Update on Asking Questions for Defy Stains 2019
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 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. At DefyStainHelp.com, we want everyone to have to 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, 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
TWP Stain Help Staff
I am planning to stain about 1500 sq ft of new pressure treated syp decking (pre-install, both sides). After a fair bit of research I have decided on your product. I have had the boards sticker stacked for about 3 months to dry adequately before stain application. I want to use semi-transparent defy stain. My question is about color, I want a light golden color that does a decent job of covering or obscuring the green flashes from the pressure treatment. I would love to go with the natural pine, but I am concerned it may be too light to… Read more »
Hello,
You cannot stain this new wood yet. It has to be installed, weathered and prepped. Do this in Spring. You also only stain the exposed wood, not all sides. Stacking them for 3 months will not work. You need naturally weathering to open up the wood grain correctly. See this for more tips on new wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
As for color, best to get those samples for Spring.
I bought Defy wood stain back in 2012. The color was Colorado Gold (#260). Do you still have this color. If not, what color is closest to Colorado Gold.
Thanks,
Gary
On this link: https://www.defystain.com/defy-original-synthetic.html
I did not buy enough stain and now I have to finish the first coat (only about 10 percent of the main deck to finish) and do the railings and outward facing structure. Should I avoid a second coat this time and wait until next summer to clean and do a second coat, as we are getting ready to go into fall/winter here? I love the product but am so frustrated, this is an older deck and I spent many hours pressure spraying and sanding. The deck is not in bad shape but used to have solid stain so after… Read more »
Finish what you have to do for the 1 coat. Lightly wash and reapply another coat in the Spring or Summer of next year.
Thanks! And use the deck cleaner before that coat in spring correct?
Yes, correct.
I understand that Defy crystal clear will not enhance the grain of the wood but will you get the same matte appearing finish you get with the semitransparent finishes?
It is not shiny at all.
My deck is 5 years old, made with treated yellow pine in New York State. Original stain was Behr premium solid stain. I had to hand sand all of this stain off which took many hours to say the least. Is this now considered “New Wood”? Should i only do one coat of Defy and then another 12-18 months later? Or can I do Wet on Wet application?
What grit of sandpaper?
I used an angle grinder with a course fiber disk attached, not sandpaper. They removed the solid stain with hardly any sawdust.
Please reply to my question – thanks
Just one coat this time around.
I am trying to beat the predicted rain coming. Can I apply your deck stain 24 hours after using your cleaner and brightener?
No, 48 hours.
Ok Thanks I will have to wait. How long after a rain do you have to wait to apply your deck stain. And if there is a long period where I can’t get to it because of weather how long before I have to reapply the brightener?
If it rains, wait 48 hours. Stain within 2 weeks of the prep.
I have a 20+ year old cedar deck. I just power washed it over the weekend. Removed about 5 year old TWC cedar stain. I also have to replace a few rotten boards. what is the best way to age the wood and get it to look similar to the current deck? I know it won’t be exact just want closer. Have had the replacement material sitting outside since spring trying to weather it. What stain do you recommend? I am thinking the Defy Extreme Butternut to help even out the wide range of wood colors. The deck is 14… Read more »
See here about new wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
Let it weather and prep all again in the Spring is your best option. Two coats wet on wet to floors is correct. One for the rails. Not sure if 5 gallons is enough whitheou knowing the total sq footage for all floors, rails, steps, etc?
I have a dry sunny day to apply your deck stain but rain is expected overnight. Is it best to wait? What is the time frame from deck application to potential rain.
12-24 hours.
I have a 950sqft western cedar deck installed in May this year in southeastern PA. It has not been stained or sealed yet but needs to be in the next 30 days. I have used Defy Deck Stain for Hardwoods since 2014 but want to try Defy Extreme this time. * How many gallons will this take for one coat? * After 5 months the surface still apears clean but it actually shows a faint dirt tint. Will the stain cover or must I powerwash? * If I move the furniture/canopy to half the deck and finish the other half,… Read more »
About 7-8 Gallons. You need to prep with the Degy Wood Cleaner and pressure washing. Defy Brightener after. Best to not do 1/2 and 1/2 but all at the same time otherwise you run the risk of overlap and uneven appearance. Nothing you can do about the end cuts.
I did wet on wet application on my deck as your instructions suggest. 12 hours later it rained and washed some of the stain off my deck. It has a very uneven stain pattern, some areas are stained some aren’t. Please help!
