TWP Stain Applied to a Well Prepared Surface
There is a lot of misconception when it comes to applying a wood stain to a deck. Some folks believe they can go buy a quality product like TWP stain and just apply it over an unclean wood surface. Even a good sealer like TWP stain should be applied to a surface that is free of dirt and oily contaminants if it is to perform as expected. Imagine refinishing an antique piece of furniture or re-staining some trim in your home. You would not simple slap stain on it without first cleaning the wood. The same goes for a wooden deck, all the dirt and even old stain and sealers need to first be removed. A top choice product such as TWP stain will give good results but it will give even better results when applied to clean wood that is ready to accept the stain. All the wood should first be cleaned and stripped of all dirt, mold, mildew, paint, and old stains otherwise the new stain will just sit on top of these contaminants and will not function properly. The reason for this is because TWP stain and really any wood stain product is meant to penetrate into the wood fibers for optimal protection. When it is applied over an oily surface or on top of old wood stain it just sits there and cannot penetrate therefore it never cures properly and fails prematurely. Always read the directions on stain can such as TWP stain and see what is recommended as far as preparing the wood surface.
