Defy Wood Deck Stains

Helpful Advice and Tips for Defy Stain Products

by Defy Help
defy wood deck stains

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Defy Help

2024 Update for Tips and Advice for Defy Exterior Wood and Deck Stains

Defy Deck Stains have become one of the top-rated water-based exterior coatings in 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 stain products are formulated with premium quality synthetic resins that resist mold and mildew growth, are easy to apply, and are environmentally friendly. Defy stains offer protection from UV fading, wood rot, water damage, and mildew for all types of wood species. Use DEFY Wood Stains on pressure-treated lumber, cedar, mahogany, redwood, or any vertical or horizontal exterior wood surface.

The Defy stain help site is designed for exterior wood and deck owners looking for help with Defy Extreme Stain and Defy Stains for Hardwoods. We will offer tips and proper application instructions for Defy Stains so you may achieve professional results.

Please read our articles and ask any questions you may have as we are here to help.

Defy Extreme Wood Stain

 
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JEFF
JEFF
6 months ago

Using Defy Extreme on deck, bare wood – combination of spruce, pine and fir. Not possible to do wet on wet 2nd coat. Naturally, knots do not absorb stain very well. I believe it needs a 2nd coat, but I’m concerned that it won’t absorb very evenly and I may end up with peeling. When should I do the 2nd coat?

Bruno
Bruno
10 months ago

What is the difference between Defy ultra and essential? Also, can you interchange between ultra and essential with the same color. I’m using light walnut and I’m wondering if the stain colors are the same for ultra and essential.

Philip
Philip
1 year ago

I started straining my multi-level deck with Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Pecan. Unfortunate some areas are shiny which I assume means I overapplied. It was applied wet on wet with a brush. Is there any way to correct this? Also the color is MUCH darker than my test board (actual test board was actually a board on the deck but using a Defy stain sample). Is there a way to lighten the color on the next level before proceeding?

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Sandra McCatty
Sandra McCatty
1 year ago

After cleaning with the deck cleaner do you immediately apply the brightener and then wait 1-2 days before applying stain? Or do you apply the brightener just before applying the stain after waiting 1-2 days after using the deck cleaner?

Mike
Mike
1 year ago

Hi—great product! We’ve used Defy Semi-Transparent on our new fence and would like to use Defy Solid to restore an old covered porch that’s currently stained with semi-transparent Olympic/Valspar dark walnut.

Our question: since ~90% of the current stain is intact, can we simply clean and wash the wood and apply Defy Solid stain over the existing semi-transparent stain without fully stripping and sanding?

I’ve read mixed views on this elsewhere so hoping to get a clear answer straight from the experts—thank you!

Pics attached

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Mike
Mike
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Ah—you made my day. Thank you!

Mike
Mike
1 year ago
Reply to  Mike

Okay–thanks–so just to be clear (since there are two different responses above), best to strip and brighten, but okay to simply clean and pressure wash? Or would you strictly advise the strip/brighten approach and suggest we ignore the initial response above? Thanks again.

Barry Weissglass
Barry Weissglass
1 year ago

Hi. I put Defy White solid stain on the floor of a covered porch about 2 months ago. I used the wet-on-wet approach after letting the wood weather for 4 months. and using Defy clean and brightening products as directed. The wood really soaked up the stain very quickly on both coats. However, I noticed that water does not actually bead up on the stain. Should I put on a third coat? If so, when and how.?
Also, do you still recommend Dawn to clean the floors? If so, can I use a Swiffer pad to “mop” it up, or is there a mop you recommend? Lastly, can I use Swiffer cleaning solution (either regular or for a wood floor), or is it too damaging to the stain?
Attached is a picture of the floor with some water I put on it.
Thank you,
Barry Weissglass

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Megan Wilson
Megan Wilson
1 year ago

I am planning to use defy extreme semitransparent stain on cedar shingle siding. Cleaning and brightening first. The shingles are dry and porous. If using a paint sprayer with the recommended nozzle, will I need two coats? It’s my understanding sprayers put out a heavier coating of stain and I don’t want to accidentally over apply and end up with pealing.

Also, the instructions say to reapply in 24 months. Is this the case with all vertical surfaces or should I just watch for fading? I have read the defy stain can last longer than 24 months on vertical surfaces. Thank you!

