Replies

1. 
   user-1119429039 | Jan 14, 2008 05:43pm | #1

   Dear Phillip 1:

   I forwarded your message to our colleagues at Fine Homebuilding magazine; someone there may be able to give you an answer.

   In my previous life, I was one of the editors at Consumer Reports magazine, and I prepared more than my share of articles on exterior paints, stains, and deck treatments. These were based on rigorous, real-life tests. As I recall, the type of finish that held up best on a pressure-treated deck was an opaque treatment, more like a siding stain than a clear varnish. Cabot made a good one, as I recall. They'd hold up for close to three years before needing to be reapplied. The semi-transparent products collected dirt, cracks, and mildew much faster. The transparent products such as Thompson's Water Seal didn't last a year before needing reapplication.

   Hope this helps.
   David Heim
   Managing Editor
   FineWoodworking.Com