Just spent four days with a pressure washer, washing off ten years of failed attempts to seal (as well as stain) my deck and handrails. Anyone find a sealer that doesn't have a lot of pigment, to show the wood grain, but yet not turn black or flake up after a couple years???

Boat owners & fishermen out here on the wet coast use Sikkens.

I've used it for years on my south facing solid cedar garage doors with great success; however, that is in a vertical application & not constantly getting wet like a deck would so I don't know how it would work there.

The neutral or natural colour has very little pigment in it to let the grain show through & it is very viscous (like water) for excellent absorption into the wood...

TAM

I have been using the Sikkens Cetol 1 (077 Cedar) stain on my fence and shed the past 4 years. It is an excellent product although a bit pricey. I had a new fence built 2 years ago and applied the Sikkens right after construction was complete. It has held up quite well considering the amount of rain, snow and heat it has endured. Most retailers selling cedar products recommend this product. I have had people ask me what kind of stain I used as the appearance is really great.

Rock:

That is what I used as well but in the neutral colour.

It is pricey but it seems to go a long way...

TAM

I've used Sikkens products before on my cedar windows. I did not know they had anything for decks. I'll look for it.