Megan Wilson
Megan Wilson
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Thanks so much for your quick and clear reply! Upon reapplication for maintenance, would I first clean, brighten, or both?

Jerry
Jerry
1 year ago

I have KDAT Pressure treated floor on my deck. Wood was new 3 months ago. Should I use 1 coat semi-transparent Defy Extreme or 2 wet on wet coats? I’m reading conflicting instructions.

Jerry
Jerry
6 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

I applied 1 coat and would now like to apply a maintainence coat. Can I just clean with Dawn and then apply when dry?

Jerry
Jerry
6 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

I’m sorry I didn’t clarify. I applied the first coat last October. Is Dawn cleanup and recoat ok this September? Thank you.

Jerry
Jerry
5 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

I cleaned it yesterday with Defy Wood Cleaner. I put water drops on today and they didn’t absorb into the wood. Is it okay to recoat or not? thank you

Aaron
Aaron
1 year ago

Just finished staining with cedar tone semi-transparent Defy…man this stuff is picky to put on. Followed all prep instructions, sanded entire deck with 60grit, cleaned/brightened, waited 2+ days after any rain….all that jazz. Couldn’t do all the deck in one shot, there looks to be a rather distinct color difference – photo attached. No idea what to do about this, the only difference is a few days between the different coats. Same applicator brush, same exact 5GAL of stain, same wet on wet application…nothing changed. I don’t get the distinct color difference. Any way to fix this?

Aaron
Aaron
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

I figured if I was going to have to sand it off again anyway, I might as well try putting another coat on. Did a 3rd coat on the obviously lighter section while back-brushing the heck out of it and making sure to wipe anything away that looked to be beading. That totally evened everything right out and now there’s no visible color difference to be seen. Guessing the wood was just super dry or something to that nature…

John Mathes
John Mathes
1 year ago

I’ve been using Defy Epoxy Fortified semi-transparent stain for years and have loved the finish and wear. But now I have to replace several deck boards and steps and there’s no way to get these new pieces to match the existing deck. I want to switch products to the solid color wood stains. Are they the same type of acrylic product and will they adhere with no issues to the previous Defy that I have been using?

Steve
Steve
1 year ago

I am extremely satisfied with Defy water based stain. It has lasted much longer than various other brands I’ve used over the past 30 years. It still looks very good after one year but there are a couple of spots where pots we’re sitting that need some work. My question is how long normally should I wait before applying another coat (already has been one year). and is there any special treatment needed other than cleaning/power washing before putting on another coat….or if it still looks good should I just wait another year?

P J
P J
1 year ago

What is the best way to remove algae (I used Defy Extreme ten months ago and have a few patches of algae here and there but on balance, the deck still looks great)? I am thinking of brushing the algae patches with a stiff-bristled brush but thought it best to ask before doing that.

Mary
Mary
1 year ago

We have a porous 25 yr. old deck. First time I hired a prof. deck co. to stain with Lt. walnut Defy extreme. The cleaning and first app. went well. Workers. had another job also that day, so, there was approx.2hrs. before 2nd coat applied. It looks a orangy but adherent and drying well, and otherwise looks good. Will the 2nd coat orangeness fade over time?

P J
P J
1 year ago

After applying Defy Extreme last year (August, 2021) rainwater beaded nicely all winter but now (June, 2022) it no longer beads. In addition, the wood looks thirsty. Does this mean it is already time to reapply? (The deck still looks great, and it rains a lot here in western Oregon.)

LISA ARMSTRONG
LISA ARMSTRONG
1 year ago

Can we use a sprayer to do the spindles? Would we do the deck first and then spindles?

Dave
Dave
1 year ago

I’m engraving a cedar post and would like to paint the engraved letters. Can I paint over top of the Defy semitransparent stain?

Lee Brooks
Lee Brooks
1 year ago

I have cedar pillars and trim, mahogany front door, and pine deck that have all been weathered for almost a year. Since they are all unfinished, what’s the best process I can do to prep and stain? I like the butternut stain color.

Dave
Dave
1 year ago

1. How many coats of Defy Extreme cedar tone do I apply on a new cedar post?
2. Can I apply Defy Extreme over engraved letters painted with acrylic latex paint on a cedar post that I want to stain?
3. Can I apply Defy Extreme with a clean soft cloth?

Kathy
Kathy
2 years ago

I put natural pine semi transparent on our pine deck and it is way too orange. Any ideas?

