Plastik Valspar Multicolor Semi-Transparent One-Coat Stain and Sealer

I had no issues applying this product to a short exterior stairway (newly built with fresh/wet pressure treated 2” boards). I can't speak to issues other reviewers had, but I can say the following process resulted in a clean and even coat that looks great (despite starting with wet pressure treated lumber). 1) Throughout this process I never left the lumber outside. Keeping it out of the sun prevents warping; keeping it out of the humidity helped it dry out. 2) While the pressure treated wood was still wet I made all my cuts, routed dado grooves and pre-drilled/countersunk fastener holes. This allowed all the exposed surfaces of the final product to dry faster. It also allowed me to do a dry-fit before I started preparing for stain. 3) By the time I finished step 2 (took a few days) the surfaces were dry enough to sand. With a 50-grit palm sander I thoroughly sanded everything spending extra time in areas that had mill glaze. Mill glaze are those shiny spots made from oils that water will bead up on. Sand it all down. 4) I then brought the boards into the house (in the air conditioning) for a few more days to continue drying. I tested the boards by flicking water on them. When the water soaked in right away (instead of beading) they were ready for stain. Note: it is a myth that you have to let pressure treated wood dry for months before staining. Once it starts soaking up water, it's ready to soak up stain. 5) The instructions say you only need 1 coat, but it is okay to do a second. This pic shows how 2 coats of light gray turned out…I haven't seen any spotting anywhere.

I used this on a deck that gets direct sunlight and rain. Despite the promise that it can withstand any weather for 6 years, it was almost completely weathered away after 2 years. It's fine. I don't mind restaining every two years but the 6 year garentee is a lie. Just FYI.