Cabot Semi-trans too dark.

doublesharp · 04-16-2008, 09:36 PM

I screwed up and put Cabot semi transparent new cedar oil stain on a new cedar fence. I wasn't expecting the stain to cover so well. It covers the natural cedar look and just kind of looks like a butterscotch fence. I know it's well protected and it looks ok but I'm kicking myself for spending the money to buy real cedar and then hiding it under a stain.

Is there any chance for a do over? After it weathers for a few years will I be able to get a more natural wood look with a cleaning agent and then use a clear oil protector? Anything I can do now?

I'm going to use Cabot clear solutions cedar on the inside and that's what I'll see the most so it's not a huge deal and there's nobody to blame but me. I thought semi-trans was what I needed.

Here's a shot of my butterscotch wall

DIYHelper · 04-16-2008, 09:48 PM

Actually when it comes to this you can remove the finish with a wood stripper. Depending on the kind you use, it can be very caustic, so you have to be careful, but it can be done. Try going to the paint store and ask them for a finish remover.

Cautionary note though, It WILL be a lot of work, and please make sure you read the directions very carefully if you are going to do it yourself. You may want to hire someone if it bugs you that much. SHould be a couple hundred.

slickshift · 04-16-2008, 10:01 PM

Short of going darker, it's best to let it weather and fade
It probably won't even take a darker stain for a few years anyway
I know of no stripper that will lift Cabots Oil Stain

doublesharp · 04-16-2008, 11:08 PM

It's growing on me and protection is the main thing. Not exactly what I wanted but not a sharp stick in the eye either. Just glad I did the outside first because the inside is what I'll see. Thanks for the replies.

Pro Color · 04-17-2008, 05:39 AM

Agree with slickshift, never get that stain off efficiently.

P.S.- And as for protection, don't forget the bottom edges....

ProColorLLc.com

doublesharp · 04-18-2008, 11:55 AM

P.S.- And as for protection, don't forget the bottom edges....

Pro-Color, thanks for that tip because I sure had.

Here's a shot of the inside with 1 coat of Cabot cedar Clear Solutions rolled and then brushed. I covered about 150 sq ft per gallon. I like it.

slickshift · 04-18-2008, 10:06 PM

Yeah, I like the inside
That should fade out real nice
-not alot, but there's enough color so when it does, it won't wash out

Pro Color · 04-20-2008, 03:06 AM

Beautiful fence,,,,AND not dragging the ground.

I like~

Pro Color

doublesharp · 03-29-2009, 01:55 PM

One year later. After the fence I couldn't get grass to grow. Turned into a mudhole that my house dogs wouldn't stay out of. Too much shade. I put down weed block fabric and then 40 #50 lb bags of shredded tire rubber mulch to cover 450 sq ft. I'm pretty well satisfied but it's a little more spongy than I expected. That's not necessarily a bad thing it just takes getting used to and I expect it will compress a bit more. The mud is gone and it's maintenance free. That's the main thing.

04-16-2008, 09:36 PM	#1
doublesharp Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 18	Cabot Semi-trans too dark. I screwed up and put Cabot semi transparent new cedar oil stain on a new cedar fence. I wasn't expecting the stain to cover so well. It covers the natural cedar look and just kind of looks like a butterscotch fence. I know it's well protected and it looks ok but I'm kicking myself for spending the money to buy real cedar and then hiding it under a stain. Is there any chance for a do over? After it weathers for a few years will I be able to get a more natural wood look with a cleaning agent and then use a clear oil protector? Anything I can do now? I'm going to use Cabot clear solutions cedar on the inside and that's what I'll see the most so it's not a huge deal and there's nobody to blame but me. I thought semi-trans was what I needed. Here's a shot of my butterscotch wall Last edited by doublesharp; 03-29-2009 at 08:36 PM. Reason: update

04-16-2008, 09:48 PM	#2
DIYHelper Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 64	Cabot Semi-trans too dark. Actually when it comes to this you can remove the finish with a wood stripper. Depending on the kind you use, it can be very caustic, so you have to be careful, but it can be done. Try going to the paint store and ask them for a finish remover. Cautionary note though, It WILL be a lot of work, and please make sure you read the directions very carefully if you are going to do it yourself. You may want to hire someone if it bugs you that much. SHould be a couple hundred.

04-16-2008, 10:01 PM	#3
slickshift Tired, Cold, and Damp Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 3,089	Cabot Semi-trans too dark. Short of going darker, it's best to let it weather and fade It probably won't even take a darker stain for a few years anyway I know of no stripper that will lift Cabots Oil Stain

04-16-2008, 11:08 PM	#4
doublesharp Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 18	Cabot Semi-trans too dark. It's growing on me and protection is the main thing. Not exactly what I wanted but not a sharp stick in the eye either. Just glad I did the outside first because the inside is what I'll see. Thanks for the replies.

04-18-2008, 11:55 AM	#6
doublesharp Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 18	Cabot Semi-trans too dark. P.S.- And as for protection, don't forget the bottom edges.... Pro-Color, thanks for that tip because I sure had. Here's a shot of the inside with 1 coat of Cabot cedar Clear Solutions rolled and then brushed. I covered about 150 sq ft per gallon. I like it.

Cabot Semi-trans too dark.