Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by Defy Help
Update on Defy Stains for 2023
We love hearing from our customers who have used the Defy Stains or have questions on prepping and application. We appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
DEFY wood and deck stains contain advanced quality synthetic resins that resist mold and mildew growth, are easy to apply, and are environmentally friendly. How your Defy stands up to the elements varies though. A stain’s longevity is directly related to the preparation of the wood and how the stain is applied. We want everyone to have the best possible results when using the products we sell.
Please give us some details about your wood restoration project.
- Structure? Examples: Decking, Fencing, Wood Siding, Dock
- Wood Type? Examples: Redwood, Cedar, Treated Pine, and Exotic Hardwood.
- When was Wood Installed?
- The last Brand of Stain used if any?
- Additional Info if Needed
Please respond to these questions in the comment area below so we may offer some advice and help.
Thanks
TWP Stain Help Staff
If I Stained my deck about 18 months ago. And used Defy transparent stain cedar. Can I clean and pressure wash,and reapply same stain without sanding or stripping.
Yes, use the Defy cleaner while pressure washing for the prep.
Just built new cedar deck live in the midwest Chicago area looking for a stain that would give me protection from uv rays and rain and snow but not change the color. What do you recommend. Thankyou
Use the Defy Extreme after weathering and prep: https://www.deckstain.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains
Hi, we have installed a new pressured treated pine deck. We are looking for best waterproof, mold UV protection for it. Thanks in advance
Use the Defy Extreme Stains for this: https://www.deckstain.com/defy-extreme-stain.html
I am in the process of staining a new redwood deck. I now decided to go with water-based stain DEFY Extreme on new redwood. I try to achieve a most natural look but assume I shouldn’t use just clear because of UV protection. Defy extreme has redwood stain but I read it might turn out very red. Should I try light walnut or pine colored stain instead? I couldn’t find pictures with your redwood stain on new redwood deck to have an idea how the stain turns out. Any suggestions?
Youc an do any color you like. Natural Pine is the lightes titn and is similar to a wet look.
https://www.deckstain.com/defy-extreme-stain.html
What is the shelf life on an unopened gallon of defy hardwood stain?
About 3 years.
Not sure how long to wait before staining my new pressure-treated pine fence with Defy Extreme in North Carolina. Defy label advice seems to be to let wood weather “3-6 months” but I was hoping for a more specific moisture content recommendation– like “below 12%”. Can you give me any advice, please?
It is not based on moisture % but porosity. New wood is not porous enough. You have to weather and prep as the labels states.
Bought a house with a 30 year old cedar deck that I want to stain with Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent stain. Would love to sand it first to get rid of these big splinters. Could I sand, then clean, brighten and stain?
Yes, that is correct.
Defy stain stripper
Will it remove
Defy semi transparent stain with nano
Yes or no
Yes.
I have 3 coats Defy Extreme stain on my deck and want to reapply again. What prep product should I use?
Strip and brighten down to the bare wood. It sounds like you have a build-up.
I have about 2 gallons of leftover Defy Extreme stain in a 5 gallon bucket from 2 years ago. I also have a 1 gallon pail, unopened. It still looks the same as the day I first opened it. How can I tell if it is still good to use?
Opened stain shelf life is 12 months. The unopened stain is a few years.
(1) Should the unopened one-gallon pail of stain be mixed with the new stain to maintain colour consistency, or does the age difference make that a bad idea?
(2) If the 2-gallons that were leftover and stored in the 5-gallon bucket were used for other outdoor projects, i.e., benches, what would the result be in colour, UV protection/durability, and how would it affect the re-staining of these items in the future?
1. Yes.
2. The opened stain is probably not good anymore. We would not suggest it.
If your calculator says I need 3 gallons of Wood Brightener for my project, does that mean a one-gallon container would suffice since it makes 5 gallons once diluted?
What is your sq footage?
Deck (600 sq ft), plus deck railing (330 sq ft by my estimate, but your calculator estimates it at 114 sq ft), small shed, deck holding a water barrel, and two garage doors (all three of which add up to 443 sq ft). In total, 1,373 sq ft.
These are all older structures (20-plus years old), The deck had been previously stained with a “semi-transparent” Armour Coat which I sanded off completely in 2020 and then stained that fall with Defy Extreme. The railing looks like it was also stained years ago with the “semi-transparent” Armour Coat. I will be stripping it then staining with Defy Extreme. The shed, water barrel deck, and garage doors were stained 10-plus years ago with a truly semi-transparent redwood stain (unknown brand).
