You will need to let the wood season. Prep all wood with a stain stripper and wood brightener after. Try a penetrating oil based stain in a semi-solid...

I believe that depends on if the old coating was oil based or water based. If unsure then go with an acrylic water based.

Ok..but I've read that the oil based solid color is not recommended over painted surfaces..is this true or not? Thanks

No that will not work. You either have to sand it all off 100% or go with another solid color stain. You cannot apply a semi-solid over a solid co...

Do a solid color deck stain in oil based if you can.

I would stay with the Cabot.

When redoing with another solid stain you do not have to remove all of the old coatings as your new stain will cover it. Look at Flood Solid Color sta...

oh..and I CAN get Cabot solid color stain in either Acrylic or OIL locally. is oil usually better? Should I go with oil?

If there is still an older coating on the wood then you will need to strip. If not, use a deck cleaner.

It is either mold or rust stains. Did you happen to use steel wood for any prep?