Wood Staining: How to Stain Decks

Wood Staining

1. The Basics of Exterior Staining Prep
2. Essential Tools and Materials for Staining Decks
3. Step 1: Evaluate the deck surface
4. Step 2: Selecting the right stain
5. Step 3: Apply stain

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The Basics of Exterior Staining Prep

Your wood is an investment. Protect it with premium wood beautification and preservation products from Cabot. Follow this step-by-step guide for a professional looking finish.

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Essential Tools and Materials for Staining Decks

Here's everything you'll need to get it right the first time.

• Drop cloth
• Garden pump sprayer
• Cabot Problem Solver Wood Cleaner
• Deck scrub brush or Power washer
• Sanding block
• sanding paper and Broom
• Garden hose
• Gloves
• Safety glases
• Empty gallon can / lid (1/4 full with water for rags)
• Brush (bristle brush)
• Cabot Decking Stain

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Step 1: Evaluate the deck surface

First inspect your deck surface for mildew, tannic bleeding, and damage (see Cleaning Up). Then choose the right Cabot surface prep products for your job.

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Step 2: Selecting the right stain

Cabot offers a full range of stain options including naturals, decking and solids color stains. To make your decision between colors and opacities easier, we sell 4 oz sample sized cans in our Sample Store. To be sure you'll be pleased with the final result try it first.
Naturals
Tinted finishes add sheer, nearly transparent color allowing the most wood grain and texture to show through.View natural colors
Semi-Solids
Unique semi-solid/semi-opaque finish that mostly masks the wood grain but allows texture to show through.View semi-solid colors
Solids
Solid finish adds rich, opaque color that completely hides the wood grain while allowing some texture to show through.View solid colors

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Step 3: Apply stain

Generally, the best method to apply Cabot oil-based products is a high quality, natural bristle brush, and either a high quality polyester or nylon brush for our acrylic products. However, professional sprayers may be used for the majority of our products. See Spray Gun Application for more information. Always follow product instructions to the letter and don't forget to re-stain the surface depending on anticipated weathering.