How to stain your deck with Water Based Deck Stain

Before you get started, there are a few things you’ll need to do first – preparation is key!

Preparing the surface properly before you begin allows the oil to glide on smoothly for even coverage. 

Depending on your project, You might also need:

• Cabot’s New Timber Prep
• Sander
• Paint Stripper
• Cabot’s Deck Clean

New Bare Timber: First up, scrub damp timber with Cabot’s New Timber Prep to draw out tannins and oils from the surface. Then, use Cabot’s Deck Clean according to the instructions on the pack. Remove excess water with the squeegee on Cabot’s Deck Prep brush and allow the timber to dry for at least one hour.

Previously Painted or Varnished Timber: Sand or use a paint stripper to remove any old coatings, then, for exterior surfaces, clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean, following the label’s instructions.

Previously Stained and Oiled Timber: Clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean. Test if the surface is ready for coating by sprinkling water onto the timber. If the water ‘beads’ on the surface, more sanding is required. If the water soaks into the timber, it’s ready to be coated with decking oil.

Weathered and Grey Timber: First, sand back to fresh timber, then clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean. Fill any holes and imperfections with a suitable timber putty after applying the first coat, and you’re good to go

Stir Cabot’s Water Based Deck & Exterior Stain  thoroughly with a broad flat paddle before and during use. With the Cabot's Deck Coat Applicator, apply the product liberally along the length of the board, including exposed edges and the ends of each board.

And you’re done! Now all that’s left is to pull out those deck chairs, pour yourself a refreshing drink and get out into the sunshine.