Last Updated on June 22, 2022 by Defy Help
Update on Defy Stains for 2022
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 are 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. We want everyone to have the 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, and 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
The instructions for stain say to let the deck dry for 72 hours after cleaning and brightening. What would the necessary moisture content be using a moisture meter? Thanks
15% or less.
Does 2nd coat of butternut darken the color or should clear be used for 2nd coat
If doing a second coat, it needs to be applied wet on wet and has to be the same color.
https://www.defystainhelp.com/what-is-wet-on-wet-stain-application/
Hello, I stained my deck using Defy Cedar color. I cleaned and brightened – let it dry and stained. I have some drip marks in certain areas. Can I sand with an orbital sander and reapply just the stain/?
Thanks,
David
It will probably not blend if you attempt to spot fix it.
Hello, the color is a bit bright-almost orange- what do I have to do to go over it with a pine color to tone it down?
You cannot tone it down by adding another color on top.
so my guess is to sand and start from scratch?
Strip and brighten for prep if you want to remove it.
What is the shelf life of the five gallon container of semi-transparent stain once opened? How much stain should I plan on for fully sanded 35 year old 450sq ft wood for only one coat? I am trying to determine if the remaining unused will still be usable for another coat next spring.
12 months after being opened. About 3-4 gallons.
Last stained siding with Defy Wood Oil, Natural (previously was BioWash). Now I wish to give refresher coat but unable to locate the product anywhere in Canada or US. If no longer available, can you recommend a substitute stain and where can one purchase 5 gal.
Not available anymore. Use the Defy Extreme Stain.
I sanded our 35 year old deck and cleaned and brightened it using another vendors product. We have decided to use Defy semi-transparent stain because the samples give a better color result. Do I need to re-clean and brighten using the Defy product or can I just apply the Defy semi-transparent stain?
Post some pics in the comments of your prep so far.
Hi, our second coat of water based Defy stain feels tacky in spots 12 hours after application, can this be fixed?
Give it time to cure out. It may take a few days or longer if you potentially over applied.
I stained our new treated pine deck in 2020 with Defy Extreme Natural Pine. It really soaked in and I wish I had had enough then to apply wet on wet a second coat. I asked your helpline then and they said to simply clean and apply another coat the following year. Didn’t have time or good weather in 2021 so now I’m preparing to do it in 2022. Question is, I have quite a bit of green “algae” and some darker growth. Will the Defy cleaner remove this adequately before staining? Should I use something stronger? My plan is to clean, rinse, let dry, then apply the second coat of stain. Is this now the right way to approach? Thanks….
Yes, it will. Use the Defy Cleaner while pressure washing to prep and then the Defy Brightener after.
I should use the brightener again after the cleaner even though the deck already has a coat of Defy stain on it? Should I plan on doing two coats this time?
Brightener neutralizes the cleaner. Just one coat.
I have a very old weathered wood deck made of pressure treated wood. It’s pretty damaged but I’ve nontheless pressure washed it and want to use a defy wood stain to give it some protection. I Have a lot of leftover defy HARDWOOD stain from another project but not sure if it would be better to use it or just the regular defy extreme woodstain that’s not for hardwood. Is one a better choice than the other for very old damaged pressure treated wood deck or are both equally ok for this project?? Thank you for your input!
You can use up the Hardwood stains for this.
staining a new, pressure treated pine deck. I planned on using Cedar tone water based stain after 2 step prepping.. I am still not clear if one or two coats of stain are required. One update says “new wood one coat.” The label says two coats.
We suggest one coat for new wood.
FYI It’s rough cut boards
Just finished building a 6′ tall, 320′ fence out of Japanese Cedar (aka Cyprus wood). Which products do you recommend for prep and stain (ex. Extreme or Hardwood)?
Would I do 1 coat? I’m in the upper mid-west weather band.
No need to prep if rough sawn cut. Use the Defy Extreme Stain: https://www.defystain.com/wood-restoration/wood-and-deck-stains/defy-extreme.html
It is going to be over 95 degrees this week. Can Ultra semi-transparent be applied on a deck in the morning before the heat of the day? Will be applied in the shade.
