To coat new bare timber immediately, scrub damp timber with Cabot’s New Timber Prep, following label instructions. New Timber Prep will draw out tannins and oils quickly from the surface, allowing you to skip the 4-6 weeks weathering process required for new timber. Always follow New Timber Prep with Cabot’s Deck Clean following label instructions. Remove excess water from the surface with squeegee on Cabot’s Deck Prep brush, and allow timber to dry thoroughly prior to topcoat application.

Remove back to bare timber using a paint stripper, or sanding. For exterior surfaces clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean following label instructions.

For exterior surfaces clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean following label instructions. Test if the surface is ready for coating by sprinkling water on the timber. If the water ‘beads’ on the surface further weathering, sanding or use of a timber stripper is required before applying Cabot’s Natural Decking Oil. If the water soaks into the surface, you are ready to apply.

Sand timber back to fresh timber. Clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean following label instructions. Note: Fill holes and imperfections with a suitable timber putty after applying the first coat.

Your deck is ready—so when can you coat it? Right now.

Cabot’s New Timber Prep is formulated to draw tannins and oils out of wood, so when you apply a decking oil or stain afterwards it will give a smooth, even look. Skipping this step could result in a patchy, discoloured deck when coated, particularly with new timber such as merbau, spotted gum and jarrah.

How to use Cabot’s New Timber Prep:

A coating remaining tacky may be caused by:

• Weather conditions. In cold or humid weather, a coating will take longer to fully cure.
• Application of a thicker coat.
• Contamination on the surface prior to coating.

Allow the coating to dry for another week in good weather. In most cases, the coating will fully cure and the tackiness disappears.

Strong sun and humid weather can create white water rings on parts of a deck. Heat can cause the pores of the timber to open up, trapping moisture underneath the coating of the wood, causing a cloudy, white mark.

How do I get rid of white heat rings?

The easiest way to get rid of heat rings is to use a hairdryer to draw out the moisture. Keep it on a low-heat, and move it around the damaged area. As the coating gets warm and the moisture starts to evaporate, the white marks should start to disappear.

If the timber is fully cured, lightly wipe the damaged area with a clean cloth soaked in methylated spirits. The methylated spirits should draw the moisture out from the coating. Remember, being gentle is key; rub too hard and you might damage the coating.

The applicator can still be used in direct sunlight and hot weather conditions, but you may experience some spreading issues due to the coating drying too quickly.

Cracking, splitting, greying, or water no longer beading on top of the deck are all signs of water and UV damage, and means your deck needs some maintenance. To stop further damage, you’ll need to apply more oil or stain, but before that, you need to clean and prep the deck so it’s in the best possible shape.

If your deck is partially covered this can cause uneven exposure to UV and rain, making it look patchy, or as though it’s different colours. To bring back a smooth even look, scrub the whole deck with Cabot’s Deck Clean. Let it dry fully before applying two coats of oil or stain to the damaged areas. Allow to dry, then apply one coat of oil or stain across the whole deck. This will even out colour and tone, making your deck look uniform again.

For free, expert advice on decking, call Cabot’s on 1800 011 006, or message us by clicking on the Cabot’s Project Assistant button below.