This post was updated on August 27, 2025
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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! 🙏🏻