Hi, I’m Scott Paul. I’m a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience specializing in exterior wood decking. My review of Cabot Australian Timber Oil is based on decades of hands-on testing and real-world experience as a wood restoration contractor.
My goal is to provide you with expert insights and help you choose the top deck stain options for your projects. Let me guide you toward the best choice for protecting and enhancing your wood surfaces. See here for more info about me.
Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain 2026 Ratings and Reviews
At DeckStainHelp.com, we’re proud to be the Internet’s leading resource for deck stain opinions and reviews. Over the years, Cabot Australian Timber Oil has received mixed reviews from customers regarding its appearance and longevity on deck projects.
If you’ve used Cabot Australian Timber Oil, we’d love to hear about your experience! Feel free to leave a comment below and share pictures of your completed projects. Your feedback helps others make informed decisions for their deck staining needs.
- Overall score: 7 out of 10 after 2 years of real-world testing on pressure treated pine
- Best for: Homeowners who need a widely available oil-based semi-transparent stain from a big-box store
- Not ideal for: Decks with heavy shade, high humidity, or full sun in hot climates
- Biggest weakness: Mold resistance scored a 5 out of 10 — embedded mold required full stripping to remove
- UV retention: 60% color retention at the 2-year mark — below average for a penetrating oil
- Better alternatives: TWP 100 Series, Armstrong Clark Wood Stain
Containing a precise blend of superb-grade linseed oil for maximum penetration, long-oil alkyds for durability, and pure South American tung oil for color depth and water repellency, Cabot Australian Timber Oil delivers three-way oil protection and a beautiful hardwood stain. In addition, complex translucent iron oxide pigments are added to ensure a lasting U.V.-absorbing surface rich with color and dimension. The result, after years of development, is an advanced-technology treatment of unrivaled performance designed to protect your wood surfaces like never before.
Has the Cabot Australian Timber Oil Formula Changed?
Cabot Australian Timber Oil is not the same product it was 15 or 20 years ago. Cabot was acquired by Rust-Oleum, and the formula has been reformulated multiple times since then to comply with tightening VOC regulations across US states. The result is a thicker, less penetrating product that does not perform as well as the original formulation. Contractors and homeowners who used Cabot ATO in the early 2000s and returned to it expecting the same results have consistently reported disappointment. The current formula is 250 VOC compliant in all 50 states, which is a positive for availability, but the trade-off in penetration and mold resistance is real and reflected in our test results.
Who Should Use Cabot Australian Timber Oil?
Cabot Australian Timber Oil is a reasonable choice in specific situations, but it is not the right fit for every deck project.
Good fit if:
- You need a stain available same-day from Home Depot or Lowe’s
- Your deck is older, weathered wood that needs moderate color restoration
- You are staining a low-traffic deck with partial shade coverage
- Your budget is limited and you want a nationally available oil-based option
Not a good fit if:
- Your deck gets full sun exposure in a hot or humid climate
- Mold and mildew are a recurring problem on your deck
- You are staining a hardwood like ipe, cumaru, or teak
- You want a low-maintenance finish that refreshes without stripping
- You are staining new pressure treated wood — wait at least 6 months and consider a penetrating alternative
Rating Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain After Testing
My Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain review contains an 8-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.
- The appearance of Cabot Australian Timber Oil Stain after Application
- Preventing UV Graying
- Peeling or Wearing
- Cost Per Square Foot
- Preventing Mold and Mildew
- How Easy was the Application
- Color Shifting
- Ease of Reapplication
- Cabot Australian Timber Oil Final Score
8-Step Review of Cabot Timber Oil Wood Stain and Dry Time
1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8
The Mahogany Flame looks very red but is overall very rich and nice-looking on the PTP test deck. All grain was visible and not “covered” by the semi-transparent pigment.
2. Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 6
The Australian Timber Oil performed decently at the 2-year mark. It had retained about 60% of the original color.
3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8
Some wearing but no peeling. Wear was visible on the exposed areas and under the furniture
4. Cost Per Square Foot: 8
We used 2 gallons to cover our 300 sq. foot deck.
5. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 5
After 2 years, we found evidence of mold on half of the deck. Mainly in the exposed areas. The mold was embedded in the Cabot and could not be removed with a light wash. To remove, you would need to strip the deck.
6. Ease of Application: 7
The Australian Timber Oil is thicker in consistency than it used to be. It is not the most straightforward oil-based stain to apply, but still easier than applying most water-based stains. We back-wiped the deck after 20 minutes to remove any excess stain that did not penetrate the wood grain.
7. Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 7
Darkening of the stain had occurred where the stain was still attached to the wood. Mostly due to dirt and mold.
8. The Difficulty of Reapplication: 7
We suggest a deck stain stripper with pressure washing to remove the Cabot ATO. A wood brightener would be needed after neutralizing the stain stripper. This would be the best way to prep for another coat of stain and will remove the mold as well.
Is Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil Good For Decks? Overall Score After 2 Years: 7
Cabot Australian Timber Oil is a semi-transparent oil-based deck stain that scored a 7 out of 10 in our hands-on testing, making it a decent but not top-tier option for most residential decks.
Over the years, Cabot Australian Timber Oil has undergone formula changes due to evolving VOC laws, and unfortunately, it’s not the same product it once was. These changes have affected its overall performance, making it an average option compared to other stains available on the market today.
While we still like the product, it’s not our top choice. If better stain brands are available, we recommend considering those for improved durability, appearance, and overall performance.
Have you used Cabot Australian Timber Oil recently? Share your experience in the comments below—we’d love to hear how it performed for you!
How Does Cabot Australian Timber Oil Compare?
