Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by Defy Help
Update on Defy Stains for 2025
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
Defy Stain Help Staff
Square foot coverage 5 gallosn
Of which product?
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Hello, just did 2 coats wet on wet on 8 month old new pt pine using Ultra. Did defy cleaner & brightener, let dry an additional 3 days. Saw now only 1 coat recommended- What is potential issue with 2 coats?
Will be doing a new pt deck as well after it ‘seasons’, please advise best course of action for it.
And differences between ultra and extreme?
Thanks!
You should be okay with the two coats. Ultra has a shine while the Extreme does not.
Deck is stained with defy extreme semi transparent wood stain. How often should I do a maintenance coat. When you do a maintenance coat is it 1 coat or 2. Do you need to apply a cleaner and brightener before the maintenance coat or just wash? Live in Toronto Canada so hot summers and cold snowy winters.
Clean and recoat as needed every 2-3 years. Typically, just one coat is needed. Use the Defy Cleaner for prep.
Exterior wood door has oil-based stain in poor condition.
1. Sanded stain off door.
2. Cleaning wood with Defy Wood Cleaner & applying Defy Wood Brightener while still wet.
3. After wood dries, I’m sanding the wood fibers with a fine grit sandpaper.
4. Question:
After removing the dust, do you recommend applying a water-based wood conditioner before applying 2 coats of DEFY Ultra Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer in one?
No, you cannot use a conditioner before using the Defy Stains.
What stain do you have that gets as close as possible to your discontinued Teton Bronze
Defy Extreme in Light Walnut:
https://www.deckstain.com/defy-extreme-stain.html
Hello, i used defy cleaner and brightener, and am now left with a lot of gray on the deck… any thoughts on this?
Hard to say but most likely you did not fully remove the oxidation during the cleaning. Post some pics in the comments for additional help.
So I have used stripper as you recommended, and had a pro do a soft wash on our deck to try to get the old semi-transparent butternut stain off. I was hoping to switch to Walnut color, but the old stain only partially came off. I guess I’ll have to reapply the old color. Disappointing but I’m not up to sanding the whole thing. Will the butternut cover well– the now bare spots and the old stain after brightening?
Post some pics in the comments.
I tried to attach pictures. If you didn’t get them. Let me know how to do this.
pics as requested 2nd try
That should be an easy strip. You might want to redo with the Stripper but make sure you pressure wash to get it off, not “soft wash”. I am not sure the pro knows how to properly pressure wash a deck. Soft washing is more of a rinse-off for houses and roofs, not decking.
If you reapply the way it is now, it will not be even when done.
Yes. He was afraid to really pressure wash. But so am I. This is a cedar deck. Maybe I have to sand after all with an orbital sander after stripper? I’ve been told this is safe, though time consuming.
There is nothing wrong with pressure washing a cedar deck if you know what you are doing. We have done it 1000s of times. Maybe hire a deck restoration specialist who knows how to pressure wash a deck without damaging it? Yes, you can sand
Hello there. I have used Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Water Based Wood Stain on my vertical deck posts about 3 years ago.
The stain is starting to fade and I am looking to re-apply the stain. My questions are:
Thank you for any help.
1. Clean and Brighten for prep: https://www.deckstain.com/maintaining-defy-deck-stain-setting-expectations
2. The Cleaner should be fine if in powder form. Same with Brightener. The stain has probably gone bad.
I’ve read two different recommendations for staining after brightening. Some say wait 48 hours between. Others say you can strip, brighten and stain in one day. Which is it? Also what’s the longest period recommended between brightening and staining? Is up to 2 weeks ok?
Defy stains can only be applied to dry wood 48 hours after prep or rain.
We’re going to be staining redwood gates, fencing, pergola, etc that was new a year ago and weathered over the course of a year. We’ve cleaned and brightened. We’re aiming for a lighter color than the pure redwood or cedar. I experimented with mixing a sample of the extreme redwood with a sample of the extreme crystal clear My wife likes the color on the test board. If I pull the trigger on using this half-and-half mixture for the entire job, how likely is it for the color to stay consistent if I use the exact 50/50 ratio for each bucket. Is this a proven application method for Defy, or still an experimental approach? Is there anything special to do when mixing with the clear, such as stirring a certain way or frequency, applying it a certain way, etc. Do they use the same base formula so they stay fully mixed and apply consistently during application, versus separating? I’d basically be stirring the bucket with the brush here and there as I apply. Thanks, JJ
It will be consistent as long as you mix it evenly. Many people have mixed colors before without issues. It is not hard to do.
