So, this is my situation:
- pressure treated pine fence, constructed 7 months ago. About 1200 sq ft total.
- want a semi-transparent stain that both colors and seals
- don't want to reapply every year
- don't want to have to scrape it off when it comes time to re-seal in a few years
- don't want my wood to turn grey
- don't want to have to do several steps, such as primer first, then stain, then sealer or whatever
- would prefer to only have to do 1 coat
- don't want to spend a ton of money

I will not be living in this house for the rest of my life, so I am not concerned about getting the best of the best to make sure that it will still look good 10 years from now. I just want something that can be layered every few years with minimal prep work.

By reading other posts, I have learned:
- Behr is horrible.
- Thompsons is useless.
- CWF is useless.
- Latex, epoxy, sodium, tung oil are all bad.

I am seriously considering Olympic Maximum Semi-Transparent Deck Fence and Siding Stain.
I know Lowe's sells it and I'm not supposed to buy anything that the big box stores sell, but it meets my criteria.

Something interesting I noticed while searching for stain, is that at thegreathardwarestore.com, I can get a gallon of
Olympic Ppg 79561A/01, Cedar Semi-Transparent for $29.81 BUT, they also sell Olympic Ppg 79551A/01, Cedar Semi-Transparent for $16.34. The only difference I can see is that the more expensive one is VOC compliant with the SCAQMD.

SO - should I go with the Olympic Maximum, and if so, should I get the 79551A or the 79561A?

If you make a different recommendation, please tell me WHY you are making that recommendation.

Thank you!!!

Link to cheaper gallon o' stain
Link to more expensive gallon o'stain