About 12-15 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet.
Okay, but I was asking about wood brightener, not stain. Your calculator says I need 3 gallons. Is that 3 containers which would dilute to 15 gallons, or 1 container which would dilute to 5 gallons?
Sorry, you will need 2-3 gallons total.
I am still unsure of what you mean. Is that 1 container or 3 containers? I’m not sure if your calculation is for 2-3 gallons undiluted wood brightener, or 2-3 gallons diluted.
So 2-3 gallons of DILUTED Wood Brightener?
Correct.
Does anyone know the coverage for the semi-transparent water base?
About 150-250 sq feet per gallon per coat.
I put two coats of DEFY extreme stain on my wood deck and it held up beautifully through our record rainfall in California. there are some flat looking spots id like to put on another coat should I use the stripper or sand it down to fresh wood again? thank you..
You cannot spot treat. Best to strip all, brighten after, then reapply.
I stained my deck and porch last year using semi transparent. I noticed now that the snow is gone, there are some spots where the stain already came off. It’s also dirty obviously. What are the steps I need to take, just clean and brighten then apply one or two new coats of the stain? Should I do the entire floor of the deck or just the boards that are needing it?
Prep and recoat all floors. Clean and brighten.
So I don’t need to strip it correct?
Correct.
Thank you!!
Just purchased new pressure treated pine to replace old deck. Have read many of the articles for prep and staining. I would like to stain it with the redwood color. Which of the products would you recommend for a new wood deck. Also, do all of the products seal the wood with the stain? The deck is 500 sq ft and is in the sun most of the daylight hrs.
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstain.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains
Use the Defy Extreme after wait and prep. All deck stains act as sealers as well.
Live in Western NC near Charlotte. Installed new #2 Treated Pine deck spring of 2021, cured and applied 1 coat Defy Extreme Semi Pine Tint. Has performed and looks great after 2 years but time to do it again. Just to make sure I understand….I need to use Defy Stripper and Brightener, let dry, reapply 2 coats Defy Extreme wet on wet. Does that sound about right?
Thanks much
You can use the Defy Wood Cleaner and then the Defy Brightener for prep. Apply the two coats wet on wet after.
what is the shelf life of opened cans of defy extreme
12 months.
I also have a porch that was stained with Defy right at three years ago. Some areas are still in good shape and the areas in the sun are suffering a bit. I checked yesterday by dropping water in some areas. It beaded up in places that are not exposed to the sun. Should I clean and just re-stain. Will it absorb in the areas not exposed to the sun? I just would like even coverage everywhere. I added some photos!
We would suggest stripping and brightening for prep and even coverage. Use the Defy Stripper and then the Defy Brightener.
The area of the porch is very large! Probably 1200 sq ft or more. Looks like it might be somewhat cost prohibitive to use the stripper.
It would be the proper way to make it is all even when done.
I’m reapplying stain to a deck I stained two years ago. What’s the best prep for this?
Using the Defy Stain over a previous coating of Defy? Same color?
Yes, same color of Defy. Also some areas are still repelling water and some areas are not.
Post some pics.
Here’s a couple of pictures. It rained last night so here’s some pics with rain on the deck and stairs.
We would suggest stripping and brightening for prep and even coverage. Use the Defy Stripper and then the Defy Brightener.
What is the longest I should wait between the cleaning/brightening process and the staining? Would 10-14 days be too long? I’m trying to fit the project into the weekends that have suitable weather. Thanks.
Best to stain within 2 weeks of the prep.
Thank you! I appreciate you replying so fast!
How long between stain application and expected rain? Do I need a 24 hour window? Thanks!
12-24 hours after staining before rain is safe.
Does the temperature need to stay above 45 degrees for the entire 24 hours after applying the extreme simi transparent stain or just during the application process?
Entire time and above 50 is best.
I think this is a clearer image of the weather chart.
thank you
Our 18 month old PT wood deck was just power washed and brightened. We have a couple sunny warmish weekend days, then a rain-likely day ahead. This coming week will be colder..
Based on this weather chart which days would be best for staining with Defy Extreme semi-transparent. We’ll probably need a 1 1/2 days.
Friday and Saturday next week if taking two days.
How many coats of the extreme semi transparent on brand new KDAT pine?
One coat. Make sure to clean and brighten with the Defy products first.
