Hi guys n gals, I am about ready to re-stain my cedar home this spring and would like a little advice. First off I have been reading for months online in forums only to be more confused and frustrated, so I will just ask the question, please don't flame me for not doing some of my own research.. I tried really:). I have done my home in the past with these products and this is my opinion on each. Currently I have ABR X100, in cedar tone color, I absolutely hate this,, it stinks, it looks dull, it was very expensive, and never looked good even when first applied. Next was Ready seal, nice to work with, cheaper, like the colors, but not the longest lasting, I got about 4 years with ABR (looking terrible the entire time) and about 3 with Ready seal..
Here are my current list of contenders I am considering, ease of application is not a big concern for me because I do not do this for a living, however I am somewhat experienced on the proper wood prep and so forth. In no particular order here is my list. I forgot to mention, I did my cedar split rail fence with Cabbots Aussie timber oil, I love the way it looks, the jury is still out on how long it holds up, its still on the first year and still looks great, I am a little leary of doing my entire home with this, although I would consider it if guys have strong feeling for it.
WoodDefender
TWP
Bakers grey away
Armstron Clark
WoodTux
and perhaps Readyseal another try.
Please give me your experience and opinions, I would say my order of importance would go like this
1) overall looks
2) protection, longitivity
3) cost
4) ease of application
5) color choices (many of the cedar browns and golds look nice to me)
6) shipping to Wisconsin? perhaps I cannot even get some of these.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and respond.