Behr or CIL

[ce_deck 14]

A noobie here. Thanks in advance for your help.

I have a 250 sq ft deck which partially surrounds our above ground pool. The deck boards are 2 yrs old PT pine and have never been treated. Boards have grayed, some mildew, cupping, warping & cracks. I have just completed using Behr's Premium Mold & Mildew Stain Remover NO. 62. Brushed it in waited & rinsed. Looks a lot better. Next I will be using Behr's Premium 2-IN-1 Wood Prep NO. 63 as the step before staining the deck.

I also have 20 8x6 fence panels never stained or painted which have become very grey & dirty. I will be using Behr's Premium 2-IN-1 Wood Prep NO. 63 as the step before staining.

Lastly I have a cedar Arbour that was stained with a natural colour. (do not know if oil or latex) This is looking weathered and is going to be stained.

I am planning on a solid latex stain. Have considered the semi transparent but have decided on the solid stain.

Some Questions;

1. With the deck should I be doing any other prep work? Do I need the deck to be dry (i.e. not have rained in last 5 days) before staining or can I start the day after doing the No 63 process?
   
2. With the fence panels is the No 63 product good enough for prep work?
   
3. The arbour is a mystery to me. Behr has a Premium Stain & Finish Stripper NO. 64. Should I use this and the No 63 or just the 63? Remember I plan on using a solid stain.
   

I have read in some posts that Behr stain is not well thought of. I live in Vancouver, Canada, shop at Home Depot and have the choice of Behr or CIL. Which of those two should I go with?

Great information here. I appreciate your time.

Chris

[decker 14]

Go with CIL. I have used their solid oil stain with success, but no idea about latex. I don't like latex.

Prepping your pt should be fine with a bleach solution. I can't comment about the efficacy of their wood prep products, but I am wary of any 2 in 1 type of product. Do yourself a favour and check out a local paint shop. a 2 part prep for cedar would be a sodium percarbonate based cleaner, followed by an oxalic acid based brightener. The truth of the matter is, that most stores are selling the same thing under a different brand name.