I live in SoCal (Santa Barbara) and have a redwood deck that I built about 20 years ago.
Full sun. Slight mildew issues.
Previous stain/sealers include Super deck (before Sherwin Williams) and One Time (they claim that they have a unique and proprietary acrylate resin blend).
It’s been at least 7 years since I have done any treatment. For prep I have used deck cleaner and pressure washer and sanded most of it.
I ordered Defy Semi Transparent Stain but was informed the next day that they cannot ship to Calif. because of the VOC rating.
Now I'm looking at Armstrong Clark and TWP 1500 (The TWP 100 is also on the "will not ship to Calif. list)
Any recommendations on which one I should use?
Thanks in advance.
Try Armstrong Clark.
Yeah that's the one we were leaning toward. What about Semi-Transparent vs Semi-Solid?
Also, Is there any recommended treatment for cracks in the wood or better to just live with the cracks? (See Photos)
Thanks for your advice.
Do not worry about cracks, they are normal. Your prep is not sufficient though. You have to strip and brighen all of this to remove the prior coating. Use Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kits with both stripper additives.
After the prep is done, use either the semi-transparent or semi-solid colors.
I plan on sanding the surface to remove old material, splinters etc. Would that not be sufficient or should I still use a stripper/brightener after sanding?
Stripping and Brightening are easier and it leaves your wood more porous than sanding.
Got it. Thanks. Will it remove all the old stain? Sanding removes most, if not all, depending how much time you spend.