Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Staining Sequence

I completed the building of my deck late last summer, and now need to stain, once the weather cooperates. I went with a Cabet product due to successful referrels by friends. The deck and rails are made of cedar. I'm going with a semitrasparent redwood color on the floor boards, and solid white pigment color on the rails and spindles.

Any recommendations on whether I should do the rails/spindles first, or the floor first, and why? Also, when staining one surface, is it okay to use blue painters tape where another surface comes into contact, ie tape the base of the posts while staining the deck, or tape the deck around the posts while staining the posts? Or, is stain thin enough that it will travel right under the tape and unto the surface?

This is my first stab at staining a deck and I think I have all the particulars down. I picked up some deck prep solution from Parker paints when I picked up the stain. I plan to spray it down, scrub, hose off, and wait for 3 dry days prior to staining. Any other helpful suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Generally you always try to paint the higher stuff first and work your way to the bottom [deck] but since you are doing the rails different from the deck it really doesn't matter. You need to cover the deck well while applying the solid stain on the rails - the semi transparent won't cover any drips from the solid stain.

I'm not very fond of using tape and yes stain is likely to seep under the tape. If you use tape I recomend acting like it isn't there and just use it as a safety measure. A good quality brush makes cutting in a lot easier.

Thanks Marksr.

I will cut the joining surfaces carefully and I will use heavy drop clothes. I do have quite a bit of painting experience, and nothing but the best when it comes to latex brushes. However, I only have one black bristle enamel brush. Paid about $15 bucks for it at diamond vogel, so it should work out, I hope.

Yachtsman make a good white bristle brush at a low price [depending on size] White bristle brushes work as well as the black china bristle but they do wear out quicker.