I have a pressure treated wood dock that was built one year ago on a freshwater lake here in South Carolina. I was told to stain it after one year.
I guess I should use the Defy clean and bright and pressure wash it to prep it first?
I want the dock to have a clear but slightly grey tint to it. Will the Extreme Crystal Clear Wood Stain product be the best for that? Or should I select the Extreme semi-transparent wood stain driftwood gray ( EXT-NP1) for that sort of transparent, slight grey tint? Or should I mix those products 50/50? I don’t want the finish to be too grey.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
Yes, clean and brighten for prep. You could mix 50/50 for a light gray tint.
(1) Can I apply the Defy Solid Stain on a deck that has had Defy Semi-transparent Stain for 10 years? (2) Is the solid as thin and watery as the semi? Thanks… love your products.
Yes but make sure to prep by removing any dirt and loose stain. The solid is thicker.
I applied your cleaner and brightened product to our pressure treated deck. We applied two coats of your extreme wood stain”gray” per the directions. 3 hours later the stain looks transparent. Any ideas or suggestions?
Did you mix it well first? Was the wood new? It is a transparent stain so it will not look opaque. Please post some pics.
Post some pics. Also, is the wood new and did you premix the stain?
We stripped and stained our deck with Defy Extreme semi-transparent stain exactly 2 years ago. I tried the “water test” after cleaning and brightening the deck. The water doesn’t soak into the wood in a “few seconds”, it takes 30 seconds to a minute for the water drops. It is OK so go ahead and put on a maintenance coat now?
Sounds like the wood is not dry enough for you to stain it yet.
I was thinking the same. Thanks!
I used defy extreme stain 2 years ago for my pressure treated deck, I am about to prep to reapply the stain again. Do i just use the cleaner + brightener or do i need to use the stripper?
Clean and brighten.
thank you!
I recently used the Defy stripper on my cedar deck that is 12 years old. Most recently had applied Super Deck Waterborn Acrylic stain in 2020. The Defy stripper didn’t remove all acrylic stain. What did I do wrong ?
Please post some pics.
Remaining stain
Remaing stain after using defy stripper. Looks like I need to sand
What is left looks opaque. You can try to strip it again or sand it all off.
We had a screen porch built two years ago using a good grade of deck boards as the flooring and also for the outside steps and banisters. I’m going to use your Wood Cleaner to prep the flooring, which has never been treated, and Defy Extreme to stain it. My question pertains to the outside steps and banisters. They were treated using a clear stain (I don’t whether it was oil or water based) when they were built two years ago and need to be treated again. How should I prep the stairs and banisters to use the Defy Extreme on them?
Use the Defy Stripper and then Defy Brightener on the clear sealer.
Deck is pressure treated wood in Illinois – almost two years since installed but it has never been treated. Should I use one or two coats?
2 coats. Clean and brighten for prep.
I stained a new treated pine deck two years ago with Defy Extreme. Followed the cleaner/brightener prep for it. Stain really soaked in and you told me to wait a year and apply a second coat. Didn’t get to it last year so it’s been two years now. I’ve purchased tbe Defy stain and the cleaner and prep. Just wanted to make sure that it’s proper to use the cleaner and brightener on it since it had its first cost two years ago. Thanks..
Yes, that is correct.
Your site states that the Defy Extreme Solid Wood Stain is tintable. We went to the nearest Do-It-Best store in our area and requested that the Defy Extreme Solid Wood Stain be tinted. They said couldn’t tint it because they don’t know what base to use to tint it. Don’t you provide this information to authorized dealers of your stain products?
They have all the info to properly tint it through do-It best corporate purchasing. In fact, it cannot be sold unless it is tinted. The person you talked to is uninformed.
I put 2 coats of defy extreme stain on 1 week ago on Red Cedar, I have stain left over will it give the wood additional protection if I out another coat on? Thanks.
No, do not apply more. It will not take.
Should I use a pressure washer to rinse the cleaner off of the deck?
Yes. Pressure wash off.
I bought a 5 gallon pail of defy extreme natural pine. I did not realize that it is “Extreme for hardwoods”. Will this work on pressure treated wood?
Yes.
Thank you.
Before staining
My deck was stained with Defy Extreme semi-trans stain using the wet on wet process last week so it is totally dry and looks great. Two questions that have a related subject: A cat left paw marks while the stain was still tacky. Also, there are three boards that absorbed more of the stain and are a lighter shade. Can I stain over these areas and expect the stain to dry completely and look good?
