Assuming thorough preparation and the timber is in good condition, applying two coats initially could provide protection for approximately 3 to 5 years. Consider applying a third coat of AQUAMAX in 2-3 years to enhance performance further. In some cases, we've observed instances where the stain remains effective for well over 6-8 years before requiring additional attention.

AQUAMAX Timber Stain is suitable for use on rough-sawn, dressed, and softwood timbers like pine. It's ideal for exterior surfaces such as fences, gates, beams, trellis, and pergolas.

To treat moss or lichen, apply a suitable treatment and leave it for a few weeks before staining. Before staining, remove any dead material by scraping, scrubbing, or water blasting. For light mould problems, there is no need to wash off the treatment, as long as the surface is clean. Leaving the treatment on can help prevent regrowth over time. We recommend using PREPMAX Timber Prep & Clean or GET-GONE 2-in-1 Fungicidal Treatment & Cleaner. GET-GONE is a ready-to-use, eco-friendly outdoor cleaner that effectively treats and controls mould, moss, lichen, and algae. It comes in a 2.5L hose-end applicator pack, requiring no mixing—just connect a garden hose and apply. The bleach and phosphate-free formula is safe for use on various outdoor surfaces, and the packaging is made from recycled plastic. Important: Avoid using cleaners that contain sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), as any residue can react with linseed oil.

Gloss variations can occur due to how much of the oil has been absorbed into the timber fibres. The situation 'evens out' to a low sheen finish over a period of time.

A mixture of 10 litres of Clear Base mixed with 4 litres of AQUAMAX colour will still have good colour strength. We also have recorded instances of mixes of 10 litres of Clear Base to 3 litres of Brown Bean being applied to a house, and it is still performing as expected. A Clear Base/Rustic Oakwood mixture would not be able to be reduced as much as the Rustic Oakwood already has a reduced pigment level.

Yes, AQUAMAX is a house-quality stain that can be used on interior, absorbent timber surfaces. Take care with items coming in contact with the newly stained surface until it is fully dried, as drying time is slower.

No – we don’t recommend AQUAMAX to be used on decks; we recommend you use DECKMAX on decks as it is better suited to foot traffic.

We recommend applying two coats of AQUAMAX Timber Stain for greater protection and opacity.

AQUAMAX Timber Stain is touch dry in approximately 90 minutes, with recoating possible the following day.

Yes, AQUAMAX Timber Stain can be used on previously stained surfaces, provided they are weathered and absorbent.

Yes, AQUAMAX Timber Stain contains UV-absorbing pigments, resulting in excellent durability and protection against UV rays.

Under normal conditions, full containers of AQUAMAX Timber Stain can be stored for several years away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures.

Clean-up is easy with cold water for equipment. Linseed oil residue can be rinsed with warm, soapy water or laundry detergent.

Yes, all of our DECKMAX, AQUAMAX, TIMBERMAX, and MULTIMAX products include dry film mould protection. These additives help prevent mould from growing on the surface of the coated area. However, if mould is already present on the surface, it must be treated and removed before applying any coating. We recommend using products like PREPMAX for decks and GET-GONE for other surfaces to properly prepare them. Be sure to check the product label on the pail for additional information—it can sometimes be easy to miss.

Not entirely true. If the surface is well-weathered, we have seen our MULTIMAX applied over the top. It depends on how much of the original stain is left. For example, with proper preparation on a timber deck—such as a good sanding and using PREPMAX—you should be fine to apply TIMBERMAX or MULTIMAX paint over it. However, it really comes down to how much of the old product remains. Be cautious with products made from mineral oils, like Wood-X Cedar Oil, Dryden’s Wood Oil, CD50, and CD50 Extreme, as they don’t fully dry and tend to leave a residue.