Yes.
I recently stained my sanded deck of pine with Light Walnut hoping for a nice light brown coloured – it looks like a pumpkin. So orange. I deliberately did not get the Cedar based on all the reviews I read about it being very orange yet the Light Walnut is anything from a brown color. Did i get a mixed up batch of cedar in a light brown 5GL container? Makes no sense.
No, color is correct in your pail and final colors will always vary based on the wood type, prep, and age of the wood. Sanding the wood reduces stain penetration so the color will not be as rich. The Light Walnut is a brown tint with some red as well.
how long does defy hardwood stain need to dry on a deck before getting rained on?
6-12 hours is best.
hi there. I have a very old damage wood deck made of pressure treated wood (pine?) Ive pressure washed it and it’s pretty damaged -the wood surface is grooved and fuzzy with wood fiber. I have a lot of left over defy hard wood stain from another house project and wonder if I can use it to offer some color/protection to this wood deck. I am aware it will have limited benefit but probably work better than a deck sealant I’m thinking. Would that work at all??
It will work.
I just applied 2 coats of stain last week and some spots didn’t turn out as dark as others. Can I put another coat in those areas.
No, it will not take any more stain at this point.
We stained our pool deck with Defy butternut semi solid stain. Our dogs have walked on it with muddy feet and I can’t clean it off. What should I clean it with that won’t remove the stain?
Try warm water with a little bit of dish soap and a car wash brush.
I have an eight or nine year old pressure treated pine deck which has never been treated in any way. There are some deck boards to be replaced and stair stringers to repair or replace. I have the cleaner, brightener, and semi- transparent stain. What type of wood do I need to use and what additional steps should I take before cleaning, brightening, and staining according to the instructions on the packages and/ or this website?
Use pressure treated pine to replace/repair the wood and then let that new wood weather for 3-4 months before prep and stain.
Does defy ultra semi transparent stains come in 5 gallon buckets
No, and use the Defy Extreme: https://www.defystain.com/wood-restoration/wood-and-deck-stains/defy-extreme.html
I have left over Defy Extreme butternut stain that may be 6 years old or older in a 5 gallon bucket. Is the product still good after so many years? I stirred it up and it appears the color is good and I put it on a scrap piece of wood, 2 coats, and can see that it is beading up the water. Is there an expiration date on the Defy Extreme stain?
No, it has gone bad. 3 years is the shelf life.
I”m getting some Kiln Dried Vertical Grain Hemlock for use in soffits. I know the soffit won’t be receiving as much UV as a deck, but as I”m in the northeast they’ll be getting some UV off reflected snow.
The defy clear says that the finish needs to be recoated annually or when greying starts to appear. Is this also true for the Defy Semi Transparent wood stains? Or do they provide a substantially larger protection from greying? Also, as the wood is Kiln Dried, do I have to let it weather before staining it? And is there an advantage to coating it on all sides? Thanks
The Extreme semi-transparent colors will last 2-3 times longer than the clear. See here about kiln-dried wood. https://www.defystain.com/kdat-and-defy-wait-period-for-new-wood.html
No need to stain all sides.
Ok, that link is for Kiln Dried wood After Treatment, KDAT.
I”m not using pressure treated wood. It’s Kiln Dried untreated wood. Do I still have to wait a month after receiving it to stain?
Yes.
Is Defy Extreme Deck Stain safe to dispose rags and brushes directly in the garbage? Or do they need be put in a container with lid?
Also if stain got on clothing, is it safe to just wash normally with soap and water in the washing machine?
The stain will not come out of the clothing but you can wash the clothing. You should dispose of your stain in accordance with local laws. Rags and brushes that have dried out can be thrown away.
I have a log home. The milled log walls have currently been stained with Sikkens Log & Siding every three years on the south facing lakefront. It’s only been two years since the last coat and it already needs another coat. I generally scrub it clean it with a diluted bleach & TSP, pressure wash rinse and wait three days before I stain. Can I use a Defy product over this and which do you recommend?
No. You would have to fully remove the Sikkens first.
