When I first stained my deck, I applied the 2nd coat the same day I applied the first coat (wet on wet), since that's what the directions on the can said. John does his farther apart. When I redo mine, I'll probably do 3 coats, a week apart. And I'll recoat each year. On my first go-round I did 2 coats, then just re-did a few boards after 1 year. If I had re-coated everything it would have staunched the aging. I will also put multiple coats on the verticals that face west. The TWP can said verticals might only need 1 coat, but the sun has hit my boards hard, so they could have used additional coats on the sun-facing sides. I'm still wondering if a full sand on the whole thing, with a floor sander, won't take less time than the 3-step process you did, considering step 3 alone, if I work at the same rate you did, will take me 6 hours. I can't imagine it taking me more than a full day to sand the whole thing. And I could do it all in one day instead of the waiting between steps for it to dry, etc. I take it you removed all your balusters to do the chemical work?

If the sealer you use doesn't have pigment in it, the wood will turn gray or silver where it is exposed to the sun. I am more familiar with Woodrich Hardwood Wiping Stain on exotic hardwoods. They have a color, Amaretto, that looks very natural on Ipe. It looks about the color of new ipe when it is damp. If you are going to use a stripper, which it sounds like you need to, you should use the brightener. The brightener also neutralizes the wood so it will accept the finish better. Here is a link that might be useful: Woodrich Brand

the problem is the clearance we have under our already installed patio french doors. The duradek has not been removed yet. we were considering putting a liquid finish over top as a possible option (ie. Flexstone). We may have to go back to the duradek but are reluctant to do so as we have replaced it 3 times over the years. For the price it really doesn't hold up well to the elements in B.C.

Did a deck tinted sealer, Valspar. I put it on my railing and it looks great. Color and finish look just like the sample. But the deck looks way different! We are talking two or three shades off. The color was transparent honey gold but looks like mustard! I hate it! Can I use something like Cabiot Deck Restore now or do I have to live with this crap on my deck..