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Staining is the best way to protect and preserve wood, yet there are 20 million unprotected decks in the US. That’s why we’ve created the Cabot Woodcare Council – a group of industry professionals, influencers and experts.
Here you’ll find:
- Simple, non-biased protocols on how to extend the life of wood structures with proper maintenance
- Tools to educate homeowners on why, when and how to stain
- A network for professional contractors, builders and industry experts
From staining best practices to business-building tactics, the Cabot Woodcare Council is here to help.
Staining DOs
- Pay attention to prepping — good prep makes all the difference in appearance and durability
- Stain the shaded areas of your project first so the stain dries evenly
- Stir your stain frequently while you work to maintain a consistent color
- Maintain even pressure on your brush to get a uniform finish
- Test the stain on an inconspicuous area to ensure the color and opacity is what you really want
- Follow all safety rules on the label, and use common sense liberally
Staining Don'ts
- Take short-cuts during the staining process. Follow through on all steps
- Start your project without researching and educating yourself on all aspects
- Try to fix an undesired color with a new color/coat
- Apply too many coats of the stain or apply too much stain at once
- Stain in direct sunlight
- Spray without back-brushing