No, and adding another coat now will not take since the other coats have fully cured.
we have a 17 yr old cedar garage door that we just stained with defy extreme semi penetrating stain in buttternut. aw applied 2 coats but not wet to wet(didn’t know). It looks nice but looks matt. Does it need a varnish coat for additional protection? thank you.
No and never apply a varnish or any coating over a wood stain like Defy. It would peel if you did.
thanks for your prompt response. Also anything we should be aware of since we put the second coat dry and not wet to wet? thx again
It is possible that it will fail prematurely since you did not follow the directions but not likely.
Howdy. Anything I can do about shiny/tacky spots where I apparently didn’t wipe well enough?
Can I fix it without starting over completely? Will the tackiness disappear on its own? If so, long will that take? Thanks.
You cannot spot fix so it would have to be fully removed and start over. It will dull down and be less noticeable over time.
Is 24 hours totally sufficient for Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain to dry before rain? Or would 48 hours of drying time be even better? Thank you
24 hours is okay.
I have an old original (composite) trex deck that has no wood grain to it, just plain semi-smooth surface and lost its original cedar tint within a year after installation (probably 20 years ago). We want to seal / color it to make it look better.
What product do you recommend and will it be ok to use a solid stain so we can have a color other than silver (current color – look)?
I dont want it to wear off in traffic areas and now I have a maintenance nightmare on my hands?
Please advise?
You can use the Defy Extreme Semi-transparent colors but a solid will not work.
Thank you, will a semi transparent stain tint my old gray looking decking?
What color would you recommend to give it the deepest color?
Try Butternut color. You can test samples here: https://www.defystain.com/defy-stain-samples.html
25 year old PT deck that I removed old Cabot Australian Timber Oil with Restore a Deck stripper and 60 grit orbital sander. Using RAD Brightener, rinsing well then drying 2 days (started removal project before deciding what brand of stain to use)
I don’t want to do the stripping ever again. In Northern Michigan-will the Extreme hold up? Are 2 coats required after sanding prep?
Yes, it will work well. Try two light coats applied wet on wet.
https://www.defystain.com/wood-and-deck-stains.html
If I have a previous coat of Defy semi transparent stain, can I apply Defy solid stain over that, or does the old semi transparent stain need to be removed first?
Clean and brighen and you can use the solid stain.
Is a paint strainer sock recommended to be used in a hand pump sprayer when applying Defy Wood Cleaner? Or just make sure all the oxygenated bleach is dissolved in the water? Thanks!
No need to use a strainer.
I have a small deck and won’t use up Defy products with one application. How long can I store the Defy Deck Cleaner, Brightener and Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain without losing any effectiveness? I hope to save them for a few years if possible, so long as they don’t expire. Thanks
After being opened, the shelf life is 12 months for the stain. Unmixed cleaner and brightener will last longer and can be used years down the road.
Hi. I have just applied the Defy solid white satin to a covered outdoor porch. However, if it rains hard, the floor gets wet. Can I put an outdoor rug down on the porch without damaging the stain under it? Do I have to do something with the rug if it gets wet to prevent damage to the underlying stained wood? Thanks
You can use any rug that is breathable and can dry out with no issues.
What went wrong here? Built new deck in Fall with KDAT. Next Summer used your Clean and brighten and Extreme transparent Stain. Waited one year before repeat to get a more even result as first time I left too many lap marks and uneven color. I sparingly used clean and lighten that second time as I was not entirely trying to remove one year old product. Result looked muck nicer, BUT now it is attracting dirt in the air (lightly dust coated everywhere) and chair leg caps stick, even a full year later! Any ideas?
Sound like it was over-applied or you did not prep correctly and is not curing correctly because of it. When you prep, removing any old stain is actually good so the new coating can fully soak into the wood grain. You will need to strip and brighen to fix.
I completely sanded, big belt, small belt, and then hand-held orbital, my 10 year old redwood deck. Of course there are still color variations (not wood grain). I then used DEFY cleaner and brightner. Many of the color variations are even more evident.
Should I clean and or brighten local spots or sand them? If the answer is sanding, do I need to clean and brighten those areas again?
Are you trying to even out your “uneven” sanding? The only way to do that would be to sand all evenly or let the wood sit and weather for a couple of months and then clean and brighen for final prep.
I understand that sanding is an option – the one I will choose. I asked if, after sanding, should I treat the newly sanded areas with cleaner and brightener again or just apply stain?
Clean and brighten.