Grey and weathered with no previous coating
Clean with Cabot's Deck Clean. For severely weathered timber, sand back to a fresh surface, remove all sanding dust, then clean with Cabot's Deck Clean.

Previously stained or oiled timber in good condition^
For exterior surfaces, clean with Cabot's Deck Clean following label instructions, then allow timber to fully dry. Test if the surface is ready for coating by sprinkling water on the timber. It the water beads on the surface, repeat the application of Cabot's Deck Clean. If water is absorbed into timber, it is ready for coating. For a more transparent look, sand timber back to bare then clean with Cabot's Deck Clean before coating.

Existing coating in poor condition
Remove all coating by using a suitable paint stripper following the label instructions or sand back to bare timber. Clean with Cabot's Deck Clean following the label instructions.

Paints, varnishes or coatings in varied condition
Paints, varnishes or coatings that have deteriorated unevenly, remove all existing coating by using a suitable timber stripper or by sanding back to bare timber. Then clean with Cabot's Deck Clean following the label instructions.

Maintenance coat of Cabot's Natural Decking Oil
If your existing Cabot's deck coating is in good condition, clean the surface with Cabot's Deck Clean following the instructions. Important: If mould is present or if timber is in a mould prone area, use Cabot's Deck Clean to remove surface mould effectively as the first step of preparing the timber for coating.

^Some previously coated timber may still have residual tannin. If unsure or unknown, use Cabot’s New Timber Prep following the instructions. Always follow New Timber Prep with Cabot’s Deck Clean following label instructions.

Note fill holes and imperfections with a suitable timber putty if required.

New, pre-oiled timber
Timber that is factory pre-oiled with Intergrain Universal Timber Oil or Feast Watson Industrial Timber Oil does not require exterior weathering or treatment to remove tannin or oils. This pre-oiled timber can be directly over coated with any Cabot's oil or water based topcoat product.

All timber should be clean and free from dust, dirt, debris, and mortar prior to coating.
Light surface soiling: A light wipe down with a clean damp cloth will be suitable.
Heavy surface soiling: Clean the surface with Cabot's Deck Clean following label the directions on the pack and rinse. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly prior to topcoat application.

IMPORTANT
Prior to topcoat purchase and application, it is important to identify the type of oil the supplier or timber merchant has used, to ensure it is compatible with water-based oil application. If unsure, follow the recommendations below for New Raw Timber.

New raw timber
To coat new bare timber immediately, scrub damp timber with Cabot’s New Timber Prep, following label instructions. New Timber Prep will draw out tannins and oils quickly from the surface, allowing you to skip the 4-6 weeks weathering process required for new timber. Always follow New Timber Prep with Cabot’s Deck Clean following label instructions.

Stir thoroughly with a broad paddle before and during use.
Apply liberally along the length of the board including exposed edges and end grain by brush or pad applicator.
Apply two coats allowing 6 hours between coats.

Maintenance
Re-apply as the timber changes colour or when water repellency diminishes due to weathering. Follow surface preparation instructions.