Defy Wood Deck Stains

Which Defy Stain is Best for Me?

by opwdecks

Need help choosing the correct Defy Stain for your project?

Any questions on which Defy Stain to use and prep products needed? As below in our comment section. Amy pictures you have would be helpful as well.

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Steve
Steve
11 days ago

What is the difference between defy essential and defy extreme?

Defy Help
Admin
11 days ago
Reply to  Steve

Extreme is a higher grade version of stain.

Karen
Karen
4 months ago

I have a new redwood deck. Can I apply the Defy stain immediately? Do I need to prep the wood?

Karen
Karen
4 months ago
Reply to  Defy Help

But we are going into winter…no coating before winter? Seems like coating it now might be best given the impending rains. What can go wrong if I stain it now?

Defy Help
Admin
4 months ago
Reply to  Karen

Yes, leave until Spring. This is normal. Do not stain now.

Jay
Jay
9 months ago

I have a fence and pergola that are almost 20 years old. I used Defy cleaner, brighter and Light Walnut semi-transparent stain after one year of weathering. I repeated the same process several years later.

It now needs another maintenance coat. I’m prepared to do the same thing again. Is cleaner still the way to go or is stripping advised instead? That seems much costlier and more labor intensive. But I’m wondering which is going to give me the best results the third time around…and why?

Defy Help
Admin
9 months ago
Reply to  Jay

Post some pics.

Diane
Diane
9 months ago

Hello, I have used Ready Seal, a redwood color, for the past 15 years on my Brazilian Hardwood deck. I recently discovered it is no longer being sold in CA because it is oil-based. I want to do the right thing for the environment, but it took me a long time to find a product that works well. Past products had Polyuritane or something that made the deck slippery, sticky, and plastic-looking. It took forever to strip it. I want to avoid that happening. I’ve been reading about your product and want to know, which product you suggest I use of yours that would be similar and yet better for the environment?

Defy Help
Admin
9 months ago
Reply to  Diane

Defy stains are much better than Ready Seal. Strip and brighen for prep and then apply the Defy Extreme Stain.

patti
patti
10 months ago

what is the difference between extreme and ultra?

Defy Help
Admin
10 months ago
Reply to  patti

Ultra will have more of a sheen when dried.

Edward O
Edward O
10 months ago
  1. I have a number of questions – how soon after I clean and brighten – must I stain
  2. for wet on wet – how soon can/must I apply the second coat
  3. can I spray the the stain
  4. I must replace some boards – will the Clean and Brighten process remove the mill glaze
  5. thank you
Defy Help
Admin
10 months ago
Reply to  Edward O

1. Wait 48 hours after prep to stain. Stain within 2 weeks.
2. Within 20-60 minutes of the first coat.
3. Yes.
4. Yes
5. Welcome

Wayne
Wayne
11 months ago

I have a 7 yr old pine deck that has been stained twice with Defy deck stain for hardwoods. I need to get more, but want to understand difference between Extreme Stain and Hardwood Stain?

Defy Help
Admin
11 months ago
Reply to  Wayne

Sticking with the same Hardwood Stain and Color would be best.

Herb
Herb
11 months ago

looking to stain an ipe deck that is about 10 y.o and stained each year since install. Constantly looking for better stain. Defy ultra vs extreme? What color to keep the natural ipe mahogany color? Also does the ultra film on top as noted on prior thread?

Defy Help
Admin
11 months ago
Reply to  Herb

You need Defy Hardwood Stain. Do not use the Ultra on hardwoods.
https://www.deckstain.com/defy-hardwood-stain.html

Mike
Mike
1 year ago

I am building a roof structure to accommodate a standing seam metal roof. I bought all KDAT treated pine lumber. Since it is completely dry, what process do I need to follow for use of your Extreme product?

Defy Help
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Mike
Robert
Robert
1 year ago

I have a rough cedar porch previously stained with an oil base stain that now has black mold that makes the wood look dark and dirty. The mold seems to come back about 1-2 years after cleaning and restraining. I have read that oil base stains can make mold grow back quicker. Which products would be best to use to clean and restrain my porch and resist mold from returning?

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Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Robert

Prep with the Defy Stripper and then the Defy Brightener. Stain with Defy Extreme when done.

Robert
Robert
1 year ago
Reply to 

In one place in your information it says to use defy hardwood stain for the cedar. It’s confusing. Can you clarify?

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Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Robert

Use the Extreme for this.

Robert
Robert
1 year ago

Which is the best semitransparent stain to block mold from returning on rough cedar wood?

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Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Robert

The Defy Extreme Stain.

Rick
Rick
1 year ago

Can Defy Extreme be applied over Defy Ultra?  House was just stained using Ultra.  Thank you

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Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Rick

No, it cannot.

