Replies

1. 
   Aaron_Miller | Aug 30, 1999 03:03am | #2

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   Call your local lumber yard to find a brand of sealer named T.W.P . It is used for cedar shake shingles ,but cannot be matched for durability with treated lumber. I build custom decks, and where most sealers fail within a year or two the T.W.P sealer lasts for up to 5 years without resealing.

2. 
   Rusty_ | Sep 02, 1999 03:00am | #3

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   Try a mixture of Baking Soda & water to get the old gray look. I also build and repair decks, when I replace one or two boards to get the look back I mix up a little box of Baking Soda with a quart of warm water and pour it on.

3. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 1999 09:46am | #4

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   I agree with Aaron about TWP (Total Wood Protection) sealer. The only drawback is that the wood will have to weather gray naturally, and this will leave it vulnerable to moisture pentration, and UV damage until it does weather gray.

   Olympic (PPG products) makes a natural sealer that will allow the wood to gray naturally, while protecting and sealing the wood at the same time. It is a pretty good product, but must be applied every two years. Once the wood has naturally grayed, you can seal it with whatever you like. Again, I like the TWP.

   The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife did a field test of sealers/preservers that would blow your mind. The two products that actually faired well got used a lot on their park projects. The two were TWP (winner hands down), and Olympic Clear Wood Preservative. They used clear sealers only, not stains. They used them on cedar Duck Boxes, walkways, tables, benches, hand rails, etc... all over Texas in their parks and recreational areas. The TWP lasted a minimum of 5 years (in some of the worst climates imagineable). The only drawback to the TWP is the fact that it has a slight reddish tint to it. No big deal really.

   If you can't find it at a local supplier, contact the manufacturer direct for info. Check the link for more info on the manufacturer.

4. 
   Guest_ | Sep 07, 1999 09:50am | #5

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   Maybe this is an old subject, but does anyone have recommendations for staining a new pressure treated deck. We are looking for a weathered gray look.

   This deck will get a fair amount of foot traffic, as it will connect the the rear entry of the house where we come and go most often.

   Should we let it weather for a while first? Brand recommendations? Brush or spray?

   Thanks

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 24, 1999 08:20am | #1

   *Jay, Your deck, your time, your investment, Go with the best. Penofin No close seconds. On the Web. 1-800- PENOFIN Good Luck, Rick