Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Need "semi-trans" stain alternative.. pls HELP !!

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Augie05
09-09-03, 08:57 AM
Hi all,

I just had a new 500 sq foot PT deck built in NC .... that was the easy part... the hard part appears to be selecting the right stain that does not cover the grain but provides 2 years of life !!

I was planning to go with the Cabot Deck Stain (per Consumer Reports and other reviews) but determined that it covers too much of my grain in my new PT deck. Nice stain but too "opaque".

It now comes down to two semi-transparrent stains: (both rated high by Consumer Reports)

1) Sherwin-Williams Caprino UV Sunblock & Wood Seal
2) Wolman Durastain --- hard to find in my area but one store can get next week

I have had good luck with Sherwin-Williams paints in the past but never have used their stains. Also, it looks like Sherwin owns Thompsons.... I have heard nothing good about Thompsons and I am a little concerned that the UV Sunblock might be a similar product / formula...

Questions:

1) Any thoughts on the above ?
2) These both appear to be water based... any issues vs oil ?
3) Any other recommendations ?

Thanks !!