Ultimate Protection Decking Stain

Make sure your decking is clean and free of dirt, oil, grease, wax and silicone. Scrub off any algae, moss or mildew and leave your decking to thoroughly dry.

How to prepare decking for staining

Untreated, weathered decking

1. Apply decking restorer to highlight your deck’s natural colour and provide a sound base for application to ensure the stain penetrates effectively.
2. Follow the instructions on the tin to apply your restorer.
3. Leave your deck to thoroughly dry out before applying the stain.

Previously treated decking

1. If your deck has been painted or oiled, use our Decking Stripper to get it back to bare wood. It's not as hard as you think and it's definitely worth it.
2. If your deck has been previously stained, don't try to cover a dark stain with a lighter colour. You'll need to strip it first using our Decking Stripper.

New wood

1. Most new decks come with a bit of waterproofing protection. This could stop the stain from sticking. To avoid this, give your new deck a good scrub with our Decking Cleaner & Reviver. Alternatively, leave it to weather for six months.
2. Rinse thoroughly with water, ideally with a pressure washer.
3. To check if any pre-treatment is remaining, sprinkle some water on the deck and see if it beads.
4. If it doesn't bead, you'll be ready to put on the stain. If it does then you'll have to clean it again until the water stops beading.
5. Allow the wood to dry thoroughly before applying the stain.

Your decking stain is best applied in temperatures above 10°C. Be sure to pick a day with a clear forecast and make sure your deck is thoroughly dry before you begin.

1. Give the stain a good stir and dip in your brush or pad. Check you’re happy with the colour. Find a small hidden patch of wood and try it.
2. Start in the furthest corner, brushing along the length of the boards. Work on 3-4 boards at a time so you don’t get any overlap marks.
3. You’ll need to put on 2 coats. Leave 4 hours between each coat. After 24 hours you’ll be able to get your furniture out and use the deck.
4. If you get any stain on yourself, wash it off with warm soapy water.

And that’s it! Your decking is now protected against all weather conditions and heavy footfall – so there’s no need to worry about a summer BBQ ruining it.

Cleaning

Sweep your decking with a stiff broom to help your stain looking it’s best for longer. Use a broom to remove debris, leaves and dirt that can work its way into the grooves of your decking.

If you notice mould or algae, clean it to prevent it getting worse.

Repair

You should regularly inspect your decking for signs of dirt or damage.

If you notice a spot that’s not quite up to standard, all you need to do is lightly sand it and reapply a thin coat of the stain to the problem area.