Sealing a cypress pavillion in southern Louisiana

[JoshJ]

First post here.
I'm getting conflicting information on how to seal, if this is the correct wording, (and possibly stain to make slightly darker) a pavilion made of new cypress. We let it weather naturally but my wife didn't like the gray so I've sanded it down and would like to keep it from graying again. I live in the heat and humidity of south Louisiana. Any advice on a product would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to seal as soon as possible before it grays again. Also, I don't mind doing more work upfront like an Epifanes product that takes 8 coats, but I'd like as low maintenance in the future as possible (i.e. not have to redo anything for 5 years). Thanks in advance!

Josh

[julian3rd]

I used Heritage Natural finish with UV ptotection on this recent (1 year ago) new green cypress gazebo in comparatively humid west tennessee. Holding up well.