Exterior How-to

Ideas and Projects
- Exterior Wood Projects
- Great Ideas
- Makeover
- Exotic Woods
- Interior Wood Projects
- Great Ideas
- Exotic Woods
Colors and Finishes
- Exterior Stain Colors
- Visualize Color
- Choosing Opacity
- Solid Stain
- Semi-Solid Stain
- Semi-Transparent Stain
- Wood Toner
- Interior Stain Colors
- Custom Tint
- Ready Mix
- Polystain
Do It Yourself
- Exterior How To
- Prep & Stain
- Watch Videos
- Interior How To
- Prep, Stain & Protect
Find Products
- Tips from the Pro's
- Project Wizard
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- Exterior Products
- Exterior Surface Prep
- Wood Staining Products
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- Interior Surface Prep
- Wood Stains
- Protective Top Coat
- Choosing Sheen

Cabot gives you all the information you need for a professional quality job.

Do It Yourself Exterior

Here's how to prepare and stain all your exterior wood like a pro. Each topic can be printed for easy reference.

Prepping

Hardwood vs. Softwood: Making the Right Choice
The Basics of Exterior Staining Prep
How to Remove Surface Contaminants before Staining
Nature vs. Exterior Wood Surfaces
A Quick Guide to Cedar Siding

Staining & Protecting

Cleaning and smoothing exterior wood surfaces.

Staining Your Deck
Staining Siding and Fences
Choosing a Stain Color and Opacity
Getting the Longest Life From New Construction
Protecting Exterior Wood from Mold and Mildew

Stain colors for your floor

Choose from a variety of custom colors to enhance your floor's wood grain.

See all stain colors

Need help with staining?

Follow our step-by-step guides to sanding, staining and protecting your interior woods.

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Cabot Polystain

A premium one-step interior wood finish that makes wood finishing beautifully simple.

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Computer screens and printers vary in how colors are displayed, so the colors you see may not match the paint's actual color. In addition, the actual and perceived color of applied stain may be affected by factors such as wood absorption rates, application techniques, and the wood's natural color and grain tones.