How to Use Stains

Exteriors Interiors Stains Wall Surface Preparation

Be Smart

Stains are a great way of enhancing a timber finish. Not only will they bring out the natural lustre and grain patterns to give new beauty to timber, they also offer excellent protection from the elements and help to prolong the life of the timber. Stains are available for both exterior and interior uses so be sure to choose the right product for the job.

Be Sure

Cabot's produces a premium range of quality stains, oils and clear polyurethanes. They are designed to make the process of finishing wood easy to understand and easy to get great results. There is a Cabot's product for every purpose from outdoor furniture and decking to interior wooden floors and bench tops. Cabot's Intergrain is an ultra-premium product for when you need a special finish on quality timbers.

Be Aware

Just like paints, there are both water-based and oil-based stains, each has its own use. Generally speaking, you would use an oil based stain when you want the product to penetrate the surface to give greater protection or enrich the appearance. This is particularly the case with exterior uses. If in doubt, talk to your Guthrie Bowron adviser to find the most suitable product for your particular use.

Be Professional

As in all paint applications, preparation is very important. The surface you want to stain should always be thoroughly cleaned and prepared using Cabot's Preparation Products to ensure a better, longer lasting finish.

  • Holes should be filled using Cabot's Woodtone Putty, which dries rapidly, is easily tintable and won't shrink.
  • Cabot's Kleenwood is a powerful cleanser that will help restore dirty or weathered timber prior to staining or re-staining.
  • Cabot's Bar D-K can be used to seal uncoated timber for up to 3 months prior to staining or oiling. It is especially useful to prevent warping or cracking as it penetrates the timber surface and protects the joints.
  • Cabot's Universal Sanding Sealer provides a smoother finish and a golden hue to timber for a nicer overall finish.
    Choosing the right product for the job

Choosing the right product for the job

Exterior

Decking and Furniture Oil is ideal for exterior timber decking, outdoor furniture, BBQs and trim. It contains a penetrating oil, it's easy to apply and maintain. Because it does not form a film it won't crack, peel or blister.

Decking and Furniture Stain is also a penetrating oil, but can be used to change the colour of your timber. It is available in a range of colours and can be used for most exterior timber surfaces. Very hard wearing, it is ideal for surfaces that will be walked on.

Weatherboard and Fence Stain is an oil-based stain and is the right product for all exterior timber weatherboards, fences, pergolas and trim, including rough sawn timber. Lightly pigmented to reveal natural grain and colour, it can also be tinted to give a more solid colour finish.

Weatherboard and Fence Stain (Water Based) can be used in place of the oil-based stain on rough sawn timber. It has all the benefits of the oil-based stain but is quick drying with low odour. As it will form a film on a smooth timber surface, it is not suitable for use on dressed timbers.

Exterior Clear is an oil-based clear gloss finish that is ideal for exterior doors, windows and trim, where you want to make a feature of the natural beauty of the timber. It has high UV resistance, good durability and is mould resistant.

Door & Window Finish is a water-based, semitransparent, semigloss stain and polyurethane finish all in one. Suitable for interior and exterior doors, windows and trim, it also has anti blocking properties that help prevent sticking on doors and windows and good UV resistance.

Interior

Clear Floor is a tough water-based clear finish for interior wooden floors, doors, skirting and trim. It provides a natural finish, resists yellowing and is fast drying with low odour. Several coats can be applied in one day to build up a beautiful, hard wearing polyurethane resin finish. Available in gloss or satin.

Cabothane is a traditional clear oil-based polyurethane that is specially durable for furniture, doors, panelling, skirting, architraves and trim. Available in gloss or satin, it gives the timber a warm, honey tone that will enhance the timber colour.

CFP is an oil-based clear polyurethane suitable for all interior timber floors and benchtops. Used in conjunction with Cabot's CFP High Wear Additive it develops extra strength and wear resistance. This is the ideal product to use on surfaces you expect will come in for extra wear and tear.

Interior Varnish Stain is a water-based stain and polyurethane all in one. It is ideal for staining and varnishing interior woodwork and can be overcoated with Cabot's Clear Floor for a more hard wearing finish.

Crystal Clear is a water-based clear finish that doesn't yellow and is low in odour. It has a brilliant clarity that retains the natural colours and grain patterns of the timber. Excellent for interior woodwork such as furniture, doors, panelling and skirting.

Interior Stain is ideal for changing or enhancing the colour of your timber. It is a traditional oil-based stain for use on all interior timbers such as panelling, cupboards, and furniture. In wet areas it is recommended to seal the stain with a hard clear coating such as Cabot's Cabothane or Cabot's CFP.

Danish Oil will enrich the colour of your timber with warm honey tone. Ideal as a penetrating oil for interior panelling, doors, frames and trim to produce a soft lustre without obvious film build. Can be applied with a brush or cloth.

Gel Clear is a clear, one-pack polyurethane-based varnish for all interior timbers, or it can be used as a clear finish over Cabot's Interior Stain. As it is in a gel form, it is ideal for any work where avoiding runs or drips is especially important. Available in gloss or satin.

Hi Gloss Floor Polish is a waterborne protective or rejuvenating finish for sealed cork, linoleum, parquetry and timber floors. It can be applied directly to any sealed surface including pre-coated timber floors and lino. Easy to apply - simply mop on.

Be Satisfied

Stains can greatly enhance your home by bringing out the best in timber finishes, both inside and outside. The Cabot's range certainly has every use covered. The products are easy to use, providing a professional finish that is well within the reach of any do-it-yourselfer. For any advice on the use of stains in your home, please feel free to call and discuss your needs with us. We’re always happy to help.