Top 10 Deck Stain Colours NZ | Resene Woodsman & Exterior Timber Paint for Your Cedar Deck

II. Preparation

A. Cleaning your deck before staining

1. Importance of a clean deck surface

Before you put any stain or paint down, the deck has to be clean and clear of dirt, mould, and grey weathered timber. Stain soaks in evenly and grips properly on a clean surface, so the finish lasts longer.

1. Steps to properly clean your deck

Start by clearing furniture, pot plants, and rubbish off the deck. Use a deck cleaning product such as Cabot’s Deck Clean and follow the label. Apply the cleaner, scrub it in, then rinse off with water. Let the deck dry right through before you start staining.

III. Choosing the right stain

A. Water-based vs. oil-based stains

1. Advantages of water-based exterior stains

Water-based exterior stains like Resene Woodsman Decking Stain have a few things going for them over oil-based ones. They clean up with soap and water, have low odour, and dry fast. They also stand up well to UV, weather, and wear, which suits Wellington's climate.

1. When to use oil-based stains

Oil-based stains, such as Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain, bring out the wood grain and colour. They give a rich, transparent look that shows off the timber. They work well on furniture, cedar decks, and other exterior timber where you want a more natural appearance.

B. Resene Woodsman Decking Stain

1. Features and benefits

Resene Woodsman Decking Stain is a water-based stain that protects timber and lets the grain show. It holds up against UV, weather, and wear, goes on without much fuss, and dries to a semi-transparent finish.

1. Colour options for NZ timber decks

Resene Woodsman Decking Stain comes in a long list of colours. There are natural wood tones like Light Oak and Natural, plus stronger shades like English Cherry and Arthouse, so most tastes are covered.

C. Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain

1. Suitable for furniture and cedar decks

Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain is an oil-based stain that suits furniture, cedar decks, and other exterior timber. It soaks deep into the wood, protects against the weather, and shows off the timber's natural colour.

1. Enhancing the natural wood grain

The main reason to reach for an oil-based stain like Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain is the way it lifts the grain and colour. The transparent finish lets the texture of the timber show through for a warm look outside.

IV. Top 10 Deck Stain Colours NZ

A. Natural wood tones

1. Resene Woodsman Natural

Resene Woodsman Natural is a clear finish that keeps the wood looking like wood. It suits people who want the original look of their timber deck while still getting protection from the weather.

1. Resene Woodsman Limed Oak

Resene Woodsman Limed Oak is a warm, honey-toned stain that lifts the character of the wood. It gives a subtle look that works with a lot of exterior styles and colours.

B. Warm and rich hues

1. Resene Woodsman Heartwood

Resene Woodsman Heartwood is a rich, reddish-brown stain that adds depth and warmth to a deck. It suits a cosy outdoor space.

1. Resene Woodsman Kwila

Resene Woodsman Kwila is a deep, natural brown stain close to the colour of exotic hardwoods. It gives a rich, refined look.

C. Cool and contemporary shades

1. Resene Woodsman Skywater

Resene Woodsman Skywater is a warm blue stain that suits modern exteriors. It gives a clean, current look that works on town houses and apartments.

1. Resene Woodsman Tiri

Resene Woodsman Tiri is a deep charcoal grey stain that adds a bold, refined touch. It pairs with a lot of exterior colours and materials, so it works on most homes.

D. Bold colours

1. Resene Woodsman Cherry Wood

Resene Woodsman Cherry Wood is a strong, red-toned stain that makes a statement. It suits people who want a hit of colour outside.

1. Resene Woodsman Grey Green

Resene Woodsman Grey Green is an unusual blue-grey stain with a bit of artistic flair. It gives a cool, current look.

E. Greys and charcoals

1. Resene Woodsman Shadowmatch

Resene Woodsman Shadowmatch is a soft, weathered grey stain with a relaxed coastal feel. It suits homes near the beach or out in the country.

1. Resene Woodsman Bleached Cedar

Resene Woodsman Bleached Cedar is a light, silvery grey stain that copies the look of timber gone grey with age. It gives a fresh, modern look that works with a lot of exterior styles and colours.

V. Application tips

A. Tools and equipment needed

To put down Resene Woodsman Decking Stain or Oil Stain, you need a good brush, roller, or applicator pad, depending on the size and layout of the deck. Have drop cloths and masking tape ready to protect nearby surfaces, plus gloves and eye protection.

B. Steps for applying Resene Woodsman Decking Stain

1. Check that the deck is clean, dry, and free of any old coatings or finishes.
2. Test the stain on a small, out-of-the-way patch of deck so you are happy with the colour and finish.
3. Apply the stain evenly, working with the grain. Use long, smooth strokes and do not over-brush, since that causes lap marks and patchy coverage.
4. Let the first coat dry right through, which usually takes around 24 hours depending on the weather.
5. Apply a second coat if you want one, the same way as the first.
6. Let the stain cure fully before you put furniture back or walk on the deck, usually 48 to 72 hours.

C. Maintenance and re-coating

To keep a deck looking good, give it regular upkeep and re-coat it when it needs it. Check the deck once a year for fading, cracking, or peeling. Clean the surface with a product like Cabot’s Deck Clean and follow the label. Once it is clean and dry, put a fresh coat of Resene Woodsman Decking Stain or Oil Stain on to bring back the colour and protection.

VI. Alternatives to Resene Woodsman

A. Cabots Deck Stain

Cabots Deck Stain is another water-based stain sold in New Zealand. It is hard-wearing and stands up to UV, weather, and foot traffic. Cabots Deck Stain comes in transparent and semi-transparent colours to suit most styles.

B. Other exterior stain brands available in NZ

Apart from Resene Woodsman and Cabots, a few other exterior stain brands are sold in New Zealand, including:

1. Dulux Weathershield Deck & Furniture Stain
2. Sikkens Cetol HLSe
3. Wattyl Weathergard Decking Oil

Each brand has its own colours and finishes, so it pays to look at a few before you settle on a stain for your deck.

VII. Conclusion

A. Recap of the importance of choosing the right deck stain colour

The stain colour you choose protects your cedar deck and exterior timber and keeps it looking good. The right stain adds years to the life of the deck and gives you an outdoor space you actually want to use.

B. Encouragement to explore Resene Woodsman & Exterior Timber Paint options

Resene Woodsman & Exterior Timber Paint gives you a long list of hard-wearing stains and paints for most styles. There are natural wood tones through to bolder shades. Prep the timber properly and apply the stain right, and you get a long-lasting finish. A quality finish on a well-prepped deck lasts about 7 to 10 years.

C. Contact information for Resene Ltd. for further assistance

If you want more advice on picking a deck stain colour or applying Resene Woodsman products, get in touch with the team at Resene Ltd. You can visit their website at www.resene.co.nz, call their helpline at 0800 RESENE (737 363), or drop into your local Resene ColorShop.

If you want painting and decorating work done in Wellington, get in touch with Wellington Decorators Limited. We are based at 1 Comber Place in Johnsonville, founder Khai Do has been on the tools since 2008, and we are Registered Master Painters members backing our work with a 5-Year Workmanship Guarantee.

Email: info@wellingtondecorators.co.nz
Phone: 027 458 6465
Address: 1 Comber Place, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Click the button below and fill out our contact form. We will get back to you with a free consultation and quote. Let Wellington Decorators Limited sort out your deck or your whole house.

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