Cabot's Deck & Exterior Stain Questions & Answers
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Hi. Can I mix a little Cabots Deck and exterior stain in with my Cabots Aquadeck, to change the timber colour a bit more than Aquadeck normally does?
Hi Blair, Whilst it is water based we have note tested the mixture between the Deck & Exterior Stain with Aqaudeck. It is not recommended & would be a trail & error exercise if you were to try to mix the two together.
We have a weathered jarrah deck with some new jarrah planks. The old decking is weathered and greyish/oaky coloured and the new jarrah is orange-ish. We can not sand back to reveal the original colour because some decking was installed with the corrugations (grooves) uppermost and the other is flat (easier to sand back uniformly). So, what do you advise to bring the two different colours closer so the new planks don't stand out as much e.g. will the Cabots decking oil based stain bring the grey oaky colour closer to the new jarrah plank colour?
Hi Paul Thank you for taking the time to share your review and the details of your deck project. It’s great to hear you spoke with one of our Cabot’s Technical Advisors this morning—they’re always happy to help with tailored advice. As the advisor mentioned, it’s really important to ensure the deck is properly prepared, starting with a clean and well-prepared surface. This helps achieve the best possible finish and ensures the stain performs as intended across both the weathered and new jarrah boards. If you need further support as you move forward, feel free to reach out. Regards, Donna Cabots
The advice given was very, very helpful and looks as good as we could expect. Thanks
Hi PaulS, Thank you for your feedback—we're so pleased to hear! If you have any questions about this project or future ones, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday, 7 am-6 pm, and Saturday, 9 am-3 pm AEST. Kind regards, Kaaren - Team Cabot's.
Has anyone had experience applying Cabots aquadeck using a sprayer. I'm intending to apply to a large area of ash batterns hung vertically on a fence. Thanks
Hello Peter F., Thanks for reaching out with your enquiry. Please note that Cabot's Deck & Exterior Stain Water-Based is formulated to be brushed and rolled rather than sprayed, but we would love to help with your project. Feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006 and we can discuss all your project’s ins and outs! Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm AEST. Kindest regards, Kaaren - Team Cabot's
How long should you wait to apply a second coat. Cabot’s Australian timber oil was used 2 weeks ago. Would like to really seal before winter. New deck and I just applied Cabot stain and sealer.
Hello Jerry, Thanks for reaching out! Please bear in mind that we do not have a product called Australian Timber Oil in the Cabot's Australia product range. The recoat time for the Cabot's Australia product, Cabot's Deck & Exterior Stain Water-based, is 2 hours in good weather.
I hope this information offers some assistance,
Sarah at Cabot's Australia
I applied one coat of Australian Timber oil to a new cedar deck last fall. The instructions on the can say to only apply one coat. The deck lightened a little bit during the winter but still looks good. Is it OK to add another coat after proper cleaning? Thanks for your help.
Dave Bock Parteebock@msn.com
Hello Dave, Thanks for reaching out! Australian Timber Oil is not a Cabot's Australia product. If Cabot's Deck & Exterior Stain was used and the existing Cabot's deck coating is in good condition, you can clean the surface with Cabot's Deck Clean following the instructions. Then apply 2 coats of Cabot's Deck & Exterior Stain. We do recommend a minimum 2 coats of this product.
Sarah at Cabot's Australia
How do l use metho on decking to find old colour of decking.
Hello Margotturner16, Great question! Thanks for reaching out with your enquiry. When using methylated spirits to determine if your current coating is oil or water based, we suggest using a clean cloth on a clean hidden area and rubbing against the timber. If the colour lifts onto the rag, it is a water based coating, and if not it is oil based. Please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006 and we can discuss all your project’s ins and outs! Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm AEST.
Kind Regards, Team Cabot's
Hi I have recently stained my deck with Cabots deck and exterior stain , Now when it gets damp it is dangerously slippery. is there anything I can do to fix this issue
Hello there Rob, Thank you for reaching out via Cabot's Product Review. Sorry to know of the slippery Deck & Exterior Stain coated finish, you have there. It certainly can happen, when a protective exterior timber deck protective coating gets film damp from dew or saturated with rain at times, as some decking boards can be slightly cupped and hence, will pool with water which will increase the potential slip factor, to some extent.
As an option - You can add our sister brand Intergrain UltraGrip to the Deck & Exterior Stain water-based, via a clean paint tub as per label instructions. Once mixed through the Deck & Exterior Stain thoroughly, you can apply one or two coats over your clean and dry stained surface finish. Please be sure, to first wash and gently scrub down the current stained surface using Cabot's Deck Clean as per label instructions.
Also, please note - It's best to always apply a small sample coat by two coats over a clean dry hidden section, or offcut of timber in order to make sure you're happy with the dry test coated result, before committing to the expanse.
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If you have any further questions about this or any future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006.