Thanks!
I have a bamboo shoot fence. It went “dark”. What products do you recommend applying to keep it “clear coloured” and looking natural?
Defy Ultra in Natural Pine color: https://www.deckstain.com/defy-ultra-semi-transparent-wood-stain.html
I applied Defy Extreme semi translucent stain – Driftwood to 4 townhome front porch decks so they we all somewhat close. I had to sand off old existing stain from 2 decks (60 then 80 grit). Then cleaned with Defy cleaner and then brightner. The other 2 decks were weathered boards. No existing stain, so I just cleaned with Defy cleaner and brightner (no sanding).
Applied two wet on wet coats to sanded decks with stain pads and same with the unsanded decks. Unsanded decks with driftwood stain came out nice as expected. But the sanded decks just seems like either the stain didn’t take or wood was so porous driftwood stain color just got absorbed as color doesn’t show as “dark” as the unsanded decks (see more of the natual wood color).
What do you think happened, so I don’t repeat it as I have more decks to do? One thought was I didn’t shake the container enough.
Thought about light sanding and then apply thin third coat to darken but too risky for it to peel. So I’m assuming to late to add a third coat to darken the color to closer match the other decks.
I really don’t want to wait a year or so to have the board weather out more and then apply another coat. So I’m assuming quickest rememedy is to use Defy strip, brightner and start all over again with two new wet on wet stain applications.
Thanks in advance for you assistance and your help is greatly appreciated.
Sandong closes the wood pores reducing the stain penetration and resulting in a lighter color. You cannot apply another coat now, it would not take. You can remove and start over.
Thanks! Live and learn. Will most likely remove and start over as suggested. Luckily it’s not a large area.
Thanks again but since the stain/sealer is newly applied and cured/dried, what’s the best method to strip? If chemical stripper what do u recommend? Can I sand off with 60 grit and open the wood pores with the brighner?
If you sand, you would probably just repeat the same issue but you could test one board to see. As for stripping it is going to be difficult since newly applied. You may need more than one application to get it off.
https://www.deckstain.com/defy-stain-stripper.html
You will need to brighen after any sanding or stripping.
I stained our deck with 2 coats of butternut extreme semi-transparent stain 2 years ago, after stripping and brightening. It has peeled off in places, Is that because I applied too heavily?
I want to reapply a lighter color, like walnut. Can I do that if I strip the old stain off?
Yes, you want the stain to fully penetrate in so more is not always better. If it soaks in fully, it cannot peel. Strip and brighten for prep to switch colors.
Thanks. With the vertical posts that are part of a pergola…..i used Defy Extreme transparent cedar on them a few years ago and they have some fading now. No stain peeling, just some fading, can I just recoat them or will they require a different type of prep for this new coat.
Clean and brighten if using the Extreme again. Strip and brighten if switching.
i have a deck and vertical posts that I have previously stained using Defy Extreme semi transparent stain. I am going to be re staining those and was considering using the Defy “ultra” stain this time. Is it ok to use the new “ultra” on wood that had previously had the “extreme” stain applied on it?
Best would to be to strip and brighten if switching.
We are in the process of restoring a deck in west Tennessee. It looks like originally it was stained redwood and the previous home owner states he painted it with interrior house paint about 2 years ago
We have replaced damage floor boards with pressure treated pine and replaced all spindles and rails and stairs. Stairs and spindles were replaced about 2 months ago and we are just now finishing.replacing floor boards.
I am looking for a suggestion on solid stain. Will grey solid stain cover all boards evenly, resulting in a cohesive color? What should I do to prep. I have scrapped off all paint I can.
You will need to sand off the house paint first. Then let all the new wood weather through the Winter. Clean and brighten after the Winter for final prep before applying the Defy Solid Stain.
Is it possible to remove all the finish and then stain it with semi transparent or transparent?
It would be very hard to sand it all off.
Thanks for the quick response. Last question, Do you carry a stripper that would get it all off?
No, stain strippers cannot remove paint. It needs to be sanded off.
I put two coats of Defy Semi Transparent on my wood deck. I like to put one more coat down but it has dried. Can I put a coat down or do I have to use brightener again first
You cannot add a third coat and you cannot add another coat once the prior coat has dried. You can prep fully and recoat in 9-12 months.
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.