Cabot Australian Timber Oil competes in the penetrating oil-based semi-transparent stain category. Here is how it stacks up against the alternatives we have tested:
| Product | Our Score | Mold Resistance | UV Retention | Reapply Without Stripping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabot Australian Timber Oil | 7.0 | Poor | 60% at 2 years | No |
| TWP 100 Series | 9.0+ | Good | Strong at 2 years | Yes |
| Armstrong Clark Wood Stain | 9.0+ | Good | Strong at 2 years | Yes |
| Defy Extreme | 8.5+ | Very Good | Strong at 2 years | Yes |
If you are deciding between Cabot Australian Timber Oil and one of these alternatives, the alternatives win on every performance metric we track. Cabot’s main advantage is same-day availability at major retailers.
How to Apply Cabot Australian Timber Oil
Cabot Australian Timber Oil applies best to a properly cleaned and brightened deck surface. Follow these steps for the best result:
- Clean and brighten first. Strip any existing stain and follow up with a wood brightener to open the wood grain and restore pH balance before applying.
- Apply with a pad applicator or brush. A pump sprayer works on large areas but always back-brush to work the oil into the grain.
- Back-wipe within 15 to 20 minutes. Any oil that has not absorbed into the wood needs to be wiped off before it dries. Skipping this step causes tacky, sticky spots that attract dirt and harden into a surface film.
- One coat on most wood. Apply a second coat only on very dry or porous wood, and only while the first coat is still wet.
- Temperature window: 45°F to 90°F. Do not apply in direct sun on a hot deck surface — the oil will dry too fast to penetrate properly.
- No rain for 24 hours. Check the forecast before you start.
- Cleanup requires mineral spirits. Have enough on hand before you begin.
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Select Hardware Stores or Online
Cost: $49.99 per Gallon, $245.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent
Available Colors: Amberwood, Honey Teak, Mahogany Flame, Natural
Application Temperature: 45-90 F
Coats Required: 1-2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 200-300 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 24 Hours
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in All 50 States
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Cabot
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 300
UV Exposure: Mostly Sun, half of the deck had a covered roof.
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Mahogany Flame
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Cabot Deck Stain Photos and Real Application Results
Cabot Australian Timber Oil FAQs
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Is Cabot Australian Timber Oil still a good deck stain?
Cabot Australian Timber Oil is an average performer by today’s standards. After formula changes driven by VOC regulations, the product lost some of the penetration and longevity it was known for in earlier versions. It scores a 7 out of 10 in our testing. It is a reasonable option if you are limited to big-box store availability, but TWP 100 Series and Armstrong Clark both outperform it in UV protection and mold resistance over a two-year period.
How long does Cabot Australian Timber Oil last on a deck?
In our two-year real-world testing on pressure treated pine, Cabot Australian Timber Oil retained roughly 60% of its original color at the two-year mark. Mold growth was evident on exposed areas within that same timeframe. Expect to reapply every 1 to 2 years depending on sun exposure and climate. High-UV decks in the South or Southwest will likely need reapplication after 12 to 18 months.
How do you apply Cabot Australian Timber Oil correctly?
Apply to a properly cleaned and brightened deck using a pad applicator or brush. Back-wipe any excess that has not absorbed within 15 to 20 minutes to prevent tacky spots. A second coat can be applied to porous wood only, while the first coat is still wet. Apply between 45°F and 90°F with no rain forecast for 24 hours. Cleanup requires mineral spirits.
What is the difference between Cabot Australian Timber Oil and regular deck stain?
Cabot Australian Timber Oil is a penetrating oil-based finish, not a surface coating. It contains a blend of linseed oil, long-oil alkyds, and tung oil designed to soak into the wood fiber rather than sit on top of it. This means it will not peel or flake like a solid or semi-solid stain. However, it offers weaker mold resistance than the top-rated water-based penetrating stains we have tested, and its UV performance has declined since earlier formula versions.
Can you apply Cabot Australian Timber Oil over old stain?
No. Cabot Australian Timber Oil must be applied to bare, clean, and properly prepped wood. If you have an existing coat of stain — including a previous application of Cabot ATO — you need to strip the deck first using a deck stain stripper, then follow up with a wood brightener before recoating. Applying over old stain will result in uneven absorption, blotchy color, and premature failure.
Where can you buy Cabot Australian Timber Oil?
Cabot Australian Timber Oil is sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and select independent hardware stores nationwide, as well as online. At roughly $50 per gallon, it covers 200 to 300 square feet depending on wood porosity. Availability of specific colors — Mahogany Flame, Honey Teak, Amberwood, and Natural — can vary by store location, so ordering online may give you more consistent color selection.
Stained our deck back in mid-March with Cabot Jarrah Brown after replacing a few boards as previous owners neglected the maintenance. A couple of days later it started to look cloudy and muddy. We had scrubbed the deck and cleaned prior to staining. It looks terrible and we can’t figure out how to clean off the cloudiness. I really am hoping not to strip/sand and start over. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
You cannot fix this outside of removing all or covering it with a solid stain.
Can you elaborate on how/why this happens so I don’t get into the same issue again? Was there too much product used? or is it that the cleaning process prior to staining didn’t work? I am at a loss for how to prevent this from happening.
Thank you for your feedback
Not sure why it happened but Cabot is not a very good brand anymore. They sold the company years ago and then they changed all the formulas. Now it has lots of issues.
If you want to prevent, then remove all and switch to a better brand like TWP or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Hi – I too am interested in the “why”s of things… I am trying to learn myself – but I do have some thoughts as to what may cause your clouding – 1) moisture, 2) over-working the product 3) maybe residue from the cleaner was still on and reacted with the product, 4) and “too much product” – too thick – could be something, 5) can the product go bad on the shelf? – maybe call the company and ask them. I received great customer service from Behr when I stained my concrete patio (and may not have done it right), they sent me another 10 gallons of the stain (my deck is 45′ x 25′) as well as a case of the sealer – no charge – and answered my questions and advised. Most of these companies want you to be happy and are there to help.