I went through all three steps and my covered deck that surrounds our home turned out beautiful. Now three years later it is due for another coat as it is allowing water to penetrate the wood. My questions are, what steps do I need to do before application and do I need to do the second set coat?
Looking forward to your answers.
Kristine
Prep with the Defy Wood Cleaner and then add one more coat.
I am building a post and rail fence out of recently milled rough-sawn eastern red cedar and want to preserve the natural coloring. I have my lumber stored inside, out of the Texas sun. I am looking at using your Crystal Clear product and wondering about pre-treating the lumber prior to construction. Is this advisable and if so, what kind of coverage should I expect to get assuming one coat on new wood?
You can stain it now since it is rough sawn. About 150-200 sq feet per gallon.
I used Defy solid water based stain, 2 coats last year. The deck is prone to getting dirty from a nearby farm field and blowing dust. The dust seems to adhere to the deck boards. Normal hose pressure and mild scrubbing just spreads it dirt around.
What is a reccomended cleaner / procedure for yearly cleanly, not involving restaining.
Thank you
Sorry but we do not sell the solid stain so we are not sure. Try contacting the manufacturer directly at http://www.saversystems.com
I put down Defy Stain on my outdoor deck 5 years ago. It needs to be refreshed. What is the proper preperation for a restaiin of Defy Stain over Defy Stain? Originally I powerwashed, used wood cleaner and brightner and put down 2 coats of stain. I’m thinking that for the restain that I would just power wash and they go directly to the stain (leave out wood cleaner and brightner). Is this correct? Any tips on a reapplication of Defy stain would be appreciated.
No, you need the Defy Cleaner and Brighener while pressure washing whenever your prep to recoat.
Hi, We used Defy solid stain on our deck (black color) and it is very prone to getting dusty footprints on it. Is there some type of low lustre clear coat (exterior polyurethane?) that we could apply over the stain such to reduce this issue? Thanks for any input, Nick
Sorry but no, you cannot top coat it with anything.
I need to stain new wood on my deck which was previously treated with Defy Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain Cedar Tone.
Which current product is the best color match and/or best substitute.
The Defy Extreme in Cedartone replaced the Epoxy version. Same color: https://www.defystain.com/wood-restoration/wood-and-deck-stains/defy-extreme.html
I have defy semi transparent cedar tone on my deck now. Would I have to sand or just wash and brighten if I was to use your defy solid deck stain? Thanks.
Pressure wash for prep.
Last year I refinished my deck with Defy with terrific results and many compliments. The deck is in the shade all day due to the tall trees behind it. The deck has developed a thin green algae film. Do have or know of any products you would recommend to remove the algae without hurting the defy stain?
Try a product called Wet and Forget.
I am making about 10 raised bed gardens out of cedar fence pickets, and I am using ground treated pressure wood as outside supports/posts for the planters for a total surface area of about 500 sq. ft. The cedar planks are kiln dried, but the pressure treated wood is very wet. As these beds are currently empty, is it best to stain the outsides with the Defy Hardwood for cedar now (after cleaning and brightening) and then go back in about 6 months to paint the pressure treated wood or just do everything in 6 months at which time they will be in position in the yard and filled with vegetables making power cleaning much more difficult? If I treat it now, does it do any harm to get Defy on the pressure treated wood (not expecting it to stain, but just to allow faster application)? Do I still need 2 coats as it will only be on vertical surfaces?
Best to prep and stain all at once now before adding the veggies. Two coats.
Aug 2020 I stained my 2 year old deck for the first time with Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Natural Pine, using first the Defy Cleaner and Brightener. All went well! Now in April 2022 deck railings still look great but need to put another coat on deck floor as it has worn off/lightened from the elements (NO peeling just looks “thirsty” for more stain). 1) Do I need to strip it, clean or brighten to prep for re-staining? 2) One or two coats of stain this time?
1. Clean and Brighten.
2. One coat should be enough.
Is sanding necessary before staining?
No need to sand. Clean and brighten the wood for the prep.
Will DEFY cleaner work on a weathered hardwood entrance door?
That would depend on if it has ever been coated prior? A picture would help. You can upload it here.
