Here is the catch, in order to have a deck water repelling coat that lasts you MUST follow these steps:
NOTE ****
You will need about a WEEK of no rain and above 10c temperatures. If temps call below 10c shortly after the stain has been applied, all bets are off.
- clean with chemical cleaner, rinse with garden hose. You MUST then let deck dry for 2-4 days (2 if warm and sunny, 4 if cloudy and cool). DO NOT use a pressure washer as it will require WEEKS to properly dry the wood .
- sand with a pole sander. You MUST not have water or rain after this otherwise you will have to re-clean and re-sand
- apply the chosen, high quality stain with a pole BRUSH
This is why many people have issues up here (and other climates like ours). Each step has to be followed EXACTLY.