Homerepair
Homerepair
1 year ago

What’s the difference between defy extreme and defy ultra stains. I have a 7-yr old deck I previously applied defy extreme to. I have given it a light sanding and used Defy clean. Will the ultra work the same as extreme on that?

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Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Homerepair

Use the Extreme when reapplying.

Homerepair
Homerepair
1 year ago
Reply to 

Thx! What situations would you recommend the ultra for? I have some on hand I don’t want to go to waste.

Matthew
Matthew
1 year ago

I am looking to stain my new white pine siding on my cabin.   The goal is to seal it, add some light color and prevent the greying.  Ultra or Extreme?  One coat or two? 

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Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Matthew

Defy Extreme. See here about new wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/

Scott
Scott
1 year ago

I used to use Biowash ‘Clear tone’; is that now a different name?  or is just not available anymore?

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Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Scott

That is not available anymore. Closest would be the Defy Extreme in Natural Tone: https://www.defystain.com/wood-restoration/wood-and-deck-stains/defy-extreme.html

Brad
Brad
1 year ago

Is the Defy Extreme Semi-transparent grey a warm tone or cool tone?

Donna
Donna
1 year ago

What is difference between Defy Extreme and Defy Ultra Extreme?  Which is best on new pressured treated pine decking? 

Donna
Donna
1 year ago
Reply to 

Thank you.  But what is the difference between the Defy Extreme and the Ultra  Extreme?  

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Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Donna

The Extreme is the version that has been around for a long time. Ultra is brand new and will film more on top of the wood. We would suggest the Extreme for you and your new wood. Better penetration.

Donna
Donna
1 year ago
Reply to 

Thank you for your prompt reply.

Lisa
Lisa
1 year ago

I have a new pine deck, never been treated.  If I use 2 coats Extreme stain in natural pine, how long can I reasonably expect it to last?  The deck is 2 stories off the ground, so it’s not something I want to be re-staining every year…

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Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Lisa

Every 2-3 years is normal.

Katherine
Katherine
2 years ago

CAN THE SEMI TRANSPARENT COLORS BE MIXED? i.e. If I wanted to mix the driftwood grey color with light walnut to produce a customized color, can I do that? 

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Katherine

Yes, you can.

Bob Weisser
Bob Weisser
2 years ago

Two years ago we put boiled linseed oil half and half with thinner on our redwood deck.  Do we need to do something to it before we stain with Defy Stain redwood color?

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Bob Weisser

You will need to strip and brighten for prep to remove the linseed oil.

Bob Weisser
Bob Weisser
2 years ago
Reply to 

thanks to all the answers we received,    we will get a strip and brighten before we use the stain.  

CRAIG SICKLES
CRAIG SICKLES
2 years ago

i have a new deck around my above ground pool, built in Dec 2020. we live in North Central Ohio, so we get all kinds of weather. it is pressure treated lumber. i think it ready to stain. It is in full sun and we have railings. My wife wants to apply White stain to the Railing, then Gray to the deck floor. Also beneath the deck floor, we have treated lumber to act as skirting for toy storage and etc. Me question is what would you sugeest for the spindles, the top railing, and the skirting, and for the deck itself?

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  CRAIG SICKLES

Sorry, but we do not offer a white stain in the Defy line. We do have a Driftwood Gray color. 
https://www.defystain.com/wood-restoration/wood-and-deck-stains/defy-extreme.html

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2 years ago

Hello,I would like to freshen up the finish on our pergola after 2.5 years of sun,rain, and claw marks from cats.  We like the color and wouldn’t mind it being a little darker also know the posts will have to be sanded and probably won’t match the canopy well but that’s what we get for having cats.  Question to you is how do I refinish this easily with what products and how often should I treat it for long term preventive maintenance?
Thanks

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to 

What stain brand do you have on there now?

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2 years ago
Reply to 

Not really sure the contractor that installed the patio also purchased the pergola but the wood appears to be pine and the stain is not real deep in the wood looking at the cat scratches.

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to 

You will have to remove it fully first before using the Defy Stain. Defy Stain Stripper and pressure washing to remove. Defy Brightener after.

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2 years ago
Reply to 

Okay I’ve got all that but to achieve a similar color what would you suggest for the final product to use?

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to 

Butternut color would be closest.

Jeremy
Jeremy
2 years ago

I have 2 projects. What is best for each? 1. An older and unmaintained deck, believe it is PT pine, with a peeling solid reddish stain. 325 sq. ftAlso, a 6 year old cedar swing set with only the manufacturer’s (Backyard Discovery) applied stain (they say it is a thin water based stain) 

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy

You would remove both stains. Teh solid stain will need to be sanded off. Then clean and brighten for final prep. Strip and brighten for the swing set. Once all is prepped, use the Defy Extreme Stain.

