How to prepare a new deck for staining?

[Stafy]

Hi there, 
First thank you for this amazing forum, it is so helpful to ease the anxiety of what not to do.

Now for my question: I am building a new deck and recently went into Bunnings and brought New Timber Prep and a Natural stain. I asked the staff if I would need the deck cleaner and they advised I did not need to apply this step.

Is this correct?

The last thing I want is to botch the last step of the job and create a ton my work simple because I skipped a step, but likewise I do not want to spend unnecessary money and add more work to the project.
All the video's and commentaries on google say I need to include the cleaning step, so I am a little confused after being told by staff, that I do not need this step.
 

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @Stafy,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

They were mistaken when they told you that you can skip the deck cleaning step, as it's fairly explicitly stated that you should always use the Cabot's Deck Clean after using the Cabot's New Timber Prep. The New Timber Prep is designed to bring out any natural oils from the timber, and the Deck Clean is designed to clean them away. If you were to skip this step, the oils and residual cleaner would be left on the surface of the timber.

To save yourself further work in the future, please use the Deck Clean after the New Timber Prep.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Stafy]

Hmm. thank you for the confirmation.
I only get one chance to do this right then it cost me time and money, both of which are valuable commodities.

I will buy the deck cleaner tomorrow.
Thank you.

[EricL]

Hello @Stafy 

Just to reassure you, I completely agree with Jacob’s recommendation to use Cabot’s Deck Clean after applying Cabot’s New Timber Prep. It’s really important to make sure the surface is properly cleaned and free from natural oils and tannins, as these can affect how well your oil or stain absorbs into the timber.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your deck oiled/stained.

Eric