface and should be stripped off and re-stained.

We would prefer stain application take place when the temperature is around 80°, but may be applied as cold as 50°, or as warm as 85°, please note that the colder it is, the slower TWP will dry, and if they apply TWP when it is too warm, the stain will “flash” (dry quickly on the surface) and not soak into the wood. When this happens, TWP will not last long.

If anything, the stain will not dry until the sun comes out and warms the surface. A deck will be sticky for several days if this happens, just let the warmer temps and sunlight dry the stain. If you think you need to do something right away, you can mop the deck with paint thinner to remove a bit of the TWP that’s on the surface.

100 Pro-Series and 1500 Series are interchangeable, but we do not recommend using these over the WS, 200 or 300 Series. It is best to strip the wood and apply their new choice of stain.

The 300 Series should be brushed, but all series can be applied with a brush, roller staining pad, or by spray application. A preferred method is using a “pump-up garden sprayer” to apply TWP and back brush to work the stain into the wood. If you choose to spray, you must take precautions to cover anything that is nearby as overspray will drift and settle on anything nearby.

Previously stained surfaces must be stripped, cleaned and brightened before using TWP. New wood should age (6 months for cedar and redwood, 12 months for pressure treated) before any staining is done. Old wood (like new wood after aging) should be cleaned and brightened before staining. Drying of the wood for at least 2 days is required before using TWP.

This greatly depends on the exposure, but generally, color fades first (12-24 months depending upon stain color) and this is an excellent guide to know when to recoat. The water repellency and resistance to wood rot is still working, but color is sacrificial, and needs regular maintenance. Make sure the wood is clean, and dry, then re-apply TWP.

No. Although we know some people have used the 100 Pro-Series on composite, we do not test for performance on this substrate and cannot guarantee results.

100 Pro-Series, 300 and 1500 Series only, and must be allowed to cure for a minimum of 30 days and since TWP contains a water repellent, an oil based caulking, oil based primer or paint must be used. Water based paint can be used, IF an oil based primer is used first.

Yes. Test the caulking/chinking with TWP for compatibility. Always chink or caulk first then apply TWP.

An unopened can of TWP has a shelf life of 18 months (when stored under good conditions); anything that is past the shelf life (while it may appear to be useable), cannot be warranted for results or performance.

Nothing. Anything added to TWP without significant testing prior to application may yield unpredictable results. We will not warranty TWP that has been altered outside of our lab tested and evaluated recommendations.

No, it is better to wet the wood before using as this helps loosen grayed wood fibers and dirt.

Yes, as long as it is an exterior wood, do not use on interior applications.

It’s not required, but you will yield more satisfactory results if a power washer is used.

No, Safe Strip is only for use on semi-transparent stains that are oil-based. Safe Strip will not remove any water based stains or paints.

Generally no, so long as it is mixed correctly, the prepared Safe Strip solution should not hurt vegetation or painted surfaces. Always wet down surfaces near the application area before and after use.

If allowed to dry on a painted surface, TWP or Safe Strip cannot be easily removed and probably should be painted over. On an automobile, consult a body shop; they may be able to remove by machine polishing.

Attempting to clean with Paint Thinner or Lighter Fluid is OK on most surfaces and may remove at least some of the stain or stripper. On solid surfaces like glass, metal or plastic, ammonia-based cleaners may work.

TWP or Safe Strip on concrete will be difficult to remove if allowed to dry. Use oven cleaner according to label directions, then power wash. A weak solution of Muriatic Acid and water may be used as a last resort.