UPDATE I have completely stripped down my 1940's first growth redwood siding to apply a hybrid transparent stain (Timber Pro UV,) and prepped my eaves for painting(Glidden Pro Gripper & Glidden Pro Fortis 350 semigloss). I have washed, scraped, sanded, and rinsed the house. I plan to start next week pending moisture level of the house. I am wondering what to do first; paint the eaves, or stain the siding? If I stain the siding first, then a little splatter or drip of paint from the eave can be easily cleaned up, as opposed to re-sanding, also any stain on the eaves can be painted over with the primer, according to Timber Pro. If I paint the eaves first then I won't be leaning a ladder against the siding. It seems like a no brainer, but conventional wisdom says to do the eaves first. Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks, SteveO

The citric base stripper is good for finish thats not real heavey. Yours is very heavey in fact its like paint. From this far away I am thinking md80,as I said before,is what your gunna have to use. Follow the instrustions on the site and the container this stuff as a little rugged,not all that great on plants, and not real good on You done incorectley. J.

We will actually allow redwood to dry a month or so, but not for the reasons stated. I just feel, the drier the surface is, the better the penetration. There is no stain/sealer that will look like fresh redwood. The approximations are not even close. Basically your choices are on the brownish side or the orange/red side. I would suggest sampling on scraps of the same material. Don't rely on the sample sticks, which are not the same as your material. You will most likely have to clean and prep, as John says. Do not use a pressure washer. The redwood is too soft for anyone but the most experienced users.

I have a redwood deck that is in good shape and as part of my yearly maintenance I sand down any areas that need touched up. My question is do you recommend a good washing with water (hose nozzle no pressure washing) after sanding to clean the pours of the wood to accept the new stain? I would let the deck dry for several days afterward then stain. Last year I believe I just dusted the surface after sanding and I'm not sure that worked as well.