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 came 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 like 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.