ALL DECKED OUT
Stain - you wouldn't want it on your clothes, but on your outdoor wood décor - it's a thing of beauti!

Before you get all decked out, though, there are two simple secrets to a long-lasting finish - quality stain and prep work. Together they're a dynamic duo. Without them, you might be doing your project again next year.

We understand. Prep work is a bit like homework - beneficial but who wants to do it! However, since 90% of stain failure is due to lack of prep work, it's key. Here are the simple, easy, steps to protect your investment for a lifetime of enjoyment. If you are working with a brand new surface, always check moisture content to ensure that the wood has had sufficient time to dry. If so, you've earned a pass all the way to the Shiny Is Out step! If the surface is not new, you got it - it's step one for you!

TO STRIP OR NOT TO STRIP
Deep down, you know it! If your existing stain is 30% to 50% peeling it is best to remove the coating and start fresh. NATURA SAFE STRIP effectively removes stain and paint from both horizontal and vertical surfaces. And, unlike sanding, it will not grind existing mildew deeper into the wood.

GREEN CLEAN
Your surface must be free from mildew, dirt and grease. Mildew sometimes cannot be seen, but if not removed it will cause the stain to peel. Assume it's there and treat the surface with NATURA MILDEW OFF. Next, remove grease and dirt with NATURA SAFE PREP. By the way, while your surface is getting clean, the environment is staying green. All Natura products are formulated to be safe for the environment.

GET THE GREY OUT
Wood needs a good facial before staining. That grey wood you want to cover up with stain is actually dead wood fibres that are sitting on top on the wood. If not removed, as soon as moisture penetrates, they, along with your new stain, will lift. Remove greyed wood with NATURA WOOD PREP or WOOD SHIELD WOOD RESTORER.

ACTIVOX is a fast acting cleaner that restores and revitalizes weathered outdoor surfaces to their original appearance. It removes stains from algae, mould and mildew as well as dirt, debris, bugs and streaks. If an area is extremely dirty be sure to use ACTIVOX. It is intended for tough tasks...the ones that most cleaners cannot handle. It is one critical step in an overall cleaning & protection regimen, and is not a harsh chemical stripper or final protective coating. Cleaning with ACTIVOX is an earth-friendly process when compared with using chlorine bleach, pesticide products or endless pressure washing.

SHINY IS OUT
Stains need to penetrate to be effective. New wood will sometimes have sheen known as mill glaze, which prevents stain from penetrating. Simply sand with 80 grit sandpaper or use Wood Shield Wood Restorer.

Phew! Now that the prep work is done, it's time to add the beauty. Choose between a semi-transparent stain which will allow the natural grain and characteristic of the wood to show through, or a solid stain which will penetrate the wood and highlight the texture of the wood. Beauti-Tone's WOOD SHIELD SEMI-TRANSPARENT is available in 36 colours and WOOD SHIELD SOLID can be mixed in virtually any colour.

Manufactured in Canada by Home Hardware in a full array of paints and stains, Beauti-Tone is sold exclusively at Home Hardware, Home Hardware Building Centre, and Home Building Centre stores. Consult with your local Canada's Paint Expert for the stain that suits you, and your wood, best.