So we can use solid stain over a newly stain ATO deck? We had similar issue and do not like the results with just ATO.
No, you should strip and brighten for prep: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
I bought this product because I assumed something named Australian Timber Oil was an oil-based stain. It’s not. I realized that after applying it to new wood—a bench seat that I had built and sanded down. This water-containing formula absolutely raised the grain on the wood that I had sanded to a smooth finish. I called Cabot’s help line and was told that, yes, the product sold in my state is the water-added version. I told him it was stupid to call something “Oil” when it’s a water based product. He said he’s heard that before. No kidding. I’d never buy it again—just based on the intentionally deceptive label on the can.
Cabot used to be a great product but then they sold out to Valspar years ago and they modified all the formulas. It is not the same and we stopped using it.
Now I understand that in my state, California, the low VOC formula is what is sold by Cabot. What’s unacceptable is that the can I buy here doesn’t tell you that. When I talked to the Cabot customer help guy to complain about raising the grain, he asked me what product I was using. I said Australian Timber Oil”. He said that I needed to find the product number on the can. When I found it, he said I had the water-added formula. Otherwise, the can and name are exactly the same for the oil-based or water-based formula. That’s just deceptive. The only reason I bought it is that I assumed it was an oil stain.
I wasn’t very happy with the result—and I don’t mean the part about raising the grain. The stain doesn’t have great depth of color, and of course, you can’t really intensify the color with a second coat. Disappointing waste of fifty bucks.
Yes, we agree. Waste of money.
I want to apply s “ wratherproofing oil” to new wood patio chairs. Live in pacific north west with plenty of rain
You font recommend australian timber oil
What do you recommend??
New wood has to weather outside and then be prepped. See here for tips and what to use. The same will apply to wood furniture as decking does:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I used this product on my new cedar deck just last spring. Followed directions, used a pad for application. Looked very nice right away. By the end of the summer there was A LOT of UV graying. After one winter the product had all but peeled off. So disappointing. I am in the process of sanding it down to apply something. I have plenty of product left since the application is such a thin coat. Honestly, I am not sure I want to use the Australian oil again. If this is what will keep happening it will be a waste of my time.
Applied the Cbot Australian timber oil 48 hrs ago, When you walk on it, it is leaving shoe prints. What may be wrong?
Most likely over-application and or improper prep. If it does not cure on its own in the next week or so, you may need to remove and start over.
It’s a “one coat only” product, did you use 2 coats?
Why does my Australian Timber Oil, Mahogany Flame, appear more like orange paint on a 6 month old new deck?
This is normal and is based on your wood type and the age of the wood.
What stain companies would you recommend for a cedar patio/screen room?
TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Hi Scott! We recently had an old (about 10 years old) deck re-finished. They sanded it flat and then put Honey Teak Australian Timber Oil. The deck looks awful after a month. . It’s looks worse than before we had it re-finished. We also noticed that when it rains, water doesn’t bead on the deck with the exception of some more recently replaced boards; water just seems to be absorbed. All of the exposed parts of the deck have swollen boards. They charged me $6k for the work. When I asked them to come look at it, they said that is just what wood does and that Cabot is the best. I don’t know anything about this stuff, but I can’t imagine what they left us with is quality work. Can you give me any additional information that either supports or doesn’t support my claim that they did not do quality work? Thank you so much!
Pictures?
I’ve tried to take pictures that really show, but they don’t seem to represent the reality. One of these is a screenshot from a video that I took of me pressing into one of the rotten boards. There are multiple boards like the rotten one. Very soft and you can poke holes through. This work was done 5 weeks ago.
In the pics, it looks correct as far as the stain application and prep. If they said they would replace ALL the rotting boards and they did not, I would ask them to fix that part.
I have tried to post pictures, but it doesn’t seem to want to accept them. 😔
We remodeled our two decks with Western Red Cedar. We used one coat of Australian timber oil Natural. Looks amazing. After 4 to 6 weeks it began to fade and grey. The deck is full sun in Indiana. So before the lower deck began to grey and fade we put a second coat on and seems to be doing well. Love the look, thinking it may just need a couple coats. Temp on feet is way better too.
I live in the Florida Keys with very strong sunlight and a heavy salt air environment. My front door railings are mahogany wood and are 25 years old. When first installed, I finished them with the best marine varnish available. They began peeling within a year. A local wood restorer suggested stripping them down and finish with Cabot’s Australian Timber oil. They no longer peel, and I recoat every two years after a light sanding with a 3M green scrubby pad. This is a superior product!
Just wanted to add a picture. I am very happy with the result. One coat of Natural Australian Timber Oil.
I took the advice given here and cleaned. stripped and brightened our large cedar deck.
I let it dry for several months thanks to a great Spring and Summer here in the PNW. I power washed the deck a week ago, and after it dried applied Cabot Australian Timber Oil Natural. The result was far better more uniform and just dang good looking. Prep is everything, Have used the Timber Oil and it wore very well on a deck which gets a lot of rain during the fall and winter.
I have sanded and reapplied Cabot Australian 4 times in about 20 years. I really like it. Sands good amd applies nice
Watch your lap areas.
Looks nice. ..mops clean good
I live up in Sun Valley Idaho, and as you know, we get quite a bit of snow up here and I haven’t found any deck stain that will last more than 2 years out here. We recommend doing a maintenance cote every year and after 5 years, we just floor Sand the whole thing down and redo it again.
