Defy Wood Deck Stains

The Oil Based Deck Stain Myth

by Defy Help
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Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by Defy Help

2023 Update on Oil Based Deck Stain Myth

Are oil-based deck stain better than water-based? We appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.


There is no denying that oil-based stains have had their place in the stain industry. Oil-based stains have been used to protect wood siding, cedar siding, wood shakes, decking, fencing, and many other exterior wood surfaces for decades. Oil-based stains have been around longer than any other type of stain formula. However, there are a few lingering myths that accompany oil-based stain. Or another way to look at it is that there are a few old truths about oil-based stains that are no longer true. Let’s explain.

The oil-based stain myth that oil is better than water-based stains may have been true several years ago. In the past few years, however, water-based stain technology has really come a long way in performance. Defy Extreme is a perfect example. This industry-leading water-based stain uses nano-technology and high-grade resins to reflect and absorb damaging UV rays. These particles act as a sunscreen and redirect harmful ultraviolet rays that would otherwise fade and grey out an exterior wood surface. This technology is unmatched by other leading water-based stains. It is a first in the industry, a true breakthrough in technology, and has a good case against the oil-based stain myth that oil is better.

This new technology helps reduce water infiltration, prevents fungal growth, and stops UV damage. This type of water-based stain lasts longer than past generations of water type stains. This nano-technology increases the stain’s performance by 200-600%, which is unheard of. Perhaps this eradicates another myth that oil-based stains last longer or are more durable. This just is not true with this new light stabilizing technology.

Another oil-based stain myth may be that oils are safe for the environment. Most oil-based stains are in fact not safe for the environment. In fact, some oil-based stains are banned in some states due to VOC compliance laws. Water-based stains are eco-friendly and are available and can be shipped to all 50 states. The fact is that oil-based stain myths have been busted by recent water-based stain technology and the evidence is there to support it.

 
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Rae
Rae
2 years ago

Do I need one coat or two? I am staining the exterior walls of my house with Defy Hardwood Stain. I will be staining cedar clapboards that I have stripped and brightened it. Your online instructions are deck oriented but mention that only one coat is needed for vertical surfaces like fences. Can I assume from this that I only need one coat on my cedar sided house?

Rae
Rae
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Most of the clapboards have a corduroy texture with relief 1/64th inch, more or less. A scattered few clapboards have coarser relief.

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Rae
Rae
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

Unfortunately the forecast is windy and there are a lot of windows to cover-up with not much wood between. I’d prefer to use a brush alone but the stain might lack body to hang on a brush. Could I use a roller or stain pad to get the stain onto the wood and immediately brush it out? I’d then do a light wet-on-wet with the brush alone.

Rae
Rae
2 years ago
Reply to  Defy Help

The front of the house looks great so far! I will do the other three sides next summer. I had hoped the wood would soak up more stain. My moisture meter said the wood was dry. The first coat of Defy soaked up readily. A minimal second coat did not soak up and there is a shine. The previous stain was Olympic Maximum Clear Penetrating Acrylic/Oil Formula and I have a hunch it had paraffin oil/wax in it from looking into the old paint can. Stripping must have removed the surface part of the old stain, but what about the old penetrated stain? Thankyou!

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