Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Cedar deck sealer

I just powerwashed my 1 year old 5/4 cedar deck and need to seal or stain it and I want as close to the natural color as possible. Longevity of the product in Michigan climate is more important than the cost. Please give me any suggestions regarding product and application methods. I am covering just over 1,000 sq. ft.
Thank you in advance.
Steve

Cabot's, Silkens, SuperDeck -- there are other good ones too. You'll have better luck finding them at a paint store or lumber yard rather than a big box store.

A 2-1/2 gal. garden sprayer and back roll it.

Lefty,
would you suggest a clear sealer or a cedar toned stain?

Here's one vote for Siekens deck products (cant recall name)

I use the one-step formula (they have a two-step product also) from time to time on my cedar deck.

I use clear but in the past and the undercoats have a base of "light oak" looks nice and very durable.

BTW, to all those folks looking for a deck mateial. my 2x6 northern white cedar exposed deck has stood up incrediblly well at my cabin in the wesetern mountains of Maine. (200 inches of snow and -25F)

It takes a few hours a year at best to maintain. You also know what you are getting! no surprises!

Ever thought of thompson's!!!

Yeah, we have thought about Thompson's -- Why waste your money??

Well for starter's thompsons isnt the best never claimed it was however most people have'nt heard of cabot-stains,benjamin-moore,or penofin clear/cedar. Did i offend you?

No, you didn't offend me. Just that I don't waste my time and money on Thompson's. I find it requires redoing way too often. Much better quality products are certainly out there, but you may have to go to a paint store or lumber yard to find them.

I agree with you 100% Lefty.sry 4 absence had a little car wreck.g-luck all.

jonathan_71730,

I agree with Lefty. Thompsons' is parrafin based and seems to collect dirt quicker than the other better products that are oil base and have additional properties - - some uv protection.

None of the professionals on another forum I belong to use the aforementioned product.

fred

hey fewalt or fred in a another statement i mentioned other brands as benjamin-moore/penofin clear/cedar,and cabot stains and there's 2 or 3 more i like out there but your normal handyman man migh6t not can find or has never heard of but though cheap thompsons is better than nothing.good day peeps.and believe me i hate thompsons to "Forgive Me"LOL. -_-