My preferred deck sealer is made by Behr, it is an oil based product that is available in different “flavors” for different woods. when i used it on an old cedar deck that had been cleaned, it kept the same color for years with just a hint of fade. if applied per instructions, it will penetrate the wood and make a water proof surface. after 10 years, water still beads on the surface when it rains. it is expensive, but worth the price.