Try TWP Semi-solid colors or Armstrong Clark Semi-solid colors.
why is ramp by the pool slippery when we tfeet.
I have just finished sanding all the peeling stain (1year old) off my deck. I am looking for the best option to finish the wood. I would prefer a transparent gloss or high gloss finish (I like the wet wood look). Is Australian Oil a stain and sealer in one?
You cannot use a shiny finish on a deck. It will peel if you do. You want a penetrating wood stain so it does not peel.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
That’s interesting because after applying the OG Australian Oil my deck was “shiny”.
That would only happen if you did not prep corectly and or over-applied. The Australian Timber Oil is designed to be a penetrating stain, not shiny.
What is the best and longest lasting deck protector? I want a clear natural, no stain color. KS heat and some snow. I heard Penafin?
Clear with no colors = zero UV protection from graying:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
Must be tinted for UV protection. Use one of these top brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
I live in Vancouver, BC Canada and your top rated stains: Armstrong Clark, Defy and TWP do not appear to be available from any local retailers. I would rather not purchase online. Do you have a recommended oil based product for a brand new cedar deck that I can purchase in Canada? We get a lot of rain and the deck is completely exposed to the elements. Thanks!
Nope. Due to VOC changes in Canada, there are not any decent oil-based stains that we know of that you can get locally.
Can you paint over wood that has been stained with Australian Timber oil ?
Strip it first with this kit:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
Can the natural timber oil be stained
No, it is not tintable.
What is the best product to use to thin down cabots Australian timber oil to apply with an electric spray gun….and what’s the best product to use to clean my spray gun after each use?
We would never thin a deck stain, it would reduce the stain’s ability to actually perform properly. Cleanup is typically mineral spirits.
Hy i have a question
I have 2 gallons of australian timber oil amberwood
How can i do for darkness this teint like mahogany flame or nearest
What product can we put for this
Thank you
Not sure what you are asking exactly but if it is about tinting it, it cannot be done.
After 1 year the “Natural” ATO has turned light grey in places. Any clues why? It was professionally done. Thanks
UV fading. Probably needs to be recoated.
Australian Timber oil is so amazing
On wood. Could I use it on a concrete back porch?
No.
I just applied this to our outdoor benches. They are rough cut fir, and have been fairly neglected the past few years so they are very porous and the grain has opened up. I was not looking for a perfect finish. They were heavily greyed, so I gave them a quick sand to help the stain penetrate. I did not use a brighter or fully strip them (although I think I would next time) so that’s why in the photos you see inconsistency in colour (from the sanding due to the very rough grain).
My question is—I was planning on a 2nd coat, due to how porous the wood is but from what I’ve now read, less is more? But does that still apply in this case with such open porous wood? Or Should I just wait and brush on another coat next summer, if so what do I need to do for prep at that point?
Thanks in advance.
More is not always better so leave them as is. In 1-2 years you can clean and recoat.
I have used Sikkens previously for decks and wooden frames; a great product. Last year I couldn’t get that product and bought Cabot Australian Oil instead, which has been awful – irregular fading, flaking and looks terrible. I wasted a lot of my time and money so I will not buy this product again, it’s just not suitable for Canadian climate.
Sikkens changed their formulas, like Cabot did so it is not as good as it used to be.
Thanks for the heads up! I better do some research…
Can I put timber oil over the original timber oil a year later
As long as you prep correctly first.
Use Cabot ATO Honey Teak, apply it every 2 or 3 years for the last 15. Stuff is great
Used to be and then they changed the formula. Not so good anymore.
I prepped cedar deck and then used transparent stain three months ago. Every since when we walk on the deck and come into the house with hard wood floors it turns slippery. Seems to be oil coming from the deck.
I am using australian timber oil – oil based for my front door. I have been using this every 4 years for 15 years. I bought this product 4 years ago. mixed it well lightly sanded and cleaned the door. Its now 48 hours and still tacky. how long will it take to cure? our daily temps are 60-62 degrees.
We do not use it anymore since they changed formulas so not sure who long or if it will fully cure.
Hi – Is one able to apply a clear poly, lacquer or varnish over top of an oil-based transparent or semi stain/sealer product to add an extra layer of durability and preserving the look and features (nourishing, coloring, UV/mildew/mold remediation and preventative, greying resistance, etc.) provided by the preservative product?
No, this will peel and create a nightmare to fix.
I have an issue with a few places on my deck where the ATO is not stnding up. The deck was thoroughly cleaned and then cleaned with a cleaner with oxalic acid which I understand opens the pores of the wood. Most of the deck looks good but a few of these patched appear that the stain did not penetrate or I did something wrong??
The stain is wearing off there. You will have to prep and redo. Might want to try a better brand as well.
I use Cabot oil stain on a hardwood deck but is scratches very easy with out door furniture, what can I do to resolve this problem
You will have to remove it fully and then use a better hardwood stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
After drying, does Cabot Australian Timber Oil leave a slippery finish
(like Thompsons)?
Not if it fully penetrated into the wood grain.
I’m doing a brand new mahogany deck. The Australian timber oil I use is water-based so what should I use water base or oil
Do not use the Cabot. Try one of these brands for hardwoods:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
can cabot australia wood oil be good after can stay over winter
Hello, we stained our deck with ato honey teak yesterday. There are some overlap marks resulting in darker and lighter areas. What do you suggest. I know it’s supposed to be one coat but not happy with appearance.
