My deck will be three years old. The posts and the cross pieces are red cedar. Year one I stained it with Penofin Blue label. In less than a year, the cedar became covered in mildew. The next summer, I cleaned it with a TSP/bleach mixture which took care of the mildew and any algae. Restained with Penofin Blue label (I had some left in the can). Same thing happened. So yesterday, my day was spent cleaning it once again with a TSP/bleach mixture. To make a long frustrating story short, it is now ready to receive a new stain and it will NOT be Penofin. Any suggestions? It's in a wooded area but does receive some sun parts of the day.
I have been enjoying your website, and it appears that you give honest advice with no affiliation towards any product line. Thank you for your help!
Try the TWP 100 or 1500. It does not darken or turn black like the Penofin will.