The railings, apart from the highest, are literally performing wonderful so it seems I could stain/paint correct over the top. The real use and tear is available in to the deck surface area. Since it is supposedly a "stain" as an alternative to a "paint" it's worn all the way https://johsocial.com/story9218068/the-main-principles-of-rated-1-deck-painter-in-concord-north-carolina-out-of-15-residential-painting-contractors