First of all your "local expert" has no idea what he is talking about. Taking forever to dry is incorrect and the majority of oil based stains are "cu...
For the prep you need to strip and brighten. Penofin has a tendency to darken. i would switch. TWP is better than the stains you mentioned.
Use the Restore a Deck Kits. Apply the cleaner first than pressure wash off. Apply brightener and rinse off. Will look like new.
I figured the problem was that my scrubbing efforts were uneven. I just gave it a nice pressure wash (small investment) and it looks much better alre...
Just lightly clean and apply a maintenance coat if using the same stain and color.
Did you pressure wash or heavy scrub after applying the cleaner? That is gray fibers and should come off with a little work.
TWP wants 4+ months for new wood and prepping first. I would ask them about staining sooner. Cypress will look different than cedar. I would try ...
Please see post in comment area on same subject.