Cabot semi solid deck stain It lasts for 6-7 years before I have to do it again. I haven't had to do the pickets in at least 10 years.

Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stains have an alkyd resin base that provides an extremely tough and scuff- resistant finish. These water-repellent stains also resist cracking, peeling and blistering. They are made to be walked on!

Oil-based

Easy to apply, Cabot Wood Toned Stain slightly darkens wood when first applied, leaving a flat, translucent-toned finish, which weathers with time to a natural wood hue. For use on new or reconditioned exterior wood only, including decks, siding, fences and trim. Also suitable for use on shingles, shakes and log homes.

Skip a Second Coat With a solid stain, CR typically recommends putting on two coats because these are more like a regular paint and will dry one on top of the other. But with a clear or semi-transparent wood stain, a second coat will just sit on the surface of the first coat.

This Cabot Gold stain has a good level of shine to it, that looks great from the first coat. It soaks in and seals nicely. The second coat adds that extra layer of protection. This is very easy to apply and looks great.

Too Much Stain and Trapped Moisture Wood can only absorb so much stain. If too much stain is applied, the excess material will linger slightly above the surface and prevent moisture from rain and dew from leaving the wood. If this moisture can't evaporate, it will remain on the surface and begin peeling away the stain.

Skip a Second Coat With a solid stain, CR typically recommends putting on two coats because these are more like a regular paint and will dry one on top of the other. But with a clear or semi-transparent wood stain, a second coat will just sit on the surface of the first coat.

Water stains last longer than oil-based stains, as these come with high UV resistance and colour retention. Water stains do not contain any ingredient acting as a food source to mould, mildew, and algae; this decreases their chances of developing.

Two-coat application recommended. Stir thoroughly before use. Apply with a high-quality stain brush.

This trick works best with fast-drying stains such as lacquer stains because you don't have to wait as long to get a noticeable result. Apply a second coat of stain after the first has dried fully. This will usually produce a darker coloring, but it adds a step to the process and slows production.

Apply solid stains in thin coats and semi-transparent stains or clear sealers in even thinner coats. This prevents puddles that don't soak into the wood and cause the stain to flake off when dry. Whatever type of stain you use, apply two coats to ensure there are no missed spots and to get a more uniform finish.