Bruce Gordon
Bruce Gordon
2 years ago

I stained our new PTP deck in June 2020 with Defy Extreme Natural Pine. Was going to add a second coat this spring or summer to the decking only because of how much the initial coat soaked in. Was told on here to wait a year then use the cleaner and add a second coat. Time and weather has kept me from doing this for this year. The deck has accumulated a lot of algae like stains over the past few months. I’m not going to get to the second coat this year but don’t want to leave the stains on over the winter. Should I go ahead and use the Defy cleaner on it before winter and will it remove this? Picture attached…

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Kathy
Kathy
2 years ago

How long after staining a deck with defy extreme semi transparent can a cat walk and sit on the deck. I have an outdoor cat that thinks he owns the deck.

Dave
Dave
2 years ago

How long before or after a rain do you wait to apply brightened? Also, it was said not to apply brightened on metal. I have black aluminum spindles. So, what do you recommend for that? The deck and stairs were thoroughly cleaned and sanded. Pictures included.

Jie
Jie
2 years ago

Hi, I still would like to know what is the lowest outdoor temperature I can stain my deck and not ruin it, and will the new cedar clean and brighten well if we don’t have a chance to stain it before snow flies?

Jordan DeWald
Jordan DeWald
2 years ago

How long after sanding deck should I wait to apply stain?

Marcii
Marcii
2 years ago

Just thought of another question. If applying the stain in the evening how long does it have to dry before wildlife can walk on it? Racoons and maybe a possum or a stray cat?

Marcii
Marcii
2 years ago

I know you should wait 48 hours after cleaning and brightening. What, if for some reason, you have to wait longer. Do you need to clean and brighten again?

John
John
1 year ago
Reply to  Defy Help

If you are not able to stain within 2 weeks, do you need to clean and brighten or just brighten?

Marcie
Marcie
2 years ago

Want to make Light Walnut a lighter shade of walnut. Can I add paint thinner (how much) to the gal. of stain? Then, can I use the clear stain for the second application?

Elaine J Kozub
Elaine J Kozub
2 years ago

Hi we stained our new deck last fall and I contacted your company to see if we could apply a single coat this spring and the answer was yes we could,,
Before we do that is there anything we should do to prep the deck beside cleaning it – I was thinking of powerwashing it ?? Anything else we should do

Julianne B
Julianne B
2 years ago

We have a mix of older and newer cedar-the first few rows next to the house were in great shape and not replaced. I sanded the old stain off of those with 60-80 grit. My husband replaced the rest of the boards. We allowed them to weather for a year. We cleaned and brightened the deck. Put a single coat of stain on and wanted to wait a year for the 2nd coat. It looked beautiful last summer but unfortunately looks terrible this year-we we’re planning on putting the second coat on but it’s peeling in several spots on the newer wood. Now what?

Julianne B
Julianne B
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

So use Defy cleaner to get off peeling stain? do we need to brighten again before we put second coat of defy on? I’m not sure if you received attachments.

Julianne B
Julianne B
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

I sanded the old boards to remove a different oil based stain. Most of the boards were replaced with new cedar. We let the boards weather for almost a year in Michigan. Last year we cleaned, brightened and put one coat of Defy stain. Old boards look great. All of the new boards are peeling.

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Christine Harris
Christine Harris
2 years ago

I am in the process of cleaning our wood siding with Defy cleaner and even though I have thoroughly rinsed after cleaning, I am having a hard time getting the streaks off of the glass of our windows. I have tried dawn dish soap with water and light scrubbing. Do you have any suggestions?

Christine Harris
Christine Harris
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Ok! Thank you. I will give the green scrubby a try. Is there any risk to the windows when using the brightener next? Specifically the metal frame?

Danny
Danny
2 years ago

How many coats for a pressure treated pine picket fence? I’m using the cedar tone extreme wood stain color. Thanks!

Kathy
Kathy
3 years ago

The temperature will only be over 46 for about 5 hours this afternoon in Ohio. Tonight it will be in the lower 30’s – maybe freezing. Can I still stain today, or will the temperature drop tonight affect the curing of the stain. Also, I lightened the deck about 5 days ago, then I decided to sand a small area (2’x 18”) to remove a dark stain. Do I need to lighten that area again?

