Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 18, 1999 12:33am | #1

   *
   Yup. It's called paint.

   Kidding aside, I haven't seen anything that does a good job of preserving the "color" the natural wood. Sealants (like Thompson's) work for a while, but you have to keep reapplying them. You might be better off using some kind of clear stain which is the same tint you want to preserve.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 18, 1999 01:43am | #2

   *http://www.weatherbos.comNot stain, not paint. More like an ammonia based stain without heavy pigment. Since it soaks in there's nothing to peel. Popular on timber and log homes. Just tints the wood and seals it to moisture.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 18, 1999 08:27pm | #3

   *The latest Consumer Reports has a test of deck stains. Its worth taking a look

1. 
   Guest_ | May 22, 1999 12:48pm | #5

   *All PT, cedar and redwood is going to gray as the sun's UV begins breaking down the surface of the wood and as dirt and mildew color the deck. The more colorant in the stain the more protection from UV you get and the longer the color will last -- but with too much colorant (Solid stain or paint) you get film buildup on the surface and peeling, scraping and maintenance. A clear finish may need recoating every year and a heavier stain up to 3-4 years. Cleaning simply removes the top layer of dead wood and reveals the less damaged wood below. Southern exposure and little shade will be the biggest factor in how fast the color changes.You do want to put a sealer on the wood as soon as possible to help it dry out more evenly. Otherwise the top and board ends dry excessively and crack and split more.

2. 
   Ed_Walter | May 22, 1999 12:48pm | #4

   *
   Can anyone tell me how to preserve a pressure treated deck frome bleacheing or turning grey? Is there some "magic" stuff that I can apply while the wood is fresh?