The only way to fix is to remove it down to the bare wood and start over. Sorry…
We have a cedar fence we built last July. We had a clear stain that we sprayed on it to begin with hoping that it might retain some of its color but the color faded quickly. So, I went and purchased 5 gallons of Cabot pre-tinted Brickstone Semi-transparent exterior wood stain and sealer. We put a little on the wood we would be using with fingers covering it and it seemed to look fine. Our carpenter sprayed it on though and instead of looking transparent at all, it looks like a solid paint color. We are unhappy with the results. We really wanted to try to add a tone while possibly still seeing a change of tones in the wood. Our cedar had a lot of white and pink to it. I was wondering if there was something like paint thinner that could be used to thin out the stain already painted and dried on the fence. I don’t want to have to sand the entire fence. My husband took such care when he built the fence planing every single board multiple times. I hate that we had such beautiful wood only to cover it up. We’ve done it an injustice.
No, you cannot “thin” out this. Only way to fix is to remove it and that will require power sanding it all off. It cannot be stripped either.
Hello, yesterday we used Australian Timber Oil in natural on our cedar deck. We prepped the deck by cleaning it then we used a brightener and let it dry for 48 hours. We applied Timber Oil and now our deck is shiny/glossy looking. What do we do? Thank you for any suggestions
Post some pictures.
My recently stained deck looks glossy too. Real surprised by this. Will it dull down some? Can I help the process along?
No, it does not just dull down. You would have to sand it off fully to fix the issue.
Thanks
Had new cedar deck last year with ATO Honey Teak. Color is starting to fade. Any suggestions on how to slow the fading process? Would a clear sealant/waterproofing product help?
No. You cannot add a sealer over a stain, and that would not do anything anyhow. Your only option is to prep and recoat. A better stain would help as well:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
We installed a new deck last May and do one light partial coat in September with the Cabot Australia Oil. It didn’t take well so we stopped knowing we would stain it this spring. If we want to go with the Armstrong, what do we need to do to transition? And go with semi-transparent?
Strip and brighten to remove the Cabot fully first.
I called the Armstrong dealer and they recommend TWP 1500. Is that good?
AC and TWP 1500 are both excellent stains.
I ordered RAD stripper and brighter but forgot cleaner. I read that I can use a mix of oxi-clean and water. Will that work? I can’t find oxygenated cleaners at the big box stores.
You do not need a Cleaner if you are using a Stripper.
Look ok? Did the 2 steps. Seems like there is a lot of fuzzies. Can I stain over the fuzzies.
Looks good. You can stain over the fuzzies or you can light sand or buff those off first.
Why so many fuzzies? Seems like sanding it might be a lot of work
That is from oxidation removal. Buffing a floor with a sanding pad is very easy and does not take long.
Used the Cabot Australian Oil in Natural. It was not humid and a bit windy so it was quite dry to touch after 8 hour ……. then it rained .
Is this ok ? The water beaded on it for a ling time , but next day it appeared like there was darker spots on it , is this just wet wood ??
Should be fine.
I have a multilevel deck. One section has sunscreen covering it. This section is twenty years old and there are no signs of rot. I live in east Texas. Humid and wet! I recoat every 3-4 years. Other sections are in open and get much more sun. After 12 years did have some rot in these sections. However some of this I attribute to other factors. I have used several other products ( Deckover, Thompson’s, and Superdeck). Cabot ATO is best experience by far. Deckover is horrible BTW.
Still better products out there than Cabot: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Additional pic to post below.
We have built a screened porch out of new Eastern red cedar. We live in Mississippi and the porch faces west. Wanting to stain with a dark brown stain. I like the look of jarrah brown from Cabot® Australian Timber Oil #19400 Series on my sample boards. Are you as against ATO on siding/porches as you are decks? If so, what do you recommend that would look similar?
Also, I had planned to stain tomorrow and install the screen and trim (which I will also stain tomorrow) the next day. ATO recommences 48 hour drying time. Since this isn’t decking and we won’t be walking on these boards can we go ahead w install 24 hour later or will our hands disrupt the finish?
Thank you,
Shannon
You need to wait to stain this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Try TWP or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Is it ok if Australian timber oil freezes in pail in winter
No.
which is better? Cabot Australian timber oil or PPG paramount satin semi-transparent stains.
Neither is very good but Cabot ATO is better than the PPG.
I just refinished my cedar deck last fall with 2 coats of the mahogany flame and it’s failing miserably with bare wood showing pretty much everywhere. Needs to be done again and if not for matching color, I’d change brands in a heartbeat. Don’t imagine 3 coats would help, maybe a marine varnish over would help???
Never use a Marine varnish on a deck, it will peel. Strip and brighten this for prep and use one of these stain brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Is Australian Timber Oil only for (or best for) exotic hardwoods? Those are the woods they specifically mention on their site. I am considering this for pressure treated pine.
The ATO can be used on other wood types.
I applied Australian Timber Oil in Natural back in 2013. It is time to re-do. I have cleaned deck boards thoroughly, but have not stripped stain out of the vertical banisters, because I read that you can apply the exact same stain over the previous one. But my question is: since Australian Timber Oil has changed its formula since 2013, if I re-apply it on the verticals over the existing timber oil, is it considered the same stain, or is it so different, that it will not stick.
It will most likely not work. You should strip it all off and go with a better brand.
I am looking for a weathered grey is this possible ?
Use TWP 1500 in Clear after prep. It will gray naturally but protect the wood. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/twp-1500-wood-and-deck-stain-review-2017/
Is this product available in Canada ?
Thank you
No, it is not allowed there.
Would you recommend Australian Timber Oil to treat Garapa hardwood deck?
No. Use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Vertical surfaces retain color longer. Have good results re coating. Jarrah brown
Would a second coat of Australian Oil Stain serve in additional purpose? Initial coat covered well. I just wondered if a 2nd coat would add additional protection.
No, more is not better when it comes to deck stains.
Cabot Tiber Oil only lasted 2 years on our deck before we had to reapply.