Bobby Anderson
Bobby Anderson
3 years ago

I am using western cedar for posts and railings on my covered front porch. I want to retain the color but protect from mildew and moisture. What product do you recommend?

Kimi
Kimi
3 years ago

I’m staining new cedar posts for my front porch. I’d like to use the extreme in butternut but I know there is also a stain specifically for hardwood. Is the extreme okay to use? Do I need to allow it to weather, if so how long is recommended? What sealer do you suggest?

Cheryl
Cheryl
3 years ago

We have a new tight knot cedar deck. It has dried for 4 weeks. Please advise as to what we need to do to prep for applying Defy Extreme Clear Wood Stain.

Oscar
Oscar
3 years ago

Hi I am getting ready to “refresh” my deck that was stained with defy semitransparent woodstain about a year and a half ago. Couple of questions:

1) How/with what product should I prep the desk before applying new coat?
2) Should a use the same color stain I used originally or should use a lighter or clear stain?
3) How many coats should I apply. Will one maintenance cote suffice?
4) Is there “how to brochure” that describes this “maintenance” process?

Thanks for you help

Steve Mahoney
Steve Mahoney
3 years ago

I have used defy wood cleaner and will use defy wood Brightener next.are your defy stains a sealer also or are they just a penetrating stain

Mike
Mike
3 years ago

I have composite deck 17 years old ,, is there positives or negatives to putting on a 2nd coat?

Robert kidney
Robert kidney
3 years ago

How to clean any dried extreme stain Splatter on vinyl Siding and railings

Marion Bona
Marion Bona
3 years ago

I used Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain in Driftwood Gray on my very weathered deck last year. I followed all instructions concerning cleaning and brightening and the result is great. I remember reading that after a year I should apply a light maintenance coat. However your website now gives different instructions as how to clean the deck beforehand, eg. mild soap cleaner or brightener. What should I be using?

Marion Bona
Marion Bona
3 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

thanks

Katie
Katie
3 years ago

I have 21 large cypress posts on my Acadian style house! They are 15 years old and very weathered. I originally wanted the weathered look but they are suffering from exposure. 10 of my posts get the hot Louisiana evening sun and rain. How would your products work for these posts? I can not redo 21 posts every 2-3 years. Any suggestions????

Katie
Katie
3 years ago
Reply to  Katie

Do you have samples of small quantities to buy and try first?

Dave
Dave
4 years ago

I am looking to stain my deck posts and perhaps the joists, my deck is composite.

I am looking at the DEFY Extreme Wood Stain product for this purpose. Is this product:

a) allow air to move in and out of the stain so that the stain does not trap water and cause decay

b) when the coat overtime fades could it just be re-coated or will the previous coat need to be stripped?

c) where can we get samples? I would like to try out some color combinations

Dan
Dan
4 years ago

Please confirm, utilizing Defy Extreme Water Base Stain on a one year old vertical pressure treated pine fence only requires one coat? Thanks Dan

Susan
Susan
4 years ago

Best method for Applying stain to upright spindles. I know Defy is watery, should I use a lambswool mitt?

Also, can I use latex paint to cover any stain splashes on painted side of house?

Thank you!

EJ HE
EJ HE
4 years ago

If I cannot stain in 15 days after prep, how to redo prep? Using brightener and then wait for 48 hours?

EJ HE
EJ HE
4 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Thanks!

Ed Lange
Ed Lange
4 years ago

Our PT pine deck is on the north side of our house and is heavily shaded by trees. The last oil-based semi-transparent stain I used mildewed terribly. I have spent many hours sanding away the old stain and as much of the mildew as possible. I plan on trying DEFY, but is there anything more I can do to help prevent mildew? Upstate NY.
Thanks.

Dot
Dot
4 years ago

Do I need to use a cleaner on new treated lumber to open wood pores?

Alberta Gibson
Alberta Gibson
4 years ago

I have a 5 gallon bucket. Do I need to stir, can I pour what I need into a bucket that contained scented powder laundry soap. Do I need to remove imbedded stuff from cracks the pressure washer didn’t get out

alicia foster
alicia foster
4 years ago

how many coats do i have to put on a new, but ready to stain fence. can i spray it once and backroll or backbrush it or is more needed

alicia foster
alicia foster
4 years ago

if i used defy extreme on a fence 3 years ago can i restain it without stripping it

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