Jeremy
Jeremy
2 years ago
Reply to 

Do you no longer manufacture the Defy Extreme SOLID? If i use the solid, can I avoid sanding? I see this for sale, but not on this website

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy

Not sold online as the colors are custom made.

Teresa Loy
Teresa Loy
2 years ago

Hi, we have one coat of defy extreme on our pressure treated pine deck. It was stained 3 years ago. We plan to clean and brighten. The current stain has held up well but it is worn now. I plan to order a different color this time. Can I apply the new color over the old? I realize the color may not be uniform, but we would really like to avoid stripping the current stain if we can apply a new color over the old. Going from light walnut to butternut. Also, if the answer is yes, should we apply 1 coat or 2 of the new stain? Thank you!

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Teresa Loy

You will need to strip and brighten, so it performs correctly in your case. Two coats.

Ron
Ron
2 years ago

Can I use the Marine stain on top of the extreme. I used Extreme cedar last year and I need to put on another coat this year. I live on the Oregon coast.

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Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Ron

Best to stick with the Extreme. No advantage to switch.

Jeff B.
Jeff B.
3 years ago

I bought the 5 gallon Defy Water Repellent for Bricks and it worked great on front and back porches. I have about 3 gallons left over and would like to use some of it to try and fix a leak in my shower. The entire shower, including the pan area and curb, is all porcelain tile (not glossy, looks like large squares of stone) with Mapei grout. I have removed all silicone caulk. I would like to apply this Defy Water Repellent for Bricks along the perimeter grout lines and apply on the curb, including the tile. I’m sure the Defy will impregnate the grout, but will it also adhere and bond to the surface of the porcelain tile on the curb. I am not applying on any other surface of the tile as I am concerned it will be too slippery on the floor. Also, do I apply the Defy before I re-apply 100% silicone caulk or after. I’m thinking applying on top of caulk may provide overall better water protection of the surfaces, but I’m concerned it may deteriorate caulk instead. Thanks!

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Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff B.

Sorry but it will not work for this scenario. None of our products will.

Paula
Paula
3 years ago

Hello, over new wood, should two coats of crystal clear be applied? If yes, how (after it dries?)
Can you apply the exterior clear inside as well?

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Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Paula

See here about new wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/

You can use it inside.

Paula
Paula
3 years ago

I meant light walnut and clear (50/50)

Paula
Paula
3 years ago

I would like a light brown tone (no yellow, no red, no dark tones)….will mixing light brown and clear 50/50 give me that result? (exterior ceiling and siding virgin never stained woods)

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Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Paula

Sorry but no, that would not work.

Cheryl
Cheryl
3 years ago

I have a new cedar deck. We waited 2 months and used defy cleaner and brightener. Then we applied Defy Extreme Clear Semi-transparent Wood Stain with 1 coat. It’s too light for us so we would like to use a coat of Defy Cedartone Semi-transparent Wood Stain. Can we apply that over the Clear?

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Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Cheryl

No, you would have to remove it with the Defy Stripper and then the Brightener.

Marty
Marty
3 years ago

Do I follow wet on wet on a new PT deck?

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Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Marty
Allan
Allan
3 years ago

We would like to stain our white cedar shake siding with a white or grey stain to give them an aged look,
similar to bleaching oil, but in with a water based synthetic resin. Can the Defy Extreme be tinted with white pigment to achieve this look?

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Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Allan

No, only the stock colors that we have.

Allan
Allan
3 years ago
Reply to 

Do you have any other semi transparent synthetic resin stains
that will accept a custom tint?

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Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Allan

No, we do not.

Mike
Mike
3 years ago

Does defy simi transparent stain have a sheen or is it flat?

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Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

No shine.

Bob Wilson
Bob Wilson
3 years ago

How many sq ft does concrete paver sealer cover

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Admin
3 years ago
Reply to  Bob Wilson

About 100-150 sq feet per gallon.

Jay
Jay
4 years ago

what product could be used on a screened in porch ceiling. It is wainscoting and appears to have nothing on it. We cleaned it and would like to get something on it to protect it in the future. Kentucky has high humidity so anything with mold/mildew protection would be a plus

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Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Jay

Use the Defy Extreme Stain.

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4 years ago

Does Defy Extreme come in semi-solid…it’s for rough-side cedar clapboard siding.

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Admin
4 years ago
Reply to 

It does not.

Jeff
Jeff
4 years ago

i would like to purchase defy extreme solid color stain but cannot find any information on the website?! is it still available??

