Get started with Cabot's Exterior Clear
A step by step guide on how to varnish your exterior wooden doors with Cabot’s products.
Why you should use it:
Your outside timber doors are exposed to the elements all year round – no wonder they may be looking a little weathered! Bring them back to their best with Cabot’s Exterior Clear. This clear, marine-grade polyurethane provides protection and shine without hiding the grain of the timber. It’s durable and gives resistance against weathering and moisture damage, extending the life of your door and making it look great – all at the same time!
How it works:
This product contains the latest ultraviolet absorber technology to maximise performance and durability. Just three coats offers all the protection you need. Many similar products require five or more coats – not this one!
Prepare
Preparation is essential before coating a door as it ensures a smooth finish and that the product glides on easily.
Clean
The following steps should be followed to achieve the best results for your exterior door.
Depending on the surface you’re coating, there are several ways to prep:
While the timber is damp, scrub it using Cabot’s New Timber Prep to draw out tannins and oils from the surface.
Apply Cabot’s Deck Clean according to the label’s instructions to further clean and prepare the timber.
Allow the timber to dry for at least one hour before proceeding to any further treatment or coating.
Use sandpaper or a paint stripper to thoroughly remove the existing coating from the timber surface.
Clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean following the instructions provided on the product label for best results.
Allow the timber to dry for at least one hour before proceeding to any further treatment or coating.
Use Cabot’s Deck Clean to clean the timber surface completely, following the label instructions.
Sprinkle a small amount of water on the timber surface.
If the water beads on the surface, the timber needs more sanding.
If the water soaks into the timber, it’s ready to be coated.
Allow the timber to dry for at least one hour before proceeding to any further treatment or coating.
Sand back the surface to expose fresh timber.
Apply Cabot’s Deck Clean following the instructions on the product label for best result.
Once it's dry, you’re ready for coating.
Apply
Use a broad flat paddle to stir Cabot’s Exterior Clear before and during use to maintain consistency.
Using a brush, apply the product liberally in the direction of the timber grain for best results.
Let the first coat dry for 12 hours before applying additional coat.
Once the first coat is dry, sand lightly, then brush the excess dust off and you’re ready for re-application.
Reapply the second and third coats, leaving drying time between each coat.
What you'll need