Three questions:
1. How many coats of Defy extreme do you apply to a new cedar post?
2. Can you use a clean rag to apply Defy?
3. I am painting engraved letters on a cedar post with acrylic latex paint. Can I apply Defy Extreme over the paint without damaging the paint?
1-2 coats. Use a brush or stain pad to apply. You cannot apply the Defy over a paint.
Are Defy extreme wood stain and cleaner still good after being left in a very cold shed over the winter. It seems to work okay on a piece of scrap limber but thought I wouldvask before doing whole screen room. Also stain etc is from last spring, still good?
The Cleaner should be fine. Teh stain will go bad if it frooze.
How can we tell if the stain has “gone bad?”
If it froze, then it is bad.
We don’t know if it froze IS THERE A WAY TO TELL IF IS BAD.
It would sound like there are chunks in it if shaken is one way. It would also have a separation issue.
On your home page, there’s a can of Defy Extreme Solid Color stain, but when I go to product selection I only see semi-transparent. Are the colors for the solid the same? And can I get a couple of small cans of sample color?
The Defy Solid stain comes in only
custom mixed colors
and cannot be sold online because of this. Only retail stores that carry the Solid Stain can help.
6 months ago I put a DEFY water based solid color stain on my dock. It is lighter than I wanted and want to put a darker color over the lighter color. Can this be done? Do I need to do any prep work other than cleaning the surface. Again the product has been down just 6 months, it was put on new treated deck boards. Excellent condition.
Yes, clean and recoat.
Stained my deck last year now it looks rough. Can I clean it up with just a pressure washer or should I use the defy cleaner first?
Rough? As in texture or appearance? Pressure washing or the cleaner will not remove or fix this. We do see some “dark” areas that were not removed properly during prep before staining. You would have to strip all and start over to fix this.
here is what the deck looked like after cleaning last spring, I think it cleaned up pretty well, as you can see. The dark areas were out there before applying the stain. I’ve included a couple more pics for your viewing both after cleaning and after staining. The soiled areas appear to have been due to wear and time. Can those be cleaned up? Using your cleaner and pressure washing?
Use the Deck Cleaner while pressure washing to remove the solid areas on all of the flooring. Recoat the floor after. The railing should be fine.
Is DEFY stain a sealer too? Or do you have to use another sealer to keep it protected from wet weather?
Yes, Defy stains and seals the wood and you cannot top over a deck stain with a sealer. It would peel if you do.
I bought a 8 year old home with a front porch that appears to have never been stained or sealed. I have another brand of deck cleaner and Defy extreme stain. Do I really need to use the brightener too?
Yes, you need the brightener and use the Defy Cleaner, not a different brand for best results and performance of the stain.
I stained my deck with Defy stain in Butternut last year. I have a few boards that the stain has peeled off in spots. Do I need to sand these boards and go through all of the steps with cleaner and brightner before applying the stain again?
Yes, correct.
Can I add a colorant to the stain to achieve a green shade ?
No, you cannot.
I am using Defy wood stripper to remove 6 year old old Behr stain from my dock, then lightly pressure washing, and applying Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain in Cedartone. Thereafter, I plan to restain every 24 months with the same Defy Extreme stain. Will I need to do the stripper each time, or just lightly pressure wash and apply the Defy stain over it every 2 years? I live in central Florida. Thanks
Use the Defy Cleaner and pressure washing when redoing every 2 years.
Pressure treated pine dock ;pressure washed ; used defy cleaner defy brightener then used defy crystal clear after it dried it still has a milky look to the dock it has dried for 2 weeks and did not get rained on for 4 days after clear was applied
There is no color in the clear so it would be the wood itself that was “milky” in color prior to applying the clear.
1. Old douglas fir porch that was sanded a month ago and looks like new: 1 or 2 coats of stain?
2. My store is out of the Defy deck cleaner but has the brightener. Ok to use another brand of cleaner? Thank you.
1. One.
2. No.
How long before we can walk on the stained deck?
4-8 hours.
We have a pressure treated wood deck we are looking to restrain before winter? If we use two coats of the water based stain, do we need to apply a sealer?
No, never apply a sealer over a deck stain.