Hello,
Feel free to post a picture.
I would if I had one.
Unless you have a picture they won’t help you at all !! Dont use they’re products !!
Hello, no reason to be upset. Without seeing what the issue is there is no way to give proper advice on what could have been done incorrectly during your application process and then the best course of action to fix it. Just an FYI as well, Defy Stain will not just wash off the deck from the rain after drying for 12 hours. That is one of the reasons we asked for a picture in addition to giving proper advice on how to best fix anything if needed.
We went to properly help, not give the wrong advice.
I stripped the deck stain off my deck with defy stripper and followed with brightener. There are gray spots remaining on the boards above the rails from metal hooks we had there. Will Defy Deck cleaner remove that or do you have another suggestion. Hand sander did not remove. Also I have to go over several floor boards that did not completely remove the stain. So I will redo those areas. Do I have to go over the entire floor with brightener to keep it even or can I just do the boards I use stripper on. I am having… Read more »
The cleaner will not remove the gray spots if the stripper or brightener did not. Yes, you will have to redo all with the brightener.
Hi, I read I think on your site or in your videos that we are to apply two coats of Defy stain, wet on wet. But I’ve just read the can that for horizontal cedar, the wood should only receive one coat. My deck is not new. It’s three years old. I’ve used Defy Cleaner and Brightener. Should I do two coats?
2 coats wet on wet.
Can butternut stain be mixed with another color to reduce it’s intensity, and if so what color if one wants to retain the brown color but just reduce the intensity of the mixture.
Yes, try mixing Natural Pine into it.
Can I just sand an old deck railings and put deft stain on directly after and skip the stripping, brightened.
Yes but if you sand, you will still need to clean and brighten after that.
I purchased a cedar gazebo kit from Costco. It is prestained but it does not look like a sealer-stain. Can I apply Defy semi over this?
No, you cannot apply the Defy Clear sealer over a stain.
sorry for the confusion. It is Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent. Does that change things?
No.
Hi, I have a cedar deck that’s about 3 years old. Originally I applied Cabot Australian Timber Oil, Natural. It now needs to be refinished. I have small areas that are sun bleached and an uneven stain/finish. I have been trying to sand it off with a deck pole. Will your deck cleaner clean it sufficiently for restaining with a semi-transparent stain? Do I need to use stain remover? Keep sanding? Please let me know what the best course of action is.
Thank you,
Nancy
You will need to prep with the Defy Stain Stripper and then the Defy Wood Brightener.
Yes, I did that. Do I put two or one coat of stain on the horizontal cedar boards?
Two coats.
I finished staining my deck railings 2 days ago and was planning to do the floorboards today. Forecast looked good but then it sprinkled this morning. Most of the deck (where under cover) is totally dry but a few areas did get wet. How long before I can stain? I’m worried it won’t look evenly coated.
48 hours after a rain.
2 Questions – 1) I was just reading a section on your website that suggested Defy Hardwood is the best stain for cedar wood. I have attached a photo of what I was reading. I have also read on your website that Defy Extreme would be best for rough cedar siding. Please guide me as to what would be the best product. 2) What should be allowed time between applications for the wet-on-wet application. I live in Kansas and currently it is still warm and sunny. Humidity does vary. Should I be allowing 10/20/45/60 minutes between the initial coat and… Read more »
If you have a cedar deck, then use the Defy Hardwood. if rough sanw cedar siding, use the Defy Extreme. See this for tips on wet on wet: https://www.defystainhelp.com/what-is-wet-on-wet-stain-application/
I worked diligently on using Defy stain remover to strip the rails and posts on my deck. I followed it with defy brightener and it is now dry. The wood is very rough and some areas furry. Should I sand it down before staining? And how long after brightener is applied can you wait to stain. I have yet to strip the floor boards.
If you need to sand off any fuzzies, use 60 grit paper. Wait 48 hours after prep to stain.
After sanding can I just do a thorough rinse with water or do I have to use something else.
Rinse with water should work.
I have a pressure treated deck that is over a year old that has never been treated or sealed. It has a lot of green algae. I have used defy oxygenated cleaner and defy brightener and I have power washed it. It looks much better when dry, but as soon as it is wet, it still looks green! I want to stain it with Extreme semi-transparent stain, but don’t know if i should proceed?
If it is deep in the wood then it may not be able to come out. You can go ahead and stain.
How long before we can place patio furniture or plants back on the deck?
12-24 hours.
