Why Apply Wood Stain?
Applying a coating of wood stain can not only liven up your wood surfaces, but it can also protect them from natural erosion caused by UV Rays, mildew, and regional climate. Located in Newburyport, MA, Cabot Wood Stains produce the highest-quality, protective stains on the market. With over a 130 years of using knowledge and innovation to create top-quality products, Cabot products help you to get your most desired look for your decks, fences and wood furniture.
In order to fully protect and bring the best color out of your wood surfaces, it’s important to first prep your wood for finishing.
Prepping Your Wood For Staining
New Wood
Lumber treatments on new wood can often cause issues for staining projects by preventing the stain from penetrating into the grain. While lumber treatments and products like Mill Glaze can help protect the wood from insects and moisture, it doesn’t allow for personalization and your desired look. Don’t worry about removing that protection either, a couple fresh coats of stain will provide the same protection but in a way that compliments your taste and your home.
How to Prep
First perform a water test to see if your wood absorbs the water. If water does not absorb, the wood will not take to the stain. Remove Mill Glaze by carefully sanding down the wood and reperforming a water test. Allow treated lumber to sit, testing it every month or so for water penetration before staining.
Make sure to clean the wood with Cabot Wood Cleaner prior to applying stain.
Wood with Mildew, Mold or Algae
When evaluating your deck, fence or furniture, keep on the lookout for greenish or black fuzzy spots that may indicate that your wood has been infected with mold, mildew or algae. If not removed, these pollutants will start to rot your wood which could potentially lead to a larger project.
How to Prep
Remove mold, mildew, dirt and algae easily with Cabot Wood Cleaner.
UV Damaged Wood & Peeling Surfaces
Not only does UV Damage dull your wood to a weathered gray look, it also causes the fibers in the wood to crack which can cause board warping and even rot. Applying stain can help protect your wood from UR Rays to allow for a longer and brighter lifetime for your decks, fences and wooden furniture.
How to Prep
First check for loose wood fibers by pressing household tape against the wood. If you see flakes or fibers, sand or power wash your surfaces.
Apply a coat of Cabot Wood Brightener to restore your wood before staining.
Tannin Stained Wood
When wood has been exposed to moisture, natural acids called tannins can rise to the surface causing your fences and decks to turn a reddish-brown color. While not detrimental to the wood, this discoloration may prevent you from an even stain and over time can even darken the wood.
How to Prep
Apply Cabot Wood Brightener to restore your wood to its original color.
Cabot Wood Cleaner
Features:
Removes mildew stains, mold stains, algae stains, dirt and other foreign matter from all wood surfaces.
Use On:
Exterior wood decks, siding, fences, railings, steps and most exterior surfaces including aluminum, vinyl, plastic and masonry. Can be used on all painted, stained, unfinished or weathered wood surfaces.
Application:
- Test first on small hidden section to determine effectiveness.
- Apply liberally to problem surfaces. Do not apply to hot surfaces. To avoid a non-uniform appearance on vertical surfaces start at the bottom, doing a small section at a time, then continue to the top, making sure to rinse thoroughly.
- Let set for 15-20 minutes. Stubborn areas may require scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush. If surface begins to dry quickly, lightly mist with water.
Cabot Wood Brightener
Features:
Removes rust stains and tannin bleeds. Restores weathered wood to “new wood” look.
For use on:
Exterior wood decks, siding, fences, railings and steps. Can be used on all painted, stained and unfinished wood surfaces.
Application:
- Test first on small hidden section to determine effectiveness.
- Apply liberally to problem surfaces. Do not apply to hot surfaces. To avoid a non-uniform appearance on vertical surfaces start at the bottom, doing a small section at a time, then continue to the top, making sure to rinse thoroughly.
- Let set for 15-20 minutes. Stubborn areas may require scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush. If surface begins to dry quickly, lightly mist with water.
