What to use: Cabot’s Natural Decking Oil
Why you should use it: Give your deck the TLC it deserves with Cabot’s Natural Decking Oil. Decking oils are designed to complement and enhance the natural colours of your deck – they work particularly well on darker timbers like Kwila. If you’re looking to change the colour of your deck, a stain is more suitable, but this product works well if you’re protecting or refreshing your outdoor timber surfaces. You’ll be summer-ready in no time!
How it works: Oil-based decking oils work by leaving a slight film on top of the timber which protects your deck from UV rays and water. Cabot’s Natural Decking Oil has everything you need to nourish and protect your timber, leaving a lovely semi-transparent, matte finish.
Depending on your project, You might also need:
● Cabot’s New Timber Prep
● Sander
● Paint Stripper
Before you get started, there are a few things you’ll need to do first – preparation is key!
Preparing the surface properly before you begin allows the oil to glide on smoothly for even coverage. Depending on the surface you’re oiling, there are several ways to get your timber ready:
New Bare Timber: First up, scrub damp timber with Cabot’s New Timber Prep to draw out tannins and oils from the surface. Then, use Cabot’s Deck Clean according to the instructions on the pack. Remove excess water with the squeegee on Cabot’s Deck Prep brush and allow the timber to dry for at least one hour.
Previously Painted or Varnished Timber: Sand or use a paint stripper to remove any old coatings, then, for exterior surfaces, clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean, following the label’s instructions.
Previously Stained and Oiled Timber: Clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean. Test if the surface is ready for coating by sprinkling water onto the timber. If the water ‘beads’ on the surface, more sanding is required. If the water soaks into the timber, it’s ready to be coated with decking oil.
Weathered and Grey Timber: First, sand back to fresh timber, then clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean. Fill any holes and imperfections with a suitable timber putty after applying the first coat, and you’re good to go.