Try a Wood or Deck Stain Before you Buy!
Note: Each sample is roughly 1-2 oz of liquid stain. This is enough to test a small area.
Here is how our sample program works:
- Pick as many colors as you would like by choosing your color in the above dropdown color choice and then click “Add to Cart”. Color swatches at bottom of the page.
- Samples are N/C but we charge $10 each to cover our shipping costs.
- Once you decide to purchase a stain from our site, you can use the money you spent towards the purchase of a 5 Gallon Pail of Stain!
- Maximum $15 discount per customer/household. Instructions on how to get a credit will be included with your samples.
*Sample program cannot be combined with any promotional discount coupons!
How To Claim Sample Credit
- Enter your sample order number into the “Order Notes” during checkout. The sample credit will be issued after the order for the 5-gallon pail is placed. Typically the next business day and will post to your Credit card or Pay Pal account within 3-8 business days.
TWP 100 Series and Messmers UV Plus are not VOC Compliant for Canada and these USA states and cannot be shipped or used there: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Northern VA, Pennsylvania, Parts of Arizona, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, all of Canada.
TWP 1500 Series is compliant for all 50 States but cannot be shipped or used in Canada.
TWP 200 Series, Defy Stains, Armstrong Clark, and TWP Semi-Solids are compliant for all 50 States and Canada.
Can you use these stains for vertical exterior applications such as garages?
Yes, you can.
I have the old very porous composite decking and was wondering what is (are) the best product(s) to use? How many coats, and oil- or water- base is most recommended?
Thanks,
MJ
Defy Stain if you want a stain or Defy composite sealer if you color.
Could you please elaborate… b/c I thought u can not add stain to the Defy composite sealer. And also, how can I color?
Thanks again,
MJ
You cannot add stain to the clear but you can use a tinted extreme color: https://www.opwdecks.com/defy-extreme.htm
So, would just using the extreme from the link u sent do my composite job for seal-n-stain? If so, I would prefer this, since my deck board are faded and can do with some coloring too.
Yes, just one coat. Might want to try some samples first to see how it looks.
So, can I conclude that I can use the Defy Extreme, one coat, and then use the Defy composite clear one coat also… is this going to work? (I will try couple of samples first; and I suppose the two products should go on wet-on-wet or please advise?)
MJ
No, you cannot apply the Clear over the Stained colors. Just one coat of the stain.
Got it… thanks so much!
Have a project to cover only vertical surfaces of a 1 year old PT pine deck; we have composite decking and handrail caps. We are considering either TWP 100 or AC semi-transparent stains in either Pecan or Natural Oak. Which is preferred for vertical surfaces?
Either would work equally well.
Which is the best option for an IPE deck? I like the colors brought out by the Penofins, but looking to change the Stain, due to problems with the Penofins… I kinda think oil base is better over the water base, am i wrong??
Try the Defy Hardwood stain for this. It is water-based and will hold color longer without darkening issues: https://www.opwdecks.com/defyhardwood.htm
Most use Light Walnut color.
what color is close to your chestnut brown stain??? would it be 1501 Cedar , 1520 Pecan, or something else
That varies based on what you consider chestnut brown to be and your wood type and age. No way to know unless you test samples:
Do you have solid stain samples?
We do not sell solid stains.
Do you have samples of TWP 200 available?
We do not but the TWPStain.com website does.
I used a Cabot semi transparent stain this year for salt water pool deck. It has not done well, so will need to do some sanding before I do anything further. My question: Can I restain using the Cabot for uniformity in coverage and then use you clear to seal it?
No, you can never top coat a deck stain.
Thank you for your reply. I will cut to the chase. Does your stain hold up well with salt water? If so, how would you recommend I proceed? The Cabot was an oil based stain on pine deck board.
You will have to remove the Cabot fully first prior to staining with any of the brands we sell. Once removed, look at the TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark stains.
Everyone here is talking about decks. I’m looking to do my cedar shake home in Maine. Do the same principles work for my siding work. Clean, brightener, stain? Thanks.
Yes.
Where do I go on this site to view the armstrong deck stain colours?
The color chart is right above.
