How to stain your exterior door
Give your doors the TLC they deserve.
What to use: Cabot's Exterior Varnish Stain
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 Varnish Stain. The combined semi-transparent stain and varnish provides protection, colour and shine without hiding the grain.
How it works: This water based product is fast drying so you can recoat after 2 hours and clean all equipment with water.
Get Started
Depending on the surface you’re coating, there are several ways to prep:
New Bare Timber: Scrub damp timber with Cabot’s New Timber Prep to draw out tannins and oils from the surface. Once you’re done, use Cabot’s Deck Clean according to the label’s instructions. Allow the timber to dry for at least one hour.
Previously Painted or Varnished Timber: Sand or use a paint stripper to remove the old coating, then clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean.
Previously Stained and Oiled Timber: First up, clean thoroughly with Cabot’s Deck Clean. Test if the surface is ready for coating by sprinkling water on 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.
Weathered and Grey Timber: Sand timber back to fresh. Clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean. Once it's dry, you’re ready for coating.
Stir thoroughly with a broad flat paddle before and during use. Apply liberally along the length of the timber including exposed edges and end grain by brush. The initial milky colour helps with even product application, drying to a semi-transparent finish.
Apply three coats allowing 2 hours between coats.
And you’re done! How easy was that? Now stand back and marvel at your transformed timber door!