TWP 100 Vs. TWP 1500: Which Stain Wins For Your Deck?

I’ve spent years staining decks, fences, and siding, and choosing the right wood stain can make or break your project. In this article, I’ll compare TWP 100 and TWP 1500, two popular stains from Total Wood Preservative (TWP), to help you decide which suits your needs.

From application to durability, I’ll break down their pros, cons, and key features in a conversational, easy-to-understand way, using a semantic SEO approach to cover all angles. Let’s figure out which stain will keep your wood looking stellar!

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	TWP 100	TWP 1500
Type	Semi-transparent stain	Semi-transparent stain
Base	Oil-based	Oil-based
VOC Compliance	Higher VOC, restricted in some states	Low VOC, compliant in all 50 states
Penetration	Deep wood penetration	Moderate penetration
Durability	1-2 years on decks, 2-3 on siding	1-2 years on decks, 2-3 on siding
Application	Brush, roller, or sprayer	Brush, roller, or sprayer
Drying Time	24-48 hours	24-48 hours
Colors	6 colors (e.g., Honeytone, Cedartone)	6 colors (e.g., Honeytone, Pecan)
UV Protection	Strong	Strong
Mildew Resistance	Good	Excellent
Prep Required	Clean, brighten, sand if needed	Clean, brighten, sand if needed
Cost	$30-$40/gallon	$35-$45/gallon

My Journey With TWP Stains

Let me take you back to my first big deck project.

I was staring at a weathered, graying pine deck, desperate to bring it back to life.

A buddy recommended TWP stains, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Over the years, I’ve used both TWP 100 and TWP 1500 on everything from decks to cedar siding, and I’ve learned their strengths and quirks.

If you’re wondering which one’s right for your project, stick with me—I’ll walk you through what makes each shine and where they fall short.

What Are TWP 100 and TWP 1500?

TWP 100 and TWP 1500 are semi-transparent, oil-based wood stains designed to protect and beautify exterior wood surfaces like decks, fences, and siding. They’re formulated to penetrate wood, offering UV protection and mildew resistance while letting the natural grain show through.

The key difference?

TWP 100 is a higher-VOC (volatile organic compound) formula, while TWP 1500 is a low-VOC version compliant with stricter environmental regulations. Both aim to keep your wood looking great, but their differences matter depending on your location and project needs.

Key Features of TWP 100

Let’s start with TWP 100. This stain’s been around for years, and it’s a favorite for a reason. Here’s what stands out:

• Deep Penetration: TWP 100 sinks into the wood like water into a sponge. This deep penetration helps protect against moisture and cracking, especially on dense woods like cedar or redwood.
• UV Protection: It’s packed with UV inhibitors that shield your wood from sun damage, keeping that rich color from fading fast.
• Ease of Application: Whether you’re brushing, rolling, or spraying, TWP 100 goes on smoothly. I’ve sprayed it on fences and brushed it on decks with no issues.
• Color Options: You get six colors, from light Honeytone to darker California Redwood. They’re vibrant but let the wood’s grain peek through.
• Mildew Resistance: It’s formulated to resist mildew, which is a big deal if you live in a humid area like I do.

I remember staining a client’s old oak fence with TWP 100 in Cedartone. The color popped, and two years later, it still looked fresh despite heavy rain and sun exposure. That’s the kind of performance you can expect when it’s applied right.

Key Features of TWP 1500

Now, let’s talk about TWP 1500, the newer kid on the block. It’s essentially an upgraded version of the discontinued TWP 500 series, designed to meet stricter VOC regulations. Here’s what it brings to the table:

• Low VOC Compliance: TWP 1500 is legal in all 50 states, unlike TWP 100, which is restricted in states like California and Michigan due to high VOCs.
• Enhanced Mildew Resistance: It’s got an edge over TWP 100 in fighting mildew and mold, making it ideal for damp climates.
• UV Protection: Like TWP 100, it’s loaded with UV blockers to prevent fading and graying.
• Smooth Application: It applies just as easily as TWP 100, with no streaking or lap marks if you follow the instructions.
• Color Consistency: The six color options match TWP 100’s palette, but slight variations can occur due to the low-VOC formula.

