@administrator We're wondering if we might clean it now, then do sanding/cleaning/staining later (in several weeks). At that time, still hoping to...

You cannot stain the new wood yet:/p> Once you weather, you clean and brighten all for prep. Do not use bleach based cleaners.

Try sanding.

You cannot pre stain new wood:/p> 1. Yes, you can stain it after wait and prep. 2. Try TWP or Armstrong Clark. 3. Yes. 4. Every 4-6 years for ...

@administrator Using the water didn't really change anything. Should I use a specific grit for sanding or should I just do the clean and brighten agai...

Try water only, but get a little closer to the wood when pressure washing. Basically, you are just trying to remove the oxidation "fuzzies".

@administrator I tried some sanding with different grits but most left it still showing. When you say rewash, is that clean and brighten or just water...

If no stain on the wood, then you do not need to remove. Try going over the post by sanding or rewash.

@administrator What does remove all mean? Right now the surface is bare. You mean clean and brighten again and that should fix it?

That is oxidization that was not removed fully. You cannot just spot fix. You would have to remove all and start over.

It is impossible to retain the natural color. For UV protection from graying, your stain must be tinted, and that means the color will change or be en...