How to protect your deck against harmful UV damage
Nothing beats Kiwi summer. Gathering around the barbie with mates; lounging on the deck; swimming in the pool. But there's one important thing to consider… the sun! We all know how strong the New Zealand sun can be, and just as damaging as it can be to your skin, it can also be damaging to your deck. Your timber needs protection… enter Cabot's Aquadeck - It's like SPF for your deck.
Why Cabot's Aquadeck?
Aquadeck is guaranteed to last 2x longer than traditional oil-based decking oils. Our water-based decking oil puts durability first, providing long-lasting protection from harsh weather conditions, like those 35℃ days, as well as foot traffic and general wear and tear.
Aquadeck can be used over any existing coating to help bring it back to life, with its low odour formula that's designed to protect and enhance the timber's natural look. Best of all, you can finish the deck in just one day.
What you’ll need
Get Started
- Prep the deck according to its condition.
- New Bare Timber: Scrub damp timber with Cabot’s New Timber Prep, following label instructions. 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 for at least 1 hour. Alternatively, allow timber to weather for 4-6 weeks (for new Treated Pine allow 2 weeks or follow manufacturer’s recommendation). Hose down regularly if not exposed to rain. Always follow the weathering period with Deck Clean following label instructions prior to coating your timber.
- Timber Previously Coated with Cabot's Aquadeck: Clean first with Deck Clean following label instructions.
- All Other Existing Coatings (Previously Oiled, Stained, Varnished or Painted Timber): To ensure maximum adhesion, treat surface with New Timber Prep. Then clean with Deck Clean.
- Weathered and Grey Timber: Simply clean with Deck Clean. Note: fill holes and imperfections with a suitable timber putty after applying the first coat of Aquadeck.
- Stir Aquadeck thoroughly with a flat blade stirrer before and during use, ensuring the formula is properly mixed through.
- Pour Aquadeck into the Deck Hand bucket.
- Apply Aquadeck with the Cabot's Deck Coat applicator for a smooth finish. Coat along the length of the boards.
- Use a brush to cut in around the edges and to seal the end grain.
- Apply two coats allowing at least an hour to dry between coats. We recommend three coats to protect in extreme weather conditions, especially if your deck is under full sun exposure or near a pool.
There you have it, a deck that looks good and is protected from UV damage.