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 3:00pm AEST. For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Live Chat service via Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards, Vinnie Cabot's Australia
Hi there, wondering if this would be okay to use on a cedar spa? I think it has previously been stained. The wooden panels are ridged so it's pretty difficult to sand them back (if not impossible). Thanks
Hello EMB1, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review with your enquiry. This is a little tricky to assess over this platform. Spa exteriors can be coated with our Deck and Exterior Stain Water Based, but if your previous coat has worn so severely, you would ideally need to sand it back. If this is not possible you can clean it with our Cabot's Deck Clean, and coat over it, but note that the uneven wear will show through the semi-transparent finish. If you are okay with this then you can proceed.
If you have any questions about this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006.
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards,
Stevie - Team Cabot's
My husband inadvertently used leftover semi- solid extra pigmented oil stain, cordovan brown, on parts of the deck when the rest is stained with semi- solid stain and sealer, Cordovan Brown also. They are totally different colors. The one he used is more reddish. Mine is very dark brown (I just purchased it ) His is not water based while mine is. Can I paint over the oil stain with my water based stain? Do I need to apply a primer first? Thanks.
Hello Sabine, You’ve come through to the Australian Cabot’s Product Review. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Cabot Stain. We don’t stock or make the same products, as ours are made for the harsh Australian climate, so, I am unable to give you the correct advice or recommend a product suited for your needs.
If you follow this link here; external link It will take you to the website you need.
I have noted there is a Help and Advice phone number you can call to get assistance with your timber project.
Kind Regards,
Stevie - Team Cabot's
We have applied Deck exterior & stain on our outdoor pine furniture. Is varnishing required, and if so what varnish do we apply please?
I wouldn't put varnish over it. Varnish cures to a hard, impervious finish. Eventually you will want to freshen up the finish with another coat of stain - normal for this type of product. The varnish would then have to be completely removed to allow whatever stain you use to penetrate into the timber.
Hi Chris, so just leave our outdoor furniture coated x2 with just the deck exterior & stain
Hi Ariz I agree with Chris just the oil is sufficient and after summer see if you thinks the look would be better with another coat. Problem with varnish is when it breaks down and peels you have to sand back .
Hi Pickle, thank you.
Hello Ariz, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review with your inquiry. Our Deck and Exterior Stain does not require varnish or sealer on top. It is a finishing top coat product, designed to handle harsh elements. If you have concerns about durability, you are welcome to apply a third coat, but this will give added colour. If you like the current colour, 2 coats is sufficient.
If you have any questions about this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006.
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards,
Stevie - Team Cabot's
I would like to know if your cabot wood sealer water based, low voc csn be used to seal concrete pots for candles.
What heat would it take once candles are lit once pots are sealed .Please advise if, once candles are lit would it omit any toxins that would be harmful to people.
Hello Ali, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review with your inquiry. We do not recommend using our water-based Cabothane Clear in this way. Our Cabothane Clear water or oil based is specifically formulated for bare or stained interior timber surfaces, only. You may want to look at something like the Duramax Terracotta Primer & Sealer spray pack.
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If you have any questions about this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006.
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards,
Stevie - Team Cabot's
Hello. I coated my new merbau deck with Cabots decking oil yesterday. I applied two coats after cleaning it with the Cabots cleaning product. I was 35 degrees yesterday however this morning is still very sticky to touch and leaves footprints when stepped on. Does this mean i applied too much oil? Is it now just a matter of using the cleaning product again to remove the excess oil?
It is unclear from your description but appears you applied 2 coats in a very hot day. After the first coat it should be well absorbed and able to walk on and then apply a second coat after Perhaps wait longer for it to dry out
Hello Timmomatic, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review with your inquiry. This is quite a common issue when coating decks during extremely warm temperatures. Our dry times are quoted for ideal temperatures which, for this product, are 25C and 50% humidity. When working in Cooler, hotter or humid conditions it may require longer to dry.
If you have any questions about this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006.
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards,
Stevie - Team Cabot's
We have applied Cabot's Deck & Exterior Stain Water Based to our new merbau decking. After 2 weeks it's still very sticky and tacky, specially after being in the sun. How can we get rid of the sticky and tackiness. We live in central qld
Sorry no answer but we have exactly the same problem.
Hello Brody F, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review with your inquiry. It is a little tricky to assess over this platform, as there are a couple of reasons this could be happening. Firstly it is important that the weather is within ideal conditions (25 degrees and 50% humidity) when applying as this can extend drying time when not adhered to. It is also important that the deck is cleaned correctly before a fresh coating is applied.
If your deck is still sticky at this stage, I recommend cleaning it with Cabot's Deck Clean to remove the tackiness. Once clean and dry, you can apply one more light coat of Deck and Exterior Stain, as long as the weather is within ideal conditions.
If you have any questions about this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006.
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards,
Stevie - Team Cabot's
Hello, how can I remove accidental deck paint on walls.
Hello there Gavin M, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review. Removing dry water based exterior deck stain,oils or acrylic paint can generally be done via a gentle pressure washer but does depend on how heavy the stain might be and the type of surface it has dried over. I would suggest dabbing some methylated spirits over any of the water based coatings first, as this will soften the dry film a little bit, which should make it easier for removal via the pressure washer. Please note - For solvent based oil products, please use mineral turpentine over the dry unwanted stains.