Why does my deck now look shiny on parts and dull on others? My deck oil is worn off on several parts and it hasn’t even been a year.
You will probably need to strip it off and start over with a better brand of stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Can this product be used on a dock?
Yes.
Worked for me. Water repellency and wood protection are better than others I have used. But it’s pricey.
After applying Cabot oil can you use a deck cleaner and reapply oil in two years or do you have to strip it first?
You should be able to clean and reapply.
What is the difference between using Cabot oil and using Cabot stain on a deck?
How long should you wait before applying second coat of Cabot Australian Timber Oil. Or is a one coat product. Thanks!
Best to follow their directions on if 1 or 2 coats and when to apply. We do not use the Cabot anymore so not sure.
My experience is … ONE COAT ONLY! One coat is all you need, if properly applied. If the first coat is properly dried, the second will not penetrate the wood. Then later it blisters.
Can says one coat only.
I put in mahogany deck and waited until spring to put Cabot Australian timber oil neutral a year ago. It turned my brand new deck brown. Did I put the wrong oil stain on my deck. And how long can I stain it again. My deck looks horrible. Thanks David
You will have to strip it off to change color. Brightener after. Best to try some samples next time. Try Armstrong Clark.
It’s been 2 yrs since I applied the Timber Oil to a cedar deck, used Natural which created a deeper but beautiful tone to the deck. Easy to apply and looked great. However, living in colder northern climate with snow on the deck, after two yrs there are a lot of patches where it has peeled, leaving the lighter natural color cedar showing. I am not sure now how to get the rest off so I can get an even color coat on the entire deck surface. Also, it seems like a lot of work to go through every 2 years. Would have liked to have gotten 3 or 4 yrs wear out of this product.
2-3 is the mos you will get from a deck stain, not 3-4. Use a deck stain stripper and pressure washer to remove. Brightener after.
Can you use a saelant over the Cabot timber oil? We are having some issue with mold and would like the deck to have more protectant .
No. You can never apply a sealer over a deck stain.
I was told the opposite by Rain Guard. Of course, they have a vested interest, but they said–appropriately, per my understanding–that if you apply their water-based sealant a few months after an oil-based sealant–pretty much, after water no longer beads up, it should be fine. This is in line with what Bob Flexner has said, too. ???
You can never apply a sealer over a deck stain. It is just common sense that the deck stain will repel the sealer. Also, there is no reason to do this as deck stains are sealers as well. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/can-you-apply-a-clear-sealer-or-polyurethane-over-a-deck-stain/
There are now two varieties of this stain and they are actually very different products. The 3400 series is a high VOC/oil product that I found to be very durable. After three years I applied a new coat of what I thought was the same product but was actually the low VOC 19400 product that complies with newer regulations in some states. It was awful – fading and wearing within one summer on two different types of wood. So if you can find the 3400 series, use it. If not…
I applied this oil last year, after a harsh winter there are already some peeling… can I lightly sand to remove the peeling and reapply a new coat without completely removing the previous stain?
Tha would depend on how bad the condition is? Pictures would help.
Here are the pics. I would only restain the boards with peeling:
Upload images directly into the comments. Not a link.
oops, here
The only way to get this to look even is to strip all down and start over. Spot sanding and staining and it will look very blotchy and not blend.
Alright, thanks. Is it normal that it is peeling? I thought oil stain like this one fades instead of peeling?
If you do not prep correctly and/or over apply the stain then yes, it can peel.
por favor puedo tener esta informacion en español. muchas gracias
Sorry but only English.
Can I apply timber oil over linseed oil?
No, you should strip off the linseed oil first. It will be easy to remove: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
We have been using australian timber oil mohagany flame on our cedar home for many years. We would now like to change the colour. Can we use a semi transparent stain on top of the oil
No, you will have to remove the current stain first when switching. Ty this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
What oil can I use to take the red out of mahogany flame
You cannot take the red out with an oil. You have to remove the current stain and then use a different color and or brand of stain.
Ok, thanks
Our house is due to be redone this spring. I unferstand that the mohagany flame is an oil and nothing else. Can I use an oil stain or do I have to strip first
You have to strip or remove if switching brands. No way around it.
What would make the Australian gold natural have a green tint after applying? We only noticed it on second coat.
Nothing in the stain would make it turn green.
I just applied ATO to our older deck. Am I able to apply a second coat. If so , how soon?
Do it in the Spring. Light wash to remove any dirt first.
Pressure treated Deck is now 3 yrs with Australian timber oil. Starting to show some wear especially top of railings. My questions are: 1. Should I reapply ATO or has the product changed too much (read your reviews) 2. How should I prep deck for reapplication? Clean and brighten or strip😟? Can I lightly sand Where wood has become rough (hand rail) 3. If you do not approve of ATO , can I use an alternative such as Armstrong Clark oil? 4. The deck no longer beads water is that a good indication of wear? Thank you for your help. Your site is great and has guided me in the past
Also what to do you recommend on top of an old stained deck that still looks good but needs some protection from snow . We are northern Vermont.
Your site is the best!
Switch to AC but strip and brighten for the prep. You cannot apply a top coat over a deck stain.
If decide to stay with ATO, what is the prep? If I have strip and brighten anyhow , I might as well switch product? Should I sand rough spots on rail or sand whole rail for more consistent coverage. There is hemlock pergola over part of deck that is still looking good with ATO. Trying to keep the color consistent. So matching another product may be difficult. Thank you again for your expertise.
Clean and brighten if you stay with the ATO is the prep. Stripping is not any harder, just a deeper removal of the current coating.
