2020 Update on What is the Best Defy Stain for Cedar Wood
When applying to cedar wood, it is best to use the Defy Hardwood. This varies based on where you live though. We appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
Maintenance on a cedar decks and homes are essential for the longevity of the wood. Cedar siding takes a lot of abuse from Mother Nature, from rain, harsh UV rays, snow, and freezing temperatures. All of these natural elements do harm in their own way and take a toll on wood fibers, which can deplete the natural oils in the wood causing to dry out and deteriorate. When maintained properly, a cedar home can last for many, many years. Regular cleaning and staining the cedar is the key to a long lasting beautiful cedar wood.
In terms of deck and wood stains, one brand name has always lived up to consumer expectations in helping wood last. Defy stain is a well-known deck and wood stain that is in a class of its own. Using defy will preserve the cedar while giving a beautiful finish. Defy produces many types of wood stain for certain specifications. So what is the best Defy Stain for cedar homes and decking? Although there are several different Defy Stain products that could be used there is one that will be the best for cedar wood.
The best Defy Stain for cedar is Defy Hardwood Stain, which is specifically formulated for cedar as well as other hardwoods like mahogany and redwood. This synthetic semi-transparent finish will dive deep into the hard to penetrate wood fibers of the hardwood types. Defy Hardwood Stain for cedar is available in 3 different color tones that still allow the beauty of the wood grain to show through and will even enhance its appearance.
For the best results in using Defy Hardwood on a cedar, pressure wash the wood with Defy wood cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and grayed wood fibers. Then use Defy wood brightener as a final step prior to staining the wood with Defy Hardwood Stain. This deep penetrating synthetic stain will protect cedar for several years while enhancing the wood grain’s natural beauty.
I had my vinyl siding house and knotted cedar deck power washed. I just found out they used only water. Knotted cedar deck and steps came out pretty clean with exception of 2 boards. The posts and handrails not as clean, but good. It was previously stained 3 years ago, but most had been burned off by sun. Can I stain with just Defy Extreme for Hrdwood/Cedar, or do I need to use the brightened first?
Post pictures and if you have any old stain left, it has to be stripped and brightened for prep.
We originally put Defy Extreme on our cedar log home and Defy Hardwood Stain on the cedar deck. I now want to put another coat on the house. Is there a problem with putting Hardwood Stain over Extreme?
Sticking with the Extreme would be best.
I have a mahogany deck that I would like to stain. I am unable to find the hardwood stain. Can I use the extreme stain? Is it the same?
No, you need the Hardwood versions as it soaks in deeper into dense wood.
About 2/12 years ago I cleaned my cedar lap siding and applied “Penofin” cedar tone to it. Within one year the entire house started to darken and within two years it is totally black with mold or mildew. I have used a bleach based siding cleaner in a few spots and the black disappears, but it appears that the Penofin may still be on the wood. I want to clean the siding again and apply a DEFY product. What steps and product do you recommend? I calculate approximately 3000 sq. ft. of siding.
You will need to remove the Penofin and that requires a stripper followed by a brightener:
https://www.defystain.com/defy-stain-stripper.html
https://www.defystain.com/defy-wood-brightener.html
Once removed, you can then use the Defy Extreme Stain for this:
https://www.defystain.com/wood-restoration/wood-and-deck-stains/defy-extreme.html
I recently completed staining my deck with Defy Extreme and I love the results. My wood fence is now ready to be stained; however, we have had a lot of wet weather and the wood is totally saturated. How many drying days will I need before I can apply the stain? Also, if I am unable to do the staining before the temperatures get too cold will I need to repeat any of the cleaning steps in the Spring?
48 hours. You would have to redo the prep if you wait until Spring.
If I’m not sure my deck is cedar is defy extreme a good product as an all purpose stain?
Yes.
If I use Defy Hardwood Pine color can I switch to Defy Hardwood Cedar color for maintenance coats?
Yes.
How long does a new cedar deck need to weather before staining with Defy Hardwood? THe moisture in the cedar is approximately 12%. Should it still be allowed to “dry out” 3 to 6 months? Ideally I would like to stain before winter.
And a final question. For a 2 story deck is there any benefit (or harms) other than looks to staining the bottom of the deck boards?
Yes. let it weather for 3-6 months. Prep with the Defy Wood Cleaner and Wood Brightener.
The only benefit would be for appearance to stain the undersides.
I have a cedar play gym the is about four year old and needs to be re-stained. What stain and cleaner would you recommend? Do I need to remove any plastic pieces first?
Remove or tarp off the plastic pieces. Use the Defy Extreme Stain. As for the prep, does it have an old coating? If so, use the Defy Stain Stripper. If not, use the Defy Wood Cleaner. Brightener after either one.
It came with a clear stain. Now it just looks weathered.
Try the Defy Wood Cleaner and then the Wood Brightener for the prep.
I am ready to treat my new (2 months since installation) cedar fence, what would you recommend ?
Hello,
Prep first with the Defy Wood Clean and light pressure washing. Apply the Defy Wood Brightener after the cleaning. Once prepped and it dries for two days, use the Defy Extreme Stain: https://www.defystain.com/wood-and-deck-stains.html
Several years ago I applied Defy Extreme Natural Pine to the cedar siding on my home. I just read this article that the Defy Hardwood is better for cedar. It is about time for another coat. I plan to use the cleaner and brightener and then reapply stain. Can I switch over to the Defy Hardwood Natural Pine if I originally used the Defy Extreme Natural Pine?
Hello, to switch you would need to strip and brighten to remove the Extreme. Best to stick with the Extreme. It works great on verticals. The Hardwood is suggested more for cedar decking.