I used TWP 1500 on a pressure-treated pine deck in Georgia last summer. The Pecan shade gave it a warm glow, and the client was thrilled with how it held up through humid, stormy weather. The low-VOC formula also meant less odor, which was a bonus for their nearby patio.

Pros of TWP 100

TWP 100 has a loyal following, and I can see why. Here’s what I love about it:

• Superior Penetration: Its high-VOC formula allows deeper wood penetration, which translates to better moisture resistance. I’ve seen decks treated with TWP 100 shrug off heavy rain without warping.
• Rich Color: The colors are bold yet natural, enhancing the wood’s beauty without hiding it. Honeytone on cedar is a personal favorite—it’s like giving the wood a golden glow.
• Cost-Effective: At $30-$40 per gallon, it’s slightly cheaper than TWP 1500, which adds up on big projects like fences or multi-level decks.
• Proven Track Record: TWP 100 has been around longer, so you know it’s reliable. I’ve got clients whose siding still looks great three years after application.

Cons of TWP 100

But it’s not perfect. Here are the downsides I’ve noticed:

• VOC Restrictions: High VOCs mean it’s banned in states with strict environmental laws. If you’re in California or New York, you’re out of luck.
• Strong Odor: The fumes are potent during application. I always wear a mask and advise clients to keep windows closed for a day or two.
• Prep Intensity: You need to clean and brighten the wood thoroughly, and sometimes sand it, to get the best results. Skip this, and the stain won’t penetrate well.
• Mildew Resistance: While decent, it’s not as robust as TWP 1500 in super-humid areas. I’ve seen some mildew spots on shaded decks after a wet season.

Pros of TWP 1500

TWP 1500 steps up in a few key ways. Here’s why I like it:

• Nationwide Availability: Its low-VOC formula makes it legal everywhere, so you don’t have to worry about state regulations.
• Better Mildew Resistance: It’s formulated to fight mold and mildew more effectively, which is a game-changer in places like Florida or the Pacific Northwest.
• Eco-Friendly: Lower VOCs mean it’s better for the environment and has less odor, making it more pleasant to apply.
• Comparable Performance: It matches TWP 100’s UV protection and durability, so you’re not sacrificing quality for compliance.

Cons of TWP 1500

Even TWP 1500 has its flaws. Here’s what I’ve run into:

• Slightly Higher Cost: At $35-$45 per gallon, it’s pricier than TWP 100. For a 500-square-foot deck, that could mean an extra $20-$30.
• Less Penetration: The low-VOC formula doesn’t penetrate quite as deeply as TWP 100, which might affect long-term moisture resistance on dense woods.
• Color Variations: Some users report slight color differences compared to TWP 100, even with the same shade. Test a sample on your wood first.
• Still Requires Prep: Like TWP 100, you’ve got to put in the work to clean and brighten the wood. No shortcuts here.

Application Process: How They Stack Up?

Applying either stain is straightforward, but preparation is everything. I learned this the hard way when I rushed a deck job and ended up with uneven color. Here’s how it goes:

1. Prep the Surface: Clean the wood with a deck cleaner to remove dirt and mildew. Use a wood brightener to open the grain. If the wood’s rough or previously stained, sand it lightly with 60-80 grit sandpaper.
2. Test the Stain: Always test a small area. Wood type and age affect the final color. I stained a cedar fence once without testing, and the Redwood shade looked more orange than expected.
3. Apply the Stain: Use a brush for precision, a roller for speed, or a sprayer for large areas. Work in small sections to avoid lap marks. One coat is usually enough, but older wood might need two.
4. Dry Time: Both stains take 24-48 hours to dry, depending on humidity and temperature. Keep pets and kids off the surface during this time.

