Defy Wood Deck Stains

Ask Questions on Defy Stains

by Defy Help

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Defy Help

Update on Defy Stains for 2024

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

 
author avatar
Defy Help Owner
Scott only carries deck stains, concrete sealing, and restoration products that perform best based on his experience using the products and his 30+ years of helping others. Scott has been approached about selling numerous restoration products through the years but selects only the products he has used and trusts to perform.
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David
David
1 month ago

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?

Danny Mairs
Danny Mairs
6 months ago

What stain do you have that gets as close as possible to your discontinued Teton Bronze

Kenny
Kenny
6 months ago

Hello, i used defy cleaner and brightener, and am now left with a lot of gray on the deck… any thoughts on this?

Karen
Karen
6 months ago

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?

Karen
Karen
6 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

I tried to attach pictures. If you didn’t get them. Let me know how to do this.

Karen
Karen
6 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

pics as requested 2nd try

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Karen
Karen
6 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

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.

Dave
Dave
6 months ago

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:

  1. When applying to do I need to strip/wash/clean the previous Defy application? If so, could you point me to the instructions on how to do this cleaning?
  2. Can I used the same products that I have from 3 years ago? What I have left over from my last application 3 years ago is:
  • Defy Wood Cleaner (Oxygenated Bleach)
  • Defy Wood Brightener
  • Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Water Based Wood Stain

Thank you for any help. 

Karen
Karen
6 months ago

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?

J J
J J
6 months ago

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

J J
J J
6 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Thanks!

Niral Merchant
Niral Merchant
7 months ago

I have a bamboo shoot fence. It went “dark”. What products do you recommend applying to keep it “clear coloured” and looking natural?

Jim Lidowski
Jim Lidowski
7 months ago

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.

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Jim Lidowski
Jim Lidowski
7 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Thanks! Live and learn. Will most likely remove and start over as suggested. Luckily it’s not a large area.

Jim Lidowski
Jim Lidowski
7 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

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?

Karen
Karen
7 months ago

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?

Bryan Collins
Bryan Collins
9 months ago

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.

Bryan Collins
Bryan Collins
9 months ago

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?

Diane Buckner
Diane Buckner
1 year ago

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.

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Diane Buckner
Diane Buckner
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Is it possible to remove all the finish and then stain it with semi transparent or transparent?

Diane Buckner
Diane Buckner
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Thanks for the quick response. Last question, Do you carry a stripper that would get it all off?

Rex Hirahara
Rex Hirahara
1 year ago

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

Van
Van
1 year ago

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.

Larry Ryan
Larry Ryan
1 year ago

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

Gloria racey
Gloria racey
1 year ago

Hi, we have installed a new pressured treated pine deck. We are looking for best waterproof, mold UV protection for it. Thanks in advance

elfi
elfi
1 year ago

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?

Rod Fisher
Rod Fisher
1 year ago

What is the shelf life on an unopened gallon of defy hardwood stain?

Chal
Chal
1 year ago

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?

Matt
Matt
1 year ago

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?

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Bob
Bob
1 year ago

Defy stain stripper
Will it remove
Defy semi transparent stain with nano

Yes or no

Daniel Ventre
Daniel Ventre
1 year ago

I have 3 coats Defy Extreme stain on my deck and want to reapply again. What prep product should I use?

Wendy
Wendy
1 year ago

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?

Wendy
Wendy
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

(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?

Wendy
Wendy
1 year ago

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?

Wendy
Wendy
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

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).

Last edited 1 year ago by Wendy
Wendy
Wendy
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

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?

Wendy
Wendy
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

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.

Wendy
Wendy
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

So 2-3 gallons of DILUTED Wood Brightener?

John Bertoni
John Bertoni
1 year ago

Does anyone know the coverage for the semi-transparent water base?

Rex Hirahara
Rex Hirahara
1 year ago

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..

Kris
Kris
1 year ago

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?

Kris
Kris
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

So I don’t need to strip it correct?

Kris
Kris
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Thank you!!

Sue H
Sue H
1 year ago

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.

Charlie
Charlie
1 year ago

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

Bill
Bill
2 years ago

what is the shelf life of opened cans of defy extreme

Beth
Beth
2 years ago

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!

Porch 1.jpg
Porch 2.jpg
Porch.jpg
Beth
Beth
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

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.

Jerry Smith
Jerry Smith
2 years ago

I’m reapplying stain to a deck I stained two years ago. What’s the best prep for this?

Jerry Smith
Jerry Smith
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Yes, same color of Defy. Also some areas are still repelling water and some areas are not.

Jerry Smith
Jerry Smith
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Here’s a couple of pictures. It rained last night so here’s some pics with rain on the deck and stairs.

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Melissa
Melissa
2 years ago

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.

Melissa
Melissa
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Thank you! I appreciate you replying so fast!

Mike
Mike
2 years ago

How long between stain application and expected rain? Do I need a 24 hour window? Thanks!

Billy
Billy
2 years ago

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?

JBR
JBR
2 years ago

I think this is a clearer image of the weather chart.
thank you

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JBR
JBR
2 years ago

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.

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Billy Collins
Billy Collins
2 years ago

How many coats of the extreme semi transparent on brand new KDAT pine?

New Dock Owner
New Dock Owner
2 years ago

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.

John Mathes
John Mathes
2 years ago

(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.

Bob St John
Bob St John
2 years ago

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?

Doug Nelms
Doug Nelms
2 years ago

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?

Doug Nelms
Doug Nelms
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

I was thinking the same. Thanks!

Efrain
Efrain
2 years ago

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?

Efrain
Efrain
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

thank you!

John Keene