Hello. I powerwash an older composit deck. I used your extreme deck sealer yesterday. It rained this morning. Now I have white spots where the water needed up. Help
Let it dry fully, it should go away. If it does not, you will have to strip it off.
After an initial proper cleaning and brightening on pressure treated wood, when staining with the Defy CLEAR extreme (do NOT care about the wood greying naturally but I want to prevent the wood from rotting) does one have to prep by cleaning and brightening every time (2-3 years) I reapply the clear stain?
Cleaner, yes. No need to brighten.
Thank you, I read that one of the reasons to use the Brightner is to “neutralize the cleaner” prior to staining. So won’t that affect it if i don’t use the Brightner?
No need when you have a base coat already.
Are Defy Extreme or Defy Deck Stain for Hardwoods recommended for an Eastern Cedar shingled roof?
Use the Defy Hardwood Stain for this.
Instructions say that the Defy brightener should be applied while the wood is still wet from the rinsing after using the cleaner. i have almost 2k sq ft of decking and portions will likely dry before applying the brightener, so how important is this procedure to apply while wet?
Just lightly mist the deck with water before applying the brightener and you will be okay.
I bought a 5 gallon bucket of Defy Extreme stain about 2 years ago. I still have some left. What is the shelf life of the stain?
Can I use a sprayer with Defy stain? The deck is OK but the wood rails were new & stained 7 years ago.
Yes, it can b sprayed.
Video of 19 yr ol deck
You will need to remove the Cabot and that will require sanding. Once removed, you can then use the Defy Extreme Stain.
Our deck is 19 yrs old has been cleaned and restained 4 times. Last stain was put on 4 – years ago. After stripping cleaning and sanding we stained deck with semi-transparent I think Cabot products. Within a year deck that is exposed to susun started to peel-flake off. The part of deck covered by roof look great up until last summer. What would u suggest for cleaning and staining with Defy. Half the deck gets full day sun. This is the half that peels quickly.
I am building new board and batten shutters and ordering a new garage door for our Colorado home. I am using kiln-dried, S1S2E cedar. Rough cut will be facing outwards. My primary objective is to try to maintain the natural cedar coloring for as long as possible. So a clear stain or lightly colored. My wife wants a stain (if we go with a color) that will not be or turn orange. I have the following questions. 1. Which stain will you recommend? 2. Should I strip and clean before staining since the primary side is not lumber factory planed?… Read more »
1. Defy Extreme. Natural Pine is the lightest tint.
2. No need to prep if rough sawn.
3. No need to do back or edges.
4. Not if rough sawn.
5. Up to you.
6. Yes.
It looks like there is Extreme and Extreme For Hardwoods. What is the difference for cedar?
Use the Defy extreme for the vertical cedar wood.
25 year old deck I think is cedar. Multiple different stains over the years.Sanding to wood with da.Can I go to brighter then stain. If after using brighter I can’t stain for a week is that ok? Do I need to back brush if using a pad for application?
Clean and brighten after sanding. Do not use sandpaper finer than 60-80 grit. You can stain a week later. You do not have to back brush if using a pad.
Forgot to ask…brush stain between boards before using a pad? Also any advantage or disadvantage between the 7″ and 10″ pad? Thanks…
No different in pads, use a brush between the boards.
When I’ve seen your “how to” videos, you show first staining the spindles and posts. One coat or two? Also, what’s the best way to clean and prep the top of the handrails?
One coat or two depends on the age of the wood and the type of wood. See here for prep articles https://www.defystainhelp.com/tips/how-to-prep-for-defy-stains/
How many hours of no rain must elapse after applying wet-on-wet of your Extreme Semi-Tansparent Wood Stain to ensure no damage to the stain?
6-12 hours.
I have a new deck that has “dried” over several months and am ready to prep & stain. I have watched application videos that have called for single and double cleaner applications. I have also read about application of 1 and 2 coats of stain. What is correct for a new deck that sees full sun all afternoon?
I have chosen semi- transparent butternut stain.
See this article on new wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
Based on that article, I only need one coat of stain. But what about the cleaner? One video showed wet surface,spray on cleaner, scrub, spray again, scrub again, & rinse. Another showed wet surface, spray cleaner, power wash to rinse. Which method is best for a new deck?
Just one application of the Cleaner is normal and then the Brightener.
wet surface, spray cleaner, power wash to rinse.
We had our decks stained last fall with two coats of DEFY after full prep and sanding 1:1 blend of light walnut and butternut. After just one season, some areas (more exposed) are showing fading and could stand to be touched up. Can I touch up without stripping and brightening or do I have to redo the entire decks?
