Its probley better to do everything at the same time. John

We have been doing a deck project for a number of months - since Nov 2006, actually -- which ballooned into a major remodel with termite work, roofing, etc. We have just sanded our IPE deck down to original brown color (took 36 grit however) and purchased Penofin exotic hardwood formula to stain it. On the advice of a local painting contractor, we hosed down the deck and let it dry after sanding so the pores will open up.

What I'm wondering is if that's enough? Is there a difference between raising the grain and opening up the pores? The deck is still smooth, but seems to have a little more tooth to it.

Incidentally, we used Wolman Fence and Deck Brightner and used a pressure washer to take it off. The deck was better but still had a grey cast to it, which is why we resorted to resanding.