We live near Huntsville, Ontario, Canada. We stained our deck but most of it has come off. What kind of deck stain would you recommend? Our siding in brown and trim white.
Use the Armstrong Clark Wood stains for Canada.
I live in Southern WV. We get all 4 seasons and I live near water. We replaced our deck (pine) and it has set a year. We have power washed it and are ready to stain. What stain do you recommend for our climate and location to water. We do get green and black mold/mildew…
TWP 100 Series or Defy Extreme.
Do you have samples that are applicable to cedar wood? I understand that the stains show a different colour depending on the type of wood it is applied on, so would like to get samples for cedar.
Not sure what you mean? All the samples can be applied to any wood type.
Which of your products (lighter tones near wet wood look) hold up best, in northern MI, on rough saw pine 1/4 Log siding? The Restore product and process worked very well for stripping 2, 15 + yr old coats of semi transparent oil.
Try TWP 115 Honeytone.
Thanks, too light for us. Looking toward pecan 120 or natural 1530 to hide some wood faults and a few faint old stain blemish, also for added UV cover.
Is you AC product line any better for a vertical surfaces than TWP? Thanks again.
The AC is as good but not better.
Is there a big difference in the ac Cedar Semi and Amber? Looking to stain new 3mth cedar deck, that shows the grain and keeps a natural look with uv protection. Thanks.
There is a difference but not a huge difference.
I would possibly like to use an ARMSTRONG semi-transparent stain for the combined good results of 1) over-all wood-grain enhancing appearance and adequate to excellent UV protection; BUT I want a “light” hue, like the TWP 1515 Honeytone stain. Which Armstrong stain comes closest in hue to the TWP 1515 Honeytone? Which of the two provides better UV protection? (For 2500 Sq ft
PTP deck facing south in Halifax, VA 24558.)
TRy AC in Amber. UV protection will be the same between the two.
i live in rochester,ny town of irondequoit which is
North of the city. Our 2 tared deck last used Bear but it peeled and was hard to remove. We pressured washed and hand sanded. what brand of semi-transparent stain would hold up best in our area?
Try Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
We live in eastern Ontario and are building a western red cedar t&g fence. Want to keep the natural look of the red cedar. Would the Armstrong Clark Natural Tone be a good choice?
The Natural will work for this fence. It does enhance the grain similar to if wet with water.
[quote name=”KenG”]I have a 1.5 year old cedar fence that has not been stained yet. I would like a transparent stain on the yard side. I like the look when wet. The back of the fence, I would like something that will last longer so transparency isn’t important. I live in SoCal.[/quote]
Look at the TWP 1515 Honeytone:
https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-1500-series.htm
I have a 1.5 year old cedar fence that has not been stained yet. I would like a transparent stain on the yard side. I like the look when wet. The back of the fence, I would like something that will last longer so transparency isn’t important. I live in SoCal.
[quote name=”Joe Svec”]Hello.
I have a two year old weathered cedar deck, will be cleaning and brightening in a few weeks. It’s never been stained.
What would you reccomend to get that oiled look? I tried a semi solid, the colour looks too matte for my liking.
I have read that sealing cedar produces a nice oiled look, but it flakes off or peels within a few years.
Is there a product that will give a good gloss, while also allowing the wood to breathe?
I live in Toronto, Canada. Harsh winters, hot summers.
Thanks![/quote]
You cannot add a shine or gloss to exterior wood. It will fail. Must be a penetrating finish without the shine.
Hello.
I have a two year old weathered cedar deck, will be cleaning and brightening in a few weeks. It’s never been stained.
What would you reccomend to get that oiled look? I tried a semi solid, the colour looks too matte for my liking.
I have read that sealing cedar produces a nice oiled look, but it flakes off or peels within a few years.
Is there a product that will give a good gloss, while also allowing the wood to breathe?
I live in Toronto, Canada. Harsh winters, hot summers.
Thanks!
Hello. What was the response to your question? I live in Ottawa with same scenario and request. Thanks!
You cannot add a shine or gloss to exterior wood. It will fail. Must be a penetrating finish without the shine.
