How to Stain Outdoor Furniture in NZ: Best Stain, Prep and Finish
To stain outdoor furniture in NZ, clean it with a fungicidal cleaner such as GET-GONE, let it dry, then apply a penetrating stain such as ULTRAMAX with a brush or applicator pad on a fine day between 5°C and 30°C. Apply only as much as the timber can absorb, and give it 24 hours to touch dry and up to 48 hours to cure fully.
Which Stain Suits Outdoor Furniture?
ULTRAMAX is a water-based oil stain with modified linseed oil, UV absorbers and fungicidal protection, designed to work in one coat on decks, outdoor furniture, fences and weatherboards. Once cured, it won't rub off or track.
DECKMAX is a semi-transparent stain for pine and hardwood decks, outdoor furniture and fences, and it needs two coats.
Choose ULTRAMAX if you want the quickest finish and a natural look, and DECKMAX if you want more colour choice.
Our ULTRAMAX one-coat guide explains how the one-coat system works.
Step 1: Prepare the Timber
Preparation decides how long the stain lasts. The timber must be sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, oil, grease, mould, moss, lichen, salt and bird droppings.
1. Check the furniture and brush or scrub off loose fibres.
2. Clean it with GET-GONE, a specialist cleaner that kills mould, moss and lichen. Use PREPMAX instead if you need a more aggressive clean. Our post on PREPMAX vs GET-GONE explains the difference.
3. If there's mould, moss or lichen, leave the treatment on for at least two weeks. Then scrub, scrape or lightly water blast the dead material away.
4. Avoid steel wool and wire brushes, which can leave iron stains on timber.
5. Let the timber dry completely before you stain it.
New Furniture and Previously Finished Furniture
New pine should weather outdoors for at least 8 weeks before staining.
New hardwood should weather for at least 12 weeks, so tannins can leach out. Rinse it several times during that time.
Furniture previously treated with an oil-based stain can be re-stained if the surface is still absorbent.
Check by flicking water onto the surface. If it beads, penetration will be poor, so clean the timber with PREPMAX before you apply ULTRAMAX.
Step 2: Apply the Stain
Choose a fine day between 5°C and 30°C, and avoid rain for at least 24 hours afterwards.
Stir the stain thoroughly with a wide, flat stirrer, before and during use.
Apply evenly along the full length of each board or slat with a brush or applicator pad, to avoid lap marks.
Only apply as much stain as the timber can absorb. Don't over-apply.
Coat end grain and edges where you can, because that's where moisture gets in.
Check your colour on a hidden area first, because colours on a screen are only a representation.
Drying and Curing
ULTRAMAX is touch dry in 24 hours and fully cured in up to 48 hours, and longer in cool or humid conditions. It's designed to work in one coat on most timbers. If you want a second coat, make sure the first is fully dry and tack-free before you apply it. Wash your brushes with soap and water.
Keeping Furniture Looking Good
Clean annually with GET-GONE to remove grime, moss and other contaminants.
Reapply every 2 to 5 summers, or sooner if the timber shows wear or fading.
Dressed timber may need more frequent reapplication, because it absorbs less to begin with.
Read our guide to NZ deck maintenance for more on keeping outdoor timber in shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best stain for outdoor furniture?
A penetrating, water-based stain with UV protection and mould resistance suits outdoor furniture. MASTERMAX's ULTRAMAX is a one-coat oil stain for furniture, and DECKMAX is a semi-transparent stain that also suits furniture.
How do you prepare outdoor furniture for staining?
Brush off loose fibres, clean with GET-GONE or PREPMAX, treat any mould and leave it for two weeks, then scrub the dead growth away and let the timber dry fully. Avoid steel wool and wire brushes, which can leave iron stains.
How long does outdoor furniture stain take to dry?
ULTRAMAX is touch dry in 24 hours and fully cured in up to 48 hours, longer in cool or humid weather. Keep the furniture out of the rain for at least 24 hours after applying.
Can you stain over old stain or oil on furniture?
Yes, if the old finish has weathered and the timber is still absorbent. Flick water on the surface to test it, and if it beads, clean the timber thoroughly with PREPMAX before you apply new stain.
How often should outdoor furniture be re-stained?
ULTRAMAX typically needs reapplying every 2 to 5 summers, or when the timber shows wear or fading. Clean the furniture each year with GET-GONE to help the finish last.
Can I use deck stain on outdoor furniture?
Yes. DECKMAX is designed for pine and hardwood decks, outdoor furniture and fences. ULTRAMAX is also made for decks and furniture, so check which look and number of coats suits you.
