So, i'm probably going to use Armstrong Clark semi transparent for my cedar deck.  If I sand the whole thing, will I gain anything by using a chemical cleaner?  
	The last stain was the infamous Behr Premium.  I can get to bare wood pretty easily. 
Yes. Use a cleaner to remove the sand dust and use a wood brightener to neutralize the cleaner and to help "open" the wood grain better for the stain.
So, in this order, sand clean brighten. 
	Thanks
Correct!
So, I'm on the front porch project now. I have the Restore-A-Deck brightener out there, just applied it and am waiting for the requisite 48 hours before staining it. Can we walk across that thing while we wait for it to be ready to stain?
So, here's a quick recap of the project:
Yes you can walk on it.
Quote from left base on September 27, 2013, 04:17
So, here's a quick recap of the project:/blockquote>
Good work. Welcome to the Behr veteran's club.
Nobody's thanking us for our service, this time. I am happy with the Restore-A-Deck and Armstrong Clark transparent stain I used, though, as recommended on this site. Back deck and front porch done, both with water beading up just right after it rains. And, only ONE COAT of stain.