We had our deck stained with Cabot Australian Oil Stain Mahogany Flame ($1,000) and dearly loved it. It dried 4 days before using. 1 month later, the yard guy walked down our dirt path then up on our rained on deck and there were stains that we could not get up. We called our deck guy to come look…he could not get the stains up. We spent $600 for him to lightly sand the deck again and restrain. Now, the Terminix guy came yesterday and he walked down the same path then up onto the rain soaked deck…..mud stains again we can’t get up. PLEASE HELP! We love your stain and want our deck back. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Beverly Sparrow
Cabot is not our stain, Best to ask them directly for help with trying to fix this. There is not a way to just remove mud without removing some stain.
This is exactly what happened to us but it was our cats walking in after walking on our wet crushed concrete driveway. So frustrated with it. Even dirt is sticking. I would never use this product again!
Can A.T.O. Be bought by the quart?
Sorry but no idea.
I’m in Canada but travel to us. Where can I purchase this product.
Check with their website.
Can it freeze over the winter and still be good?
Doubt it.
Oil based. Doesn’t freeze in our area (NC). MSDS says its based on solvents like Stoddard Solvent and other solvents. It’s freezing point is not specified on the MSDS, but is probably about -90F.
I have used this product for 10 years, the key is the weather. You need several days of sunny dry weather to ensure proper penetration , drying, and final appearance. Starting over is not really an option with this material, you will need to strip and sand everything.
Good luck.
Used Australian Timber Oil on a large porch after power washing. Porch was last stained with ATO several years ago and had worn off in certain places. 24 hours later the stain looks uneven and it is still tacky. The porch is going to be enclosed next week and I don’t know what to do to correct.
To fix you would have to remove it all. Strip off what you can and then sand the rest off. Brighten the wood after.
I’ve used ATO on my redwood deck every year for ~6 years. I live near Santa Fe, NM at 7,200′ altitude, and it is quite dry here, although we get snow in the winter. The ATO is now peeling off the wood in pieces the size of a quarter. It’s not just the top coat that is peeling, it is peeling off all the way down to the wood. The percent that is peeling ranges from 40% in the sun to 20% in the shade. You may think that isn’t too bad, but it doesn’t take much peeling to look lousy. I’m afraid I’m going to have to sand it all off, and start with another brand of stain. What do you recommend?
Strip it all off and then brighten the wood is the best way to go. Sand only if you cannot strip it all. Use a better stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
We would like to treat raw pine with Cabot’s Australia timber oil. How long do the boards have to dry before we can coat it?
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
What will happen if the stain get rained on before it is dry and can we cover it with a tarp to keep that from happening
You cannot cover. it needs airflow and sun to cure. Do not stain if the chance of rain within 12-24 hours.
I am refinishing a covered tongue and grove porch pine ceiling. Not sure what initial treatment was but it had not peeled but was grey with 70% mildew. After washing down with water/bleach it looks remarkably better. Some areas stil show some seal while other areas seem bare wood. When wet it all appears great.
Q. Should I lightly sand with a sanding pad and stick then stain with some oil or water based product? It has lasted 8 years prior.
Thinking of just rolling on some Australian Timber oil in a light color. ?? Thoughts
Post a picture. We are not fans of Cabot ATO since they changed formulas.
Also, do you have any suggestions for applying stain to the sides of the already-installed deck boards. I used a pad to apply the stain, which bled inconsistently down the sides, and I’m hoping I can squeeze some stain in there to even it out.
Look at a “crack and groove” deck tool.
Is it recommended to apply ATO over Cabit’s Oil-based semi-transparent stain? Is there any benefit to doing so, and what will the finish look like?
I have a deck stained multiple colors and would like to deepen the color slightly and perhaps create more sheen.
No, you should not do this and a deck coating cannot be shiny. It will blister and peel.
Needing a second coat after a weathed gazebo floor it beaded up and has spots? Will it soak in? Any suggestions? It was properly prepared.
It probably will not soak in if it has already cured.
I stripped our main entrance door down to bare wood and applied one coat of Cabot’s ATO. Given this it was applied to bare wood that had previously been painted, should I consider applying a second coat? The first coat has been on over 48 hours but, less than one week.
Thank you in advance!
No, leave as is.
We have been in our home for 5 years, but recently added stairs to our deck two months ago. The stairs are treated wood, and have dried. We used Cabot Australian Timber Oil the first time we stained our deck about 2 years ago. We used it again, tonight, to restain the deck and add stain to the new stairs… everything applied well – we will obviously need to do a second coat on the newer stairs… my question: we are now having a random storm come through tonight. It is supposed to start raining around 1am in the morning, I finished staining everything at 5:30pm. Our deck is covered, but our stairs are not. I read that Cabot Australian Timber Oil(Jarrah Brown) is good to use on “newer” woods that are treated/dried for at least a month – and also good at repelling water… will I be ok with the rain coming? Or should I expect to have to touch up/fix the stairs and any area that the rain may get on? (Freaking Iowa weather…)
It should be fine.
I recent sanded down my neglected cedar deck with 80grit on a belt sander. I had to strip off the old solid stain that had failed miserably. The previous owners had not had a stain or sealant on the deck and it was badly weathered. They put a solid stain on it just prior to selling it to make it look nicer. After sanding/stripping I applied ATO in honey teak to the railings first and it sat for 48+ hours with out rain or weather to dry. We got the first rain storm the other night and to my suprise the water did not beat on any of the railing. Any suggestions ?
Beading is not important. Breathable stains will shed, not bead water.
We have been using Australian Timber Oil on our deck in Massachusetts for four years. It has now developed ugly white splotches over much of the deck. We are wondering what to do? We fear if we just clean the deck and repeat the application that these white splotches will be permanent. Is there another product we should consider? What can we do about the ugly white splotches? Thanks for your help. Linda
Post a picture.
