It is not recommended to paint the deck. Painting does not last in the Texas ever changing weather. It will benefit you more to stain. There are three types of stain to choose. If you like the full wood look, you can go with a transparent stain. If you just want to see the grain and texture but cover some imperfections you want to use a semi transparent, and if you like the paint look and just want to see the grain of the wood, use a solid body stain.
It is preferable to stain before Mid June and after Mid September. the reason for this is, the longer the stain can set in a wet state the longer it is penetrating. In the mid summer heat the stain dries quick, thus not giving you the best benefit. It is not recommended to pressure wash the deck, by doing this you put a large amount of pressure on the wood with water. This means after you pressure wash you have to wait days before the wood is completly dired out. If you stain to quickly the water, with Texas heat will be pulled back through the stain thus allowing for popping of your new stain. The best method is a three step process, 1. Use a cleaner with a scrub ( cleans all oils and impuritites out of the wood, maiking it pourous.) The more pourous the better it takes the stain. You than rinse the cleaner. 2. Wait atleast 24 hours for dry time and then use a conditioner ( this will allow for an even penetraion of the stain and brighten you deck back up.) 3 wait another 24 hours and then apply stain ( we recommend a pump spray with a back brush/roll. This method will help with making the stain look even and helping with penetration of the stain.
Good Luck
ABC HANDYMAN
San Antonio, Texas