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Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Jeff

The Defy Extreme Solid Stain is not sold on this website since it has to be custom mixed at a paint store.

Tiffany
Tiffany
4 years ago

We have recently completed cleaning and used the Defy Wood Brightener product on our rough cedar siding house. The cedar is clapboard (long horizontal pieces) and not shake or shingle. I am trying to figure out which product to use as the final step? We like the color of the wood as is and do not necessarily need to change the color or stain the wood a different color, BUT are not opposed to using a matching stain if that is a better product then just sealing?

It seems I have read that using a sealer does not last as long or provide as much protection as a stain does for long term – is that correct?

Which of your products would you recommend using as the final step for our rough cedar siding house?

Thank you!

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Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Tiffany

For best results, you need a tinted stain color over a clear sealer. The UV protection is much better. 3-4 times better. Use the Defy Extreme Stain in one of the tinted colors for best results.

Jim
Jim
4 years ago

Line in Northern Ohio. Preeure treated deck was installed Spring of 2018. We did nothing to the deck to this point because of the fresh wood. Now would like to finish. What would be your recommendation?

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Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Prep with the Defy Wood Cleaner and then the Defy Brightener. Stain with the Defy Extreme.

Bill Ellis
Bill Ellis
5 years ago

We have a pressure treated pine dock/deck at our home on the Texas coast. The deck was installed December 2017, and Thompson’s Clear was applied in March 2018. The sealer has already worn off in less than a year and the deck boards are weathering and absorbing water. No beading is present. I’m looking for a new more durable performer that will hopefully last longer than a year/season.

I pressure washed the deck today (Feb 3 2019) to prepare for a new sealer/waterproofer and this did seem to refresh the wood. What products would you recommend for our job which is about 500 SF? We would like a light stain color this time rather than straight clear especially if it will help with UV resistance. Do we need to strip and brighten? The wood is still in very good condition after pressure washing.

Thank you for any advice.

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Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill Ellis

For the prep, you should strip and brighten the wood. This will ensure proper penetration of the stain into the wood grain. Use the Defy Extreme Stain. Try Natural Pine color:
https://www.defystain.com/wood-restoration/wood-and-deck-stains/defy-extreme.html

Bob Hatz
Bob Hatz
5 years ago

We just cleaned, sanded and sealed our 25 year old 12’ by 14’ screen porch floor. We used your stripper and brightener and then sanded the floor before applying two coats of the Defy semi transparent finish (butternut) wet on wet as instructed. Looks really nice, but we would like one or two of the boards to be a bit darker. Can I sand those boards and the restain them? Any other solutions?
Thank you

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Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  Bob Hatz

It is the wood grain of each individual boards that determine the final colors. Sanding and redoing them will most likely end up with the exact same results.

MTS
MTS
5 years ago

What product should I use for white oak porch decking?

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Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  MTS

Use the Defy Hardwood stain.

MTS
MTS
5 years ago
Reply to 

Thank you. That is what I figured. Do you have better color chips than what’s online? Or bigger pictures of them?

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Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  MTS
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5 years ago

How long does shipping usually take? I live in Pennsylvania

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Admin
5 years ago
Reply to 

2-3 business days.

Bill Judd
Bill Judd
5 years ago

My deck is 10 years old and havw used Defy stain 2 times. It is now time for another coating. Will I need the stain stripper after the deck cleaner. I have shaded areas also

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Admin
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill Judd

Stripper and then the brightener. No need for the cleaner.

Ray
Ray
6 years ago

I have stripped a cedar shingle house to bare wood and planning to use Defy Extreme. How long should I expect the product to last before needing another coat? Do I need to strip the shingles again at that point?

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Admin
6 years ago
Reply to  Ray

On vertical wood, the Defy should last 4-8 years. Depends on UV exposure. Just clean and reapply when needed.

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Admin
6 years ago

[quote name=”Darla K”]Which product would be best for new red cedar siding? Thank you

Northwestern Pennsylvania[/quote]
Use the Defy Extreme Stain

Darla K
Darla K
6 years ago

Which product would be best for new red cedar siding? Thank you

Northwestern Pennsylvania

Victoria
Victoria
6 years ago

Forgot to add I am in southwest Michigan.

Victoria
Victoria
6 years ago

My treated pine deck was installed about 15 years ago. I’ve retreated it about every 3 years, but last year missed due to health. Must clean and restain now. Deck has very dark areas of algae or mold as it gets just a few hours of sun each day in summer–more in winter due to nearby trees. What products do you recommend for cleaning and staining? I have used a Honey Gold color in the past for deck and railing. Size is approx. 12′ x 35′. Can I use a long handled brush to apply? One or two coats?

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