You do need to clean, no need to strip or brighten.
Should a wood fence be recoated after 3 to 5 years? If so how to prep the fence
Yes. Clean and brighten for the prep.
After applying defy extreme, when is it rain safe
6-12 hours later.
I have a cedar deck installed in 2007. It has been stained twice, the last time in 2015 with Superdeck Transparent cedar stain. It was covered with green, slippery algae. I washed it with water plus dishwashing soap and borax, and then powerwashed it with water to remove the algae and dirt, etc. It now looks quite nice, fairly white with just a few hints of the old stain. So, my question is, “Can a waterbased stain now be used on this deck? Would I be better off using an oil based stain, or will the waterbased stain soak in… Read more »
You will need to strip it off and then brighten the wood. You cannot apply a different brand of stain over the SuperDeck. It doe snot matter if it is water or oil-based.
You talk about moisture meter do you sell them or do you have a recommendation. Would like to check moisture content on a new 12×14 deck made out of yellowwood that was built July 5th 2019. It’s in Fort Smith Arkansas and I am thinking about using defy extreme stain this year
We do not sell them. You will be fine to prep and stain after 3 months of weathering: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
What is the beat method and product to apply Defy Extreme Stain to a rough Cedar siding home. Any specific brand or type of application tool? Thank you!
Use a staining brush or stain pad.
Is there a WHITE defy deck stain? We would like a grey deck with white railings ….
We do not sell a white Defy stain.
How are your stains and shipped, ups, fed, also how are your samples shipped, Ups, fed
We ship UPS for the stain and samples.
Hi, my deck is < 1yr old. Never been stained/painted. I cleaned the deck with a deck cleaner from Lowe’s. Do I need to relearn the deck with your cleaner and brightener?
Yes.
I just had a new deck and fence built out of pine. I received from your company two stain samples. One is the cedar tone and I didn’t even apply it because it looks too much like the red clay that’s in my yard. The other sample is light walnut. I used a cloth and applied this to a couple of pieces of wood that was left over from the deck. This also looks like clay. I thought that it wouldn’t be so transparent but it is. I was looking at the butternut stain color and would like to know,… Read more »
The Butternut is a semi-transparent stain, not a solid stain.
Yes I realize that. I just don’t want my fence and deck to be dark but I also don’t want it to be red. When the crew dug holes for the posts there was red clay everywhere. They got it on the deck floor by walking on it of course and now the deck and steps are light orange. I don’t like that. I’m going to pressure wash it before it gets stained.
I’ve decided to order a sample of the butternut and see how it looks. Problem solved.
I am building a pergola out of untreated kiln dried Douglas fir. Could I pre stain all the lumber with your product before it is built or do I need to wait for the lumber to age.
Need to weather and prep the wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
I have a new deck 9 months old. I cleaned and brightened with deft products. I stained half the deck then rain came in. Its been 1 week. Also had to use an Osborn brush on the unfinished part because there was a white fuzz like on the wood. Do I need to use brighter again today or just stain when it dries out? Finished part beautiful.
Just stain when dry.
I have deck railing that are about 10 years old that have Behr stain on them. I’d love to not have to sand much if possible. Just power washing doesn’t phase the stain much.
Which stain stripper would you recommend and do you think a stain stripper will work?
Doug
The stripper and pressure washing should remove much of this.
How long should I wait to apply a Defy stain to a fence? I had a new fence put in two months ago. Also, should I just pressure wash the boards near the ground where dirt has been kicked up from rain or should I use a wood cleaner? If I did use a wood cleaner, do I need to do the entire fence?
You can stain it now. Prep with the Defy Wood cleaner and then the Defy Brightener. Use a pressure washer while using the prep. Do all the wood.
How long after prepping the wood do I need to wait to apply the product? 48 hours?
Yes.
can i apply one coat of defy and the following day apply a second coat?
No, has to be applied wet on wet if doing two coats.
Hello,
My deck has been prepped with the Defy wood brightner and I stained roughly seven or so planks with the Defy Semi-Transparent stain in Natural Pine. Unfortunately, the Natural Pine stain is a bit more yellow than I was expecting. Can I use the Defy brightner on these seven planks and re-stain with a different Defy semi-transparent stain or will I need to break out the sander?
Thanks!
You would have to strip or sand to remove. The Brightener by itself will not prep this.