Cypress porch columns - finish question

I don’t have first hand experience but I have this same project on my to-do list. I’ve got the same questions. I’ve heard good things about TWP for this job, from several folks. BUT... I have tested TWP out on some cypress I used to build a patio cooler and was disappointed in the appearance. It does NOT make the grain pop the way other topcoats, like poly or oil do. The TWP was more like a dye, if that makes sense. The knots weren’t accentuated and didn’t get that “wet” look that my trusty spar varnish gives. TWP is well thought of as a preservative, though.

I think i'm leaning this way as well. Going to stain them and put them up, if I have to go back and seal after they are installed it won't be a big deal.

It is next to impossible to stain cypress column without them looking really cheap and bad... they will fade, they will look like plastic, just really not a good look. I know it’s the fad and people think it’s the it thing to do but I promise you will be much happier and it will look soooooo much better if you paint them

If you don't want to sand/restrain, your best option is to topcoat with a spar urethane. You'll probably have to recoat every 18-24 months.
What you're going to run into is the stain fading. The parts that receive sunlight will basically bleach out. My personal choice would be a solid stain, paint, or just a clear exterior wood sealer.

Valspar, Sherwin, Ben Moore, Cabot all have viable clear sealers. They usually don't build a gloss, which makes it easier when it comes time to recoat.
IMO, stay away from Thompson's. TWP is also a good choice.
I'm a little rusty on what's out there, I haven't sold that stuff in a while.

Saw somebody ruin close to $20,000 worth of custom exterior doors from doing this. Doors were on a porch and under an overhang also, but didn't take long to start warping.

I used a product called Flood from my local paint store. Its made by PPG so whoever carries your PPG stuff will have it. I did a semi transparent stain so more of the wood will show. IMO the color I chose (Sierra i think) was a little too orange but they have evened out some now that the sun and rain has taken off that initial brightness. We have gotten tons of compliments on them. Next time I’ll do something a little more brown. That’s my 2 cents. I was told not to use Thompsons as other products are better now. I did sand them down very clean with a palm sander. I was trying to avoid the dull looking gray cypress color that comes when they just sit in the weather.

One negative I’ve found with all of these products is they don’t sell samples. You can get quart size at Sherwin Williams of some of the colors of a similar product.