2) Yes, it is grey. It is supposed to be that way.
3) Get a paint roller, an extension handle and roll on the sealer of your choice.
4) Shouldn't take more than a day to do it all (wash one weekend, seal the next)
5) Wouldn't you expect someone who is charging you $1000 to make derisory comments of any other solution?
-Jack
our recent house purchase came with a newish, untreated redwood deck
> and looks like it's in need of some work - it's got that greyish tinge
> right now after all the rain we've had over the winter months here in
> northern california.
>
> i've been reading though posts in this groups, trying to decide if i
> pay a contractor about $1000 (it's about 500 sq. ft) or attempt to do
> it myself. his quote covered powerwashing and 2 coats of some TFP ???
> treatment - he made derisory comments about penofin which has been
> recommended to me personally and i see mention of it here.
>
> my main concern is having to powerwash the surfaces and then apply the
> coating properly. plus, i have plants underneath which will need
> protecting from coating seepage through the slats. do i need 2 coats
> or 1. what specialist bruishes etc. do i need?
>
> is this the kind of job a diy-novice should attempt or am i going to
> end up spending about the same on a washer, materials, sheets, brushes > etc. >
> many thanks in advance for any insight.
>
> 3d.