[quote name=”John DuVal”]follow up. to older pine deck. I forgot to mention. i’m referring to Armstrong and Clark stain. thanks again.[/quote]
The Redwood Tone is a lighter pigment than the Sierra Redwood. The new Chestnut color may work as well for you.
follow up. to older pine deck. I forgot to mention. i’m referring to Armstrong and Clark stain. thanks again.
I have an older pine deck. I’ll need to clean and whiten and stain but don’t want it to be too red like some redwood stains. I like the redwood tone in your pictures but kind of worried it would turn out too red, I’m trying the cedar tone sample but will take suggestions. Thanks
Biowash is not made anymore. You can use the Restore A Deck Kits. For shipping costs, add to cart and enter the shipping info.
Good morning, Do you sell Bio wash or simple wash made by bio wash? How much per gallon and can it be shipped to Canada? If not, do you have a similar product that will remove mildew stains from a log home?
Thank you! Cam
Jim,
Takes about 3-4 days.
How quickly can I receive samples shipped to Sanford, NC
Please call us to place a sample order for the Defy Butternut.
I see your Defy samples, but they don’t seem to match the full color list of the new Defy Extreme line. I’m interested in the cedar tone, light walnut and also butternut, but I don’t see butternut available as a sample.
Sequoia is closest but not the same. It is not that much different as far longevity. Just slightly better color retention.
My deck gets lots of sun so you recommended a semi solid. My wife ordered a sample of the sierra redwood which is semi transparent and of course she likes the color. On the website it shows it as having quite a bit of red but on our treated pine it is quite brown..(which she likes) IN a semi solid which color do you think would be closest to the Sierra Redwood?
OR how much protection do we lose if we went the the semi….????
Thanks
Hi, We are ordering samples of deck stain for timber oil brand. Building a new deck with kiln dried cedar. The wood brand is called Cascadia by TPF sold by Parr Lumber. Question: Do I use cleaner or brightener before staining?What brand is good with this stain? We live in Oregon and the deck is exposed to the water, lots of rain. Also should I stain the bottom of the wood before screwing it down? I want to stain it in three to four weeks and reviews said this is the right stain choice for new decks. My deck is 27×16 with no railings, just one step.I was going to order 5 gals. Will that be enough? Thanks for your advice, John
I will be staining our PTP pool deck with AC stain, but uncertain of color due to the chlorine content of the pool. Getting in and out of the pool and what effect it will have on the stain if I go dark (Oxford Brown or Mountain Cedar)) vs light (Driftwood grey or Cedar semi). Thank you for your time and advice
We can ship all stains except TWP 100 and 1500.
which stains can I get shipped to Canada ..all brands ..or can I pick up in usa
It is available but not updated. You can make a note in the comment area during checkout to “swap” a color.
Hi,
I don’t see a sample available to order for the “Defy Extreme Stain – Butternut”. Is it available and the website is not up to date, or is it really not an option. I will be ordering from Canada so I need to use your website.
Thanks,
Lee
Hello. I ordered samples from you. However, I did not receive the instructions to apply my a discount to my 5 gal pail order. How can I get this information? Thanks!
Do you not have butternut in a sample size?
Rob, you can mix the AC colors together.
Hello could any of the ac products be intermixed ? thanks
Yes and they are both on the list above.
Do you have these colors as samples?
1.5-2.0 oz.
How many ounces is in a sample size??
None of these samples “mask” the wood grain, they “enhance” the wood grain with different pigments. I would look at the TWP 1515 Honeytone as it is the lightest tone. Typically enhances the wood grain similar as to wet with water.
Last summer I refinished my 15 year old decking (2500 sq ft) with TWP 100 Cedartone. Three coats, 30 gallons and 9 months later, the deck looks wonderful and I have no doubt about using TWP in the future.
However, the small amount of remaining Cedartone is not what I want to use to finish a new outdoor cabinet that I’ve almost completed with black walnut. I especially want to show off the beauty of the wood and am reluctant to use a “stain” because I’m afraid it will neutralize all the natural tones. The options I’m considering are TWP 1500 Black Walnut (a “stain” and TWP 1500 Clear). The cabinet will be somewhat sheltered from the weather (large overhang) and will get only a little direct sun (one hour?).
Thanks, Rich
Since I’m looking for natural color retention, do you have a recommendation?