I find TWP 1500 a bit easier to work with because of its lower odor, but TWP 100’s thicker consistency feels more forgiving on uneven surfaces. Either way, take your time—rushing leads to blotches.

Durability and Maintenance

Both stains hold up well, but durability depends on your climate, wood type, and maintenance.

On decks, expect 1-2 years before reapplication. Siding and fences can last 2-3 years.

I’ve seen TWP 100 last closer to three years on vertical surfaces like cedar siding in dry climates.

TWP 1500 performs similarly but shines in humid areas due to its mildew resistance.

Maintenance is identical for both.

Every year, clean the surface with a mild deck cleaner and inspect for fading or wear. If the color’s fading, apply a maintenance coat. No stripping is needed unless you’ve got peeling or flaking, which is rare with proper prep.

I recoated a TWP 1500-treated deck last year, and it took half a day—easy peasy.

Cost Analysis: Is TWP 1500 Worth the Extra Bucks?

Let’s talk money. TWP 100 costs $30-$40 per gallon, while TWP 1500 runs $35-$45. For a 400-square-foot deck (requiring about 2 gallons), you’re looking at $60-$80 for TWP 100 versus $70-$90 for TWP 1500. The $10-$20 difference isn’t huge, but it adds up on larger projects like fences or multi-story siding.

Is TWP 1500 worth it? If you’re in a VOC-restricted state or humid climate, absolutely. The nationwide availability and superior mildew resistance justify the cost. But if you’re in a dry area and can use TWP 100, its deeper penetration and slightly lower price make it a solid choice.

Choosing The Right Stain For Your Project

So, which stain should you pick? It depends on your situation:

• Choose TWP 100 if: You’re in a state where it’s legal, want maximum penetration, and don’t mind the stronger odor. It’s great for dry climates and dense woods like redwood or oak.
• Choose TWP 1500 if: You’re in a VOC-restricted state, live in a humid area, or prefer a more eco-friendly option. It’s a must for places like Michigan or California.

I stained a friend’s shaded porch in Missouri with TWP 100 semi-solid last year, thinking it’d be low-maintenance. Big mistake—mildew crept in after a wet spring. TWP 1500 would’ve been the smarter call. Learn from my errors: match the stain to your climate and wood condition.

Real-World Performance: My Experiences

Let me share a couple more stories to drive this home. I used TWP 100 on a 20-year-old pine deck in Arizona. The dry heat was brutal, but the stain’s UV protection kept the Honeytone shade vibrant for two years. On the flip side, I applied TWP 1500 to a cedar fence in Oregon, where it rains nine months a year. The mildew resistance was a lifesaver—no green spots even after a soggy winter.

Both stains deliver, but TWP 1500’s versatility across climates and regulations gives it an edge for most users. Still, TWP 100’s penetration depth is unmatched for specific projects.

Tips for Getting The Best Results

Want your stain to last? Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Prep Like a Pro: Clean, brighten, and sand if needed. A clean surface ensures the stain bonds properly.
• Check the Weather: Apply on a dry day with temps between 50-80°F. Too hot, and the stain dries too fast; too cold, and it won’t cure right.
• Stir, Don’t Shake: Mix the stain thoroughly to blend the pigments. Shaking creates bubbles that mess up the finish.
• Test First: Wood varies. Test the color on a scrap piece or hidden area to avoid surprises.
• Maintain Annually: A quick wash and inspection each year can extend the stain’s life.

I skipped the brightener step once, thinking it wasn’t necessary. The stain looked dull and wore off faster. Never again—prep is non-negotiable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Deck, Your Choice

You’ve got a deck or fence begging for some love, and choosing between TWP 100 and TWP 1500 doesn’t have to be a headache. I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and real-world insights to help you make the call.

TWP 100’s deep penetration and affordability are great for dry climates, while TWP 1500’s eco-friendly formula and mildew resistance shine in humid or regulated areas. Whichever you pick, prep well, apply carefully, and your wood will thank you with years of beauty.

Got a project in mind? Grab a can and get staining—you’ll love the results!