Options for Deck Rail Staining?

Hello Again DSH,

We're dealing with a large cedar deck and railing, Maine, lots of sun.  Using AC semi-trans for deck boards, and were going to use a solid stain for the railings.  Finished cleaning & brightening as recommended (worked very well by the way!).  Couple more questions please!

1) There are no Flood stain dealers on our area.  Local dealer carries BM Arborcoat and Sikkens.  I asked if anyone made an oil-based solid stain that was available in Maine (lo VOC).  The paint person at the store suggested using an Arborcoat oil-based primer on the deck railings (sanded, bare wood), followed by their solid stain which is water-based.  Does this make sense to you?  Should we continue to seek an oil-based product for the railing?  Or just go with 2 coats of the Sikkens or Arborcoat solids?

2)  Like others we are fighting the weather (rain) before being able to stain.  It has now been several weeks since we cleaned/brightened the first half of the deck.  If I understand correctly, can we stain as long as the wood has not turned noticeably grey?  If we're in doubt, should we re-brighten and wash first?  Will a second brightening make the ph of the wood too acidic?

Thanks so much for your continued help!

derekw