How to stain exterior vertical timber for lasting results
Is your once vibrant fence or screening looking a little worse for wear? Sun exposure, rain, and everyday use can take a toll on even the sturdiest outdoor features. But don't despair! Refreshing your exterior and giving your vertical timber a whole new look and feel is easier than you might think, thanks to Cabot's Deck and Exterior Stain Water Based.
What to use: Cabot's Deck & Exterior Stain Water-Based
Why you should use it: This Exterior Stain is the perfect solution for your exterior timber revival project!
- Dramatic Colour Transformation: Unlike exterior oils, stains contain higher levels of pigment. This means you can completely change the colour and look of your timber, taking your deck from bland to beautiful in a single application.
- Perfect for lighter woods: Stains work particularly well on light-coloured timber species like treated pine or cypress. They enhance the natural wood grain while adding a rich, long-lasting colour.
- Rejuvenate and transform: Cabot's Deck & Exterior Stain Water Based is specially formulated to rejuvenate tired wood and completely transform its colour. Whether you want a classic look or a modern pop of colour, this stain delivers stunning results.
- Long-lasting beauty: Enjoy the beauty of your refreshed exterior timber for years to come! Cabot's Deck & Exterior Stain Is Water-Based and Provides long-lasting protection from the elements, ensuring your deck continues to look its best season after season.
How it works: Water-based coatings leave a film on the timber surface that protects against UV rays and prevents water from soaking in. Highly durable, they’re fast-drying and easy to use— apply, dry, and away you go!
How to apply: This guide will help you prepare your vertical timber for staining, whether brand new, previously painted, or weathered.
Preparation
New Timber:
Scrub the damp timber with Cabot's New Timber Prep (following label instructions) to remove tannins and oils quickly. This lets you stain sooner without the usual 4-6 week weathering period. Follow up with Cabot's Deck Clean (as per label instructions) and remove excess water with a squeegee on the brush. Let the timber dry completely (at least 1 hour), with extra time for cooler conditions.
Previously Painted or Varnished Timber:
First, remove any existing paint or varnish using a paint stripper or sanding. Then, clean the exterior surface with Cabot's Deck Clean (following the label instructions).
Previously Stained and Oiled Timber:
Clean the exterior surface with Cabot's Deck Clean (as per label instructions). Here's a quick test to see if it's ready for a new coat: sprinkle some water on the wood. If it beads up, you need another cleaning with Deck Clean. If the water soaks in, it's ready to stain! Want a more transparent look? Sand the timber back to bare wood before cleaning with Deck Clean and staining.
Weathered and Grey Timber:
For the best results, sand the timber back to remove the weathered layer and expose fresh wood. Finally, clean the surface with Cabot's Deck Clean (following label instructions).
Application
Gather Your Tools:
A wide flat paddle for stirring, a staining bush and Cabot's Deck Hand Bucket!
Let's Get Staining!
1. Stir It Up! Before you start, stir your Cabot Deck & Exterior Stain with a wide paddle. Make sure to mix it thoroughly, both before you begin and periodically as you work. This ensures a consistent colour throughout your project.
2. Apply With Confidence: Using your brush or applicator, generously apply the stain along the entire length of the timber. Don't forget the exposed edges and end grain – these areas absorb stains more readily. The initial milky colour will help you see where you've applied the stain, making it easier to achieve an even coat. Remember, the stain dries to a beautiful semi-transparent finish.
3. Double Coat for Perfection: Let the first coat dry completely for at least 2 hours. Once dry, apply a second coat using the same technique. Two coats ensure optimal coverage and richer colour.
Get Started
Depending on your project, you may also need
Preparation is essential before coating timber, as it will give you a smooth, even finish, allowing your stain to go on easily and evenly. Depending on the surface you’re coating, there are several ways to do this:
New Bare Timber: Scrub damp timber with Cabot’s New Timber Prep to draw out tannins and oils from the surface. After you’ve done this, use Cabot’s Deck Clean according to label instructions and allow your timber to dry.
Previously Painted or Varnished Timber: Sand or use a paint stripper to remove any old coatings. Once this is done, 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 first. Test if the surface is ready for coating by sprinkling water on the timber. If the water ‘beads’ on the surface, sanding or furthering weathering is required. If the water soaks into the timber, you’re good to go.
Weathered and Grey Timber: Sand timber back to remove the grey fibres and fill any cracks or holes with a suitable filler. Make sure you sand all surfaces until they are flat, then dust and clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean following the label’s instructions.
Stir Cabot’s Deck & Exterior Stain Water-Based thoroughly with a flat blade stirrer before and during use. Using a brush apply liberally along the length of your timber, including exposed edges and end grain. Even out any drips with the brush. The initial milky colour will help with even product application, but the product will dry to a semi-transparent finish.
Allow the first coat to dry for two hours, then apply a second coat using the same method.
And that’s it! You’ve transformed the look and feel of your garden in just a few easy steps. What’s not to love about that?