Stain or Paint Porch Deck?

[LyleH]

Not sure about the prepping before painting, but the June 2012 issue of Consumer Report seems to say that the longest lasting deck stains are solid stains. And they gave Behr Solid Color Deck, Fence & Siding Wood Stain a rating far above other stains. If you're familiar with Consumer Reports, this paint had a solid red dot (best) appearance after 3 and 6 years, and a 1/2 red dot after 9 years. So it seems they did some thorough testing. Available at Home Depot, and I'm sure other places.

They gave the Behr and Sears Weatherbeater Deck, Fence & Siding Solid Best Buy ratings. LyleH