Hello, would you recommend the Cabot Timber Oil over their Wood Toned Deck & Siding Stain product?
I am situated in Canada if that matters. “New” deck, we bought this house a year ago, the house was built over 4 years ago but previous owner never stained it.
Also i’d like to know what is your preferred method of applying the stain, roller or pads?
Thanks for the review.
Use stain pads or brushes for applying. The ATO is probably better. Make sure to clean and brighten the wood for prep.
We applied Cabot Australian Timber Oil to new, virgin high quality mahogany deck boards last fall (October 2018). We chose this product as it was supposed to be formulated for high density wood. It looked beautiful when finished! By spring, just 6-7 months later, with virtually NO foot traffic through the winter months, the color is failing on some boards, down to bare wood in some areas. NOT happy! After contacting Cabot and sending pics as requested, all we got in response was that they would refund our money. What we really need is ADVICE on what to do now? Do we re-stain the whole deck? Do we have to sand the whole deck first back down to bare wood again or can we re-coat overtop? We need HELP! We spent a LOT of money on this deck! So disappointed in this product and the customer service!
Post a picture so we can help determine the best way to prep.
I tried. It keeps saying file is too large no matter what I do. Even just one pic?
File sizes have to be less than 3mb.
I’m sorry. It won’t send not even one pic. Is there an email I could send it to instead?
Perhaps put pictures on Dropbox or similar file sharing site and post a link here.
You’re not supposed to apply stain or any deck paint on new virgin wood for at least a year. Check I formation on how long to wait before applying finishes on new decks.
I’m saying “virgin” wood in the sense that it had never had paint or stain on it before. It was dried, high quality lumber which was definitely ready to be stained. We bought it from a reputable source and they said it was ready for stain.
I don’t think sanding is necessary. We had a portion of our deck redone with new wood 1.5 years ago and stained a year ago. The color has lightened somewhat, not much, but we want the color to more closely match the rest of the c. 20 year old deck. After careful research and many years using ATO on the rest of our deck, we decided to wash with dishwashing detergent & water, applied with a bristle brush, and will stain tomorrow. No sanding. I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m sure you won’t need to sand unless you want absolute color uniformity. After one coat, the new decking looks very close in color to the old. After this second coat, I’m hoping you can’t tell them apart.
Thanks Lorna, we actually decided to apply a second coat. Looks beautiful again, but not sure how long it will last. Hopefully more than 6 months! 🙏🏻
Can I use Cabot semi transparent deck stain over Cabot Australian Timber Oil that was applied 2 years ago?
Depends on if the new stain is water or oil based?
Which one can I use? Oil based?
Yes, most likely it will work but best to ask them.
I put Cabot’s down (Australian timber oil) and a surprise storm came in 90 minutes after I finished. Rained hard for 15 minutes and water set on deck all night, It doesn’t look like it’s peeling but there are some small whitish spots. Do I need to sand the deck down and start fresh, or just apply a second coat?
Depends on how it dries and cures after the rain stops and the water dries off. At this point, there is no way to determine what needs to be until that happens. It may be fine.
How would I know/determine what to do? It looks like the water is beading up nicely but it is slightly faded compared to other areas
As we mentioned, wait until dry to assess. If it looks good then leave alone. if not, post a picture.
We used this last summer to stain our deck. Looked great but now after one season it has peeled off badly in certain areas. Very disappointed. Looks awful. Should it not last for more than one year? Also very hard to find. Used a colour called amberwood.
Yup. I feel your pain. We stained brand new mahogany deck in the fall and it didn’t last until spring. Looks like crap! Beware!!!! Faulty product that doesn’t live up to what it leads you to believe!!
We recently applied Cabot timber oil to our 200 sq. ft. deck,. It had about 38 to 40 hours of dry time before a light 30 minute drizzle. Is that enough time for drying?
Yes, you should be fine.
Can it be used on a porch floor?
Yes, it can.
Thank you! I’ve been trying to figure out what to use on my wrap around porch. My house is 100+ year old and I dislike the floor paints and love the natural look of wood. I’m open to other suggestions too!
Look at one of the top 6 brands:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
hi- are there any benifits of applying an additional coat of timber oil the second year?
If it needs it because it is fading or wearing, yes. Otherwise, wait another year or two.
I want to put a second coat of Cabot’s timber oil on a new built cedar picnic table. What steps would you suggest?
Prep with a deck cleaner and then recoat.
Would you recommend this product on teak? Marine teak oil seems to only last a month or 2 before going back to a grey look. Thanks
Use this. Better product: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-for-exotic-hardwoods-review/
It may be because I live in Hawaii but the house is away from a lot of trees; constant wind also keeps the moisture down and we have roofing over the lanai. In these conditions, the Cabot has been excellent. We have re-applied twice in 10 years mostly because of simple wear. We have never had mold or mildew, no UV graying. We’ve had dogs and cats, and we have not had a problem with dirt either, it does seem to wash well with just water and a sponge mop. Now I’m getting ready to re-do – but I’m worried that the formula has changed. I will keep you posted!
I used Australian Timber Oil Jarrah Brown on my porch, steps and railings. It looks lovely but it shows dirt, footprints, dog paw marks etc. The dirt doesn’t wash off, even when scrubbed. Did I miss a step ?
No, just an issue with the stain that it attracts dirt, etc.
Do you have to use another sealer on top of this product or use a primer before or would you consider this an all in one?
You cannot seal over a deck stain nor can you use a primer for a semi-transparent stain like this.
Do you recommend Thompson’s timber oil as a good deck finish for an old painted deck restoration?
No. Thompsons is a poor product.
Does this stain work well with Ironwood (IPE)?
Average. Used to be great for IPE until they changed the formula. Now it does not last very long.