I find clear sealers don't have the UV protection I need so I use the semi-transparent ones. Solid color stains will strip off the wood like paint and touch-up is continuous. This is what I use, sometimes referred to as sealer with a toner. Here is a link that might be useful: semi-transparent

I'm asking about decking, but also about deck railing. It will be in the brown (not grey) tones to go with the house. I had my heart set on white railing, but then wondered would always look dirty? Would white below but brown on the top rail be much better? I live in the Pacific Northwest where it rains all the time but isn't dusty. The railing is on a second story deck plus the stairs. The railing is wood, painted. The deck walking surface will be new composite. Thanks!

Tried posting this a few days ago but it seems to have disappeared: I'll try again, as we are ready to buy the sealer if we know what kind. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We are almost done replacing the surface wood on our 28 year old deck. It is pressure treated wood, the kind that has a greenish tint when new. Preservation, not color, is the goal. If it turns grey, fine. The house is grey! I previewed sealers at the store. (We don’t want to order online). I saw some that were oil based, and some that said water based, and some where I didn’t notice. One stated wait 30 days after installation. October is almost here and it will soon be too cool to apply. First off, is oil based or water based best? I saw 5 different brands / kinds. If you have any knowledge of these brands specifically, please chime in. Pittsburgh Ultra Advanced Water proofing Sealant, Clear. The most expensive at $ 33 a gallon. Coverage 250-350 sq ft. Thompson’s Water Seal, clear, $14.50 / gallon. 200-400 sq ft. I’ve used this before but not recently, to seal some windowsills before painting. I don’t recall how well it performs. I recall it being very thin and watery. But I have nothing to compare it with. Wolman F & P natural Oil-Based $26 / gallon, 150-200 sq feet Wolman Raincoat Clear, water-based, $ 23 / gallon, 250 sq feet Wolman Raincoat Clear, oil-based, $ 23 / gallon, 250 sq feet Thanks!

Actually, the moisture content of the wood is the most important factor. If the wood is wet(moisture actually present on the surface) six months may be needed for the wood to dry sufficiently. That call is impossible to make on the Internet. A moisture meter will give a much more definitive measurement. If you can borrow one(many woodworkers have them, as do cabinet shops and carpenters), the pin type is better than surface types. Reason is because no product that is applied will bond when the wood is too wet. And when the moisture content is high, water based products are diluted and do not protect. Oil based products will not adhere and come off in sections or sheets. Best advice, wait until spring. Then use an oil based product. The wood is pressure treated, meaning protection against rot is included. Six to twelve months will not be a factor.