If you have any questions for this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 3:00pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards, Vinnie Team Cabot's - Help & Advice
I have a deck needing painting with Cabot’s water based decking paint, previous paint is oil based. Can I apply cabot water based decking paint straight over the old oil based? Thanks
Hello there Lachlan G, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review. You can apply the durable Cabot’s Deck & Exterior Timbercolour water-based paint over the previous,oil based painted deck finish. As long as the oil based paint is in good clean,dry condition with no cracking, peeling, or flaking, you can give the surface a thorough wash/scrub down using Cabot’s Deck Clean as per label instructions. Then once clean and dry, we recommend applying an adhesion test coat to a small clean dry section, with one coat iof the well-stirred Timbercolour paint. Allow drying for 6 hours then firmly rub a strip of sticky tape over the coated section and rip off quickly. If the test coating is removed do not proceed as the surface is not ready, and needs to be sanded back with a 120 grit sanding pad to a smooth,dulled down finish. Then apply the Cabot’s Deck Clean wash down process as outlined again and repeat the adhesion test coat. Once happy with the adhesion test result – You are good to go with the water based Timbercolour paint application in colour of choice,by two – three coats.
If you have any questions about this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 3:00pm AEST. For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards, Vinnie Team Cabot's -Help & Advice
Can you mix different brands of water based decking stains prior to use
Hello Ross, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review with your inquiry. We do not recommend mixing brands when using woodcare coatings, even if they are both water-based stains as different products have different qualities such as durability, penetration, and colour variance. If you do choose to mix two brands together we cannot guarantee the result.
If you have any questions about this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006.
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards,
Stevie - Team Cabot's
Does Cabot Deck & Exterior Stain Oil Based treatment wash after the 24/48 drying period. My deck has a used area underneath and I do not want staining later on the pavers underneath.
Hello David, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review with your inquiry. Our Deck and Exterior Stain Oil Based will not wash off of pavers once dry, as it is a penetrative product it will cause staining to the pavers too. We highly recommend the use of drop sheets under your decking if you use this area and be sure to do so when you are using our New Timber Prep and Deck Clean too.
If you have any questions about this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards,
Stevie - Team Cabot's
I used an exterior oil-based stain to cover an outdoor wood table. Do I need to put a finish or varnish on top of the stain before proceeding to use as a table?
Hello there Rachael D, Thank you for your important question via Product Review. There is no need to apply a protective clear coat over the specifically formulated durable Cabot’s Deck & Exterior Stain finish, water or oil based by two coats. The Deck & Exterior Stain is a highly durable penetrating stain that also dries to a water repellent barrier aiding protection against mould and minimizing surface marking.
For this or any future timber projects, feel free to give our Cabot’s Help & Advice team a call on 1800 011 006. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 3:00pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kindest Regards, Vinnie Team Cabot's
Sorry but I have no experience with the Cabots OIL based stain, only Cabots WATER based stain.
Can I change colour over existing oil based cabolt stain?
I have no experience with oil based Cabots however I would not have anything to do with any Cabots products ever again.
Hello Harald, Thank you for reaching out via Product Review with your inquiry. You can absolutely change the colour of your currently coated timber by coating over it, but there are a few variables. Firstly, be sure that you are using the same product as last time, just a different colour. Secondly, be sure to clean your timber with Cabot’s Deck Clean as per label instructions to remove water resistance before coating. Thirdly, if you applied the first colour only recently, be sure to allow the current stain 14 days to completely cure before applying a new colour over the top.
Please bear in mind that as our stains are semi-transparent, you will have the old colour still show through underneath so be sure to test your new colour first in a small hidden area to be sure you are 100% happy before committing to the whole expanse.
If you have any questions about this or any other future Cabot's projects, please feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm AEST.
For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards, Stevie - Team Cabot's
I've re painted my decking timber using the same oil based Cabots Deck and exterior paint. the first coat has dried with a glossy finish and the second coat won't stick to it? It separates and leaves a streaky finish. I've never had this problem when using the same product on previous occasions. What's going on???
Maybe you have tried to put water based over oil based stain [paint]? I used water based. I would never ever again buy a Cabots product given my experience, water or oil based.
No, it was definitely oil based over oil based. Three tins of the supposedly same colour and they're all different shades. No idea what's going on?
Hello Mark Thank you for reaching out to us at Cabot’s via Product Review with your query. Very sorry to know of your unhappy result via the Cabot’s Deck and Exterior Oil Based. It’s very unusual to know of your two coats of product displaying different sheen levels, and adhesion issues.
In order to understand far more detail about the specifics of your project, we would need to ask you a few questions so as to find potential reason and more importantly a solution
If you wish, feel free to give us a call on 1800 011 006 and quote your ticket number " 574519 " to our Cabot’s technical consultant that takes your call.
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 3:00pm AEST. For far more immediate professional woodcare advice, please join our Cabot's Project Assistant service via the Cabot's website 24/7 - external link
Kind Regards, Stevie - Team Cabot's
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